Brian Wolfe

Trooper_D Regular Member Silver Membership 412 posts Location:London Report post #4 Posted 5 hours ago (edited) Radarone The Royal Armouries hold a number of examples of this sword. You (and Brian, if you haven't already seen it) will, I think, be interested in the discussion about the type in the Notes section at the end of this page, https://collections.royalarmouries.org/object/rac-object-7796.html Edited 5 hours ago by Trooper_D Quote Edit Options I wasn't sure how to post the above from Trooper_D but I seem to have done it successfully. Thanks to Trooper_D for this very interesting article, I hope the readers will check it out. REgards Brian

Many thanks Trooper_D, a very interesting read. I personally doubt that any such sword found with a leaf shape blade was made for the British. I've seen a few examples over the years and they are usually simply identified as "European". How's that for a safe and quite broad identification; just put everything in one of two categories, British and non-British.? Thanks again, Regards Brian I have posted the link above to the "Lets Talk British Swords" area for future readers of that section. I believe it is well worthwhile. Regards Brian

Hi radarone, Yes you indeed have a Land Transport Sword, c.1856. The number under the crown is an inspector's mark and I can't make out the other marking to be sure of what it is. If it is a knight's head then it would denote that the blade was made in Germany, which was common at that time. I don't recognise what the markings on the cross guard stand for but perhaps another member with more knowledge will be able to help. You are probably aware that this particular model of sword was probably never actually issued; at least from what I have read on the topic there are no supporting documentation to show issuance. The one I have in my collection has markings on the scabbard but none on the sword. I have been trying to find out information for years on these markings with no luck. Personally I think these are one of the more unique swords in the British sword history and even though they are often found in excellent condition they don't seem to demand a very high price, yet very well worth a place in any sword collection. If I find out any further information regarding the markings I will be sure to share it here. Regards Brian I forgot to mention that I have a post dealing with the Land Transport Sword under "Military Hardware" subsection "Edged Weapons". Look for my general post "Lets Talk British Swords" and scroll down to my article for more information. The sword from my collection is pictured there as well. Regards Brian

Thank you for your comment. So far, here in Canada, we are not under such attacks. However, as is said about many other issues, it is only a matter of time. As to that designation I must say that I am a nasty, hateful and racist individual as are most people to some degree or another (seriously I don't really see myself in those terms but isn't our own opinion of ourselves quite sterile). I would put the question to those with high PC ideals as to whether their lives could stand the scrutiny they apply to others. Whatever happened to that worn out statement, "Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it". A good slogan for racist groups should be, "Forget about us, please forget". Regards Brian

Fair enough. Seems that I share that same fate as well, thanks for your comments.? Regards Brian

Hmmm, that's strange as it is in print and every knows that if it is on the television or in print it has to be correct and 100% believable. Have I been wrong all of these years and if so how can I face the upcoming year knowing this? Happy New Year Regards Brian

