A simple but interesting smallsword

M ELEY · 26th January 2021, 02:33 AM

Here's one I picked up a number of years ago on the cheap. Classic form bilobate guard, simple knuckle bow, large pas d'an, trefoil blade. Note the lack of decoration to guard, pommel, knucklebow. I think this is a so-called 'mourning sword', a non-dress pattern. I'm told the name comes from these being worn to funerals?? I know that they were still carried in self-defense and I remember mention that sergeants and night watchmen carried such types? When I got it, the copper wrap was brand new and too 'blingy' for the piece, so I darkened it, but have little doubt that this probably was what the original had (wire wrap). Based on construction, I'm assuming perhaps mid-18th?

26th January 2021, 02:33 AM	#1
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,097	A simple but interesting smallsword Here's one I picked up a number of years ago on the cheap. Classic form bilobate guard, simple knuckle bow, large pas d'an, trefoil blade. Note the lack of decoration to guard, pommel, knucklebow. I think this is a so-called 'mourning sword', a non-dress pattern. I'm told the name comes from these being worn to funerals?? I know that they were still carried in self-defense and I remember mention that sergeants and night watchmen carried such types? When I got it, the copper wrap was brand new and too 'blingy' for the piece, so I darkened it, but have little doubt that this probably was what the original had (wire wrap). Based on construction, I'm assuming perhaps mid-18th? Attached Images