A Portuguese fashionable small sword

[fernando]

This is the second example of these swords i post here but, while the previous one had an atypical blade, more directed to fencing, this one is integrally an XVIII century fashionable Quitó (read keetaw), used by Gentlemen to walk around in a ‘show off’ attitude and stand waiting on the walk way, expecting the dame to show at the window, for a courting session.
According to the norms published in 1719 ( King Dom João V ), blades couldn’t have more than three palms length. Then these silver (and ivory)mounted swords, looking like toys, costing like jewels, were used in swagger manners, good to open the dress coats while walking and also signaling to ladies.
These blades were indeed too short for fencing; this one measures 64 cms, but some measured much less, so called (being) born Quitós. They were however rather pointy and able to cause reasonable damage. Such fragile weapons also have their history on the killing side, as it is registered.
We can see that two of the beads on this hilt chain are hollow and open. I am not sure if this is also the case but, there are example where tiny bells were assembled in the chain ends, to cause a little but audible jingle while walking … such was the vanity of that period elegant Gentlemen.
All silver mounts in this example show traces of having been gilded.
The scabbard leather is a (fine) replacement; the original was in the poorest condition.

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