W.I.D.C. Cutlass Maker's Mark ID?

M ELEY · 5th September 2017, 03:42 AM

I've seen this exact marking before (a sort of sailboat or scale design), did research and never found out more on it. The item it was on was a mid-19th c. ax, possibly a boarding piece.

There is a WIDC hanger featured in "Naval Swords' by the renowned P.G.W. Annis. That piece features a single edge cutlass with simple brass knuckle bow and ribbed black iron grip. It is marked 'WIDC No.11' and a block letter GR under crown, ca.1805. The India Dock police patrolled and protected the company docks and ships along the river Thames. They were the predecessors to the Thames Division of Metropolitan Police. These type swords are excessively rare and interesting. I'm in agreement to the dates on your sword, ca. 1805-20. I'm glad you didn't part with it!
Mark

M ELEY · 5th September 2017, 03:50 AM

I suspect that the WIDC stores used pre-existing swords refurbished for police usage. We see this in all manner of swords from this period. Your broad blade reminded me of the so called 'lead cutter' swords of the period, which possessed a figure-of-eight hilt refurbished from the old m.1803's with a massive straight blade with blunted tip for cutting lead sheets. While I'm not suggesting yours isn't a weapon, I bring this up to strengthen my theory that old hanger hilts, cutlass parts, etc, were refitted with blades for other uses. All you have to do is look at the multitude of private purchase type cutlasses of the era.

5th September 2017, 03:42 AM	#1
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,184	I've seen this exact marking before (a sort of sailboat or scale design), did research and never found out more on it. The item it was on was a mid-19th c. ax, possibly a boarding piece. There is a WIDC hanger featured in "Naval Swords' by the renowned P.G.W. Annis. That piece features a single edge cutlass with simple brass knuckle bow and ribbed black iron grip. It is marked 'WIDC No.11' and a block letter GR under crown, ca.1805. The India Dock police patrolled and protected the company docks and ships along the river Thames. They were the predecessors to the Thames Division of Metropolitan Police. These type swords are excessively rare and interesting. I'm in agreement to the dates on your sword, ca. 1805-20. I'm glad you didn't part with it! Mark

5th September 2017, 03:50 AM	#2
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,184	I suspect that the WIDC stores used pre-existing swords refurbished for police usage. We see this in all manner of swords from this period. Your broad blade reminded me of the so called 'lead cutter' swords of the period, which possessed a figure-of-eight hilt refurbished from the old m.1803's with a massive straight blade with blunted tip for cutting lead sheets. While I'm not suggesting yours isn't a weapon, I bring this up to strengthen my theory that old hanger hilts, cutlass parts, etc, were refitted with blades for other uses. All you have to do is look at the multitude of private purchase type cutlasses of the era.