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Jeff B.
Location: Germany Joined: 09 Mar 2017
Posts: 14
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 Posted: Thu 09 Dec, 2021 1:13 am Post subject: Help with Sword ID and authenticity |
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Hey everyone,
I have come across something that I cant seem to place. First the sword has a round tip, one that I have never seen before. Which of course rules out any thrusting capabilities and makes me believe it is either a show piece or has a special purpose.
Does anyone have any ideas or know what it is? I am thinking Italian, ca. 17th-18th C.?
Also, authenticity, from the photos the wear seems legit. However, because of the text, which can be seen in the microscope views, it gives me the feel that it could be modern??
SPECS:
Total length including handle 99.5 cm
Length of handle 22.5 cm
Blade length 77.0 cm
Cross Guard width 19.5 cm
Blade Width at the handle 6.8 cm
Blade width, round end 4 cm
Weight: 1.6 kg
Blade is still sharp.
The thickness of the blade at the handle is approx. 4.5 mm and has fluctuating values around 5.5 to 5.8 along the fuller towards the tip.
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Last edited by Jeff B. on Fri 10 Dec, 2021 12:32 am; edited 1 time in total
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Ben Potter
Industry Professional
Location: Western Idaho Joined: 29 Sep 2008
Posts: 347
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| Posted: Thu 09 Dec, 2021 6:16 pm Post subject: |
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Round tips and ornamentation are often present on executioner's swords.
I have no knowledge of Latin whatsoever, but according to google translate the inscription in the fuller partially reads something like:
Lived without respect
The other inscription says something about "and ....blacksmiths...." and "for grace"
Perhaps translating the entire inscription might shed some light on its history.
The other side of the blade has what appears to be a wheel similar to that on other execution swords from the Renaissance.
I would hazard a guess that it is a depiction of "Rota Fortunae" or fortune's wheel.
In Medieval Europe It often had the connotation of the tragic downfall of the mighty and that death comes unexpectedly.
All of which seems to be consistent with it being an implement of execution.
There's an excellent chance that I am completely wrong on all of it, but you get what you pay for.
Hope that helps a bit.
Ben Potter Bladesmith
It's not that I would trade my lot
For any other man's,
Nor that I will be ashamed
Of my work torn hands-
For I have chosen the path I tread
Knowing it would be steep,
And I will take the joys thereof
And the consequences reap.
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Jeff B.
Location: Germany Joined: 09 Mar 2017
Posts: 14
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| Posted: Fri 10 Dec, 2021 12:36 am Post subject: |
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| Ben Potter wrote: | Round tips and ornamentation are often present on executioner's swords.
I have no knowledge of Latin whatsoever, but according to google translate the inscription in the fuller partially reads something like:
Lived without respect
The other inscription says something about "and ....blacksmiths...." and "for grace"
Perhaps translating the entire inscription might shed some light on its history.
The other side of the blade has what appears to be a wheel similar to that on other execution swords from the Renaissance.
I would hazard a guess that it is a depiction of "Rota Fortunae" or fortune's wheel.
In Medieval Europe It often had the connotation of the tragic downfall of the mighty and that death comes unexpectedly.
All of which seems to be consistent with it being an implement of execution.
There's an excellent chance that I am completely wrong on all of it, but you get what you pay for.
Hope that helps a bit. |
Hey Ben,
Thank you very much for your input.
I am sorry but I forgot to put up the specs on the sword. I have now added those.
I also was thinking along those lines, however with a blade length of only 77cm, I thought it to be a little short for an execution sword, but maybe I am wrong, so I will look into that side of it.
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Anthony Clipsom
Location: YORKSHIRE, UK Joined: 27 Jul 2009
Posts: 342
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| Posted: Fri 10 Dec, 2021 4:54 am Post subject: |
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It is not a topic I'm familiar with but it maybe worth exploring a Masonic connection for the sword.
Anthony Clipsom
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Jeff B.
Location: Germany Joined: 09 Mar 2017
Posts: 14
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| Posted: Sat 11 Dec, 2021 1:17 am Post subject: |
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| Anthony Clipsom wrote: | | It is not a topic I'm familiar with but it maybe worth exploring a Masonic connection for the sword. |
Thanks Anthony, will do.
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This is a standard topic