After Maker/retailer Info: 1822/45 Pattern Sabre by Manders & Allender Liverpool

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

I am not familiar with this retailer, however I wanted to note that in about this time period, another instance of numbers stamped on the blade spine. I have a Reeves M1821 light cavalry sabre stamped with Reeves name and the number 111 in bold numbers. It has been some time since I have seen the sword, but these stamps are in the usual location near the forte on blade spine. I always thought this might be unit numbers perhaps for contract for specific number of swords. As the M1821 had a lag in production from 1821 to 1829 I thought perhaps this one might have been an interim run production. I cannot recall details on that research but seemed worthy of note. I have not seen other makers adding numbers to thier name stamp, nor for that matter numbered blades (other obviously than Wilkinson who applied this practice later in around late 1850s? and onky on officers swords).

Reeves was a high profile and innovative maker who produced the patent tang used on the M1853 cavalry sabre, the first that universally was designed for both light and heavy cavalry in English swords.

Im not sure how this might apply to the number here, but as always look forward to other views and suggestions.

Hi mate,

I was wondering if the number on the spine in this case was just an inventory number for the retailers records.
I was hoping that somewhere these records might still exist and have coresponding names of buyers attached.....
Seems increasingly unlikely.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Atlantia

Hi mate,

I was wondering if the number on the spine in this case was just an inventory number for the retailers records.
I was hoping that somewhere these records might still exist and have coresponding names of buyers attached.....
Seems increasingly unlikely.

The point I was alluding to is that perhaps the numbers in this location on blade might be a number to tally a unit of a set number ordered used by a maker completing that order. Admittedly this seems a bit tenuous as it does not seem such accounting would be necessary, but suggested just the same.
clearly the number has some record oriented purpose, but I dont think retailers would have done so.....as mentioned, Wilkinson is the only maker I am aware of who numbered and recorded sales to officers. I think they still have records on file and Robert Wilkinson has access to files. I think he is likely the best source to find out about this retailer and more detail, unfortunately he is on another forum.

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

The point I was alluding to is that perhaps the numbers in this location on blade might be a number to tally a unit of a set number ordered used by a maker completing that order. Admittedly this seems a bit tenuous as it does not seem such accounting would be necessary, but suggested just the same.
clearly the number has some record oriented purpose, but I dont think retailers would have done so.....as mentioned, Wilkinson is the only maker I am aware of who numbered and recorded sales to officers. I think they still have records on file and Robert Wilkinson has access to files. I think he is likely the best source to find out about this retailer and more detail, unfortunately he is on another forum.

Hi Jim,
Sorry, I hadn't thought of that. What a good idea! I just hate when there are undeciphered numbers like this.

I've posted it... where Robert frequents, hopfully he can help.

I've oiled the blade in readiness to clean the tiny amount of rust-dust thats formed.
Sadly some plank has managed to get brasso in the ray-skin, getting that off is going to be.... 'fun'.

Best
Gene

[katana]

Originally Posted by Atlantia

Sadly some plank has managed to get brasso in the ray-skin, getting that off is going to be.... 'fun'.

Best
Gene

Hiya Mate ,
my advice, clean using a soft toothbrush with some soapy water (washing up liquid) , do not over wet, dry/dab with kitchen paper. Re-do as necessary..rinse with clean water...once completely clean and dry, apply some olive oil to re-vitalise the ray-skin.

All the best
David

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by katana

Hiya Mate ,
my advice, clean using a soft toothbrush with some soapy water (washing up liquid) , do not over wet, dry/dab with kitchen paper. Re-do as necessary..rinse with clean water...once completely clean and dry, apply some olive oil to re-vitalise the ray-skin.

All the best
David

Hi David

Thanks for the tips, is olive oil the recommended 'food' for this stuff then?

Best
Gene

[katana]

Hi Gene,
olive oil was recommended to me for 'shagreen'. I had 2 layers of paint on one of mine I had no option but to use 'paint stripper' ....the chemical reaction on the skin had dried it a little and the olive oil seems to work well in 'moisturising' the shagreen. I put it on, allowed it to absorb for a while and used tissue to remove the excess.

David

[Atlantia]

David,

I cleaned the ray-skin with a toothbrush as you suggested.
I started with just dampening it then tried some dilute ispropol alcohol.
Complete success! Looks fantastic now.
Thanks mate

The stuff is suprisingly sturdy!

I've had the blade oiled in readiness for cleaning the minor rust dust and small problem areas by the hilt.

If anyone has any suggestions for cleaning the etched blade then I'm all ears?


Best
Gene