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Originally Posted by laEspadaAncha
Kind of late to the game in responding to this thread, but... in Wither's self-published World Swords, he shows this very similar pattern hilt (actually twice) in his smallswords section and attributes it to ca. 1760 (and later to ca. 1800). Cutlers often had established pattern numbers from manufacturers they offered to their customers, such as those Bezdek shows on pgs. 269-273 in his book on English (and Scottish) sword makers. It would seem reasonable that some patterns (such as this Rococo pattern) would have been more popular than others, whether it be for stylistic or cost reasons, the latter which would have been impacted by the use of cast hilts to meet the demand at the time. After all, what 18th C. gentleman worth his weight would be caught without his smallsword?  |
Nicely researched Chris, and well made points on the social importance of smallswords in the 18th century. It is quite true that all this fashion did call for a great degree of selection in the styles befitting the gentleman, and the cutlers did thier best to accomodate by cataloguing various styles and features to order. Many of these pattern books have been the mainstay of the esoteric quest for smallsword research, and would have possibly even been known to theatrical outfitters.
Ron thank you for the kind note on my suggestion, and in my opinion even these kinds of weapons have thier own degree of novelty niche'. I recall interesting stories and even movies about the mid to latter 19th century travelling theatrical troupes, which had a history all thier own, as they portrayed classical and historical themes. I would guess that the unusually rounded tip on the blade would have prevented any accidental cuts on stage.
All best regards,
Jim