Sword w/scabbard

1770-1800

Place madeKlingenthal, France, Europe

Steel, brass, ebony, enamel, gilding; leather, brass

Overall: 32 1/2 x 5 x 1 1/8 in. ( 82.6 x 12.7 x 2.9 cm )

X.99ab

This sword is described as a "French military officer's saber" in the accession records. A similar saber is described and pictured in Smithsonian Institution Bulletin No. 163 (plate 37, fig. 3).

DescriptionSword with curved, single-edged steel blade with a broad fuller running from hilt to point and a narrow fuller that is almost as long; etched decoration on gilding and blue enamel covers about 9 inches of blade below hilt on obverse and reverse; brass hilt with ebony grip carved with diagonal ribbing; long curved quillon with molded cable motif on either side and ornamental knob finial on oval base; knuckle-bow, which is also decorated with cable motif, is separated from quillon on either side by a rectangular panel with wreath enclosed in a diamond-shaped frame and a shield-shaped langet with feather motif that extends downward from base of panel over top of blade; four-sided pommel with slightly curved top with incised floral decoration; leather scabbard with brass mount at throat with shield-shaped frog stud and brass tip with ornate emblem consisting of a wreath bound to a wooden club and several tree branches molded in relief.

Markingsetched: on obverse of blade below hilt: "Coulaux Freres" etched: on reverse of blade below hilt: "Manufacture / Nationale / De / Klingenthal"

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: SWORD