Ethiopian Sabre and Mystery sword just won on eBay..comments please?

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Jerseyman

Just seen this very old thread and have relevant information.

The stamped appellation 'Whites London' on the forte of a blade is from a theatrical costumiers called Whites - they were in business from the mid 19C for just over a hundred years until they were bought out by Foxes, another theatrical supplier. They were primarily known for armour, weapons and jewellery. I have actually spoken with one of their last employees.

It is sometimes suggested that the name refers to Jonathan White, a cutler on the Strand 1780 -1795 - but IMHO the stamp is far too modern/industrial for the period.

The National Maritime museum has a Whites blade, as does the Theatre museum, now subsumed into the Victoria & Albert museum collections.

I have a small collection of their weapons ranging across their whole period of production, all with exactly the same stamp. It is very clear that they are theatrical weapons.

If I can locate the relevant notebook I shall post more information.

Ah! that is very impressive well spotted!! Great research... I nearly said Free Masons sword... ... Theatrical indeed! seems accurate.