Original English 17th Century Hounslow Naval Sword Cutlass – Circa 1640-1660 Original Items

Original Item: One of a Kind. Company director Christian Cranmer has known of these Cutlass type swords from when he was a young lad in the 1950s, but has never actually owned one, until now. These are exceedingly rare, and he has only ever seen two “in the flesh”, so to speak.

The Hounslow Swords were first recorded in a document dated July 1st 1635 and were known to be used during the English Civil War. Their form was typical and lasted for much of the latter part of the 1600’s. See SIM COMFORT’S wonderful work NAVAL SWORDS & DIRKS Volume One on page 13 (Ref: EW8) and 18 (Ref: EW10) for excellent Illustrations and text. Also see ENGLISH SWORDS 1600-1660 by JOHN HAYWARD, which states that the manufacture of these swords was started by Henryn Hoppie and Peter English, both immigrants from Solingen in Germany, in 1629 with support from King Charles the First. (1625-1649)

Our example is amazing, it features a curved 24″ single edged blade with fullers on both sides, together with Armorers Markings, some of which are copper inlaid. The grip is carved Stag horn and the hilt is of iron covered in Sliver studs everywhere. The Cutlass is covered in very old pitting most probably from extensive exposure to Sea Air. This comes from a very old English Collection and is “as right as rain” in every respect. Original ENGLISH made weapons from the English Civil war are like Hen’s Teeth, especially edged weapons and this most certainly fits the bill.

This is the Only one we’ve owned and is wonderfully decorated and showing every year of it’s almost 400 years of existence. Ready to display!