This 1845 first pattern Naval cutlass is in excellent condition and was made by the Wilkinson Sword Company of London, England between 1847 and 1852 probably in time for the Crimean War.
Trade suppliers, such as Wilkinson were awarded contracts by the Board of Ordnance to produce cutlasses for the price of 4/6d each. Scabbards were made and sold separately and today it is rare to find a cutlass with a scabbard.
The original of the 1845 pattern cutlasses (of which this is one) can be distinguished from the later models by the larger width of the basket guard and the distance between the grip to the bulge of the guard, which was around 70mm (2 and ¾ inches) in the first pattern. The pommel of the cast grip also swells out considerably on the first pattern. Second pattern guards have an oval piece of metal fitted around the blade and riveted to the inside of the guard. The third pattern, circa 1858 has a narrower basket with a forward pointing lip to the front of the guard and the grip pommel has a much smaller flare.
The 760mm single-edged blade has a thick, flat spine that tapers to a spear point. The blade is double-edged for the final 200mm and has been service sharpened. The slightly curved blade is broad (45mm at the ricasso), un-fullered and bevelled towards the point. It is a beast of a sword!
The blade is in good condition with a salt-n-pepper patina and retains a sharp fighting edge.
The forte bears the stamped maker’s details, “WILKINSON-PALL MALL.”
The 1845 pattern guard is in very good condition and remains bright and rust free. Naval cutlasses were not usually issued to individual seamen but were stored (locked) in racks and were issued for combat or training as and when required. For this reason, most cutlasses were purchased without scabbards.
This excellent cutlass comes complete with its original scabbard. The scabbard is in good condition (excellent considering its life at sea). There is evidence of a repair above the chape and the scabbard remains strong. The cutlass sheathes and draws smoothly.
This is a truly excellent example of an original 1845 first pattern naval cutlass, complete with its very rare scabbard and made by the Wilkinson Sword Company.
