A group of 3 swords won on eBay

katana · 13th November 2006, 10:53 AM

Hi Jim,
thankyou for your informative comments....always a pleasure to hear from you

. I must admit I'm quite excited about the prospect of researching the history of both swords. The sword (Wilkinson) is indeed numbered.....my only reservation is that the information held by Wilkinson Sword can be minimal ie only the branch of the Armed Forces that the sword was sold to, is known...... to much more detailed info when sold to an Individual, ie name, rank, regiment etc........only time will tell....
I am also pleased that I'm not the only one who thinks there is a relationship between the two swords..... I was beginnig to think my over active imagination ...had lead me astray.....again

Jim McDougall · 13th November 2006, 01:41 PM

Hi Katana,
You are most welcome! That 'overactive imagination' is actually 'passion for history' and is exactly what has propelled me through decades of adventures with antique edged weapons

When I began collecting, I was fascinated by probably too many action adventures on TV and in movies, especially those on the British Empire such as "Gunga Din", "Charge of the Light Brigade" and "Khartoum" to name a few.
I began collecting British cavalry patterns and eventually began collecting the ethnographic swords that would have been trophies or souveniers presenting the exact scenario here.
I really look forward to hearing more on your findings on the Wilkinson sword. Regardless of the outcome, having a genuine 19th century Wilkinson sword is outstanding, one of the most highly regarded firms that became quintessant in swordmaking.
Thank you for sharing these, and the response!!

All the best,
Jim

VANDOO · 15th November 2006, 05:33 PM

THE DHA SHORT SWORD IS MADE FOR TOURISTS DURING THE 20 CENTURY AND MANY WERE SOLD IN VIETNAM AND THAILAND TO TROOPS ON LEAVE THERE. THEY ARE WELL CARVED FROM TEAK AND ARE ATTRACTIVE WALL HANGERS BUT THE BLADES ARE NOT VERY GOOD AND THE GRIP DECORATION WOULD INTERFERE A BIT IN USE. THEY WERE NOT MADE FOR USE BUT FOR SOUVINEERS AND DECORATION.

katana · 15th November 2006, 07:15 PM

Hi Vandoo, thankyou for the info....they arrived today and your description of the Dha is most accurate...the grip is indeed OVERSIZED.

I will post pictures of the other two shortly......my camera is 'playing up'

...so it may take a while....

katana · 15th November 2006, 08:40 PM

Here are the pictures of the Wilkinson Sword, a M1822 light cavalry sword as the pommel is chequered (thanks Jim

) . It is nicely balanced and is in very nice condition. I am in the process of matching the serial number to its history...

katana · 15th November 2006, 08:54 PM

Here is the Kaskara.....only 30'' in length OA, the sword shows age, the leather covering the hilt is 'worn' and has shrunk, the blade's etched script is quite worn in places. The blade is typically thin and springy, the crossguard and langets are 'patina-ed' brass...possibly bronze. IMHO quite likely a 'Mahdist' period piece......

15th November 2006, 08:40 PM	#5
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Here are the pictures of the Wilkinson Sword, a M1822 light cavalry sword as the pommel is chequered (thanks Jim ) . It is nicely balanced and is in very nice condition. I am in the process of matching the serial number to its history... Attached Images

15th November 2006, 08:54 PM	#6
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Here is the Kaskara.....only 30'' in length OA, the sword shows age, the leather covering the hilt is 'worn' and has shrunk, the blade's etched script is quite worn in places. The blade is typically thin and springy, the crossguard and langets are 'patina-ed' brass...possibly bronze. IMHO quite likely a 'Mahdist' period piece...... Attached Images

13th November 2006, 10:53 AM	#1
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Hi Jim, thankyou for your informative comments....always a pleasure to hear from you . I must admit I'm quite excited about the prospect of researching the history of both swords. The sword (Wilkinson) is indeed numbered.....my only reservation is that the information held by Wilkinson Sword can be minimal ie only the branch of the Armed Forces that the sword was sold to, is known...... to much more detailed info when sold to an Individual, ie name, rank, regiment etc........only time will tell.... I am also pleased that I'm not the only one who thinks there is a relationship between the two swords..... I was beginnig to think my over active imagination ...had lead me astray.....again

13th November 2006, 01:41 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,457	Hi Katana, You are most welcome! That 'overactive imagination' is actually 'passion for history' and is exactly what has propelled me through decades of adventures with antique edged weapons When I began collecting, I was fascinated by probably too many action adventures on TV and in movies, especially those on the British Empire such as "Gunga Din", "Charge of the Light Brigade" and "Khartoum" to name a few. I began collecting British cavalry patterns and eventually began collecting the ethnographic swords that would have been trophies or souveniers presenting the exact scenario here. I really look forward to hearing more on your findings on the Wilkinson sword. Regardless of the outcome, having a genuine 19th century Wilkinson sword is outstanding, one of the most highly regarded firms that became quintessant in swordmaking. Thank you for sharing these, and the response!! All the best, Jim

15th November 2006, 05:33 PM	#3
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	THE DHA SHORT SWORD IS MADE FOR TOURISTS DURING THE 20 CENTURY AND MANY WERE SOLD IN VIETNAM AND THAILAND TO TROOPS ON LEAVE THERE. THEY ARE WELL CARVED FROM TEAK AND ARE ATTRACTIVE WALL HANGERS BUT THE BLADES ARE NOT VERY GOOD AND THE GRIP DECORATION WOULD INTERFERE A BIT IN USE. THEY WERE NOT MADE FOR USE BUT FOR SOUVINEERS AND DECORATION.

15th November 2006, 07:15 PM	#4
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Hi Vandoo, thankyou for the info....they arrived today and your description of the Dha is most accurate...the grip is indeed OVERSIZED. I will post pictures of the other two shortly......my camera is 'playing up' ...so it may take a while....