Partizan

Partizan, with a wavy, leaf-shaped blade, semi-circular at the base, where it projects in two crescent-shaped cusps or flukes, and a rounded ridge runs up the centre to the point. The tip of one fluke has been broken off. The surface is blued to within four inches of the point and overlaid with gold decoration. In the centre are two oval escutcheons bearing the arms of France and Navarre, surrounded by the collars of the Orders of Saint-Michel and the Saint-Esprit (incorporating the royal initial H) surmounted by a crown. Above this is, firstly a trophy of arms, secondly a sun in splendour, and finally at the top a scroll with the motto: NEC PLURIBUS IMPAR. On the flukes are two trumpet-blowing figures of Fame among scrollwork. Octagonal socket chiselled round the neck with acanthus foliage, the rest of the surface blued and semé with gold fleurs-de-lys. At the bottom is fixed a transverse bar or toggle. Tassel of silk, originally white, with gold and silver braid, probably the original. Staff covered with modern green velvet studded with brass-headed nails. Bright steel ferrule, probably modern, ending in a moulded knob.