French Polytechnic School M1872 Sword

This French dress sword features a slender steel blade showing a bright finish. The gilded brass hilt has an ornate crossguard, mother-of-pearl grip, and a crown-shaped pommel, paired with a black leather scabbard featuring brass mounts. Adopted in 1872, this sword was worn by students of the École Polytechnique, France's military and engineering academy. Carrying a sword was a symbol of officer cadet status, representing the school's connection to the military. The guard is decorated with the Polytechnic School crest of crossed cannons. The mother-of-pearl grip scales are intact, and the leather scabbard remains flexible with a brass throat and chape.