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LOT 1322
Ornate French Relief Chiseled Lutz Marked Smallsword with Gilt Hilt - Reaching the pinnacle of its popularity in the late 17th century and early
18th century, the smallsword was an evolution of the rapier into a weapon that was more comfortably carried every day. During this period, most European
LOT 1323
gentleman of well-repute could be found carrying such weapons, both for protection and as an outward display of their status. Likely made in the 18th century, this specific example shows a level of ornateness that would be expected of a gentleman of high standing. It measures approximately 39 1/2 inches overall with a triangular cross section, hollow ground blade that measures approximately 33 inches. Both sides of the blade on the forte bear the engraved “Lutz” maker’s mark as well as what appears to be their address/locations in French, and there are light flourishes of floral scroll above both markings. The hilt is extensively relief chiseled with floral and martial motifs, as well as neo-classical columns, with the background gilt filled. The guard is of the dual clamshell type with dual pas d’ane and a D-shaped knuckle guard. The grip shows the same relief chiseled motifs as the remainder of the hilt and the pommel is spherical. The scabbard is absent.
CONDITION: Very good, the blade is mostly bright with some scattered light speckling of grey patina and the some of the markings slightly softened with age. The grip is very fine with most of the elevated iron showing an attractive brown-grey patina and most of the gilt finish in the background remaining. This is a very attractive example of French craftsmanship from around the 18th century!
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,000
Beautiful and Elaborately Embellished French Coulaux Freres Royale du Klingenthal Colichemarde Blade European Smallsword - Reaching the pinnacle of its popularity in the late 17th century and early 18th century, the smallsword was an evolution of the rapier into a weapon that was more comfortably carried every day. This interesting example was manufactured c. 1814-1836 in Klingenthal, found in the Alsace region of France. The left of the blade near the guard is marked “Manuf/Royale du Klingenthal”, while the left is marked “Coulaux/Freres”, for the family that took charge of the royal forge there in 1801, purchased it from the government in 1836, and remained in charge of operations until its closure in 1962. This interesting example measures approximately 42 inches overall with a 34 3/4 inch colichemarde blade, which is defined by its wide forte which abruptly begins a taper that continues towards the point, as
well as having a hollow-ground, triangular cross section. Blades of this type saw their widest popularity from c. 1680-1760, before trailing off rapidly due to their sinister association with duelling. This example shows traces of extensive bluing, gilding, and light engraving on the forte showing flags, arms, and floral motifs. The hilt is extensively embellished with relief arms, neo-classical, and floral motifs, as well as 18th century figures on a gilded background. The guard itself is of the coquille/shell type with dual pas d’ane, and a D-shaped knuckle guard. The grip is brass and copper wire wrapped and capped with a scent stopper type pommel embellished to match the rest of the hilt. The scabbard is absent.
CONDITION: Fine, the blade showing mostly a grey patina with traces of the blue and gilt finishes and some scattered patches of light surface pitting. The hilt is exceptionally fine retaining most of the gilt finish with the balance primarily a brown-grey patina. The pommel and guard are slightly loose while the wire on the grip remains mostly tight.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 1324
Fine Silver Hilted Colichemarde/Small Sword with 1722 Dated Hallmarks - The hilt has a “GW” silver smith mark and London hallmarks including the “G” date code for 1722. The 34 3/4 inch triangular and hollow-ground blade with the distinctive wide forte and narrow tip. This blade shape made these swords light and allowed for fast and accurate thrusts while still providing strength for parrying. They were popular from the late 17th century through the late 18th century with military officers and gentlemen although over the distinctive wide forte became less popular. George Washington had a somewhat similar sword following the French & Indian War that is featured in some of his portraits. They also appear in paintings of other gentlemen in the period, and these colichemardes were used in many 18th century duels.
CONDITION: Fine with attractive aged patina on the silver, somewhat loose but complete wire wrap, tight blade to hilt fit, some light oxidation staining on the otherwise silver-gray blade, distinct etched patterns on the forte, and crisp patterns on the hilt.
Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection.
Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
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