This is perhaps the earliest type of police cutlass, used by both dockyard police and, later, the Thames river police, who were formed in 1798. The style of hilt is taken directly from the late 18th century Light Cavalry sabre, only this is a somewhat smaller version.
The mounts are brass, with a certain amount of bruising and a hole in the bottom chape where the blade has come through. The rear quillon has been bent towards the back of the blade, which is a massive 1.5" wide at the forte and 24" long. It has a single wide fuller and has clearly been carried in action as the blade shows extensive old but careful sharpening strokes, the result of using a grindstone.
The leather work of the scabbard is original, but somewhat frail, with minor shrinkage, as expected for a piece of this age. The seam is intact and there are a couple of small openings in the body of the scabbard near the bottom chape. This is a rare 18th century survivor.
If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.
[Edged Weapons : Swords : British : 18th Century]
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