Arms & Armour
Small Sword
Permanent ExhibitionMetalworkArms & Armour
Details
- Author / creator
- Jean-Baptiste Oudry (French, 1686–1755)
- Object type
- Arms & armour
- Date or period
- c.1750–60
- Dimensions summary
- Overall: 105.4 cm; Blade: 87.9 cm; Guard: 7.9 cm
- Category
- Edged weapon
About this object
The hilt, pommel, and guard of this sword are richly chiseled in low relief against a stippled gold background with animals (dogs, a stag, ducks) that appear to be adapted from paintings by Jean-Baptiste Oudry (1686–1775). An elegant court sword such as this was an important accessory to a gentleman's attire, yet remained functional—it could be withdrawn for an impromptu duel.
Materials and technique
Steel, gilt and russeted, copper, wood
