VERY FINE ENGLISH SILVER-HILTED SMALL SWORD WITH CHASED

Probably second half of the 18th century. Tapered and double-edged straight blade with multi-faceted faces, both sides decorated with etched and gilded scroll designs covering the entire length of the blade. The solid silver hilt has high relief foliate motifs chased on a stippled ground on the clam shell guard, knuckle bow, and pommel. Stippled areas are gilded and left side of knuckle bow marked with an "IK" hallmark in a shield, possibly for silversmith John King. The grip is wrapped with braided silver with with knotted ferrules at both ends. CONDITION: Blade has been polishes and shows some losses in some areas from heavy corrosion and some loss to etching from polishing, generous traces of gilt in some areas. Hilt some some wear, especially on pommel. Polished surface with traces of gilt in protected areas. Grip good with top ferrule slightly skewed. A very high quality silver hilt. DMG Blade Length: 28 - 1/2" Overall Length: 34 - 3/4" Condition: Dimensions: Length: 34 - 3/4".