AN UNUSUAL FRENCH SMALL-SWORD

Details

AN UNUSUAL FRENCH SMALL-SWORD

CIRCA 1760

With colichemarde blade of hollow triangular section etched and gilt with repeated fleurs-de-lys, the inscription 'Ex Dono Regis' down the broadest face, and at the base 'Manufr. Roy. Klingenthal Coulaux Frères' and 'Au Grand Monarque Juste, Fourbisseur, Rue St. Honoré N 137', the iron hilt chiselled in relief with rococo scrolls framing naval and military trophies and grotesques against a gilt ground, and with wooden grip bound with twisted silver wire and gilt ribbon
33¾in. (85.7cm.)

Lot Essay

The style Coulaux Frères was not adopted until 1801, while the fourbisseur Juste first appears at 137 rue St. Honoré in 1828. The blade, therefore, though in the style of circa 1760 must date from after that date. Juste is recorded dealing in and repairing antique arms and armour. See P. Jarlier, Répertoire d'arquebusiers et fourbisseurs français, 1976, column 151

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