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Old 21st April 2008, 04:46 PM
Posted by: TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area For future reference, here is a picture of the markings on a blade, mounted with a Moroccan hilt: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/attac...tid=28907&stc=1 . |
Old 21st April 2008, 05:30 PM
Posted by: CourseEight Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Coral Springs, FL That's a good idea, I'll toss in a link to my Ottoman naval dirk with what appears to be a French smallsword blade (or thusly inspired): http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=6263 , |
Old 27th April 2008, 04:10 PM
Posted by: kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: CSA Consulate, Rm. 101, Glos. UK: feeling devilish, i thought i'd throw these in to the pot. . |
Old 27th April 2008, 05:23 PM
Posted by: kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: CSA Consulate, Rm. 101, Glos. UK: here's a better shot of the marking that i made a few minutes ago: the blade is also marked closer to the tip can you see what it is yet? fairly good replica of a high ranking autro-hungarian hussar sabre, and a LOT cheaper than the original. just thought i'd show that just because it's marked doesn't mean it's not a copy or a blade marked to make it look classier. the marks are pretty clear examples tho, supposedly copied from the original in a museum. made in germany (solingen) tho this year, instead of the mid-18th c., the marks are laser cut . |
Trade marks, etchings?
Old 9th October 2008, 08:11 PM
Posted by: bjeweled Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Hello everyone. Dr. Ann was kind enough to recommend this forum for your informed input. This Saracen was part of the Morossini collection and de-ascensioned in the early 60's. I am especially intrigued by the engravings in the blade as well as to what appears to be the camel bone grip. The metal on the grip acid tests to be 24kt gold with a Nubian emerald in the butt. I have included photos taken at 30X of the blade, but I can only tell you that there is iron included in the marriage of metals. At the base of the blade the flower (?) acid tests as silver. There is an emerald and ruby studded gold sheath that accompanies it, but sadly was "repaired" somewhere prior to 1963. At this time I am carefully restoring the sheath with hopes to keep the integrity of the piece. If anyone can give me some input on this item of intrigue, I would greatly appreciate it. (missing attachments) . |
Old 11th October 2008, 05:26 AM
Posted by: Jim McDougall EAA Research Consultant Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Hi Bjeweled, and welcome to the forum! This is indeed an intriguing piece, and very attractive along with a most distinguished provenance. In my opinion, this is essentially a remounted 'koummya', which is the Moroccan version of the Arab janbiyya dagger. The blade is of the basic koummya profile, though the fullers are not commonly seen on most examples, suggesting this may be an earlier blade. The intricate outlined motif on the blade seem to be in line with decorative motif on blades in Maghrebi regions, though I have not found exact duplicate of the zigzag linear. The hilt is most unusual, and completely atypical for koummya, with the camel bone, gold mounted, and jeweled likely intended to honor a heirloom blade. The markings on the horn grip seem to be selected decoratively rather than specifically symbolic, and to carry aesthetically traditional theme. The 'ichthys' or fish symbol, is of course considered a Christian symbol today, however in early times it was a Greek alphabetic symbol. Interestingly, through the Phoenicians presence in North Africa, this symbol became the letter 'f' in the ancient Berber alphabet, though it seems doubtful that this representation is intended in this motif. The 'Star of Solomon' or 'Star of David' seems to even further complicate the markings on this weapon which would be most likely from Muslim regions in Morocco. Again, this six point star, now immediately associated with the Jewish Faith as the 'Magen David' (shield of David), had much earlier origins,with its intersecting triangles presenting complex symbolism in various cultures and religions. Having noted these comments on these familiar symbols, it is important to note here that in art and decoration in North Africa in particular, such symbols were often used incongruently when intended simply as geometric motif. The blade on this dagger seems to have some age, and as noted, is quite possibly a heirloom, with such remounting typically difficult to assess as far as age, especially with precious metal which does not reveal patination and aging as in standard metals. An intriguing and extremely attractive item, likely refurbished for either presentation or as a keepsake for a person of importance. Thank you so much for sharing it here! All best regards, Jim P.S. Just found some zig zag info in notes suggesting that the Fulani and Dogon used this motif, likely putting this to the south of Morocco toward Mali. Not surprising! Trade routes...camels.....seems to fit pretty well. . |
Old 12th October 2008, 12:27 AM
