Unusual Cutlass/Hanger, officer grade.
 

A friend bought this locally, and asked me what it was, I can't find anything similar. He thinks it's a UK Cutlass, I'm not so sure, not a regulation post 1796 std. one anyway. Blueing and gilt seems to indicate its an Officer grade.

Had a good look thru my British Naval Swords ref. book. Nada.

It's marked on the ricasso G G on one side and a single G on the other, traces of bluing and gilt inlayed engravings on the blade as i'd expect in 18c & earlier examples. Brass shell guard broken, missing knuckle bow, Chequered wood grip looks mostly OK. Blade much like a 1796 LC. 27-1/2 ins total, 22 ins blade. Apparently the grip is a bit small for my friend's hands...

Any info or suggestions would be appreciated, Thanks.

cont.

Few more:

Hi Wayne,
This previous discussion goes into the G double G aspect.
Regards,
Norman.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ghlight=osborn

Thanks, did find that, left with more questions than answers tho.

G'day Wayne,
The G stamps indicate the blade was made by the British sword maker Osborn or Osborn and Gunby in the period around 1796-1815 ish. It doesn't conform to any standard pattern, but could belong to the family of short, curved, light infantry officer swords that seem to have been favoured by some officers of militia regiments. Here are a couple of similar examples. I can't make out the writing on the blade in one of the photos you posted. It could be the name of the retailer who sold the sword, or perhaps the unit the owner belonged to?
Cheers,
Bryce

Thanks, that helps a lot.

Thanks to all...

Update: the grip is Not wood, rather it's very dirty m(or painted) ivory, more like Bryce's pics. The owner found the whole assembly was loose and the peening had failed and they were able to disassemble the remains. the blade tang is additionally stamped either WH or HM. The cartouche may be an HM (or a WH ;) )

Other side of tang to document the GG stamp also added.