Corpse carrier sword 19thc Austro-Hungary and mourning swords

[M ELEY]

Thanks, Jim. I forgot to mention the sellers dated it to around 1850-60.

I've always been fascinated with mourning swords, but don't have much to add. I know many smallswords were later blackened for such occasions. I'm assuming the metal was 'pickled', just like the Japanese used to do to darken the metal. However, I've also heard that blackened rapiers/smallswords were carried by the town guard/sargeants patrolling the streets? In any case, hope some others can come in with examples of mourning weapons-

[Jim McDougall]

Thanks Capn, that date seems right, and Im determined to find that note on the title on Austro-Hungarian focus that is said to hold the material on this sword type and context.

With the MOURNING type swords, as esoterica, these are not specifically mentioned in any references on swords except for the faithful J.D.Aylward ("The Smallsword in England" (1945. p.54-55).
Here it is described that early 'mourning swords' were cheaply made productions with hilts of blackened steel and grips of steel wire in keeping with the strictest 18th century convention of wearing black in mourning. However they were worn with any sober dress apparently outside the mourning period it seems.

The later ones were of cut steel with upper side of shell decorated in star pattern, grips of copper wire or blued steel in keeping with dark tone of the weapon.
Many of these had fine engraved blades, and while typically not used in true fighting, at least one case noted in Aylward lists as fatal duel where one was used.
These were not only for the typically brief period of mourning, but were essentially, according to Aylward, an unobtrusive town weapon.

In checking through references having to do with funerary matters, customs etc. while all manner of etiquette, fashions, and of course tombstones etc are thoroughly included....as always, there is not the slightest hint that the SWORD would be recognized in the matter of fashion.

I do hope that this arcane area of the sword might attract the interest of at least some students of the sword, those of course who study in the more esoteric aspects. Perhaps we might find some examples of these used in the wardrobes of notable figures, in Aylward it is noted that in the estate of one man, he had four swords....two of them 'mourning'.

Thank you again Capn!

[Jim McDougall]

Found some examples :
It seems the fashion for these types of swords by 1790s had evolved into the cut steel neoclassic styles which were produced by Matthew Boulton of Soho and followed by other shops. These were often elaborate and highly embellished with beading and piercings.

[Jim McDougall]

According to OED, the first evidence of the noun MOURNING SWORD was in a letter authored by John Verney (1640-1717), 1st Viscount of Fermanagh, of Middle Clayton, Bucks.

[Jim McDougall]

This Italian smallsword is listed as smallsword with 'blackened hilt' and copper wire grip, noting these types of swords were often 'misleadingly' called mourning swords. It is claimed that this style of decoration was actually in accord with dark toned clothing favored by men in fashion in these times.

I disagree with this assessment as it is well noted that these swords were NOT exclusively used in mourning and funerary occasions but also worn in occasions where somber or unobtrusive weapon would be worn.

Also, the notion that the early versions of these were cheaply made with poor blades (Aylward, 1945) seems to be perhaps an exception, possibly in England. This Italian example of end of 17th century has the triangular blade of 33" which was in following with formidable light rapiers becoming the fashion in civilian swords of the time.

[M ELEY]

Here's my one and only smallsword from my collection. Although not naval per sae, Annis & May mention Spanish sea captains being partial to smallswords. In any case, althoug 'dainty', mine has the correct design pattern for a 'real' smallsword, including knuckle bow, pas d'ane, bilobate guard, etc. The blade is a trifoil, very sharp with no markings. I used to think this Plain Jane might just be an American knock-off of its fancier Euro cousins, but with the balckened hilt and blade, I'm now suspecting this to be an earlier 18th c. mourning smallsword? The grip wrap is a replacement that someone darkened to match the sword. I think you are right, Jim, that these still were functional pieces for un-dress occasions. Now if I'm wrong, folks, let me know as I am no expert on smallswords-

[Jim McDougall]

Hmmm Capn, I think you may be onto something!!! Very nice!

I am so partial to solid, unobtrusive weapons like this, strictly business.
There are FEW experts on small swords, especially around here! As civilian weapons primarily, while following conventional form, there are many affectations and nuanced elements to identify most with any certainty.

It seems that blackened in this manner, your example might be one of the austere sorts that could have served in mourning capacity in the earlier years of the 18th c. Small swords were of course not typically blackened. That coarse black wire grip also seems to respond to Aylwards description, however this blade seems anything but 'cheap', and looks quite capable for use as required in defense.

The idea of this being American is tempting, but hard to say as the colonies, like the colonists were of course British. It seems that small swords were indeed preferred by naval officers, but these were typically with brass hilts. Possibly as often done with weapons facing harsh, damp environment they were 'japanned' (= painted black) but again with small swords they were already brass.

Remember Lt. Maynard in his famed encounter with Blackbeard, held a small sword which was now basically only the hilt, having been broken in the ensuing combat.

Nice, rustic example Capn!!! It serves well in your maritime collection, though it very well COULD be one of these intriguing mourning swords.