French Smallsword (1780 A.D.)

While at first glance it may look like a delicate weapon, it is in fact quite deadly.

Gilded hilt.

The blade, while lacking a cutting edge, is fluted in what appears to be something of a star-shape, making the sword very rigid and strong.  The purpose of this weapon was to skewer and kill your opponent.

The star-shaped cross section of the blade would leave a horrible wound that have great difficulty healing.  Any thrust to the torso would be a serious and potentially fatal wound, even if it did not instantly strike a vital organ.

The tip of the sword is very strong due to the fluting, and it would puncture heave, layered clothing. It is reminiscent of the chisel-tipped bayonets of the Russian Mosin-Nagant rifles of World-War II.  

The sword is on display at the DIA.

German Hunting Swords from the 18th century

Gilt bronze hilt and ivory grip.

The "hunting sword" was an evolution of the "hanger" sword that dates to about 1700.  The blades are shorter and slightly more curved, and the name derives from the motifs that decorate it (such as the bird or hawk on this example).  The hunting sword was popularized in Britain by Admiral John Benbow.