French Boat Hilt Smallsword, 3rd Quarter 18th C

Description

Gilt brass hilt featuring heart-shaped “boat” guard, pas d’ane, forward quillon (rear quillon
missing) and integral knuckle bow joined to the spherical pommel, with button. Wood grip,
missing wire, with ferrules top and bottom. Straight 32″ double-edged blade of diamond-
section, engraved on the forte with “Soli Deo Gloria” on each side in a bordered
rectangular panel with foliage. Red velvet washer between blade and guard. Blade with
wear and pitting. Overall length 38″.