A curious cutlass

Ed · Yesterday, 02:29 PM

I got this some time ago and recently took a closer look at it.

Looks like it was knocked together out of sheet metal for the guard. The grip is bone, it appears. The sheath is wood covered with leather (now mostly deteriorated). The fittings are unmarked, to my eye.

There is a small mar on the ricosso of the blade, a triangle with a C and I at two of the points.

Interesting thing, no? (I feel like ending with a hearty "arrrrrrr")

Jim McDougall · Yesterday, 05:14 PM

A mighty arrrrr!
Nice Ed!!!
A CUTLASS it is!!!
While the hilt form is reminiscent of the Hounslow's of the 17th century, traditions prevailed. The Hounslow hangers were somewhat prevalent at sea so it is understandable, and this seems a very old hilt, likely refurbished somewhat and possibly at the time this example was assembled, probably late 18th, early 19th.
These triple fullered blades were well known on cutlasses in these times, and according to Gilkerson were made into the 19th c. in Solingen, but the Collins Co. blade makers came into it as well., I wonder if the C with triangle might be an early Collins mark?

This example overall bears striking resemblance to Nuemann (1973, p.186, 374.S) which is an American cutlass 1775-90, and has this type hilt.....the simple strap type pommel attaching seems characteristic of hilts of this period especially American examples.

In this period in the early years of the United States, the maritime industry was beginning to boom, and private enterprises engaging in trade which interacted with trade in the Caribbean with Spain and Great Britain as well as abroad. Naturally with trade activity, there were predatory activities, so captains furnished the crews of their vessels with weapons, cutlasses.

On the American cutlass just noted, the example has a tapering bone grip, which compellingly aligns with this. The blade is of similar shape, 24" but no fullers.

I would suggest this example is a private purchase, possibly American (colonial) and possibly of Revolution period. The only factor taking away from that potential would be the curious triangle C mark, which seems atypical of that period, but more research would tell.

OUTSTANDING example!!!

PS another interesting note, that scabbard throat device is from an Indian tulwar langet........India trade? England? curiouser and curiouser!!!

Yesterday, 02:29 PM	#1
Ed Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 289	A curious cutlass I got this some time ago and recently took a closer look at it. Looks like it was knocked together out of sheet metal for the guard. The grip is bone, it appears. The sheath is wood covered with leather (now mostly deteriorated). The fittings are unmarked, to my eye. There is a small mar on the ricosso of the blade, a triangle with a C and I at two of the points. Interesting thing, no? (I feel like ending with a hearty "arrrrrrr") Attached Images

Yesterday, 05:14 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,698	A mighty arrrrr! Nice Ed!!! A CUTLASS it is!!! While the hilt form is reminiscent of the Hounslow's of the 17th century, traditions prevailed. The Hounslow hangers were somewhat prevalent at sea so it is understandable, and this seems a very old hilt, likely refurbished somewhat and possibly at the time this example was assembled, probably late 18th, early 19th. These triple fullered blades were well known on cutlasses in these times, and according to Gilkerson were made into the 19th c. in Solingen, but the Collins Co. blade makers came into it as well., I wonder if the C with triangle might be an early Collins mark? This example overall bears striking resemblance to Nuemann (1973, p.186, 374.S) which is an American cutlass 1775-90, and has this type hilt.....the simple strap type pommel attaching seems characteristic of hilts of this period especially American examples. In this period in the early years of the United States, the maritime industry was beginning to boom, and private enterprises engaging in trade which interacted with trade in the Caribbean with Spain and Great Britain as well as abroad. Naturally with trade activity, there were predatory activities, so captains furnished the crews of their vessels with weapons, cutlasses. On the American cutlass just noted, the example has a tapering bone grip, which compellingly aligns with this. The blade is of similar shape, 24" but no fullers. I would suggest this example is a private purchase, possibly American (colonial) and possibly of Revolution period. The only factor taking away from that potential would be the curious triangle C mark, which seems atypical of that period, but more research would tell. OUTSTANDING example!!! PS another interesting note, that scabbard throat device is from an Indian tulwar langet........India trade? England? curiouser and curiouser!!! Last edited by Jim McDougall; Yesterday at 06:03 PM.