Smallsword
1740/50
Steel, gilding, silver, and wood
SEE IT IN PERSON
● On view now — Gallery 239
Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · verified July 2026
Discussion
FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG
Smallswords, though developed as civilian weapons to be worn with formal court dress, were also used by infantry officers and high-ranking field commanders in battle. Designed for military use, this example is fitted with a coliche-marde blade, which has a widened section at the fort near the hilt to strengthen the blade against heavy attacks.
Be the first to share your thoughts.
Sign in to join the discussion.
More by French
Head of a Woman
Altarpiece from Thuison-les-Abbeville: Saint Hugh of Lincoln
Panels from the High Altar of the Charterhouse of Saint-Hono
Portrait of a Young Man
Altarpiece from Thuison-les-Abbeville: Saint Honoré
Altarpiece from Thuison-les-Abbeville: The Ascension
Panels from the High Altar of the Charterhouse of Saint-Hono
The Nymph of FontainebleauMore like this
Blade: Peter Munch
Germany, Solingen, c. 1595-1660 — Smallsw
Northern European, probably English — Transitional Rapier
Aubry Le Jeune — Smallsword
Hilt: Flemish or Dutch; blade: French — Composite Smallsword
Dutch — Sword (Pappenheimer Rapier)
Melchior Diefstetter — Composite Sword
Western European — Smallsword
Hilt: northern European (possibly Swedish)
Blade: possibly I
German — Thrusting Sword (Estoc)
German — Cavalry Sword with Calendar Blade
Hilt and scabbard fittings; northern Indian
Blade: probaby E
German — Boar Sword