Art Institute of Chicago

Military Smallsword and Scabbard of a Member of the British Royal Family

Cutlers: John Highlord Bland (English, died 1791)

Date

1787/91

Medium

Steel, silver, brass, gilding, wood, and lacquered snakeskin

Culture

England

Department

Applied Arts of Europe

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

The stark military style of this smallsword hilt belies its royal purpose. It was made for one of George III’s sons to wear with the Windsor pattern uniform, ceremonial garb that was intended only for members of the royal family and that included a deep blue coat with gold braid. In addition to this sword, the royal cutlers Bland and Foster made several others of the same pattern that are still in Windsor Castle today. Their shop was near the palace of Saint James in London.

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