COLONIAL PERIOD NAVAL CUTLASS C.1650

Hounslow hanger type, produced in the workshops west of London. See Boarders Away, pp.76. Exceptional form 24 5/8" curved s.e. blade with broad and narrow fuller and fine raised clipped point. Profuse repeated maker's marks including crowned crossed swords, both sides. Iron hilt with pierced down turned guard with triple high relief portrait heads. Foliage decoration to the knuckle bow and grip ferrules. Hilt and blade with old stable heavy brown rusting overall as found for these examples used at sea and stored aboard ships and in waterfront warehouses. Checkered bone grip shows deep rich patina. The quintessential pirate weapon form the heyday of piracy which served aboard American pirate ships as well as English and French privateers