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Post by aethelwulf on Feb 28, 2021 22:50:50 GMT
I've recently gotten a couple of court swords at auction. There was no information at all about them, but they were quite cheap so I went for it. Neither has any maker's marks or other identifying markings. The amount of research I've been able to do has gotten me absolutely nowhere. The first one is relatively long and has a very ornate brass hilt. However it seems to be missing the knuckle-bow, judging by the lack of one and the hole in the pommel. The second is a little shorter, and seems to have a more popular brass hilt type. However, the blade has some etching. Anything anyone can tell me would help a lot. I have no idea whether these are even real antiques, or where they might have come from. My smallsword knowledge is extremely lacking. Even pointing me to some good resources would be super helpful. Thanks in advance! Jon Attachments:
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Post by bas on Mar 1, 2021 20:31:43 GMT
Hi Jon, The challenge with identifying smallswords is that they were common in multiple styles across Europe and the Americas. And because they were as much an expression of wealth and fashion as they were fighting weapons, no two smallswords are the same. Fashion then, like today was widely copied, so if a style became de rigueur in France it was quickly copied across the rest of Europe. With the later, silver hilted swords we at least have the benefit (most of the time) of a hallmark to tell us who made the hilt. But with your swords, it is more challenging. I'm sorry that I can't be more insightful than that. These are the books I have available to me. But I'm not familiar enough with them yet to offer much on your swords. Handbook of Court & Hunting Swords 1660 - 1820 The Rapier and Small-Sword, 1460 - 1820 The MyArmoury group has an album of smallswords: myarmoury.com/albums/thumbnails.php?album=55
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Uhlan
Member
Posts: 3,121
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Post by Uhlan on Mar 3, 2021 9:23:42 GMT
For small swords this book is needed for the basics: Jean l'Hoste - Les Epees. It is quite cheap for what you get as it contains lots and lots of information. Though it is in French only you'll find it easy to comprehend. For the first one: See page 254 - fig.433 :: Restoration period Superior Officer sword. The second one: The disc shaped guard plate places this sword at the end of the 18th C. I have this feeling that the blade is somewhat older. Very interesting it is with these indentations and the faceted first part. Also, there may be a small stamp between the two large dents. Or it is just corrosion. Hard to make out. Anyway, as far as I can see, this is an Epee de Ville and of the stouter kind with a blade like it has. There is definitely some military vibe going with this one. It was made to be used when needed it looks like. I think both are quite nice and if you payed little for them you have got yourself a good deal.
Cheers.
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