20th century AD. A steel sword in brass scabbard with flange to the chape, suspension ring and bracket to the reverse; slightly curved blade with ricasso and diamond-section tip, etched foliage design with panel of text below the guard; bone(?) grip with snakeskin cover held by wire binding, openwork swept guard and hinged securing panel, heraldic plaque, stylised elephant-head finial; fabric sword-knot to the guard. 927 grams, 98cm overall (38 1/2"). From an important South London private collection; acquired in the early 1990s. [No Reserve]