I had been interested in smallswords for quite a while, but was always somewhat disappointed with the reproduction pieces I had found. However, since my primary interest is reenacting, I didn't want to purchase an original and risk having a quality piece of history lost or damaged. My quandary came to an end recently when I found a sword for sale that had an original 18th century smallsword hilt that had been remounted on a late 19th century WK & C blade. Best of all, the price was about half of a decent reproduction smallsword ;)

The boat shaped guard and hilt is cast brass with a touch of the original gilding still on it. The hilt is in remarkable shape, though from a collectors point of view, several polishings had removed any original patina it had acquired. While the blade is not contemporary with the hilt, it is the same length and style of the diamond cross-sectioned blades that appeared on some smallswords. Although I originally had replacing the blade in mind, it is of such nice quality that I have decided not to mess with a good thing (well, at least not for now).

I need to buy some more leather before I will have a scabbard for her. For the time being, she looks quite nice hanging on the wall of my office :)

Say, that's a really good looking smallsword. Congrats, Chris!

The smallsword looks really nice, and this:

Chris Goerner wrote:

...Best of all, the price was about half of a decent reproduction smallsword ;) ...

is surprising. Wow.

Great smallsword Chris. I've always like the style of the boat shape guard. And the blade is perfect in size and shape. An amazing find.

And yet another grand piece I've had the good fortune of seeing and handling up close.

I know you are very chuffed with this purchase Chris....so when's our next gathering?

hint, hint,nudge,nudge.....

Cheers lad,

Bill

ps I picked up my 1861 Austrian sabre today from Will...try & catch you tomorrow at CMC.

Goodness, Chris ... your rolling in nice new toys (careful, though, they are sharp ;-)

Enjoy it, Mac