Overall length: 37”. Blade length: 30 1/2". The pipe-back blade has an etched 10” panel that begins 5” from the hilt. The panel shows a small spray of arms with a pennant showing a rayed Christian cross in the center. The opposite side has a floral motif with the name “W. Formes”. A small panel near the hilt shows more floral motifs. The gilded brass hilt of this sword was originally of reverse P form with languets bearing a Medusa’s head on each side and a large downturned lion head quillon. The knuckle bow has some scrollwork but is substantially plain. The backstrap has extensive foliate decoration and leads to a well-articulated lion head pommel. The grip is wire-wrapped sharkskin. At some point in this sword’s life, a large basket guard was professionally fitted to the sword. The guard has a huge cutout eagle with surrounding oak leaves and acorns. This alteration was done early in the useful life of this sword. Gilded brass-mounted leather scabbard. All of the mounts have attractive embellishments, with the tip showing a spray of arms with what appears to be a Templar shield. CONDITION: sword has a light gray patina, and the etching is quite crisp. The hilt retains only traces of its original gilding but shows light overall wear. The scabbard mounts also show only a trace of the original gilding. The leather is a bit flexed and flaked but remains solid. (02-21099/BF). $2,000-2,600.