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French First Empire Period Officer's Smallsword
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Glossary Roundup
Original Presentation Script
Presenting this French First Empire Period Officer's Smallsword. It features a classic brass hilt with a plumed helmet pommel. The grip is wrapped in wire, showing authentic wear and fraying. The steel blade is engraved with martial trophies near the hilt. While no maker's marks are visible, the style is unmistakably Napoleonic. The patina and oxidation are consistent with an early 19th-century origin. An authentic example like this typically ranges from $300 to $500 at auction. It's a solid, representative piece of French military history.
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Item Report
French First Empire Period Officer's Smallsword
By:Unknown
Style:Militaria & Weapons
Origin:France
Materials:Brass, steel, wire, wood (grip core)
Age:circa 1800-1815
Condition:Good (shows expected wear, patina, and oxidation; some fraying to wire wrap)
Maker's Marks / Writing:None visible in the provided images.
Date:2026-07-14 23:05:29.880528
Description:
A French First Empire period officer's smallsword featuring a brass hilt with a plumed helmet pommel, a wire-wrapped grip, and a double-shell guard. The straight, single-edged blade is engraved with martial trophies and floral motifs near the forte.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
This is a characteristic example of a French officer's smallsword from the Napoleonic era (First Empire). The plumed helmet pommel is a classic motif of the period. The sword shows expected wear and patina consistent with its age, including some fraying to the wire wrap on the grip and oxidation on the blade. The engravings on the blade, though worn, are still visible and typical of the era.
Individual Images:
detail of hilt and grip
detail of blade engraving at forte
underside of guard
detail of guard and grip
whole sword
detail of hilt and blade forte
detail of plumed helmet pommel
detail of blade tip
Provenance:
None provided.
Condition:
Good (shows expected wear, patina, and oxidation; some fraying to wire wrap)
Identification Score: 90%
The form, materials, and decorative motifs (specifically the plumed helmet pommel and blade engravings) strongly point to a French First Empire origin.
Authenticity Score: 85%
The wear patterns, patina on the brass, oxidation on the steel blade, and the construction details (like the wire wrap) are consistent with an authentic period piece. However, without in-hand inspection or maker's marks, a definitive authentication is not possible.
Image Memory Note
None
None
Keywords
French First Empire, smallsword, officer's sword, Napoleonic era, militaria, antique sword, brass hilt, plumed helmet pommel, engraved blade, France
The report was edited after initial Artmink draft. Original AI draft preserved in Artmink audit history.
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