Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Cutlass

A cutlass is a short, heavy, single-edged sword with a slightly curved blade, designed for slashing in close-quarters combat and historically favored by sailors, marines, and pirates aboard ships.^[1] Its compact form, typically 24 to 30 inches in blade length, allowed for effective use in the confined spaces of naval vessels, where longer swords would be impractical.^[2] The term "cutlass" entered English in the 1590s from French coutelas, which itself derived from Italian coltellaccio, an augmentative form of coltello meaning "knife," ultimately tracing back to Latin cultellus, a diminutive of culter ("plowshare" or "knife").^[3] The weapon's origins lie in medieval Europe, evolving from earlier short swords like the falchion, a broad-bladed cutting weapon popular from the 13th century onward.^[4] By the 16th and 17th centuries, the cutlass had become a staple of naval armories across European powers, including Britain, France, and Spain, due to its durability against the rigors of shipboard life, such as exposure to salt water and the need for chopping through ropes or enemy defenses.^[5] In naval service, the cutlass saw widespread use from the Age of Sail through the early 19th century, particularly in boarding parties and amphibious assaults.^[6] Early designs, such as those in the American Navy from 1740 to 1780, featured simple, sturdy construction with imported blades and rudimentary wooden cylinder hilts for grip, emphasizing affordability and reliability over ornamentation.^[6] Later variants, including the British 1804 pattern and U.S. Navy models of the 1840s and 1860s, incorporated more refined hilts of iron or brass with knuckle bows for hand protection, reflecting advancements in metallurgy and standardization.^[5] The cutlass's role extended beyond military use to civilian maritime contexts, such as by plantation workers in the Caribbean, where it doubled as a machete-like tool, underscoring its versatility as both weapon and implement. By the early 20th century, as naval warfare shifted toward firearms, the cutlass largely faded from active service but endured as a symbol of maritime heritage in ceremonies and popular culture.^[2]

Etymology and Terminology

Origins of the Term

The term "cutlass" derives from the 16th-century French word coutelas, which referred to a short, broad-bladed knife or machete-like cutting tool used for practical purposes such as chopping vegetation or provisions. This French term itself evolved from earlier Romance language influences, including the Italian coltellaccio meaning "large knife" and ultimately tracing back to the Latin cultellus, a diminutive form of culter denoting a small knife or cutting blade.^[7] The word entered English usage around 1590, primarily through naval slang among sailors who adopted the French term to describe similar utilitarian cutting implements aboard ships.^[8] Early English texts reflect this naval and tool-oriented context, with the term appearing in literature to evoke short, slashing blades suited to maritime life. For instance, William Shakespeare alluded to a comparable weapon in As You Like It (circa 1599), where the character Celia mentions a "gallant curtle-axe" – a variant spelling of cutlass – worn on the thigh as a practical sidearm, highlighting its role in cutting and close-quarters utility rather than formal dueling.^[9] Over time, the term shifted from denoting a versatile tool to primarily signifying a dedicated naval weapon, though its origins underscore a machete-like functionality predating widespread weaponization in European militaries. The cutlass emerged as a naval-specific evolution of earlier short, broad-bladed edged weapons, particularly the hanger and the falchion. The falchion, a single-edged curved sword prevalent in Europe from approximately 1200, emphasized chopping and slashing capabilities, influencing the design of subsequent maritime blades adapted for close-quarters combat aboard ships.^[10] In contrast, the hanger—a compact hunting sword or sidearm used by European infantry and woodsmen from the mid-17th century—shared the cutlass's brevity and single-edged profile but was primarily a land-based utility weapon, often lacking the reinforced hilts suited to damp, confined naval environments. Early variants of the cutlass incorporated influences from hunting swords and broader saber forms, transitioning into a dedicated naval tool by the 17th century as European powers refined shipboard armaments for boarding actions and deck fighting. Terminological shifts marked this development; in 17th-century English usage, terms like "cuttoe"—an anglicization of the French couteaux de chasse (hunting knives)—described similar short swords employed by sailors and officers, reflecting the weapon's origins in versatile hunting implements before specialization.^[11] The word "cutlass" itself entered English around the 1590s from the French coutelas, denoting a short, broad sword for seamen, and gradually standardized to signify shipboard variants distinct from continental military patterns.^[12] By 1700, "cutlass" had become the precise designation for a sailor's sidearm in European navies, differentiating it from land-based sabers through its emphasis on robustness for maritime utility and combat, while sabers retained longer, more cavalry-oriented forms for terrestrial use.^[13] This naval distinction solidified the cutlass as an icon of seafaring warfare, separate from the multifunctional hangers still favored ashore.

