General Or Senior Officer's Sword – Empire Period

Superb high-ranking officer's sword dating from the Empire period, characterized by a finely crafted gilt bronze mount. The knuckle bow is chiseled with stylized plant motifs, illustrating the typical refinement of the period. The pommel represents a bust of the god Mars, symbol of war in ancient Rome. The symmetrical handle features two lion heads framing a figure of the goddess Athena on her chariot, the incarnation of wisdom, prudence, and military strategy—all virtues essential to the function of a senior officer. The hilt is covered with smooth mother-of-pearl plates, giving the whole a sober and precious elegance. The gilt brass ferrule is adorned with delicate laurel leaf motifs, emblems of glory and victory. The blade, 83 cm long, retains approximately 85% of its original blueing and gilding, despite some small localized traces of oxidation. The black leather scabbard has its two original fittings. The chape is finely chiseled, with remnants of gilding still visible. The rivet, decorated simply "au line", has a discreet decoration, although the gilding is now largely faded.