May 12-14, 2026 Firearms & Militaria
Lot #2023:
FINE 1763 HALLMARKED GILT SILVER HILTED BRITISH SMALL SWORD.
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/13/2026
This officer's sword is profusely decorated with relief chased military motifs. It is hallmarked for 1763. For a similar example, see plate 106.SS on page 339 in "Battle Weapons of the American Revolution" by George C. Neumann. The straight colichemard blade features gilt washed engraved heraldic designs on borough sides and own the right "ardua virtis" and on the other "per ardor virtis". This translates to: "Virtue achieved through hard struggle, by passion." Stands of arms engraved on ricasso on both sides. Red wool washer at top of blade. The gilt silver hilt features a double clamshell guard with chased panoplies of arms and musical instruments on both sides. Knuckle bow chased en suite. Pommel features helmets, cannon and grotesque face. Elaborate grip with alternating bands of silver, strands on copper wire and braided silver wire. CONDITION: Shows little use. Blade sharp and retains a light grey patina with scattered darker grey spots. Hilt retains almost all of its original gilt finish. Hilt is tight to blade. Grip shows some denting to silver band wrap. A very high quality officer's small sword similar to one carried by George Washington.
Item Dimensions: L: 39"