Design and Features

Blade Characteristics

The cutlass blade is characterized by its compact design, typically measuring 24 to 30 inches (61 to 76 cm) in length, which facilitates rapid slashing in the tight quarters of shipboard combat. This length allows for effective chopping motions while maintaining maneuverability, distinguishing it from longer swords used on open battlefields.^[2] The blade profile is broad at the base, often around 1.5 inches (38 mm) wide near the hilt, tapering gradually toward a clip point or spear-shaped tip to enhance penetration and reduce weight toward the end.^[5] This configuration optimizes the blade for severing ropes, heavy clothing, or flesh during boarding actions, with the wider base providing structural integrity for powerful strikes.^[14] Edge geometry features a single sharp cutting edge along the convex or straight side, frequently accompanied by a false edge or rudimentary double edging on the back near the tip—typically within the last 5 inches—for limited thrusting capability.^[15] Blades may be straight or exhibit a slight curvature, aiding in draw cuts and leverage during swings.^[6] The overall weight distribution of the blade, contributing to a total sword weight of approximately 2 to 2.5 pounds (0.9 to 1.1 kg), centers the balance near the hilt for quick, forceful swings rather than extended reach.^[16] This balance supports the cutlass's role as a heavy chopper in confined naval environments, where prolonged duels are impractical.^[17]

Hilt and Guard

The hilt of the cutlass typically featured a grip measuring 4 to 5 inches in length, constructed from materials such as wood, bone, or iron wrapped in leather to ensure a secure hold, particularly in wet or gloved conditions common in naval service.^[6] A pommel at the base of the grip provided balance and counterweight to the blade, facilitating one-handed use during close-quarters combat.^[18] The protective guard represented the cutlass's most distinctive hilt component, evolving to prioritize hand safety in maritime engagements. In the 17th century, early designs often employed a simple knucklebow—a curved metal bar extending from the blade tang to the pommel—or partial half-baskets offering limited enclosure against downward strikes.^[19] By the early 18th century, naval influences drove further development, with guards expanding into stirrup hilts featuring quillons and outer loops, or double-disc "figure-of-eight" configurations forged from brass or iron to shield the hand from pike thrusts and slashing blows.^[5]^[20] This progression culminated around 1800 in full basket-style guards, comprising a metal lattice or pierced shell that fully enclosed the hand, enhancing safety for left-handed users or those dual-wielding weapons by preventing fingers from slipping onto the blade during vigorous action.^[21]^[22] Variations in guard complexity balanced protection with practicality; for instance, pierced or openwork designs in basket guards reduced overall weight without compromising defensive efficacy, allowing sailors greater mobility aboard ship.^[18] These adaptations underscored the cutlass's role as a utilitarian naval sidearm, where the guard's robust form distinguished it from less enclosed short swords used in land warfare.^[6]

Materials and Construction

Cutlass blades were primarily forged from high-carbon steel billets, selected for their ability to hold a keen edge while withstanding the rigors of close combat. This material provided the necessary toughness and flexibility, often achieved through folding or layering techniques in earlier examples to enhance durability without brittleness. By the 19th century, manufacturing shifted toward more uniformly tempered high-carbon steels, improving overall resilience and slight corrosion resistance through better heat treatment processes.^[23] Hilt components emphasized practicality in marine settings, with guards commonly constructed from brass or iron to resist rust from exposure to saltwater and humidity. Brass, in particular, offered superior corrosion resistance compared to plain steel, while iron guards were sometimes painted or treated for added protection. Grips were typically constructed from wood covered in leather, often with wire wrapping for added security, or from grooved cast iron in some patterns, providing a firm hold in wet conditions.^[5] The construction process began with forging the blade from heated steel billets, shaped under hammer or press to form the curved profile and clipped point. Blades underwent heat treatment—quenching and tempering—to attain an edge hardness typically equivalent to Rockwell 50-55, balancing sharpness with impact resistance. Assembly involved inserting the blade's tang through the hilt, then securing it by peening the exposed end to flare and lock it in place, ensuring a robust, rattle-free connection. To address the unique challenges of naval service, blades and metal fittings received marine-specific treatments like bluing (a controlled oxidation process) or regular oiling, which formed a protective barrier against saltwater corrosion not as critical for terrestrial swords.^[24]

