EXCAVATED CONFEDERATE NAVAL CUTLASS GRIP

EXCAVATED CONFEDERATE NAVAL CUTLASS GRIP

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$200.00 ON HOLD

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 1309-777

An excavated, but very good condition example of the grip and pommel of a CS Naval cutlass. This measures 5” overall and preserves the scaled grip and the pommel decoration: “CSN” incised in large letters on one side and a fouled anchor, a typical naval motif, on the other. This is from a Confederate cutlass patterned after the US M1841 cutlass using a straight, double-edged Roman style blade, and wide brass kucklebow that flared out slight to form the counterguard with forward curving quillon at top. The underside of the pommel shows a slot for the top of the knucklebow. The US M1841 was the standard US Navy cutlass when the war began, with about 6,000 or so in navy racks and stores, and was gradually replaced with the new French style M1861 with cup hilt with curved blade beginning in June 1861, though the rapid expansion of the navy meant that many of the old style were likely still at hand.

Manufacture of this pattern is attributed to Frederick Heyer of Richmond by Pritchard, Collecting the Confederacy ( p.202-203,) who indicates several of these hilts have been recovered along the James River, and not elsewhere, leading to the conclusion that not only were they made in Richmond, but that their issue may have been strictly to the James River Squadron.

The condition is very good, with good, untouched patina showing some aged brass with some dark spots, with the top of the pommel very good, good detail to the scales, and damage limited to the very bottom of the grip where one side shows a crack, likely explaining why it was discarded. As is correct for originals of this pattern, which has been reproduced, the hilt is hollow-cast, a clear diagnostic point for the collector, even if perhaps proving a weak point for the Confederate Jack Tar wielding it in a boarding action or using it to hack through a cable or fallen rigging.   [sr][ph:L]

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