French Court Sword Of An Officer In The Service Of The King, Louis XV Period—circa 1740–1760

A rare and elegant 18th-century French court sword, preserved in a remarkable state of authenticity, combining both iron and silver to create a striking and remarkable effect, complete with its full scabbard and hanging clasp.

The hilt features a so-called “musketeer-style” guard, entirely chiseled and re-pierced from iron in excellent condition, adorned with geometric motifs and small flowers. This openwork iron craftsmanship is particularly remarkable: this material, which is significantly more difficult to work with than silver, attests to a high level of craftsmanship and the expertise of a first-rate armorer.

The guard consists of a single branch finely embellished with a wavy frieze, a donkey’s foot, and a symmetrical shell finely pierced—a combination characteristic of high-quality mounts from the mid-18th century.

The tang is adorned with filigree and silver lamé, held in place at their ends by two bishop’s caps, also made of silver. These functional elements serve to connect the tang to the pommel and the ricasso while protecting and securing the coiled filigree.

The triangular blade, exceptionally long for this type of sword (88.7 cm), is engraved in its upper third with rocaille motifs, military trophies, and the arms of France featuring three fleurs-de-lis. This iconography combines royal symbolism with martial motifs, indicating a sword intended for an officer or military gentleman in the King’s service.

Original scarlet cloth cravat.

The scabbard, covered in stingray leather, is fitted with three finely chased solid silver fittings stamped with several hallmarks. Notably, it bears a figurative hallmark featuring a stylized head—characteristic of French hallmarks from the Ancien Régime—as well as other workshop and hallmark marks.

It is preserved with its steel suspension clasp featuring a regularly dotted border and its two chains, an accessory that has become particularly rare to find today.

The set constitutes a particularly well-preserved, complete, and authentic example, representative of the elegant weapons carried by officers and gentlemen during the reign of Louis XV.

Dimensions:

Total length: 107 cm

Blade length: 88.7 cm

A very fine collector’s piece combining refined craftsmanship, historical authenticity, and remarkable completeness—essential criteria for 18th-century French court swords.