Posted by: bjeweled Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Default Thank you Jim! I so appreciate your input on this. To give you a little more background on this piece...there was a tag on the saracen, from the auction house, stating "TAKEN DURING THE SECOND CRUSADE". After researching the Morosini family I discovered an aristocratic family with lineage dating to 1148 when Domenico Morosini was elected Doge of Venice. With the Second Crusade taking place from 1147 through 1149...hmmm. Considering Giovanni Morosini (the collector) was given a desk by his brother that once belonged to Napolean I would presume his family were collectors as well and keepers of their family lot. This may be a bit of a presumption, but I wonder if the Doge was the original Venetian owner of this Saracen. I agree with the possibility of the blade being remounted. Kudos to the artistian who matched the zig zag pattern from the blade to the hilt. New York Times Archives; July 19, 1902 Sept. 16, 1932 Time Magazine; Oct. 17. 1932 . |
Posted by:
Jim McDougall You're most welcome Bejeweled, I enjoyed the research and it really is an attractive dagger. It sounds as if this Italian family has some very impressive lineage, and now that the crusades connection is revealed, the use of the antiquated term Saracen is explained. It is not unusual to see items of unusually elevated provenance appearing in auctions and sale catalogs. I do not believe this blade, though earlier than most examples commonly found, could date much further back than the 18th century, possibly into the early 19th. As I noted, the zigzag motif seems to be somewhat a Saharan motif, and was likely added at the time the blade was mounted in the present horn mounts etc. It is not unusual to see most unusual items in the eclectic holdings of wealthy and noble collectors, and these items were purposely gathered to impressively decorate parlors and smoking rooms in Victorian times. I believe this item may have quite interesting provenance into this apparantly esteemed collection, but personally doubt the crusades part of it. What are the cites to New York Times and Time magazine referencing? All very best regards, Jim . |
Again, thank you!
Old 12th October 2008, 03:17 AM
Posted by: bjeweled Member Join Date: Aug 2008 That so makes sense. I appreciate your passion and knowledge about this. There is another interesting factor... The Nubian (Egyptian) emerald on the butt and the ones in the sheath haven't been mined since the mid 1500's upon the discovery of Columbia and their far more beautiful gemstones. Since I had to remove the emeralds from their bezels on the sheath to be able to do the soldering required to improve a terrible repair, I discovered a backing on the stones. Further investigating and magnification shows it to be a mixture of crushed malachite and bees wax, a technique used for thousands of years. Upon magnification of the emerald in the butt it has never been removed and has the same backing. So either the artisan stock piled the emeralds for 200 to 300 years or the sheath and grip were created long before the blade, or possibly the age of the blade is a bit older. As you referred to the fullers...just maybe? The techniques and tools used for the gold work and cutting of the gemstones is applicable of an earlier period than the 1500's. Oh...I am a master jeweler with over 3 decades of experience, and an avid gemstone lover and collector. This is so much fun, thank you again! It just becomes more interesting... Yes, the cites are in reference to research on the Morosini's. Kindest regards, Bjeweled . |
Old 12th October 2008, 05:31 AM
Posted by: Jim McDougall EAA Research Consultant Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Thank you Bejeweled for the kind comments, and this gets more and more fascinating! Trying to assess a piece from photographs, even as nicely posted as you have presented definitely has its drawbacks. My view on the blade is of course just opinion based on the profile, fullering and general appearance of the blade, which seems consistant to koummya blades of these regions. I will have to see if I can find more on other examples to see if they could date back further. It is truly fascinating to hear this perspective on the gemstones on this piece, especially knowing of your clearly well versed knowledge and experience on this topic (now I understand the psuedonym !. It becomes really exciting when evaluating a piece when the stones used offer such historic potential! So the emeralds in Egypt were substandard to those found in Colombia, and the mining ceased entirely after the 1500's? It does seem that in regions of North Africa, time really does stand still in many ways, and anachronism prevails. If these gemstones were part of an early cache from early trade interaction or raids, common in Saharan tribal culture, it does seem possible they might have been secreted away for hundreds of years. It seems like new discoveries are constantly being revealed in these remote regions, like the fact that Timbuktu, once considered 'the middle of nowhere' hence the oft used expression, was actually a cultural and academic center, far beyond the dusty, mud building trade stop in the middle of the Sahara. I think gemstones are fascinating as