SWORD. Infantry officer's sword known as "des Gardes françaises" model 1788, single-edged hilt with quadrangular horizontal quillon in gilt brass, wooden spindle entirely filigree with copper wire, pommel in the shape of a Phrygian cap, bivalve and moulded hilt plate, triangular straight blade entirely engraved with decorative motifs and cartouches along the entire length and on all 3 sides, one engraved "Hanniball" then "La prudence se fait voir dans le vin", on the heel "BIDAULT marchand fourbisseur au dauphin royal rue St-Honoré près la barrière des sergens à Paris". SF. Revolutionary period. L: 95 cm, blade: 78,5 cm. Surface oxidation on the blade. ABE