info blade probably 1770 motto ?

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Hotspur

... Well sure, it's easy enough to plug the phrase into a search and see his use has the most hits. As well, translations....

Nothing wrong with it, i'd say. Lorenz is not so strong in the Shakespeare language; it would only help the perusal .
Translations like this one are not necessary to resource; not too much sand for this lorry .

Originally Posted by Hotspur

... Anyway, considering the time period and the French revolution, I am wondering if it might be something that came to be popular in the 1780s-90s...

And why not ?

[fernando]

I have contacted Mr. Denis Havard de la Montagne, chied editor of "Musica et Memoria", and a great admirer of composer Alberic Magnard.
The expression used by Magnard is in fact attributed to Joana d'Arc, a XV century French heroine.
Interesting connection between Joan D'arc, a sword fighter, Magnard while a fencer and the sword here discussed.

[BerberDagger]

Thank you all for the valuable information ...

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by fernando

I have contacted Mr. Denis Havard de la Montagne, chied editor of "Musica et Memoria", and a great admirer of composer Alberic Magnard.
The expression used by Magnard is in fact attributed to Joana d'Arc, a XV century French heroine.
Interesting connection between Joan D'arc, a sword fighter, Magnard while a fencer and the sword here discussed.

Outstanding research Nando!
I think this nicely places this smallsword in French context at end of 18th century and with good degree of Napoleonic probability, given Napoleons use of Joan as a key figure in his advocating French nationalism. Clearly the concept was well placed not only in securing her place in history, but carrying forth that powerful force recalled a century later by Magnard in his work.