A SILVER-HILTED SMALL-SWORD, LONDON 1756, MARK OF JOSEPH (2) CLARE with colichemarde blade (areas of rust), silver hilt finely cast, pierced and chased in low relief with scrolling foliage and trophies-of-music within a framework of low faceted beads, comprising boatshell guard, a pair of quillons, knuckle-guard and pommel, and the grip with its original binding of plaited silver wire and ribband between chased collars 82.0 cm; 32 1/4 in blade Joseph Clare (1732-71) is recorded as a gifted hilt maker and the son of the goldsmith of the same name. After his death he was succeded by his widow, Sarah. See Southwick 2001, p. 72.