• USN M1917 Cutlass: LOA 29 3/4"  Grip 4 3/4" Width 1 3/8"  Fuller  14 3/4" x 3/8"  False edge  2 1/4" Thickness 1/8" Weight 1.75 lbs  without scabbard             Middle picture
• M1898 Dutch Hemberg Klewang: LOA 29 1/8"  Grip 4 3/4" Width 1 1/4" Fuller 14 3/4" x 1/4" False edge 1 3/4 Thickness 1/8"  1.63 lbs                                   Bottom picture

Presented for sale is an exceptional example of a rare U.S. Navy M1917 Cutlass that closely follows the M1898 Dutch Klewang in specifications. Many believe the Dutch cutlass was the basis of its design. Both have riveted wooden grips with curved blades and clipped points. The difference is in the half shell guard in which the Klewang had three cutouts forming branches compared to the M1917's which was solid. The original thick, heavy tan leather scabbard, finished in black, is included.

The US Navy Historical Center has this to say: “In 1917, the Navy designed and made its own cutlass. Only a few were produced and it was not issued for service. A beautiful piece with blued metal parts, it featured a curved, grooved blade with a clipped point. The wooden grips were secured by copper rivets and were painted black, including the rivet-heads. This sword was 29 ¾ inches long, of which 24 7/8 inches made up the blade, which was 1 3/8 inches wide at its base. It had a black leather sheath with brass mountings.“ [Contrary to the above, some of these weapons were known to have been in ship's arms lockers at the beginning of WW II and also saw duty in the Pacific Theater of Operations in small numbers.]

The above photo compares the grips and guard of the two so the similarity is clear. A later version of the M1917 called the M1941 US Navy/Klewang was made by the Milwaukee Saddlery Company - MILSCO. This company is sometimes referred to as the Military Supply Company which is incorrect..

CONDITION M1917 Cutlass and scabbard: The only marking is U.S.N. on the obverse ricasso. The bluing is in overall good condition except for one knick or scrape below the fuller on the obverse side. There is some lightening of it at the point due to rubbing in the scabbard. The false edge is sharp, but the cutting edge has not been sharpened. The cross hatched, riveted black painted wood handle has been cleaned and in doing so the paint over the rivets was removed. The guard and grip are tight. The guard has a cutout for a sword not which is not present and has some minor scratches and loss of bluing mostly on the back with some brown rust showing. Overall, this cutlass ranks in exceptional condition. The scabbard is heavy brown leather with central stitching on the reverse with some broken threads towards the brass covered end.

For a discussion on the Dutch M1898 Klewang - Hemberg see http://landandseacollection.com/id470.html

For details on the U.S. Navy M1860 cutlass see http://landandseacollection.com/id553.html 

For a history of MILSCO, formerly the Milwaukee Saddlery Company, the maker of the M1941 US Navy/Klewang see http://www.milsco.com/About.aspx 

OUR UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within five days of receipt in its original packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. A prior email authorization by us for the return is required. Unfortunately, shipping charges are not included in this offer and are non-refundable unless due to our error.

International buyers welcome, but inquire first.  We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.

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