^Lot 4403 18th CENTURY FRENCH OFFICER'S OR GENTLEMEN'S SMALL

SWORD. An exceptionally ornate small sword of French origin, likely for a high ranking officer or perhaps a lower ranking noble. The sword measures 35 1/2" overall with a 28 1/2" ornately decorated three sided blade. The first 6" of the blade is gold plated with the image of a mounted officer on each side. There is also a lengthy inscription that reads "Au Duc De Bourgogne Ravoisier Fourbilseur" twice & "Du Roy Sur Le pont St michel A Paris" twice. The next 21" of the blade is etched with various foliate scroll work on a gilded field. Gilded brass hilt with a double kidney guard showing a radiant sun above the French arms on the underside. The top of the guard has the French arms on both sides. Tall pas d'ane with a ricasso bearing a crown monogram. Decorated drop quillon and centrally decorated knuckle bow. There is a globular pommel with cornucopia decoration. Alternating twisted wire and flat wire grip with turk's head knots above and below. CONDITION: blade shows original factory finish. Hilt shows very light wear and appropriate tarnish on the silvered areas. (02-25837/BF). NON-GUN. $1,200-1,800.