This example is also quite unusual. It fits into the hunting weapon category. The sword itself is quite old. I believe it to be from the late 17th or early 18th century based on the type of brass work on the shell guard. I think it is likely that the latching mechanism was added sometime later, perhaps even a century after the sword was made. I have included this one as Germanic due to the attachment style, however it could be from France as well. The hilt is horn. The pommel cap is a brass disc with the blade tang peened over it. The crossguard consists of a central disc with a brass ferrule to accept the horn grip. The quillons are made as one piece with the cross guard, except that one of them has been replaced. The shell guard is difficult to interpret, but appears to be dogs in a hunting scene. There is a face at the bottom of the guard. The attachment mechanism has been attached by notching out the horn grip on the back. The mechansim was inserted and riveted through the blade tang and grip. It is complete with spring. The blade is a flattened oval in cross section. It is only sharpened on the tip.
Dimensions are as follows: Overall length 622 mm; Blade length 506; Blade width 20.5; Blade thickness 8; Handle length 116.
