Cutting Sword with Decorative Cross Guard

Sword bearing an inscription on the blade identifying its maker as Ciceli Mastag of Solingen (Germany), a town famed for being one of Europe's main centers of swordmaking and known for the high quality of its steel.

This cutting sword with a decorative cross guard was the official weapon of Spain's War Officers' Corps, established in 1717. It was known as ''French style'' because of the influence of French tastes on the Spanish Court and fashions following the arrival of the Bourbons. This type of weapon was widely used throughout the 18th century. This sword is said to have belonged to Blas de Lezo y Olavarrieta, Lieutenant General in the Spanish Royal Navy.