Cutlass, Civil War, Ames Model 1841, U.S. Navy

[DrTom]

Cutlass carried by my great-great grandfather in the battle between the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia (former USS "Merrimac").
He was first mate of the forecastle of the USS Minnesota, under bombardment by the Virginia until the Monitor showed up and saved the day. He lost his leg in the explosion on the forecastle, barely seen on the left of the Currier and Ives illustration. It's heavy and got replaced by a lighter saber design, but he got mustered out after losing his leg and so wasn't in the Navy when they started issuing the lighter replacements. He became a peg-legged clipper ship captain after the war. I considered donating it to the chief's mess of the newest USS Minnesota, a submarine getting commissioned in September. The Master Chief involved in the commissioning ceremony said he'd be glad to accept my donation. However he stopped e-mailing me when I said I'd have to personally see it mounted in some semi permanent way to a bulkhead in the chief's mess. So I think I'll just leave it to my kids.

[Beechtree]

Wow DrTom. That is an amazing family heirloom. It doesn't get much better. The fact that your great-great grandfather carried it during the battle between the Minnesota, Monitor and Merrimac, one of the most famous if not the most famous US navel battles is astounding. As for leaving it to you children, I think that is an excellent idea. I feel that family heirlooms can be really valuable towards adding to a sense of continuity within a family. Thanks for sharing it and the history that goes along with it.

[DrTom]

Thank you so much for your kind support!

[Cutty]

Welcome Dr. Tom

Wow that heirloom is a real piece of history. I agree that it should be kept in your family for generations to come. I have some military pieces that have been passed down and they are absolutely priceless to me and my family, regardless of their actual monetary value. I truly believe that it helps our children identify with family history more than just a picture. Having a piece to actually hold that was held and used by forefathers is priceless.

[Iron Hoarder]

Too cool for words.

[Mossdancer]

DrTom

I also think your possession to be fantastic. Is there anyway you could photocopy or photograph and post some of the documentation you have on your knife. It would be more than just a pleasure to be able to read some of it. Living on the West coast would preclude any possibility of actually holding it. Thank you for the consideration.
moss

Edit: By the way welcome aboard AAPK.

[jerryd6818]

DrTom -- Welcome to AAPK. You sure know how to make an entrance.

That sword is not only an important piece of your family's history but an important piece of our country's history. Stunning! Is it safe to assume the story of the sword and your great-great grandfather is documented for future generations? Oral history is fine but there's nothing like having it in writing.

[Quick Steel]

I believe you should visit the Antiques Roadshow and watch the sword expert pass out. Be sure to catch him before he hits the floor.

Remember to leave it as is. Don't clean it. A little oil to prevent rust should be okay. But you do need to see an expert and learn how best to conserve it. An experts appraisal of its value might have you doing the fainting. A wonderful piece. Congratulations.

[trm@2013]

Beauuutifull;
just cruising the site this kinda chilly sunny Sunday, ran into your show stopper.
keeping it in the family would be my decision.
especially if you have a large downline,
nothing to compare; I have discovered of late in regard to oil and storage, all oils are not created equal;
automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is the best; proven, designated, designed corrosion inhibitor, non-evaporating, etc.
best wishes;
trennon