December 15, 2020 Edged Weapons, Armor & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/15/2020
CS Naval cutlass made by Robert Mole of Birmingham, England, and imported by Courtney and Tennant of Charleston, South Carolina. Two-branch brass cavalry style guard with side loop and pressed leather grip scales, similar to, but smaller than the hilts of the Mole P1853 style brass hilt cavalry sabers. Blade dbl edged with narrow central fuller. Blade die stamped “MOLE” on the back edge near guard and “COURTNEY & TENNENT / CHARLESTON, S.C.” on the reverse ricasso. The company stamp is the same as on their dolphin head CSN officer’s swords. Courtney and Tennent were importers and wholesalers and major suppliers to the CS Navy, especially known for their swords and buttons. Tennent was posted in England as company agent and was commended by CSN Commander J.H. North to the CS Secretary of the Navy. These cutlasses do not follow any British specifications and are likely made under contract for the Confederate Navy. CONDITION: Very good. Pressed leather grip panels are good but with slight curl at rear on right. Brass hilt has a medium patina, no bends or breaks. A couple of small dings on the reverse guard loop. Blade muted silver with slight freckling and gray spots overall. Good point and edge with just one small nick lower edge near tip. A very good example of a CS naval weapon brought in through the blockade by a well known South Carolina firm. SR
Item Dimensions: 25"