Vatican, Papal State. A Dress Sword for a Member of the Order of St. Gregory

A dress sword for a member of the Order of St. Gregory, measuring 95 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 72 cm-long, nickel-plated, triangular magnetic steel blade which sits securely within a multi-piece hilt, with an intact red wool buffer pad covering the seam. The crossguard features a clamshell medallion in the form of a highly-stylized laurel and oak leaf wreath surrounded a gilded and enameled depiction of the Order of St. Gregory, with an ornate gilded crossguard and hand guard fastened with a handle grip consisting of two pieces of nacre. Accompanying the sword is its original scabbard, constructed of a cork shaft lined on the exterior with blackened leather. Gilded brass fixtures are secured to both the tip and throat, with the latter featuring a protruding stud for the accommodation of a hanger. Issues consistent with age and gentle wear are evident, and include sporadic loss of nickel plating to the blade resulting in some surface oxidation, some loosening of the hilt, and fatigue throughout the scabbard liner. This otherwise superb ceremonial sword remains in an overall better than very fine condition.