THE FIRST CIRCA 1750, THE SECOND CIRCA 1700

Details

TWO SMALL-SWORDS
The first circa 1750, the second circa 1700
The first with slender blade of flattened hexagonal section changing to flattened diamond at the point, and with a short ricasso inlaid on each face with brass panels stamped with a single-headed Imperial eagle and 'Roma', the steel hilt chiselled in relief with trophies of Classical arms and grotesques within rococo scrollwork, the grip bound with steel ribbon and copper wire (some surface pitting throughout); the second with slender blade of flattened hexagonal section etched and gilt on both faces with labelled figures of saints, the iron hilt made without a knuckle-guard, encrusted with panels of silver flower-heads and scrollwork, and with writhen cow-horn grip bound with silver wire (some surface rust and pitting)
30¼in. (77cm.) blades (2)

Special notice

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Lot Essay

A number of blades marked in a similar manner to that of the first sword exist, but with the names 'Potsdam', 'Berlin' or 'Lisabon', instead of 'Roma'. See Mann, Wallace Collection Catalogues, Arms & Armour, 1962, inv. no. A 693, and lot 115 in these Rooms, 1 July 1999

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