You might not have much of a life if you are working on compiling material for a book titled, My Most Memorable Games of Solitaire, or writing a blog titled. Why Collect? – The Best Answer In my ongoing quest to ascertain why things are they way they are and why people do what they do, I offer the following blog. A question often asked on forums and by people we meet who are aware that we collect is “why do you collect”. For the sake of this discussion I will stay within military collecting but the answer to that question is generic to all forms of collecting; Beanie Babies to bayonets. The classic answers to this question are quite varied and I have no doubt that some are actually truthful, or at least believed so by the orator. I should digress for a moment, which I am wont to do with more frequency than my readers would prefer. There is a tendency among us sceptics to treat many answers to this common and more or less personal question with a strong dose of cautious doubt. The Internet makes it very easy for those who may not be on speaking terms with the truth to say just about anything. There is no chance to apply lessons learned in the field such as changes in facial features or body posture to ascertain probable truthfulness or attempts at deceit. As an example, many years ago I was assisting a Sergeant in an investigation and we were interviewing a street person who had been known as a storehouse of useful information. This was a chance encounter and, in retrospect, interviewing her on the street was very poor procedure, the repercussions of this lapse of protocol is a subject for a story another day. The young lady was known by the name of “Cigarette Mary”; and she had intimate knowledge of many of the local characters. After we had written down her information the Sergeant said, “That was a very interesting story, Mary; now tell me something I can believe”. Interestingly enough she did just that which eventually led to several arrests. I will admit that I was a bit naive and didn’t pick up on Mary’s body language; however the experienced officer “had her number” as soon as she began speaking. This would have been impossible through emails and holds true not only for deceit but in cases where the truth is being related. I tell you this as many of the reasons given for collecting may sound a bit contrived yet can still be one hundred percent genuine. To paraphrase Mr. Ed Haynes, “Anything is possible and can happen; and probably has; twice in India”. People also tend to tell you what they think you want to hear. A collector’s spouse says, out of frustration, “You really think you need another old gun”, all the while thinking that funds are stretched far enough and that the collector’s an idiot. The collector in a vain attempt at transferral says, “It’s an investment for the future dear, it’s for the kids’ college fund”, even though the kids are as dumb as a bag of hammers and have no hope of attending college unless it is in a custodial capacity. He is actually saying, “Get off my back!” To which she says, “If you say so” at the same time rolling her eyes. This is “woman-speak” for “Jackass”. Don’t feel too bad if you didn’t know this as it has taken me two marriages and seven decades to decipher “woman-speak” and I still get it wrong most of the time. On the other hand it seems that womankind is born with the ability to recognize male smokescreens for what they are. By this I am saying that any reason for collecting has the potential for truthfulness or at the least the answer to the question is believed by the person delivering the response. I think it is a given that at times we all tend to give answers to questions from others in the form of what we believe they want to hear. “Oh, sorry officer, I didn’t see that stop sign”, certainly comes to mind. In truth I saw the stop sign and I am anything but sorry yet I will not hesitate to insult your intelligence with this lame excuse. Other answers such as having a keen interest in history, or an urge to preserve history, a way to honour those who serve, a great need to research and investigate are all possible valid and truthful answers. While I don’t usually buy into these statements they are still better than, “Because I am a latent psychopathic homicidal maniac”. Though that might be a quite humorous response in certain venues, not involving an official police investigation in the sudden disappearance of your business partner. The answer to the question as to why someone collects that I find hardest to accept with any degree of validity is as an investment. True some may have found that magic formula to turn “war junk” into gold, however it smacks of alchemy to my ears. Over all it is a very poor investment considering the return on your money over even a lengthy amount of time and certainly if you need to get your hands on the cash quickly...see how fast the dealer/sharks start to circle. Even the ridiculous idea of 50% on the dollar or pound would be a terrible return on investment; let alone the 20% or lower most dealers are willing to offer. Either way it’s a loss. So what is the answer to the question of why we collect, barring any of the usual fantasy answers that may actually be true in a few cases? I think the best and shortest answer in almost any case is, “I like collecting and it makes me happy”. At the end of the day isn’t that what should really matter? Happy New Year Everyone. Regards Brian

That's a tricky question as prices vary greatly from country to country and even from dealer to dealer; auction prices realised are all over the board so I won't even try to guess about those "houses of craziness". Here in Canada I would expect to pay in the range of $800. to $1,000. (maybe as high as $1,200) from the dealers from whom I purchase my swords. Your sword has some "issues" especially concerning the missing wire wrap on the grip but I would not see that as affecting what I would expect this to sell for here. The scabbard having only one ring is still acceptable, in my opinion. From what I have seen on the Internet British prices might well be higher. I hope that helps. Regards Brian