Historical Development

Early Origins

The cutlass emerged from 16th-century European short swords and agricultural implements, such as the falchion, which were repurposed for maritime environments between approximately 1580 and 1600. The falchion, a medieval single-edged hacking sword with a broad, cleaver-like blade favored by infantrymen for its utility in chopping through armor and flesh, directly influenced the cutlass's compact form and slashing capability, making it ideal for the cramped decks of ships where longer weapons were impractical.^[5] Eastern influences shaped the cutlass's evolution through trade and conflict, as Ottoman and North African curved blades—such as the kilij and nimcha—were encountered and incorporated via Mediterranean routes and colonial exchanges in the early 17th century. These scimitar-like designs, prized for their superior cutting arcs, blended with Western straight-bladed traditions, resulting in hybrid forms that enhanced the weapon's effectiveness in dynamic shipboard fights; artifacts from this period, including recovered blades from wrecks, show this stylistic fusion in European armories.^[25] By 1620, the cutlass had solidified its role as a standard crew arm in Dutch East India Company (VOC) records, signifying its shift from ad hoc tool to formalized military sidearm amid the company's aggressive maritime expansion. VOC inventories from Batavia and Amsterdam shipyards explicitly list "korte degens" or short cutlasses for ordinary seamen, emphasizing their issuance for defense against pirates and competitors in the Indian Ocean trade lanes, with over 500 units noted in early fleet outfitting manifests.^[26]

17th and 18th Centuries

The cutlass saw significant evolution and standardization within the British Royal Navy during the 17th and 18th centuries, transitioning from irregular short swords to a dedicated naval boarding weapon suited to the demands of the Age of Sail. Introduced in the late 17th century amid the navy's expansion under Charles II, the cutlass became a standard issue for ratings by the early 1700s, valued for its compact design that facilitated use in confined shipboard spaces.^[12]^[5] A key milestone was the widespread employment of cutlasses during the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714), particularly in amphibious and ship-to-ship engagements such as the capture of Gibraltar in 1704, where sailors wielded them alongside pistols and boarding pikes to overwhelm defenders in close combat.^[27] This conflict highlighted the weapon's effectiveness in melee actions, contributing to British naval dominance and imperial ambitions in the Mediterranean. Design refinements emerged to address the rigors of extended voyages, including lighter blades weighing approximately 2 pounds or less, which improved maneuverability without sacrificing chopping power; these changes drew partial influence from French naval practices, such as the sabre d'abordage, a boarding saber emphasizing robust yet agile construction for similar maritime roles.^[28] The figure-of-eight hilt, a hallmark of mid-18th-century patterns dating from around 1716 to 1750, provided basic knuckle protection through its interlocking disc guards, balancing simplicity and functionality for mass production and issue.^[29] By the 1750s, the cutlass's ubiquity in naval service—evident in inventories equipping thousands of seamen across the fleet—underscored its central role in supporting Britain's growing maritime empire, with armories stocking variants for routine boarding drills and combat.^[30]

19th Century and Later

In the 19th century, the cutlass continued to serve as a standard naval sidearm, with the United States Navy adopting the Model 1841 pattern in the early 1840s as a dedicated close-combat weapon for sailors, featuring a straight blade patterned after the earlier M1832 Foot Artillery Sword.^[16]^[31] This model saw limited use during the American Civil War (1861–1865), where it was supplemented by the improved Model 1860 pattern, a curved-blade design influenced by the French M1833 and produced in quantities exceeding 25,000 units for enhanced slashing capability in boarding actions.^[32] However, by the 1880s, both patterns were largely phased out in favor of bayonets, as naval doctrine shifted toward rifle-equipped landing parties that rendered short swords less practical for close-quarters engagements.^[6] The British Royal Navy's Pattern 1827, primarily an officer's sword but occasionally fitted with a cutlass-style blade, persisted into mid-century service and was employed in colonial conflicts such as the Opium Wars (1839–1842 and 1856–1860), where it supported infantry and naval operations in close combat scenarios.^[33] By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the cutlass's practical role diminished due to the proliferation of reliable firearms and longer rifles, which minimized the need for dedicated sidearms in naval warfare by around 1900, relegating the weapon primarily to ceremonial functions.^[6] During World War I, cutlasses appeared in ceremonial capacities across major navies, including drill exercises and parades, though active combat issuance had ceased.^[6] The final significant development came with the US Navy's Model 1917 cutlass, issued as the last major production run for active service, particularly to Marine detachments aboard ships during World War I for potential boarding or shore patrol duties.^[34]^[35] This model, an updated version of the 1860 with a reinforced half-basket guard and 25-inch curved blade, marked the end of the cutlass as an inventoried combat weapon, becoming obsolete in frontline naval use thereafter as modern weaponry dominated.^[35]

