Items found on the schlossfelsen
Stonemason's marks in the bastion
There are more than 90 stonemason's marks on the carved stones from the excavated bastion. These carved symbols marked the work of individual stonemasons – they served as quality control, proof of work or for billing purposes. Stonemasons were highly qualified craftsmen who shaped stones, decorated them and prepared them for their use in construction.
Marks like these are to be found not only on the bastion, but also on other archaeological finds such as the column capital that forms part of this exhibition. Another special find is the signet ring, which served as a stonemason's personal mark.
| Column capital with stonemason's mark Sandstone First quarter of 17th century Historisches Museum Saar |
This column capital originates from Saarbrücken's renaissance castle. It formed the top of a column. There is a stonemason's mark worked into the decorative egg-and-dart relief. Right on into the late Middle Ages, capitals were mostly the work of stonemasons. Later, these decorative works were carried out by plasterers. |
| Signet ring Bronze 16th/early 17th century State Department of Saarland for Historical Monuments |
A rare, well-preserved signet ring with a stonemason's mark. Rings of this kind were reserved for high-ranking stonemasons only. In this case, however, the difficult situation with regard to sourcing makes it impossible to determine who the owner was. |