Swords, white weapons
Inside the museum collection, there is a large number of swords dating from the 16th to the 19th century. One of the oldest is a Venetian-made sword from the first half of the 17th century, of the “schiavona” type. The name “schiavona” derives from its users, the “schiavoni” or Slavs, as the inhabitants of Dalmatia were called in the Veneto region. Thanks to the high protection provided by its hilt (all the elements that guard a blade), this sword proved to be particularly efficient in battle.
The Persian saber, known as “shamshir,” dating from the late 18th century, developed in Persia based on the Turkish kilij saber, from which it mainly differs in the shape of the blade. The shamshir has a regular curved blade, while the kilij curves sharply towards the middle. Furthermore, the blades differ in weight and larger dimensions, with the kilij being heavier and larger. An example of the shamshir is on display at Palazzo Silva.
The Toledo sword dates back to the mid-19th century. Although the fame of Toledo sword production remains renowned to this day, it was at risk of disappearing throughout history.
A precious officer’s smallsword, as attested by the weapon itself, was donated by Antoine d’Orléans, Duke of Montpensier and Galliera, the youngest son of King Louis Philippe I of France, who was deposed following the revolution of 1848.