Could you help me with this blucher style saber?

[BBJW]

My WIDC cutlass has the same maker's mark- F H and the boat. Yours with the same mark is the only other one I've seen.-- bbjw

[Forja Fontenla]

Originally Posted by BBJW

My WIDC cutlass has the same maker's mark- F H and the boat. Yours with the same mark is the only other one I've seen.-- bbjw

BBJW
Where did you find it?
I live in Argentina. My country, during the wars of independence (1810-1825) and later during the civil wars (Unitarios Vs Federales) it was customary to acquire surplus weapons until they began to regulate weapons around 1870.
It is possible that this saber reached these lands in those times...
Eduardo

[toaster5sqn]

Originally Posted by Forja Fontenla

BBJW
Where did you find it?
I live in Argentina. My country, during the wars of independence (1810-1825) and later during the civil wars (Unitarios Vs Federales) it was customary to acquire surplus weapons until they began to regulate weapons around 1870.
It is possible that this saber reached these lands in those times...
Eduardo

I did find some hints when trying to identify what turned out to be a Prussian M1848 at the local museum that swords of that type may have been supplied to South America so that is very likely the source.

The langets were often removed in the field but it is entirely possible that a batch could have been ordered without them.

Robert

[Jim McDougall]

Eduardo, thank you for that most informative link! That was exactly what I was suggesting and seeing that there were apparently mounted patrols as well, perhaps these sabers were provided.

As Horster seems to have used only initials FH on his blades, it is tempting to think possible the stylized vessel device was used either in a brief period of his manufacture, or aligned with contract for naval oriented swords.

With the merger in 1818 it would seem the cutlasses marked WIDC (West India Docks Constabulary?) would be the terminus post quem for that acronym?

All speculations, and the South American circumstances are intriguing! Thank you for sharing these.

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Eduardo, thank you for that most informative link! That was exactly what I was suggesting and seeing that there were apparently mounted patrols as well, perhaps these sabers were provided.

As Horster seems to have used only initials FH on his blades, it is tempting to think possible the stylized vessel device was used either in a brief period of his manufacture, or aligned with contract for naval oriented swords.

With the merger in 1818 it would seem the cutlasses marked WIDC (West India Docks Constabulary?) would be the terminus post quem for that acronym?

All speculations, and the South American circumstances are intriguing! Thank you for sharing these.

Hi Jim,
Check out this link which I hope is of interest.
https://www.british-history.ac.uk/su...43-4/pp248-268
I think that WIDC stands for West India Docks Company rather than "Constabulary"
Regards Stu

[BBJW]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

Hi Jim,
Check out this link which I hope is of interest.
https://www.british-history.ac.uk/su...43-4/pp248-268
I think that WIDC stands for West India Docks Company rather than "Constabulary"
Regards Stu

It stands for company. My WIDC cutlass came from Eastern Europe and how it got there is a mystery. Also the WIDC museum dated it circa 1812-1820 and asked if I cared to donate it. Cheers- bbjw

[awdaniec666]

To round it up, here is a Blücher (M1811/ Säbel a/M) for comparison from my collection.