Silver Hilted Smallsword

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Status

Not on view

Datec. 1760

Maker George Fayle

Geography Made - England

Medium/TechniqueSteel, silver

DimensionsOverall: 38 5/8 in. (98.11 cm) Overall (blade length): 32 in. (81.28 cm) Overall (blade width (at forte)): 1 1/8 in. (2.86 cm)

Credit LineGift: Jess and Grace Pavey Fund, 2017

Object numberM-5527

DescriptionSilver hilted smallsword, closely resembling George Washington’s 1770 boat guard smallsword, tapering double edged blade of flattened hexagonal section etched and gilt along both sides of the forte with a foliate panel of squigglework centered on a classical trophy of arms. Mounted to hilt comprised of asymmetrical boat shell guard with raised borders, quillon block, arms, knuckle guard, lobed rear quillon, globular pommel with button, and decorated with gadrooning on pommel, crossguard, and knuckle bow. The grip is bound with silver ribbon and two thicknesses of twisted silver wire. Marked with indistinct London hallmarks, c. 1760

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