Cleveland Museum of Art

Small Sword

Date

c. 1770

Medium

steel, gilt-brass, porcelain grip

Culture

Germany, 18th century

Department

Medieval Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

The small-sword was a light, quick weapon that emerged during the 18th century. It was carried by unarmored civilians, the noblemen of the upper classes. The porcelain hilt, elaborately decorated, would have been visible even when the sword was sheathed–making this object more an accessory of male attire than a utilitarian weapon. Small-swords with porcelain grips became fashionable in the mid- to late 1700s and added a colorful splash to male attire.

The authoritative record is held by Cleveland Museum of Art. LinkedCulture surfaces this object and its connections; it does not alter institutional metadata.