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Presentation Smallsword with Scabbard

Goldsmith James Morisset British
hallmarked for 1797–98
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 376
English smallsword hilts in gold or silver-gilt, set with colored enamels, were the specialty of the London goldsmith James Morisset. The majority were created for presentation to British naval officers during the Napoleonic wars. This example is inscribed on the underside of the shell: "The Committee of Merchants of London presented this sword to Lieutenᵗ John Burn for his active and spirited conduct on board His M.S. the Beaulieu during the late mutiny at the Nore in 1797. Hugh Inglish Esq., Chairman."

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Presentation Smallsword with Scabbard
  • Goldsmith: James Morisset (British, London 1738–1815)
  • Date: hallmarked for 1797–98
  • Geography: London
  • Culture: British, London
  • Medium: Silver, enamel, steel, paste brilliants, wood, fish skin
  • Dimensions: L. 41 1/2 in. (105.4 cm); L. of blade 34 in. (86.4 cm); Wt. 1 lb. (453.6 g); Wt. of scabbard 3 oz. (85 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: 26.145.315a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

More Artwork

More Artwork
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
Goldsmith James Morisset
hallmarked for 1797–98
Smallsword Hilt and Scabbard Mounts, James Morisset British, Silver, enamel, paste brilliants, gold, textile, British, London
Smallsword Hilt and Scabbard Mounts
Goldsmith James Morisset
hallmarked for 1797–98
Harquebusier's Armor of Pedro II, King of Portugal (reigned 1683–1706) with Buff Coat, Richard Holden British, Steel, gold, leather, textile, British, London; buff coat, European
Harquebusier's Armor of Pedro II, King of Portugal (reigned 1683–1706) with Buff Coat
Armorer Armor attributed to Richard Holden
Armorer Helmet cheek pieces and metal plates on shoulder straps made by Daniel Tachaux
ca. 1683 and later; buff coat, 17th–18th century
Rapier of Prince-Elector Christian II of Saxony (1583–1611), Israel Schuech German, Steel, bronze, gold, enamel, paste jewels, cameos, pearls, wood, hilt, German, Dresden; blade, Spanish, Toledo
Rapier of Prince-Elector Christian II of Saxony (1583–1611)
Sword cutler Hilt by Israel Schuech
Bladesmith Blade by Juan Martinez
dated 1606
Remarks on forest scenery, and other woodland views, (relative chiefly to picturesque beauty) : Illustrated by the scenes of New-Forest in Hampshire, William Gilpin British
Remarks on forest scenery, and other woodland views, (relative chiefly to picturesque beauty) : Illustrated by the scenes of New-Forest in Hampshire
Author William Gilpin
Publisher R. Blamire
1791

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