well, and am currently in Arizona, and have been travelling through the southwest. The history and lore of the turquoise, malachite, and other stones is beyond compelling, and once you are taken in by it, you simply cannot stop trying to learn more! While I am admittedly a complete novice, the fascination has no bounds, and now that you have brought this piece in with these mysterious gemstones...I want to learn more. Can you possibly show the scabbard, even if not entirely complete? Do you mean that the techniques and tools used in mounting these on the hilt and scabbard, and the cut on the stones are pre-1500's? Is it possible that these are indeed very old stones held as heirlooms or hidden away as ancestral treasure, and that the tools and techniques used follow old traditional methods and implements? In indiginous tribal areas it seems that ancient methods prevail in many instances, especially in more remote regions and in the case of tribes who live essentially as they have for countless centuries. It is both interesting and exciting that you have approached the research on this dagger in such depth, including the outstanding work on the history of this family. With your expertise in jewelry and gemstones, along with the mystery of those used in the mounting of the dagger, this does indeed get more fun! In the words of Carroll....."curiouser and curiouser!". Lets keep working on it OK? Has Dr. Ann looked at the blade BTW? All very best regards, Jim . |
How fun is this?
Old 13th October 2008, 03:21 AM
Posted by: bjeweled Member Join Date: Aug 2008 I agree that this blade has a koummya profile and I believe that is it's origin. I do question if the engravings are purely decorative or a geometric motiff. Perhaps it is me being a romantic, but I believe there is some sort of symbolism reference. The engravings are worn on both the hilt and the blade, but it appears that the auction house blackened the zig zag pattern on the hilt to appear more obvious. Not all of the Nubian emeralds were substandard to the Columbian, but the vast majority, yes. Emerald (beryl) depends upon it's depth of color from chromium, and unfortunately mother earth placed very little in that region. As of this time, we are aware of 3 productive mines in Egypt, one which was named after Cleopatra and her passion thereof. Arizona...Route 66...how nice! I love the west and visit as often as possible...mostly Santa Fe. Actually the first time I visited my beloved southwest was Tucson, for the international gem shows. It just feels like home, hopefully someday it will be. Are you aware of your wonderful Ant Hill garnets? Spectacular! And the mining techniques (none) are even more amazing. I have low quality photos of the scabbard at another computer. Tomorrow I will email it to you. Another interesting note...when applying heat to the gold, little impurities pop and fizzle from the metal, showing the inability to refine gold as we do now. See, it's still fun! Dr. Ann has only seen low resolution photos of the dagger. I have yet to have professional microphotography photos taken of the blade, as needed for a better identification as to whether it is wootz, very old wootz, or not. Actually, could you tell me what magnification strength would provide the best results? She is such an extremely knowledable and considerate lady, with a burning drive for her passion...such an admirable person! I am so pleased that you want to continue working on this! Perhaps someday when I visit my "future" home, you would like to have a hands on inspection? Kindest regards, bjeweled . |
Old 13th October 2008, 12:02 PM
Posted by: celtan Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: PR, USA How about a more prosaic view? Couldn't this be sort like an artillery dagger, with a measure for either black powder load or perhaps gun caliber? Best . M Quote: Originally Posted by fernando The problem for the layman in attributing to a determined set of figures an esoteric conotation, is a two ended stick. If you don't pay any notice, you might be missing something valuable, but if you bring the thing to the others attention, and it ends up being a fake or a nonsense , you play the role of you know what i mean . I have posted this dagger in the UBB Forum five years ago. It had no clear classification from the members, as possibly being either a put together piece with a salvaged blade, or hardly a main gauche, maybe even a side arm, and so on. I would go for the ( civilian ) side arm myself, possibly ( possibly ) rehilted, but not certainly "rebladed", as the said looks to me having never being longer or different than how it is now. It has a losangular cross section and measures 14" ( 36 cms. ), quite long for a comon dagger. However this time i show it for the purpose of apreciating the marks struck on both grip and guard. Would you people say this has a mystic flavour, or was only the smith that had these punctions at hand and decided to make his own naive creation? Fernando (Quote) . |
Old 13th October 2008, 03:53 PM
Posted by: Rick Member Join Date: Nov 2004 More zigzag pattern ? This time a Balkan ca 1800 Yataghan scabbard . This Koummya blade looks very early and somewhat crude . Fascinating story . (missing attachments) . |
Zig Zag?
