Corpse carrier sword 19thc Austro-Hungary and mourning swords

Jim McDougall · 20th July 2025, 03:12 PM

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 · 20th July 2025, 11:28 PM

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 · 21st July 2025, 02:50 AM

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.

Jim McDougall · 29th July 2025, 03:57 AM

Today I received the book I've been waiting for:
"With Drawn Sword: Austro-Hungarian Edged Weapons from 1848-1918", M.Christian Ortner; Erich Artlieb, 2006, p.523,

This exact sword form is shown as a 'mourning sword' but more austere than the faceted smallsword also captioned the same. Both are to the IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD.
The Royal funerary traditions and protocols of the Habsburg's were detailed, dramatic, almost theatrical and more. The ceremony extended to virtually all the court figures from Princes, Dukes and high ranking nobles.
It seems reasonable that specifically appointed regalia would be in place for these elaborate events, and these swords ...though not mentioned in the pages of description, as typically the case regarding swords. ..are unique.

In my opinion the sword of our discussion is likely indeed for pall bearers in these elaborate Habsburg processions, while the more elegant faceted smallswords more for the dignitaries and ranking court figures.

This sword was likely in use during the Royal Court of Emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire Franz Josef I and his wife Elizabeth of Bavaria, Queen of Hungary post 1867.

Most descriptions of mourning swords note that they were not necessarily blackened or in somber tones but actually might be worn in any regular dress capacity. The notice to George Washington's 'mourning sword' which was one of his seven swords, was actually a M1767 French officers epee which he acquired from London c. 1770, and while he indeed wore it to funerals and such somber events, it was not black, nor darkened. However the belt and attachments do appear to be black or darkened.

20th July 2025, 03:12 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,559	Italian smallsword 1690-1720 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. Attached Images

20th July 2025, 11:28 PM	#2
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,192	Mourning sword? 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- Attached Images

29th July 2025, 03:57 AM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,559	Finally got it! Today I received the book I've been waiting for: "With Drawn Sword: Austro-Hungarian Edged Weapons from 1848-1918", M.Christian Ortner; Erich Artlieb, 2006, p.523, This exact sword form is shown as a 'mourning sword' but more austere than the faceted smallsword also captioned the same. Both are to the IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD. The Royal funerary traditions and protocols of the Habsburg's were detailed, dramatic, almost theatrical and more. The ceremony extended to virtually all the court figures from Princes, Dukes and high ranking nobles. It seems reasonable that specifically appointed regalia would be in place for these elaborate events, and these swords ...though not mentioned in the pages of description, as typically the case regarding swords. ..are unique. In my opinion the sword of our discussion is likely indeed for pall bearers in these elaborate Habsburg processions, while the more elegant faceted smallswords more for the dignitaries and ranking court figures. This sword was likely in use during the Royal Court of Emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire Franz Josef I and his wife Elizabeth of Bavaria, Queen of Hungary post 1867. Most descriptions of mourning swords note that they were not necessarily blackened or in somber tones but actually might be worn in any regular dress capacity. The notice to George Washington's 'mourning sword' which was one of his seven swords, was actually a M1767 French officers epee which he acquired from London c. 1770, and while he indeed wore it to funerals and such somber events, it was not black, nor darkened. However the belt and attachments do appear to be black or darkened. Attached Images

21st July 2025, 02:50 AM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,559	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.