Italian auction house Czerny is auctioning a wealth of historic militaria, including weaponry, at its October 2 sale.
Among the auction's highlights is a rare bayonet for the French Cent Gardes - the elite squadron of one-hundred horse guards which personally protected Emperor Napoleon III.
The sword bears the mark of the imperial manufacturer, Chatellerault, and the date 1814. Its blade is straight, widely-grooved and single-edged.
 Well protected: Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte (1808-1873) |
Other design features of the sword include a brass, slightly curved flat cross-guard that has a round hole, two parallel breaks and is slightly thickened at the border.
According to Czerny, the sword is in "good" condition and it was apparently once used with an 1854 model Treuille de Beaulieu musket.
Appearing for sale complete with its iron scabbard and two rings, this rare and historic bayonet carries a pre-sale estimate of €5,500 or more.
Czerny's impressive sale will offer almost 1,500 lots, and takes place in Sarzana, Italy.
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