New Omani Sword

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Michael Blalock

I just won this yesterday. I have seen this blade a couple of times on the European sites. Usually with 1414 and I understand that this is not necessarily a date but a maker's mark or talismanic mark.

I agree with the Talismanic concept on the date and of course it carries the Passau Wolf another Talisman. I suggest that this is a reworked blade post 1970 from the famous Muttrah workshop. Originally European on an Omani Hilt having been fitted with an extended tang and pommel. How flexible is the blade please?

[Kubur]

Yes 1616 is a protective number like 1414, from biblical origins.
No the passau wolf is a fabric stamp or trade mark.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Kubur

Yes 1616 is a protective number like 1414, from biblical origins.
No the passau wolf is a fabric stamp or trade mark.

Please see Wikipedia Quote" During the Renaissance and early modern period, Passau was one of the most prolific centres of sword and bladed weapon manufacture in Germany (after Solingen). Passau smiths stamped their blades with the Passau wolf, usually a rather simplified rendering of the wolf on the city's coat-of-arms. Superstitious warriors believed that the Passau wolf conferred invulnerability on the blade's bearer, and thus Passau swords acquired a great premium. According to the Donau-Zeitung, aside from the wolf, some cabalistic signs and inscriptions were added. As a result, the whole practice of placing magical charms on swords to protect the wearers came to be known for a time as "Passau art". (See Eduard Wagner, Cut and Thrust Weapons, 1969.) Other cities' smiths, including those of Solingen, recognized the marketing value of the Passau wolf and adopted it for themselves''. Unquote.