Swiss Dog-Head Cavalry Saber, 2nd Half 17th C

Featuring iron guard comprising single side ring, reverse scroll quillon with acorn finial, knuckle bow and side bar with double knobs connected by a diagonal bar and attached to the brass dog-head pommel; thumb ring on reverse. Side ring filled with brass plate embossed with acanthus decoration. Hexagonal-section wood grip, lacking wire wrap, but retaining braided brass Turks head at the base. Broad 29 1/4″ (74.3 cm) curved single- edged blade, the last 10″ double-edged; 3/4-length fuller near the back edge. Blade with scattered age staining and light pitting. Guard with even dark patina, the brass with rich golden brown patina. Overall length 35″ (88.9 cm).