A beautiful Nuremberg haquebut with profusely painted stock, ca. 1550

Matchlock · 20th September 2008, 02:48 PM

Jim, in trying to understand the medieval taste for coloring, you might find the following post on painted period pieces of arts and crafts helpful:

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7076

Just scroll down to where I attached the 15th century closets.

Of course you are right to mention a very similar style of decoration on 18th century blades but the painting on this stock is certainly of mid-16th century date. I realize that dating criteria are hard to define. Let me give you an example: When an illiterate person is confronted with a book for the first time, all he can say is "What are these strange marks? How can anobody see a meaning or message in them?" Of course, it takes along and intense process of studying to be able and actually put single letters together to words and sentences - and finally grasp their meaning.

Highly specialized detailed knowledge is very hard to share in being esoteric. All I can do is hope that this does not sound arrogant. I wish I knew how to do that any better.

Nevertheless, try and enjoy.

Matchlock/Michael

20th September 2008, 02:48 PM	#5
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Jim, in trying to understand the medieval taste for coloring, you might find the following post on painted period pieces of arts and crafts helpful: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7076 Just scroll down to where I attached the 15th century closets. Of course you are right to mention a very similar style of decoration on 18th century blades but the painting on this stock is certainly of mid-16th century date. I realize that dating criteria are hard to define. Let me give you an example: When an illiterate person is confronted with a book for the first time, all he can say is "What are these strange marks? How can anobody see a meaning or message in them?" Of course, it takes along and intense process of studying to be able and actually put single letters together to words and sentences - and finally grasp their meaning. Highly specialized detailed knowledge is very hard to share in being esoteric. All I can do is hope that this does not sound arrogant. I wish I knew how to do that any better. Nevertheless, try and enjoy. Matchlock/Michael