This is a nice example of the rarely seen 19th Century European Naval Boarding Cutlass, as used circa (1860-1865). The boarding cutlass was derived from the French pattern of 1833, often referred to as a “cuillere a pot,” or more commonly called the “soup ladle” weapon.
This cutlass has a 24.50” blade with an overall length of 30”. No manufacturer or arsenal markings are present on this piece. The hand guard or "basket" is constructed of brass with its leather grip still intact. The blade shows signs of use with scattered nicks along the cutting edge from active engagement