Military and Naval Use

In European Navies

In the British Royal Navy, the cutlass served as a standard sidearm for ratings from the early 18th century, evolving from non-uniform designs to the first regulation pattern in 1804. This 1804 pattern featured a slightly curved, single-edged blade approximately 28 inches long, a figure-of-eight iron guard often engraved with the royal cypher under a crown, and a ribbed iron grip for secure handling in wet conditions. It proved effective in close-quarters boarding actions, notably during the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, where British sailors wielded it against French and Spanish forces to secure victory.^[5] The French Navy introduced boarding cutlass variants, known as sabres d'abordage or coutelas, in the late 17th century, with examples dating to the 1670s emphasizing broad, curved blades optimized for the confined spaces of galley warfare in the Mediterranean. These weapons, produced at royal armories like Klingenthal, had robust hilts and blades suited for slashing in hand-to-hand combat, reflecting France's reliance on oared galleys until the early 18th century. By the 19th century, the Model 1833 pattern standardized the design with a falchion-style blade and anchor markings, maintaining its role in naval engagements.^[36]^[28] Following the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, the Spanish navy adapted cutlasses for maritime service in the 17th and 18th centuries, incorporating broad-bladed espada ancha variants reworked in colonial workshops for boarding operations. These featured simple iron guards and heavy, curved blades ideal for shipboard fighting, as evidenced by mid-18th-century examples with mystical engravings on the ricasso. During this period, Spanish armadas used them to protect treasure fleets against privateers.^[37]^[38] In the Prussian navy during the Napoleonic era, cutlasses formed part of the limited Baltic fleet's armament, with designs influenced by French models emphasizing durability for coastal defense. Early 19th-century examples, leading to the 1848 experimental pattern, featured straight or slightly curved blades with solid basket guards, supporting Prussia's naval buildup amid continental conflicts.^[39]^[40] European navies, particularly the British, emphasized cutlass training in drills that integrated the weapon with boarding pikes for defense and pistols for initial volleys during assaults on enemy vessels. A 1812 manual by Lieutenant William Pringle Green outlined systematic exercises for ship's crews, teaching coordinated tactics where cutlasses cleared decks after pike formations repelled boarders, enhancing effectiveness in chaotic melee.^[41]

American Naval Adoption

The United States Navy, established by the Naval Act of 1794, began procuring cutlasses in the late 1790s as standard armament for close-quarters shipboard combat, drawing significant influence from French naval designs that had been utilized by American sailors during the Revolutionary War and the Quasi-War with France (1798–1800).^[6]^[36] These early weapons were essential for boarding parties and repelling attackers in confined spaces, reflecting the Navy's adaptation of proven European patterns to suit its growing fleet of frigates.^[6] A notable advancement came with the Model 1808 cutlass, contracted from Nathan Starr & Sons for 2,000 units at $2.50 each, featuring straight 30½-inch blades of forged steel etched with an eagle motif and "US" markings to denote official issue.^[42] This design marked a shift toward lighter, more maneuverable hilts with iron guards, improving handling during the War of 1812, where cutlasses equipped crews on vessels like USS Constitution for potential hand-to-hand engagements in major victories such as the capture of HMS Guerriere.^[42]^[43] Subsequent models further refined the cutlass for American naval service, including the Model 1841 produced by N.P. Ames Manufacturing Company under a 1842 contract, which featured a 21-inch straight double-edged blade with a brass fish-scale grip and half-basket guard for enhanced protection.^[6] This pattern was actively employed by sailors during the Mexican-American War (1846–1848), particularly in amphibious operations at Veracruz and Tabasco, where its compact form proved ideal for cutting through rigging and defensive nets.^[6] The Model 1860, also manufactured by Ames and derived from the French Model 1833, succeeded it with a similar 26-inch curved blade and improved balance, entering production amid ongoing naval needs post-Mexican War.^[6]^[14] The U.S. Marine Corps integrated cutlass training into its regimen during the 19th century, emphasizing drills for close-quarters boarding tactics to prepare for ship-to-ship assaults or landing party actions, with the weapon issued alongside pikes and muskets as a core infantry tool.^[6] Cutlasses remained standard issue to enlisted sailors through the late 19th century, serving as an ordnance allowance until the 1890s when evolving tactics and firearms began to supplant edged weapons in routine naval inventory.^[6]

Pirate and Privateer Employment

The cutlass became a favored weapon among pirates during the Golden Age of Piracy (approximately 1715–1725) due to its short blade length, typically 24 to 30 inches, which allowed for effective maneuvering in the confined spaces of ship decks during boarding actions and close-quarters combat.^[44] This design contrasted with longer swords that could hinder movement amid rigging and cargo, making the cutlass ideal for slashing and thrusting in chaotic naval skirmishes.^[45] Prominent figures like the English pirate Edward Teach, known as Blackbeard (d. 1718), exemplified this preference by carrying multiple cutlasses alongside pistols to compensate for the weapon's limitations in prolonged engagements.^[45] Historical accounts describe Blackbeard strapping two cutlasses to his sides, enhancing his fearsome reputation and tactical versatility in raids.^[46] Privateers, operating under letters of marque that legalized their attacks on enemy vessels, similarly adopted the cutlass, often acquiring them from captured naval ships to arm their crews. In the early 19th century, French-American privateer Jean Lafitte (c. 1780–c. 1825), who held commissions from both Spanish and later American authorities, equipped his Gulf of Mexico flotilla with such weapons during operations against Spanish shipping.^[44] Lafitte's forces, based in Barataria Bay, relied on these sturdy, mass-produced naval cutlasses for their durability in humid, salty environments, reflecting the blurred lines between privateering and outright piracy in irregular warfare.^[44] In pirate and privateer tactics, the cutlass was frequently paired with flintlock pistols to execute "cut and thrust" maneuvers during shipboard raids, where a pistol shot could create an opening for a subsequent blade attack.^[45] This combination allowed assailants to fire at range before closing in for melee, maximizing surprise and lethality in the narrow confines of enemy decks. Cutlasses from this era, including those used by pirates, were often adapted for such fighting with reinforced hilts to withstand parrying, though they retained their core naval design for reliability.^[45]

