Swiss saber with inscription "ANNA" (?)

Jim McDougall · 8th January 2025, 04:06 PM

Without looking further for examples, it seems the opposed dual application of names etc. was a convention often seen on Italian blades late 16th through 17th c. While obviously crudely inscribed by someone not necessarily skilled, and copying loosely this often seen manner, perhaps this Italian oriented convention was in mind.
Again, simply a hypothetical option toward possible scenarios.

The opposed configuration brings to mind the familiar 'sickle' marks typically attributed to Genoan origin, which are opposed dentated arcs.

midelburgo · 11th January 2025, 10:36 PM

Many Spanish knifes from XVIII and XIX centuries have grips made with two brass conus.
I have a walloon hilt saber with that sort of grip, as the one analyzed in this thread.
As there were two regiments of Swiss guards in continuous Spanish service, I wonder if this sort of grip could be related to those troops.

Radboud · 12th January 2025, 08:03 AM

A lovely sword.

Looking at the parallel lines to the left of the ANNA mark, those look to be the remains of a Passau Wolf mark.

ulfberth · 12th January 2025, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radboud

A lovely sword.

Looking at the parallel lines to the left of the ANNA mark, those look to be the remains of a Passau Wolf mark.

They look a bit like the passau wolf , but they are merely forging lines.

ulfberth · 12th January 2025, 02:15 PM

these are the same type of lines as you can see on the front brach of the guard.
On the blade they are visible on the back and front in the beginning of the blade.
This type of Swiss sabre with brass parts is generaly considered between 1700 and 1750, the older ones of this type between 1650 and 1700 did not have brass guard plates but steel and later the brass became the fashion.

8th January 2025, 04:06 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,281	Without looking further for examples, it seems the opposed dual application of names etc. was a convention often seen on Italian blades late 16th through 17th c. While obviously crudely inscribed by someone not necessarily skilled, and copying loosely this often seen manner, perhaps this Italian oriented convention was in mind. Again, simply a hypothetical option toward possible scenarios. The opposed configuration brings to mind the familiar 'sickle' marks typically attributed to Genoan origin, which are opposed dentated arcs. Attached Images Last edited by Jim McDougall; 8th January 2025 at 04:20 PM.

12th January 2025, 02:15 PM	#5
ulfberth Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 424	these are the same type of lines as you can see on the front brach of the guard. On the blade they are visible on the back and front in the beginning of the blade. This type of Swiss sabre with brass parts is generaly considered between 1700 and 1750, the older ones of this type between 1650 and 1700 did not have brass guard plates but steel and later the brass became the fashion. Attached Images

11th January 2025, 10:36 PM	#2
midelburgo Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 264	Many Spanish knifes from XVIII and XIX centuries have grips made with two brass conus. I have a walloon hilt saber with that sort of grip, as the one analyzed in this thread. As there were two regiments of Swiss guards in continuous Spanish service, I wonder if this sort of grip could be related to those troops.

12th January 2025, 08:03 AM	#3
Radboud Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: New Zealand Posts: 285	A lovely sword. Looking at the parallel lines to the left of the ANNA mark, those look to be the remains of a Passau Wolf mark.