Beautiful silver hilted French Infantry Officer's Sabre model 1821. This type of infantry saber was introducer after restoration on July 31st, 1821 and remained in service with slight modifications to the beginning of 3rd Republic. The scabbard doesn't have button on the front so this sabre had to be put in service before 1837. This is a high grade example with silver hilt and fully etched blade which was typically used by the officers of Imperial Guard and other higher ranks. 30 inch double fuller blade, acid etched on both sides with multiple arrays of arms on each side surrounded by scroll and vine patterns and the additional vine work on the spine. silver hilt with single branch handguard and small secondary branch. Handguard stamped: "L. BORETI" and small stamp of "Open Hand" on the left side. Rear quillon with floral pattern. "Phrygian helmet" style hilt and "Fleur-des-Lis" on the back with ribbed black horn grip. Black leather scabbard with brass fittings and dual hanging rings.
Condition: Very good plus. Blade with clear and strong etching, scattered spotting and light pitting. Excellent hilt with light patina on the silver. Grips has a crack on both side but it is holding solid. Excellent scabbard with couple of light scuffs on the leather and excellent brass fittings with no dings or dents. (Ref. Les Sabres - Portes par L'Armee Francaise by Jean Lhoste p.281 )
Wonderful infantry Sabre which has probably seen "Les Miserables" in 1832, first hand.
