Collection Online as of July 7, 2022

Hunting Sword

c. 1780

Part of a set. See all set records

France (blade: Germany?), 18th century

Steel, blued, etched, and gilded; silver and wood

Overall: 72.1 cm (28 3/8 in.); Blade: 56.5 cm (22 1/4 in.); Grip: 14 cm (5 1/2 in.); Guard: 7.3 cm (2 7/8 in.)

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.1492

Location

210A Armor Court

Fun Fact

This custom-made German hunting sword, displayed with its original scabbard, was used at the end of a hunt in order to deliver the killing blow. After the game was dispatched, this type of sword was also used to field dress the animal, which must be done as quickly as possible to preserve the usable meat. It could also be used for self-defense against dangerous animals.

Provenance

Frank Gair Macomber; Boston; cat. #236.

Citations

Catalogue of Arms and Armour. Vol. 4, 17th to 19th century and a few pieces of iron work. [Boston, Massachusetts]: [Frank Gair Macomber], [1900-1915]. Mentioned and Reproduced: No. (236) 259 archive.org

Gilchrist, Helen Ives. A Catalogue of the Collection of Arms & Armor Presented to the Cleveland Museum of Art by Mr. and Mrs. John Long Severance; 1916-1923. Cleveland: The Cleveland Museum of Art, 1924. Mentioned: pp. 133-134, E107 archive.org