A lion head sabre for officers of the Hussars, mid-18th century

A lion head sabre for officers of the Hussars, mid-18th centuryVery broad, sturdy single-edged blade in Ottoman style with fuller on each side and double-edged point, yelmen and false edge, both sides etched with pseudo-Arabic inscriptions. Brass knuckle-bow hilt decorated in relief (traces of gilding) with leather-covered grip and brass wire wrap. The grip cap ends in a three-dimensional lion head above a Hercules mask and two paws on the sides. In an old scabbard with brown leather cover, brass fittings and two movable suspension rings. The scabbard with a small notch, the point somewhat pitted, old repair (solder joint) at the knuckle bow, scabbard leather rubbed, isolated, unobtrusive minimal holes at the fittings, traces of use and age. Length 96 cm.Magnificent private purchase piece of a high-ranking officer. Extremely representative sabre of rare and massive size.Condition: II