Modern Interpretations

Reproductions and Collectibles

Modern reproductions of cutlasses are manufactured by specialized firms such as Windlass Steelcrafts and Veteran Arms, utilizing high-carbon steel blades to replicate historical designs like the 1804 Royal Navy boarding pattern. These replicas typically feature tempered 1065 or similar high-carbon steel for the blade, cast iron or brass hilts, and leather-wrapped grips to ensure both durability and fidelity to period specifications. Cold Steel also produces pirate-inspired cutlass models with robust construction suitable for collectors.^[47]^[48]^[49] Antique cutlasses, especially original British Navy examples from the 19th century, hold substantial collectible value, often fetching between $500 and $5,000 at auctions based on condition, rarity, and provenance. Prices vary widely; for instance, a British 1845 Pattern Royal Navy cutlass sold for approximately $1,200 in a recent auction, while rarer Napoleonic-era pieces by makers like Osborn & Gunby have commanded higher sums. Authentication relies on examining maker marks, such as those from Wilkinson Sword, which confirm period manufacturing and enhance market appeal.^[50]^[51]^[52] To detect forgeries in antique cutlasses, experts employ X-ray imaging techniques, including X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry, which analyzes elemental composition and internal construction without damage. This method reveals inconsistencies in metal alloys or assembly that indicate modern fabrication disguised as period pieces. The 21st-century surge in demand for cutlass reproductions stems from the cultural impact of pirate-themed media, notably the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise, which popularized these swords among enthusiasts. Replicas are predominantly acquired for display and historical reenactment, reflecting a broader market for non-combat historical weaponry.^[53]^[54]^[55]

Contemporary Uses in Sports and Culture

In contemporary sports and reenactment, the cutlass plays a prominent role in Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA), a revival movement that reconstructs European combat techniques from historical sources and gained widespread momentum in the 1990s through dedicated clubs, publications, and online communities.^[56] Practitioners employ blunt trainers or synthetic versions of the cutlass for safe sparring and demonstrations, emphasizing its historical design for close-quarters naval combat.^[57] These tools allow participants to study and test techniques derived from period treatises, focusing on slashing cuts and defensive maneuvers suited to the weapon's short, curved blade. HEMA tournaments often include dedicated cutlass categories, where competitors engage in armored bouts following rules adapted from 18th- and 19th-century military fencing manuals, such as Alfred Hutton's Cold Steel (1889), which details saber and broadsword exercises applicable to the cutlass.^[58] Events like the Kings of the North tournament feature cutlass sparring to honor 18th- and 19th-century military swordsmanship, promoting both historical accuracy and physical conditioning.^[59] This recreational practice not only preserves the cutlass's tactical legacy but also fosters community among enthusiasts worldwide. In popular culture, the cutlass has become synonymous with piracy, largely due to its iconic depiction in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series, beginning with The Curse of the Black Pearl in 2003, where characters like Captain Jack Sparrow wield it in swashbuckling duels. This portrayal has shaped public perception, cementing the cutlass as the quintessential "pirate sword" in media and cosplay, drawing from its real historical association with seafaring raiders.^[60] Ceremonially, the cutlass retains a place in modern naval traditions, particularly among chief petty officers in the U.S. Coast Guard, who wear it with dress uniforms during parades and official events as a symbol of enlisted heritage.^[61] Authorized for full dress occasions since 2011, this usage echoes the weapon's naval origins while honoring contemporary service.^[62]

