French Mounted officer's sabre of pre-revolutionary period. This type of hilt with folding combat guard was used by the cavalry units from the time of reign of King Louis XVI till the end of 18 th Century. It was very popular during Napoleon Italian campaign against Austrians around from 1797. Many paintings from this period show officers and generals holding this type of hilt.
Clean, polished 30" long blade with no decoration. Brass hilt with one solid and one folding combat guard pierced with elongated slots parted by ovals. Massive pommel and wooden grip entirely wrapped with layers of twisted and single brass wire. Soft leather scabbard with brass fittings and two rings.
Condition: near excellent. Clean blade with with some dark spots toward the tip. Great, solid hilt with no dings and good working spring for the folding guard. Excellent grip with tight wire wrap and all wire present. Excellent, original scabbard with all leather present and no brakes or cuts. Leather is soft, bends easily and could brake if not carefully handled. Brass fittings are solid and only have on small ding on the bottom one.
(Ref. "Les Sabres - Portes par L'Armee Francaise" by Jean Lhoste p. 265)
Wonderful over 200 years old sabre.
