Austrian court sword. Spur with plain mother-of-pearl plates. Mounted in gilt brass, the hilt is decorated with a snake and oak leaves. The ferrule is decorated with the Emperor Franz Joseph's cypher and marked "VIRIBUS UNITIS". Keyboard decorated with a motif of the great Austrian coat of arms. Straight blade with hollow sides, one third engraved with foliate scrolls. Patent leather scabbard with two gilt brass fittings. A.B.E. circa 1860-1880. Reign of François Joseph. Length: 95 cm. (Expert : Arnaud de Gouvion St Cyr)