Mourning Sword English/British Kennedy Manufacturing

Hi Everyone

This looks like a great forum! I'm excited to be here. I am inquiring today about a English Mourning Sword that I have in my possession which seems to be a little unusual. For some background, I have had the pleasure of acquiring a number of different swords of which I am trying to do some research on. Upon perusing this forum, I was quite impressed with the knowledge shown. I am hoping that someone will be able to help me today.

From my research and understanding, which is very limited, I have deduced that mourning swords do not usually have writing on them. The research that I have done on the writing is that Richard Kennedy of 53 Loveday Street (based on a census dated 1858, General & Commercial Directory of the Borough of Birmingham & Six Miles Round) was a theatrical sword maker. With regards to Mt Van's 10 Little Britian (Thanks to Steve Langham, from the International Antique Swords Collectors (Facebook) he stated, "My suspicion is that the sword is retailed by Kennedy, who has a close relationship with the Vans, such that said swords could be ordered from either establishment. I don't see anything which leads me to think the sword's owner information is written on the blade".

So, my question to anyone on this forum is;

1. Is this a store front piece - made for window advertising, thus the writing?

2. Am I wrong about engraving on mourning swords and was this something that was the height of fashion?

The piece itself is quite large with measurements of

Blade 83cm - 32 5/8" long

Overall as a whole 100cm - 39 3/8" long

Handle measuring 17cm - 6 6/8" long

Thanks to all and I look forward to hearing back.

Cheers, Bob

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