1st Empire naval officer's (possibly a surgeon) sword, Year 12 model, French (c 1800)

Title	1st Empire naval officer's (possibly a surgeon) sword, Year 12 model
Nationality	French
Period	c 1800
Price	£1400.00

MAGNIFY

This is a senior administrative officer's sword, probably either a surgeon or an apothecary, viz the twin-headed serpent on the guard. The little dolphin head at the end of the knuckle bow by the pommel indicates the naval branch of service. The mounts are ormolu and the grip is ebony.

The blade (84.5 cm long) is of stiffened diamond section, retains most of the blue and gilt finish and all the factory polish. 'SH' is engraved at the forte, almost certainly for the Hoppe family of Solingen. The only real fault with this otherwise excellent sword is the scabbard leather which is very frail: most of the nappe is absent, with the seam largely opened; there is also a small lateral split in the body roughly midway.

Bottet's fine book L'Arme Blanche des Armees Francaises 1789-1886 describes this sword on page 40.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.

[Edged Weapons : Swords : French : 19th Century]

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