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#1 |
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NC, U.S.A.
Posts: 2,086
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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?
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#2 |
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NC, U.S.A.
Posts: 2,086
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Note that the pitted blade at one time had etched foliage and possibly a name? Saying? Too lost to tell-
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#3 |
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Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Black Forest, Germany
Posts: 1,192
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I have a similar probably French piece, completey black hilt with a blackerned wire grip and a portrait of a noble man with allonge wig, probably a mildly said not too exact portrait of Louis XV.
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#4 |
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NC, U.S.A.
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Thank you so much, Corrado, for responding and posting your smallsword. Nice to know a country of origin! In looking at the tracing on the blade, I believe I see remnants of the wig and possible profile. Thanks again!
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#5 |
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,590
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Hi,
Here are a couple of smallswords I picked up in a lot with other bits. Some nice person thought it would be a good idea to plate them blades and all. I've managed to get the plating off the blade of the plain one but it is a laborious job but on the other hand not a lot to do in lockdown! Regarding the plain one, I read some time ago I don't know where that this very rudimentary type may be French N.C.O. issue but who knows. Regards, Norman. |
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#6 |
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NC, U.S.A.
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Very nice sword pair, Norman! particularly like the example with the colichemarde blade! I had also read somewhere that the plain smallswords, many blackened, were NCO or 'sergeant' swords? I've had trouble relocating the source I had read from, though. Thanks for posting these!
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#7 | |
Lead Moderator European Armoury
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Portugal
Posts: 9,694
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![]() Quote:
And if i may, Mark ... . Last edited by fernando; 17th February 2021 at 11:17 AM. |
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#8 |
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Join Date: Dec 2004
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Absolutely beautiful examples, Fernando! True works of art in their design! I find it fascinating to see the divergence in forms, not only in function (rapier versus much lighter smallsword) but in décor. Thank you for posting these here-
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#9 |
Lead Moderator European Armoury
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Portugal
Posts: 9,694
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You're welcome, Captain,
I guess i could have shown you my (ex) other one ... . |
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#10 |
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Join Date: Dec 2004
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Very fine example! Now would you say this Portuguese smallsword was decorated based on French 1st Empire style? I'm guessing that this styling, having affected so many other countries, inspired the intricate designs and gadrooned pommel.
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#11 |
Lead Moderator European Armoury
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Portugal
Posts: 9,694
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Dear Mark, the article author desn't mention that these swords were 'copied' from those of other nations but that they have 'characteristics in common'. You may take your guess.
Here you have in detail how these swords were mounted and which variants were determined for the different ranks. To add that there are rare examples were the hilt is solid silver, with respective period hallmarks. A pity none of these served in the Navy; well ... you never know ![]() . |
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