Original French Post-Napoleonic Lion’s Head Officer’s Sword with Scabbard and Gold-Inlaid & Etched Wootz Damascus Blade

Original Item. Only One Available. This is a lovely early 19th century Continental officer’s sword likely used by France during the post-Napoleonic period, around 1820-1830. The sword is all brass mounted with a lovely lion’s head pommel and wire-wrapped leather grip. The blade of the sword is gorgeous Wootz Steel, a form of laminated crucible steel, very similar to "Damascus Steel". We see this often on high end blades from the Middle East and South Asia.

The 33¼” clip-point blade is in great condition with a gorgeous “water-steel” finish that is pleasing to the eye. There is much retained gold inlay toward the ricasso with great etching as well. The spine is even etched with great vinery. The gold inlay is much more retained on one side. The blade does have a bit of wobble but does retain the original leather blade buffer. One of the two rivets holding the spine of the hilt to the grip is missing, possibly contributing to the looseness. Both rain chapes have Lion’s heads.

The grip is in good condition overall with some leather loss. The guard has gorgeous gilt retained in specific spots but is heavily worn in others, showing real period field use. The overall length is 38½”. 

The all-brass scabbard is in good order with some denting and staining but nothing serious. Both suspension rings are retained and in their recesses are great lion’s heads, which certainly make this a matching set. 

A tremendous sword and scabbard, ready for further research and display.

Specifications:
Blade length: 33 1/4”
Overall length: 38 1/2”
Scabbard length: 36”