A scarce French Model 1853 sword for a brigadier of the Gendarmes of the Imperial Guard
Straight 32 1/4 inch blade of stiff diamond section with deep 15 inch double fullers above the hilt. Brass hilt of standard pattern with bilobate guard, the outer shell cast with Imperial eagle and standards, inner folding shell marked A N: simple knucklebow and ovoid pommel; brass grip cast with a spiral pattern of acanthus.
Condition: Blade showing minor pitting. Hilt with minor marks.