21 ¾” broad double edged blade with a panel of rococo bands on hatched ground at the forte with large arms display with central cannon above. A further image of a mounted cuirassier. Both sides decorated identically. Large ebony grip with three oval silver mounts to enhance purchase between the fingers, silver ferrule and button and seat, and scrolling terminal silver cross guard. No silver marks suggesting provincial manufacture. Form identical to many examples identified as “hunting swords” based on their decoration. In fact, it is likely that the majority of those swords, like this example, were used for civilian personal protection. The military motif on this example along with its impressive heft suggest it was the side arm of a French military office for civilian use, during the turbulent period leading up to the French Revolution.