22 ¼” blade of heavy wedge section with spear point, undecorated. Gilt hilt with relied foliage decorated oval guard and finely modeled horse leg crossguard. Gilt rosette set antler grips. Hilt retains 90%+ heavy gold overlay and finely detailed down to the hair on the horse legs. Blade crisp with mottled smooth patina. Patterned after hunting swords, hangers of this type were carried by men not schooled in the art of fencing for personal protection in the streets. The period was one of Revolution in France and unrest in the rest of Europe. The streets were treacherous from common thieves and travel in the countryside could not be attempted except in groups sufficient to fend off highwaymen.
