Description
This is an unlisted pattern of short sword that follows the regulations for the US Model 1841 Navy cutlass. Unlike the common Ames examples, it has a different stippled guard and there are no rivets in the grip—but you can see casting lines where the hilt of one with rivets was copied via sand casting. The scabbard throat fits snugly and will not accommodate either an Ames M1841 cutlass or the M1832 Heavy Artillery short sword—it appears to have been made for this particular style of blade.
Some feel this is a late cutlass made by Thomas Griswold of New Orleans and others feel it is a Horstmann contract item having a blade made in Solingen, Germany—at this point, your guess is as good as anybody elses’ since there are no firm references supporting either theory. It is, however, a legitimate Civil War era cutlass that saw use in the field. If Confederate, you got an incredible bargain—if Union, you got a solid deal! Win-win either way!
