“‘Pikes and muskets become useless when crews become intermingled and those without a cutlass must flee to save themselves…’
So wrote Lt. Wm. Pringle Green, Commander of H.M. Brig Resolute as he prepared his ship’s company for conflict with the United States Navy in 1812. One of the very few officers ever to address swordsmanship and boarding tactics in a formal study”.
~ Gilkerson, William. Boarders Away. 1991. Page 69.
During the period when Lt. Green made this statement, it is this pattern of cutlass (or its very similar looking predecessor) which he most likely would have had on board. A hefty sword with a cast iron grip, rugged figure-eight, black painted guard and sturdy straight blade.
