Name that scabbard

Gavin Nugent · 31st March 2013, 11:34 AM

An interesting motto Matt.

The scabbard end and type of silver fitting manufacture has been seen on Piso Podangs.

Having this motto along with the design of the scabbard's silver dress, it is possible to be from the English residents of Sarawak.

Attached is an image from the Dr. Anton Willem Nieuwenhuis collection, presented as a stylistic reference for the scabbard end angle, second item from the left.

Thanks for the extra information.

Gavin

Matt Easton · 31st March 2013, 12:54 PM

Thanks Gavin. I think the trail will lead back to Sarawak, but I want to approach this with an open mind at this stage, especially as I can only match the motto to Sarawak, not the emblem.
My current understanding of the military forces serving the Rajah of Sarawak is that they had quite a far-ranging role, including tracking down and killing/capturing pirates*, so I think it is entirely possible that this scabbard could have been made in a neighbouring area, rather than strictly only in Sarawak.

*Especially important to note is that this hilt is a hybrid of the 1822 infantry officer's hilt and the 1827 naval officer's hilt... so we're probably looking at some kind of marine force.

Cheers,
Matt

Gavin Nugent · 31st March 2013, 01:39 PM

Hi Matt.

I look forward to seeing some detailed photos of the sword, motto and emblems when you can.

Gavin

Amuk Murugul · 1st April 2013, 06:58 AM

Hullo everybody!

Matt,

If my description below fits the bill, then fine; if not, then my apologies.

Solid etched wedge-shaped blade including the letter S (SARAWAK) within Brooke motto (DUM SPIRO SPERO), the reverse with S within a wreath of oak leaves, panels of floral scrolls.
Solid brass gothic-style half-basket hilt, also with S within motto surrounded by oak leaves, in low relief; fish-skin covering.
Brass-mounted black leather scabbard. Chape.
83.2cm; 32 3/4in blade.

It was made for Meyer & Mortimer.

Best,

Matt Easton · 1st April 2013, 11:26 AM

Hi Amuk!
Many thanks for pointing this out - a very important piece of the jigsaw puzzle!

I guess this text is from the Thomas Del Mar website? - interestingly this is a slightly later sword to mine (that sword was 1871, mine is 1868), though identical in design (though in that case it had the original navy style leather scabbard, instead of a locally made version as here).

Whilst it is very encouraging that they identified the sword with Sarawak, this unfortunately isn't conclusive proof to me, as they only drew the same conclusions I have - the Wilkinson records do not seem to have confirmed the link.

Meyer & Mortimer still exist

-
http://www.meyerandmortimer.com/

Many thanks,
Matt

Amuk Murugul · 1st April 2013, 10:42 PM

Deleted.

31st March 2013, 11:34 AM	#1
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	An interesting motto Matt. The scabbard end and type of silver fitting manufacture has been seen on Piso Podangs. Having this motto along with the design of the scabbard's silver dress, it is possible to be from the English residents of Sarawak. Attached is an image from the Dr. Anton Willem Nieuwenhuis collection, presented as a stylistic reference for the scabbard end angle, second item from the left. Thanks for the extra information. Gavin Attached Images

1st April 2013, 06:58 AM	#4
Amuk Murugul Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Kaboejoetan Galoenggoeng Mélben Posts: 474	SARAWAK MILITARY SWORD BY HENRY WILKINSON, PALL MALL, NO. 18205 FOR 1871 Hullo everybody! Matt, If my description below fits the bill, then fine; if not, then my apologies. Solid etched wedge-shaped blade including the letter S (SARAWAK) within Brooke motto (DUM SPIRO SPERO), the reverse with S within a wreath of oak leaves, panels of floral scrolls. Solid brass gothic-style half-basket hilt, also with S within motto surrounded by oak leaves, in low relief; fish-skin covering. Brass-mounted black leather scabbard. Chape. 83.2cm; 32 3/4in blade. It was made for Meyer & Mortimer. Best,

1st April 2013, 10:42 PM	#6
Amuk Murugul Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Kaboejoetan Galoenggoeng Mélben Posts: 474	Deleted. Last edited by Amuk Murugul; 1st April 2013 at 10:54 PM. Reason: I may have misunderstood previous post

31st March 2013, 12:54 PM	#2
Matt Easton Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, Great Britain. Posts: 53	Thanks Gavin. I think the trail will lead back to Sarawak, but I want to approach this with an open mind at this stage, especially as I can only match the motto to Sarawak, not the emblem. My current understanding of the military forces serving the Rajah of Sarawak is that they had quite a far-ranging role, including tracking down and killing/capturing pirates, so I think it is entirely possible that this scabbard could have been made in a neighbouring area, rather than strictly only in Sarawak. Especially important to note is that this hilt is a hybrid of the 1822 infantry officer's hilt and the 1827 naval officer's hilt... so we're probably looking at some kind of marine force. Cheers, Matt

31st March 2013, 01:39 PM	#3
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	Hi Matt. I look forward to seeing some detailed photos of the sword, motto and emblems when you can. Gavin

1st April 2013, 11:26 AM	#5
Matt Easton Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, Great Britain. Posts: 53	Hi Amuk! Many thanks for pointing this out - a very important piece of the jigsaw puzzle! I guess this text is from the Thomas Del Mar website? - interestingly this is a slightly later sword to mine (that sword was 1871, mine is 1868), though identical in design (though in that case it had the original navy style leather scabbard, instead of a locally made version as here). Whilst it is very encouraging that they identified the sword with Sarawak, this unfortunately isn't conclusive proof to me, as they only drew the same conclusions I have - the Wilkinson records do not seem to have confirmed the link. Meyer & Mortimer still exist - http://www.meyerandmortimer.com/ Many thanks, Matt