English Short Sword

[Atlantia]

Well, that proves one thing.
This is not a marriage or altered item.

Gotta go out now. Midwife appointment for my Mrs and me
Will report progress if any when I get back. (couple of hours)
In the meantime, does anyone want to try and track down an email address for the other collections suggested?

Gene

[Atlantia]

OK, well here are the relevant bits of the back and fourth conversations I've had with our kind curator at The Tower's Armoury today.
I did explain that the sword belonged to a friend of mine who wasn't in the UK, so I'm sure she expects me to be sharing the relevant pieces of the emails:

She at first drew a blank and passed it to a collegue to research.

'My colleague is pursuing it – we think Wallace and Wallace may have had one go through some years ago. Interesting that they are produced in both white and yellow metal. Blank on named firm – nothing in Swords for Sea Service vol II (I’m not entirely surprised; probably a retailer not a maker) or in my small index down here. Most of this sort of information should be at Leeds, if you ring the Library and ask them to look in the de Cosson index (Tel: 0113.220.1832), but probably requires a hike through the later 19th C directories.'

And lastly:

'Kent Arms sales sold one in the 1990s and id it as Customs House one – not sure, but you might ask Customs Museum at Liverpool. The one for sale was white metal too.

Other than that cannot think of many more avenues. Will let you know if aught more turns up.'

Something to digest!

[Dmitry]

There is no maker Woods & Son on Bow St, however there's a E. [Edmund] Wood, listed as a sword cutler, working on Bow St ca.1822-1836.
He later moved to 10 Great Wild St in Lincoln's Inn Fields, ca/1837-1840

[Jim McDougall]

Gentlemen, I have nothing to add at this point, but cannot resist admiring the fantastic teamwork, and brilliant detective work unfolding here!!!!
You guys are absolutely the best and this is exactly what our forum is about.
Thank you all so much!

Jim

[celtan]

Wow, look all that went on while I was away! Guys, I'm humbled by the results of your joint effort. I'm also ashamed, I plumb forgot to check Old Sword's database.

I guess I deserve to be whipped with a wet noodle...

BTW, I read somewhere that there were no sword makers in Covent Garden, just retailers.

Compared to the sword at Old Swords, mine is almost in relic state. Very little remains of the etched panel, and the fish-skin grip is in poor condition.

Well, it is said that the thrill is in the hunt. Tally Ho, & Kudos to you all !

: )


M

[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?

[celtan]

Hi Guys!

G: I can't say if its bronze, I need to get back home and check. I do remember the hilt's shade is kinda' dark-yellowish, compared to the blade.
OTOH, I remember a hilt of silimlar shade becoming gray, once the oily residues were cleansed away with a solvent.

Below, more pics from a web-based photo depot, just click on the thumbs.:

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by celtan

Hi Guys!

G: I can't say if its bronze, I need to get back home and check. I do remember the hilt's shade is kinda' dark-yellowish, compared to the blade.
OTOH, I remember a hilt of silimlar shade becoming gray, once the oily residues were cleansed away with a solvent.

Below, more pics from a web-based photo depot, just click on the thumbs.:

OK, let me know as soon as you're sure, I'll email her and tell her.
They do look bronze in the pics.

[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