**Originally Listed At $700**

North America, United States, ca. early 20th century CE. A handsome ceremonial or fraternal steel saber and nickel silver scabbard. Tapering to a sharp tip, the single-edged steel blade presents a high central ridge and a decoratively etched strong (forte) beautifully adorned with a swirling floral motif. Five nickel silver bands wrap around the ricasso. The black wooden grip features four indentations for one to place their fingers topped by a nickel silver quillion that curves upwards on one side and downwards on the other to end at the pommel forming a sweeping, openwork knuckle guard. The lustrous scabbard boasts two raised bands with suspension hoops, for strapping to one's side, and a flange protruding from the bottom. Size: 39" L x 4.75" W (99.1 cm x 12.1 cm); Size of blade: 32" L (81.3 cm)

The top of the grip is engraved with "DE MOULIN / BROS & CO / GREENVILLE, ILL", which is a marching band uniform company that often resold ceremonial and fraternal swords.

Provenance: ex-Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, acquired before 2000; ex-Andy Garcia collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#162764

Expected surface wear to leather strap and handle. Etched pattern worn away at midsection of blade. Light loss to silvering on knuckle guard. Otherwise, intact and excellent with light patina in areas.