Warranted 1796 Sword

Jim McDougall · 31st March 2010, 07:47 PM

Hi Richard,
Thank you so much for entering in on this and for the information on this interesting anomaly, and it makes me feel better knowing that you had not seen this name either. I felt a bit awkward after my speculations, but now seeing that with your long standing experience with these swords had not revealed this 'maker' enforces my original thoughts.

From what I understand, a 'factor' is an agent in mercantile matters, and I had suggested perhaps this firm had assembled a stock of these swords and marketed them privately. I did not see mention of government proof stamps mentioned on these so marked swords. The warranted guarantee was most heavily used by Gill, who was the most outspoken proponent for British sword blades during these issues on sword quality. While I have seen 'warranted' alone with Osborn blades, I honestly was not aware of this guarantee used by the other makers involved.

Actually I was surprised when I saw that Thomas Gill was still placing this warranted never to fail in panels on the 1796 swords as I had only seen it on light cavalry sabres of 1788. It is interesting that the guarantee (as far as I know) did not appear on heavy cavalry officers blades.

I do not have any personal experience with Mr. Bezdek, although I do have his book on German swords, which seems fairly comprehensive as a simple compilation of data. The only reference I have had for makers was the venerable volumes of May & Annis ("Swords for Sea Service") which I do not have handy these days. I understand that there have been considerable revisions concerning many of the makers, such as Craven in particular.

Thank you again for the valuable input here Richard, its always great to have you here!!!!

All the best,
Jim

31st March 2010, 07:47 PM	#10
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,194	Hi Richard, Thank you so much for entering in on this and for the information on this interesting anomaly, and it makes me feel better knowing that you had not seen this name either. I felt a bit awkward after my speculations, but now seeing that with your long standing experience with these swords had not revealed this 'maker' enforces my original thoughts. From what I understand, a 'factor' is an agent in mercantile matters, and I had suggested perhaps this firm had assembled a stock of these swords and marketed them privately. I did not see mention of government proof stamps mentioned on these so marked swords. The warranted guarantee was most heavily used by Gill, who was the most outspoken proponent for British sword blades during these issues on sword quality. While I have seen 'warranted' alone with Osborn blades, I honestly was not aware of this guarantee used by the other makers involved. Actually I was surprised when I saw that Thomas Gill was still placing this warranted never to fail in panels on the 1796 swords as I had only seen it on light cavalry sabres of 1788. It is interesting that the guarantee (as far as I know) did not appear on heavy cavalry officers blades. I do not have any personal experience with Mr. Bezdek, although I do have his book on German swords, which seems fairly comprehensive as a simple compilation of data. The only reference I have had for makers was the venerable volumes of May & Annis ("Swords for Sea Service") which I do not have handy these days. I understand that there have been considerable revisions concerning many of the makers, such as Craven in particular. Thank you again for the valuable input here Richard, its always great to have you here!!!! All the best, Jim