France / 1700s
Small Sword
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Small Sword as arms and armor (France · 1700s).
The banded pattern on the hilt was achieved by carefully winding wire over a wooden core. The result was a handle with a textured surface that improved the user's grip.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this arms and armor as steel, copper alloy inlays; wood grip with steel wire.
The museum's collection notes: The small-sword was a civilian thrusting weapon customarily worn by well-to-do gentleman in civilian dress during the weapon's heyday in the 1700s, and were later worn on formal or court occasions. They were traditionally suspended at about mid-thigh from the left side of the belt, the gilt exposed through an opening in the gentleman's coat. Since it was highly visible it was subject to lavish decoration with precious materials and fashions came and went. Many were decorated to match personal costume and were truly an emblem of social rank.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtSmall SwordOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.