Smallsword Hilt

ca. 1790

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 376

This hilt combines two of the most popular elements of English jewelry during the last quarter of the eighteenth century: highly polished cut-steel beads and blue-and-white cameos of Wedgwood jasperware. The industrialist Matthew Boulton (1728–1809) of Birmingham, who specialized in cut-steel articles, is known to have collaborated with Josiah Wedgwood (1730–1795) in combining jasperware cameos and steel settings to make buttons, watch fobs, and chatelaines. It is likely that this hilt originated in Boulton's factory.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Smallsword Hilt
Hilt Maker: Matthew Boulton (British, Birmingham 1728–1809 Birmingham)
Hilt Maker: Josiah Wedgwood (British, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent 1730–1795 Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent)
Date: ca. 1790
Geography: possibly Birmingham
Culture: British, possibly Birmingham
Medium: Steel, Wedgwood jasperware
Dimensions: L. 6 7/8 in. (17.5 cm); W. 4 1/2 in. (11.4 cm)
Classification: Swords
Credit Line: Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942
Object Number: 42.50.46
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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