Sword

Broadsword. The hilt consists of a gilt knuckle-bow, swelling slightly at its mid-point, to a straight quillon which broadens to its terminal - the whole is decorated with a single embossed line each side. Cast with the above pas d'ane are rings, too small to be used, and a ricasso in the form of a rectangular plaque punched overall with a fine point. The pommel is near-spherical and is fluted below its waist and has a circlet of leaves about its base round the small tang button. The grip is bound with two strands of plaited silver wire, alternatively fine and coarse, and has a small plain ferrule at the top. The twin equal shells bear no decoration on the upper face but have embossed edging on the lower face. A rectangular wreath or bush is fitted between the ricasso and the shells.

The blade is straight, broad, with a double edge, is of flattened oval section and of even taper to a uniform point. There is little decoration. The inscription on the obverse and reverse is 'running wolf'. The scabbard is missing. The shape and style of the hilt of this sword suggest those popular in the small-sword in the middle of the 18th century and it may be that the figures '1 7 5 0' represent the date of manufacture of this weapon or at least of the blade. The workmanship of the hilt is not particularly high. However, even if the hilt is that of a small-sword, the blade is too heavy and too supple.

It is apparently German, bearing the 'running wolf' mark of Solingen and Passau, and there are grounds for thinking this to be a fighting sword of the middle of the century done in the style of the more normal gentlemen's sword. It does not seem to have been an effective thrusting sword though it may have served as a cutting weapon more commonly found in the services. Its general appearance suggests more robustness than is normally associated with the small-sword.

Object Details

ID: WPN1338
Collection: Weapons
Type: Sword
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Unknown
Date made: circa 1750
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Blade: 756 x 29 mm