The spikes are called "langets" and I believe it helped to keep water rain out of the scabbard. I have read that they may have been used to break the opponents blade but I think that very doubtful. German made blades are not all that rare on British swords as many of the better quality blades came from Germany at this time. The British Royal family was German during this period and some German states were allied with Britain and the Dutch during the Napoleonic Wars. I would not presume to rule out a Saxon or other German state connection, all of my books dealing with the Light Cavalry Sabre of this era covers only the 1796 and variations. No mention of the 1788, which this definitely is. If I find out anything further I be sure to let you know, though at this time my "money" is on it being British. I hope other members will wade in on this question. Regards Brian

Hello Dansson, I believe you indeed have a Pattern 1788 British Light Cavalry Sabre, so basically the Pattern just before the 1796 Light Cavalry, as you probably already know. The P. 1788 has a scabbard with two scabbard suspension rings which is the same scabbard as the 1796. That is not to say that this is the wrong scabbard but it is not the typical design as far as the rings are concerned however the scabbard shoe, also called the drag, differs from the typical 1788 and 1796. My guess is that this cold either be the wrong scabbard or the sword and scabbard were used by a different country other than British. Any marker's marks visible? An excellent find, congratulations. Regards Brian

I would like to set the record straight regarding the 1908 (and 1912 Officer’s) Cavalry Sword being too long and unwieldy. The sayings, “Get off your high horse” and “Keep your feet solidly on the ground”, do not apply when talking about the 1908. These swords were designed to be used from horseback and for “giving point” or thrusting and never as a cutting or slashing weapon. They replaced the lance for all intents and purposes. For this use they may very well have been the best sword ever produced anywhere and at anytime. Unfortunately warfare changed drastically shortly after 1914 and the true worth of the 1908 will always remain unknown. Use in the colonies such as North West Frontier of India continued after the Great War and there were some successes in 1918 after trench warfare broken. I intend to run several posts in the Weapons area of the forum under my post title, “Let’s Talk British Swords”, dealing with the 1908/1912 after the New Year. I wrote an article on the topic for a publication earlier this year but need to reformat it in order to post it on the GMIC, so a little manipulation will be required. If anyone is interested in the 1908 or other British swords then, as they say, stay tuned. Regards Brian

Thank you all for your comments. For some reason your comments were not related to me through the email process we use here otherwise I would have responded sooner. Before I slam the system, I might have accidentally deleted the notices as this new computer came with updated programs and I am still getting used to them. Thanks again for your comments, it is always good to know my musings are being read. Regards Brian

