EL7359 - An exceptional mid-18th century German-made (Berlin marked) military smallsword/spadroon, possibly for a French officer under Louis XV. Featuring a robust double-edged blade, with thick ricasso, and measuring 34 inches from shell to tip, or 35 inches from crossguard to tip. The blade is plain and undecorated, except for the brass-inlaid maker's emblem on each side, and also the word BERLIN. The guard and pommel are brass, with various classical and musical motifs, the shell decorated inside and out. The original grip is in excellent condition, with alternating bands of copper strip and twisted wire, forming a pleasing contrast to the golden brass of the rest of the hilt. The hilt assembly is all tight, except for the very tiniest bit of movement if you really look for it. Given the side and style of blade, I feel that this was very likely a military officer's sidearm, and I have been told that this type of sword was potentially for officers serving in the French Army under Louis XV.
