Hi all.

I was wondering if someone could help me identify this sword. I like to think of it as a pirate sword, and my 6 year old daughter likes this idea too. I searched for it on oldswords.com once and found a similar one which was, if my memory serves me correctly, a british naval cutlass from the 1860s. This piece has a brass plaque with the number 2 on the guard which did not appear on the one shown on oldswords. It has a 660mm (26") blade with a false edge for about a third of it. It is well balanced and very comfortable to hold, with a nice distal taper.

If anyone can explain to me why this sword would be numbered or any other details regarding this type of blade I would be most appreciative (and so would she).

Darren.

---

 Attachment: 13.89 KB



 Attachment: 16.14 KB

More pics:

---

 Attachment: 22.71 KB



 Attachment: 15.29 KB

To me it looks like a naval blade from the early 19th century (and probably later). As for the number: If it is indeed a naval blade, than a number would appear to be normal. Even in modern military weapons from "the hold" are carrying numbers to identify them.

Looks a lot like this:

http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=7096

But your lacks the thrusting tip reinforcement. I am probably wrong because my screen is so dark that I can't see the hilt details properly.

I checked Wm. Gilkerson's book Boarder's Away and an illustration on p. 85 identifies it as a British Naval cutless ca. 1845. I would also agree with Arne about the "No. 2" plaque as being a ship's arsenal inventory number. Historically most navies of the period frowned on personal weapons being in the possession of common seamen for fear of mutiny, and stored cutlasses, pistols, etc. in racks to be issued out when the need arose.

---

 Attachment: 15.38 KB

The one in the drawing also has the thrusting reinforcement. Strange how the one at the top of the thread does not.

M.

It does look like a P1845/58 cutlass. Are there any maker marks or names on the blade? How about government acceptance marks? Lead cutting swords are often mistaken for cutlasses as they shared the same basic design. If your sword weighs two pounds, there is a chance that the two in the guard in fact indicates the lead cutter weight rather than a rack or locker number. Lead cutting swords came in several different weights (I believe it was 1, 2, 3, and 4 pounds) and were intended for men of different sizes/strengths. They were used to cut lead bars for the purpose of strengthening the sword arm and learning proper cutting technique.

Of course it could just be a cutlass, but I thought it would be fun to mention the lead cutters. :)

Jonathan

ADDED: Lead cutter links

http://forums.swordforum.com/attachment.php?a...1043238613
http://forums.swordforum.com/showthread.php?s...ight=sheep
http://forums.swordforum.com/showthread.php?t...light=lead

Hmmm... lead cutter hey? Sounds interesting. I'll weigh it when I get home tonight. If it is two pounds then I'd be rather inclined to go with this as the most likely explaination.

Unfortunately I can't find any markings at all on the blade, the number 2 being the only clue.

Given that both explainations for the number displayed on the guard seem totally plausible, I am determined to get to the bottom of this. I might have to search the state library for books that could help. I thought that the relative who gave me the sword might be able to assist with some clues as to it's background but all he could tell me was that it was Japanese. :wtf:

It may not be British, although I think it might be--it is missing government stamps and the pommel is not bulbous as on other British cutlasses. Naval swords are definitely not my forte. You may get a more exact answer in teh Antique & Military Sword section at SFI.

Jonathan

I weighed it and it came in at 1172g, or 2.58lb. Given that this is closer to the three pound weight than the two, I'm leaning further towards the inventory number explanation. I still love the lead cutter idea though.

I may just take your advice Jonathan and check at SFI.