Silver hilted

Jim McDougall · 11th May 2025, 06:58 PM

Norman,
As near as I can guess, the TC initials in cartouche MIGHT be for Thomas Cullum, Charing Cross (1751-90).

While most blades were marked on spine as to maker in bold block letters, it seems possible that these touch mark stamps might have been used by cutlers producing precious metal hilts but on the blade. I have not researched that in depth but seems possible.

What is interesting is that he was involved in the famous 'sword trials' of 1788 with Runkel, Gill and Wooley. He also was cutler to King George III. His widow Mary Cullum took over then, but also passed in 1795.

The business then went to her shop man, John Prosser, who later became well established as cutler to Prince Regent of Wales, later George IV.

While these touch marks of cutlers were typically on hilts, it seems possible to have been placed on blades or for that matter in other instances as I have found evidence of in other research. Though not a definite answer seems a possibility given the high quality saber silver mounted.

11th May 2025, 06:58 PM	#7
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,296	Norman, As near as I can guess, the TC initials in cartouche MIGHT be for Thomas Cullum, Charing Cross (1751-90). While most blades were marked on spine as to maker in bold block letters, it seems possible that these touch mark stamps might have been used by cutlers producing precious metal hilts but on the blade. I have not researched that in depth but seems possible. What is interesting is that he was involved in the famous 'sword trials' of 1788 with Runkel, Gill and Wooley. He also was cutler to King George III. His widow Mary Cullum took over then, but also passed in 1795. The business then went to her shop man, John Prosser, who later became well established as cutler to Prince Regent of Wales, later George IV. While these touch marks of cutlers were typically on hilts, it seems possible to have been placed on blades or for that matter in other instances as I have found evidence of in other research. Though not a definite answer seems a possibility given the high quality saber silver mounted.