Hi Dana, 
When it comes to the 'name game' all kinds of twists and turns come up. One might think 'cutlass' pertains only to maritime swords, while ashore they are 'hangers'....like a map is on terra firma while it becomes a 'chart' at sea.  
The etymologists deem the term cutlass from the French 'couteau' as in couteau de chasse =hunting hanger. etc.  
 
These short, heavy, curved blades were termed loosely sabres, as in 'Sinclair sabres' as used by forces in militias etc. on land.  
 
I have seen many heavy bladed hangers termed 'cutlasses' in a more collective manner, but I think in most cases cutlass is reserved for maritime associated curved swords. Many of these forms of sword had large shellguards and in a number of cases in pirate related jargon they were called simply a 'shell'.  
 
I' ll see if I can get to Wallace or Boccia and look for that mark.
		 
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
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