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AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR PERIOD NAVAL CUTLASS

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Militaria Start Price:400.00 USD Estimated At:800.00 - 1,200.00 USD
AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR PERIOD NAVAL CUTLASS
AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR PERIOD NAVAL CUTLASS. A nice example of an early American cutlass dating to the period 1740-1780, distinctively American in form and character, it utilized an early French blade. An example nearly identical to this resides in the collection at the Henry Ford Museum and is pictured as number 45 in Peterson's The American Sword; 1775-1945. Both Peterson and Neumann attribute this to Richard Gridley of Sharon, MA. Gridley provided weapons for the Rev. War and was a hero at Bunker Hill. Blade is lightly curved, measuring 27 in length having a sgl-edged square back with narrow fuller at the top. Blade measures 1-1/2" at the hilt. Both faces are deeply stamped with a fleur-de-lis surmounted by a small three-leafed figure. The blade is mounted into a cylindrical walnut grip having a crudely cut circular iron counterguard with a rudimentary turned broad flat quillon and a sgl branch D-guard terminating in a hand forged cap riveted to the tang of the blade. CONDITION: Very good. Blade is dark and uncleaned with numerous areas of light surface rust overall. Blade markings are deep and strong on one face, lighter on the other. Hand-forged counterguard, all made of one pc, has a very dark patina with light pitting overall. Grip has three, nonstructural fractures. A nice chance to bid on an Amer. Rev. War period naval cutlass that appears to be undisturbed and orig in every way. 4-56398 CW95 (800-1,200)"