Here you will find a brief Historical Analysis and Technical Documentation along with Maker Marks of the naval cutlass used by the Confederate States Navy (CSN)
While there certainly must have been other models of Naval Cutlass used by the sailor of the Confederate Navy the cutlass illustrated here (and the closed cup model) are the only absolutely 100% fully documented cutlass models purchased by the Confederacy specifically for its Navy.
Battle Damage and Repairs: It has been conjectured that this particular cutlass was subjected to certain battle damage in that while the rest of the cutlass including the grip is in excellent condition the upper branch is missing and was professionally removed and guard repaired. It has also been noted on other of these models that the top brass branch was easily subject to damage and cracks. Additionally, the blade tip on this cutlass has been professionally ground off and polished by at least one inch, again most likely to battle damage. It can preseumed that the damage to the upper branch and tip happened at the same time as certainly the repairs were done concurrently as well.
Confederate States Navy Cutlass w/ Open Brass Guard: 25" overall length with 19.75" blade, checkered two-piece grips on hilt, brass guard and pommel, a tapered steel blade stamped "MOLE" on the back side of the blade, ricasso having stamped rectangle enclosing "COURTNEY & TENNENT CHARLESTON, S.C.". This cutlass came with a leather scabbard with brass tip and throat.
In the photo to the right one can barely discern where the upper branch connected to the top guard and the bottom knuckle guard. The original grip is made of a black checkered leather secured thru and thru by 5 rivets.
Again one can see where the upper branch should have been attached to the guard and knuckle guard.
One can discern the name "MOLE" on the top edge of the ricasso exactly where it should be.
The stamped "box" in which "Courtney & Tennent, Charleston SC" also appeared is barely discernable in this photograph. On the specimen itself it can be better seen.
Above photo illustrates the "closed cup" model of Mole & Sons produced naval cutlass used by the Confederate States Navy with its corresponding scabbard.
Above photo illustrates a clear example of the "Courtney & Tennent, Charleston S.C." stamp on all of the CSN cutlasses found on both open and closed guards.
Above photos illustrate an exceptionally well preserved checkered grip and open guard CSN cutlass. Note the two correct branches attached as should be.
Above photos illustrate the pommel and branches attached to the brass guard.
| Very Rare Civil War Confederate States Navy Boarding Cutlass manufactured by Mole & Sons of Birmingham, England and imported by Courtney & Tennent of Charleston, SC for use by the Confederate Navy. |
Click Photo! |
|
540 659 6209 |
| 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! |
 Click Photo |
2.25" 2.75" 3.75" specify length and either Oak or Walnut when calling. |
540 659 6209 |
Click Here For Antique Navigation Lights
Click HERE for WWII US Navy Anchor China
| The Real Deal! Fully Restored Antique Trunks Like Sea Chests, Pirate Chests, Treasure Chests! |
 Click Here To Review Sample Engravings |
|
| Custom Designed, Handcrafted, and Hand Lettered in Caligraphy on your Antique Chest |
 Click Here To Review Sample Engravings |
|
| Customer Photographic Examples of our Antique Trunks Being used as a Military or Naval Retirement Shadow Box and Storage Chest!! |
 Click Here for Sample Shadow Box Photographs From Customers |
|
Or Click HERE to return to The Pirate's Lair Home Page and Gangplank!