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Originally Posted by Jim McDougall
As always, I would like to know more on these markings, and whether applied as simply motif or whether symbolism is imbued. In this case, the ellipse at the foot of the larger arrangement with parallel loops does seem to resemble the fish, of course a Christian symbol along with the cross at the tail.
On the larger grouping the looped figure may represent the bishops crozier (staff) which does occur on many medieval period blades.
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I also think the smaller symbol could resemble an
IChThYS, maybe combined with a Peters-cross and
as such a reference to the Pope as Peter's successor.
But on the other hand the ichthys symbols was (if at all)
not wideley in use at that time (Rome could be different).
The larger symbol could resemble a highly stylized Omega - IMHO a good symbol to put on a sword
Regarding the inlay technology: Most common
technique at that time in europe was the hammering
of thin metal wires into encarvings that had a dovetail-cross-section.
The twisted structure that you can see has IMHO nothing to do with the inlay techniqe but with the technique to produce the thin wire. The metal is hammered as thin as possible and then twisted until it has the desired thickness.
Nowadays thin wire is produced by drawing thicker wires through a die of the correct diameter.
Best Regards,
Thilo