Ethiopian Saber of Menilek II

[45Auto]

Hi everyone, As soon as I saw the "concurring lion of Judea" I knew this was Ethiopian. But it also has the name of Menilek II, a pivotal historical figure in African history. My question is who made this sword? I GG a German maker?

Thank you in advance.

[45Auto]

Additional images:

[45Auto]

The other side of the blade and some of the leather work on the scabbard...

[werecow]

I've seen similar GG markings on British swords, like the 1786 spadroon below.

[TVV]

My understanding of the GG mark is that it stands for Gesetzlich Geschutzt, very loosely translates into "patented". So yes, it does signify a German made blade, but does not belong to any maker in particular. Nice sword!

[Sajen]

Yes, GG means "gesetzlich geschützt"! And it's also correct that it doesn't belong to a special maker. And yes, German, most probably Solingen.

Regards,
Detlef

[Pertinax]

Originally Posted by Sajen

Yes, GG means "gesetzlich geschützt"! And it's also correct that it doesn't belong to a special maker. And yes, German, most probably Solingen.

Regards,
Detlef

This stamp indicates that the company has received a patent for the production of this type of product.

[werecow]

Does this also apply to the British sword above, i.e. does this one happen to have a German made blade?

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by werecow

Does this also apply to the British sword above, i.e. does this one happen to have a German made blade?

Hi Nathan,

I guess it's like that! But I am far away from being an expert for European blades!

Regards,
Detlef

[45Auto]

Many thanks for the information! I always leave this board more educated than when I arrived.

As an aside, this is one of a pair of identical sabers I obtained in an auction. I gave the other to an Ethiopian friend, a history professor, who was very pleased with it. Thanks to him, I received an excellent education about the significance of Menilek II in African history.

[Bryce]

Does this also apply to the British sword above, i.e. does this one happen to have a German made blade?

G'day Werecow, in this case it indicates that your sword was made by Henry Osborn around 1796 - 1807. Henry Osborn was a British sword cutler who used the G stamp as some sort of acceptance mark. Sometimes the G was stamped twice like on your sword. There is a thread on it here somewhere. Nothing to do with the GG you sometimes see on later German blades.
Cheers,
Bryce

[werecow]

Ah, that clears that up, thanks!