A Very Fine French First Empire General's Sabre De Luxe
Vendemiaire Year XII
With curved hollow-ground blade of damascus steel double-edged towards the point, the forte on both sides with a gilt rectangular cartouche pointed at one end and containing cabalistic symbols, cast and chased ormolu hilt comprising rectangular quillon-black decorated in low relief with a lyre-shaped cartouche with eagle-head finials against crossed banners and a laurel wreath of victory, a shield-shaped extension below with a Medusa-head within a border of beads, downcurved reeded rear quillon emerging from foliage and with lion's head terminal, knuckle-guard en suite and with a lion's head in the round towards the top set against foliage, pommel encircled by a double band of acanthus foliage and surmounted with a further lion's mark centred on a laurel wreath, and ebony grip carved on both sides with overlapping scales, in its blued steel scabbard with ormolu locket, deep chape and suspension mount each decorated with designs of neo-classical foliage, the chape (minor repair) with scrolled shoe, two rings for suspension each retaining a gilt buckle on a red morocco leather strap, and in fine condition retaining virtually all its original finish: on its professionally made modern metal stand (2)
102.5 cm. overall
Footnotes:
Provenance:
Thierry de Maigret, Paris, 19 April 2013, lot 246

A similar example, made for Baron Pierre Jean Gudin 1775-1855, was apparently sold at Thierry de Maigret, 18 November 2009
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* VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.
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