Original Items: One-of-a-kind set. Here we have a fine late 17th or early 18th century small sword that some may incorrectly refer to as a rapier. Probably continental Eurpoean manufacture it features a diamond cross-section 32.5″ slim blade with fretted out symbol designs and gold decorative inlay. The hilt guard is ornately decorated brass, no doubt originally gilt, showing dueling 17th century clad figures surrounded by angels.
The cross guard similarly decorated with masks and sentries. The grip appears to be tightly bound copper wire and the pommel displays angels, one of which is blowing a horn. Engraved on a band around the pommel is:
TREVELYAN
NETTLECOMBE
Along with this interesting small sword comes an original document that is a roll of Militia consisting of 88 names that were the men of SIR JOHN TRVELYN’S COMPANY OF SOLDIERS 1699. Fortunately there is a typed listing of all the names mostly segregated by Village names in the County of Somerset in England.
SIR JOHN TRVELYAN, 2nd Baronet had his principal seat at NETTLECOMBE four miles south of WATCHET and all the villages mentioned lie is close proximity about eight miles north of BRIDGEWATER. Born in 1670, John Trevelyan was the oldest surviving son of SIR GEORGE TREVELYAN who he succeeded in 1671 at just one year of age. Sir John Trevelyan was a member of Parliament for Somerset starting in 1695 and became High Sheriff of Somerset in 1704. He died in 1755 at the age of 85 years.