The small sword is a sub-set of rapier that originated as a civilian weapon. It is a simple, elegant weapon that became an essential dress accessory for urban dwellers - whether they had the skill and ability to use it or not.
This Dutch small sword, or town sword, features a heavily chiselled hilt with equine motif. Two little chiselled horses sit astride the grip as a crossguard, while another running horse surmounts it on the spherical pommel.