Smallsword ID?!

[cornelistromp]

Concordia Res Parvae Crescunt is indeed the motto of the Republic of the Netherlands till 1795, see for example, the attachement of a 17thC small word, earlier in my collection, with this motto engraved on the fuller.
it is easier to date a small word on the basis of the decoration then the style characteristics, which hardly change between 1675-1725.

the decoration with dolphins, angels, Neptune, cupid riding a dolphin, is a fine example of the Louis XIV style.
those images have similarities in style with a small word from my collection which can be dated around 1680, (an almost identical small word belonged to a member of schutterij van Enkhuizen,in the Westfries museum Hoorn).

the most corresponds your smallsword to a design for a smallsword in gold by JA Meissonier 1725, Paris.with the bulge in the sleeve near the diamond shaped shell washer and similar oblique lines in the molded grip.

the very high quality of the casting and carving suggests me that this can be the work of one the famous medal cutters in Paris, in the early 18th century.
extremely beautiful example.

the original scabbard should have the same molding and cutting quality on the mountings.

conclusion, Your sword is probably French around 1725.



best,
Jasper