Many a bloody-handed pirate of the 17th century clambered over the side of a gold laden galleon armed with a cutlass such as this. Known by many names - "hanger," "cuttoe," and "short sabre" by infantry, or "cutlass" by sailors - this was an exceedingly popular short weapon. The steel basket protected the hand and could be used as an armoured fist in the close confines of shipboard combat. This cutlass measures 28 1/2" overall with a 22 1/4" blade