Model 1833 Cutlass
Datedated 1839
Mediumsteel, iron and black lacquer
Dimensions81.9 × 3.8 × 68.3 cm (32 1/4 × 1 1/2 × 26 7/8 in.), 2 lb, 6 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
MarkingsBoth faces of forte engraved with anchor & back edge in script "Manuf[actu]re R[oya]le de Châtellerault 9 Avril 1839" Obverse of blade at shoulder with 2 inspection marks stamped within circle; "G" under a star & "B" in script. Traces of additional mark on reverse of blade.
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.352.1
DescriptionSteel curving single edge stout hollow-ground triangular section wide blade with flat back to false edge. Black-lacquered solid half-basket hilt with flat base plate drawn into rounded point curving toward back of blade. Upper end of knuckle guard plugs into modified Phrygian helmet-shaped flattened octagonal section pommel. Iron flattened octagonal section grip. Base plate of hilt stamped near rear guard with 2 inspectors marks, 1 is "2" within circle.Label TextAs late as the early 1800s, grappling and boarding remained an important component in naval tactics, requiring ships to stock weapons for hand-to-hand combat. The typical naval cutlass of the 1700s and 1800s was a simple and utilitarian piece, with a short, curved blade and a plain hilt. The hilt was often painted black to protect it from the wet, salty air, or made of non-rusting bronze.ProvenanceMacIntosh collection (#30); purchased by the Museum in December 1970 Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on view
about 1600–1650