Arms & Armour
Small Sword
CeramicsMetalworkArms & Armour
Details
- Author / creator
- Germany, 18th century
- Object type
- Arms & armour
- Date or period
- c. 1770
- Dimensions summary
- Overall: 90.5 cm; Blade: 76.9 cm; Grip: 11.3 cm
- Place of origin
- Germany
- Acquisition method
- Purchase
- Credit line
- Purchased with the National Heritage Memorial Fund, 1916
- Category
- Edged weapon
- Image rights
- Public domain (CC0)
About this object
The small-sword was a light, quick weapon that emerged during the 18th century. It was carried by unarmored civilians, the noblemen of the upper classes. The porcelain hilt, elaborately decorated, would have been visible even when the sword was sheathed–making this object more an accessory of male attire than a utilitarian weapon.
Materials and technique
Steel, gilt-brass, porcelain grip
