Theatrical Sword
Cultureprobably
French
Dateblade probably 1600s, remounted in the 1700s
Mediumsteel, wood, gesso, paint, gilding
Dimensions90.2 × 69.2 cm (35 1/2 × 27 1/4 in.), 1 lb, 12 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.363.1
DescriptionSteel flattened hexagonal section blade cut down and reshaped into spatulate point. Possibly French 17th century cavalry blade. Wooden hilt of exaggerated proportions with rectangular quillon-block having short quillons fashioned as knobed fruit-like swellings with leaved bases. Grip and pommel are one carved to resemble lion's head with writhen base below. Hilt is gessoed and painted with gilding. The gilding has worn away in many places (notably the grip), revealing a red layer below (perhaps bole?).Label TextSword blades were difficult to make, and they were rarely discarded when they had reached the end of their service as weapons. Some were recycled as tools--in some cases literally turning swords into plowshares. Here, an old French cavalry blade has been remounted in a fanciful hilt and scabbard, probably in the last years before the French Revolution. The oversized decoration and physical unwieldiness of the mounting suggests that this was intended as a theatrical prop.ProvenanceAlbert R. Louis purchased by John W. Higgins on February 22, 1927 at Walpole Galleries (NY). Given to the Museum on 1 July 1954. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on viewCollections
about 1600–1650
