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 with much honour by Henri IV of France. He fought in the Low Countries with great success, and was named commander-in-chief by Isabella, the widow of the Archduke Albert and Regent of the Low Countries. Spinola, who died in 1630, was the conqueror of Breda, and is portrayed in the famous picture by Velasquez, called Las Lanzas, where he is depicted wearing this very sword. On the pommel on each side is inscribed a signature, There are numerous inscriptions over or under the beautifully chiselled groups, and on each face of the ricasso is the bladesmith's punch mark. The chape also bears an inscription. There is no gilding of any kind on the sword. The blue-black steel is superb, and the condition of the whole piece is marvellous.

Incrusted with plaques of mother-of-pearl. French, end of the XVIth century. Presented to Henri IV of France by the town of Paris on the occasion of his marriage with Marie de Médicis in 1599. J 380, Musée d'Artillerie, Paris

Belonging to the sword illustrated in Fig. 1375. Wallace Collection (Laking Catalogue, No. 669)