West India Company Cutlass: What is this Marking?

Jim McDougall · 25th July 2010, 08:13 PM

Hi, my name is Jim and I am a weapons research addict

Here is one from a couple of years ago, BBJW posted it and proved to be an intriguing item, but as with many, left unresolved.

We now know that the WIDC markings stand for West India Dock Company, and #38 a rack or issue number. It appears to be one of the private type purchases of these brass hilt, ribbed iron grip cutlasses which were used in the early years of the 19th century, and seem to have subtle variation. Some seem to have been used by the Customs Dept.

At issue here is the fascinating marking, an extremely stylized boat, with the mast and spar a deliberately significant cross. As has been discussed at times through the years, certain elements were often used in merchants marks, which were used in early trade ventures to mark thier merchandise and materials, the cross sometimes being one of them.

In searching through references for use of a boat in early makers marks, I found one, not quite as stylized in the boat image, but with the initial M above it. This was believed to the maker Gemlich in Munich c. 1540. Obviously this mark does not signal it being a 16th century blade, but notes the interesting precedent, which has remote potential for suggestion associated in the style of this marking.

I'd like to renew the search for the origin and significance of this marking. It is of course not likely a makers mark, but perhaps a symbol for marking the property of WIDC? Anyone out there ever seen similar marks or know anything of this company?

Would really appreciate input........ahoy Mark, and BJ if you're out there!!

All the best,
Jim

25th July 2010, 08:13 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,940	West India Company Cutlass: What is this Marking? Hi, my name is Jim and I am a weapons research addict Here is one from a couple of years ago, BBJW posted it and proved to be an intriguing item, but as with many, left unresolved. We now know that the WIDC markings stand for West India Dock Company, and #38 a rack or issue number. It appears to be one of the private type purchases of these brass hilt, ribbed iron grip cutlasses which were used in the early years of the 19th century, and seem to have subtle variation. Some seem to have been used by the Customs Dept. At issue here is the fascinating marking, an extremely stylized boat, with the mast and spar a deliberately significant cross. As has been discussed at times through the years, certain elements were often used in merchants marks, which were used in early trade ventures to mark thier merchandise and materials, the cross sometimes being one of them. In searching through references for use of a boat in early makers marks, I found one, not quite as stylized in the boat image, but with the initial M above it. This was believed to the maker Gemlich in Munich c. 1540. Obviously this mark does not signal it being a 16th century blade, but notes the interesting precedent, which has remote potential for suggestion associated in the style of this marking. I'd like to renew the search for the origin and significance of this marking. It is of course not likely a makers mark, but perhaps a symbol for marking the property of WIDC? Anyone out there ever seen similar marks or know anything of this company? Would really appreciate input........ahoy Mark, and BJ if you're out there!! All the best, Jim Attached Images