BRIGADE GENERAL OFFICER'S SABER, 1st vendemiaire Year XII model (September 24, 1803), First Empire. 29845

BRIGADE GENERAL OFFICER'S SABER, 1st Vendémiaire An XII model (September 24, 1803), First Empire. Inventory number: 29845

Gilt bronze hilt entirely chiseled in elaborate designs. Guard with a single branch adorned with lines at the upper part portraying the head of the Nemean lion followed by a large openwork acanthus leaf originating from the pommel. Rectangular-shaped knuckle guard decorated in relief with a shield featuring the initials "R F" (French Republic) at its center, bordered in each corner by a cock's head set against a background of flags and laurel wreaths. Quillon in the form of a mythical creature's head. Below the knuckle guard and on either side of the sword, an earpiece bordered by studded molding is decorated in relief with a Medusa head. Richly decorated pommel on each side with a molded panel featuring two stars surmounted by a series of acanthus leaves and a laurel wreath; the pommel is also adorned in relief with the head of the Nemean lion encircled by a laurel wreath. Ebony handle finely carved in relief with scales.
Curved Damascus blade with hollow facets along its first third bearing inscriptions and Arabic decorations in gilt, facetted back edge. Length 88 cm, width at the base 3.2 cm.
Blued steel scabbard with three gilt bronze fittings. Smooth-edged chape with, at the upper part on a sandblasted background, a trophy of ancient helmets with oak and laurel branches, topped by a Gallic rooster with spread wings holding in its talons Jupiter's sparking thunderbolt. This decoration is only present on the obverse side. At the lower part of the chape, at the belt loop, is a representation on a sandblasted background of the head of the Nemean lion against a backdrop of weaponry and trophies, present on both sides. Chape height: 12.5 cm. Central fitting decorated in its center on a sandblasted background with two intertwined laurel wreaths. This decoration is present on both sides.
Engraved ferrule at the lower part with acanthus leaves and an openwork iron blade at the upper part with a wide relief molding adorned with oak branches. Pierced iron blade tip.

France.
First Empire.
Very good condition, slightly worn gilding, three small losses to the ebony handle, bluing on the scabbard partially faded.