Ethiopian Saber of Menilek II
 

Hi everyone, As soon as I saw the "concurring lion of Judea" I knew this was Ethiopian. But it also has the name of Menilek II, a pivotal historical figure in African history. My question is who made this sword? I GG a German maker?

Thank you in advance.

Additional images:

The other side of the blade and some of the leather work on the scabbard...

I've seen similar GG markings on British swords, like the 1786 spadroon below.

My understanding of the GG mark is that it stands for Gesetzlich Geschutzt, very loosely translates into "patented". So yes, it does signify a German made blade, but does not belong to any maker in particular. Nice sword!

Yes, GG means "gesetzlich geschützt"! And it's also correct that it doesn't belong to a special maker. And yes, German, most probably Solingen.

Regards,
Detlef

This stamp indicates that the company has received a patent for the production of this type of product.

Does this also apply to the British sword above, i.e. does this one happen to have a German made blade?

Hi Nathan,

I guess it's like that! But I am far away from being an expert for European blades! ;)

Regards,
Detlef

Many thanks for the information! I always leave this board more educated than when I arrived.

As an aside, this is one of a pair of identical sabers I obtained in an auction. I gave the other to an Ethiopian friend, a history professor, who was very pleased with it. Thanks to him, I received an excellent education about the significance of Menilek II in African history. :)

G'day Werecow, in this case it indicates that your sword was made by Henry Osborn around 1796 - 1807. Henry Osborn was a British sword cutler who used the G stamp as some sort of acceptance mark. Sometimes the G was stamped twice like on your sword. There is a thread on it here somewhere. Nothing to do with the GG you sometimes see on later German blades.
Cheers,
Bryce

Ah, that clears that up, thanks!