December 13-15, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2022
A fine example of an English silver hilted small sword. Dating to the mid-late 18th century, the small sword features a 21 - 1/2" blade with long ricasso and wide fuller. The blade features beautiful hunting motifs as well as elegant decorations. The fuller's each feature game on either side of the blade, the obverse features a sprinting stag, while the reverse features a bolting boar. The panel following the fuller is decorated with designs resembling a vase sprouting rococo designs which resemble lush herbage. The crossguard is more impressive, featuring animal heads at the center and fierce open mouth dog head quillons which resemble hunting hounds eager to pursue prey. The animal heads at the center of the crossguard correspond to the game that is engraved in the fuller, one head is that of a stag, while the other is of a boar. A beautiful ebony grip and pommel compliment the blade of this elegant specimen from the early days of the hunt. A silvered capstan crowns the pommel. The small sword is complete with its original leather scabbard with decorated silvered mounts that compliment the theme of the weapon. The mounts are decorated in the rococo style and feature hunting motifs. Like the crossguard, the upper mount features a goat head resting over a bow and arrows. The leather also features impressed designs. CONDITION: The blade exhibits a dark patina with areas of pitting and spotting. The panel decorations are rubbed in some areas suggesting an older polishing/cleaning. Crossguard also exhibits evidence of cleaning and produces a slight wobble when handled. Ebony grip exhibits light handling wear. Scabbard leather exhibits various small dents and scattered blemishes as well as scuffs and a few cracks on the spine. a crack towards the chape measures approximately 5" and a canvas reinforcement strip was added to for stability. Mounts also exhibit evidence of polishing. A very appealing small sword. Overall good.