A French 2nd Empire officer's sword
5045
A French 2nd Empire officer's sword
third quarter 19th century
Straight 29 inch nickeled-plated blade, the central fuller expanding to double fullers below the point. Steel hilt finely chased and comprising: separate down-curving shell pierced with scrollwork and beasts framing a panel with panoply of armor 'a la antique'; quillon block with grotesque masks; quillon with acanthus and eaglehead finial, knucklebow with scrollwork and acanthus and central panel with grotesque mask; ovoid pommel with strapwork and ovoids. Grip wrapped in bands of steel wire.
Condition: Nickel on blade frosted and with some small areas of flaking. Hilt fine.
See Illustration
Estimate:
US$ 700 - 900
£460 - 600
€540 - 700

Footnotes

  • Note: See Fig. 681 in Epees Portees En France Des Origines A Nos Jours by Jean Lhoste for a sword with a very similar hilt identified there for a superior officer of Chamballan. (Haiti)

Category: Arms and Armour

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Paul Carella Bonhams
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220 San Bruno Avenue
San Francisco, 94103
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Work +1 415 503 3360
FaxFax: +1 415 861 0183
Specialist - Arms and Armor