MODERN MINIATURE OBJECT

1852

A modern copper alloy miniature sword dating to the late 19th century. This is a miniature cutlass that is flat on the back but with moulded decoration on the front surface. The blade is flat one edge and the other edge curves rising to a point projecting beyond the flat edge. The handle has been cast with raised diagonal lines representing the grip. It may have been a mount, as toy swords from the period tended to be fully three dimensional. However, no similar examples have been found to indicate the function of the object.This sword is in the style of the naval cutlasses that was adopted in 1852 and is still in use today with only minor variations (Weland, 1991, 65). Therefore it's discovery in the vicinity of the Royal Naval College is of note.Dimensions: length: 25.29mm; width: 8.22mm; thickness: 1.17mm; weight: 0.38g.Reference: Weland, G. 1991. A Collector's guide to Swords, Daggers and Cutlasses. Edison: Chartwell Books Inc.