Ca. 18th century AD. An elegant French small sword, a weapon that epitomizes the sophistication and artistry of the 18th century. This exquisite weapon boasts a long and slender fullered blade, a hallmark of the small sword's design. The fullers add both strength and lightness to the blade, making it an ideal weapon for the gentleman duelist. The hilt of this French small-sword is a marvel of design, densely covered with wiring for a comfortable and secure grip. The hilt culminates in a melon-shaped pommel, adding to the weapon's aesthetic appeal. The crossguard is openwork, with a pair of quillons featuring spherical finials, a beautiful touch that adds to the weapon's decorative charm. The French small-sword was a popular weapon among the French nobility, who valued its elegance and grace in both the ballroom and the dueling field. Its long and slender blade allowed for precision thrusting, making it a preferred weapon in duels, where accuracy was prized over brute strength. But the French small-sword was not just a weapon of the aristocracy. It was also a status symbol, a sign of one's wealth and social standing. The more ornate the hilt and blade, the higher the status of the owner.Size: L:990mm / W:75mm ; 380gProvenance: Property of a European collector; ex. private German collection.