Ethiopian Sword

[manteris1]

Hi everyone-

I have an Ethiopian Gorade. It has marks that I don't recognize. There is a mark on the top of the blade that looks like it might be "& GUNBY" and on the blade it looks like a crown with a number "4" underneath. There are also 3 other miscellaneous marks.
Any help would be appreciated. Sorry no pictures yet.

Thanks................jimmy

[Jeff D]

Hi Jimmy,

Most likely it is Osborn & Gunby A maker from London. Early 1800's.The other symbols will have to wait until I see the photo's.

Hope this helps.
Jeff

[derek]

Hi Jimmy,

Good to see you posting again.

Can't wait to see the pics of that one.

-d

[manteris1]

thanks, Jeff......

[roanoa]

Hi Jimmy. I really want to see the pictures of this one. Do not keep us waiting.... It was good to see you in Baltimore. Cheers, RON AZZI

[Jim McDougall]

Hi Jimmy,
It really is great to see you posting!!! We all missed ya!!
Jeff is exactly on target on this blade which as he notes Osborne & Gunby were prominant British swordmakers in Birmingham very active with the M1796 patterns. The marking of a crown over a numeral was inspection marking from the Tower, and after 1820 this marking changed to a letter between the crown and the numeral (Robson, p.191).

We know that British makers were extremely active in supplying blades to Abyssinia in the latter 19th and early 20th century, but most were blades manufactured by Wilkinson and Mole. It does seem reasonable that surplus blades may have been supplied prior to the large contracts for manufacture. It seems that quite a number of British blades became available in Arabia, thence to Ethiopia via thier presence in Aden also, and Ron Azzi and Derek can address this much better than I.

Wheres the pictures!!! :) Ya didn't sell this one already did ya!!?? Can never forget the shotel incident in Baltimore!!! The best!!!!
Welcome home Jimmy!
All the best,
Jim

[Jeff D]

Thanks Jim, I forgot that they had a Birmingham office as well :o .

Jeff

[Jim McDougall]

Hey Jeff!
Thats makes us even, I didn't realize Osborne also had the London office!! :)
Rechecking May & Annis, sho' nuff, both listings were there. Also showed Osborn and Gunby listed by that format from 1808-1820 which again places that blade between those years.
All the best,
Jim