In very good condition, a Mid 19C French / Belgian Senior Infantry / Civil Guard Officer’s Sword
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OK, we have been unable to find a 100% match in any of our reference books or online. The closest we have found for the hilt is the French model 1854 naval officer’s sword (also m1848 Belgian Civic Guard sword), but this has no anchor to the guard (or anywhere else), plus it has a pipe back blade (as with the m1848 Belgian Civic Guard sword) and steel scabbard. However, the guard’s finale is more French m1854 than Belgian. The crown over H poincon / inspection stamp to the blade is also not French we believe (the crown is unlike French we have seen and we can find no reference to a French “H” initial under a crown poincon – the crown also is not seemingly French), but French style (and the sword is very likely to be French made, not least as the grip is walnut). Finally, we can see no military motives / symbols to the hilt / guard, while the backpiece and pommel top are very well decorated. So, unless anyone / time comes up with a certain match, we believe this most likely to be a mid 19C bespoke senior officer’s variant of a Belgian civil guard sword.
The 31 inch blade with feint remnants of etching and quite a few small patina patches is in good condition and firm in the hilt. The brass hilt / guard is very good condition. The walnut grip is in slightly aged / worn condition but good, except that the twisted grip wire binding is absent. The steel scabbard has a few very very light dings towards the chape and a light patina but is in very good condition for its age. The sword sheathes and draws well.
A scarce sword, clearly, and at a great price, really; £450. Please quote item reference ZW08. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 2087 104 x 17 x 17 (2.44).
