Italian small sword
During the 16th and 17th centuries, the rapier dominated as the
accessory of choice for many gentlemen, but during the course of
the 17th century, rapier blades become shorter, lighter, and more
elegant. This progression in design lead to the small sword: a
symbol of power, status, wealth, and a visual metaphor of
masculinity.
This elegantly and artfully designed Italian small sword
features a heavily chiselled hilt and blade. Both the handguard and
pommel feature small figures revelling in foliage, and a
grotesque face appears in the centre of the crossguard, with
Classical figures at the crossguards terminals and upper guard.
Object no :
RI_DC_0000099
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Creator :
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Location :
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Accession number :
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Copyright :
East Ayrshire Council