Gendarmerie Non-commissioned Officer's Sword Model 1853, France, Second Empire

Keyboard decorated with the imperial eagle with outstretched wings holding the thunderbolt in its claws, all on a bouquet of four flags. Retractable counter-keyboard (fragile). Brass fuse decorated with a laurel spiral. Strong blade with two grooves over more than half its length. Fort of the blade marked Klingenthal surmounted by a crowned D in an oval and on the other side Coulaux & Cie surmounted by a crowned B in an oval. The reception hallmarks correspond to the period from 1850 to 1855. Model preceding that of Military Justice 1853/72, on which the imperial eagle is replaced by a lictor's fasces.

Average condition, without sheath, pitting on the blade, slight play on the fuse.

Length 97 cm
Blade length 81 cm
Blade width at the forte 2.6 cm
Guard width 11 cm
Weight 746 g