The French M1854 Naval Officer’s sword and its predecessor the M1837 are probably the most ornate French regulation swords ever made. The M1854 is still the current pattern sword for French naval officers and this example dates to the mid-20th Century.
The 698mm single edged blade is similar to the M1845 infantry officers' sword having a thin, continuous fuller along the spine of the blade. A second, wider fuller runs below the first with the blade terminating in a spear point. The blade is bright and clean with areas of darker tarnish and shallow pitting along the edge and spine.
The blade is engraved on the spine with the maker’s name “Coulaux” and the location, “Klingenthal.” The ricasso bears two poincon, a capital G and B below five pointed stars within ovals.
The gilded brass half-basket guard is decorated with ivy entwining a fouled anchor and has a mythical dolphin’s head quillon. The black Bakelite grip is in good condition although missing its twisted wire binding. The brass back strap is decorated with scallop shells and terminates in an ornate oval pommel and peened tang. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The brass mounted black leather scabbard is in fair to good condition with age and use related marks and creasing above the drag and towards the middle. The stitching is intact and tight. The brass throat has fouled anchors on the front and back with the addition of a scallop shell to the front. The scabbard drag is decorated with a scallop shell and ivy leaf.
