Hi, first post, so I hope I am complying with forum rules!

I found the forum through an internet trawl having been given what is purported to be a 1796 Heavy Cavalry sword. Condition seems quite good so my immediate thoughts where it was a replica. Notwithstanding this it has the following marks

On the scabbard - OSBORN & Co. Birmingham

On the edge of the blade near the hilt in cursive script
J.J. RunKel Sohlingen - I think

and on the side near the hilt a circle with a bump at the top and a 1 inside, with a 4 below (not a great description!)

photos can (hopefully) be seen here

http://www.flickr.com/photos/14390133@N06/

Any help or advice on
storing/maintaining the sword (I am more used to firearms than edged weapons)
what the marks on the side of the blade may mean

Thanks

David

You are right, David.
The markings on your sword's blade says it all - "J.J. Runkel Solingen".

Runkel were one of the main Solingen blade makers of the time and Osborn were one of the main British makers - presumably they hilted and finished this using a Runkel blade.

Matt

Runkel was a German immigrant who lived in England and imported blades from Solingen. According to OldSwords.com, Runkel operated at Tookes Court in London from 1795-1808; and Henry Osborn operated at various addresses in Birmingham and London from 1785-1807. I am not sure if Osborn ever bought blades from Runkel to fulfill contracts. Another explanation is that the Runkel sword lost its scabbard and was paired with a spare one that was made by Osborn.

Jonathan

Yes, that seems perhaps more likely.

Matt

Thanks for input, looks like it was an ok gift (as it was free)! :D

David

Seems it is a replica but not a bad present. You could always get someone to thin it out to improve handling.

Alan
These posts are 8 years old :D