A deluxe French small-sword with a chiselled hilt and etched apostles' blade, circa 1720 The narrow, double-edged thrusting blade of flattened hexagonal section. Entirely covered in fine decorative etching with a depiction of the twelve apostles. A cartouche with a motto in Latin on both sides of the gilt ricasso. Iron knuckle-bow hilt with an oval guard plate on both sides. Chiselled relief décor of mascarons amidst leafy vines on a finely chased, gold-inlaid background. The grip with the original, elaborate iron wire winding and Turk's heads. Length 95.5 cm.Condition: II +