English Silver Hilt Smallsword, Mid 18th C

Description

Featuring cast and chased silver hilt with symmetrical double shell guard, pas d’ane, single reverse quillon with scroll finial, and knuckle bow with London hallmarks and maker’s initals “np”(?) joining the spherical pommel. The decoration depicts human profile busts on the pommel, quillon block, and center of the shell guard; the latter also depicting mythical beasts, including one with female head and breasts with the lower body that of a lion. Grip with twisted silver wire wrap (shallow dents) and silver ferrules top and bottom. Hollow-ground 30 1/2” blade of triangular-section with full length central fuller; inlaid brass mark on the forte (lightly pitted). Overall length 36 3/4”