Images(14)

Nathanael Greene's Silver-Hilted Smallsword

Dateca.1765-1770

OriginEngland, London and America

MediumSilver, iron/steel, wood, enamel, and traces of gilding

DimensionsBlade: 32 7/8" x 15/16"; Hilt: 6 7/8"; Overall: 40"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase and Partial Gift of Patty Voght in memory of Thomas G. Wnuck

Object number2008-7

DescriptionOf classic smallsword form for the period, all elements are cast, chased & pierced. Decorative elements include openwork scrolls, foliage, shells, lions, eagles, trophies and gorgon heads. The wooden grip is bound with a number of varieties of twisted silver wire and cable, in addition to a single broad band of silver tape. Its knucklebow, decorated in the same fashion as the rest of the hilt, is missing.
Label TextEnglish silver-hilted smallsword presented to Major General Nathaniel Greene, by an unknown party, in 1781, perhaps at the time he received command of the Southern Department of the Continental Army.

At some point during the early to mid-19th century, this sword was memorialized by the addition too two identical roundels sent onto the grip at the midpoint. Both are framed in an identical reeded bezel, and the silver one bears the engraved date and presentation to Gen. Greene. The other appliqué includes a miniature enamel portrait (on copper?) of General Greene, certainly after the portrait by Peale. As General Green died shortly after the Revolution ended, it may be that this sword was memorialized by one of his descendants or heirs.
InscribedPRESENTED TO MAJ. GEN. N. GREEN 1781 on inboard side appliqué.
Provenanceex. collections; Jerry Gruber and Thomas G. Wnuck (EW 394)

Exhibition(s)