A Cut-Steel Hilted Small-Sword

Double-edged, straight blade with central point in the upper third bearing a finely etched and polished decoration (rusty on some places), flattened octagon, then hexagon, and finally lenticular in section. The highly polished hilt with chiselled flower ornaments comprising oval shell-guard, rounded quillons, knuckle-guard and oval pommel with tang button. The grip bound with twisted silver wire. The sword retains an original old black lacquered scabbard (damaged). France, late 18th century, length 93 cms. Condition 2