This is a classic 19th Century French model 1816 Foot Artillery Short Sword. It features a heavy solid brass hilt with a distinctive "fish-scale" patterned grip with a wide, straight, and double-edged blade w/central fullers (grooves), modeled after the ancient Roman gladius. . They were primarily used for defense by artillery units during the 19th century but doubled has a practical "tool" for clearing brush to set up gun positions, earning them the French nickname coupe-choux or "cabbage cutter.
Referred as: M1816 w/flaming bomb on the hilt, unmarked, & rounded pommel., and on authentic French 1816 models, it often features a rooster or an eagle design.
The sword has been cleaned & polished & is in overall very good condition.
Measurements (approximate):
Length (Full): 25 1/2"
Length (Blade): 19 1/2" w/center fuller
Ricasso: 1 1/4"