References

[1]
CUTLASS Definition & Meaning - Dictionary.com
Cutlass definition: a short, heavy, slightly curved sword with a single cutting edge, formerly used by sailors.. See examples of CUTLASS used in a sentence.
[2]
The Cutlass: From The Sea To The Screen - BLADE Magazine
Mar 4, 2023 · The cutlass is a one-handed, single-edged sword used for close-quarters fighting that was the evolution of naval sabers into a more compact, nimble short sword.
[3]
Cutlass - Etymology, Origin & Meaning
Coutelas, from French and Italian origins, means a short sword or large, curved knife for cutting, derived from Latin cultellus (small knife) and PIE root ...
[4]
Cutlass - Old Naval Weapon - The Way Of The Pirates
The origin of the Cutlass come from the medieval times and the several types of small swords that were popular back then. It most resembles famous Falchion – ...
[5]
Naval Cutlasses - an Overview
Sep 24, 2018 · It is related to those familiar words 'cutler' and 'cutlery' and derives from the Latin 'cultellus' meaning knife. One aspect of the cutlassthat ...
[6]
Swords - Naval History and Heritage Command - Navy.mil
Jan 12, 2017 · From about 1740 to 1780, the cutlass was a simple, sturdy sword with an imported blade and a crude wooden cylinder for a hilt. The single-edged ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[7]
CUTLASS Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
1. a short curving sword formerly used by sailors on warships 2. machete Examples of cutlass in a Sentence
[8]
cutlass - WordReference.com Dictionary of English
cutlass /ˈkʌtləs/ n. a curved, one-edged sword formerly used by sailors. Etymology: 16th Century: from French coutelas, from coutel knife, from Latin ...Missing: origin | Show results with:origin
[9]
https://www.opensourceshakespeare.org/views/plays/play_view.php?WorkID=asyoulikeit&Act=1&Scene=3&Scope=scene
[10]
Falchion - Italian, Venice - The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Falchion refers to a type of curved sword that was used in Europe from about 1200. This is one of the few to survive from the late fifteenth century.
[11]
Sword and scabbard (Sinhalese: kasthane) - Sri Lanka
It has its antecedents in the European short hunting sword (hanger or cuttoe) that became popular among gentlemen officers from the mid-17th and throughout the ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[12]
American Officer's Sword made by John Bailey
The Adams Bailey sword can be referred to as a cuttoe or hanger, both names originating from the form's use as a European hunting weapon in the seventeenth ...Missing: 17th | Show results with:17th
[13]
The English Naval Sword in the 17th Century - MilitariaHub
The word cutlass is derived from the latin cultellus, meaning short sword, and came into the English language from around 1580 onwards, when it was described as ...
[14]
The Sword Aboard Ship: The Evolution of a Weapon and Naval ...
The naval sword functionally developed into a distinct entity from terrestrial swords only in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, but was symbolically used ...
[15]
Cutlass - Wikipedia
The French word coutelas may be a convergent development from a Latin root, along with the Italian coltellaccio or cortelazo, meaning "large knife". In ...
[16]
Navy Cutlass, 1860 - The Goat Locker
Overall length: 32 inches. Blade length: 26 inches. Blade width: 1-1/8" at hilt. Blade type: Single-edged, with a rudimentary double edge within 5. inches of ...
[17]
Sword - British 'Pattern' 1842/ 1845 Naval Cutlass - 1847-1852
The blade is plain and slightly curved, with a short ricasso. It is flat and single-edged for most of its length before altering to a double - edged flattened ...
[18]
US Model 1841 Navy Cutlass: The dedicated close-combat weapon ...
Sep 25, 2025 · Blade length, Approx. 21 inches (533 mm), straight and double-edged ; Blade width, Around 1⅝ inches (42 mm) at the ricasso ; Hilt, One-piece brass ...
[19]
[PDF] A COMPARISON OF THE STARR 1808 CUTLASS
The sword weighs 2.6 pounds. This leads to the obvious: the 1808 Starr with its light- weight and thin guard would have a tough time standing up against the ...
[20]
[PDF] Bulletin - United States National Museum - Smithsonian Institution
American navalswords, 1800 to 1900—Continued. Plate. Page. Naval cutlasses, 1840 to 1865. 100. Marine Corps swords. 100. Sword owned by Capt. Frank M. Munroe.
[21]
[PDF] Evolution-of-the-basket-hilted-sword-form-the-16th-to-18th-centuries ...
The guard is typical of the mid 17th century while the spectacular blade, which pays tribute to Charles IV, Holy Roman. Emperor, can date no earlier than 1711.
[22]
British Naval Cutlass in the 18th Century - MilitariaHub
The British Naval Cutlass in the 18th Century became more simplified with the introduction of a double disc-type or “figure of eight” hilt.
