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Smallsword

ca. 1780–1810
Not on view
The smallsword was the typical civilian sidearm worn in Europe from about 1650 to 1800. It was both a deadly weapon and a stylish costume accessory for the fashionable gentleman. The materials of smallsword hilts vary considerably, according to the wealth and taste of their owner. In England, silver was the preferred medium, and the custom of hallmarking silver with date-letters provides the opportunity to document changing forms and ornament. English smallswords served as models for Colonial American silversmiths.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Smallsword
  • Date: ca. 1780–1810
  • Culture: British
  • Medium: Steel, gold, textile
  • Dimensions: L. 39 3/4 in. (101 cm); L. of blade 32 5/8 in. (82.9 cm); W. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm); D. 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 0.5 oz. (467.8 g)
  • Classification: Swords
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. D. H. Schmidt, in memory of Theodore Offerman, 1937
  • Object Number: 37.186.4
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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Congressional Presentation Sword with Scabbard of Colonel Marinus Willett (1740–1830), C. Liger French, Steel, silver, gold, wood, fish skin, textile, French, Paris
Congressional Presentation Sword with Scabbard of Colonel Marinus Willett (1740–1830)
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Agate book charm, probably a watch fob
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Smallsword, Steel, gold, wood, textile, French
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Menelaus and Patroclus, after the Antique (recto and verso), Henry Fuseli Swiss, Pen and brown ink (recto); pen and ink over graphite (verso)
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