Where to buy Antique smallsword blades? -- myArmoury.com

Alexander Ehlers

Salutations.

Their is a review on this website by Stephen Fisher, where he talks about his awesome Smallsword. It has an antique blade, and it weighs 11 ounces. I am really attracted to this concept, as the sword looks very attractive, and I like how smallswords sometimes weigh less than a pound. Where could I get a antique blade, and how can I get it hilted by a excellent swordsmith?

Shahril Dzulkifli

I never heard of antique smallsword blades being sold without hilts.
And I am not quite sure where to find those.

Don Stanko · Posted: Wed 11 Nov, 2015 1:51 pm Post subject:

I would search the various auction sites, Hermann Historica, Bonhams,Czernys, etc. Often they will sell blades, but it might be cheaper to purchase a composite sword or one that requires a bit of tlc.

Isaac H. · Posted: Wed 11 Nov, 2015 8:45 pm Post subject:

Hello Alexander,

Your idea of hilting an antique blade is one that have been followed through by a number of individuals. Finding the blade is indeed the hardest part. Don's suggestion of auction sites is probably your easiest route. What I might add is that you may not be able to find a blade by itself. They come up for sale only very rarely . What is more likely is you may be able to find an original smallsword for sale in poor condition ( broken knuckle bow, loose hilt, etc) and salvage the blade from that. Smallswords fitting this description do surface on Ebay consistently. Patience will be neccessary in this endeavor.

Another suggestion to aid in locating a blade would be to post a ' wanted ' add on this site as well as other places on the web , including social media groups . There are some very active groups of enthusiasts on Facebook. Someone is bound to have a blade somewhere.... just be persistent in your search.

You may want to try contacting both Benjamin Arms and Jacob's Armoury about your idea, either may have a lead on a blade , and can also assist in the hilting aspect as well. There are certainly plenty of other options as well, but these two stand out as smallsword specific makers.

https://www.facebook.com/BenjaminArmory/

http://www.jacobsarmoury.com/smallswords.html

Mark Griffin · Posted: Thu 12 Nov, 2015 3:59 am Post subject:

bare blades turn up all reasonably regularly at auction, you just have to keep looking at the online auction sites. Or even scour militaria and junk shops wherever you find them. Some great discoveries have been found that way....

Just checked the next Del Mar sale though, nothing in there. I'm afraid. Well not by way of blades that is...

Having said that, they are snapped up fast to do just what you intend. Sometimes its done honestly too ;-)

Luka Borscak · Posted: Thu 12 Nov, 2015 7:26 am Post subject:

There are a bit younger smallswords like this French one for not too much money.
https://www.aukcije.hr/prodaja/kolekcionarstvo/Militarija/Trofejno-oruzje/278/oglas/Sablja-rapir-oficirska-Francuska-sanitet-period-Napoleon-III-XIX-st/2463073/

E.B. Erickson · Industry Professional

Check eBay. I remember seeing a loose smallsword blade from the 1700s within the last week.

Here's how to find the blade:
Route 1: Collectibles>Knives and Swords>Antique swords (or antique sword blades)

Route 2: Collectibles>Militaria>Sword blades

Hope this helps!

--ElJay

E.B. Erickson · Industry Professional

Found it! eBay # 231752990926
Blade itself is 31" long, 36" overall, and has some etched/gilt design.

--ElJay