The American Model 1860 naval cutlass was inspired by the French M1833 boarding cutlass and was produced by the Ames Manufacturing Company of Massachusetts. The American M1860 saw long service with the US navy, beginning with the American Civil War.
The 658mm falchion blade has a broad single fuller below a flat spine. The blade is single edged with a short upper false edge and terminates in a narrow hatchet point. The spine is 8mm thick and the blade is 30mm wide at the ricasso.
The blade is in fair condition with shallow pitting along its length. The blade has been cleaned, and this along with the pitting has resulted in the loss of the usual ricasso markings. Only a partial “U” of the US remains. Despite the loss of the manufacturing stamps, this is unquestionably a genuine Model 1860 naval cutlass. The blade retains a sharp fighting edge.
The two-piece brass guard is held firmly together by 10 brass rivets. The bowl of the guard has some minor dings but is otherwise in good condition. The tang of the blade passes through the leather wrapped wooden grip and is peened through the brass “Phyrgian Cap” pommel. The blade is firm in the hilt.
This is a reasonable example of a scarce American Civil War model 1860 naval cutlass.
