Smallsword for a Boy
The hilt of this sword is entirely of silver and features decoration of spiral and shell moldings. The blade is triangular in section and etched with floral rococo ornaments. Stamped on the hilt are marks of the fermier-general Eloy Brichard (1756–62) and the date-letter of the silversmith's guild of Paris for the years 1758–59.
In spite of the precious material of such hilts, this sword is entirely functional. The traingular cross section of the blade assures the rigidity and lightness necessary to make the very narrow blade a deadly weapon in the hands of a master swordsman. At the same time it would normally be worn by a small boy of a noble family as a status symbol.
In spite of the precious material of such hilts, this sword is entirely functional. The traingular cross section of the blade assures the rigidity and lightness necessary to make the very narrow blade a deadly weapon in the hands of a master swordsman. At the same time it would normally be worn by a small boy of a noble family as a status symbol.
Artwork Details
- Title: Smallsword for a Boy
- Date: 1758–59
- Culture: French
- Medium: Steel, silver
- Dimensions: L. 30 1/8 in. (76.5 cm); L. of blade 25 1/2 in. (64.7 cm); W. 2 5/8 in. (6.6 cm); D. 2 in. (5.1 cm); Wt. 7 oz. (198.5 g)
- Classification: Swords
- Credit Line: Gift of Jean Jacques Reubell, in memory of his mother, Julia C. Coster, and of his wife, Adeline E. Post, both of New York City, 1926
- Object Number: 34.57.3
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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Austrian, probably Vienna
dated 1751
French
ca. 1762
Master GG
hallmarked 1773–74
James Morisset
hallmarked for 1797–98
Multiple artists/makers
dated 1735
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