M1841 naval cutlass. [Cabottville, Massachusetts]: [N. P. Ames], 1842. Blade 20 15/16 in. Overall 26 3/8 in. long.

Owing largely to its nickel-plated blade, this sword remains impeccably clean and attractive. Only around 6,600 m1841 cutlasses were produced by the United States, superseded by the m1860 naval cutlass at the breakout of the Civil War, making these swords fairly scarce. The scaled grip was inspired by the gladius-style m1832 artillery short sword, though it appropriately evokes naval motifs of fish or heraldic dolphins. The brass guard, stamped "P2" to the exterior and "114" to the interior, retains traces of the original nickel-over-copper plating. Each side of the pommel features a clearly-struck eagle. 

There is a slight patina to the interior of the guard and the pommel, and some verdigris buildup to the exposed copper plating around the blade, else a very fine example. The marks of "1842 / JCB" to one side of the blade remain clear, while the stamp to the other has worn to the point of near-complete illegibility. 

Note: This lot cannot be packaged and shipped in-house. Successful bidders winning items marked as being packaged and shipped by a third-party service are responsible for paying the third party directly. We are happy to offer complimentary drop-off service to local third-party packing/shipping companies in Columbus, Ohio.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Swords, Knives, Bowie Knives, Knife, Blades] [Navy, Naval History]