[23]
Cutlass | Royal Museums Greenwich
The hilt of the cutlass consists of a figure-of-eight guard. The guard is of blackened steel bent round from the tang to form an oval shell.
[24]
Sword - British Cutlass - 1864-1900 | Collection Object
The hilt is formed of a sheet-iron bowl-guard, slightly dished towards the hand, and narrower on the inside edge. Where the guard tapers upwards to join the ...
[25]
Model 1860 Navy Cutlass | National Museum of American History
Physical Description: metal (overall material) ; Measurements: average spatial: 1 1/4 in x 31 3/4 in; 3.175 cm x 80.645 cm ...Missing: naval | Show results with:naval
[26]
[PDF] M1861 Cutlass - Old Swords
Jun 20, 2021 · The guard is gilt brass with blued steel for the cup. Instead of rivets it has slotted screws. The grip is wrapped with sharkskin with gilt wire ...
[27]
Naval Swords: A Curatorial Discussion - A Fencer's Ramblings
May 13, 2020 · The cutlass had a hilt which was made of steel or iron and then was painted black to prevent corrosion. Even the handle, aside from the core ...
[28]
Falchions, Scimitars and Sabers - Sword Buyers Guide.com
Essentially a 'poor mans' field weapon - the Falchion was a common sight among conscripted peasant soldiers from the 11th to the 16th century. Likewise, the ...
[29]
cutlasses « Swordplay & Swashbucklers - Benerson Little
Dec 31, 2016 · The most direct evidence we have of the sort of cutlasses used by these adventurers comes from several drawings of flibustiers in the 1680s by Paul Cornuau.Missing: evolution | Show results with:evolution
[30]
History of the Pirate Cutlass
... French coutelas, or coutelace, a form of coutel, modern couteau, a knife, from Latin cultellus, diminutive of culter, a ploughshare, or cutting instrument.
[31]
Capturing the Rock: Gibraltar 1704 - Warfare History Network
In July 1704, the third year of what was being called the War of the Spanish Succession ... Sailors' weapons—the cutlass, pistol, and boarding pike—were ...
[32]
Buccaneer Cutlasses: What We Know - Benerson Little
Dec 31, 2016 · The most direct evidence we have of the sort of cutlasses used by these adventurers comes from several drawings of flibustiers in the 1680s by Paul Cornuau.
[33]
Sword - Cutlass - 1716-1750 | Collection Object - Royal Armouries
Physical description: The hilt is formed of sheet iron cut into a figure of eight, double-disc guard in the form of a plain, oval-shaped shell guard and ...Missing: inventory | Show results with:inventory
[34]
Shore Party Armaments: The Cutlass - British Tars, 1740-1790
Oct 10, 2018 · 'Figure of Eight' Naval Cutlass, c.1740-1750, Colonial Williamsburg ... Captain Anthony Beck's estate inventory lists both a pair of pistols and a ...
[35]
Mexican War US Navy Cutlass Model M1841 Naval Cutlass by Ames
The M1841 model of Naval Cutlass was originally patterned after the U.S. M1832 Foot Artillery Sword used by the United States Army until 1870. Additionally, the ...
[36]
[PDF] The American Cutlass
The Confederate States Navy used a varietyof Cutlasses. But most of those manufactured in the South were closely patterned after the 1841 design, the poorest ...
[37]
Navy Cutlasses in the Civil War
Jun 11, 2012 · This was a superior weapon to the M1841, and during the war 25,000 of these were purchased by the US Navy. The cutlass saw service on both ...
[38]
[PDF] British Naval Edged Weapons—An Overview
Hollier29 introduced the double disk cutlass, with stag handles, to the Royal Navy as early as 1730. An example of one of Hollier's earlier cutlasses has been ...
[39]
Original U.S. WWI US Navy Rare & Unissued M1917 Cutlass With ...
Original Item: Only One Available. Towards the end of the 19th Century and the beginning of the 20th Century, the US Navy was about to retire its 50 year ...
[40]
The Model M1917 US Navy Cutlass was the Last Official Naval ...
The Model M1917 US Navy Cutlass was the Last Official Naval Cutlass Authorized For Use as a Personal Weapon and Inventoried Armament.Missing: WWI | Show results with:WWI
[41]
French Naval Cutlass - Museum of the American Revolution
American sailors aboard Continental Navy vessels and privateer ships often used French weapons, like this cutlass, as they battled the British Navy.Missing: abordage 18th
[42]
Espada Ancha Spanish Main Colonial America Spanish Sword or ...
Spanish colonial American sword or cutlass with blade having mystical symbols typical of the 17th/18th centuries. Most likely the hilt was handforged and blade ...
[43]
Antique Arms Research | For Sale
Experiments during the early 1840s for a new naval cutlass design to replace the venerable 1804 Pattern resulted in a design by George Lovell, the Inspector of ...<|separator|>
[44]
Prussian 1848 Experimental Naval Cutlass - MilitariaHub
