France, 1st Empire (1804-1814) - 1st Restoration... Lot 118

France, 1st Empire (1804-1814) - 1st Restoration (1814-1815). Staff Officer's sword, signed "I G B", without scabbard. Mounted in silver-plated cast brass, pommel in the form of a crook terminating in a lion's head. Jointed bow with median leonine mask. Spindle with fluted mother-of-pearl plates. Asymmetrical keyboard with scroll on the right decorated with a cornucopia and stamped with a central motif featuring armor, a sword and a lictor beam on a winged dragon. Tie missing. Three-edged blade, stained in places, blued and gold in thirds and chased with floral motifs and trophies of arms. Signed "I G B" in a cartouche on the heel. 95 cm (Blade 82.5 cm). (Significant play between the blade tang and the frame, in its uncovered state, never before seen in a collection. Fairly good condition.)