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A LOUIS XV HIGH GRADE FRENCH SMALLSWORD WITH

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:800.00 USD Estimated At:1,600.00 - 2,400.00 USD
A LOUIS XV HIGH GRADE FRENCH SMALLSWORD WITH
EXCEEDINGLY RARE ORIGINAL SCABBARD. This fine quality mid-18th century French smallsword dates from the reign of Louis XV who took the French throne in 1715 and reigned until 1774. Overall length: 38". Blade length: 31". An early colichemarde trilobate blade with engraving over the first 7" of the blade. Engraving includes various scrollwork designs separated into 3 sections. The artistically rendered iron hilt is highlighted with gold leaf & gold inlays throughout. The bottom of the double kidney guard has fanciful scrollwork with large sprays of arms featuring a mortar & cannon. The top of the guard has scrollwork with more traditional sprays of arms. Tall pas d'ane with a downturned pendulous quillon. The knuckle bow is primarily decorated with scrollwork and the spherical pommel repeats the theme seen on the top of the guard featuring stands of arms. The grip is completely wrapped in braided silver wire and features silver Turk's head knots at the top & bottom of the grip. The exceptionally rare original scabbard has a gold highlighted throat & tip with decoration that matches the hilt of the sword. The body of the scabbard is white sharkskin over wood. CONDITION: the blade is in superb condition with only a few minor discoloration spots. The engraved decoration remains very clear. The hilt is very tight, but the guard is a tiny bit loose. The decoration is quite visually attractive with a rich patina on the iron that contrasts stunningly with the bright gold backgrounds. The silver grip has a pleasing patina. The scabbard is slightly shrunk, but remains in wonderful condition. (02-19595/BF). $1,600-2,400.