Circa 1860-70’s India Stores Department Cutlass

Here we have a rather interesting piece of post Mutiny British Indian history, a cutlass that dates to the latter half of the 19th century and would have been manufactured after the victory of the Indian Mutiny and the dissolving of the Honourable East India Company’s holdings in India.

The cutlass like many pieces appears to have been contracted out to the British Indian companies in the latter half of the 19th century and marked to the ISD or Indian Stores Department and is marked with a manufacturers mark that appears to be ‘D.E’ and the acceptance mark ‘IR’ under a broad arrow.

The blade is steel and sharply curved towards the tip.

The grip is angular and made of a bronze/gunmetal material and the guard is a knucklebow of steel plate.

~ Dimensions ~

The sword is 31.5 inches (81cm) long.

The blade is 27 inches (69cm) long.

~ Condition ~

The sword is in excellent condition for its age with a blade that is still largely retaining its polish despite being rough finished and there being some evidence of file marks.

ref. GS816562A / MLDOO