Smallsword for I D

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by celtan

Thank you, Jim. I enjoy very much reading all your contributions. Seems you're a regular "renacentist man".!

Best regards

Manuel Luis

Thanks very much Manuel, I'd like to think so!
With that note, I've been trying to track down what might be behind this rather fanciful motif on one of the blades here. While markings with trademarks, makers and associated cabalistic or talismanic symbols are fairly well represented in documentation concerning many blades in the 18th century, much of the military panoply and in this case neoclassic motif really is not.
With the clear neoclassic styling present in these times, it would seem that this winged figure reflects classical Christian convention as well as possibly any interpretation of the mythological winged deities of antiquity, with the Roman winged Victory seeming most likely on a sword blade.

In the classical designs followed in elements of the decorative motif on these hilts, it is also interesting to note how closely associated shapes often seem to religious and architectural themes.

Weapons and art are truly closely associated in many cases, particularly as shown in many of these hilts and blade decoration.

All the best,
Jim