c.1750–60
(French, 1686–1755)
Steel, gilt and russeted, copper, wood
Overall: 105.4 cm (41 1/2 in.); Blade: 87.9 cm (34 5/8 in.); Guard: 7.9 cm (3 1/8 in.)
Weight: 440 g (15.52 oz.)
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.1094
Although fully functional, this sword was used more for show—a perfect accessory for a fashionable gentleman having his portrait painted.
The hilt, pommel, and guard of this sword are richly chiseled in low relief against a stippled gold background with animals (dogs, a stag, ducks) that appear to be adapted from paintings by Jean-Baptiste Oudry (1686–1775). An elegant court sword such as this was an important accessory to a gentleman's attire, yet remained functional—it could be withdrawn for an impromptu duel.
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