17th century armada chest with 9 bolts

M ELEY · 7th September 2013, 05:02 AM

Ahh yes, that hook of yours! Tuna and mackeral had better beware!

I remember you mentioning the black swords before and wanted to do some research on them. Thanks for the reminder. On the subject of blackened swords, I had always wondered if the so-called 'mourning smallswords' might have had more of a presence in this regard as far as sea-service swords go. We know the Spanish navy adopted the smallsword as a sidearm/symbol of rank after ca. 1750. Blackened iron on cutlass was standard. Most iron items that went to sea (this chest being a possibility) was often either painted, tarred, or blackened to retard rust, so the blackened smallsword being a sea-sword? Opinions, gents? Keep in mind that mourning swords were often used secondarily as 'informal dress swords' or 'town swords'. I've heard, but have no substantiated proof, that officers wore them when not in full uniform as a means of self-defence when walking to the pub or past the alleys in various ports. Any proof??

7th September 2013, 05:02 AM	#35
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,141	Ahh yes, that hook of yours! Tuna and mackeral had better beware! I remember you mentioning the black swords before and wanted to do some research on them. Thanks for the reminder. On the subject of blackened swords, I had always wondered if the so-called 'mourning smallswords' might have had more of a presence in this regard as far as sea-service swords go. We know the Spanish navy adopted the smallsword as a sidearm/symbol of rank after ca. 1750. Blackened iron on cutlass was standard. Most iron items that went to sea (this chest being a possibility) was often either painted, tarred, or blackened to retard rust, so the blackened smallsword being a sea-sword? Opinions, gents? Keep in mind that mourning swords were often used secondarily as 'informal dress swords' or 'town swords'. I've heard, but have no substantiated proof, that officers wore them when not in full uniform as a means of self-defence when walking to the pub or past the alleys in various ports. Any proof??