Old hilt sword with wooden grip, writing on blade
We have a double edge sword with the number 415 stamped inside the basket hilt. Arminius is inscribed on the blade along with other initials that appears to be LHM and directorative inscription. The handle is carved wood with a handed forged nut and under that it appears the sword is silver with the makers mark of VF. We have no idea whom made it or when.
34 inch blade. Toatl length 41 inch. 1/2 inches wide
Inherited
Yes
Hi Dawn,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
Two former colleagues of mine have looked at this fan and in their expert opinion - because of the writing on the blade - believe this to be a fraternal sword that would have been more for decoration than use, and most likely made in Europe in the early 20th Century. Neither had seen one like it before but despite some rarity, it - like many fraternal swords that lack an important provenance (ie if someone famous had owned it) - has a limited audience and modest market value...$200-300.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
An antique fraternal sword
European, early 20th Century
With large rounded hilt with relief detailing, the blade embossed with an indistinct inscription.
41 inches long, blade 34 inches.
CONDITION: This sword appears to be in generally good condition with some minor wear from age.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 200-300*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia
Thanks, Dawn, for the OK to check with outside contacts. My former colleagues have weighed in and I've completed this appraisal for you. Thank you again for using Mearto and please let me know if you have questions...or other items to appraise!
Have a great day and weekend,
Delia
You commented:
Thank you for your approval, however I am most interested in learning the information on this items makers mark, the inscription on the blade such what it says and what it means. And what fraternity was it presented in. The dollar value holds great significance, however the knowledge holds extremely more value. In appraising this item I'm sure this information would've most certainly obtained in order to reach a value. Thank you again for your time.
My colleagues are experts in this field with more than 30 years between them working for both auction houses and dealers who specialize in edged weapons but neither had seen the mark before, nor could they make out the language or translate the inscription and could not identify the fraternity this was probably associated with. It's unfortunate but in some appraisals, there is sometimes information that can't be answered.
The value is based on other fraternal European swords and is correct as to the current market.
I realize this may be disappointing to you but we've done all we can for this appraisal with the resources available to us.
Delia
Hi Dawn,
Thank you for the additional photos. In more than a decade handling edged weapons, this one is quite unusual, notably the handle. To clarify, the grip guard (the rounded cover for the hand holding the sword) is made of wood?
Would it be OK with you if I showed these photos to a colleague who is an expert in edged weapons for their thoughts? It won't cost you additional money but might take a few more days to complete this appraisal than the 48-hour window we try to work within.
Let me know if that's OK, and thanks!
Delia