19th C. French Steel, Wood, & Brass Sword w/ Crest

Western Europe, France, ca. 19th century CE. A fabulous French sword of an elegant form that was perhaps created for model or display purposes. The wheel-shaped pommel has a pair of raised faces which feature inlaid brass shield-form crests on either side, and the wooden handle is topped with a tightly-wrapped steel chain.

The slender carbon-steel quillon has tapered termini that flank a raised central ridge. The forged-carbon-steel blade has an elongated, tapered profile, a slightly raised fuller, sharpened edges, and a rounded but narrow tip used for piercing heavy plate armor at one time. A maker's mark near the top of the blade shoulder resembles a fleur-de-lis.

Slight bending to overall form of blade, with age-commensurate fissure to handle, with slight loosening to chain atop the handle, and fading to original luster of steel and brass components, otherwise intact and very good. Nice patina throughout.