Portuguese rapier blades

[urbanspaceman]

here's the last picture: this globe is at the top of a trumpet? in the figure's left hand;
apparently this figure is of some significance; anyone know what it represents? It's too early for Britannia Rules the Waves (1745).

[Radboud]

Originally Posted by urbanspaceman

here's the last picture: this globe is at the top of a trumpet? in the figure's left hand;
apparently this figure is of some significance; anyone know what it represents? It's too early for Britannia Rules the Waves (1745).

Why do you say it's too early if 'Rule Britannia' is from 1740? Thomas Gill Snr was born around 1743 and died in 1801. He is first listed as a file cutter and maker of watchmaker tools in 1767. It isn't until 1788 that we have a listing of him as a sword maker (along with other things).

On the balance of the evidence it's reasonable to believe that Thomas Gill didn't start making swords until the mid-1780s, meaning the figure could well be an early representation of Britannia.

[urbanspaceman]

Yes Radboud, you are perfectly correct; I don't know what I was thinking about... not thinking ....more's the case.
We have strayed from the original topic somewhat, but I'm still learning as we go.
ps
There were at least three Thomas Gills, the first died soon after arriving from Lancashire and setting up a file shop for watchmakers.