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22nd April 2014, 08:35 PM | #1 |
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These hilts are sometimes known as "crab claw" hilts. I would agree the grip is certainly a later replacement. The pommel also doesn't "fit" to my eyes for the reasons Jim mentioned. They are typically not round like this one, but elongated egg-like shapes. Often multifaceted instead of smooth and typically with an extension at the end to house a tang nub.
In any case an interesting and nice sword. I've also seen SACCHI on various Italian swords from the period, a maker's name perhaps? In any case I don't believe this is a Solingen product. The north Italian blade manufacture industry was more than alive and well in the 17th century. |
23rd April 2014, 05:19 AM | #2 |
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Thanks Nando and Iain, so its SACCHI . That is interesting, and good to know this is likely Italian rather than Solingen. It seems these makers were indeed quite active in the 17th century as you well note Iain. There was a great deal of cross traffic between there, Germany and Spain in these times, and as I noted the extremely blocked letters just seemed German.
Ive always thought the scallop shell guards were interesting, and this one apparently reasonably restored, is a great example! |
23rd April 2014, 12:47 PM | #3 |
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... And if you keep on digging, you end up finding something. Master Sacchi is not such an unknown smith ... maybe good enough to have his name forged by less famous rivals, a custom often followed in the period.
http://www.weapons-universe.com/Swor...aissance.shtml QUOTING ...Sword blades were manufactured in Toledo and Valencia (Spain), Solingen and Passau (Germany), and Milan and Brescia (Italy). They were sold as unhilted blades and then hilted locally at their eventual destinations throughout Europe. Some blades are marked by their maker, although many are plain. Notable bladesmiths’ names include Piccinino, Caino, Sacchi and Ferrara from Italy, .Johannes, Wundes and Tesche (Germany) and Hernandez (Spain).. Respected names were often stamped on blades by lesser-known rivals to enhance the value of an inferior sword. . Last edited by fernando; 23rd April 2014 at 12:58 PM. |
23rd April 2014, 01:28 PM | #4 |
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Wow!!!!thank you all guys for that info....i forgot to post the other side of the blade, that bears the name ROMANNA. The blade is of very good quality sharp, light and flexible...
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23rd April 2014, 01:54 PM | #5 |
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Great image Fernando. Thanks for sharing, looking forward to seeing what else surfaces.
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23rd April 2014, 09:41 PM | #6 |
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Outstanding Nando!!! I did not 'excavate' my copy of Gyngell, which is in one of the deeper strata here in the bookmobile , under the bed Thank you for locating that and sharing the detail. Learn something new every day around here, and that's what its about!
All the best, Jim |
24th April 2014, 11:43 AM | #7 |
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But you know, one thing is the smith's name, another thing is the genuineness of the mark.
You would have to check other swords made by Sacchi, to conclude whether the mark in this one belongs to him or if we are facing one of countless signature copies. This because the lettering doesn't look like a keen job to me in the context and i wonder about the double L ROMANNA term; one of these popular allusions, not exclusive of this smith ? But don't pay much attention to my remarks, Skarts . I am far from having the real knowledge. All i wish is that your blade was forged by the aledged master |
24th April 2014, 12:10 PM | #8 |
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Thank you Fernando!!! The name is Scacchi and i dont know if you noticed the stamp. It is a cross with two tails. I have seen it in other Italian blades. If it is an original master blade that would be lovely. However it is a nice blade and could be slight inferior than an original signed blade.
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