Composite Smallsword

cornelistromp · 6th September 2021, 06:02 PM

It is difficult to say anything meaningful about the origin, this type in terms of style was worn, among other countries, in England, Germany, France, and the Netherlands
The pommel is type 89 in Norman's typology, dateable from 1770 onwards.
Although the decoration on the oval shellguard and pommel consists mainly of symmetrical shapes, you can still see two Rococo shells on the rings of the grip. I expect the hilt was made in the Rococo "transition" period, around 1770-1780.
Colichemarde blades begin to appear after the mid-17th century and have been used on smallswords for over 100 years. This blade reminds me of a rapier blade as far as the fullers and inscription ( EN TOLEDO)are concerned, but it is not a cut down rapier blade, it has a small attachment at the ricasso and is made for a small sword.
It is reused for this later hilt and probably originally dating to the last quarter of the 17th century.

best,
Jasper

6th September 2021, 06:02 PM	#4
cornelistromp Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,060	It is difficult to say anything meaningful about the origin, this type in terms of style was worn, among other countries, in England, Germany, France, and the Netherlands The pommel is type 89 in Norman's typology, dateable from 1770 onwards. Although the decoration on the oval shellguard and pommel consists mainly of symmetrical shapes, you can still see two Rococo shells on the rings of the grip. I expect the hilt was made in the Rococo "transition" period, around 1770-1780. Colichemarde blades begin to appear after the mid-17th century and have been used on smallswords for over 100 years. This blade reminds me of a rapier blade as far as the fullers and inscription ( EN TOLEDO)are concerned, but it is not a cut down rapier blade, it has a small attachment at the ricasso and is made for a small sword. It is reused for this later hilt and probably originally dating to the last quarter of the 17th century. best, Jasper