Images(11)

Silver-hilted Smallsword

Date1770-1771

Hilt Fittings by William Kinman (1728 - 1806)

Retailed by Loxham & Company

OriginEngland, London and Europe, Germany

MediumSteel, silver, wood, iron, and gold

DimensionsOverall length: 39 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960-210,A

DescriptionEnglish silver-hilted smallsword of classic form for the period, all elements are cast, chased, and pierced. Decorative elements include openwork scrolls, foliage, shells, and martial trophies set with shields, flags, and helmets, etc. The wooden grip is bound with a number of varieties of twisted silver wire & cable, in addition to a single broad band of gilt-silver tape. Hollow triangular blade of typical colichemarde form, with its upper portion covered in etched, blued, & gilt decoration composed of trophies and scrollwork. Retains its original vellum covered and silver mounted scabbard (1960-210,b).
Label TextAs an item of masculine jewelry, a smallsword worn on a gentleman’s hip touted his social status and fashion consciousness. By the late 1760s, pierced hilts like that seen here were all the rage; George Washington owned a similar example. Light and airy, these innovatively designed hilts were composed of delicate openwork components chockfull of foliage, bright cut panels and decorative motifs. The etched, blued, and gilt blade decoration on this sword remains as brilliant today as it was in 1771, largely because it survived with its original scabbard.
MarkingsPas d'ane struck with the sterling silver Hallmarks for London, 1770-1771, and the mark of William Kinman (a raised 'WK' within a shaped cartouche).

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