The "Bushy Tailed Fox" story

Jim McDougall · 4th September 2024, 09:59 PM

The crowned number was used on British swords from 1796 until 1820, after that it was a crown over letter (E=Enfield etc.) then a number.
I had never heard the numbers were kept secret. In France, the number or initial of the inspector identified each by name; in America inspectors used their initials. Whatever the case it seems most inspectors were known.....uncertain why they would keep names secret, but have never seen listing of who these guys were.

Triarii · 5th September 2024, 02:07 PM

I'd be interested in any identification of the inspection marks. As far as I could ascertain, its not clear if the numbers were linked to specific individuals or inspections carried out at specific manufacturers. The highest number I've seen was '12' on a 1796 HCS I had.

5th September 2024, 02:07 PM	#2
Triarii Member Join Date: Oct 2021 Location: Bristol Posts: 105	I'd be interested in any identification of the inspection marks. As far as I could ascertain, its not clear if the numbers were linked to specific individuals or inspections carried out at specific manufacturers. The highest number I've seen was '12' on a 1796 HCS I had. Attached Images

4th September 2024, 09:59 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,898	The crowned number was used on British swords from 1796 until 1820, after that it was a crown over letter (E=Enfield etc.) then a number. I had never heard the numbers were kept secret. In France, the number or initial of the inspector identified each by name; in America inspectors used their initials. Whatever the case it seems most inspectors were known.....uncertain why they would keep names secret, but have never seen listing of who these guys were.