FRENCH AN XII NAVAL OFFICER'S SWORD CA.1803

A beautiful French late Consulat to early Napoleonic period naval officer's Modele AN XII [1803] sword , with a bright bronze hilt of exciting quality, decorated with the seated Neptune and his trident on both sides of the ricasso. The flat shell guard prominently displays a large anchor; the rear of the guard features a sea monster's muzzle entering into the scaled classical helmet pommel. Grip is wrapped in filigree silver wire. Sword is 96 cm overall, blade is 79 cm long, engraved in military motifs on both sides of the forte. Scabbard leather is showing weakness, scabbard is completely intact, with furniture decorated en suite. Sword is tight, lively, with a nice balance. An elegant early Napoleonic period French naval officer's sword, or epee d'officer de Marine, reglement de 'An XII.