Silver hilted

Norman McCormick · 11th May 2025, 02:14 PM

Hi,
I have a similar issue but the other way round. I have a silver hilted hanger where the makers mark is visible but assay stamps are nowhere to be found. They may well be hidden by the hilt as the makers mark was possibly not that visible originally but time and use has resulted in a good bit of movement in said hilt so the makers marks are now quite visible if one moves the hilt to one side. I did make enquiries at Bonhams re their arms and armour person who suggested that assay stamps were not always sought as a way to avoid taxation. I would be grateful if somebody could identify the maker.
Regards,
Norman.

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, 02:14 PM	#1
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,618	Hi, I have a similar issue but the other way round. I have a silver hilted hanger where the makers mark is visible but assay stamps are nowhere to be found. They may well be hidden by the hilt as the makers mark was possibly not that visible originally but time and use has resulted in a good bit of movement in said hilt so the makers marks are now quite visible if one moves the hilt to one side. I did make enquiries at Bonhams re their arms and armour person who suggested that assay stamps were not always sought as a way to avoid taxation. I would be grateful if somebody could identify the maker. Regards, Norman. Attached Images

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11th May 2025, 06:58 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,281	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.