Please, help requested ...

ALEX · 19th April 2009, 10:18 AM

Teodor, not bad for non-Russian speaker:-)
Dom, Teodor got it right. These are two separate Russian names, and the "ъ" letter signifies 'old Russian' language. Could be factory, maker(s), owner(s), etc. but definitely "Nikitin Molev" are two (or one) last name(s), most likely two, as in case of one name it'd spell as "Nikitin-Molev".
I also agree, the fittings look new, especially the handle, but the blade shows some age based on the picture, so could be old.
But, the "ъ" in the end of 'Molev' is used to make a word ending 'soft', just like on the famous "Medunovъ" mark. Conventionally, one would expect it to be present after 'Nikitin' as well, but it is not. I am not versed in the 'old Russian' grammar, but let's see if other members would be able to clarify my concern.

19th April 2009, 10:18 AM	#5
ALEX Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 936	Teodor, not bad for non-Russian speaker:-) Dom, Teodor got it right. These are two separate Russian names, and the "ъ" letter signifies 'old Russian' language. Could be factory, maker(s), owner(s), etc. but definitely "Nikitin Molev" are two (or one) last name(s), most likely two, as in case of one name it'd spell as "Nikitin-Molev". I also agree, the fittings look new, especially the handle, but the blade shows some age based on the picture, so could be old. But, the "ъ" in the end of 'Molev' is used to make a word ending 'soft', just like on the famous "Medunovъ" mark. Conventionally, one would expect it to be present after 'Nikitin' as well, but it is not. I am not versed in the 'old Russian' grammar, but let's see if other members would be able to clarify my concern. Last edited by ALEX; 19th April 2009 at 10:31 AM.