225 - A EUROPEAN GILT-BRONZE MOUNTED SMALLSWORD WITH SHELL GUARD

A EUROPEAN GILT-BRONZE MOUNTED SMALLSWORD WITH SHELL GUARD The straight double-edged blade with a central fuller, struck with remnants of maker’s markings near the forte. The hilt with finely chased and fire-gilt mounts, featuring a clamshell guard decorated with a radiating scallop and foliate scrolls, a knuckle bow with laurel band, and a prominent pommel formed as a classical warrior’s helmeted head. The grip retains its original fishskin wrap with gilt-bronze wire inlays. The blade is straight, narrow, with a short groove on each side, typical of ceremonial smallswords; a flattened diamond section. France or Germany, circa 1780–1800. Dimensions: L: 39 in., (99.1 cm.) Condition: Gilding is worn but partially preserved on the crossguard, shell guard, and pommel. The surface shows light oxidation and pitting. Please make all inquiries before bidding. All statements contained in the catalog, condition reports, invoices, advertisements, or elsewhere concerning the authorship, attribution, origin, date, age, period, culture, source, provenance, authenticity, genuineness, condition, rarity, importance, or value of any lot are statements of opinion only and shall not be construed as representations, warranties, or statements of fact. All lots are sold "as-is", refer to our T&C. Helios Auctions does not offer in-house shipping. We will provide a list of recommended shippers upon request.