December 15, 2020 Edged Weapons, Armor & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/15/2020
This unmarked double disk naval cutlass follows an English pattern in use on British warships and in the colonies since the mid-1700s. The blade is straight, single edged with spear point and narrow fuller running along the back edge from the guard and tapering out near the false edge. The hilt is iron, with forged one-piece guard having a broad oval disk on knuckleguard and one forming counterguard, topped with flat, rolled quillon. Blade tang is crudely peened. Grip is rolled iron showing peening dents. Hilt is japanned black. British versions are often designated the “pre-1804 pattern.” The 1797 designation for American versions derives from the re-establishment of the navy and contract cutlasses for it that are similar in form, but marked. This is unmarked and a commercial product for a privateer or merchant vessel arms chest. The lack of a ricasso may indicate an earlier production date. The same form is used in the American Revolution and known to have been occasionally issued to land troops in need of arms. CONDITION: Very good. Blade gray with some dark gray and brown areas. Good edge and point. Minor chips and losses to the black painted hilt. SR
Item Dimensions: 33"