European Smallsword, 2nd Half 18th C, Probably French

Description

Featurng cast brass hilt, consisting of asymmetrical shell guard with raised border, pas
d’ane, reverse quillon with ball finial, and integral knuckle bow joining the spherical pommel
with button. Wood grip with twisted copper wire wrap and brass ferrules top and bottom.
Slender hollow-ground 30 3/4″ (78.1 cm) blade of triangular section, engraved with scrolling
foliage and stands of arms over the upper third. Hilt parts somewhat loose, showing mellow
mustard-color patina, with darker patina in protected areas. Blade with dark brown patina
and several shallow nicks in the edge; engraving difficult to see due to the dark patina. No
scabbard. Overall length 36 5/8″ (93 cm). Many swords of this type were carried by
gentlemen and officers in the Colonial American forces during the Revolution.