French saber, 2nd half s. XIX

Slim and sober sapper sable with brass hilt, hand-engraved with animal heads. It is an antique sable made in the second half of the 19th century, and which very probably is a replica of a sapper sable for the Imperial Guard, from the beginning of the same century. It is a beautiful item, given the sobriety of its shape and the great engravings, which depict heads of animals made with a high level of expressiveness. The sable comes into its original metal scabbard, which has two rings intended to hang the sable from the leather straps. The hilt is very simple, and at the same time quite nice looking. It is made of shiny polished brass, and the end of the grip is engraved in the shape of a cock with the beck open, as if the animal were singing. The nice work of the plumage and the great expressiveness of the cock are quite remarkable. The cross-guard is composed of two arms, also engraved in the shape of animal heads. They seem to represent two female lions or a similar animal. In the center of the cross, just in the place where the ferrule uses to be, there is an expressive face which is likely to represent a male lion with is mane. This face is engraved on both sides of the cross-guard. The blade is long and slim, and shows a dull and slightly weathered tone which testifies for its age. The weapon comes into its original silvery metal scabbard, which has two suspension rings designed to hang the sable from the leather straps. The scabbard throat is made of brass, and so is the drag. All the parts of the weapon are in good condition, and they make of this piece a fine and decorative war antique from the 19th century. Measurements: 925 cm length.