LOT OF 2: US MODEL 1860 NAVAL CUTLASSES, 1 EX-MEDICUS

Lot consists of 2 original Civil War U.S. Navy cutlasses. Usually termed the Model 1860, this pattern has recently been documented to have been adopted, and deliveries started, in mid-1861. (A) Standard form with brass cup hilt and leather wrapped grip. Binding wire is in place. Ames maker stamp on reverse ricasso. A little rubbed on left. Clear DR / 1862 inspection stamp on obverse ricasso. Blade with good edge and point. Silver gray finish with just a few gray spots. Hilt has slight play. Some very small dings to cup guard edge near counterguard, almost unnoticeable. CONDITION: Very good. The presence of the wire binding is uncommon. (B) Standard configuration cutlass with original scabbard (known variant with stud on separate brass band and rounded brass tip, but conventional riveted seam on reverse). Blade shows long-ago cleaning and only partially visible 1862 blade date. Cup guard was decorated with engraved floral motifs and a cut out "U.S.N." and the grip wound with a thin, officer's quality, wire that is now slightly loose. A number of regulation issue cutlasses of this pattern were altered by Bannerman to this form and offered in his 1907 catalog so identified. This example escaped detection for some years and was in the Medicus Collection and sold by Flayderman, whose letter revealing its true history accompanies the lot. CONDITION: Good to very good, as altered, but with a scarce original scabbard. SR Blade Length: (ALL) 26" Overall Length: (A) 32" (B) 33" Paperwork: (B) Bannerman Listing, Letters Condition: Dimensions: Larger: 33".