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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

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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 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
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
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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