Looking for info about a blade mark/stamp.

[morel5000]

Hi All,

I am new here and I got attracted to this forum due to this post. I recently purchased a M1796 pattern light cavalry sabre with similar markings. I got it in my possession, however haven't been able to make my own pictures yet so I'll use the ones from the seller.

Then I saw another "Ethnographic" arm for sale at a local internet site. Here the markings are almost the same, however they are fully written, so not abbreviated.

The stamp reads "Warranted Ward Cast Steel". I think the font is even the same.

On of the possible "Ward"s is located in Sheffield. More info can be found here:

http://www.shef.ac.uk/hawley/project...and-payne.html

check out the marks in the 1880's here:

http://www.shef.ac.uk/hawley/project...rademarks.html

Anyone has another possible manufacturer Ward?

Still a few questions remain; is my M1796 an export blade? Where did it go? Germany? The East? America? It looks used (sword cuts in the blade) and it is sharp. Could this be a private weapon used on the continent (as it resembles the German M1811)?

Best regards,
Michel