Dutch M1898 Klewang Cutlass ?

[drac2k]

I believe this to be a Dutch M1898 or 1898/1912 Klewang Naval Cutlass.It was probably made by Hemberg, even though this is the only example that was not named by the manufacturer that I have encountered.
My question is that it is marked with a crown over a "O:" is this some type of dating system from the factory?

[werecow]

The crown over O is an inspection mark I believe. IIRC the letter under the crown relates to the name of the inspector.

[drac2k]

Thanks

[CutlassCollector]

There is some useful information here:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=13993

There were many slight variations of the European Klewang and some blades were made at Solingen manufacturers. They were also produced by Milesco and Vince in the US after the fall of Holland in WW2. The US had already closely copied its design for the 1917 US cutlass.

I have seen ones without markings and occasionally a Milsco one comes up at auction. I dont recall seeing any with German manufacturers's names.

I agree that the crown/O is an inspection mark - unfortunately not included in the list in the above thread. But may indicate between M 1905 and W 1914.

The 5010 is a serial number.
The Dutch government decreed in 1880 that all small arms were to be given a serial number both new and existing. (This is a good way to tell the difference between a Dutch 1833 cutlass or boarding axe from French ones as they are almost identical.)

[CutlassCollector]

I couldnt find this earlier but here is all you ever want to know about Klewangs and more!
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...hlight=klewang

[drac2k]

Wow,thanks for the info! So skimming through the information, I believe that I have a M-1911 Klewang with an 1898 scabbard and it has a German export blade.
Off course,I certaionly could be wrong, as I've changed my opinion everytime I look at the posts.
I will do a deeper study later.