Hello everybody,

I wonder why some of modern sword manufacturers, quite respectable and well known, don't hallmark their blades.

Any comments?

Konstantin.

Thank you for your reply, Aaron, I think I get your point but, expecting more feedbacks I will try to ignite interest to the topic explaining mine..

I happened to hold a beautiful rapier possessed by Gary Chelak, that he had commissioned from Darkwood Armoury. It was a wonderful weapon, perfectly balanced and really nice looking (not an advertisement). I don't know exactly, but I guess it was a custom work. There was no hallmark on the blade. I believe that Mr. Chelak as an expert in Giganti style rapier combat, would certainly not buy and use just a decent piece.

I have in my collection matching pair of Katzbalger sword and dagger by Arms & Armor ordered to Finland, that means only shipping and custom duties costed me an Armour Class sword and I paid it all as do many others buyers, living in Europe because of high quality of work and highest reputation of the manufacturer (not an advertisement). I love those blades, they worth every penny spent, but they don't bear hallmarks either. I don't want those hallmarks for showing up, there is not many people around who would understand me if I try to boast with such things, even less would people understand how it is possible to pay that price for a sword. I don't care, I have my motivation. Hallmarking weapons is a good custom and hallmarks are pieces of history, think about it.

I am sure that In old times the hallmarking weapons and armor was not just a matter of pride or promotion, but also a statement of taking personal responsibility and in this case it was not only a matter of "I want" or "I don't want to be exposed". Why shouldn't be so nowdays?

Correct me if I wrong, I am not a sensitive person, exept sense of humor.

Konstantin.

Here are a few of the modern maker's marks that I am aware of...

Smiths:
Peter Johnsson
[ Linked Image ]

Albion Museum Line:
[ Linked Image ]

Albion Next Generation:
[ Linked Image ]

Albion Squire Line:
[ Linked Image ]

Albion Mark, Limited Edition (and possibly Maestro?):
[ Linked Image ]

Rick Barrett:
[ Linked Image ]

Jody Samson:
[ Linked Image ]

Del Tin Antiche:
[ Linked Image ]

I know that Arms and Armor has one, Jesse Frank has one, Vince Evans has one, Paul Chen/Hanwei has one... they're around, just don't have pics of them.

Armourers:
Robert MacPherson:
[ Linked Image ]

Patrick Thaden:
[ Linked Image ]

I know Peter Fuller of Medieval Reproductions has one - can't locate a pic of it.

Here are some moderl maker's marks photographed not just by me, but by other contributors:

Please note that these photos were not taken with the express intent of showing the marks, so they're not the greatest images. These marks might not represent the maker's "typcial" mark, but they do show what appears on at least one example.

[ Linked Image ]
Arms & Armor

[ Linked Image ]
Lutel

[ Linked Image ]
TEMPL Historic Arms

[ Linked Image ]
Del Tin (newer)

[ Linked Image ]
Del Tin (older wolf mark)

[ Linked Image ]
J.F. Schroeder

[ Linked Image ] [ Linked Image ]
E.B. Erickson

[ Linked Image ]
Lars Hansen

[ Linked Image ]
Jody Samsom

[ Linked Image ] [ Linked Image ]
Vince Evans

[ Linked Image ]
Valentine Armorers

[ Linked Image ]
Vladimir Cervenka

[ Linked Image ]
Albion Armorers Next Generation

[ Linked Image ]
Albion Armorers Museum Collection

[ Linked Image ]
ArmArt

[ Linked Image ]
Talerwin Forge

[ Linked Image ]
Kirby Wise

[ Linked Image ]
Scotia Metalwork / Michael McRae

[ Linked Image ]
Justin King

Only one to add: Talerwin Forge

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I like marks as long as they are discreet and look somewhat like a period mark or at least don't scream 21century.

I do like the Albion ones as a good example of marks that have " class " or said in a different way are well designed and attractive even if seem just on their own: Good examples of caligraphic art might be a good way of describing them.

My A&A Schloss Erbach has an A&A stamp on the blade. It says "AA" with a motif of an anvil.

This picture shows A&A old hallmark:

http://www.myArmoury.com/view.html?collect/ch...cdag_b.jpg

Thanks, Chad. I updated my post above.

I like to see a maker's mark personally. Sorry, that's all I can add... :)

I was kinda surprised to find no mark on my custom work A&A. Its definitely one I would think they would have marked. It's quite and excellent sword. :)

Craig, comments?

I sent Nathan some more Maker's Mark pics (ArmArt, Michael McRae, Armour Class, Kirby Wise, maybe one or two others) for his collection up there. Hopefully he'll have time crop them down and add them to the lineup.

1.) Ryan Johnson of RMJ Forge
2-3.) Al Massey's Journeyman Smith mark
4-5.) Howard Clark's non-japanese style mark, and his Kanji

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