Six point star proof slugs on blades

Jim McDougall · 26th May 2009, 06:24 PM

In the interesting British sabre posted by Brian recently, Norman showed some nice illustrations of the six point star used to surround the brass proof plugs placed on blades from the second half 19th century onward.

Was this possibly denoting some Masonic connection?

What do you guys think?

celtan · 27th May 2009, 01:32 AM

Wasn't the six point star once associated with Mars/Ares, God of War?

They also appear on the model 1896 7 mm Mausers made by Loewe, Berlin, and very effectively used by the Spanish in the War of 98'

M

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

In the interesting British sabre posted by Brian recently, Norman showed some nice illustrations of the six point star used to surround the brass proof plugs placed on blades from the second half 19th century onward.

Was this possibly denoting some Masonic connection?

What do you guys think?

Jim McDougall · 28th May 2009, 02:37 AM

Thanks very much Manuel, I'm not sure on that but will check into it.
I have always sensed a strong Masonic presence in sword symbolism in Great Britain, and I think Mars did have war associations, but I think the numeric was five, which also was a key Masonic symbol.

All the best,
Jim

Norman McCormick · 28th May 2009, 03:57 PM

Hi Jim,
Here is a carving from Mary's Chapel No 1 Edinburgh.
My Regards,
Norman.

Norman McCormick · 28th May 2009, 04:16 PM

Hi,
The upward pointing Triangle and the downward pointing Triangle are 'occult' signs for Fire and Water, particularly apt for a swordsmith. They, the Triangles, also symbolise the Male and Female principles.
Regards,
Norman.

katana · 28th May 2009, 11:39 PM

Hi Jim,
the 'hexagram' has many symbolic uses in many religions including paganism.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hexagram

Also on this link is this interesting comment

"......A six-point interlocking triangles has been used for thousands of years as an indication a sword was made, and "proved," in the Damascus area of the Middle East. Still today, it is a required "proved" mark on all official UK and U.S. military swords though the blades themselves no longer come from the Middle East......."

So perhaps the 'Mason' connection is unfounded, I am trying to find more references to the use of the hexagram as a proof mark on early swords, if I find any I will add them here.

Regards David

26th May 2009, 06:24 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,946	Six point star proof slugs on blades In the interesting British sabre posted by Brian recently, Norman showed some nice illustrations of the six point star used to surround the brass proof plugs placed on blades from the second half 19th century onward. Was this possibly denoting some Masonic connection? What do you guys think?

28th May 2009, 03:57 PM	#4
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,597	Hi Jim, Here is a carving from Mary's Chapel No 1 Edinburgh. My Regards, Norman. Attached Images

28th May 2009, 04:16 PM	#5
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,597	Hi, The upward pointing Triangle and the downward pointing Triangle are 'occult' signs for Fire and Water, particularly apt for a swordsmith. They, the Triangles, also symbolise the Male and Female principles. Regards, Norman. Last edited by Norman McCormick; 28th May 2009 at 05:35 PM.

28th May 2009, 02:37 AM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,946	Thanks very much Manuel, I'm not sure on that but will check into it. I have always sensed a strong Masonic presence in sword symbolism in Great Britain, and I think Mars did have war associations, but I think the numeric was five, which also was a key Masonic symbol. All the best, Jim

28th May 2009, 11:39 PM	#6
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	Hi Jim, the 'hexagram' has many symbolic uses in many religions including paganism. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hexagram Also on this link is this interesting comment "......A six-point interlocking triangles has been used for thousands of years as an indication a sword was made, and "proved," in the Damascus area of the Middle East. Still today, it is a required "proved" mark on all official UK and U.S. military swords though the blades themselves no longer come from the Middle East......." So perhaps the 'Mason' connection is unfounded, I am trying to find more references to the use of the hexagram as a proof mark on early swords, if I find any I will add them here. Regards David