One wonders who originally owned this magnificent desktop sword, certainly a paper knife or letter opener, though it has the design, heft and feel of a sword or dagger. Beautifully jeweled handle and scabbard, or sheath, it remains sharp and complete but for a single 6mm round red gem (noted on photos) which we have not yet tried to match or restore. We prefer you know that one original one is missing - though we're rather certain you won't notice it, such is the overall impact and appeal of this offering. I see it on a desktop, but I suppose one could certainly find its place at table. I can only offer that it is pre-1850s. Something like this becomes more difficult to pin in time since it's rather 'one-of-a-kind', not something one often sees. A museum piece, it has early French bouillon passementerie cord and tassels. All stones are prong-set. The scabbard has a body covering of old velvet - in all, just gorgeous, rather Royal. Full measurements are noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent for age and type, still very sharp bladed, and encased elegantly in the original scabbard. Jeweled, the handle has weight to it, as does the blade. Very nicely balanced for the hand. In scabbard it is 11 3/8" long. The tassels, alone, are valuable antiques in their own right. RARE and stunningly beautiful! Found in France.