Old 13th October 2008, 04:39 PM
Posted by: fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal This has a Spanish provenance, but undoubtfully with a Moorish influence. Fernando (missing attachments) . |
So Many Questions
Old 13th October 2008, 05:04 PM
Posrted by: Rick Member Join Date: Nov 2004 What really strikes me is how unfinished the blade is; design is beautiful but so crude looking . In the 12th century a better finish could have been acheived . So does that make this a blade of humble origin ?? - . |
Old 13th October 2008, 05:04 PM
Posted by: fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Quote: Originally Posted by celtan How about a more prosaic view? Couldn't this be sort like an artillery dagger, with a measure for either black powder load or perhaps gun caliber? Best M (Quote) That also has already been under consideration: http://www.vikingsword.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/001319.html Could actualy only be no more than a prosaic view ... untill real evidence pops up, which i doubt. Fernando . |
Old 13th October 2008, 05:56 PM
Posted by: Jim McDougall EAA Research Consultant Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Originally Posted by celtan: How about a more prosaic view? Couldn't this be sort like an artillery dagger, with a measure for either black powder load or perhaps gun caliber? Best M (Quote) Actually this is an extremely interesting topic Manolo! though I feel doubtful that it applies with this piece. I am always happy to entertain every possibility in identifying and understanding any weapon, and if more could be found to support the idea it would provide some interesting potential. The only weapons I have seen with distinct intention of use for artillery charge measuring were the so called 'bombardier' stilettos from Italy, if I recall correctly. Might be an excellent topic for another thread ! All best regards, Jim . |
koummya
Old 13th October 2008, 10:27 PM
Posted y: bjeweled Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Thank you Rick...it fascinates me also! With much regard, bjeweled . |
Old 13th October 2008, 11:42 PM
Posted by: Jim McDougall EAA Research Consultant Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Thank you Rick, the yataghan scabbard example is great! and Fernando, very interesting navaja, indeed Moorish influence present. One other example of the zigzag pattern is seen on flyssa scabbards. . |
Old 14th October 2008, 02:16 AM
Posted by: celtan Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: PR, USA Hi Fernando and Jim, Had not seen that other post, very interesting the Montjuich Main Gauche pics posted by Marc. I have always been fascinated by these weapons. Myself, I feel that the handle was made explicitly for that weapon, and that the owner had a practical use for the marks. Music tempo? Military Engineer marks? Naval measures? Sooner of later, one of us will get to the answer... Best M Quote: Originally Posted by fernando That also has already been under consideration: http://www.vikingsword.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/001319.html Could actualy only be no more than a prosaic view ... untill real evidence pops up, which i doubt. (Quote) Fernando |
Old 14th October 2008, 12:49 PM
Posted by: fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal We can see that smiths are equiped with a set of punches of different shapes, from straight to semi circular. With these being continuously applied next to each other, they form the different designs. Also they appear to vary in length; the ones used in my navaja are quite small ( circa 1/2"), with two different gouge shapes. Hell, this revelation was quite worthy of a genius Fernando . |
New thread in new Forum
Old 14th October 2008, 12:54 PM
Posrted by: fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 6,031 Originally Posted by celtan ... Sooner of later, one of us will get to the answer... (Quote) Soon i will bring (once more) this to European Armoury Forum. Who knows, with fresh members and all Fernando . |
Rocker-engraving
Old 14th October 2008, 02:15 PM
Posted by: Lee EAAF Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Upstate New York, USA Another term for the "zig-zag" in the context of Native American jewelry is "rocker-engraving," so named as a short bladed chisel is rocked from corner to corner as it is advanced forward to created the larger design. Example from an early southwestern or plains bracelet: (missing attachments) . |
Rocker engraving
Old 14th October 2008, 02:59 PM
