REVOLUTIONARY WAR AMERICAN NAVAL OFFICER’S SILVER HILTED SMALLSWORD

C.1750 and probably served in the French and Indian War as well. Fine large fighting proportions with 31 ¾” colichemarde blade. The forte decorated with foliage and geometry, light wear. Fine silver hilt with double shell guards pierced with flags, drums, cannon and anchor. See Swords for Sea Service, Annis & May, pl.9 & 10 for a similar example. Pommel and quillon block pierced to match. The knuckle bow and forward quillon removed to improve access in close quarter fighting as was often done by American officers but prohibited to English. Silver wire and tape wrapped grip. 1960’s New England find from the pre bicentennial fervor.