This early French smallsword (ca. 1655 C.E.) has few parallels.  Its style reflects early French Classicism from the reign of Louis XIV, and was likely made in Paris.  Its hilt features ornate foliage and figure motifs executed in gold inlay, and a faceted pommel.  Its length measures 41″ (104.1 cm) overall with a blade length of 34 1/2″ (87.5 cm).  The fullers on both sides of the blade are marked, “XX INTE X DOMINE X ESPADERO X” with an anchor-like cross at the forward end of the groove followed by three flat indents. Courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum, accession no. 2011.63.