Original Item: Only One Available. This is very interesting but does show use. It is a standard British Constabulary Cutlass, as used between about 1870 and 1900 , the last half of the reign of Queen Victoria. It has the traditional Shark’s Skin or Ray Skin covered grip, was never bound in wire, and has a brass “D” hand guard which is marked:
WAPPING DOCK PATROL
Wapping is a district in the East end of London docklands area, and was a very dangerous place to be in the Victorian era. The construction of the London Docks during the 19th Century severely impacted the Wapping area populace, resulting in a lot of poverty and crime. With the large amount of ships and goods in the area, the Marine Police Force was formed to ensure safety of the docks area. Now known as the Marine Support Unit, their headquarters is still in Wapping. Cutlasses such as these were carried by the dock patrols as they made their rounds. The scabbard of this example is marked with number 16.
It comes with 33″ curved cutlass blade which shows combat use. Complete with its original brass mounted leather scabbard which shows a bound leather repair from the period and the brass scabbard catch is partially missing which protrudes from under the hilt securing the cutlass into its scabbard.
A very impressive and authentic London Docks Police Cutlass, ready to display.