Posted by: fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal I first thaught this would be the technique, but later considered it couldn't be the one used in metals, specially on steel/iron, as needing considerable strenght to impress the marks. Also i found it rather unhandy to rock curved shapes like, for example, some small circular ones in my navaja. I had the idea that such rock engraving tools were used in old shoe making and other leather crafts. So much for my geniality . |
Rocker-engraving, continued
Old 14th October 2008, 07:29 PM
Posted by: Lee EAAF Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Upstate New York, USA The Native Americans would have been into steel tools by this time; if the bracelet above is Navajo, then it is likely early 1870s, right at the dawn of their silver working. I would agree this technique would be difficult once you were away from soft metals. (I recently bought a collection of iron arrow points represented as Native American at a local antique store. An advanced bow collector who had passed on first sight, later found an article (I am still waiting for the promised copy) about these arrow tips, and returned to but them the next day. I always think of flint and other stone when I think Native American arrow points, but the very little that I could find on line was a real awakening for me and that was that iron arrowheads were adopted pretty much as soon as the material became available... but that will be another thread). . |
Rocker engraving
Old 14th October 2008, 08:34 PM
Posted by: bjeweled Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Ok guys...A friend of mine who is a fabulous artist/engraver, receives new blades from the manufacturer, softened, engraves the design of his choice or his client, then ships them back to the manufacturer to have them hardened and mounted into the hilt. This is how you get around the non-soft metals. . |
Blade signed by TOMAS AYALA
6 Attachment(s)
Old 4th December 2008, 07:54 PM
Posted by: Kuba Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Hello I looking information about this blade Is signed TOMAS AYALA and St. Clement's Cross and have 35 cm long In my opinion it is German imitation of XVIII century Thank you for your help . Kuba |
5 Attachment(s)
Old 4th December 2008, 07:56 PM
Posted by: Kuba Member Join Date: Dec 2008 and next photo: . |
Old 5th December 2008, 03:56 PM
Posted by: fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Hi Kuba, Welcome to the Forum. Before the knowledge people come in, let me speculate a bit . Visibly a blade cut (or broken), suiting a dagger size. Tang also shortened, basicaly for the same purpose. The wrongly centered hole could have two purposes; either for fixing a dagger handle or simply to use the blade as a wall hanger Why do you think the signature is not original and this blade was made over a century after that sword smith existed ? Anyway, Tomas de Ayala was one of the most imitated signatures of the period. Let the experts come by and give a consistent diagnosis. Fernando . |
Old 5th December 2008, 04:57 PM
Posted by: katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Hi Kuba, welcome, the hole in the tang appears to be 'punched' and not drilled....this could be a very good sign of age. Notice the metal is slightly 'raised' on the tang's edge and follows the contour of the hole. If the tang was shortened, I feel it could have been left longer...even for a dagger. The blade's patina does seem to suggest a good age. Regards David (missing attachments) |
Old 5th December 2008, 06:40 PM
Posted by: Kuba Member Join Date: Dec 2008 I think that is XVIII century because is signed AYALA original swords of Toledo have AIALA or AIA and DE TOLEDO But what it means this St.Clemens cross ? probably this is a true mark This 1/4 sword :-) was found at the attic in very old house in Poland , in the region Gdańsk / Danzig , maybe come of old German colection ? destroyed by Red Army in 1945 Sorry for my english :-) I know that Kali ordered an ashtray wine . |
Toledo makers marks
2 Attachment(s)
Old 6th May 2009, 09:45 PM
Posted by: fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal I am a bit too lazy to check if these tables were alredy posted here so, just in case, i post them now. Not much harm if they are already here, somewhere Fernando . . Attached Images |
Old 18th September 2009, 09:58 AM
Posted by: buendia Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Silesia, Poland Who can identify these marks? *********************** ......................................... . |
Old 18th September 2009, 03:01 PM
