Here is a nice example of an Ames 1862-dated naval boarding cutlass for U.S. Navy seamen aboard ship during the Civil War. The cutlass and scabbard share matching numbers.

The blade measures approximately 26” long and has a flat spine with a single, wide, unstopped fuller. Blade is mostly bright with scattered darker spotting; mostly by the tip. No nicks on the blade edge. Stamped “1862” on one side of ricasso and has the typically light, but complete, Ames “scroll” stamp on the opposite side.

Brass hilt, often referred to as a “soup ladle” guard, is a rounded cup of heavy sheet brass riveted to the knucklebow and provides hand protection to the user. Guard has been cleaned and retains white brass polish residue in crevices. Inside top edge of the quillon is stamped “9M / 628” which are thought to be rack position numbers on the ship. Retains its leather washer. The carved wooden handle is wrapped with original black bridle leather. There are a few small chips in the leather, otherwise all good. A remnant of woven cord is around the grip and is likely all that remains of a sailor-made lanyard.

The accompanying original leather scabbard is in generally good condition with no breaks, but has the usual surface cracking and crazing and one spot (8” from tip) that looks like an old fold. Heavier chipping at lower end and around brass stud. The scabbard retains its brass stud or finial strongly secured at top of the scabbard. Just above this stud are found stamped “9M / 628” making this a perfectly matched sword/scabbard set. Forty-two copper rivets are tight along the seam with one additional rivet closing the tip.

A fine Civil War naval cutlass with its accompanying leather scabbard. [jet] [ph:L]

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