Sword maker marks serve as crucial identifiers of a blade’s origin, craftsmanship, and historical significance. These inscriptions, stamps or engravings appear on blades or tangs and provide valuable information about the swordsmith, workshop, and sometimes even the weapon’s intended purpose. This guide explores the most significant sword maker marks from around the world.
Japanese Swordsmith Marks (Mei)
Swordsmith
Period
Characteristics
Notable Features
Masamune
Kamakura (1264–1343)
Considered Japan’s greatest swordsmith
Known for exceptional hamon (temper patterns)
Muramasa
Muromachi (16th century)
Legendary sharpness
Blades associated with violent folklore
Gassan School
Heian period onwards
Distinctive ayasugi hada (wood grain pattern)
Continuously active for over 800 years
Identification Tips:
Mei are typically engraved on the nakago (tang)
Often include smith’s name and province
Many high-quality reproductions exist – authentication is essential
European Swordsmith Marks
German Swordsmiths
Maker/Region
Period
Identifying Marks
Solingen Workshops
Medieval to modern
“Running Wolf” symbol, maker initials
Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Co. (WKC)
19th century
Company initials and emblem
Carl Eickhorn
19th-20th century
Distinctive squirrel logo
Spanish Swordsmiths
Maker/Region
Notable Marks
Toledo Workshops
“Chataldo te fecit” (Chataldo made you)
“Clemens Horum me fecit” (Clemens Horum made me)
Italian Swordsmiths
Region
Characteristics
Milan
Often marked with smith initials
Brescia
Symbols denoting workshop
Key Features of Sword Marks Worldwide
Feature
Japanese Swords
European Swords
Location
Engraved on nakago (tang)
Stamped on blade near hilt
Content
Smith name, province, date
Initials, symbols, Latin phrases
Authentication
NBTHK certification
Historical records, expert appraisal
Famous Sword Marks to Recognise
Mark
Origin
Significance
“Running Wolf”
Passau, Germany
Adopted by many European smiths
Masamune’s mei
Japan
Among most valuable collector items
Toledo factory mark
Spain
Symbol of Spanish steel quality
Further Reading Resources
For those interested in deeper study of sword maker marks:
Nihonto Club – Extensive database of Japanese swordsmiths
Sword maker marks provide a direct connection to centuries of bladesmithing tradition. From Masamune’s legendary Japanese katana to the “Running Wolf” of German swords, these identifiers help preserve the history and artistry of sword making. Proper authentication remains essential when examining historical blades, as many reproductions and fakes exist in the collectors’ market.
