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This cutlass is an example of the Royal Navy's first regulation pattern 'sword for sea service' or cutlass.
It was purchased from the United States and bears makings that possibly indicate service in both the Royal Navy and the US Navy. Without documented provenance it is impossible to say, but this could indicate service use, and possible capture, during the War of 1812.
Cutlass 1804 Pattern Reddell & Bate
Joseph Hadley Reddell traded as a sword cutler from Carey’s Court, Dale End, Birmingham from around 1800. Thomas Bate started from around the same time at premises in Aston Street. They subsequently went into partnership under the name of Reddell & Bate. As shown in the clipping from The London Gazette (see the gallery above), the partnership was dissolved in 1807, from which time they continued working as separate companies. This particular cutlass can therefore be dated between 1804 and 1807. [1]
DESCRIPTION
Date: 1804-1807
Length (overall): 34 in (86 cm)
Length (blade): 29 in (73.5 cm)
Weight:2.3 lb (1.05 kg)
Maker: Reddell & Bate
Materials: Steel, cast iron
The most distinctive features of the 1804 Pattern cutlass are the 'Figure of Eight' or Double Disk' guard, the broad flat blade and the shaped, segmented cast iron grip.
The main differences between this and the Pre-1804 example shown previously are the grip and the sturdiness of its construction. Prior to 1804, there was no regulation pattern and different examples show other variations with regard to blade, grip and guard.
This cutlass bears a very lightly stamped King's GR cypher, together with a 'crown over 4' inspector's stamp. The maker's mark 'REDDELL & BATE' is stamped on the back of the blade.
Of particular interest are the on-board ship’s markings. The vendor in the US, from whom I purchased the cutlass, noted "...Roman numeral 'XXI' (thought by some as evidence of US capture), Iron guard retains most original black paint. RN punch-dot number '11'. Smooth blade with light patina."
Purchased from Patrick Donnelly Antique Arms, Silver Springs, PA, SEP 2011
BISSET'S
MAGNIFICENT GUIDE,
OR,
GRAND COPPERPLATE DIRECTORY
For the Town of Birmingham
1808
NOTE [1] The London Gazette, Published by Authority, From Saturday February 7, to Tuesday February 10, 1807