Naval Sword Engraved

[BobD]

Here are pics of a naval sword I am hoping is original. There are some apparently unusual things about it such as being naval proofed, accepted, O.marked and a # 77 under guard as well as on scabbard throat. While these are not so unusual by themselves the blade is alcoso marked and engraved. I didn't think the depot swords or accepted swords were with engraved blades.
Hope the engraved scene is shown well enough in these pics to determine if this was an accepted type of engraving and if all the other features (acceptance marks etc.) appear to be legit.
I do not see swasticas on the ships flags but this does have the eagle/anchor/swaz in the engraving.
So, what do you all think. I am not a blade person and could really use some opinions here.
Many pics follow. Thanks in advance.

[BobD]

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[Skipper Greenwade]

Hi Bob,

I hate to admit that, even though I'm in the market for one of these elusive and beautiful sabers, I know very few 'technical' details. I checked Tom Wittmann's excellent Navy edged weapons reference and found it inconclusive at best (i.e., all the depot-marked pieces shown in the book had the plain blades - but a couple did have maker marks - while none of the engraved blade examples had the property stampings.)

I didn't see anything in your photos that gave me cause for concern, but the depot/acceptance markings on a piece with an engraved blade appear to be an anomaly.

Guess what I'm really saying here is that I ike the sword, but have the same concerns re: the depot markings as you. Hopefully, someone better versed on the ways of the Navy sword will be able to help!

Sorry I couldn't be of more help on this one!
Skip

[Tiger 1]

Bob,

This one is a head scratcher.

Can you show several other pictures?

I would like to see clear closeups of the lionshead from above where the tang of the blade would be peened over.

A clear image of the Alcoso maker's mark. Is the Alcoso trademark etched or is it stamped?

Several clear closeups of the engraving. Specifically the dark fields and the edges where the dark fields meet the raised designs.

How prominent are the raised details in the engraving? Does your finger nail catch the raised design? Or is it shallow?

Sorry about all the questions. I don't have too many doubts about the sword itself, as it seems to be proper. Some points to ponder though. The eagle M acceptance stamps are different types on the hilt and the scabbard drag. This is a question. The Baltic Sea Station accountability numbers look to be fine but are stamped upside down!? I don't recall ever seeing these numbers applied that way before. The 77 assembly numbers are okay, though the one on the fold down guard looks to be oddly placed and a bit large.

My reservations about the engraving are that they may be later applications using a photo etch process to 'enhance' a depot sword that was originally correct with a plain blade. Naval depot swords, and daggers for that matter, were built to naval specs and done to a price point. Hence no extra, needless decoration.

Sorry about being so nosey about the details.

Tony

[HenrikKH]

Here are pics of a naval sword I am hoping is original. There are some apparently unusual things about it such as being naval proofed, accepted, O.marked and a # 77 under guard as well as on scabbard throat. While these are not so unusual by themselves the blade is alcoso marked and engraved. I didn't think the depot swords or accepted swords were with engraved blades.
Hope the engraved scene is shown well enough in these pics to determine if this was an accepted type of engraving and if all the other features (acceptance marks etc.) appear to be legit.
I do not see swasticas on the ships flags but this does have the eagle/anchor/swaz in the engraving.
So, what do you all think. I am not a blade person and could really use some opinions here.
Many pics follow. Thanks in advance.

Postwar blade made by J. Attwood, rest looks ok

Henrik

[BobD]

Tony

I'll try to get to the pics and info you requested tomorrow. Thanks.

[Loggy]

The blade is probably real but the etch is what is questionable. That Alcosso mark, from this picture, is good.

Tim ---->>>