FRANCE, Third Republic Marine officer's sword, model 1837/1853 "à ciselures", for a Rear Admiral. Gilded brass mounting, with a flat branch decorated with laurel and oak leaves and coiled rope. Tapered pommel with scallop shells. Keyboard with central decoration of an étalinguée naval anchor on a cluster of 4 flags, flanked by laurel and oak twigs, with two silver stars, small folding counter-keyboard with pump, decorated en suite; shell quillon. Blond spotted sea turtle shell (Chelonioidea spp) (pre-Convention) spindle with twisted gadroon. Double-edged blade ending in a point, with long heel. Stitched black leather scabbard with two gilded brass fittings, engraved with reeds and leaves. Shell-shaped cap knob. Blade length: 73.7 cm - Total length: 91.8 cm. Watermark missing. Scratches and a few knocks from use; wear to the gilding; a few cracks to the spindle; slight play to the hilt; oxidation and old corrosion to the blade; cracked scabbard leather, cut above the bolt. Pre-Convention Chelonioidea spp (I/A) sea turtle shell specimen, pre-dating June 1, 1947, and therefore compliant with EC regulation 338/97 of 09/12/1996 art.2-Wmc. In the event of export, it is the purchaser's responsibility to check with the customs authorities of the country concerned, particularly the United States, prior to any purchase. If the animal is to be exported from the European Union, a CITES re-export permit will be required, at the expense of the future buyer.