art-of-swords: General Leblois’ SaberDated: circa 1915Culture: VietnameseMeasurements: overall lengt
art-of-swords: General Leblois’ SaberDated: circa 1915Culture: VietnameseMeasurements: overall length 34 ½" (87.6cm); blade length 23 ½" (59.6cm)With an arched grip and an ornate scabbard adorned with mixed metal damascened inlays of silver, copper and brass, this sword, a Vietnamese “Guom” saber was the possession of French General Paul Adoplhe Leblois (1857-1930), a decorated hero of World War I. Both the scabbard and blade boast finely executed mother of pearl inlay panels and large silver mounts embossed and engraved with dragons and intertwining foliate bands.Sidenotes: Noted throughout his career for his bravery and military prowess, Leblois was grand Defense Commander in Saigon in 1910, leading the Fifth Colonial Infantry Brigade in 1912 and becoming the General of the Colonial Division in 1914.That same year, Leblois led the Second Colonial Division to a triumphant performance in battle.In 1917, Leblois was elected President of the Colonial Committee, and by February of 1918 he was named the Head of the French Troops in Indochina.For his illustrious military career, Leblois was awarded the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor in 1926.Source: Copyright © 2015 M.S. Rau Antiques LLC. -- source link