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

RSWORD · 24th September 2007, 10:51 PM

As far as hilt similarities with your straight bladed sword I would look at the US Cadet sword for those that graduate West Point. The hilt reminds me of those swords.

katana · 25th September 2007, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RSWORD

As far as hilt similarities with your straight bladed sword I would look at the US Cadet sword for those that graduate West Point. The hilt reminds me of those swords.

Hi RS,
thanks for the input, there are similarities, however it seems there is a rigid 'pattern' for West Point and the other military academies. I have searched and have not found it's 'twin'. Apparently the West Point 'pattern' was changed in the 1920's so it is possible that this is the earlier pattern...but cannot find any images to prove/disprove this.

I still feel that this is a British sword with 'colonial' overtones. Should be receiving it soon....perhaps then I will have more to 'go on

Jerseyman · 28th August 2016, 12:19 PM

Just seen this very old thread and have relevant information.

The stamped appellation 'Whites London' on the forte of a blade is from a theatrical costumiers called Whites - they were in business from the mid 19C for just over a hundred years until they were bought out by Foxes, another theatrical supplier. They were primarily known for armour, weapons and jewellery. I have actually spoken with one of their last employees.

It is sometimes suggested that the name refers to Jonathan White, a cutler on the Strand 1780 -1795 - but IMHO the stamp is far too modern/industrial for the period.

The National Maritime museum has a Whites blade, as does the Theatre museum, now subsumed into the Victoria & Albert museum collections.

I have a small collection of their weapons ranging across their whole period of production, all with exactly the same stamp. It is very clear that they are theatrical weapons.

If I can locate the relevant notebook I shall post more information.

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 28th August 2016, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerseyman

Just seen this very old thread and have relevant information.

The stamped appellation 'Whites London' on the forte of a blade is from a theatrical costumiers called Whites - they were in business from the mid 19C for just over a hundred years until they were bought out by Foxes, another theatrical supplier. They were primarily known for armour, weapons and jewellery. I have actually spoken with one of their last employees.

It is sometimes suggested that the name refers to Jonathan White, a cutler on the Strand 1780 -1795 - but IMHO the stamp is far too modern/industrial for the period.

The National Maritime museum has a Whites blade, as does the Theatre museum, now subsumed into the Victoria & Albert museum collections.

I have a small collection of their weapons ranging across their whole period of production, all with exactly the same stamp. It is very clear that they are theatrical weapons.

If I can locate the relevant notebook I shall post more information.

Ah! that is very impressive well spotted!! Great research... I nearly said Free Masons sword... ... Theatrical indeed! seems accurate.

Ian · 28th August 2016, 10:54 PM

Thanks Jerseyman. Good spotting in an old post!

Pictures documenting these weapons by White would be great to add to our archives and future reference. You might like to start a new thread on theatrical weapons, as this is a topic that has received little attention here.

Ian.

28th August 2016, 12:19 PM	#3
Jerseyman Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 97	Whites London - Theatrical Supplier Just seen this very old thread and have relevant information. The stamped appellation 'Whites London' on the forte of a blade is from a theatrical costumiers called Whites - they were in business from the mid 19C for just over a hundred years until they were bought out by Foxes, another theatrical supplier. They were primarily known for armour, weapons and jewellery. I have actually spoken with one of their last employees. It is sometimes suggested that the name refers to Jonathan White, a cutler on the Strand 1780 -1795 - but IMHO the stamp is far too modern/industrial for the period. The National Maritime museum has a Whites blade, as does the Theatre museum, now subsumed into the Victoria & Albert museum collections. I have a small collection of their weapons ranging across their whole period of production, all with exactly the same stamp. It is very clear that they are theatrical weapons. If I can locate the relevant notebook I shall post more information.

24th September 2007, 10:51 PM	#1
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,086	As far as hilt similarities with your straight bladed sword I would look at the US Cadet sword for those that graduate West Point. The hilt reminds me of those swords.

28th August 2016, 10:54 PM	#5
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,363	Thanks Jerseyman. Good spotting in an old post! Pictures documenting these weapons by White would be great to add to our archives and future reference. You might like to start a new thread on theatrical weapons, as this is a topic that has received little attention here. Ian.