This is a classic American interpretation of a style which gained popularity in Europe mid century. The brass hilt has a thickened edge boat formed guard (named for the sauce or gravy boats of the period) with shell finial, straight cross guard and canted knuckle bow. The grip is wrapped in brass wire. The blade is European. 28 3/8” length with foliate decoration retaining much of its original gold inlay. During the period, most sword blades for the world market were produced in Germany and exported for hilting as was done here. They required special tooling necessitating mass production and were shipped at reduced rates as they served as ballast. The knuckle guard here is atypical with a smaller curve at the top than the bottom. Item 213.S of Swords and Blades of the American Revolution, Neumann, another brass hilted boat for guard smallsword is also made with this variant. That is probably explained by the fact that at the time, smiths relied on pattern books for designs. Those books, now virtually nonexistent, illustrated the latest and traditional patterns for everything from furniture to cutlery and account for the similarity of products manufactured throughout Europe and America. Additionally attesting to the American attribution is the fact that the pommel and its foot are made in two pieces which is easier for a provincial maker. Together, the result is a charming functional weapon with specifically American not European character.
