English or French. Iron hilt with slightly dished oval guard with a radially fluted plate. Knuckle bow, grip and pommel all facet to reflect candle light in social and political events. 33 3/8” hollow face triangular blade. The hilt with original blue turned to brown with very slight surface degradation commensurate with its age. Swords of this type became popular as the late 18th century when the winds of change signaled the inevitability of Revolution in France and War for England. Domestic tension and intrigue rose as the populous was polarized and arming for personal protection became increasingly necessary. These swords provided a functional alternative, with a bit of flash, to the beautiful chiseled and gilt swords of the aristocracy.
