M1860 Naval Cutlass

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	Weapon: M1860 Naval Cutlass Type: Cutlass Country of Origin: United States Year Adopted: 1860 Overall Length (mm): 790.0 Overall Length (in): 31.1 Weight (kg): 1.10 Weight (pounds): 2.43

The M1860 Naval Cutlass was a robust and reliable edged weapon used by the United States Navy during the mid-to-late 19th century. Designed as a close-quarters combat weapon for sailors and boarding parties, the cutlass featured a 26-inch slightly curved steel blade, a brass half-basket guard, and a leather-wrapped grip for secure handling. Its sturdy construction and effective cutting ability made it an essential weapon for shipboard combat, where firearms could be impractical in tight spaces.

Approximately 20,000 M1860 cutlasses were produced, primarily by the Ames Manufacturing Company, which was a leading supplier of edged weapons to the U.S. military. This cutlass saw extensive use during the American Civil War, where it was issued to Union naval personnel for use in repelling boarders, cutting through rigging, and general defensive purposes. Although the weapon became increasingly obsolete with advancements in firearms and naval warfare, it remained in limited service well into the early 20th century, often used for ceremonial and training purposes.

The M1860 Naval Cutlass gained notoriety due to its association with legendary naval engagements of the Civil War, including riverine warfare and shipboard battles. It was prominently featured in close-combat encounters and became an iconic symbol of naval warfare from the era. Today, original M1860 cutlasses are highly sought-after collectibles, often displayed in museums and private collections as relics of 19th-century naval combat and craftsmanship.