This edged weapon is a rare, original, contract naval cutlass manufactured by the Robert Mole & Co., an old and established sword-making firm in Birmingham, England. Mole was an exporter who supplied military goods and swords to the Confederate central government through the importer Courtney & Tennant of Charleston, SC. In addition to Courtney & Tennant cavalry sabers, Mole also produced naval cutlasses for the Confederacy. George B. Tennant of the firm was the main buyer of anything used by the C. S. Navy from naval heavy cannon to the china used on board ship. These cutlasses were identical to the sabers having a heavy, two-branch guard and black, checkered leather two-piece grips.

The cutlass blade, however, is 20” long, double-edged, 1¾” wide at the grip and has a single, tapering fuller on each flat. They are similar in appearance to the old M1832 arty sword. Also, the maker’s mark “MOLE” is stamped on the blade back while the obverse ricasso bears “Courtney & Tennant / Charleston SC.” cleanly stamped within a rectangle. Entire blade has acquired a pleasing, mottled medium gray patina with areas of light scattered rust pitting on both flats. Blade’s edge appears to have been sharpened at one time and still exhibits the serrations in the metal.

Hilt is tight and all brass wears a mellow bronze colored patina. Retains its large, leather washer (pad). Grips feature the original, checkered black leather, two-piece grip riveted to the tang of the blade with five small rivets. Leather shows wear overall and just scant spots of scuffing at the pommel. Brass pommel exhibits an unadorned single-domed cap. No scabbard. A very fine specimen of a Confederate seaman’s cutlass that likely saw service during the American Civil war.

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