Imperial Guard Infantry Officer's Saber.

Officer's sabre of the Imperial Guard of the 1st Empire, as worn by Infantry Officers.
Gilded brass guard with a curved branch joining the crossguard at a right angle, quillon slightly curved downwards ending in the shape of an eagle's head. Long-tailed cap. The front of the guard branch, as well as the back of the cap are decorated with a succession of lotus flowers. Fuse entirely filigree with fine copper wires of different thicknesses, alternately twisted and simple. Diamond-shaped earpieces decorated with foliage. The outer earpiece is decorated with the head of the Emperor in silver, head to the left.
Curved Solingen blade with a reed, with a very strong counter-edge. It is blued over half its length and bears on each side the words "Garde Impériale" engraved with a punch, as well as the Imperial eagle.
The scabbard is made of black patent leather with two gold trims decorated with lines. The chape button, in the shape of a shield, is leafy.
The manufacture of this sabre can be dated to the beginning of the Empire, around 1807/1808. We find, in fact, the type of engraving of the blade on arms of the Consular Guard. The quillon in the shape of an eagle's head is particularly interesting, because it is rare.
This object is in good condition. It has retained a good part of its blue and its gilding, slightly faded by the patina of time.
Provenance: lot 250 of the sale of the Cottin collection, dispersed in March 1912 at the Hôtel Drouot by the study of master Bauduin (Expert Henri Manière).