I recently visited the Houston Museum of Natural Science and saw the special exhibit "Benjamin Franklin: In Search of A Better World."

http://www.hmns.org/exhibits/special_exhibits/BFranklin.asp

A great exhibit about a fascinating individual; highly recommended. Among the many personal effects and displays shown was Franklin's smallsword, which had a modestly sculpted clamshell-type guard and fairly robust proportions (about the size of the Hanwei "Scottish Court Sword" allegedly patterned off one roughly contemporary to Franklin).

Because no photos were allowed, as is common for special exhibits in any museum, I couldn't take any shots of it. But it was revealing to see this more martial side of someone we think of solely as an intellectual. (Indeed, I don't ever recall seeing any portrait of Franklin where he's wearing a sword.) One can only wonder what insights he might have offered if he'd applied his genius to a manual on swordsmanship...

Although Franklin may have had a martial side, wouldn't a small sword more likely have been an item of court dress? Something like a fancy wrist watch or a bow tie?

The smallsword would have been fashionable for everyday wear. The wearing of a smallsword did not indicate mastery of it, let alone any type of dedicated study. Franklin may have only worn a sword while at court, but the smallsword was a part of everyday attire for the elite of the era. The 19th century saw the smallsword relegated primarily to court functions and fashion. John Oliver could illuminate this discussion even further...

Jonathan

As an ambassador, it seems not unusual that one might have a sword (or several).

Franklin acted as an unofficial ambassador (more of a colonial liason) to England from 1765 (age 59) to 1775. His representation as ambssador to France lasted for ten years after that 1776-1785, all this as a senior citizen.

As the museum piece has been mentioned as representative of the period, it really only needs to be read as that.

Franklin was a diplomat, not a soldier. To the best of my recollection, he never bore arms in any conflict, nor as a member of any militia. I think it unlikely he was even skilled at arms. He was very much a city boy.

Several swords of George Washington survive. As far as I know , only one is attributed to his military service.

Cheers

GC

From what I have read;

Franklin was not much for dressing up during his tenure as a statesman. It is certainly possible that he had been presented a sword (or more) but he is not known as having worn one. He had briefly been a military commander but was greatly aided in that by his son William's military experience. His other previous military involvment was more as a supply agent. He had spurred militia but did not lead them.

Louis XVI had a painting commissioned, I don't recall seeing a sword in it.

Cheers

GC

Edited to add this, written in his thirties. An essay on the necessity Of Self Defense. Found on the web;

(scroll down)
http://www.historycarper.com/resources/twobf2/pg41-47.htm

Also out there is his youthful poem about Teach and Maynard. Some smiting with swords there.