FRANCE, July Monarchy period F.X. BISCH in Boersch, Klingenthal, circa 1837-1841. Naval officer's saber, transitional fantasy model between that of 1837 and that of 1848. Gilded brass mounting, with single-branch guard and openwork keyboard decorated with a crowned anchor on a background of rushes and curved quillon in the shape of a mermaid's body. Long-tailed cap decorated with keyboard and scales. Brown horn spindle. Ring on the side of the spindle. Single-edged blade with rush back, continuing to the tip. Signed heel. Blackened leather scabbard with three brass fittings, gilded and chased, with two rings, cap adorned with a crowned anchor resting on two crossed flags in a square reserve and shell knob, bouterolle engraved with leaves and rushes, and ending in two shells. Blade length: 64.9 cm - Total length: 81.7 cm. Wear, particularly to the gilding, scratches and knocks from use; small cracks to the spindle; small gap between guard and blade; some pitting to the blade; wear and cracks to the scabbard leather, fittings to be refastened. François-Xavier BISCH (1793-1841) was a weapons manufacturer in Boersch, best known for his work as a chaser on blades and breastplates. We would like to thank Mr. Jean ONDRY for his help in dating this sword.