16th to 17th Century all iron cutlass with an overall length of 30", double "shell" guard, one large guard protecting the hand and another smaller guard protecting the thumb ring. It has a wire wrapped grip and 25" single fullered straight blade. This type of all iron cutlass had great strength over the brass hilted types, was easily and inexpensively produced for almost 200 years by various cutlers and sword makers across Europe, but with most surviving pieces produced by Passau and Solingen both regions in what is now Germany as documented in Gilkersons authoritive "Boarders Away" reference guide. The "Germanic" symbol used for cutlers within the Passau region was a crudely scribed Running Fox or Running Wolf.
This particular contract naval or maritime cutlass was found during an excavation in Europe and that is all we know. But the deeply maker marked Solingen, running wolf, and early mystical symbols "x xx an xx solingen xx" on both sides of the blade in the fuller, certainly indicate German provenance. However many others of exact make and model have been found around the world though mainly in Europe, Africa, Carribean and Central/South American and places as far away as Australia which we have documented with a separate web page!
To help substantiate and document the provenance and history of this cutlass that is now part of our collection we have included some photos and information on the exact same make/model cutlass displayed in the National Museum of the American Revolution. While production of this particular style of naval or maritime cutlass began to be phased out during the mid 18th century due to better construction methods and materials, it was still widely used during the French-Indian Wars, certainly during the American Revolution, and some were even found on Privateers during the War of 1812.
During the Renaissance and early modern period, Passau was one of the most prolific centres of sword and bladed weapon manufacture in Germany (after Solingen). Passau smiths stamped their blades with the Passau wolf, usually a rather simplified rendering of the wolf on the city's coat-of-arms. Superstitious warriors believed that the Passau wolf conferred invulnerability on the blade's bearer, and thus Passau swords acquired a great premium. As a result, the whole practice of placing magical charms on swords to protect the wearers came to be known for a time as "Passau art." (See Eduard Wagner, Cut and Thrust Weapons, 1969). Other cities' smiths, including those of Solingen, recognized the marketing value of the Passau wolf and adopted it for themselves. By the 17th century, Solingen was producing more wolf-stamped blades than Passau was. In 1662, a devastating fire consumed most of the city.
| Excellent condition! Iron hilted, deeply marked "Solingen" with Running Wolf and Mystical Symbols "x xx an xx solingen xx" on both sides of the 25" blade. Used by virtually all Naval forces, Dutch and British East India Companies, Privateers and Cutlass of Choice by Pirates! |
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| Elegant in Their Simplicity! Custom Crafted Wooden Wall Brackets Specifically for a Cutlass Display or Sword Display for a Secure, Beautiful and Professional Presentation. These Handcrafted Wooden Wall Brackets or Wall Mounts Are Made for the Wide and Large Hilts Normally Found on Cutlasses and Some Swords and Prevent the Hilt or Cup From Touching the Wall. The TPL Wall Brackets Come Complete with 2 Brackets and 2 Mounting Screws, and are Available in 3 Sizes with a Choice of Oak or Walnut Woods! |
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2.25" 2.75" 3.75" specify length and either Oak or Walnut when calling. |
540 659 6209 |
| The Real Deal! Fully Restored Antique Trunks Like Sea Chests, Pirate Chests, Treasure Chests! |
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| Custom Designed, Handcrafted, and Hand Lettered in Caligraphy on your Antique Chest |
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| Customer Photographic Examples of our Antique Trunks Being used as a Military or Naval Retirement Shadow Box and Storage Chest!! |
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