Album: Ferlach Damascus Rosetta Stone

Damascus sample display in the Buchsenmacher u. Jagdmuseum of Ferlach, Austria courtesy of Charles A. Herzog Sr., Jurgen Sparoz, and Christian Schussmann, Kirschentheuer, Austria. Photos by Charles and Richard B. Hoover. Christian Schussmann graciously provided access to the display cabinets which unfortunately could not be opened. The pictures are digital images taken through the glass, but are adequate to conclusively identify most of the named patterns. My sincere thanks to Charles, Richard (who traveled to Ferlach in May 2008), and Chris for this significance contribution to damascus pattern identification.

PLEASE NOTE: 'Luttich' is 'Liege' in German suggesting at least the pattern, if not the damascus segment, is Belgian. Most sample segments are paired; one acid etched but not 'browned' and the other which appears to be finished, but some with significant loss in the pattern contrast, silvering, darkening, corrosion, and/or rust. Adequate images of Gedreht (turned) and Halbgedreht (half-turned) could not be obtained. Washington and Ferlacher Austria 1 are 'Stars and Stripes' patterns. Hufnagel appears to be Damas Anglais or in a higher grade, 'Oxford'. Birmingham is Skelp or Plain Twist. London is Damascus Twist. The pattern labeled Crolle, which means coiled or twisted in English, is clearly Twist. PREVIOUSLY UNIDENTIFIED PATTERNS include Austria 1 and 2, Toncin (possibly Daly 'Clunny'), Rosen (which is similar to some Remington 'Oxford 4 S.J.' patterns), and Carinthia (a particularly interesting Crolle.)