Lot Essay
The unusual construction of the arms of the hilt was presumably designed to strengthen them
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EARLY 18TH CENTURY, PROBABLY FRENCH
Details
A RARE SMALL-SWORD
Early 18th Century, probably French
With slender double-edged blade of flattened hexagonal section with a central fuller on each face at the forte stamped 'Formicano', changing to flattened diamond section, the ormolu hilt (gilding worn) of characteristic form, but with the arms joined to the quillon-block at both ends, finely cast and chased in relief with Classical figures, including satyrs and nymphs, Cupid, Europa on a bull, and a horseman, and swelling wooden grip bound with twisted copper-alloy wire (shell guard loose)
37¼in. (94.6cm.) blade
Early 18th Century, probably French
With slender double-edged blade of flattened hexagonal section with a central fuller on each face at the forte stamped 'Formicano', changing to flattened diamond section, the ormolu hilt (gilding worn) of characteristic form, but with the arms joined to the quillon-block at both ends, finely cast and chased in relief with Classical figures, including satyrs and nymphs, Cupid, Europa on a bull, and a horseman, and swelling wooden grip bound with twisted copper-alloy wire (shell guard loose)
37¼in. (94.6cm.) blade
Special notice
VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium