3498 A LOUIS XV HIGH GRADE FRENCH SMALLSWORD.

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This item SOLD at 2023 Nov 05 @ 18:39UTC-4 : AST/EDT
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 700.00 USD
Estimated at 1,400.00 - 2,000.00 USD
This fine quality early to 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: 35 5/8". Blade length: 29 1/4". The early blade has 3 facets on each side with a short 4" central fuller beginning 4" from the hilt. The blade is engraved over nearly its entire length with fanciful geometric designs & scrollwork highlighted by floral & celestial motifs. Near the hilt, there is an engraving on each side of the blade featuring a king holding a scimitar. The artistically rendered iron hilt is highlighted with gold leaf & gold inlays throughout. The bottom of the double kidney guard has superior scrollwork with foliate motifs along with a stand of arms and 4-legged winged creatures. The top of the guard has very similar decoration to the underside. Tall pas d'ane with a downturned pendulous quillon. The knuckle bow is primarily decorated with scrollwork and the nearly spherical pommel again repeats the theme of stands of arms with winged 4-legged creatures. The exceptional grip has ample scrollwork combined with classical stands of arms and more winged 4-legged creatures. No scabbard. CONDITION: the blade shows light wear with a medium gray overall patina. The engraved decoration remains quite vivid & striking. The hilt is very tight and is exceptionally visually attractive with a rich patina on the iron that contrasts stunningly with the bright gold backgrounds. (02-19597/BF). $1,400-2,000.