FRENCH OFFICER'S SWORD

Napoleonic period. Late 18th century. Brass hilt, formerly gilt, with elaborately detailed plumed helmet form pommel. Boat form guard with stippled shell splay terminal and raised segmented convex band, each segment with central dot motif. Opposite side with continuous banded decoration. Fine silver wire wrapped grip. 33 1/8" concave faced triangular section blade etched, blued and gilt first third with military trophies including crossed cannons indicating use by an artillery officer. Napoleon was an artillery officer and has been criticized for his over dependence on artillery, particularly at Waterloo. Hilt sound, undamaged and showing expected effects of use. The blade retaining considerable blue and near all gold at the forte with some isolated rust growth along the edge. The balance mostly smooth with some small areas rust growth interspersed.