Emulating the fashion which swept across Europe in the late 17th century. Evidently of limited popularity in America as examples are very rare. This one, post dates the European fashion by a few years as expected and embraced the French taste. Cruciform, with iron hilt incorporation a flattened terminal cross guard above an oval disk which served to seal the scabbard top from rain. Pommel of near pear form but for the step above the neck-a distinctly French feature. Iron wire wrapped grip. Blade bright with profuse decoration. Hilt excellent.