Oriental-style cavalry officer's saber. Handle with two iron rivets (one side missing) and eyelet. S-shaped hilt with quillons ending in tassels (small repair to one), chain hilt formerly suppressed, six-sided radiating mounts. Strongly curved blade with flat back and hollow sides, line and acid engraved in thirds with trophies and foliage. Sheet metal scabbard with two flat bracelets. A.B.E. (Pitting, crusty patina), circa 1820-1830. Expert: Cabinet Jean-Claude DEY

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.