Polish sword blade, what are the symbols?

Jim McDougall · 27th September 2007, 06:53 AM

Hi Rand,
Extremely interesting blade, and as Wolviex notes, unusual to see this motif applied in this particular manner over the fullers. The use of the sun,moon and stars were quite commonly used suggesting cabalistic/talismanic symbolism throughout the 18th century and into the early 19th on European blades. The complexities of the occult often preclude exact interpretation of these symbols, though these were widely used throughout blade making centers that included Solingen as well as locations in Hungary. Poland, Styria and others. It would seem that primarily they implied superior quality of the blades they were on.

It would help to get a closeup of the figure in the center of the blade, and as Wolviex has requested, a full view of the hilt.

Best regards,
Jim

Jim McDougall · 27th September 2007, 10:22 PM

As Wolviex has noted, this motif with highly religious symbolism and the likelihood of the central figure being the Virgin Mary does strongly suggest a Polish blade. It is interesting that in this case, the crescent moon is depicted separately, though it is below her figure, which may concur with the typically maintained image of her standing on the crescent.

In "The Herder Symbol Dictionary" (1978, p.183), it is noted that "...Mary, as the immaculate Virgin, is sometimes represented with a crown of stars on her head". Possibly the field of stars that are seen in the motif may be added in that manner, and it does seem significant that the total number of stars (including the North Star) equals ten. This may suggest the Pythagorean sum of 1+2+3+4, which symbolizes the essence of perfection and harmony.
The sun in the context of this motif may symbolize Christ, and 'the Sun of justice' (op.cit. p.187).

Typically, the 'talismanic' blades of the 18th century maintained various cabalistic symbols and themes which often included the sun, moon and a single star and often presume occult associations. Most of these have more to do with folklore and alchemical or astrological allegory than the dark connotations that are often suggested.

The fullering of the blade seems consistant with 17th and 18th century sabre blades found on Polish and Hungarian examples, and while we are focused on the blade motif, it would be interesting to see the hilt on this.

Jim McDougall · 29th September 2007, 05:41 PM

Rand,
Is this a blade only, or is it mounted in a hilt? Any chance of a hilt photo?

Jim

27th September 2007, 06:53 AM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,470	Hi Rand, Extremely interesting blade, and as Wolviex notes, unusual to see this motif applied in this particular manner over the fullers. The use of the sun,moon and stars were quite commonly used suggesting cabalistic/talismanic symbolism throughout the 18th century and into the early 19th on European blades. The complexities of the occult often preclude exact interpretation of these symbols, though these were widely used throughout blade making centers that included Solingen as well as locations in Hungary. Poland, Styria and others. It would seem that primarily they implied superior quality of the blades they were on. It would help to get a closeup of the figure in the center of the blade, and as Wolviex has requested, a full view of the hilt. Best regards, Jim Last edited by Jim McDougall; 27th September 2007 at 10:23 PM.

27th September 2007, 10:22 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,470	As Wolviex has noted, this motif with highly religious symbolism and the likelihood of the central figure being the Virgin Mary does strongly suggest a Polish blade. It is interesting that in this case, the crescent moon is depicted separately, though it is below her figure, which may concur with the typically maintained image of her standing on the crescent. In "The Herder Symbol Dictionary" (1978, p.183), it is noted that "...Mary, as the immaculate Virgin, is sometimes represented with a crown of stars on her head". Possibly the field of stars that are seen in the motif may be added in that manner, and it does seem significant that the total number of stars (including the North Star) equals ten. This may suggest the Pythagorean sum of 1+2+3+4, which symbolizes the essence of perfection and harmony. The sun in the context of this motif may symbolize Christ, and 'the Sun of justice' (op.cit. p.187). Typically, the 'talismanic' blades of the 18th century maintained various cabalistic symbols and themes which often included the sun, moon and a single star and often presume occult associations. Most of these have more to do with folklore and alchemical or astrological allegory than the dark connotations that are often suggested. The fullering of the blade seems consistant with 17th and 18th century sabre blades found on Polish and Hungarian examples, and while we are focused on the blade motif, it would be interesting to see the hilt on this.

29th September 2007, 05:41 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,470	Rand, Is this a blade only, or is it mounted in a hilt? Any chance of a hilt photo? Jim