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6399
Major J. Poysat, Adjutant-Major de la
3e Légion de la Garde Nationale de Paris –
a splendid sword presented for his farewell
on 19 October 1849
Double-edged blade with double fullers on both
sides and medial ridge fullered immediately be-
fore the point. On the obverse etched and black-
ened inscription “Au Major Poysat - Témoign-
age d’Estime et de Gratitude” (tr. “To Major
Poysat as a token of our esteemand gratitude”),
on the reverse “3e Légion - 19 Octobre 1849”.
The short ricasso stamped “B” with star (Con-
trôleur J.A. Bisch 1844 - 1861) and crowned
“G” (Directeur Gaudin 1848/49), above it on
both sides depiction of the Order of the Legion
of Honour on a ribbon, surmounted by a
somewhat indistinct manufacturer’s mark
“Manuf.re
N.lede Châtellerault” and “Juillet
1849”, respectively. Above the inscription car-
touches rich flower and tendril ornaments cov-
ering half the blade. Knuckle-bowhilt crafted in
lavish relief and openwork with superbly pre-
served fire gilding, the guard plates with filigree
floral openwork and depictions of Norman
sword fighters, trophy bundles and armour.
The knuckle bow decorated with raised oak
leaves and terminating in boars’ heads at the
pommel. The oval pommel cap with floral
ornaments and bead-and-reel motif, on the ob-
verse monogram “JP” entwined with tendrils.
Fluted horn grip with silver wire wrap. Length
of sword 101.5 cm. Attached gold sword knot
on a black (original?) cord. The steel scabbard
with largely preserved bluing and three scab-
bard fittings with splendid fire gilding, the
chape and locket decorated with continuous
raised ornamental and floral motifs as well as
fine trophy bundles on punched ground, the
drag with coiling snake crafted in openwork.
Overall length 105 cm.
Major J. Poysat is mentioned in the «Guides
des officiers et sous-officiers de la garde na-
tionale de Paris» as «Adjutant-Major de la
3e légion de la garde nationale de Paris» as
early as 1833 and 1835. Established in 1789,
the National Guard comprised up to 560,000
members under Napoleon I and was partly
deployed to support the army. It was dissolved
in 182, but re-established already in 1830 un-
der Louis Philippe. In 1848, it played a major
part in the defeat of the June Uprising.
Beautiful gift of honour.
242209
II +
€ 5.500