Posts: 62 Location: PORTUGAL
Wed 05 Nov, 2008 2:54 pm
Hi Roger,
As i was about to read your post, the courier rang the bell to deliver the sword.
Two important details i now observed:
First is the inscription on the pommel; there is one more (tiny) digit in the legend, which confirms this is definitely a regimental numeration. The correct inscription is: LCR Nº 118, not punched but hand engraved (chiseled) in a crude manner. Oh, i wish i could have this marking decoded. If it were english, one could imagine the initials of Light Cavalry Regiment, but both in German and in Dutch one or another letter doesn't coincide ... at least in the translating machine.
The second is, as i guessed since i saw the first site pictures, a faded inscription engraved on the hilt side bar, most certainly the name of the sword user. After a zillion trials, i managed to get a close up picture where we can discern such detail.
Back into the Walloon typology, i fully understand your demanding interpretation of this sword pattern, but i have been noticing that many a people includes the multi bar hilted styles into the same family; and some of them have enough knowledge to figure out which is which, given the doubt that they call such variations Walloons just to make it easy.
I have spotted a Spanish article called 'Espadas y sables en la Guerra de Sucesión, 1702-1714' included in the page 'CATALOGACION DE ARMAS' by JUAN L. CALVÓ, where both plain and multi bar patterns are labeled as Walloon guard swords.
http://www.catalogacionarmas.com/public/35-GuerraSucesion.pdf
As for considering the knuckle guard and side branches being screwed to the pommel, a system too early for the date of this sword, i would ask you on what date you actualy situate this sword ... or did you already mentioned that and i am missing it ? I have just had a look to a Portuguese book and it seems as the transition of methods took place between end XVII and beg. XVIII century, is that correct ?
Your coments will be welcome.
... And thanks for finding this a beautyful sword; that makes me proud, coming from you.
Fernando
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