Forte-épée 1ère compagnie des Mousquetaires du Roy

Heavy cavalry sword of the 1st company of horse musketeers of the French "Maison du Roy".
Of the pattern introduced around 1759, it was evidently developed from that already introduced for the Gendarmes (which is also available for purchase), but the half-basket hilt in the shape of an oyster was slightly different, and the pommel was further used to differentiate between the two companies. In fact, the 2nd one had all silver hilt, and a pommel with a five flames cross (matching those that decorated the front and back of their "soubrevestes"), while the 1st one had gilt with a three-flame cross. The hilt measures 17.5 cm, while the flat steel blade is 98 cm long and 3.2 cm wide, engraved with "I_RE.COMPAGNIE.DES.MUSQUETAIRES.DU.ROY".
Black leather scabbard with gilt brass fittings (throat and tip).
These swords - like all the other patterns featured in our catalogue - have been specially developed to compliment the uniformed mannequin of the exhibition "La Maison du Roy", and are faithful replicas of the original ones preserved in the Musée de l'Armée of Paris (see pics at bottom).They are manufactured to the highest standard, wonderfully detailed, and a fine addition to any serious collection, especially because the original ones are extremely rare and sold at prohibitive prices. They do not have a sharp edge or point, so can be bought without any licence.