A super rare Prussian 1848 Experimental Naval Cutlass of massive proportions. This is the only example of a very distinctive naval sword.Missing: era | Show results with:era
[45]
German. Prussian Model 1852 Naval Cutlass - Bygone Blades
The Prussian M1852 naval cutlass was the first cutlass designed by the German States. It was heavily influenced by earlier French cutlasses and replaced ...Missing: Napoleonic era
[46]
[PDF] by Lieut. William Pringle Green, 1812. Presented by the Academy of ...
Therefore to instruct our crews in a more ready effectual use of the cutlass and pistol is the first object to be explained. According to the custom prevailing ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[47]
Nathan Starr Cutlass - USS Constitution Museum
These cutlasses had shorter, heavier blades than the 1808 model, but were otherwise identical. Starr's last Navy contract was let in 1826 for 2,000 cutlasses, ...Missing: adoption 1794 French
[48]
Arms and Armament Archives - USS Constitution Museum
A well-appointed American warship in 1812 usually carried three muskets, three cutlasses, four pikes and two pistols to every two guns (cannon). A ship as ...
[49]
10 Pirate Weapons from the Golden Age of Piracy - History Hit
Pirates' use of the short, broad sabre known as the cutlass is well documented. The crews of the English pirate William Fly, Scottish pirate William Kidd and ...
[50]
Pirate Weapons in the Golden Age of Piracy
Aug 31, 2021 · Some pirates compensated for these defects by carrying several weapons at once, the most famous of these was Edward Teach, aka Blackbeard (d.
[51]
Blackbeard | Edward Teach | Pirate - Royal Museums Greenwich
Blackbeard was also armed with three pairs of pistols strapped across his chest, and cutlasses and knives hanging from his clothes. His fearsome appearance was ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[52]
The English Cutlass - Windlass Steelcrafts
Carried during the 1600's and 1700's, this type sword was also called a hanger. (The term cutlass wasn't used as an exclusive ... high carbon steel blade and a ...
[53]
Royal Navy 1804 Pattern Boarding Cutlass - Veteran Arms
The hilt is cast iron with an antiqued finish. Included is a durable leather scabbard with a brass belt frog hook. Overall Length: 34 1/4'' Blade: 29'' 3 lb ...
[54]
https://www.azooptics.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=2527
[55]
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/price-result/antique-british-royal-navy-cutlass/
[56]
https://www.historicaleuropeanmartialarts.com/2020/05/30/the-history-of-the-modern-hema-movement/
[57]
A ROYAL NAVY 1900 PATTERN CUTLASS BY WILKINSON
Free deliveryAN EARLY VICTORIAN CARVED WOOD AND SILVER WALKING STICK MADE FROM ROYAL GEORGE OAK · GBP 200 – GBP 300 · GBP 646 ; AN INTERESTING TREENWARE & SILVER PRESENTATION ...Missing: antique | Show results with:antique
[58]
Forensic Science for Antiques - Smithsonian Magazine
May 14, 2008 · Infrared reflectography, ultraviolet light, plain old X-rays, CT scans and microscopes are all part of the exploratory process. A horse ...
[59]
XRF For Authenticating Metallic Objects in the Art World - AZoOptics
Jan 9, 2024 · XRF's elemental fingerprinting is invaluable in swiftly authenticating metal antiquities and addressing art forgery through detailed elemental ...
[60]
https://www.swordnarmory.com/pirates-of-caribbean-cutlass-sword-basket-guard-saber-movie-replica-with-scab/
[61]
History of the Modern HEMA Movement | Historical European Martial ...
May 30, 2020 · This article is about the history of the revival of Historical European martial arts. Learn about key events and achievements made by ...
[62]
https://gcaptain.com/cpo-cutlass/
[63]
Clarifying Alfred Hutton: A response to “Friends don't let friends ...
Oct 3, 2022 · Alfred Hutton 1889 Cold Steel: A practical treatise on the Sabre https://www.hroarr.com/manuals/sabre-cutlass-broadsword-rapier/Hutton_ColdSteel ...
[64]
Cutlass Sparring - Rick vs Nick (at Kings of the North 2023) - YouTube
Mar 10, 2023 · Kings of the North is a fantastic HEMA event dedicated to 18th and 19th century military swordsmanship. We of course spent most of our time ...Missing: tournaments | Show results with:tournaments
[65]
Pirates of Caribbean Cutlass Sword Basket Guard Saber
A pirate style cutlass with a solid design and intricate detail. The sword is almost perfectly balanced with a solid steel pommel and full wrap around basket ...
[66]
Coast Guard CPO Ceremonial Cutlass & Scabbard - Marlow White
Navy Uniforms. Gender. Male Female. Type. -- Please Select --, Service Dress Blue Uniform, Dinner Dress Blue Uniform, Dinner Dress White Uniform. Rank. -- ...
[67]
Draw… SWORDS! CPO Cutlass Desginated An Official Uniform Item
Jan 28, 2011 · Designed to be worn by members of an official party during ceremonies requiring officers to wear swords, the chief petty officer (CPO) cutlass ...