This smallsword is a model that was carried by the Royal Household Bodyguards. The presence of turks heads on the grip of this example points to an earlier example, probably from the reign of Louis XVI.
The Royal Household was more than just a Royal Guard, it was also the standing army of the French kingdom, most other regiments being assembled in time of war, while the Household was a permanent force. This sword would have been carried
As is usual for this model, the hilt is silver plated brass, with a silver wire grip. The blades are varied, and this one has a flat blade often encountered on the 1767 infantry officer model. Such blades are sometimes found marked to the Luxembourg regiment of bodyguards.
The blade went through a fairly aggressive clean up with a previous owner, leaving a few scuff marks align the blade and hilt. There is a slight bend around the guard which may have been done intentionally in during its service life.
A unique piece of history, from an officer who probably had a front row seat to some of the most important events in european history.
SOLD
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