Original French Franco-Mexican War Era M1833 Naval Boarding Cutlass With Original Leather Partial Scabbard by Châtellerault – Dated 1842 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The Pastry War, also known as the First French Intervention in Mexico or the First Franco-Mexican War (1838–1839), began in November 1838 with the naval blockade of some Mexican ports and the capture of the fortress of San Juan de Ulúa in the port of Veracruz by French forces sent by King Louis-Philippe. It ended in March 1839 with a British-brokered peace. The intervention followed many claims by French nationals of losses due to unrest in Mexico. This would be the first of two French invasions of Mexico; a second, larger intervention would take place in the 1860s.

This French Model 1833 boarding cutlass almost certainly saw service during this time period! French model M1833 Cutlass has the sweeping upturned blade (called a falchion), a single wide fuller, and the distinctive closed cup hilt which was made of iron. This French cutlass has that traditional “pirate” look and feel of a true boarding cutlass seen in all of the movies and artwork of the time. The cutlass had its entire hilt (grip, guard, closed cage and pommel) coated in a heavy black japanning to protect the metal from rusting but little of it was retained. Sometimes collectors thought this was black paint which was added on post-production, but it was actually part of the manufacturing process.

The spine of the blade is faintly marked with Manuf’re R’ale de Châtellerault 7’bre 1842, indicating September 1842 manufacturer at the famous arsenal in Châtellerault, France. There are also very faint engraved anchors on either side of the blade. The hilt still retains various amounts of inspector marks and stamps present though from oxidation buildup they are difficult to make out. There is staining and oxidation present but the overall condition of the cutlass is spectacular for the age.

The included leather scabbard is an original example as seen used with this model cutlass. The leather is in lovely condition but does show cracking and stitching loss and also does have the entire lower half missing.

A lovely example of a true “pirate” cutlass! Comes more than ready for further research and display.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 26 3/4″
Blade Style: Curved Single Edge w/ Fuller
Overall length: 32“
Basket dimensions: 5 1/2″ width x 5” length
Scabbard Length: 19″ (partial)