A French First Empire Napoleonic Senior Officer's Saber, blue and gold plated.

A French First Empire Napoleonic Senior Officer's Saber, blue and gold plated. This Napoleonic-era senior officer’s saber represents the prestigious martial aesthetics of the early 19th century, featuring a finely cast brass hilt characterized by a majestic lion-head pommel and a classic stirrup-style guard. The grip is expertly wrapped in dark leather with twisted wire binding, while the shield-shaped langets are adorned with a high-relief classical bust, evoking the Neo-Classical influences prevalent throughout European military circles during the First Empire. The curved, single-edged steel blade showcases exceptional craftsmanship, decorated with blued-and-gilt etching that includes intricate floral flourishes. Accompanied by its original steel scabbard, the piece is fitted with two brass locket bands and suspension rings, on the outside of the scabbard there is an image of a crowned eagle, illustrating the high rank and status of its former owner. Measuring approximately 100 cm in total length, this weapon serves as a significant artifact of European military history and artisanal metalwork from the Napoleonic Wars. The item is in good condition.