*USA, Civil War 1862 – U.S. Navy Model 1860 Cutlass by Ames, Complete with Original Scabbard & Frog*
A very fine and complete Civil War issue U.S. Navy Model 1860 Cutlass, manufactured by the Ames Manufacturing Company of Chicopee, Massachusetts, and blade-dated 1862. The blade ricasso is crisply stamped U.S.N / D.R / 1862, with the correct Ames Mfg Co / Chicopee maker’s mark on the reverse.
The hilt retains its classic massive brass bowl guard with pleasing untouched patina, tight riveted construction, and its original leather-covered grip with twisted brass wire binding—a highly desirable survival.
This example comes as a complete rig, accompanied by its original black leather scabbard with brass throat and drag, and a scarce period leather belt frog, both showing matching age and service wear. Complete sets of cutlass, scabbard, and frog are seldom encountered today.
Approx. Measurements: Blade length: 67.5 cm. Overall length: 82 cm.
Historical Note:
The Model 1860 Naval Cutlass was the principal close-quarters weapon issued aboard Union naval vessels throughout the American Civil War. Strong, reliable, and easy to maintain, it equipped blockade crews, landing parties, and boarding teams from 1861 to 1865.
The inspector’s initials D.R. belong to Daniel Reynolds, U.S. Navy ordnance inspector at the Ames factory during the early 1860s. His mark appears on many high-quality wartime naval edged weapons. Examples dated 1862 correspond with the heavy wartime expansion of the fleet and the Navy’s large-scale acquisitions from Ames during this peak period of demand.
*Condition*
Blade remains bright with scattered age patination and light spotting typical of period storage; all ricasso markings are clear and legible. Edge is sound with no structural faults. Brass guard and pommel show a rich, even patina and tight fit. Grip leather displays expected wear but retains the full twisted brass wire wrap, an excellent and increasingly rare feature. Scabbard leather is complete, showing age cracks and surface wear but retaining form; brass throat and drag are secure with a matching patina. Large black leather frog shows honest field use, period surface wear, and solid stitching, remaining fully functional. A very attractive, complete, and honest Civil War naval cutlass rig. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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