Bidspirit auction | A EUROPEAN GILT-BRONZE MOUNTED SMALLSWORD

A EUROPEAN GILT-BRONZE MOUNTED SMALLSWORD WITH SHELL GUARD - The straight double-edged blade with a central fuller, struck with remnants of maker’s markings near the forte. The hilt with finely chased and fire-gilt mounts, featuring a clamshell guard decorated with a radiating scallop and foliate scrolls, a knuckle bow with laurel band, and a prominent pommel formed as a classical warrior’s helmeted head. The grip retains its original fishskin wrap with gilt-bronze wire inlays. The blade is straight, narrow, with a short groove on each side, typical of ceremonial smallswords; a flattened diamond section. France or Germany, circa 1780–1800. Please make all inquiries before bidding. All lots are sold ”as-is”, refer to our T&C. Helios Auctions offers in-house shipping. In case we can not accommodate a shipping request, a list of additional shippers will be provided. Dimensions: L: 39 in., (99.1 cm.) Condition: Gilding is worn but partially preserved on the crossguard, shell guard, and pommel. The surface shows light oxidation and pitting.