Zheng Yi Sao Pirate Sword

[Ian]

Hello piratelady,

Welcome to the Forum! The short thin blade in the picture on the left looks like a British/European smallsword from the 18–19th C. These were shorter and thinner versions of the rapier, sometimes referred to as court swords. They were designed for thrusting, favored for duelling, and quite deadly in skilled hands. Some had no cutting edge and the blades were often triangular in cross-section. You will find other examples online if you search for "small sword."

Being in the hand of a known pirate, I imagine it was taken as booty from a wealthy westerner. It may have been a prized acquisition and that may explain why she posed with it. She probably had a more practical every-dayer for her pirateering.

Looking more closely at her right hand holding the sword, I think she may be wearing a glove. This was common for practicing and duelling in the European context, so maybe she liked to duel also.