An intriguing 18th century (or earlier) primitive blacksmith-forged boarding cutlass in relic condition. Found in Annapolis Royal and looks as though it may have been pulled from the ocean. The sword's handle and blade are forged from a single piece and features an interesting forged-on double-knuckle bow also constructed from a single piece that wraps around the blade. The blade features a center ridge which suggests it was double-edged and features a slight curve at the tip. Total length of this cutlass is only 25" with a 19" blade so it was definitely designed for fighting in close quarters. It's obviously not a military-issue piece, so whether this is a privateer's custom creation used in the Battle of Blomindon, or a rural blacksmith's hasty attempt at creating a sword to defend his property, or a farrier's call to arms as the American Revolution came to fruition, we do not know. All we can do is speculate. Nonetheless, it is the most interesting piece of early weaponry we've encountered.

See George C. Neuman's Swords & Blades of the American Revolution for several examples of other primitive forged cutlasses of the early to mid-19th century.

Dimensions: 25"