jay dubaya Posted 30 August , 2013 Share Posted 30 August , 2013 This has been passed to me by my Father-in-law and is believed to have belonged to his Father. Arms are by no means an area that I have knowledge so I would really appreciate comments. It's approx. 990mm long in the scabbard with the actual blade length of 850mm. Hobson & Sons 1, 3, 5 Lexington St. London are the makers, there is also a Star of David engraved, is this symbolic? Jon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lancashire Fusilier Posted 30 August , 2013 Share Posted 30 August , 2013 Jon, The ' Star ' mark is purely a proof mark, and is seen on all proofed swords. It has no other meaning. Regards, LF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CROONAERT Posted 30 August , 2013 Share Posted 30 August , 2013 Far from being an expert on these myself, but I've had a few over the years. The 'basket' appears (to me) to be slightly narrower than that on the 'service' issue item which would make this a 'picquet' weight sword which was an item purchased for wear on parades and on garrison duties, etc. Here's a couple of close-ups of the basket on one of my 'picquet' swords..... Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jay dubaya Posted 30 August , 2013 Author Share Posted 30 August , 2013 Thanks for the conformation LF. I would agree with you Dave in that this is a 'picquet' weight sword, the blade which is not sharpened at all (it does have and incredibly shap point) is very well engraved/etched and is no-where as near tarnished as the basket. Is there any way to date this sword? cheers, Jon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lancashire Fusilier Posted 30 August , 2013 Share Posted 30 August , 2013 Is there any way to date this sword? cheers, Jon Jon, Hobson and Sons, London - Military Outfitters, founded in 1850, are still in business today. They probably did not actually make the sword, but were rather the retailers of the sword. Does the sword have a serial number, usually found on the blade spine ? if so, I would try calling Hobsons to see if they have archived sword records. Without any serial number, it will be hard to accurately date the sword as it could be any time within the reign of KGV - 6 May 1910 - 20 January 1936. Regards, LF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunner Bailey Posted 30 August , 2013 Share Posted 30 August , 2013 On the better makes the star has a gold stamped centre. LF is spot on in the previous post. Hobson & Son are not on my list of makers supplied by Wilkinson. The other likely candidate in H Mole of Birmingham. They went out of business about 1927 which might narrow the date range. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jay dubaya Posted 30 August , 2013 Author Share Posted 30 August , 2013 LF, many thanks for the continued input, I don't recall seeing a serial number or other such embelishment on the blade spine nor anywhere else on the piece, I will however have another look this week-end. John, I enclose a photo of the gold centred star which is stamped PROVED with a P in the centre Jon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Khaki Posted 30 August , 2013 Share Posted 30 August , 2013 I am surprised to learn that what I also believed to be a star, as in the star of David, are actually two interlocking triangles being an ancient symbol used by armourers found on older Wilkinson swords and also later used by others. khaki Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jay dubaya Posted 31 August , 2013 Author Share Posted 31 August , 2013 Fascinating, thanks for this contribution khaki, Jon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunner Bailey Posted 31 August , 2013 Share Posted 31 August , 2013 I've just read the 1911 Army Dress Regulations regarding swords and to pass the proof test the blade has to be struck in a number of places with a 32 lb Wooden mallet. The blade must bend at least an inch and straighten fully. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
khanda Posted 11 September , 2013 Share Posted 11 September , 2013 I am surprised to learn that what I also believed to be a star, as in the star of David, are actually two interlocking triangles being an ancient symbol used by armourers found on older Wilkinson swords and also later used by others. khaki The use of the two interlocking triangles has been used by armourers to symbolise 'strength' and has been noted from a few medieval swords onwards. There was also a theory that the 'star' was a masonic symbol which now is pretty much, disproved. The serial number on a Wilkinson blade is, as far as I know, always on the spine. David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now