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Old 11th April 2023, 04:12 AM   #3
Jim McDougall
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Route 66
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I agree with Akanthus, though it is difficult to say for certain cuttoes of this kind and period (1720s-40s) are French (as this one appears) or English. The pronounced rounded pommel cap, courtly shell element descending over blade from bottom of guard, knuckle guard seem of a genre which could be French, German or English.

The blade is clearly of the straight hanger type consistent with blades like this going into England from Solingen, with the single back fuller. It seems to have been dramatically shortened.

It is tempting to consider a blade shortened in this manner for maritime use as preferred by officers. Extremely attractive cuttoe!

"Swords and Blades of the American Revolution" ,George Neumann, 1973.
(examples 64.S and 65.S both French 1720-50 are similar). ]

The marking is unclear and not found in any references I have in exact match, but its position on the blade is consistent with other marks on these kinds of blades of this period. Some of this type with fluer de lis in same location suggest being from French arsenal in this period.
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