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Smallsword

Goldsmith Attributed to James Morisset British
Enameler Signed AT, probably for Simon Augustin Toussaint British
ca. 1780–85
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 376
This hilt is closely related to a number of English snuffboxes and other small gold objects set with Neoclassical enamels in grisaille. The enamel with Hercules strangling the Nemean Lion (on the reverse of the grip) is signed AT, probably for Augustin Toussaint, a miniaturist and enameler. Toussaint was the nephew of the goldsmith James Morisset, who made two enameled presentation swords in the Metropolitan Museums' collection (26.145.315, 42.50.35). Unlike the presentation swords, however, this example is much freer in design and more lavish in ornament. The enamels are copied after English engravings of Classical cameos and gems.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Smallsword
  • Goldsmith: Attributed to James Morisset (British, London 1738–1815)
  • Enameler: Signed AT, probably for Simon Augustin Toussaint (British, London, active 1768–85)
  • Date: ca. 1780–85
  • Geography: London
  • Culture: British, London
  • Medium: Gold, enamel, steel, textile, leather, wood, cotton, velvet
  • Dimensions: Sword (a); L. 39 in. (99.1 cm); box (c); L. 41 in. (104.1 cm); W. 6 3/16 in. (15.7 cm); D. 5 1/4 in. (13.3 cm)
  • Classification: Swords
  • Credit Line: Gift of Dr. and Mrs. John C. Weber, 1981
  • Object Number: 1981.363.1–.3
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

More Artwork

More Artwork
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Smallsword Hilt and Scabbard Mounts, James Morisset British, Silver, enamel, paste brilliants, gold, textile, British, London
Smallsword Hilt and Scabbard Mounts
James Morisset
hallmarked for 1797–98
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 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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