Description
Circa 1763
This cutlass faithfully follows the design favored by sailors and soldiers of the Dutch East India Company, a blade forged for the demanding life aboard 18th-century trading vessels. Early cutlasses showed no strict uniformity; their forms and fittings shifted depending on the region and the individual smith’s hand. This example features a gently curved wooden grip, carved to fit snugly and securely in the hand, paired with a knuckle guard forged to shield the fingers during the chaos of close combat. The steel shell guard wraps protectively around the hand, providing both defense and balance to the weapon’s handling. The blade is long and robust, built to deliver heavy slashing strikes while remaining nimble enough for quick parries and thrusts. A matching scabbard, crafted from wood and leather, protects the blade from salt and moisture when stowed away. The marks left by traditional forging methods are visible, speaking to a practical design created for the unforgiving conditions of life at sea.
- Overall length: 33-1/2″
- Blade length: 28″, width: 1-1/2″, thickness: 3/16″
- Weight: 2 lbs 10 oz
Fun fact: The Dutch East India Company cutlass was not only a weapon but also a symbol of authority aboard ships, often used to enforce discipline and command respect among the crew.
