English Short Sword

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by Atlantia

Hi Manuel,

The Tower have been back in contact this morn:

"Reviewing it all the morning after – can I check – is your friend’s example yellow metal or white (I had it in my head as yellow, but all the other evidence is for white metal examples). I am chary about the Customs service identification – just because it is so different from the other customs’ swords. I’d like a bit more concrete evidence. Also from dim memory of the NMM (I started off there), the customs service is more often allied to the Navy than the Army, but it keeps changing its allegiance throughout the 18th & 19th C – however I am no expert in the field – hence do contact Liverpool. I would try Houses of Parliament too – if only to exclude the option.

I will keep an eye out for more info – although I paddle more along the muddy streams of Tower history nowadays. Please let us know if your researches expose more concrete evidence. Good hunting"

The mounts ARE Bronze aren't they?

BTW: I take it that when our friend uses the ab': 'NMM' she refers to the National Maritime Museum.

[katana]

Just to 'echo' Jim's sentiments....It's been great to see such collaboration and community spirit ......keep up the good work guys


All the best
David

[celtan]

Yep, I agree Katana. It is fun!

BTW G, just polished a small section of the cross-guard, the yellowish tinge was indeed due to patina/oily residues. The hilt is made of white metal.

Take care y'all

: )

M

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by celtan

Yep, I agree Katana. It is fun!

BTW G, just polished a small section of the cross-guard, the yellowish tinge was indeed due to patina/oily residues. The hilt is made of white metal.

Take care y'all

: )

M

Bloody hell! Well there's a suprise! I'll let our friend know.

[celtan]

G,

I so much envy your access to civilized museums...

Originally Posted by Atlantia

Bloody hell! Well there's a suprise! I'll let our friend know.

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by celtan

G,

I so much envy your access to civilized museums...

Well, not so much access for me, I'm at the 'arse end' of the country so can't visit them personally
But, they are State museums, so they do 'belong' to the people
As a socialist, I'd be horrified if they wouldn't help a polite request

I've emailed our Kind Curator to tell her that yours is white metal, and I'll let you know as soon/if she comes up with anything more.

Gene

[Bryan.H]

Trawlling through the oldsword.com database (looking for something entirely different!) I came accross this one. The Hilt is virtually identical to the sword discussed here (without the portcullis shell guard), but made by Wilkinson. This example is dated 1853. I'm starting to think of this sword as a 'presentation' blade', similar to private purchase poignards awarded for civillian and military service or excellence.







Item Description (Item Id: 22764)

ANTIQUE 1853 WILKINSON PRESENTATION SWORD
A very unusual and possibly unique sidearm made by Henry Wilkinson and etched on the blade :PRESENTED TO JAMES MONROE BY THE COMPANY JUNE 1853.As there is no reference to the presenter other than the company.it was possibly given by Wilkinsons, to someone conected with them.I have never seen one like it. There are similarities to the military band swords of the period, and it is reminicant of a Royal Scottish Archers sword I once owned a few years ago.The overall length is 26 inches, and the blade is 19 1/2 inches. The fittings are nickle and the grip is rayskin bound with wire.The scabard is leather with nickle mounts.the overall condition is nice,the blade retaining a good polish,with some light staining but no pitting.