Thanks so much for all this detail Magey! great insights into the particulars of these outfitters and makers for British military and EIC. You knows your stuff!!!
There seem to be notable variables in the administrative aspects of these company's. When Wilkinson-Latham was writing on SFI he was of course truly a fountain of knowledge and first hand material. I had the pleasure of some communication with him and he was incredibly helpful.
With swords to India, as you note, many weapons transited did indeed go around the conduits to ISD, especially as you note to outfitters like Manton & Co. I have a Bourne & sons saber which has only their spine marking, and if I understand they were also sub contractors to Wilkinson, like Mole (who was bought out by them in 1920s).
I do appreciate the information, and again, especially that you take the time to detail your responses, which are most informative. I wish I could find the passim note I had that suggested numbering of this kind on blade spines had to do with EIC swords. The 1821 I have is not an officers, unless it was intended as a field weapon.
Other Reeves weapons including the M1853 (which had the Reeves patent tang) as far as I know were not numbered.
All the best
Jim
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