Original U.S. Civil War Rare Model 1860 Naval Cutlass by Ames Mfg. Co. in Relic Condition - Loose Basket

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a ground-dug or water-recovered relic example of the rarely seen U.S. Naval Cutlass, as used from 1860-1865. The boarding cutlass was derived from the French pattern of 1833, often referred to as a “cullere a pot,” or more commonly called the “soup ladle” weapon. This example is missing the grip, and the brass basket is very loose, but it has always been with the sword. The small attachment of the basket to the pommel will still sit in the pommel for display. 

The blade is void of markings but was definitely manufactured by Ames Manufacturing Company of Chicopee, Massachusetts between 1861 and 1865. The blade is in heavily oxidized condition with very heavy pitting across. There is also some denting in the blade and it is no longer straight. The original brass basket guard has held up very well given its brass construction. The underside of the crossguard even retains the serial number stamp, 2M893, making this one of the earliest serial numbered examples we have had. The first line denotes thousands and the second line denotes hundreds, for a serial number of 2,893.

This is one of the more difficult edged weapons of the Civil War to find, and this is the first relic example we’ve offered. It was very likely recovered from the water after being knocked overboard during one of the many naval engagements of the Civil War.

An outstanding relic, ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 24"
Blade Style: Curved Single Edge w/ Fuller
Overall length: 29 7/8“
Basket dimensions: 4 1/2" width x 5” length