France, 1st Empire (1804-1814). Rare senior staff officer's sword. Gilt cast brass mounting (remains), pommel with leonine head lapping in a shell, the base decorated with stylized foliage. The joint arch is decorated with commas and ends with the head of a fabulous animal. Squared ebony spindle, originally adorned with a shuttle, which has now disappeared. Symmetrical keyboard with two lion heads cut into the supra-lateral corners and a central medallion with the profile of the helmeted god Mars (god of war) surmounted by an imperial eagle, and flanked by empanelled helmets, swords, axes and a small counter-keyboard adorned with winged thunderbolts. Scarlet wool tie. Straight, three-edged blade with small, stained gray patina and traces of oxidation, engraved with trophy arms and floral motifs in thirds, with traces of bluing and gold, signed on the heel "K & S" in a cartouche. Black leather scabbard with two gilded cut brass fittings, chased with floral motifs and baguettes, the chape with palmette knob. 97.5 cm (blade 85.5 cm). (Uncommon sword model, wear and accidents, the jointing bow with traces of glue at its top and base (accidented and repaired in the past?), breaks in the scabbard leather. As is).