A FINE FRENCH STEEL HILTED SMALLSWORD C.1750

This sword is distinguished both for its quality and being in pristine condition. The hilt elements are chiseled in high relief and chased to a jewelers standard. The decoration interestingly consists of central panels of flowers of various types with foliage, flanked by small displays of arms. All of the relief decoration is blued, now fading to brown. Foliage fills the balance of the surfaces and the ground is fire gilt throughout. The grip is silver wire and tape as well as a russet steel band with a series of gold crenelated rosettes. The blade is decorated at the forte with a bordered panel of baroque ribbon and foliage and a borderless panel above. 31 5/8" length blade.