Good idea to split this out into another topic Jim. As others have noted these moon stamps are derived from engraving styles which have existed for centuries. Probably the closest to a transitional piece I ever saw was this nice single fuller astral/talisman blade with paired engraved crescents.
I'm also including a Katzbalger with a stamped variation of the crescent. But it's a singular.
Regarding the application of the marks themselves, my understanding is that these would be stamped hot. Meaning that in a non-European context this would be not easy to achieve without destroying the temper of the blade. Briggs is a great source, but he could well have simply got it wrong.
To be clear, the example of mine you posted is 100% produced in Europe, it is an older example and from the 18th century I am 99% sure.
4th April 2015, 11:03 AM
Threaded Mode