French Iron Hilt Smallsword - C1660; REDUCED - $2,650 - (Franklin, TN)
The small sword evolved in the 17th and 18th centuries from the rapier and, like the rapier , served as a civilian defense weapon and military side arm for officers. By the 18th century the Smallsword evolved into a light weight arm capable of a lighting fast strike in the hands of a practiced swordsman and its ownership was almost exclusively restricted to gentlemen who were trained and practiced in its use. The 18th century gentlemen walked among a populace armed with heavy hangers capable of delivering a cutting or thrusting blow. A single miscalculation, however provided the opportunity for the Smallsword to find its mark and conclude the confrontation. In addition to the regulation sword when required, most officers carried their Smallsword with them on active service and it was the Smallsword which became the lifelong companion after retirement. Iron hilt with slightly asymmetrical shell guards pierced in scrolling rococo foliage. Quillon block and pommel pierced to match. Knuckle bow, quillon and shell edges chiseled in scrolling foliage with human face to the medial of the knuckle bow, each side. Large silver wire wrapped grip matching the large pommel foot and quillon block terminal. 31 1/2 diamond section rapier blade with deep fuller at forte pierced with repeated keyed motif and struck with marker’s mark. This example shows the early form of the Smallsword, displaying the large counter guards and heavier hilt reminiscent of the earlier rapiers. This delicate chiseled decoration evolved, a century later, into piercing throughout
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From ebay.com - 1 month ago