Smallsword

Dateabout 1700–1710

Mediumsteel, cast brass or bronze (once gilded), wood, iron, and brass wire

Dimensions102.2 × 83.8 cm (40 1/4 × 33 in.), 1 lb, 12 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.358

DescriptionSteel triangular blade of hollow-ground hexagonal section in forte becoming lozenge section to point. Deep fuller in forte, pierced through with pattern of dots & slots. Gilt bronze hilt with small bivalve shell having fluted edge & cast with openwork traceries & figural motifs. Large arms of the hilt, baggy sleeve with hexagonal plinth below. Rear quillon bent, originally slightly turned towards obverse shell, having swollen terminal with foliation. Quillon block has ornate scenes with figures & angels.

Asymmetrically curved knuckle guard swollen at mid-height where it is carved with scenes of figures. Knuckle guard with dragon's head terminal plugging into side of pommel. All branches of hilt fluted.

Oval-section pommel slightly oblate circular in outline with necked base & low button above. Pommel with oval cartouches of Victory & armored merman figure both supported by female figures. Wire-wrapped wooden grip tapering to ends with braided brass "Turk's heads".
Label TextSome early smallswords had rather substantial blades for both cut and thrust purposes. On these, the arms of the hilt (the ring-like curved bars at the base of the grip) permitted passage of the fingers for better control of the comparatively heavy weapon and a more secure hold. These became unnecessary on later, lighter swords, and the rings degenerated into feeble, claw-like decorative projections.ProvenanceAngelo Peyron (Florence, Italy) purchased by the Museum on November 6, 1954 from Savoy Art and Auction Galleries (NYC), sale no. 450, lot no. 754. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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