The Prussian M1852 naval cutlass was the first cutlass designed by the German States. It was heavily influenced by earlier French cutlasses and replaced the Prussian M1849 cutlass which was a close copy of the French M1801. This cutlass was made in 1861 by Gebruder Grah of Solingen.
The 588mm single-edged blade has a flat spine and terminates in a double-edged spear point. The heavy blade is superbly designed for chopping and cutting with a forward weight distribution. The blade is 47mm wide at the shoulder, narrowing to a 35mm waist before widening to 43mm. The blade is double-edged for the last 180mm and has been service sharpened, retaining a good fighting edge.
The blade is in good condition for its age and sea service. There are scratches and some speckles of shallow pitting consistent with age and use.
The base of the blade is stamped with the maker’s details, “G. Grah. Solingen,” and a italicised letter g. The obverse of the blade is stamped with a crown over the letter P. The spine is stamped with a Crown over W (Wilhelm I who reigned from 1861-1888) and the date stamp, ’61 (1861) above a crown over a gothic script P.
The iron bowl guard is very similar to those of earlier French cutlasses and has a five lobed beehive quillon. The front of the guard is stamped with KM 607, which is probably a weapon/rack number, and a crown over W royal cypher. The guard is in very good condition and retains its original black finish. The leather covered grip is in good condition and the twisted wire binding is intact and tight.
This is a good, honest example of a scarce Prussian naval cutlass dating to the period of the Danish-Prussian War of 1864 and the Austro-Prussian War of 1866.
