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Small-Sword, c.1790-1800 (gold with blue translucent enamel, etched, blued & gilded steel)
IMAGE
number
XCL500307
Image title
Small-Sword, c.1790-1800 (gold with blue translucent enamel, etched, blued & gilded steel)
gold with blue translucent enamel, etched, blued & gilded steel
Dimensions
overall l:97 wt:0.43kg blade l:81 hilt l:16.5 cms
Image description
This example shows the small-sword at its latest and most refined stage of development. Though highly reflective of French taste, it was probably fashioned in a Swiss workshop under French influence or by a French craftsman working in Switzerland. Worn publicly as an emblem of social rank, this sword was likely custom-made for an affluent individual to use on formal or court occasions. So-called because of its short blade, the small-sword emerged as the light and quick weapon of choice for aristocratic civilians during the 1700s. Such a sword was traditionally suspended at about mid-thigh from the left side of a belt, the hilt exposed through the opening of the gentleman's coat. Highly visible, the hilt invited lavish decoration through precious materials such as gold and enamels, as seen here. Considered a type of masculine jewelry at that time, small-swords featured a variety of hilt styles that went in and out of fashion. Many were decorated to match personal costume, and jewelers worked on the finest small-swords of the day.
Blade: made in Solingen, Germany, early 18th century.
Photo credit
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund / Bridgeman Images