Seeking Information on a Small Sword

[Seeker]

This small sword is another part of the collection I recently inherited from a late friend. The pommel is hollow and intricately pierced and chiseled, and the front guard and knuckle guard are also elaborately decorated. I've been told by knowledgeable persons that my sword is probably an 18th or perhaps a late 17th century sword that might have been carried by a military officer of substantial rank, perhaps a major or a colonel. (For one thing, I'm told that the manner in which the wire is braided on the grip of the hilt indicates that the sword is pre-nineteenth century.)

I'd like to know what the folks here think of the sword. Can anyone identify its most probable country of origin, or pin down its age a bit better? Thanks in advance!

[ulfberth]

Hello Seeker, thats a nice quality small sword, the period is around 1760-1770 certainly not 17th c or before 1700 this one.
The country of origine most probably French ,
kind regards
Ulfberth

[Seeker]

Thank you very much for sharing your expertise, Ulfberth. I appreciate it.

[Seeker]

So I guess that would be during the reign of Louis XV. I like to place old artifacts in a context for myself.

[ulfberth]

Originally Posted by Seeker

So I guess that would be during the reign of Louis XV. I like to place old artifacts in a context for myself.

Indeed that is the period and the style, unless there is a maker is on it, which is rare on these blades , it remains difficult to pinpoint the Nationality.
This is because of fashion and the influence of fashion and sometimes you will find French or German blades in English hilts even in this period.
But over the years ive had a fairly large number of these in my hands and this one screams France.

[urbanspaceman]

I agree: French.

[Seeker]

French, it is!