A magnificent French sabre that once belonged to the Duc de Berry will sell as part of Christie's Antique Arms & Armour auction on September 26.
 The Duc de Berry was son of France's future king Charles X |
Charles Ferdinand d'Artios, Duc de Berry was the son of France's future king, Charles X. He began his illustrious military career in Savoy by enlisting with the counter-revolutionary Royalist army, which was led by his cousin the Prince de Conde.
Remaining with the army until its dissolution in 1801, he then moved to England before returning to France in 1814, following Napoleon's exile. It was here that Ferdinand became a popular figure in the recently restored court of Louis XVIII, who soon appointed him commander in chief of the army at Paris upon bonaparte's escape.
Despite reportedly being loved by his men while commander in chief, Ferdinand was unable to control the pro-Napoleonic sentiments that they held and eventually resigned his post. Retiring to Ghent for the duration of the hundred days war, he eventually returned to Paris to marry Caroline of Naples, with whom he lived at the Elysee Palace until his death in 1820.
The sabre is a fitting of an illustrious military leader and the son of future king. The lavishly decorated blade depicts the figures of Mars and Victory, while the gilt-brass pommel boasts a grip crafted from fluted mother of pearl. Created by Jean-Georges Blick, one of the finest craftsmen of his day, it will sell with an £80,000-100,000 ($120,000-150,000) estimate.
Paul Fraser Collectibles has some fantastic Napoloeon Bonaparte memorabilia available in our online store. Along with an authentic strand of his hair, we also have two important autographed letters to one of his most loyal men, the Duc de Feltre.
