Smallsword for comments

Paul Macdonald · 8th September 2008, 05:59 PM

Hi Teodor,

No problem, happy to be of help

The patterns in the grip are those of twisted wire binding. I might suggest that steel wire has formed at least some of the grip pattern wire, as it has indented into the softer brass. The same patterns can be found on originals where the wire has disappeared to leave a wooden core grip.

Looking at the guard from that angle, I might also suggest that it is from a late C19th fencing foil.

Any original C18th smallsword guard usually has something of a slight bowl or dished form to it, which this lacks. It is an identical guard as used by standard salle French fencing foils from the late C19th.

I also noticed an unusual notch in the side of the blade near the guard. Looks like it has been either machined or filed for whatever reason?

Hope the above helps.

Yours Very Truly,

Macdonald

8th September 2008, 05:59 PM	#9
Paul Macdonald Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Edinburgh, Scotland Posts: 48	Hi Teodor, No problem, happy to be of help The patterns in the grip are those of twisted wire binding. I might suggest that steel wire has formed at least some of the grip pattern wire, as it has indented into the softer brass. The same patterns can be found on originals where the wire has disappeared to leave a wooden core grip. Looking at the guard from that angle, I might also suggest that it is from a late C19th fencing foil. Any original C18th smallsword guard usually has something of a slight bowl or dished form to it, which this lacks. It is an identical guard as used by standard salle French fencing foils from the late C19th. I also noticed an unusual notch in the side of the blade near the guard. Looks like it has been either machined or filed for whatever reason? Hope the above helps. Yours Very Truly, Macdonald