Smallsword

Dateabout 1775–1780

Mediumsteel and iron with gilding, silver wire, wood and cord

Dimensions95.3 × 77.5 cm (37 1/2 × 30 1/2 in.), 12 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Markings(Obverse of blade) At about 1/2 of the length is an etched scroll with "veaundum"(?), at about 1/5 the length from the point is a pendant scroll "…? Icia." (Reverse) below forte "VIVE" "LE ROY," above & below the crowned royal arms; at about 1/3 from the point the inscription "L'HONNEUR ME FAIT SERVIR."

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.361

DescriptionAcutely tapering blued steel blade of triangular section, etched full-length with gilded groups of trophies, strapwork & scrolling foliation. At shoulders are remnants of felt washer.

Hilt (Norman's type 112) of dark steel, carved with groups of leaves & oval medallions tied with ribbons & filled with pendant trophies of arms, musical instruments, human & animal elements. Bivalve shell of moderate size, rimless, & symmetrically decorated. Short sleeve, slightly baggy at base resting on molded, faceted flat plinth.

Arms of hilt are small & slender. Rear quillon is straight & short, with swollen terminal with teat. C-shaped knuckle-guard decorated to match, swollen at mid-height, with a slightly scrolled terminal that plugs into basal side of pommel.

Pommel is Norman's type 89. It is olive-shaped & oval section with strong, balustered button & short, necked base.

Gilded ground of hilt elements is diapered, scored as lozenges, at the intersections of which are punched quatrefoils.

Grip is 4-sided, tapering to ends. Wood core wrapped in flat silver & iron wire (this punched at intervals, with gilded dots) & twisted & coiled silver wire. Braided "Turk's heads" are coiled silver wire on cord core.
Label TextThe artistic skill of the decorator is evidenced on the dark steel hilt of this smallsword. The components are highlighted with carved and gilded trophies of arms, animal and human figures. A delicate textile-like quality is given to the background by incised and punched decoration, and the grip is a play of light and dark contrasts of dark iron and polished silver.ProvenanceUnnamed private English collection. Purchased from Peter Finer on 25 April 1997, as part of a group including HAM 1997.03.1. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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