Smallsword Hilt and Scabbard Mounts

hallmarked for 1797–98

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 376

The patriotic and nautical subjects of the decoration suggest that this was made for presentation to a naval hero, as were the similar hilts by Morisset also in the Metropolitan Museum's collection (acc. nos. 26.145.315, 42.50.35). The components of the hilt and scabbard are shown as they would have left the goldsmith’s shop prior to being mounted by the cutler or retailer with a blade and a vellum-covered scabbard.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

References

Title: Smallsword Hilt and Scabbard Mounts
Goldsmith: James Morisset (British, London 1738–1815)
Date: hallmarked for 1797–98
Geography: London
Culture: British, London
Medium: Silver, enamel, paste brilliants, gold, textile
Dimensions: Hilt: L. 10 1/4 in. (26 cm); W. 4 1/2 in. (11.4 cm); Wt. 10 oz. (283.5 g); scabbard mounts: L. 7 1/8 in. (18.1 cm); W. 1 in. (2.5 cm)
Classification: Swords
Credit Line: Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942
Object Number: 42.50.36a–l
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

More Artwork

By James Morisset

In the same gallery

From the same time and place

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Presentation Smallsword with Scabbard, James Morisset British, Silver, enamel, steel, paste brilliants, wood, fish skin, British, London — Presentation Smallsword with Scabbard
James Morisset
hallmarked for 1797–98

Smallsword, James Morisset British, Gold, enamel, steel, textile, leather, wood, cotton, velvet, British, London — Smallsword
James Morisset
Simon Augustin Toussaint
ca. 1780–85

Smallsword and Scabbard Presented to Captain Alexander Cochrane, James Morisset British, Steel, gold, enamel, wood, leather, British, London — Smallsword and Scabbard Presented to Captain Alexander Cochrane
James Morisset
Gray & Constable
hallmarked for 1796–97

Presentation Smallsword with Scabbard of Captain W. E. Cracraft, James Morisset British, Gold, enamel, steel, wood, vellum, British, London — Presentation Smallsword with Scabbard of Captain W. E. Cracraft
James Morisset
hallmarked for 1797–98

Cross Hilt Sword, Clemens Horn German, Iron, silver, wood, copper alloy, steel, gold, hilt, British, London; blade, German, Solingen — Cross Hilt Sword
Clemens Horn
1600–1625

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