Posted by: Jim McDougall EAA Research Consultant Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Thanks for posting that Buendia! Its nice to see a posting on this trusty old thread I'm curious about which book this table of markings is from, it is often helpful to know which context these references are in, as well as which language. Does the book make mention of the authors thoughts on the markings? These are of course markings applied to trade blades, believed to have originated with trade guilds in Northern Italy, they are typically associated with Genoa, and as you can see that name is often used within the marks. Genoan blades traded heavily to the north in colonial activity in the Black Sea as well as of course throughout the Meditteranean. The usually dentated half circles are known as 'sickle marks' most often, though referred to my many other terms including eyelashes or even in some cases hogsbacks. The 'Frindia' or 'Fringia' marks seem to derive from 16th-17th century application, perhaps sometimes later, usually in East European cases and there has been considerable debate on the word(s) which seem to be an acronym or phrase using first letters. It is often seen, as are the 'sickle' marks on Styrian blades, as well as certain other centers. Solingen began copying the marks, though often bracketing other marks inside them, especially the famed ANDREA FERARA, typically seen on blades for the Scottish market. Thanks again Buendia, its always good to see interest in pursuing these fascinating markings and thier associations and application. All the best, Jim . |
A cup hilted sword ... much better than the pictures
6 Attachment(s)
Old 18th October 2009, 07:04 PM
Posted by: fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Definitely i don't reach full control of my new digital camera ... or perhaps is the camera that is no so good. This sword is, i would say, from the XVII century. Judging by the width of its blade (4 cms) and fixation of the knuckle guard to the pommel, it would be a military weapon. Its blade measures 80 cms. and is rather thin, which makes this a light handy sword, with 950 grams. It bears along the fullers one of these traditional religious inscriptions 'MIN SINAL HES EL SANTISSIMO CRUCIFICIO' (my sign ((symbol)) is the holly crucifix). In both sides of the ricasso it has a punction of its smith; although we can discern a crucified christ, the cross is not a plain one. Also its top seems to have some kind of efect, which is almost imossible to figure out, due to its position under the langets. The crucifix was a mark practiced by various smiths, like the German Hannes Cleles and Heinrich Koel (known as Coll) and the Toledan Pedro Hernandez, but i suspect there were more variations on this mark theme. The exact provenance of this type of swords is often undistinguished and so called Iberian or Peninsular but, due to the system of its cup fixation, welded instead of screwed, may well be Portuguese ... not taking into account that until the mid XVII century Portugal was under controll of the Spanish Philipes, and contemporary weaponry fashions were an assumed mix. It was acquired in a Portuguese mannor house, anyway. Fernando I wonder if anyone here has ever seen these smith marks ?! . |
2 Attachment(s)
Old 18th October 2009, 07:05 PM
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Some more picures ... . |
Old 18th October 2009, 08:03 PM
Posted by: Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Hi Fernando, I really like your new acquisition. The attached photo is of a mark attributed to Hannes Cleles and is obviously different from the one on your sword. The 'Apostolic Cross' has been used by a few countries e.g. Hungary and within the Roman Church is associated specifically with the office of Cardinal. I wonder if it is possible that it is not a makers mark but a mark denoting that it belongs to or was made for a specific group e.g. Cardinals guard. Just thinking out loud. Regardless of who or what it's a great sword. My Regards, Norman (missing attachments) . |
Old 19th October 2009, 07:31 PM
Posted by: Jim McDougall EAA Research Consultant Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Fernando, this is a fantastic good solid arming cuphilt, and you know my weakness for these beauties!!! Norman, excellent observations on that 'Apostolic cross' and very plausible thoughts on its application. While these type markings were often associated with the blades of certain makers, it does seem, as thoroughly discussed over years, that they were applied in more of a talismanic sense in many cases. In the placing on this, it does seem that a device used by a specific group might be possible. Clearly, the cuphilt rapier was well established in both Portugal and Spain at some time early in the 17th century, though many of these, were produced also in Spain's