December 13-15, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2022
Superb example of a specimen from the early English hunt. This fine example of an English small sword would have been worn by a gentleman who not only indulged in sporting, but might well have worn it as an officer in service of the King, as this was a common practice with these weapons. Dating to the early-mid 18th century, the small sword features a 22" blade with long ricasso and wide fuller. A deep fuller measures approximately 15" of the length of the blade. The tip of the blade is rather rounded, and was most likely broken and then reshaped for continued use. The blade is relatively plain and unmarked, with the exception of the name "ISAAC HURREL" which is marked on the spine. The impressive clamshell guard is highly decorated in rococo relief design, as is the pommel and portions of the knuckle-bow. The pommel and knuckle-bow are beautifully cast and then hand finished. The knuckle-bow is highly hallmarked, featuring 4 deep strikes, all in a row right as it meets the pommel. The hilt features a lovely 2-tone bull horn grip. Complete with its black leather wrapped wood scabbard which features attractive silver mounts adorned with rococo designs. Faint designs are also noticed on the leather which appear in a large checkered pattern. CONDITION: The blade exhibits a fine patina, with scattered areas of pitting and spotting. Light edgewear throughout its length. The hilt also exhibits a nice patina which compliments the blade. The bull horn grip exhibits cracks and chips at the top portion where the pommel cap crowns the grip. The largest chip measures approximately 1/2" wide. Almost all of the blade fits into the scabbard except for approximately 1/2". The leather exhibits cracks, scuffs, dents, and other obvious signs of aging and wear. There is one significant crack under the drag which measures approximately 3 - 1/2" that travels down the seam. Evidence of repairs near the throat. Still a hard to find example of an appealing small sword complete with its original scabbard. Overall good.