Interesting smallsword for comment

[Valjhun]

Thank you M Eley! Very helpfull cents...

[Jim McDougall]

I am completely in accord with Marks observations, and agree, this unusual blade appears to be a 'fighting blade' perhaps a duelling sword aligned to traditional rapiers. It is interesting however that by the period of this sword 1790-1810, most duels had favored the flintlock pistol, which had led to the decline in the smallsword. The fashionable styles did retain fashionable presence as courtwords and dress accoutrements.

The classical style in this example seems to comply with the cut steel styles popular in the Soho, Birmingham area which had arisen in the classical revival style popularized by the Adam brothers c. 1775-85. The urn type pommel, and the voluted designs in the openwork guard reflect much of this classical style, and the beadwork sunburst motif reflects the popularity of beadwork in these cut steel hilts. While this hilt seems to suggest work of the style seen in the pattern books of Matthew Boulton, the most famed maker of this area and period, it is likely 'of the school'. It is interesting to note that he did use the sunburst in his distinguishing hallmarks.

The vestigial pas d'ane rings are exactly as Mark has noted, simply reminiscent of the earlier examples of smallsword, and while these swords ceased essentially as deadly fighting swords by the early 19th century, thier graceful designs still influences officers dress swords and court swords for many years.

Very handsome example!!!

All the best,
Jim

[Dmitry]

This looks like a mix of a late 1700s-early 1800s grip, guard and blade, mated to some kind of a gothic style architectural element, perhaps a furniture decoration, used for a guard.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Dmitry

This looks like a mix of a late 1700s-early 1800s grip, guard and blade, mated to some kind of a gothic style architectural element, perhaps a furniture decoration, used for a guard.

Good observations Dmitry. I had thought this interesting sword might fall into the 1790-1810 range as Mark had noted. Your note on the architectural significance is well placed, and it has always been interesting to notice the associations in hilt design to these elements of motif in weapon decoration and style.

In the case of the neoclassicism of the late 18th century I was referring to, the designs do seem to have reflected these associations, and I am presuming you meant the design motif of the openwork guard rather than the piece itself being a furniture element. In that respect it seems well established that the classical 'volute' or scroll element which was often used in baroque architecture and design found use in motif in many forms of material culture.

The English in this latter 18th century period seem to have had considerable commanality with the French in many aspects of style, fashion and even weapons design. The smallsword had long used bilobate shellguards in the hilt design, but many had moved to single oval guards.

In reviewing "Catalog of European Court Swords and Hunting Swords" (Bashford Dean, 1929) a number of French and English court swords are shown with some basic similarities to this sword hilt. I believe the 'sunburst' designs I had noted would be better described as rosettes, so perhaps the allusion to Boulton's symbol would not be relevant, however the design does still seem of the Soho, or 'English Style of the Early 19th Century" as worded by Dean.

Attached are the plate (106,107) from Dean, English dress sword c.1810
and the illustration of volutes in classical architecture.

I believe this is the design intended by the maker of the openwork guard to accompany the neoclassical design of the hilt.

All best regards,
Jim

[Dmitry]

Jim, this is not a sword guard; it looks like an ornamental element from, say, an armoire, or a chair, or a door.
In other words, imho, this is a made-up piece.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Dmitry

Jim, this is not a sword guard; it looks like an ornamental element from, say, an armoire, or a chair, or a door.
In other words, imho, this is a made-up piece.

Dmitry,
Wow, never would have thought of that, and the rest of the sword looks right on...in fact even this whatever it is looks pretty good on it, as if it always belonged there. I know these ornate openwork guards were used on these court swords in different patterns, and this one did seem heavy and not as finely detailed.

[ariel]

Dmitry, this is a very interesting suggestion.
Perhaps, Valjhun can look carefully whether the metal(s) differ between the guard per se and the rest of the assembly. Even some difference in the tint might be enough.

[Marc]

Originally Posted by Dmitry

Jim, this is not a sword guard; it looks like an ornamental element from, say, an armoire, or a chair, or a door.
In other words, imho, this is a made-up piece.

I agree with Dimitry. I would maybe hazard a guess for a guard from a better-than-average foil or duelling sword of French style. The blade would be from a duelling sword, and the rest of the hilt from a 18th c. smallsword, indeed.

[Valjhun]

hmmm... interesting....

Well upon a close view in sunlight, the material of guard is not different at all and it exibits the same patination than the rest of the sword.

The sword is of very sturdy construction too and there is no sings that someone messed with it.. It looks that it was construced this way a long time ago.

What do you mean by, french duelling sword? I'm unfamiliar with that type, can you post some examples?

Another thing. The blade is not sharpened at all, and it never intended to be. More trapeziodal in section than triangular. Purely thrusting weapon?

[Dmitry]

Originally Posted by Marc

I agree with Dimitry. I would maybe hazard a guess for a guard from a better-than-average foil or duelling sword of French style. The blade would be from a duelling sword, and the rest of the hilt from a 18th c. smallsword, indeed.

That's a good point, Marc. The guard may be from an old fencing foil, put on sideways.

Dueling swords did not have knuckle bows.