Smallsword with Scabbard and Case hallmarked for 1798-99 Michael Barnett The tradition of presenting gifts of finely made armor and weapons is an ancient one. Swords, as the customary sidearm of a warrior and, from the Middle ages onward, a symbol of chivalry, were especially favored. Beginning in the seventeenth century numerous records survive that document the gifts of swords with sumptuously decorated mounts, usually worked in precious metals and occasionally jeweled, presented by a monarch or prince to distinguished courtiers, diplomats, and military heroes. This was especially true during the Napoleonic Wars, when both the French and English sides regularly awarded decorated arms in recognition of service to their king and country in time of war. In England, the City of London and various English civic and business associations awarded smallswords and sabers to officers of the Royal Navy for actions against the French. The present sword, its hilt of silver-gilt cast and chased in