CA0475 Napoleonic period French silver sword by Fournera with a dedication

A fine Napoleonic Empire/Restauration period French silver small sword by Antoine-Modeste Fournera with a dedication to 'Les Grenadier du 1er Bon 7e legion à leur Capitaine de la Chausée decembre 1815' on the inside of the counterguard. Stamped on the quillon with 1809 Paris silver guarantees and the AF with a rat hallmark of Fournera. The hilt is beautifully decorated with classic Empire designs, a Nemean lion head to the knucklebow and the pommel with griffins. Counterguard features a scene of classical warriors around a lictus bundle with exploding bombs and thunder bolts. Lovely mellow carved ribbed Mother of Pearl grips with silver vine leaves to the sides and stylised acanthus leaf designs to the ferrule. Narrow 38.5cm engraved blade with typical Empire period military and floral designs. A small cartouche to one side with esoteric symbols or designs sometimes seen on swords of this period. Black leather scabbard with silver gilt bronze mounts. Fascinating and rare sword by an important maker in good condition with only slight oxidation to the blade. Antoine-Modeste Fournera, supplier of fine sword and saber guards is recorded trading at 8 rue de Perpignan and 28 rue Neuve St Nicolas, Paris, circa 1806-11.