It’s that time of the year when being a cynic and more than slightly sarcastic becomes just too easy. With the in mind I decided that I would leave the stating of the obvious hypocrisies of the season to younger cynics just starting out in their careers and make this blog more of a public service to the members. It seems that all the yearlong we answer question after question solving problem after problem as they arise then that annual question that seems to have no answer is thrown at us. “What do you want for Christmas?” The mind goes blank and all that we seems able to offer in the way of response is, “Oh, I don’t know, don’t worry about it; I’ve got everything I need.” Well, my friend, if you have everything you need you just aren’t trying had enough. I think books are one of the best gifts one can receive, if not books themselves then a gift card from a book store. With this in mind I would like to suggest four books that I believe to be most useful for the collector and history buff. I have not included prices as they fluctuate greatly from country to country and a search of the Internet will fill in any details I have forgotten. The first two are for those interested in swords. The British Cavalry Sword 1788 – 1912, Some New Perspectives, by Richard Dellar Is perhaps the best book on the market today that specializes in the British Cavalry Sword. This is one of the newer books available and at 326 pages and with lots of photos it is a wealth of information on the British Cavalry Sword. I spend a good deal of time researching British swords and cavalry swords in particular and would not want to be without this book in my library; to call it the definitive work on the subject would be a gross understatement. I have recently been in contact with Mr. Dellar and he informs me that a companion volume to this book will be ready for sale in the early part of 2019. If interested in this book you can email the author directly at http://thebritishcavalrysword.com. You will not regret this purchase and I dare say the companion volume as well when it hits the market. British Military Swords, 1786 – 1912, the Regulation Patterns, by Harvey J. S. Withers is a very good resource for the identification and study of British swords in general. The 176 page book is crammed with photos of each sword and the details of those weapons in full colour and covers all British swords including cavalry, infantry and department swords. This is perhaps the best book for any collector and especially for those who want a general and quick reference. I find myself thumbing through this book over and over when I start to research a new sword for the collection. The author also includes a price guide but I would caution the reader in using this guide for anything except museum quality specimens. The swords you will encounter at shows or on websites are worth well below the figures stated. I would whole heartedly recommend this book to any collector at any level of sword collecting or for those who occasionally encounter a British sword and would like a quick reference book. The next two books, both by D. A. Kinsley, deal with British history and may easily be found for sale on the Internet. Swordsmen of the British Empire, by D. A. Kinsley is a collection of letters and memoirs of British officers, soldiers troopers and naval personal from time periods dating from before the Indian sepoy mutiny to the Boer War. These are personal accounts of swordsmen who were there and in the thick of battle. The 630 page book, with the last 230 containing period artwork of battles is one you will find hard to put down. Mr. Kinsley’s narrative between the sections only serves to heighten ones interest and adds greatly to this fascinating volume. I would call this book an eye opener as to the effect of the sword in battle, a subject all but lost to the modern student of British conflicts. They Fight Like Devils, Stories From Lucknow During the great Indian Mutiny, 1857 – 58, by D. A. Kinsley is again a collection of letters and firsthand accounts of the taking of Lucknow from the hands of the mutineers. At 224 pages it is another book that is hard to put down once you start reading. Since these two books are firsthand accounts of the ferocity of the fighting, on both sides, there is no exaggeration through literary licence. Some of the actions are covered by two or even three different writers giving the most accurate portrayal of the fighting during this horrific struggle. This is a very easy read and like the other book noted above the narrative written by Mr. Kinsley acts to set up the next section very well and makes for a smooth almost story-like book. If you are interested in any of these books but have further questions please feel free to send me a PM and I will try to answer them as best as I can. Regards Brian

Looks like Christmas arrived early at the Boonzaier house. Congratulations Chris. Regards Brian

Hello David, I like the side by side images of the different obverses of the SCLS medals. Thanks for posting this photo. I am reminded of a very good friend of mine from also from Australia with whom I correspond frequently. Once in a while we will send an image that is upside down as a joke as I live in Canada. I know it is an old and quite tired joke but we still think it's funny. Thanks again. Regards Brian

It has been a week since Remembrance Day and I still see people wearing their poppy, the symbol of remembrance, on their jackets, coats, hats and even toques. The poppy is to be worn from November 1st until 11:00 o’clock November 11th at which time it is to be left at the cenotaph or at least removed from your apparel. To be without a poppy from Nov. 1 to Nov. 11, for me, would be the same as being out of uniform for a service person. Of course no RSM will ream you out and I’m not allowed to do so, such is the pity of that, still there is a protocol that should be followed. One could use the excuse that you honour the fallen or those who served and are still serving all year long and that is why you are wearing the poppy long after the 11th. To that I will call “BS”. If you mean to say that every morning that you get out of bed, or not, you remember those who served then, unless yours is a recent loss of a loved one, you really need to get a life. Seeing a poppy worn weeks or months after Remembrance Day, at times even on the right lapel of a coat, makes me think that person is either the laziest person around or just completely insensitive. Following protocol honours those who served and serve as much as actually wearing the flower in the first place. I’ve seen some old farmers wearing the poppy on the side of what can only be called their “barn hat” due to the layers of filth that has accumulated there over the years. The red poppy is no longer even a shade of true red, more of a reddish brown. Oh, that certainly honours the service people; perhaps you could have some poppy patterned facial tissues or bathroom tissues made up so you can honour them all the day long, everywhere you go. True, I may have crossed the line with that last sentence however in my mind no more than continuing to wear a symbol of remembrance at the incorrect time of the year. I often wonder if extended wearing of the poppy is more a matter of a display sanctimonious self-rightness than one of respect; “Oh look at me aren’t I the pious one”. In my time I have known veterans from the Boer War, WWI, WWII and the Korean War and I never got the impression from any of them that they expected or wanted to be made a fuss over all year long. Ass kissing was never an agenda of theirs and never expected from others. Each year my wife and I attend the local cenotaph for the Remembrance Day ceremonies, even though neither of us still lives in our respective home towns. After the ceremony we leave our poppies on the cenotaph, returning home, usually in complete silence, deeply moved by the reverence shown by our fellow attendees and the thoughts of the sacrifice made by others, and perhaps magnified by the lone piper playing Amazing Grace. In closing, if this blog has hit a nerve, made you angry, made you think or just made me look like the pompous ass that I am, and then it was purpose served. I will not apologise for your failure to follow protocol and will sign off with this note; Get With the Program People! Regards Brian

