This desirable French M1833 naval boarding cutlass dates to the Crimean War (1853-1856) and was made only weeks before the onset of the Crimean conflict which saw France, England and the dwindling Ottoman Empire pitted against the invading forces of the Imperial Russian army.
The 652mm falchion blade has a thick, flat spine and broad single fuller on both sides. The spine is engraved with the details of the cutlass’ manufacture by the Chatellerault armoury in September 1853. The single-edged blade is double-edged for the last 110mm and terminates in a hatchet point. The blade has been service sharpened and retains its fighting edge.
The forte of the blade bears a large anchor on both sides and the ricasso is stamped with two inspection poincon. The blade is in very good condition, free from rust and with a pleasing mild patina.
The steel bowl guard is in great condition with marks and small dings consistent with use. The front of the beaked quillon is stamped with two poincon and the rear of the beak has three. The pommel of the faceted iron grip is deeply stamped with the number “1.”
The guard and grip have the pleasing patina of old iron and are free from rust or damage. The blade is firm in the hilt.
This is a very good example of an increasingly hard to find French boarding cutlass from the Crimean War with plenty of inspection and ownership stamps, clearly visible anchors and easily readable spine engraving.
