GENERAL HAUTPOUL'S SWORD, model of the 1st Vendémiaire Year XII (24 September 1803), First Empire.
Gilt bronze hilt entirely chased. Guard with one branch decorated at the top with the head of the Nemean lion followed by a large pierced acanthus leaf originating at the pommel level. The pommel is richly decorated on each side with a molded panel featuring three stars surmounted by a vertically striated rod and a series of acanthus leaves; the pommel is in relief with the head of the Nemean lion encircled by a flat molding and a crown of laurel leaves. Height of the pommel 4.8 cm.
Ebony handle finely carved in relief with scales (Height of the handle 7.7 cm, width at the top 2.4 cm, width at the bottom 3.5 cm). Rectangular crossguard decorated in relief with a sandblasted shield in the center bearing the initials "RF" (République Française) bordered in each corner by a rooster's head and set against a background of crossed flags and a laurel wreath. Quillon shaped like a mythological creature's head. Below the crossguard and on each side of the sword, a cushion bordered by studded molding is decorated in relief with a Medusa head. The crossguard was modified in 1814 by removing the letter "F," leaving only the letter "R," which could signify Royal or King.
Curved blade with a hollow back in damask steel, with Arabic inscriptions and decorations on its first third against a gold background. Length 85.4 cm, width at the base 3 cm, thickness at the base 0.9 cm.
Blued steel scabbard with three gilt bronze fittings. Smooth-edged chape with a sandblasted top featuring a trophy of ancient helmets with oak and laurel branches, topped by a Gallic rooster with spread wings holding Jupiter's thunderbolt in its talons. This decoration is only present on the obverse. At the bottom of the chape, at the scabbard ring, the head of the Nemean lion is depicted against a background of trophies, sword, and mace on a sandblasted surface. This decoration is also present on the reverse. Chape height 12.5 cm, width 3.8 cm. On the reverse of the chape, the poorly engraved "D'Hautpoul" can be seen.
Central fitting decorated with two intertwined laurel wreaths on a sandblasted background. This decoration is present on both sides. Height of the central fitting 3.5 cm, width 3.7 cm.
Engraved scabbard tip with acanthus leaves at the base and a raised wide molding decorated with oak branches at the top. Height 23.5 cm without the point and 25.3 cm with the point. Pierced iron point with swirling patterns at the base, Height 8.2 cm, width 4.1 cm, minimum thickness 0.2 cm and maximum 0.5 cm.
Very good overall condition, the scabbard retains its original blueing with some signs of wear and oxidation. The stars on the pommel were hammered during the Restoration but are still visible.
France.
First Empire.
Reference :
9324