Smallsword, perhaps for Mourning Attire

Cultureprobably French

Datelate 1600s–early 1700s

Mediumsteel with traces of blueing, iron and wood

Dimensions91.4 × 77.2 cm (36 × 30 3/8 in.), 1 lb, 1 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.339

DescriptionSteel double edge narrow flattened hexagonal section blade with thick elliptical section forte to acute lozenge section point. Both faces symmetrically etched with strapwork cartouches, rococo traceries & fleurs-de-lis on oval shield, probably once gilded. The fleurs-de-lis are coarser in execution, suggesting that they were added subsequently to a cartouche deliberately left blank.

Steel hilt with traces of blueing. Small bivalve plain shell with rather large arms of hilt, rear of which bent. Stout quillon block with 2-stage baggy sleeve below & short rear quillon having polygonal terminal. Knuckle guard with broken scrolling & faceted swelling. Rather urn-shaped faceted pommel with tall base. Restored grip tapering to ends with ring-like ferrules.
ProvenanceGeorge L. Maxwell purchased by John W. Higgins on November 28, 1928 from Anderson Galleries (NY), lot 144. Given to the Museum on January 8, 1947. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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