France, Kingdom. A Hunting Sword, by Le Peton, ca. 1750

A rare and very well-preserved French hunting sword, measuring 66 cm in length when inserted into the scabbard. The sword features a 50 cm-long magnetic metal blade with a slight curve, as well as a sharpened tip and edge. The lower half of both the obverse and reverse bears finely-detailed etchings of Moorish figures with floral designs. A maker mark reading “LE PETON, R DS CARMES” for a Rouen-based swordsmith. The blade is set securely into a handle constructed of bone with ribbed designs. Adorning the handle is a silver band with floral etching, three silver mounts on both the obverse and reverse, as well as a crossguard with intricate designs. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of pebbled, blackened pressed leather. Both the tip and the throat are adorned with detailed silver fittings, while the latter fitting bears a stud for attachment to a frog. Age-appropriate oxidation and tarnishing is evident to the metal and silver features, and there is some discolouration of the handle. The sword is in an overall near extremely fine condition.