287 - A Royal Navy officer's sabre

A Royal Navy officer's sabre dating: circa 1860 - 1880 provenance: Kingdom of Italy, A beautiful and solid, slightly curved blade with a rounded back, widening towards the false edge at the weak, engraved over the first half. The right side featuring floral engravings, an anchor and a sailing ship, as well as the manufacturer's signature (not clearly legible, probably J.E. Bleckmann). The rounded back engraved with foliage. The reverse featuring a trophy with shield, cannon and flag, the crowned Savoy shield set between laurel branches, a sailing ship and further floral decorations, with a scroll inscribed "Solingen" at the base. Some parts with small pitting. Well-gilt bronze hilt with a large guard decorated with ribs against a recessed, granulated ground, bearing the Savoy eagle in relief, resting on an anchor and surmounted by the royal crown. The rear guard folding. Grip retaining its old fishskin covering and twisted metal wire binding. Long cap ending in a lion's head. The leather washer surrounding the blade also appears to be original to the sword. Leather scabbard (some abrasions) with gilt-bronze mounts and two suspension rings. Considering its quality and proportions, probably dating from the period of the Italian Wars of Independence.