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Originally Posted by Jens Nordlunde
In ‘Damaszener Stahl’ by Manfred Sachse, the author, on page 79 and 81 quotes someone called Crivelli, who in 1823 wrote that a good watered blade, in Turkey, could cost from 7-8500 Reichthaler. What is even more interesting is, that he also gives the value of 1 Reichthaler as the value of about 25g silver. Good blades were not only expensive, they were very expensive – another good reason for using them for many generations.
To compare how fast the value of good weapons can drop, on can read what Moser paid for some of his swords – a bottle of snaps. Moser’s collection is now at the Historisches Museum, Bern, Switzerland - but not on exhibition. The weapons were collected from end of 19th century to beginning of 20th century.
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From my perspective the value of a sword during the time of use is a valuable clue as to the importance of an object when used. This would make an excellent thread on its own. If we gathered as many references to the weapons value when made or used, that would be an important historical perspective. In Jens vakue refernece it comes out to about $85,000 and certainly a tidey sum. From the few glimmers of cost during use we seem to still be getting bargains.....
Thanks for that info Jens...
rand