Hi all,
My grandfather has had two swords stored in his garage for 20 years+. He was given these by his uncle when he was around 10 years old.
He has now given them to me, and i am trying to find out anything about them.
One is obviously a samurai sword, and the other i belive is an English Naval Cutlass.
Can anyone help with any information regarding this sword? Its in reasonable condition and has its scabbard which is leather.
Any information would be great! Thanks

The blade

Grip

Scabbard Holder

Scabbard Tip

Does anyone know anything about this sowrd?

Hi Lewis, be patient. We have members that only check in every once in a while. My own thing is daggers, but I will check other references and try to help.

Jim

Thanks Jim, sorry about that.

Look forward to hearing what everyone thinks.

I to collect German daggers.

Lewis

I am still looking, but it appears to be a Russian Naval sword about 1857. The guard and grip are almost identical to the one I have a picture of to include the small slot in the upper finger protector. The very unusual pommel set up is also there which is how I identified it. The British have similar from that period but there grips and scabbards are different.

I hope this helps and if anyone has better information, please post it.

Jim

As for the scabbard, it is leather, but here is the German description.

"Die lederne Scheide ist mit Eisenbeschlagen versehen." I do not speak German.

I found the similar sword also in my books on Russian edged weapons. Same approximate dating but in this case it was referred to as "an experimental sword" which would make this very rare indeed. If i am correct that is.

Jim

Jim,
Thank you for the reply. Very interesting findings.
I do not know whether this is English or Russain, but the picture i saw on Michael Long Militaria, which it looked very similar to, said an English Naval cutlass.
Thanks for researching it.

Lewis

Michael Long is a very reputable and knowledgeable dealer. I have no doubt similar styles were used by most European countries. We see the same thing in 19th century naval dirks where many countries have similar styles.

In any case, a rare and unusual piece.

Jim

I have researched this blade in my library and find that 1 it is not British and unless any marking are noted I believe it to be Russian or Japanese by the long teardrop lug mainly and the grip ribs.

Paul

Thanks Paul!

I thought however it looked like this one:

http://www.michaeldlong.net/

Click Edged Weapons\British Swords\Page 5 and its the 6 one down, item number 101737. THe blade is 28.75cm to.

I suspect that this was used by several navies. I saw another one at a show today with the leather scabbard. The seller also thought it was British.

However, it is hard to get past the documentation we have also shows the Russian model.

Jim

When you have been around British steel for along time you note one thing it is stamped and well stamped ALWAYS there was even an export proof.

Paul

Thanks guys for the information and help.

I have decided to take both swords to the british museum who have eperts who may be able to help.
Thanks again

Lewis

Lewis, please let us know the outcome.

Jim

Right, back from the V&A museum. However not to sure if they know 100% about the sword.
The expert who spoke to me brought out a sword book, and said it was this one...and it said it was a British Naval Cutless from 1845. He siad it was quite rare because it had the scabbard. Most seem not to have the scabbard anymore.
The book was 'Swords for Sea Service'.

So now even more confused!

Lewis

Hi.
I am going to print off these pictures and take them to a friend of mine, his main investment/specialisation is British Naval cutlass`s.

If i get any information i will post info and price range.

visiting him tomorrow Sunday.

Thanks for that. Very kind. Look forward to the reply.

Lewis

The thing is most cutlasses of that era had no scabbard and where issued out to repel borders or board a vessel and a scabbard would only get in the way and they all had good proof markings.

PAUL

Is it possible that this sword was never finished or issued, so perhaps that would explain the lack of markings, which have been told most English swords have?

Hello again.

It is British mid victorian 1870 aaprox. near the hilt it should have some markings....numbers to the right of the slash (/73) will denote the year.

Most do not have the scabbard, which falls to pieces very easily. I assume it has a solid iron
grip.

My collector friend would buy this from you for £250. if you are interested.

Thanks for the info. I have had the Victoria and Albert, and the Antiques