provinces in Italy. The thin, thrusting blade rapiers were used well into the 18th century in traditional application in Spain, but by the mid to latter 18th century the cuphilt had extended into the military sector, especially in Spain's colonies. When I first saw this beautifully aged cuphilt, my first thought was that it was a colonial example, and though familiar with the 'Caribbean' or Spanish forms, its provenance to Portugal suggested possibly South America. This seems to be one of the 'arming' type examples of probably third quarter 18th century, and the blade appears to be of the military type produced usually in Solingen in that time. The style of lettering in the inscription and the blade itself resembles the familiar Spanish 'dragoon' blades of 1770's with the 'Draw Me Not Without Reason' etc. inscription. Interesting is the rolled edge of the cup, which vestigially represents the 'rompepuntas' of the early cuphilts which were intended ostensibly to catch the thin rapier blade of the opponent. These are not seen on colonially produced cuphilts of this period, and interesting to be seen in this application more as a finished appearance feature. The style of the grips are also a latter 18th-early 19th century affectation often seen on Spanish colonial swords with dual coloring. The lined elements on the quillons and knucklebow also resemble Spanish military swords of this period. Thank you so much Fernando!! and good observations Norman. I hope we can keep moving on this to see more on the interesting marking and what it might signify, and more on the inscription...would this be compared to any others particularly Portuguese? All best regards, Jim . |
Old 20th October 2009, 05:21 AM
Posted by: Jim McDougall EAA Research Consultant Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Addendum: Further research on the notes for this interesting crucifix marking. Most of the markings attributed to the German smiths were actually cross and orb rather than crucifix, such as Heinrich Coll, and from I understand, these were affectations added with inscriptions, names or invocations. I am not sure about markings by Pedro Hernandez, nor the crucifix seen on the blade by Cleles. The form of cross seen here is most interesting and it seems that the cross with the normal sized patibulum (main cross beam) as well as the smaller upper beam (titulus) is indeed an apostolic cross as used in Hungary. It is also known as the Patriarchal cross. In this case, the cross in Patriarchal form, as crucifix, is known in Spain as the Caravaca Cross, and is associated with a miracle in the southeast Spanish town of Caravaca de la Cruz. The cross is most typically flanked by two angels, who in the miraculous event c.1231 carried a cross comprised of part of the True Cross. There were indeed associations with the Knights Templar during the 15th century when they occupied this town. Apparantly, this cross is often employed in a talismanic or amuletic sense, and is noted as often seen in Central and South America as such, as a good luck device. It would seem that this would correspond with Portuguese colonial presence in these regions and the Portuguese provenance as well as the fact that this does seem a colonial America's weapon from latter 18th c. It is well known of course that there are a number of fraternal societies and groups with profound associations to Masonic lineage, and often less clearly to the Knights Templar, so perhaps this weapon might have belonged to a military officer in the colonial regions with these associations. I also found a note in "An Illustrated History of Arms and Armour" (Auguste Demmin, tranl. C.C.Black, 1901 ed. p.577) which illustrates a cross with two same sized patibulum (beams) and is noted as a mark supposed to have been on blades of Crusaders who had swords either made or stamped at Jerusalem. Demmin notes that he found a sword with such mark in the arsenal at Berlin, with hilt which suggested it was of 16th century. Perhaps the shape of the cross, if it does indeed correspond to the graphic without the vertical beam beyond the upper crossbeam, might be associated to this. Hope this additional information might be useful, and adds to the outstanding mystique of this wonderful military cuphilt, which seems quite possibly of Portuguese provenance to probably South America. All best regards, Jim . |
Old 20th October 2009, 01:20 PM
Posted by: Dmitry Member Join Date: Jul 2009 From what I've seen of these, they are described as the Caribbean rapiers. Dating to the second half of 18th century looks right, unless the mark proves otherwise. , |
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