English c.1790 Matthew Boulton type Smallsword

A very interesting and unusual c.1790 English Smallsword, probably by Matthew Boulton

Here is a fine example of an English 18th Century smallsword that is of a type manufactured by the famous Birmingham-based sword maker and designer, Matthew Boulton. This man had an enormous influence on design during the late-18th Century and was a partner with the Scottish engineer, James Watt. He was also a member of the famous Lunar society, whose members included Erasmus Darwin, Josiah Wedgewood and Joseph Priestley. For more information about his life please go to: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Boulton. See below for examples of the type of hilt styles produced by Matthew Boulton and compare with this smallsword – it is very likely that this is a smallsword produced in the workshop of Matthew Boulton.

The sword has a very fine and delicate steel hilt that comprises a series of intricate, intertwined designs to the bowl and knucklebow. The grip is bound with iron twistwire. The hollow ground blade is engraved with motifs of scrolling foliage.