Yes, Jim, you do have a point that the structure of the weapon has to be practical to be the real thing. The blade on this one is unusual, but I still think it was a functional one. It carries quite a bit of weight and the blade is sharpened toward the point and more blunt near the hilt. The curve on this cutlass is extreme, but not much different than that found on the m1812. You mention the influence of the Barbary Corsairs on swords- excellent point! I could see this as one following this trend. Officer's swords of this period were indeed affected, with curving blades and mameluke hilts.
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