An attractive French Steel Hilted Small Sword of the mid 18th century

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Price: £1,150

Ref: TW14.0725

Item Description

An attractively pierced and chased French steel hilted small sword dating to the years preceding the French Revolution. It is a nicely balanced example mounted with an oval convex shell guard hilt and a hollow ground triangular section blade engraved with foliate panels at the forte. The hilt retains elements of its original blued finish which contracts nicely with the silver wrapped grip.

The sword is an example of the high standards of design and craftsmanship  required of the 18th century French sword maker. The level of detail achieved in the hilt from such a hard material like steel is an impressive artistic  accomplishment. The shell guard is skillfully chiselled and pierced with a complex lattice of florets in the French manner within a thickened rim of four crescents.  The ricasso, pas d’ane rings, knuckle bow, quillon and pommel are decorated in the same sumptuous manner which attests to the homogeneity of the parts.

The grip consists of a wooden rectangular section baluster-shaped core spirally wrapped with bands of flat silver strip separated by contra twisted thin ropes of silver wire and mounted with silver woven “Turk’s Heads” top and bottom. The stiff blade tapers acutely to its point and is enhanced with engraved panels of foliate scrolls near the hilt on both sides.

The sword is in good condition overall.  The hilt retains its original pleasing shape, shows little wear and no noticeable damage or repairs. The engraving is crisp. There is some wear and blackened age staining to parts of the blade, which is straight and undamaged.  The sword is well balanced in hand.

The blade is 32.75 inches (83 cm) long and overall the sword is just under 39.5  inches (100 cm) long.