EUROPEAN SMALLSWORD C.1720-40, PROBABLY FRENCH

Brass hilt, originally gilt, decorated throughout in rocaille motifs. Early features include the double shell guards with fan splays to the cusps resulting in a near oval form.  As well, the shells are of identical size rather than the right being larger as is virtually universal. The shell guard is supported by the arms of the guard secured by pairs of iron screws which are accommodated into the decorative design. That rare configuration leaves the tang exposed within the guard, which was originally covered in red velvet matching the blade seat (small piece remaining).  31 ¾” concave face triangular section blade. An evolutionary weapon directly related to the popularity of dueling and street fighting in France and Italy at the time.