May 18, 2021 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/18/2021
With tapering, hollow triangular section blade 33-1/2" long, etched with an arm emerging from a cloud, the hand holding a sword and ribbons, the other devices and stylized scrolls. Gilt-hilt with shallow upturned shell guard, crossguard and token pas d’ane rings, knucklebow and urn pommel, the top of the guard and pommel engraved with stylized floral chains, simulated banded and wire-bound grip, in its white leather scabbard with gilded brass throat mount. Smallswords with this early, stylized urn pommel are observed in dated portraits of British military and naval officers from 1779. While the white scabbard may have been a matter of personal taste, some regiments regulated such and it is known that the 10th Foot had white scabbards at least as early as 1775. CONDITION: Very good overall, retaining approximately 85% original gilt; the leather of the scabbard showing some wear and the center mount and drag of scabbard are missing. DMG