CEREMONIAL SWORD

England, ca. 1785/95.
Steel hilt, open-worked pommel, knuckle guard with inserted faceted steel balls transitioning into the quillon. Pierced guard plate with twenty openings set with steel balls, ornamental grip hook. Pierced grip, with four openings, likewise set with steel balls. Blade with triangular cross-section (L 80.5 cm). Original scabbard covered with reptile skin, suspension rings, also includes iron carrying hooks with chains and snap springs.
L 96 cm.

Developed in Birmingham ca. 1780, these delicate ceremonial sword hilts set with polished faceted steel balls enjoyed great popularity on the Continent as well. The weapon on offer is of a rare completeness and preservation. Cf. J.D. Aylward: The Small-Sword in England, 1945/60, pp. 79/80, Ill. 30.