A French officer's small-sword, circa 1760. Robust single-edged blade etched on both sides, the base with fleur-de-lys coat of arms and scrolling foliage with remains of gilding, the back of the blade with maker's mark "fait a Solingen". Iron hilt with remains of original gilding. Symmetrical guard plate and hinged folding knuckle-bow, grip with loosened silver wire winding, engraved pommel. Patinated surfaces. Length 109 cm. Similar small-swords with folding knuckle-bow hilts were used by gendarmerie and dragoon officers. Cf. Lhoste, "Les épées , Additional-Rights-Clearance-Info-Not-Available

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Additional-Rights-Clearance-Info-Not-Available

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Size: 681px × 5615px
Location:
Photo credit: © INTERFOTO / History / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 18th, blade, century, etched, europe, french, officer, robust, single-edged, small-sword