A French officer's fighting sword-comments please

M ELEY · 21st May 2014, 06:58 PM

Adding to my quasi-naval collection is this very nice French officer's fighting sword, circa 1790-1800. The pivoting knuckle bow/guard styling appeared to be an affectation popular during this time period and there were other variant swords I've seen with the swivel guards, all French.

This particular model of sword was popular and carried by infantry, marine and naval officers respectfully. The maritime attachment is more than substantiated with its presence in naval collections and volumes. In particular, Gilkerson's 'Boarders Away', pg 124. There is one in the Greenwich Maritime Museum that was featured in Annis' monumental 'Swords for Sea Service'. That amazing specimen (plate 97, Sword# 303) was a direct captured sword with fine provenance. It was carried by Captain Louis L'Heritier of L'Hercule (active 1798), captured by the mortally wounded Captain Alexander Hood of the H.M.S. Mars after their battle on 21 April 1798.
Of note is that the ones attributed to naval usage all seem to have brass wires wrap or banding.

21st May 2014, 06:58 PM	#1
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,066	A French officer's fighting sword-comments please Adding to my quasi-naval collection is this very nice French officer's fighting sword, circa 1790-1800. The pivoting knuckle bow/guard styling appeared to be an affectation popular during this time period and there were other variant swords I've seen with the swivel guards, all French. This particular model of sword was popular and carried by infantry, marine and naval officers respectfully. The maritime attachment is more than substantiated with its presence in naval collections and volumes. In particular, Gilkerson's 'Boarders Away', pg 124. There is one in the Greenwich Maritime Museum that was featured in Annis' monumental 'Swords for Sea Service'. That amazing specimen (plate 97, Sword# 303) was a direct captured sword with fine provenance. It was carried by Captain Louis L'Heritier of L'Hercule (active 1798), captured by the mortally wounded Captain Alexander Hood of the H.M.S. Mars after their battle on 21 April 1798. Of note is that the ones attributed to naval usage all seem to have brass wires wrap or banding. Attached Images Last edited by M ELEY; 21st May 2014 at 07:08 PM.