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

Object Information

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

Presentation Smallsword with Scabbard, James Morisset British, Silver, enamel, steel, paste brilliants, wood, fish skin, British, London — Presentation Smallsword with Scabbard
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

Costume Armor in the Classical Style, Hallé French, Helmet: linen, papier-mâché, bole, gold leaf, graphite; tunic: silk, cotton, metal coils and spangles, metallic yarn, French, Paris — Costume Armor in the Classical Style
Helmet includes original paper label of Hallé
ca. 1788–90

Smallsword, James Morisset British, Gold, enamel, steel, textile, leather, wood, cotton, velvet, British, London — Smallsword
Goldsmith Attributed to James Morisset
Enameler Signed AT, probably for Simon Augustin Toussaint
ca. 1780–85

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)
Sword maker C. Liger
hallmarked for 1785–86

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