Here is a good original example of an Ames 1862-dated government naval cutlass that would have been carried by U.S. Navy seamen aboard ship during the Civil War. The blade on this boarding cutlass measures 26” long, 1¼” wide at the ricasso and has a flat back with a single, wide, unstopped fuller with a dark gray patina. Blade exhibits scattered light pinprick pitting overall with a number of tiny nicks on the blade. On the reverse ricasso has a very thin maker’s three-line address that reads “_____ MFG Co / CHICOPEE / MASS.” The obverse shows “U.S.N. / D. R. / 1862”. Stampings are light. Brass hilt, often referred to as a ‘soup ladle’ guard, is a rounded cup of heavy sheet brass riveted to the quillon and knucklebow and provides grip protection to the user. Guard has been cleaned and polished bright. Inside top edge of the quillon is stamped “21M / 482” which are thought to be rack position numbers on the ship.

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. Cutlass has no leather washer. The carved wooden handle is wrapped with original black bridle leather that is in excellent condition. The grips retain their complete original double-twisted brass wire wrap. The high domed brass pommel is of the Phrygian design. All brass has been polished. 25” long, original leather scabbard is in weak condition with one large break mid-way on the scabbard body. Has its brass stud or finial is strongly secured to the body at top edge of the scabbard. A single, large copper rivet secures the body tip. Body has a 1” long separation at that point. All forty copper rivets are tight along the seam. A nice, reasonably priced Civil War naval cutlass with scabbard.

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