EL7047 - A French superior officer's sword, late-19th century. I have to be honest and state that I do not know exactly what this is! I cannot find a comparable example in my books or online. My educated guess is that this is either for a high ranking officer, or it is a non-regulation 'fantaisie' officer's sword. The blade, grip, back piece and some elements of the guard are clearly based on the French M1882 infantry officer's sword, but the hilt is in bronze and the guard is also heavily inspired by the earlier M1845/55 infantry officer's sword. I have not seen exactly this form of knucklebow and back piece before. There is a very tiny maker's or approval mark at the base of the blade. The blade is over 33 inches long and the standard M1882 canular form. The blade has medium to dark patina, but the hilt is in very good condition, all solid with no movement and an excellent grip with all the wire. No scabbard.
