M1860 Cutlass serial number

[hink441]

Hi everyone, new guy here.

I just obtained this Cutlass recently and I was wondering about the serial number. The cutlass is serial numbered "M 611". Blade is dated 1861.

I read up on the M1860 cutlass and learned how they were numbered starting at number 600. But this cutlass is either serial number 611 or 1,611, I just don't know for certain. Either way I believe this one is an early example. Can someone help me out on the correct reading of the serial number for this Cutlass? Thank you for looking.

Chris

 

[Richard E. Schenk]

Your sword is serial number 1,611 which would date it to summer 1861. I don't believe I've seen one with just an "M" on the top line before, but it seems correct. I would have expected to see it as "1M", but I guess they thought the "1" was superfluous at the time.

 

[hink441]

Thank you Richard. I suspected it was serial number 1611 but I wanted to hear from others.

I agree, I would think it should have a number 1 next to the "M", I guess it really doesn't matter.

There is also a "F S T" stamped on the top of the pommel. Could this be someone's initials or possibly a navy command?Here is a picture.

 

[James N.]

I never realized or read before that those markings were serial numbers instead of being merely rack numbers! May I observe that the M *may* be acting here as the Roman numeral for 1000, thereby taking the place of the 1 in the number?

 

[UCVRelics]

The FST is not and inspectors mark as they were on the top of the pommel and the blade. The M is for a thousand and the 611 so it would be 1611 which is the Ames serial#. Here is a link that will show you the different stamping on these cutlass. Ames was the only manufacturer of these so it should have or had a Ames banner style address.

http://www.relicman.com/weapons/Weapon8310.html

 

[hink441]

Thank you for the informative link.

Here are some pictures of the Ames Mark and the 1861 date. I have not been able to find any inspector's marks or a USN mark on the blade.

 

[Richard E. Schenk]

Thank you for the informative link.

Here are some pictures of the Ames Mark and the 1861 date. I have not been able to find any inspector's marks or a USN mark on the blade.

It is quite common for these early cutlasses to be found without inspector marks. At the time the Navy didn't have a full-time inspector at Ames; Daniel Reynolds, who inspected these swords, was an Arsenal inspector until the Navy hired him in 1863. Everyone was probably pretty busy at the start of the war, so I wouldn't be surprised if some slipped through in the rush to get them deployed, especially if the Navy didn't have a dedicated man on site.

 

[UCVRelics]

@Richard E. Schenk is spot on. Most 1861 didn't have inspector marks. The VERY interesting thing about yours is the FST stamp.