NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER'S SABER FOR THE GRENADIERS À CHEVAL - Lot 17

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER'S SABER FOR THE GRENADIERS À CHEVAL OF THE CONSULS' GUARD Considered to be the most aesthetically accomplished weapon of its period. Chased and gilded bronze mounting. Octagonal cap with five-pointed stars and lion's head at the top. Flat jointed arch with amati features and radiating sun in the center. Stand out: - On one side, three branches with rooster heads, joining on the central medallion decorated with a flaming pomegranate on a spider's web background. - On the other, an identical branch forms the counterguard. Eagle-headed quillon. Basane-covered wooden spindle with double brass filigree. Curved blade with hollow sides, counter-edge and carp tongue. Engraved with antique-style lictor-beam, palm tree and helmet motifs, one-third gilded. Inscribed in a cartouche "grenadiers à cheval" and the recipient's number (unidentified). Signed back Wooden scabbard with two long brass fittings. Chappe decorated with interlaced ogive friezes and dome-shaped festoons. Long bolt in continuation of the chape. Large amati field engraved in high relief with trophies and alternating vegetation. Beam-shaped end and iron roquillard sting. France, circa 1900/1920. Romel" saber One of nine from the Romel collection, made by Auguste Mangeot, a former foreman at the Gastinne Renette armory in Klingenthal for the blades. Provenance: Hôtel des ventes d'Enghien, March 10, 1979, described as follows: "Magnificent saber on the model of Officier de la Garde des Consuls. Blued blade, engraved and gilded with fine gold. Hilt and two scabbard fittings also gilded. This exceptional piece comes from the famous ROMELLE collection. This wealthy collector was accustomed to having the highlights of his collection reproduced in a quality at least equal to the original, so that he could enjoy them in his various residences".