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Jaspar Bungen Broadsword Blade Circa 1590

Posted: 15/09/17 (12:08pm)

Well, what a week. Sales have been good and I really appreciate hearing from my customers. It is very important to me that people are happy with their purchase and my service and I am very grateful when someone takes the time to write to tell me. I am always happy to answer questions and help in any way - even if it is just to pass on a link or recommend a particular site for research.

On the subject of research, I was thrilled to discover that a sword I bought recently at a Cornish auction was fitted with a very rare and special blade.
The blade was made circa 1590 in Solingen by a blade-smith called Jaspar Bungen. The spelling of the inscription at first glance does not look like the name Jaspar but in the 16th Century (and later) the letter "I" was used as a "J." On closer inspection of what looked like the second letter "I," I discovered it was actually a letter "P," giving me the name "Jaspar." The surname "Bungen" is clearly legible. There are slight variations on the spelling of this smiths name, the most common of which is "Bongen" which appears on later blades, those produced in the early to mid 17th Century.

P1110431

The Solingen orbs and the Passau running wolf further help date this blade.

It wasn't unusual for Infantry officers to replace the standard spadroon blade on their P1796 with one more suited to fighting - after-all, their life could depend on it. It is however quite rare to find one with such an old replacement. Any theory as to how this came about is merely supposition but looking at the swords relatively unadorned guard and hilt and the use of copper instead of silver wire on the grip, I would hazard that we are looking at a sword belonging to a young officer of lowly rank and limited means. Someone who was more likely to re-use a family heirloom blade instead of having a new one made. It would also have been the younger, low rank officers who would have been more likely to have to use their sword in battle, so requiring a more fighting fit blade. 
Isn't that part of why we love and collect these weapons? The great stories and romantic imaginings that accompany them.