There is, as of this writing, an exhibit at the Smithsonian in Washington DC detailing the events surrounding the French and Indian War.  In the very first hall is a display case containing weapons.  On the door leading to the hall there is a sign "NO PHOTOGRAPHY."  Normally, I would not advocate the taking of pictures under such circumstances.  However, these were unordinary circumstances, as these artifacts were not pictured in the souvenir guidebook.  Thus... when the guard stepped out of the room, out came my camera.  Note, due to the conditions under which these were shot, i.e., hurried, in natural lighting, a few of the pics are out of focus.

The first sword of interest was labeled as a French cutlass.  I believe the dates given were 1720 to 1750.  This cutlass has a brass hilt, half-heart shaped with a thumb ring.





The second cutlass is English, dated exactly to our period, 1690-1720.  This cutlass has an iron hilt, with a wooden grip.

Sadly, no other details were given on these two wonderful swords.

For those who are interested, the exhibit runs through July of 2007, and is housed in an exhibit hall to the right of the Smithsonian "Castle."