Cutlasses

128-Makeshift Civil War Cutlass With CS Markings

This cutlass was assembled from pieces of other swords or cutlasses. The 1-3/8 by 28-1/2 inch blade was once blue and gilded and has the inscription Honour and My Country on one side and an American eagle with shield and stand of arms on the other. The blade comes from an early 19th century cavalry sword and has been clipped. The grip is leather with wire wrap on what appears to be an early hilt. The solid brass guard is similar to those found on CSN cutlasses and is scratch marked with two Confederate battle flags. A makeshift sword/cutlass probably made for Civil War use. $1200

Ames Pattern 1861 Cutlass - Rare Prototype

A rare one-of-a-kind cutlass for the Civil War or Navy collector.  Although it has seen use it was probably one of several that Ames made to pursue the substantial contract (8000 units) that the Navy finally issued in June 1861.  The inside of the guard is stamped 1. This is the shorter version of the Model 1860 cutlass that Ames supplied to the Navy under several contracts with deliveries beginning in at the start of the Civil War.  Unlike the contract cutlass this blade is wider and shorter (1 ½ inch wide by 22 3/4 inch long).  It is also slightly thicker at the hilt.  It is marked by Ames on the obverse blade (see photo) although the markings are feint.  The photos compare this rare cutlass to the contact cutlass and as shown the grip is also slightly wider. SOLD   

Ames Pattern 1841 Cutlass - Rare Prototype

 Another rare one-of-a-kind cutlass for the Navy collector.  It is as new and was probably used by Ames to pursue the contract that the Navy issued in in late 1841 or early 1842.  It could also have been used as a salesman’s sample but being the only one known it didn’t sell very well.  A prototype is the more logical explanation. The photos compare this rare cutlass to the contact cutlass and as shown there are differences in the grip and the blade.  The blade lengths and configurations are essentially identical but this blade is bright etched with the Ames etched logo on the obverse (see photo).  The grip also differs with only one rivet to the tang instead of the three that were used for the contract cutlasses. SOLD