Drum Major's Saber, Model 1822, Modified Under Louis-philippe. France, 19th Century.

Drum major's saber, model 1822, modified under Louis-Philippe.
France, 19th century, dated April 1848.
Steel, brass, horn.
Total length: 101 cm – Blade length: 83 cm

Slightly curved blade with hollow sides, one cutting edge and one counter-cutting edge, flat back marked: Manufacture de Châtellerault, April 1848.
Copper filigree horn handle. Gilded brass crossguard with a double crowned shield in the center, one with an eagle and the other with a bull, decorated with foliage; the ends of the quillons are adorned with lion heads; the smooth back is marked R 61; two rivets secure it to the handle. Short shell-shaped cap, engraved with flowers, acanthus leaves, palmettes, and rosettes, with a lion's head on the lid; one rivet.
Gilded brass scabbard, with four slits on the front, trimmed with four richly decorated silver-plated brass plates; the first featuring a shako with a plume and musical instruments on a leafy background; the other three decorated with flowers, foliage, and acanthus leaves. They are framed by reinforced bands of gilded brass with a frieze of laurel leaves. The upper part is flanked by two suspension hooks. The lower part, in gilded brass, features a lion's head surmounting a ring engraved with rays of light and placed above a strong trefoil sting, decorated with flowers and palmettes. The back is smooth except for the three bracelets, and is marked R 61 on the top.

Very good condition (one hook previously re-welded)

Ref.: 6415
Text and photos © FCP CORIDON