A Fine French First Empire General's Sabre De Luxe, Engraved Mf.ture A Versaille Ent se Boutet, Early 19th Century

With curved fullered blade double-edged towards the point (some old pitting), etched and gilt against a blued ground over a third of its length on both sides of the forte with a martial trophy, wreaths of laurel and foliage, the gilt ricasso etched 'Coulaux Freres Manufacture de Klingenthal', cast and chased ormolu hilt comprising quillon-block chased with a flower-head within recessed line borders on both sides, faceted downbent quillon with bud-shaped terminal, faceted knuckle-guard with central oval chased en suite with the quillon-block, bifurcated at the top beneath a hollowed oval carrying a scroll linked to the pommel, the latter with recessed border and chased flower-head centred on the tang button, and ebony grip carved on both sides with overlapping scales, in its wooden scabbard covered in black leather with ormolu locket, chape and suspension mount each pierced with scrolls, the former engraved with Boutet manufactory details on one side, two rings for suspension, and retaining most of the original gilding
83cm. blade, 100.5cm. overall

Nicolas-Noël Boutet (1761-1833) is considered to be one of the greatest recorded gunmakers. From 1793 to 1818 he was artistic director of the Manufacture Nationale de Versailles were he was responsible for the production of some of the finest luxury and presentation arms ever made.