M 1860-1862 Ames Civil War Navy Cutlass
Presented is an Ames Civil War M1860 cutlass, dated 186. This is an excellent example
of this most desirable collector’s sea service-edged weapon. As is the case with many of these fine cutlasses, the scabbard is missing.
The knuckle bow on the brass basket has a flange with an elliptical brass cup, which acts as a hand
guard. The curved guard is riveted to the flange, forming a solid half-basket. The guard, grip, and mostly
complete leather covering are in very good condition, as is the blade, with only some minor black areas.
Price: $950.00 Shipping: $65.00
The wire wrap has been removed as was customary, with most grips used at sea. The wire
tended to break and make fish hooks, which cut the skin, so the sailors removed it.
Other than the 1862 date, there is discernable anchor, “P” and “G G”
stamped at the upper inside blade and “1 3 M” over “431” on the inside of the guard.
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The hilt assembly, guard, and grip are in excellent condition, with only superficial age marks over the
past 150 years. The grip is unwrapped with copper wire. and is missing some of its leather covering. A warm patina of age has turned the brass golden brown. The hilt and blade are tight. The leather washer is present.
DIMENSIONS Cutlass 32″ long overall. 26″ blade length Max width of blade 1 3/16″ Max thickness 5/16″
Fuller 3/4″ W x 19 1/4″ L Weight 2 lbs 12 oz
These measurements and weight exactly match those of known
Ames cutlasses we have sold.
BRIEF
HISTORY
Ames Mfg. Co.: The Ames Manufacturing Company, Chicopee, Massachusetts, was founded in 1832 by James Tyler Ames and
his brother, Nathan Peabody Ames. The company manufactured small tools, cotton machinery, swords, cannons, and did casting
of bells. They started production of military contract swords in 1832 with the M1832 foot artillery sword and ended
with the M1906 cavalry saber in 1906. Ames produced more swords for the American military than any other company before or
since, totaling over 200,000 swords in service by the end of the Civil War. At that time, at least ten different manufacturing
marks were used on the swords. A little knowledge of the company history helps place a date range for when each stamp was
used. When the company started producing swords, it was led by Nathan P. Ames, and most marks reflected that fact. In 1847,
Nathan died and left the company to his brother James. The markings on the blades were immediately changed from N.P. Ames
to Ames Mfg. Co. In 1848, the town of Cabotville was incorporated into Chicopee, Massachusetts, and the marks were once again
changed to reflect this. Blades dated as late as 1850 may still bear the Cabotville stamp, as the old dies were
probably used until they were worn out. In a much-reduced state, they are still in business today. The Model 1860 cutlass, which replaced the Model 1841, saw service during the Civil War and through the Spanish-American War. They likely were used during the
early days of World War I. Based on company records, 22,000 were made for the Navy and 300 for the Army by
Ames in two Massachusetts plants. The design for this cutlass was copied from the French naval cutlass used from before
1800, when boarding of enemy vessels was commonplace. The French affectionately called it “Cuillere-a-pot.”
(the soup ladle) and the comparison is obvious. Mostly from an essay by Mike McWatters
