This is a classic example of the infantry swords used throughout Europe during the late 17th century and early 18th century. That was the period of the Nine years War, and the War of Spanish Succession. See European Swords and Daggers in the Tower of London, p.50 for three variations of the type. In England, it was called the Marlborough pattern in honor of John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough who so distinguished himself at the Battle of Blenheim, that he was rewarded Blenheim Palace (the only non-royal house in England to hold the title of Palace) and vast lands surrounding. This example is the basic pattern with single side loop to the guard and the characteristic laurel wreaths on the pommel and guard elements. The 31 1/8” double edged blade with deep fuller to the forte inscribed with an abbreviation. The blade flats flanking the groove engraved with foliage.
