Here is an altered example of an original, Ames-produced Model 1841 Naval Cutlass as would have been carried and used by U.S. Navy seamen aboard ship. The straight, double-edged weapon has a median center ridge and was of the new 1841 pattern for cutlasses. Influenced by the M1833 Foot Artillery sword, these cutlass specimens were produced in 1842 by the Ames manufacturing facility in Massachusetts. The result was that the cutlass was unwieldy and heavy. Blade has been altered and appears to have been 'trimmed down' in width and in thickness. Outline of the blade is similar to the 1833 piece but the M1841 has no fullers. Blade's reverse ricasso exhibits the remains of the maker's four-line stamping and displays only the word "MASS". Stamping is small but clear. Obverse markings show only "U.S.N.". Stamping is legible. The blade of this boarding cutlass measures 21" long and a full 1 3/8" wide at the ricasso. Blade's true edge exhibits numerous edge nicks dings on both flats and has been cleaned. Blade shows a dusky gray sheen and a few scattered specks of rust pitting overall. The sheet brass hilt / guard, affixed to the brass, 'fish scale-style', center-swell handle, is stamped with the numbers "10" and "78" on the inside guard. Outside edges of the guard are thickened for strength and the quillon terminates in a disc above the blade back. Grip and pommel are cast from the same mold and has the three transverse rivets that hold the blade tang and the pommel tang. Cutlass has lost its original leather washer at the ricasso. Eagle stamping on both sides of the pommel has worn thin.

The scabbard, constructed of black bridle leather, retains only the upper half of the device and is missing the entire lower section. Remaining leather scabbard, which measures 11" long from the brass throat to the break, exhibits a smooth hard surface with just scattered cracking and scuffing overall. The round brass frog spur is tight to the mount. Stitching is tight and strong. Here is a M1841 Naval Cutlass veteran with character in used condition.