German Trade Blades

Jeff D · 23rd April 2006, 05:28 PM

Hi Mark,

You might want to start with this thread. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...highlight=gesh

Jeff

M.carter · 23rd April 2006, 07:58 PM

Thanks Jeff, Ive seen that thread already, I actually handled one of those swords closely, and thats what got me into them. Im not interested in their ethiopean fittings (no offence), but more interested in the blades. They seem so "perfect", technically and physically.

I want to know about their history, and their use, where they ever mentioned in military reports? Which firm made them? (in solingen right??)

Jeff D · 23rd April 2006, 10:09 PM

Hi Mark,

A large number of these blades were produced by the Wilkinson firm in England. Solingen of course also produced many. Derek has the export catalogue pages from Wilkinson and Julius Voos of Solingen (I think he posted these on the old forum). F.W. Holler most likely produced the "thermometer" blades and my guess is that Kroneck produced the blades with the crown mark. I think most of these blades are late 19th and early 20th century.
As you saw in the last thread the G.G. most likely stands for the German patent mark Ges. Gesch..
Derek, roanoa and of course Jimmy McD can undoubtably add more to this.

All the Best
Jeff

M.carter · 23rd April 2006, 10:43 PM

Thanks alot Jeff

Jim McDougall · 24th April 2006, 05:33 AM

I think Derek and certainly Ron can add much more than I on these, but Jeffy

has really done some outstanding research on these blades, and most of the data I have has been acquired from his posts.
It seems plausible that the blades may have been supplied to Abyssinia via British exporters during the latter 19th century, despite thier Solingen production. Apparantly the Abyssinians particularly favored British products and Mole as well as Wilkinson furnished blades during this time. Wilkinson did not dominate the furnishing of such blades until the early 20th century,and by 1932 they appear to have exclusively furnished blades for the Ethiopian government under Emperor Haile Sellasie. Great Britain occupied the Port of Aden in Saudi Arabia, which may have been a source for the German blades as it was a key trade center as well. It would be difficult to determine more exactly, giving the political volatility prior to, during and just after WWI.

Many of these weapons may have seen service during the campaigns during the occupation there by Italy into the 1930's, however most seem to have been parade or ceremonial weapons. Most narratives, or historical accounts of these times and events typically carry little detail on weapons, however they do provide a good perspective on the costume and uniforms worn (especially "The Italian Invasion of Abyssinia", David Nicolle, Osprey #309).

Best regards,
Jim

Jeff D · 24th April 2006, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

I think Derek and certainly Ron can add much more than I on these, but Jeffy

...
Jim

He He He ...

. Thanks Jim as always your depth of research never fails to impress.

lov'n it
Jeff

M.carter · 26th April 2006, 06:35 PM

Thanks alot Jim,

regarding Derek, where is he? Last time he logged on was in december 2005. I sent him a pm regarding one of his ethiopian swords.

23rd April 2006, 05:28 PM	#1
Jeff D Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: B.C. Canada Posts: 473	Hi Mark, You might want to start with this thread. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...highlight=gesh Jeff

23rd April 2006, 07:58 PM	#2
M.carter Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 176	Thanks Jeff, Ive seen that thread already, I actually handled one of those swords closely, and thats what got me into them. Im not interested in their ethiopean fittings (no offence), but more interested in the blades. They seem so "perfect", technically and physically. I want to know about their history, and their use, where they ever mentioned in military reports? Which firm made them? (in solingen right??)

23rd April 2006, 10:09 PM	#3
Jeff D Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: B.C. Canada Posts: 473	Hi Mark, A large number of these blades were produced by the Wilkinson firm in England. Solingen of course also produced many. Derek has the export catalogue pages from Wilkinson and Julius Voos of Solingen (I think he posted these on the old forum). F.W. Holler most likely produced the "thermometer" blades and my guess is that Kroneck produced the blades with the crown mark. I think most of these blades are late 19th and early 20th century. As you saw in the last thread the G.G. most likely stands for the German patent mark Ges. Gesch.. Derek, roanoa and of course Jimmy McD can undoubtably add more to this. All the Best Jeff

23rd April 2006, 10:43 PM	#4
M.carter Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 176	Thanks alot Jeff

24th April 2006, 05:33 AM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,944	I think Derek and certainly Ron can add much more than I on these, but Jeffy has really done some outstanding research on these blades, and most of the data I have has been acquired from his posts. It seems plausible that the blades may have been supplied to Abyssinia via British exporters during the latter 19th century, despite thier Solingen production. Apparantly the Abyssinians particularly favored British products and Mole as well as Wilkinson furnished blades during this time. Wilkinson did not dominate the furnishing of such blades until the early 20th century,and by 1932 they appear to have exclusively furnished blades for the Ethiopian government under Emperor Haile Sellasie. Great Britain occupied the Port of Aden in Saudi Arabia, which may have been a source for the German blades as it was a key trade center as well. It would be difficult to determine more exactly, giving the political volatility prior to, during and just after WWI. Many of these weapons may have seen service during the campaigns during the occupation there by Italy into the 1930's, however most seem to have been parade or ceremonial weapons. Most narratives, or historical accounts of these times and events typically carry little detail on weapons, however they do provide a good perspective on the costume and uniforms worn (especially "The Italian Invasion of Abyssinia", David Nicolle, Osprey #309). Best regards, Jim

26th April 2006, 06:35 PM	#7
M.carter Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 176	Thanks alot Jim, regarding Derek, where is he? Last time he logged on was in december 2005. I sent him a pm regarding one of his ethiopian swords.