Military Smallsword and Scabbard of a Member of the British Royal Family
1787/91
Medium
Steel, silver, brass, gilding, wood, and lacquered snakeskin
Dimensions
101.6 × 12.4 cm (40 × 4 7/8 in.)
Classification
edged weapon-sword
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
222942
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
The stark military style of this smallsword hilt belies its royal purpose. It was made for one of George III’s sons to wear with the Windsor pattern uniform, ceremonial garb that was intended only for members of the royal family and that included a deep blue coat with gold braid. In addition to this sword, the royal cutlers Bland and Foster made several others of the same pattern that are still in Windsor Castle today. Their shop was near the palace of Saint James in London.
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...