German Executioner Sword Marks 16th century Solingen Maker Marks Blades

[Jim McDougall]

Note to my previous post, apparantly these superimposed W marks did seem to have variants and according to Cronau (1885) number 32 cross and orb mark is attributed to Wundes, the W incorporated into the mark. This is of course quite apart from these marks shown on the blade of #2 but suggests plausible variant.
The 1 8 8 8 numbers are likely gemetrics for acrostic or sometimes sacerdotal phrase or invocation.
Still would help to see the whole sword.

[theswordcollector]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Note to my previous post, apparantly these superimposed W marks did seem to have variants and according to Cronau (1885) number 32 cross and orb mark is attributed to Wundes, the W incorporated into the mark. This is of course quite apart from these marks shown on the blade of #2 but suggests plausible variant.
The 1 8 8 8 numbers are likely gemetrics for acrostic or sometimes sacerdotal phrase or invocation.
Still would help to see the whole sword.

Here are photos of the swords. I would like to thank you guys for taking the time to discuss these pieces . I was thinking Wundes also but there is no knights head I can see stamped on this blade? Their marks did vary as many black smiths worked under their masters through the sword making process. The same priciple with Japanese swords. The sword is very good quality for the period and forged well.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by theswordcollector

Here are photos of the swords. I would like to thank you guys for taking the time to discuss these pieces . I was thinking Wundes also but there is no knights head I can see stamped on this blade? Their marks did vary as many black smiths worked under their masters through the sword making process. The same priciple with Japanese swords. The sword is very good quality for the period and forged well.

Thank you very much for the full photos of these two outstanding examples!
As you note, there were apprentices and varying workmen in the shops which can easily account for variations in spelling in inscriptions as well as deviations in markings. Many markings and inscriptions were popularized within the industry and used rather collectively with apparant favorites with certain makers shops.

[theswordcollector]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Note to my previous post, apparantly these superimposed W marks did seem to have variants and according to Cronau (1885) number 32 cross and orb mark is attributed to Wundes, the W incorporated into the mark. This is of course quite apart from these marks shown on the blade of #2 but suggests plausible variant.
The 1 8 8 8 numbers are likely gemetrics for acrostic or sometimes sacerdotal phrase or invocation.
Still would help to see the whole sword.

here they are :-)

[fernando]

Great piece you got there. I dream of having one