Osborn's G Stamp

Jim McDougall · 18th June 2018, 06:34 AM

Hi Bryce,
It remains a mystery, the actual purpose or meanings of these capital letters at the forte in these blades.
Bezdek ("Swords & Sword Makers of England and Scotland", 2003) notes on p.32 that a crown over letter and number indicates"
E=Enfield
S= Solingen
W=Wilkinson
B= Birmingham
It is unclear exactly when these letters might have been used in this manner, obviously Wilkinson was not making swords until 1850s; Enfield was not officially producing until early 1800s.
Also, these were crowned stamps, not just capital letters.

On the 'IP' 'OVER' the etched Prosser on the blade. This is truly an anomaly. As far as I have known, officers swords were not required to be inspected or 'proved' as they were private purchase by officers.

Bezdek (op.cit. p.141) notes"
Prosser (John) registered his 'IP' mark at Goldsmith Hall in April, 1796.
So clearly this ligature is his mark, and as he was indeed an official artisan for the Crown, the mark is well representative......but why deface the etched makers motif ?

18th June 2018, 06:34 AM	#24
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,458	Hi Bryce, It remains a mystery, the actual purpose or meanings of these capital letters at the forte in these blades. Bezdek ("Swords & Sword Makers of England and Scotland", 2003) notes on p.32 that a crown over letter and number indicates" E=Enfield S= Solingen W=Wilkinson B= Birmingham It is unclear exactly when these letters might have been used in this manner, obviously Wilkinson was not making swords until 1850s; Enfield was not officially producing until early 1800s. Also, these were crowned stamps, not just capital letters. On the 'IP' 'OVER' the etched Prosser on the blade. This is truly an anomaly. As far as I have known, officers swords were not required to be inspected or 'proved' as they were private purchase by officers. Bezdek (op.cit. p.141) notes" Prosser (John) registered his 'IP' mark at Goldsmith Hall in April, 1796. So clearly this ligature is his mark, and as he was indeed an official artisan for the Crown, the mark is well representative......but why deface the etched makers motif ?