NAVAL OFFICER'S SWORD PRAIRIAL AN XII MODEL. Gilt brass mounting. Spindle covered with copper filigree (distended). Helmet-shaped pommel with empanached grid. Single-branch hilt, partly hollowed out, decorated with foliage, two straight chased quillons in a row. Body knot representing Neptune on both sides. Slightly curved shell, edged with foliage and rope, enriched with an anchor in the center. Beautiful straight blade with flat back, hollow sides, engraved, gilded and blued in thirds, decorated with foliage and trophies of arms. Leather scabbard with two gilded brass fittings, carved and chased with friezes. Palmette cap knob. Bouterolle engraved with foliage. A.B.E. 1st Empire period.

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.