A beautiful diplomats small-sword, King Maximilian II period

dating: mid-19th Century provenance: Bavaria, Straight, double-edged blade of hexagonal section, engraved and gilt with trophies and floral motifs on blue background at the forte, the shell-guard featuring the effigy of the Bavarian lion laying among lion's heads and floral motifs; guard, quillon and pommel decorated with bas-relieved shells and floral motifs, wooden grip with mother-of-pearl covering, at the front side the monogram 'M' for Maximilian II. Joseph von Bayern under crown, and surmounting the Bavarian coat of arms. Leather scabbard (scrapings) with engraved, silver mounts. Scarce. length 87 cm.