Circa 1760’s French Smallsword

Here we have a wonderful example of the extravagance and function of a civilian duelling weapon for those with the money to spend.

The smallsword is the natural evolution of the rapier. Smaller and easier to carry with the thrust centric blade that is thought to have developed in France and spread rapidly as the preferred choice for the gentleman.

At the time it was thought that a man wasn’t properly dressed without his sword and with that mindset the sword became even more of an ornate showpiece as well as a fighting weapon.

This sword has a triform blade with a point of balance close to the hilt.

The blade has been left plain with an extremely well worked and decorative grip and guard. The grip and guard are both silver.

The grip has been wrapped in silver ribbon and wire.

The pommel is hollow, the clamshell guard and knuckle bow pierced to help address the weight of a silver hilt.

There appears to be an extremely faint makers mark on the grip .

~ Dimensions ~

The blade is 33 inches (84 cm) long.

The guard is 4 inches (10 cm) at its widest

The sword is 40 inches (102 cm) long.

~ Condition ~

The sword is in excellent condition with some minor ageing to the blade.

The silver is still looking sharply defined and well cared for.

ref. GS704A8A4 / MLBB00X43R4LP243D