French small-sword. The hilt consists of a gilt brass knuckle-bow swelling at its mid-point to accommodate a lion's mask and a quarterfoil. An oval counter-guard is cast in one piece with the bow and bears an anchor, on the left side of which, a female figure, dressed in the classical style, is leaning. Behind her is a trophy of flags, swords and a circular shield and at the top of the design, on each side, a dolphin's head. The counter-guard is continued on the reverse by an acro-shaped piece decorated in the form of a leaf. The grip is of wood with gilt front and back-piece and probably contained panels on its obverse and reverse faces; a small gilt ferrule, decorated with leaves is at the top. The pommel is in the form of a bust of a bearded classical warrior wearing a plume, lobster-tailed helmet and the lower end of the knuckle-bow engages a hole in the right side of his head as the warrior faces the obverse. A short up-turned quillon is fitted which has some decoration in the form of leaves. There is extensive floral decoration overall based on a frosted surface.

The blade is a straight flat-back with a 89mm long false edge, tapering evenly to the point. It shows evidence of having been extensively ground. There are no inscriptions either on the obverse or reverse. The scabbard is missing. 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.