Exceptional Early English Silver Hilted Smallsword, 1683

Description

Silver hilt comprising bilobate shell guard, quillon block, pas d’ane, knuckle bow and ovoid pommel finely chased with scrollwork, leafage, and neo-classical figures. English hallmarks of the late 17th century with maker's mark “GS” and the date mark for 1683. Grip wrapped with plaited and twisted silver wire with silver wire turk's heads top and bottom. Slender 32″ oval-section blade of rapier form with 6 3/4″ inscribed central fuller and anchor mark below the fuller. Overall length 38 ½”. Hilt in fine condition, the blade with scattered light pitting. This rare sword is the earliest silver hilted smallsword we have ever encountered and generally shows a higher level of quality than later examples.