US Model M1841 Naval Cutlass - Looking for opinions

[R3licHunt3r]

Here is a US Navy Model M1841 Naval Cutlass, that is clearly in poor condition, with a heavily corroded blade. It is also missing a large part of the hand guard that appears to have been damaged multiple times over its life. There are marks on each end of the missing hand guard that implied to me the handguard was damaged during use, and then hammered/worked smooth to avoid cutting hands during continued use, before it found its final resting place. Almost everything that could be wrong with it, is, as far as condition goes, except that I always believed it's an authentic, battle used example, that I was told came from the east coast. With what little I think I know about this piece, I believe it was a item that could have seen use in both the Mexican and Civil war. If anyone see's anything about this item that tells a different story, please let me know. I'm always looking to learn, and want to be as accurate as I can be - even if it means admitting I'm wrong.

Personally, some of the most beat up weapons I have, are my favorites. For some reason the stories really come to life when your researching items with more than a little character, and I often value that process more than the monetary value of your average piece - at least until I consider selling something.

Lately, I've been considering letting go of some items out of my collection to help fund other investments, and I was wondering how others feel about items like this as far as collector and resale value goes, and if it's been a bad idea to save items like these over the years? Is there a real market for these types of things when the condition is this poor or are there just a few wackos out there like me hoarding them all for nothing but our own enjoyment?

I appreciate your thoughts,

Regards,
R3licHunt3r

 

[horseclover]

I've always had an 1841 on my long list. I still see some options under a grand but I've still been waiting. My last Ames in was a musketoon bayonet. I've an 1870 bayonet and an 1833 dated 1832.

Even the 1832 is a handy piece but there are far lighter handy blades.

Cheers
GC

 

[R3licHunt3r]

GC,

Amazing group... I've never had the chance to see those bayonets for myself, but they look incredible!

I can't imaging trying to fight, on a ship no less, with those things hanging off the end of a Springfield.

Thanks for sharing.

Regards,
R3licHunt3r

 

[horseclover]

Well, the sappers and miners musketoon bayonet is a beast better suited as a pickaxe. Completely poorly balanced without affixing it,

From a sold auction

U.S. Springfield 1847 Sappers Musketoon with Ames Bayonet

Very Scarce U.S. Springfield Model 1847 Sappers Percussion Musketoon with Sappers & Miners Saber Bayonet830 total Springfield Model 1847 Sappers Musketoons were manufactured from 1847-1856 with a bayonet guide on the right side of the muzzle and lug on the right rear of the front barrel band...

www.rockislandauction.com

There 1870s are out there but climbing in price. You can also find those blades in fraternal hilts. Those look like an 1832 feathered hilt but with a bullseye instead of an eagle on the pommel.

Another sold auction, for reference.

Springfield U.S. Navy 1870 Rolling Block Rifle with Bayonet

Springfield U.S. Navy Model 1870 Rolling Block Rifle with Bayonet22,013 of these Model 1870 U.S. Navy Contract Rolling Block rifles were manufactured c. 1870-1871 by Springfield Armory on royalty agreement with E. Remington & Sons. Marked with "eagle/USN/SPRINGFIELD/1870" on the right side of...

www.rockislandauction.com

The 1870 is much handier in hand than those other two but on a long arm?, These are better thought of as very short pikes.

I wish I had the accompanied firearms but I don't deserve fine things to care for. I am definitely a bottom of the barrel sword buyer most of the time.

Cheers
GC