English Mourning Sword. -- myArmoury.com

Morgan Butler · Posted: Tue 04 Nov, 2008 2:42 pm Post subject: English Mourning Sword.

I just recently aquired an English "mourning" smallsword. Its very light of course and sturdy. Lovely engraving on the double-edged blade. The point and the first 3 inches are sharp. The hilt is so small it makes me think that its a childs sword but I dont think it is. Luckily I have very small hands. Its supposed to be 1750ish. Can anyone confirm that? Enjoy the pics!!!

GG Osborne · Posted: Tue 04 Nov, 2008 9:12 pm Post subject:

The sun motif makes me think that, at least, the blade is French and definitely pre-French Revolution as it was a favorite device of Louis XVI, the Sun King. I think you have a French sword around 1760 or so.

Morgan Butler · Posted: Wed 05 Nov, 2008 8:49 am Post subject:

Hmm, I know in the venerable "Swords of the American Revolution", they have this exact sword as "English Mourning Sword 1750-1760." However that blade didnt have engraving on it as this one does. I have seen other 18th century smallsword and spadroon/sabre blades with either the sun or the moon engraved on them, sometimes both. Does anyone know the significance of those markings?

GG Osborne · Posted: Wed 05 Nov, 2008 8:20 pm Post subject:

The sun and crescent moon motifs are German in origin and are generally termed 'talismans.' Semi-occult symbols that carried meanings protecting the blade, etc. Plus they were just pretty and traditional. The type of sun motif found on the sword in question (i.e. with the rays) is associated with Louis, mostly, from my experience. Of course designs like this were copied and recopied but I'd bet a lunch that, at least, the blade is French.

Lawrence Parramore · Posted: Thu 06 Nov, 2008 7:50 am Post subject:

I had an extremely similar one some years ago and informed it was French NCO's pre revolution and that there is a wall full of them somewhere at Les Invalides, hope this helps.