European Hunting Sword (Cuttoe)

European Hunting Sword (Cuttoe)

Near the mid 1700's the French popularized a variation of the hunting sword pattern usually mounted in silver, with short opposite curving quillons (counterguards) projection as frail counterguards. These dress swords were called "couteau-de-chasse". The early example shown here mounts an ivory grip having brass ropes in its grooves and a rosette-shaped flat pommel. Note that the down-curving quillon also includes the early small final (17th century) at its tip. The substantial double-edged straight blade has two 6 1/2" middle fullers containing star-like marks.

Length: 30"
Blade: 25 1/4" X 1 3/8"
Weight 1.3 lbs.
Hilt: Brass

c. 1680-1700

George C. Neumann Collection, Valley Forge National Historical Park

VAFO 306

Photograph