G'day Guys,
British swords from the period 1796-1816 are often encountered with a "G" or sometimes "GG" stamp on the ricasso. Over the years there has been a lot of discussion about who manufactured these blades and what the G stamp stood for. Over at the Antique Swords Forum we have been doing some research on this topic:
http://antiqueswordforum.com/viewtop...66de7cce326af8
I am convinced that the G stamp was an inspection stamp used by the British sword cutler Henry Osborn and then Osborn and Gunby, on their officers' quality sword blades.
So far it appears that all Osborn marked officers' sword blades also have a G or GG stamp and many (but not all) Osborn and Gunby marked blades do as well. It is likely that at some point between about 1810 and 1816, Osborn and Gunby stopped stamping their blades in this way. I haven't seen a G stamped blade that was also marked to a different maker other than Osborn or Osborn and Gunby.
To help answer this question once and for all, I would appreciate it if anyone who has an Osborn, Osborn and Gunby or G stamped British sword could pull it out and check it for a G stamp or other markings and post the result. With 1796 light cavalry models with langets it can be very difficult to spot the stamp. You need to pull up the leather washer and shine a light behind the langet to see it properly. Remember, we are looking for a "G" stamp, not engraved G's.
I am particularly interested in dateable Osborn and Gunby marked swords, to try and narrow down the date when they stopped G stamping them.
I appreciate any help you can give me.
Cheers,
Bryce