CIRCA 1770

By the early seventeenth century, the rapier—a long, slender thrusting sword—had become the ultimate symbol of a gentleman’s status and skill. As fencing techniques advanced throughout the century, this elegant weapon gradually gave way to a lighter, more refined successor: the smallsword. By 1700, the smallsword was not merely a defensive tool but a fashionable accessory, often adorned with intricate designs and luxurious materials. For nearly a century, it remained an essential part of a gentleman’s attire, until the late eighteenth century, when pistols began to replace swords in the ritual of the duel. Typically crafted from silver or steel, the finest examples incorporated gold, porcelain, and enamel—transforming these weapons into wearable works of art that reflected the combined mastery of swordsmiths, cutlers, and jewelers. Beyond their practical and aesthetic appeal, smallswords were also prized as lavish gifts and prestigious tokens of honor, frequently presented in recognition of heroic military service and the esteem of comrades in arms.