Ethiopian Sabre and Mystery sword just won on eBay..comments please?

[katana]

Originally Posted by kronckew

nice snag katana.

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Thanks Kronckew,
I was surprised at the final price.

The straight sword is likely British made. There was a sword cutler called Jonathon White working in the Strand from 1780 to 1795 but at this time their blades were usually marked 'WHITES LONDON'. I would imagine that if this sword was made by the same swordsmiths ....that this was made after 1795. Bearing in mind that millitary pattern swords became straighter bladed as the 19th c progressed, this could be 19th c.

I have not been able to find a similar hilted sword....I beginning to wonder whether this was a 'custom' piece based on a Indian inspired hilt. If so, it is interesting that the 'disc' pommel is quite small therefore allowing more wrist movement. But would assume that as the sword is more 'cut and thrust' this would be important.