Name/Title
U.S. Navy Model 1841 Pattern CutlassEntry/Object ID
1987.01.1826Tags
Civil WarDescription
This type of fishscale pattern, brass gripped Navy cutlass was manufactured by N.P. Ames of Cabotville, Massachusetts, under US contract for the Mexican War. Many also saw service in the Civil War, as they were far more sturdy than the US Model 1860 pattern. This cutlass was found in the waters off of Fort East Martello.
The hilt is of solid brass - except for the guard - with the "Federal Eagle" cast into the pommel and "scales" or "feathers" cast into the grip. These were carried by the Federal Navy through the Mexican War and used by the North (and variants by the South) during the Civil War. These are usually marked by the manufacturer/location, USN and the year of manufacture. Most - if not all - were made by Ames. This cutlass was replaced by the US Model 1861 Navy Cutlass.Collection
Artifact CollectionMade/Created
Date made
circa 1840 - circa 1860Time Period
19th CenturyPlace
State/Province
MassachusettsCountry
United States of AmericaContinent
North AmericaLexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Secondary Object Term
CutlassNomenclature Primary Object Term
SwordNomenclature Sub-Class
Edged WeaponsNomenclature Class
ArmamentsNomenclature Category
Category 05: Tools & Equipment for Science & TechnologyDimensions
Height
4-1/2 inWidth
3 inLength
26-1/2 inCondition
Reason for Exam
InventoryOverall Condition
PoorReason for Exam
InventoryOverall Condition
Poor