with sharply tapering blade of flattened hexagonal section bright over half its length to the point, the forte etched and gilt against a blued ground on each side with a panel inscribed ‘VIVE LE ROY’ within rocailles and foliage, bright-cut decoration framed by etched and gilt rocailles comprising recessed circles, a rosette and a cross, and with an etched and gilt crowned eagle of the Kingdom of Sardinia on one side, the russet hilt of characteristic form decorated in relief with Classical trophies-of-arms, of the chase, science and music, all framed by rocailles and foliage on minutely punched gilt grounds within gold beaded borders (some old wear and loss of gilding), 83.3 cm blade

Provenance

Christie’s South Kensington, Antique Arms And Armour, 27 April 1988, lot 38

Bonhams Knightsbridge, Antique Arms, Armour and Modern Sporting Guns, 29 July 2009, lot 414