The Smallsword

In 18th century and decades surrounding it, the arts of sword manufacturing reached their zenith in the production of smallswords. The Western World lacked police protection as we know it. The streets were treacherous and rural roads could be traveled safely only by armed parties. Every man carried one or more weapon and in the cities, his sword served to identify his status, both as social class and fighter. The sword of the merchant class, military officers and nobility was the highly agile descendant of the rapier which became knows as the smallsword and wearing a well appointed example was a warning that the owner was schooled in its use. Virtually every technique known to the metal worker and jeweler has been used in the construction and decoration of their hilts and the quality of their blades was unsurpassed. Today, they represent outstanding value among antique weapons; fine quality, deeply seated in history and eminently affordable.