American Small Sword
Such a pattern would probably date from the 1730-1740 period in Europe. In this case, it is believed to be an American hilt. Allowing for the normal delay before new styles gained acceptance in the colonies, a 1740-1750 dating has been estimated. The polished wooden grip has never been covered, and the two ridged ferrules plain steel hilt, except for a single incised (crude) line tracing the edge of both of the guard's shells. The European triangular blade has concave faces.
Length: 36 3/4"
Blade: 30 1/2" x 1 1/8"
Weight: 0.8 lb.
Hilt: Steel
George C. Neumann, Swords and Blades of the American Revolution, (Harrisburg: Stackpole Books, 1973), 133. (216.S)
c. 1740-1750
George C. Neumann Collection, Valley Forge National Historical Park
VAFO 409
European Small Sword
This early small sword further illustrates the pattern's 17th century evolution from the heavy rapier. The double-ended quillions were forged as one piece to include the uneven pas d'ane (or "arms of the hilt"). Its tall thin cylindrical grip is wound with a double strand rope of fine copper wire, while the bilobate counterguard (i.e. two "shells") has a smooth surface above and raised foliage designs beneath. Its double-edged straight blade holds a 1" rectangular ricasso, convex faces, and a 1/8" X 7" central fuller.
Length: 40 3/4"
Blade: 34 3/4" x 11/16"
Weight 1.0 lb.
Hilt: Iron
George C. Neumann, Swords and Blades of the American Revolution, (Harrisburg: Stackpole Books, 1973), 127. (197.S)
c. 1660-1670
George C. Neumann Collection, Valley Forge National Historical Park
VAFO 392
European Small Sword
One of the interesting aspects of the small sword was the blade. Designed for thrusting, its cross section assumed many forms - principally elliptical, triangular, diamond, and hexagonal. This one is an undulating "flamboyant" pattern. It is primarily for decoration, but has both edges sharpened, and a flattened center ridge. The pierced steel hilt displays open panoplies of arms on both shells of the guard, plus a wire and band wrapped rectangular hilt. Note, too, that the pas d'ane continue to flatten.
Length: 37 1/4"
Blade: 30 1/4" x 13/16"
Weight: 0.6 lb.
Hilt: Steel
George C. Neumann, Swords and Blades of the American Revolution, (Harrisburg: Stackpole Books, 1973), 130. (206.S)
c. 1740-1750
George C. Neumann Collection, Valley Forge National Historical Park
VAFO 401