EL6750 - A very fine quality boat-shell-hilted French smallsword, of the mid-1700s. The hilt seems to be silver-alloy (no hallmarks) and does not seem to tarnish. The unusual double-edged blade, of just over 31 inches from the shell, with broader forte section (similar purpose to a colichemarde, but different form), is in very good condition, and carries the French saying which translates as "Do not draw me without reason - Do not sheath me without honour" on each side, as well as various other intricately engraved decoration. The double-edged cross-section of the blade, even near the tip, means that this smallsword does have some cutting capacity. This is a stunning sword of very high quality, with superb wire wrap to the grip, it feels fantastic in the hand. It is overall in excellent condition for the age. There is a bit of movement in the hilt due to the loss of the fabric washer that would originally have sat under the blade shoulder (which could be replaced with something).
