In looking further at David's 'mystery cutlass' which as noted, seems to have a blade, obviously cut down and modified, with mounts reflecting West African influences. As also previously described the scabbard features the styling suggesting those of the Manding in Mali regions, and the hilt overall has a vestigial block type crossguard recalling those on takouba or simply the shouldered guard on many forms of edged weapons. The overall impression of the leather covered hilt may also reflect the Mandara regions bordering Cameroon and Nigeria, often raided for acquiring slaves. Perhaps weapons from these regions might have influenced the individual fashioning this weapon.
Now heres a speculative note which may draw some excitement. I have been thinking about this modified blade, and that it appears by the line of what seems to have been one with a pronounced parabolic curve. While there were obviously some sabres in Europe that followed this very Eastern style, the sword that comes to mind is the 2nd model of Virginia Manufactory sabre produced about 1803-20). The interesting rudimentary false edge on this blade (very much like the 'clipped point' of latter 18th century) is also similar to those on some cavalry sabres by this firm, Rose and Starr.
These cavalry sabres were used in the Seminole wars, Mexican American war and by the time of the Civil War, the blades were severely cut down. The Virginia Manufactory blades were deeply curved, and measured a stunning 39 1/4" from hilt to tip in a straight line as originally produced.
It is of course well known that there was considerable trade activity with the Southern states during the Civil War via Gulf Coast ports and the Caribbean, which certainly entered the spheres of routes that reached Africa. To imagine that these American cavalry blades might have reached West Africa via the well established routes from the Caribbean and ports along the Gulf of Mexico seems remarkably plausible.
Although of course profoundly optimistic, it is compelling to think that this unusually curved blade, mounted in distinctly West African styled scabbard and hilt, may well have been present in these 19th century circumstances.
Mark, the Whydah story truly is fascinating, and it seems there were some artifacts, but I cannot recall swords. I believe the other slave ship which was found was the 'Henrietta Marie' which I think David Moore told me about. This was years ago when I was talking with Wayne Lusardi who was diving on the 'Queen Annes Revenge', Blackbeards ship. I was constantly prodding him to find some swords....and we laughed because 'all they found were cannons' !!
The Henrietta Marie, if I recall, did have some hilts of old English hangers, and I keep thinking of the 'hilt spur' which seems to be from such English hangers of the Hounslow types.
Wish I could say I have the pirate resources here in the jolly bookmobile
..but that map was in me trusty google!!
All the best,
Jim
attached Virginia Manufactory 2nd type (1801-1820) in orig form