December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2024
The slightly curved blade has a thin narrow partial fuller along the spine on both sides and a wide shallow fuller below on both sides. The right side has a gilded square at the ricasso with a fleur-de-lys set in a gilded panel and a large, etched and gilded inscription "Garde Nationale". The opposite side features gilded engraved arms motifs, foliate scrolls, and a corresponding gilt panel with fleur-de-lys at the ricasso en suite. The spine of the blade is inscribed "Klingenthal" on a gilded ground. The hilt is cast in 2 pieces, the first being a brass stirrup hilt guard has a pillow-shaped quillon and half-langets extending into the grip; the second being the brass lion pommel cast integral with the channeled grip. The Garde Nationale was established in 1790 with the Marquis de Lafayette serving as its first commander-in-chief and the existence of the royal "fleur-de-lys" on the blade proves that this arm was made no later than 1792, the year that the monarchy was abolished. CONDITION: Completely as found and untouched, blade retains a dark heavy patina with most of gilt decoration still remaining. Hilt retains a dark brown mustard patina and shows a series of small dents to the backstrap. Hilt is tight to blade and tang undisturbed. An attractive French 18th century sword. Ex. collection, William Myers.
Blade Length: 26-1/4"
Overall Length: 31-1/2"