Skip to main content
Advanced Search
2002-12, Sword
Silver-hilted Smallsword
2002-12, Sword

Silver-hilted Smallsword

Dateca. 1775
Possibly by William Kinman (1728 - 1806)
OriginEngland, London and Europe, Germany
MediumSilver, steel, iron and wood
DimensionsOverall: 38 1/4" Blade: 31 1/2" x 3/4" Hilt: 6 1/2"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number2002-12
DescriptionOf classic smallsword form for the period, all elements are cast, chased, engraved, and pierced. Its ovoid guard is in the form of a starburst ringed with rows of faceted bosses, and the other components are similarly embellished. The wooden grip is bound with opposing strands of twisted silver wire and cable flanking a single band of crimped silver tape. Its narrow triangular blade is of hollow section and is etched with foliage and strapwork.
Label TextEvolving from the pierced smallsword hilts of the mid-18th century, this delicate pattern appeared right before the American Revolution. Thought to have been based on the designs of Matthew Boulton, these hilts are known for their beautiful decorative details, including a guard in the form of a starburst and rows of tiny bosses faceted in imitation of inlaid gemstones. This unmarked example is almost identical to others bearing London sterling Hallmarks dated between 1774 and 1777, one of which was by famed hiltmaker William Kinman.