Dean Castle Arms and Armour
Small swords
French small sword 2
- Period:
- 18th Century
- Description:
-
As the 17th century progressed, the rapier - a large, slender, sharply pointed cut-and-thrust weapon - was gradually supplanated in popularity by the shorter, lighter and more elegant small sword as the blade of choice for civilian gentlemen. While the sharp, double-edged weapon could have easily been deadly in skilled hands, the small sword was predominantly a status symbol and an integral part of the wardrobe of fashionable and high-ranking gentlemen in Europe.
This small sword has a gilded hilt, with its quillon curving upwards to meet the pommel, forming a handguard. The double-edged steel blade has a deep fuller on its top fifth, with 'TOLEDO' and maker's marks inscribed in the recess.
- Place of Production:
- France
- Source:
- Dean Castle
- Digital Number:
- RI_DC_0000645
- Copyright:
- East Ayrshire Council
- References:
- Wilkinson-Latham, R. (1981) Antique Weapons and Armour. Oxford: Phaidon
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