Short sword, band or other type? Lions head with paw on guard
 

I've never seen one like this only a similar blade. Has a 21 1/2" blade, brass pommel of a lions head and brass guard with a lions paw. The steel blade is relatively thin and somewhat flexible. Grip is leather covered wood.
http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/v...psa5462022.jpg
http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/v...psd28c22cb.jpg

Described in Lyles 19890 Arms and Armour Review as a French circ 1830 unusual sidearm. 100gbp back then.

It seems as it will no be easy to identify this example.
The blade is surely French; a classic type used in 1816 and 1830/1 models.
Look for inspector marks (poinçons) on the ricasso under the 'lion' paw shield.
By the way, have you cosidered that the paw in the guard may not be from a lion ... a griffon or other beast instead ?
Just guessing ...

Will, could you please upload your pictures directly to this site .
This way if you remove the pictures or cancel your membership at Photobucket they will remain in the database here for the future edification of others . :)

A little info on the process . :)
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=13631

How do you directly upload photos, they are jpg's?

Fernando I may have assumed without looking too carefully. The paw only has fur at the top across the edge. Unless the maker had never seen a lion this is not a lions paw.

Yes basicaly, among others.
When you open the manage attachments option, it's all detailed there.

where is manage attachment? Sorry my posts don't seem to appear for some time

it's down there under 'attach files'
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Will, you should have read when you registered that, for security (Spam, etc.) reasons, posts go on a moderation queue until you become a regular member ... which will in principle soon happen.

I didn't scroll down to see it on my screen. The reply to thread is in a box, did not realize there was more below due to the box.
Different way of adding photos in comparison to other forums.

I found my picture files too large but easily downsized. I've previewed post but pictures don't show but are shown as valid file extensions above manage attachments.
I agree photos tend to disappear when posted if moved to a folder on photobucket at a later time.

Really an interesting sword! Not much to add over what the others have already said. Definitely French, not only for the blade, but for the lion pommel (seen on certain types of french swords) and spiral quillons. As I've never seen this pattern before, wondering if it's custom made for an officer? However, I don't underestimate the multiple divisions of troops and their accutrements. Used to have a cuirass of French origin that wasn't identified for over a decade despite the sunburst badge to the front (ended up being a M1863 Carabinier's- :shrug: ). Point being, perhaps a rarer pattern for a special unit?
mark

they're showing for me, two of them anyway.

You get used to it :cool:

Here is the reverse side of the hilt.