EUROPEAN OFFICER'S CAMPAIGN SWORD WITH TOLEDO BLADE, CA.1770

 This European officer's boat-hilted fighting sword dates ca.170-1780. Swords with this style of hilt were in favor with officers of several European armies. For instance, Kulinsky, in his book on Russian edged weapons, shows two very similar swords. Similar hilts were also mounted on swords of Austrian and Prussian infantry officers in the second half of 18th century.

Blade is about 76 cm long, very strong, double-sided, with a median fuller running on each side, inscribed EN TOLEDO, with characteristic anchor-like symbols on each side. Blade could be of real Toledo steel, or else Solingen-made. Blade has acquired a fine uniform plum-colored patina. Brass hilt is thick, strong, with a nicely cast and hand-chased grip. Grip shows some play on the hilt.
Even though a small-sword in style, it's difficult to call it just that. This is what the French called a forte-epee, a strengthened version of a small-sword, meant to withstand heavy handling and field wear.