Thanks for your comment. Certainly not many pieces in mint condition. if any, in my collection; veterans all. Regards Brian

In apologise that I could not post an image of the whole rifle as I am still learning this new version of Photo Shop I purchased with the new PC. There is just enough differences to produce a new learning curve. It worked! . Regards Brian

Priceless! Thanks for that one, Michael. Regards Brian

Hello and welcome to my blog which may start out insulting some and to that I will apologize in advance as insult is not my intention; a serendipitous plus perhaps... Four years ago (2014) the Chairman suggested that starting with August and continuing to Nov. 11, 2018 might be an excellent time to run articles and content dealing with the First World War. From what I can see there has been little effort in that area, though I will admit to two factors. First that I was away for some time fighting an ongoing medical “condition” that has, happily for me, gone into remission. Secondly, my main interest rests with the Victorian Period and just prior, that is to say from George III to the end of the Boer War in 1902. So my WWI material, other than medals, is limited. I offer this glimpse into “The Life of Brian”, the non-movie version, to suggest that perhaps there was a lot more WWI content during the past four years than I was aware. If you could have written more but just didn’t and cannot offer an acceptable excuse, such as I have, to cover your laziness, then think again. If I can dig up an alibi then so can you, you’re just not trying hard enough. Seriously, as that last statement was purely in jest, I have an artefact in my collection that I have been waiting patiently for the past four year to post. If I may digress for a moment I need to explain something else, an admission, to some small degree, of my compulsive obsessions, and that is the criteria I like to apply to as many collectables as possible. I like to collect firearms that have a manufactured date that commemorates an historical even. As an example of my criteria, I have a British percussion pistol dated 1842. During the retreat from Kabul in 1842 there occurred the Battle of Gandamak in which most of the British defenders of the position were killed. There is a famous painting showing an officer with the same pattern pistol. While the pistol in my collection was never used at that battle, or not likely any battle for that matter, it still has a date that commemorates the events as well as being an example of the type of pistol used during that time. The specimen I have so long wanted to post is a Short Magazine Lee Enfield (SMLE) Mk.III* date marked 1918. The specimen certainly has the “look” of war-time use and the date made me decide to make the purchase, nearly ten years ago. I could have purchased a better condition SMLE, that is certain, but I purchased this rifle for the significant date of 1918. Since the purchase, and just prior to 2014, I read an article that stated that many of the rifles that were in the trenches at the moment of the Armistice on Nov. 11, 1918 were marked with the letter V by the soldiers who were present. I recalled what appeared to be an “odd” damaged area on the stock of my SMLE example and when I looked at it again, this time more closely, there was the letter V clearly carved into the stock. It looks to have been done a long time ago, though one can never prove it and the whole story of the carved V nothing more than urban legend, still there it is on my example. Provenance is a strange beast. Many offer word of mouth provenance and expect that to stand, others doubt even the most detailed documentation. The “experts” are only giving what should be an educated opinion and even if they document their opinion it boils down to just that, an opinion. I have no provenance to say that the V is original to the trenches on Nov. 11, 1918. I will say that there was no “story” to this rifle offered by the seller, like me I do not think he had even heard of the story. Bottom line is that I never, and I repeat, never pay a dime more for a “story” and of course neither should you. So where does this leave us? On November 11, 2018 I will pick up this rifle and think of that soldier who may very well have held this firearm in his hands, in the trenches, at the very moment the Great War ended. Is “it”, did “he”? No one can tell for a certainty but what I can tell you, for me, is that it brings to life the struggle, suffering, terror and loss of comrades that lesser men such as this humble scribe cannot even begin to fully appreciate. What was going through the mind of our hero as he sat in his trench, still half doubting that the war was finally over, with this rifle across his knees as he carved the V into the stock? That degree of relief and the pent up emotions must have been truly over-whelming. Let us all lift glasses to those who served, those who fell and those who still serve and give a moment’s reverent thought to them all. Respectfully yours, Brian Wolfe

