Royal Naval Artillery Volunteer cutlass, the hilt of the cutlass consists of a steel half-basket guard. The cutlass has a brass lion's head pommel and back-piece, the mane extending the length of the back-piece. The cutlass has a black shark-skin grip, the binding of which is now missing. There is a catch on the reverse of the grip, which engages in the upper locket. The cutlass has a prominent tang button. The slightly curved flat steel blade has a double-edged spear point. The obverse of the blade is engraved with a shield motif in which the owner's name is usually engraved, along with a motif of a rayed crown over a foul anchor, all of which are surrounded by foliage motifs. The reverse of the blade is engraved on the shoulder with the words 'SILVER & CO, LONDON'. The reverse of the blade is also engraved with a rayed crown over the letters 'R.N.A.V.' with a foliage motif above and below. The brown leather scabbard has one brass locket and chape. The mounts are ornamented with lines.