EL7306 - A high status mid to late-17th century Continental early smallsword, gilded overall and featuring a Norman Typology Type 109 hilt. The 28 inch double-edged blade, with extensive and very detailed engraving and complex fullering, with the remains of gilding evident on most of the surface. The hilt of copper alloy, also with gilding remaining, having one main knucklebow and the characteristic Type 109 sweeping side bar. Fluted spherical pommel and silver wire wrap remaining to the grip in very good condition overall. The hilt is firm on the tang with no notable movement. Attributing a geographical origin to this sword is difficult, but to me the decoration suggests French or Italian. See A. V. B. Norman p.189-192 for more detail on this important early type of smallsword.
