This Fine Cutlass Has Been Sold. Thank you!

ANTIQUE DUTCH HEMBRUG "KLEWANG" M 1898 CUTLASS
GUARANTEED

 

DUTCH HEMBRUG KLEWANG NAVAL CUTLASS M 1898

 

Presented is a first rate Dutch military and naval Cutlass commonly known as a Klewang in its original scabbard, and in excellent condition with the sharpest slightly curved 24 inch blade we've ever touched. It is stamped HEMBRUG at the ricasso on one side with a crown over "E" on the reverse.

 

CONDITION: The blade has a short false edge with notched point and large fuller down the center. It has only a few black spots and some very minor small stains, and remains in superb, original condition. The hilt's riveted wood iron grips with even patina of rust also remains in excellent condition. It carries a very large iron basket guard and still has its original leather portepee. The brown leather scabbard has lightly patina brass bands with all its stitching intact, and a frog on back which is split. The scabbard is in mostly well preserved condition as well.

 

HISTORY: The Klewang is said by some to be the most famous, and notorious fighting sword ever. It is a type of cutlass which was derived from weapons traditionally carried by Indonesian natives. It was first adopted by soldiers of the Dutch East India Company (the Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie or VOC) who added the basket guard.

 

Every Dutchman with only a passing interest in colonial history, has heard about the Klewang and its service in Indoneasia,and elsewhere.

In the advanced form with the Klewang basket, it was first used in 1898 by the Royal Dutch Army in the fight against rebel guerrilla units in the Province of Aceh (Atjeh) in Sumatra, Indonesia, in the latter part of the Aceh War of 1873-1904. It gained a reputation that wherever there was a violent dispute, the weapon was treated with the utmost respect. It became a standard in other parts of the Dutch Empire and in the Netherlands it was even used by the Dutch police and naval forces. Therefore, the Klewang also known as Marechaussesäbel. Some were used in combat against the Japanese in WW II. The Klewang remained on issue to Dutch forces after the War, and was used again during actions against Indonesian rebels as late as 1947–48

What is mostly unknown is that the Klewang also became the basis for the U.S. Naval Cutlass Model 1917. Nearly 50,000 examples of the Klewang were made in the U.S. It was still in service at the beginning of WW II, and in the arms lockers of U.S. warships. In contrast to the Dutch model, the basket on the American variant was fully enclosed. The weapon was used by  the U.S. Navy officially until 1949 when it was removed from service.

KLEWANG DIMENSIONS: 29 1/8" long overall. 24 3/8" blade length. Max width of blade 1 1/4" In scabbard, 30 5/8" Weight 2 lbs 6oz

 

Dutch HEMBRUG Stamp

Small false edge

Basket guard

Riveted grip

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 condition and packaging. Returns must be insured for their full value. All that is required is a prior email authorization by us for the return. Unfortunately, no refund can be made for the cost of shipping, packaging and handling unless we are at fault.