Sword for ID

Jim McDougall · 22nd February 2014, 05:56 PM

Hi Russel,
I am inclined to agree with a number of TRL's observations, the WD arrow marks on the hilt do seem spurious, and the solid cast brass hilt does resemble bandsmans swords of the mid 19th c.

It is interesting to note the post-service use of so many bayonets, particularly in colonial settings. Many native edged weapons have been fashioned using these once issued bayonet blades, for example many of the sboula daggers of the Moroccan and some Saharan regions. The short and solid blades of bayonets often served well for any number of utilitarian or ersatz purposes.

The possibility of perhaps a bayonet blade used to fabricate a weapon to be used as a stage prop also crossed my mind, as this is well known to have taken place in many cases in the latter 19th c. However, the placement of these spurious WD markings would seem superfluous, thus defeating that idea .

Another interesting circumstance involves the case of the curious phenomenon of the Francis Bannerman firm of New York, operating in latter 19th and into 20th c. and who purchased huge hoards of surplus arms. They catered to the burgeoning ranks of collectors and those interested in war souveniers. In many instances the firm quite literally produced 'antique' pieces using authentic components along with fabricated hilts, one star example was the briquette. Typically however these were actually stamped with the firms own markings as identification.
Perhaps this unusual weapon might have been produced in like manner by another producer ?

If this had been something actually issued to units of other ranks even in military parlance in any country , the WD marks are telling.

I do look forward to images of the other examples.

All the best,
Jim

22nd February 2014, 05:56 PM	#7
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,295	Hi Russel, I am inclined to agree with a number of TRL's observations, the WD arrow marks on the hilt do seem spurious, and the solid cast brass hilt does resemble bandsmans swords of the mid 19th c. It is interesting to note the post-service use of so many bayonets, particularly in colonial settings. Many native edged weapons have been fashioned using these once issued bayonet blades, for example many of the sboula daggers of the Moroccan and some Saharan regions. The short and solid blades of bayonets often served well for any number of utilitarian or ersatz purposes. The possibility of perhaps a bayonet blade used to fabricate a weapon to be used as a stage prop also crossed my mind, as this is well known to have taken place in many cases in the latter 19th c. However, the placement of these spurious WD markings would seem superfluous, thus defeating that idea . Another interesting circumstance involves the case of the curious phenomenon of the Francis Bannerman firm of New York, operating in latter 19th and into 20th c. and who purchased huge hoards of surplus arms. They catered to the burgeoning ranks of collectors and those interested in war souveniers. In many instances the firm quite literally produced 'antique' pieces using authentic components along with fabricated hilts, one star example was the briquette. Typically however these were actually stamped with the firms own markings as identification. Perhaps this unusual weapon might have been produced in like manner by another producer ? If this had been something actually issued to units of other ranks even in military parlance in any country , the WD marks are telling. I do look forward to images of the other examples. All the best, Jim