Germany, 18th century / c. 1770
Small Sword
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Small Sword as arms and armor (Germany, 18th century · c. 1770).
Small-swords with porcelain grips became fashionable in the mid- to late 1700s and added a colorful splash to male attire.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this arms and armor as steel, gilt-brass, porcelain grip.
The museum's collection notes: The small-sword was a light, quick weapon that emerged during the 18th century. It was carried by unarmored civilians, the noblemen of the upper classes. The porcelain hilt, elaborately decorated, would have been visible even when the sword was sheathed–making this object more an accessory of male attire than a utilitarian weapon.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtSmall SwordOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.