German Executioner Sword Marks 16th century Solingen Maker Marks Blades

Jim McDougall · 4th November 2012, 12:10 AM

Glad to have you with us!
Most interesting markings, but would it be possible to see each sword in entirety? It helps to see markings in the context of the weapon they are found in, much the same as with translating inscriptions.

It is often important to better understand 'executioners' swords, which were typically bearing swords or swords of state in many cases, though of course there were indeed some which were used in the capacity implied. These were in fact most often from Germany. The 1.8.8.8. numbers were of course not indicative of date but often coded ciphers representing usually acrostics with key phrases, invocations or slogans. The more commonly seen 1441 and 1414 are examples of this.
The majuscule W and cross and orb seem curiously applied in unusual style.

I am trying to better see what the stamp at the forte on the short sword might be, it looks like a crowned figure head. It seems unusual to see ME FECIT SOLINGEN applied in that configuration and on both sides of the blade without a makers name. The quadrefoil crosses at the right with the closing 'anchor' type device are intriguing and like many of these variations of blade markings can be found in many configurations. Most of these are not confined to a single maker or workshop but seem generally adopted in a collective manner.

4th November 2012, 12:10 AM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,191	Glad to have you with us! Most interesting markings, but would it be possible to see each sword in entirety? It helps to see markings in the context of the weapon they are found in, much the same as with translating inscriptions. It is often important to better understand 'executioners' swords, which were typically bearing swords or swords of state in many cases, though of course there were indeed some which were used in the capacity implied. These were in fact most often from Germany. The 1.8.8.8. numbers were of course not indicative of date but often coded ciphers representing usually acrostics with key phrases, invocations or slogans. The more commonly seen 1441 and 1414 are examples of this. The majuscule W and cross and orb seem curiously applied in unusual style. I am trying to better see what the stamp at the forte on the short sword might be, it looks like a crowned figure head. It seems unusual to see ME FECIT SOLINGEN applied in that configuration and on both sides of the blade without a makers name. The quadrefoil crosses at the right with the closing 'anchor' type device are intriguing and like many of these variations of blade markings can be found in many configurations. Most of these are not confined to a single maker or workshop but seem generally adopted in a collective manner.