Italian court sword. The hilt is gilt brass angular knuckle-bow with extensive decoration bearing, at the centre (obverse) a lion's mask and (reverse) a quarterfoil. At the bottom, near the pommel there are quarterfoils on each side. An oval counter guard on the obverse is decorated with the Arms of the House of Savoy, mantled with crown above an extensive foliated decoration. A short quillon has a monster's head terminal. The white ivorine or composition grip has four curved, longitudinal lines each side, a gilded brass front and back pieces having overall foliated decoration and bearing at their mid-points, the Arms of Savoy. The plain bevelled gilt brass ferrule is at the top of the grip which is serperated from the guard by a thin sectioned ornamental brush.

The blade has a straight, diamond section, entirely unsharpend tapering to a symetrical point; engraved for roughly half its length & plaited overall. On the obverse are engraved two bands of foliage bounded by three groups of horizontal lines; an eagle in flight clutching a laurel wreath in its talons with rayed star above; two foul anchors in saltire; foliage; an oak wreath; foliage; the Arms of Savoy with supporters, mantling and crest, a mound and rayed star above; foliage; a tropy of a ship's wheel, two masts, two yards with a square sail between them and two oars in saltire; and foliage. The reverse is engraved with two bands of foliage bounded by three groups of horizontal lines; a flaming grenade surrounded by foliage; port bow view of an iron warship with two tall funnels each with a broad band, prominent fore-mast with shrouds and other rigging, flying and Italian tricolour at the bow and another flag at the masterhead, sea, clouds and sea birds; foliage; a berribboned oak wreath; an eagle displayed with the Arms of Savoy on its breast; foliage; and a trophy of a mast with a swallow-tail pendant at the head. The scabbard is black leather sewn down the back with two gilt lockets with rings and gilt chape.

As this sword was received with the uniform of an Italian Vice Admiral dated 1924 it has been assumed that its date will roughly correspond. There is, however, no good evidence for this and the sword could, from its 'small' appearance be a dress sword for a senior civilian official. It looks modern (post 1900) and in style is of the type popular in France during the First Empire.