1145

Fine Large Size Morrill, Mosman & Blair Elgin Patent Cutlass Pistol Serial Number 30 with Original S

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:8,000.00 USD Estimated At:16,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
Fine Large Size Morrill, Mosman & Blair Elgin Patent Cutlass Pistol Serial Number 30 with Original S
Produced in Amherst, Mass. Circa. 1837-39 by Henry Morrill, Silas Mosman and Charles Blair. Silas Mosman worked as an etcher for the N.P. Ames Company before and after his partnership with Morrill and Blair and the style of etching on this blade is very similar to that found on Ames blades of this period with a 14 1/4 inch overall length. The Morrill Cutlass is distinguished by its square back, pointed trigger guard and round barrel. This particular pistol the larger size, or more often termed "medium size", because they are not as large as the U.S. Navy martial style C.B. Allen cutlasses. The pistol features a 4 inch round, 6 groove 36, caliber barrel and 8 3/4 inch Bowie style knife blade. The blade is etched with ten stars over eagle with "Liberty" ribbon in it's mouth and arrows in it's talons over "Elgin's Patent" over an arrangement of flowers in a decorative pot in a panel on the right side, and a double row of 18 stars over the same eagle motif over "Morrill, Mosman / & Blair / Amherst, Mass" over the decorative potted flower arrangement in a panel on the left side. Correctly the only marking on the main body of the pistol is the serial number "30" that is stamped on the bottom of the frame behind the trigger guard. The top of the barrel is marked "CAST STEEL" at the breech end. The barrel is equipped with a brass blade front sight and a fixed notched iron rear sight mounted on the frame next to the hammer. The blade and barrel were blue and the remaining parts casehardened, and is fitted with smooth bag shaped one piece walnut grip. The pistol is complete with an original black leather, German silver trimmed sheath.
BBL: 4 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 36 percussion
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 30
Condition: Fine. The blade and barrel have a silver gray patina with mottling on the barrel and some minor scattered discoloration on the blade. With the exception of some fading on the address, the etching is crisp and very clear. There is some minor pitting on the barrel and blade. A small section of the blade appears to have been sharpened some time ago, otherwise the edge is original and remains sharp. The frame and hammer have a smooth dark mottled gray patina with some of the original casehardening pattern remaining on the upper tang. The grip is very fine with 98% original finish and overall a few minor dents and dings. The frame and barrel markings are crisp and clear. The action is excellent. The sheath is very good with a section of the upper seam separated and some moderate age cracking. The tip has darkened with age and the throat is a bit loose, but does not separate from the body. Overall a fine example of a Morrill, Mosman & Blair Cutlass with an original sheath, and crisp etching.