This US Navy cutlass has “USN 1842” stamped on the left side of the blade, indicating date of manufacture; the right side of the blade is stamped “N. P. Ames Cabotville Mass.,” indicating manufacturer. The handle and hand guard are brass, with an eagle stamped on each side of the handle.
This cutlass is typical of those carried on gunboats during the Civil War.
Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 30290
