284 - An elegant and rare general sabre, Model Vendémiaire An XII

An elegant and rare general sabre, Model Vendémiaire An XII dating: First Empire provenance: France, Single-and short false-edged blade, with fuller almost along its entire length; the right side engraved with floral spirals and gilded trophies, all against a blue-tinted background (some missing parts in the finishing). Magnificent gilt-brass hilt in the typical Empire style. Solid guard finely chased with the effigy of a pelta bearing two crowned cock’s heads, placed among flags. Langets with borders adorned with small spheres, at the centre a finely executed and raised representation of Medusa. Knuckle-guard finely worked with laurel foliage at the base, fluted neck and terminal fully modelled as a lion’s head; the rear quillon worked en suite but without the lion’s head and elegantly joined to the main guard branch, this of rectangular section, slender and fashioned as a column, terminating in a lion’s head. The joining arm between pommel and guard with deep and finely executed palmette carving. Pommel widening towards the top, the outer surface worked in low relief with leaves, the upper part engraved en suite. Rectangular ferrule with flower within a circle. Ebony grip carved with scale pattern (some losses). Smooth gilt-brass scabbard with two lugs. Iron, sail-shaped shoe.