I'm planning a custom XIIIa sword and I would like it to have a Solingen or Passau maker mark on it. What kind would be appropriate? Running wolf? Orb and cross? All suggestions and pictures welcome.

IMO, both a wolf and or orb belong to the later centuries. Here is a Passau guideline from Wagner. Listed as back to the 13th century but latten inlaid examples I have seen tend to be 14th century or later.

[ Linked Image ]

The orb on Spanish first? I dunno.

Cheers
GC

Here is the engraving on Records XIIIa. 9.

---

 Attachment: 63.59 KB
[ Download ]

Here are some images with makers marks:

If you don't mind me asking a question were makers marks such as this done only on on side of the blade or both sides?

---

 Attachment: 124.38 KB



 Attachment: 69.96 KB
[ Download ]

 Attachment: 341.36 KB
[ Download ]

 Attachment: 252.17 KB
[ Download ]

I've come across some later Passau marks
http://atkinson-swords.com/marks-and-stamps/m...miths.html

Cheers
GC

Luka, I would highly suggest to take marks from existing sword of the similar kind and region, and have similar stuff - or combine some from that group which you like. Style of the wolf is important for individual maker and period. I would try to find already exiting combination. Don`t trust too much that old illustrations.
Remember Passau wolfs mostly runs from the hilt to the point of the blade, they are combined with other marks (crosses, hearts, initials, "logos", etc mostly closer the hilt than wolfs) - and we know many various examples. Of course I am talking about 14th-15th cent.
You can check examples from the catalog (Zagreb museum) which you sent me before (thanks again!).
If you want some more advices - you can contact me on FB to talk. I think I know this topic quite well :)

The wolves were the Passau guild marks, with the other marks as you say more personal. The manner in which later Solingen marks also showed guild marks but also individuality such as the foliate seen on the spines at the guard and talismanic context.

Cheers
GC