I've been trying to investigate this sword.
Blade is French military type c1830 with Klingenthal marks and inspectors stamps etc.
Hilt seems contemporary and I think that the blade was probobly not previously mounted prior to this hilt. I believe that it was 'made this way'.
It is extremely well made, with peened tang, good wire bound twisted grip, interesting guard and lovely pommel. Completely solid, perfectly balanced, this seems to not fit into the usual categories of 19thC fantasy 'wall hangers', reproductions of earlier types or other decorative pieces often encountered.
It has been suggested to me that it may have been commissioned for some fraternal organisation, militia, or other small group but I've not been able to pin it down.
It also seems frustratingly familiar!!!!
Some pictures below including one showing it with real rapiers and 19thC military sabres for scale.
Any thoughts appreciated.
![Photobucket image](http://myarmoury.com/images/pb/img.php?i=http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c59/Battlestar_Atlantia/Antique%20Arms/SDC13810.jpg)
![Photobucket image](http://myarmoury.com/images/pb/img.php?i=http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c59/Battlestar_Atlantia/Antique%20Arms/SDC13812.jpg)
![Photobucket image](http://myarmoury.com/images/pb/img.php?i=http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c59/Battlestar_Atlantia/Antique%20Arms/SDC13851.jpg)
![Photobucket image](http://myarmoury.com/images/pb/img.php?i=http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c59/Battlestar_Atlantia/Antique%20Arms/SDC13855.jpg)
![Photobucket image](http://myarmoury.com/images/pb/img.php?i=http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c59/Battlestar_Atlantia/Antique%20Arms/SDC14125.jpg)