Mandinka Sword Mark

ksdw · 31st December 2015, 07:19 PM

Hi,

I am hoping that someone may be able to provide information about a mark on the blade of a Mandinka Sword that I have.

I purchased the sword at an auction many years ago and am just curious about the mark. I have searched on the internet without any luck.

Much appreciated
ksdw

Henk · 1st January 2016, 02:52 PM

Not a single reaction?

This is not my field, but it is a great looking sword. My guess is a rehilted reworked british sabre.

Iain · 1st January 2016, 02:56 PM

No reaction doesn't mean some of us aren't trying to find an answer.

Its a nice example and so far I've had no luck IDing the mark.

Tim Simmons · 1st January 2016, 05:06 PM

According to " Pictorial History of Swords & Bayonets, R.J.Wilkinson.Latham" the crown is "British inspectors mark" and from "Swords of the British Army, Brian Robson, National Army museum Publications" the blade appears to be a version of a troopers "sword, light cavalry, pattern 1796" To cut a long story short, they were in service for about 30 years. Discarded swords were much sought after in India and I suspect traded widely elsewhere.
These swords were made by private manufacturers, supply delays due to wretched quality led to the decision that in future the Board of Ordnance would maintain a reserve of properly tested swords at the tower of London to meet any sudden expansion.

So tracking down the mark which I think is "Warren" might prove quick a task.

Iain · 1st January 2016, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

According to " Pictorial History of Swords & Bayonets, R.J.Wilkinson.Latham" the crown is "British inspectors mark" and from "Swords of the British Army, Brian Robson, National Army museum Publications" the blade appears to be a version of a troopers "sword, light cavalry, pattern 1796" To cut a long story short, they were in service for about 30 years. Discarded swords were much sought after in India and I suspect traded widely elsewhere.
These swords were made by private manufacturers, supply delays due to wretched quality led to the decision that in future the Board of Ordnance would maintain a reserve of properly tested swords at the tower of London to meet any sudden expansion.

So tracking down the mark which I think is "Warren" might prove quick a task.

Hi Tim,

I agree the crown appears to correspond to a British inspection mark, however typically this is followed by a letter and/or a number. The lion is quite odd in this regard and the bit I'm having trouble tracking down.

Tim Simmons · 1st January 2016, 05:46 PM

Who knows how strict or how slack or the proper stamping procedure now?

31st December 2015, 07:19 PM	#1
ksdw Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 1	Mandinka Sword Mark Hi, I am hoping that someone may be able to provide information about a mark on the blade of a Mandinka Sword that I have. I purchased the sword at an auction many years ago and am just curious about the mark. I have searched on the internet without any luck. Much appreciated ksdw Attached Images

1st January 2016, 02:52 PM	#2
Henk Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,209	Not a single reaction? This is not my field, but it is a great looking sword. My guess is a rehilted reworked british sabre.

1st January 2016, 02:56 PM	#3
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,693	No reaction doesn't mean some of us aren't trying to find an answer. Its a nice example and so far I've had no luck IDing the mark.

1st January 2016, 05:06 PM	#4
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	According to " Pictorial History of Swords & Bayonets, R.J.Wilkinson.Latham" the crown is "British inspectors mark" and from "Swords of the British Army, Brian Robson, National Army museum Publications" the blade appears to be a version of a troopers "sword, light cavalry, pattern 1796" To cut a long story short, they were in service for about 30 years. Discarded swords were much sought after in India and I suspect traded widely elsewhere. These swords were made by private manufacturers, supply delays due to wretched quality led to the decision that in future the Board of Ordnance would maintain a reserve of properly tested swords at the tower of London to meet any sudden expansion. So tracking down the mark which I think is "Warren" might prove quick a task.

1st January 2016, 05:46 PM	#6
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	Who knows how strict or how slack or the proper stamping procedure now?