I know there were several ways to wear a smallsword, but I have only ever seen the G. G. Godwin belt clip. What else is out there?

Thanks,
SZM

Baldric Early smallswords in that cross over era of the mid 17th Century seem to largely be worn on baldrics, sometimes very richly blinged up or disgused in the sash/scarfe of an officer. Which I think is where you get sash swords from such as A.V.Norman's Type 105(?) You can see this is in some of the mid to late 17th Century Dutch Militia group pictures and there is a cracking example of a sash sword being worn on a Family tomb in Salisbury Catherdal.

Check out George C. Neumann's "Swords and Blades of the American Revolution". There are illustrations and photographs showing various sword suspension methods, including the small sword, beginning from about the 17th century. It's a very informative book!

I have been studying 18th century paintings, and though I cannot say definitively, I am of a growing conviction that the use of the term "belt clip" for the item GG Godwin sells is a misnomer. Several paintings clearly show chains or straps extending from the smallsword up under the wearer's waistcoat. As belts were not worn with breeches, I can only conclude that the clip was worn over the waistband of the breeches and not over a belt.

Does anyone have any evidence to confirm or refute my theory?

Chris

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Detail from a painting of George Washinton as a young officer in the Virginia Regiment.

Some scans from Neumann, I will add an additional image or two later:

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Thanks alot. I need to figure out something for the ballet "Giselle" and I have a few ideas now.

Here is one more--sorry for the blur in the left margin!

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This is a picture of the belt clip still in use in france [ Linked Image ]

peter