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#1 |
Arms Historian
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Route 66
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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. |
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#2 |
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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.
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#3 |
Arms Historian
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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. |
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#4 |
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Location: NC, U.S.A.
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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-
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#5 |
Arms Historian
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Route 66
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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. |
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