Fantastic saber from French Revolution period used by a National Guards of National Volunteers Officers, pattern 1792. 30 inches long and 1.5 inches blade blued and gold engraved on both sides. The inner side has on ricasso: tower with two flags, lictor bundles with "Adrienne Hat" plus some stars and military motives on the lower part. The outer side of ricasso has also lictor bundles with "Adrienne Hat" and some military motives. There is also a Face of Sun and motto: "Vainire ou Mourir pour la Loi" (To win or die for the Law). Magnificent brass gold gilded basket hilt with Climbing Lion standing on the cannon and fallen Griffin and climbing the branch with "Adrienne Hat" on top of it. The pommel is in the form of antique helmet, also gilded with gold. Wooden grip covered with brown leather and wrapped with fancy, twisted wire. Black leather scabbard with brass, gold gilded fitting.
Condition: excellent for its age. Blade has some pitting specially around the tip. all bluing and gold is still on the blade. Basked hilt and pommel without any damage or deformation but only with traces of gold. Grip is near excellent with leather a little worn on the sides but all wire wrap tight and nothing missing. Scabbard was painted black at one time, so the leather is hard but no cracks or damage. Brass fittings still show traces of gold. (Ref. "Les Sabres - Portes par L'Armee Francaise" by Jean Lhoste p. 383)
Magnificent French Revolution saber which probably could tell lot of stories.