Hi JustinG, I meant to respond to your Latin phrase "Qui novit omnia" then got distracted, it's a age thing. To answer your rhetorical question, that would be my ex-wife and scares the heck out of me. Regards Brian

Hi Stuart, Thanks for your comment and compliment, it is appreciated (your cheque is in the mail). As a note to new members who might not know, Stuart and I have been long time friends, though from opposite sides of the earth so he really isn't expecting a cheque; yep I'm that cheap. I'm sure the distance between us has prevented him from strangling me at times, I can be annoying, or so I have been told by those who don't really matter. I think it is important not to get too distracted and thereby let those in power get away with whatever it is that they might be getting away with. How's that for a veiled non-committal political comment? Maybe I should enter politics. Thanks again, Stuart. Regards Brian

Hi Larks, Richard Dellar's book is excellent with several photos of scabbard and sword markings. Keep in mind this book deals only with Cavalry Swords. If you are thinking of collecting infantry or other department's swords (artillery for example) these will not be covered in this excellent resource. Brian Robson as well as Harvey Whithers' books cover all aspects of the British sword, including cavalry and infantry. Both of these books are excellent with Whithers' book containing excellent photographs. Brian Robson's book contains a good number of markings but that are in the form written lists. It all depends on what style you lake best; both are exceptional resources. If you ever want to branch out into British naval swords and would like a book dealing only with these a good book is British Naval Swords & Swordsmanship by John McGrath & Mark Barton. This book is also currently available. I don't actually collect naval swords but I picked up a Pattern 1900 Naval Cutlass a while ago and knew right off that this would not be the last naval sword I would collect so I purchased the book. No regrets there. Happy collecting, and the researching of your finds. Keep us posted. Regards Brian

Here is a list of books I would recommend. Listed from the personally most referred to starting at the top, but all are very good books. I could list more but these are the best in their field. All are currently available. Swords of the British Army, Brian Robson British Military Swords, Harvey Whithers also look for books by the author on specific swords such as the 1796 Light and Heavy Cavalry The British Cavalry Sword 1788 - 1912, Richard Dellar Mr. Dellar tells me there is a companion book coming out later this year. The British Pattern 1796 Cavalry Sword and Other Derivatives, Janusz Jaroslawski The British Cavalry Sword from 1600, Charles Martyn Regards Brian

Never go to a pawn shop unless you want to give it away. Better a dealer than a pawn shop...I cannot believe I said that! If you must sell these two items (keep them together for the sake of Pete!) see if you can find a reputable auction house. Another thing about the way the world works as far as pawning items. Once pawned because you absolutely need the cash it is not likely you will come up with the money to purchase it back in the allotted time before the item becomes property of the pawn shop; that's just not being rational. Look to other ways to raise the cash you need and keep the dagger. Cars come and cars go, that dagger, once gone will be gone forever. Regards, and good luck. Brian