ENGLISH SILVER-HILTED SMALL-SWORD DATED 1722

This early 18th century small-sword was hilted by a London silversmith, and is marked as such, with a London date letter G in a shield, dating it precisely to 1722. Maker's mark is worn, but a patient new owner of the sword will no doubt find the name. Colichemarde blade is 26.5"/57 cm long, and is decorated in rose buds and vines on either side of the forte. Knuckle bow is a replacement, probably made out of a silver spoon or a fork handle, and soldered to the quillon block. Pas de ane are very large, and the ricasso is tall, which are both early features. Silver wire wrapped around the wooden grip, there is some sort of wax on either end. Ferrules have split. Hilt is topped by the gadrooned apple-shaped pommel. Old collection or museum tag is attached to one of the pas de ane. Obverse lobe n the guard is discretely engraved with a Latin motto - ARMAT SPINA ROSAS, which translates as THE THORN ARMS THE ROSES. Cleverly, ROSAS in this case may also allude to the English Wars of the Roses. Whether the gentleman was a York or a Lancaster, I do not know. Being that the blade is decorated with rose buds, the inscription carries yet another, more literal meaning...