Late 18th C. French Steel Cavalry Trooper Sword

Western Europe, France, ca. 1770 to 1800 CE. A fine example of a French cavalry trooper's sword with a lengthy thrusting-style blade and a sturdy pommel. The cast-brass pommel features double quillons that project above and through the cupped hilt plate, an ovoid pommel, and a slender finger guard, all adorned with intricate shell and wave motifs. The form of the hilt for this sword is modeled after the styles of contemporary Swedish swords used by cavalry as it formed a solid hilt rather than one of connected components. The thin rapier-style blade has a diamond-shaped profile with shallow midribs, sharpened edges that taper to a pointed tip, and meticulously incised shoulder details that include a portrait of either King Louis XV or XVI. Size: 4" W x 34.5" H (10.2 cm x 87.6 cm); (length of blade): 28.625" L (72.7 cm)

For a stylistically similar example with a wooden hilt, please see: Withers, Harvey J.S. "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Swords and Sabres." Lorenz Books, London, 2010, p. 157, top example.

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in April 2011; ex-private Brooklyn, New York, USA collection

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#151901
Condition Report: Minor softening to some finer details on handle and blade, with light encrustations within some recessed areas, otherwise intact and excellent. Nice traces of original detailing on hilt and blade, and smooth patina throughout.