Eduardo, thank you for that most informative link! That was exactly what I was suggesting and seeing that there were apparently mounted patrols as well, perhaps these sabers were provided.
As Horster seems to have used only initials FH on his blades, it is tempting to think possible the stylized vessel device was used either in a brief period of his manufacture, or aligned with contract for naval oriented swords.
With the merger in 1818 it would seem the cutlasses marked WIDC (West India Docks Constabulary?) would be the terminus post quem for that acronym?
All speculations, and the South American circumstances are intriguing! Thank you for sharing these.
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