Carrier for a smallsword
Dateabout 1700–1725
Mediumsteel
Dimensionsexcluding suspension chains: 8 × 12.9 × 1.7 cm (3 1/8 × 5 1/16 × 11/16 in.), 2.5 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.426
DescriptionOf steel, formed as a low triangular plate with rounded ends, and slightly concave to the body. Pierced in an openwork design of symmetrical foliation to either side of a central heart-shaped motif, with the tendrils accented by incised thin lines. The plate's top is prolonged as a rounded flat tongue that is bent back over the body to form a waistband hook. The ends have riveted lugs for suspension chains; these are largely original, save the top two links of the shorter chain, which also lacks its basal terminal. The chains are formed of alternating circular and oval iron links. The oval are of one piece, and the circluar ones of two halves sandwiched together and closed. The shorter chain lacks its terminal mount. This is formed on the other, and consists of a spring-closed swivel hook like those found on modern leashes for dogs, etc.Provenance(Probably) Frank Gair Macomber (Boston; his number 587) Sumner Healey (NYC) Coleman Auction Galleries (NYC), Sumner Healey estate sale, 14 February 1940. Lot 549. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on viewCollections
possibly 1600–1620, altered about 1640
