A fine late 18th century French small-sword.

A fine late 18th century French small-sword, circa 1780, with tapering 32.25", (82cm) blade of deeply hollowed triangular section, each face of the forte etched and gilt with small motifs including a figure, scrolls, and trophies of arms, plus gilt knotwork, the diaperwork-decorated double-shell guard with oval and scroll-edged panels, the knuckle-guard with matching diaperwork, the swelling grip bound with steel ribbon and gilt-dotted spacers within plaited borders, the near-spherical pommel matching the guard, 38.5", (98cm) long overall, retaining two-thirds of the original vellum-covered scabbard.