*British, c.1790, Royal Navy Figure-of-Eight Guard Cutlass, Pre-1804 Pattern, Battle of the Nile Era*
A scarce and highly evocative late 18th century British naval cutlass of the so-called figure-of-eight or double-disc guard type, attributable to the Royal Navy and dating to around the 1790 period. This is a particularly honest survival, retaining its classic fighting form with broad iron stirrup knuckle-bow, rounded terminal guard plates, and plain cylindrical iron grip. The blade is straight, single-edged and of substantial naval form, with a rounded spear-like point and strong hatchet-style profile suited to brutal close-quarters fighting aboard ship.
The hilt has the unmistakable robust simplicity associated with British naval cutlasses of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic era. The pressed guard plates remain in place, with the knuckle-bow intact and the upper terminal curling back in the familiar early style. The whole piece has a dark age patina and surface corrosion throughout, but it still displays very well as an authentic example of a Georgian fighting cutlass from the great age of sail.
Approx. Measurements – Blade length: 66.2 cm. Overall length: 79.2 cm.
Historical Note:
This form of cutlass belongs to the family of British naval edged weapons carried during the closing years of the 18th century, before the introduction of the official 1804 Pattern Naval Cutlass. These earlier figure-of-eight guard cutlasses are closely associated with the Royal Navy in the period of the French Revolutionary Wars and the opening phase of the Napoleonic Wars. Their simple all-iron construction made them durable, cheap to produce, and highly effective in the savage close combat of boarding actions, cutting-out expeditions, and hand-to-hand fighting on crowded decks.
Examples of this general type are closely linked with the era of Lord Nelson and the great fleet actions of the period, including the Battle of the Nile in 1798. While individual pieces are rarely maker-marked or precisely datable, the hilt form and overall construction place this example firmly within the late 18th century naval tradition, making it a desirable pre-1804 Royal Navy cutlass of classic Battle of the Nile period appearance.
*Condition*
A solid and untouched period example showing heavy age, surface pitting, dark patination and areas of old corrosion throughout. The blade remains complete and retains its full outline. The hilt is intact, including the figure-of-eight style guard arrangement and knuckle-bow, with expected distortion, wear and age-related unevenness from long service or storage. No scabbard present. An honest, original and atmospheric survivor with excellent display presence. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMFEOXADOO_6487231740
