FRENCH NAVAL OFFICER'S SWORD

Revolution period C.1800-10. See Swords for Sea Service, pl.98. Brass hilt with Liberty cap pommel, flattened knuckle bow and cross guard, and broad beaded edge flattened boat form guard. Copper wire wrapped grip, twisted spiral flanked by straight filler wires, complete and original. Hilt shows good patina with considerable evidence of gold in protected areas. 28 1/4" straight broad fullered blade etched first third with foliage motifs, the base with owner's or maker's initials. Shows smooth gray patina, the etching crisp with some gold inlay remaining. Some small areas of gold wash to the forte.