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This is a much less expensive mate to our item #1741 and though not in as fine a condition remains in very acceptable condition. (You may compare this one it's mate by entering the number 1741 in our search feature.) This cutlass came to us with #1741 and as you can see is clearly a mate to that sword. This offering sports a 1½" wide cutlass blade mounted with a horizontally ribbed black enameled cast-iron grip and brass 'D' guard with langet. The guard has deep period rack numbers and remains in excellent condition. It is unpolished with a nice age patina. The sweeping 29 ¾" long blade offers good evidence of period use and yet remains in nice condition with only a few very small use nicks apparent only upon close inspection. The marking of cutlerer 'Robt. MOLE & SONS, BIRMINGHAM' located at the spine of the blade just below the guard has been purposefully obliterated leaving only the very end of 'SONS' and the last letters of 'BIRMINGHAM" below it. (One can only surmise as to the reasoning behind an attempt to remove the name of Robert Mole though we do know of course that he was a major supplier to Confederate buyers and suspect that may have been enough reason for the perpetrator. ) Just below the maker name is the letter 'R' with a smaller but equally bold 'CS' touch mark set below that. (see our #1741 for comparison ) While the makers name has been mostly obliterated, what remains, in combination with the additional blade marking, style and overall workmanship of the piece, will leave little doubt to the knowledgeable observer that the piece is the work of the well known Birmingham sword maker most often associated with the early Confederate States Navy purchases of COURTNEY & TENNANT of South Carolina. An interesting guard style for the cutlass this 'stirrup' or 'D' guard was preferred aboard ships where space for arms storage was limited thus the usual classification of the type as a private purchase or 'privateer's arm. An interesting little treasure priced considerably below it's mate simply because of the partial obliteration of the maker name. (see: Gilkerson 'Boarders Away' reference on sea-going edged weapons / other references: William Albaugh, 'Confederate Swords'; Albaugh & Simmons 'Confederate Arms') We are pleased to offer a "no questions asked" three day inspection with return as purchased guarantee ! (You will agree that the all important 'CS' is, as are all markings, contemporary.)

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