Auction Review San Giorgio, Genova, Oct 4, 2009: An Unusually Fine Two Hand Sword

Matchlock · 12th October 2009, 03:35 PM

On we go.

Matchlock · 12th October 2009, 03:37 PM

That's it.

Matchlock · 12th October 2009, 03:45 PM

Have fun!

Michael

Matchlock · 12th October 2009, 03:47 PM

The rest.

Marc · 15th October 2009, 10:36 AM

Outstanding!
Thank you, Michael. As always in your case, the pictures are not only (obviously) beautiful, but carefully picked up to be also extremely informative, turning your posts into true references.
Just a question... why Venetian? Is this typology (side rings, relatively straight and relatively short quillions, usually of round or poligonal section, relatively narrow blade, frequently fullered, etc...) abundant in the Doge's Palace Armory, or a certain number of them have been found with Venetian marks in the blade? I'm aware of the Winged Lion in the second exemplar, but I'm curious for the origins of the wider typological attribution.

Matchlock · 15th October 2009, 12:27 PM

Hi Marc,

Though not being able by far to match your profound arguments on correctly assigning this sword I fully agree with you from the little I do know. So I am not ashamed to admit just having followed the catalog description.

Whenever trying to be precise on edged weapons in my posts I follow expert opinions sought before.

Like always, your kind words on the 'outfit' of my posts make all efforts seem worth while, so thanks a million!

Best,
Michael

Jim McDougall · 15th October 2009, 02:35 PM

I would like to echo Marc's comments Michael on your brilliant work at presenting these weapons in such detail, perfectly shown in instructive setting and with the additional graphic to restructure markings as originally placed. Absolutely superb!!

I admit that in these very high end auction catalogues which are clearly attended by equally high end and discerning collectors, I presume the attributions are accordingly vetted and correct.
This does not, as noted, answer the questions sought by students and scholars studying the weapons, asking why?

As Marc has astutely noted, the winged lion suggests of course the Doge's Palace in Venice, supporting the attribution, but it will be interesting to look comparitively for outstanding features that might denote certain key characteristics associated with Venetian weapons.

All best regards,
Jim

12th October 2009, 03:35 PM	#1
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	On we go. Attached Images

12th October 2009, 03:37 PM	#2
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	That's it. Attached Images

12th October 2009, 03:45 PM	#3
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Another Venetian Two Hand Sword in the same sale, sold 7,000 euro plus fees Have fun! Michael Attached Images

12th October 2009, 03:47 PM	#4
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	The rest. Attached Images

15th October 2009, 10:36 AM	#5
Marc Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Madrid / Barcelona Posts: 256	Outstanding! Thank you, Michael. As always in your case, the pictures are not only (obviously) beautiful, but carefully picked up to be also extremely informative, turning your posts into true references. Just a question... why Venetian? Is this typology (side rings, relatively straight and relatively short quillions, usually of round or poligonal section, relatively narrow blade, frequently fullered, etc...) abundant in the Doge's Palace Armory, or a certain number of them have been found with Venetian marks in the blade? I'm aware of the Winged Lion in the second exemplar, but I'm curious for the origins of the wider typological attribution.

15th October 2009, 12:27 PM	#6
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Hi Marc, Though not being able by far to match your profound arguments on correctly assigning this sword I fully agree with you from the little I do know. So I am not ashamed to admit just having followed the catalog description. Whenever trying to be precise on edged weapons in my posts I follow expert opinions sought before. Like always, your kind words on the 'outfit' of my posts make all efforts seem worth while, so thanks a million! Best, Michael

15th October 2009, 02:35 PM	#7
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,663	I would like to echo Marc's comments Michael on your brilliant work at presenting these weapons in such detail, perfectly shown in instructive setting and with the additional graphic to restructure markings as originally placed. Absolutely superb!! I admit that in these very high end auction catalogues which are clearly attended by equally high end and discerning collectors, I presume the attributions are accordingly vetted and correct. This does not, as noted, answer the questions sought by students and scholars studying the weapons, asking why? As Marc has astutely noted, the winged lion suggests of course the Doge's Palace in Venice, supporting the attribution, but it will be interesting to look comparitively for outstanding features that might denote certain key characteristics associated with Venetian weapons. All best regards, Jim