Presentation Smallsword with Scabbard

Presentation Smallsword with Scabbard

Presentation Smallsword with Scabbard

English smallsword hilts in gold or silver-gilt, set with colored enamels, were the specialty of the London goldsmith James Morisset. The majority were created for presentation to British naval officers during the Napoleonic wars. This example is inscribed on the underside of the shell: "The Committee of Merchants of London presented this sword to Lieutenᵗ John Burn for his active and spirited conduct on board His M.S. the Beaulieu during the late mutiny at the Nore in 1797. Hugh Inglish Esq., Chairman."

Provenance
Jean Jacques Reubell, Paris (until 1926; his gift to MMA).

Goldsmith:
James Morisset (English, London, active 1768–1800)
Date:
hallmarked for 1797–98
Geography:
London
Culture:
British, London
Medium:
Silver, enamel, steel, paste brilliants, wood, fish skin
Dimensions:
L. 41 1/2 in. (105.4 cm); L. of blade 34 in. (86.4 cm); Wt. 1 lb. (453.6 g); Wt. of scabbard 3 oz. (85 g)
Classification:
Swords
Credit Line:
Gift of Jean Jacques Reubell, in memory of his mother, Julia C. Coster, and of his wife, Adeline E. Post, both of New York City, 1926

Copyright Image
https://images.metmuseum.org