Bombay sword

[JohnW]

Hello everyone
I hope someone can help.
Has anybody heard of a Bombay maker or retailer, J Watson & Co.?
On the proof mark is the Proved
The sword is an 1845 pattern infantry one.
Any help would be gratefully received.
I've attached a Photo.
Thanks
John

[Robert Wilkinson-Latham]

You have choice of two!


Watson & Co, Army Contractors, Port Elizabeth
Watson &Co, 50 Strad St, Calcutta

Both also had other shops but no address available.

The above are from the Wilkinson Sword Etch Plates.

Hope this helps
Robert

[Will Mathieson]

Hello John can you post photos of the complete sword and closeups? Always interested in British India swords.

[JohnW]

Thanks Robert. You say that the information is from the Wilkinson Sword Etch Plates, would you know if this suggest that they had a hand in the sword's manufacture?

[JohnW]

Will I'm away from home at present, but when I get back I'll post some photos.

[Robert Wilkinson-Latham]

All he information from the Etch Plates implies is that Wilkinson supplied swords to J Whatson

[JohnW]

Hi Will
Some more photos of the Bombay sword. What do you think?
John

[Will Mathieson]

Hi John looks like a good one. I don't see any pitting and the etching is quite good. Does it have a scabbard? Can you post a photo of the brass guard showing the "VR"?
The possibility that it was supplied by Wilkinson is promising. I'd like to see the guard details to see if it matches any Wilkinsons myself and others on this forum may have.

[JohnW]

Hi Will,
I've attached a photo of its brass scabbard and the hilt(the quality doesn't look that good to me what's your opinion) There is a little pitting but not much.
Cheers
John

[Will Mathieson]

This is not your regular infantry officer sword but a general and staff officers sword which has the crossed sword and baton "staff device". The brass scabbard is field rank, Major and above.
Nice find !