A Restauration metal and damascened iron sword, by Pirmet, Paris, circa 1825, probably gift from Charles X to Charles II, prince de Bourbon-Parme

Probably gift from King Charles X to his cousin Charles II, prince de Bourbon-Parme, circa 1825;

Villa Borbone delle Pianore, Capezzano, résidence of princesse Marie-Thérèse de Savoie (1803-1879), duchesse de Parme et de Plaisance; 

Then by descent to the family.

This sword is a magnificent example of the weaponry produced by the Pirmet firm in the early 19th century. Its neoclassical ornamentation—featuring the head of Diana and trophy motifs—is characteristic of the period. Furthermore, the presence of the Bourbon royal arms and the profile of Henry IV suggests a royal piece, likely a gift from Charles X to his cousin Charles II, Prince of Bourbon-Parma (1799–1883); the latter's coat of arms appears on the hilt, alongside a symbol of friendship depicted as clasped hands within a medallion.

Charles II was born in Madrid and became King of Etruria in 1803, before losing his titles during the Empire. Following the fall of Napoleon I in 1815, Charles II became Duke of Lucca and heir to the Duchy of Parma—which had been granted to the former Empress Marie-Louise—eventually taking possession of that duchy in 1847. In 1820, he married Maria Theresa of Savoy (1803–1879). The Duchess was deeply pious and had little taste for court life; she spent long periods at the Villa di Maria before settling at the Villa Borbone delle Pianore in Capezzano. It was in this villa that the sword in question was kept before passing into the care of the royal family's descendants.

The Maison Pirmet held a royal warrant, as indicated on the scabbard. François Pirmet is recorded as an armorer and supplier on Rue de Richelieu from at least 1811 to 1820, with the business name known since 1805. The 1822 edition of the Bazar parisien, ou Annuaire raisonné de l'industrie lists him as holding a warrant from the Menus-Plaisirs, noting: "This firm has been known for over twenty years for the perfection with which it manufactures sporting guns and edged weapons of all kinds."

During the Empire, he supplied clients including Jérôme Bonaparte and Prince Camillo Borghese; the latter's hunting dagger is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (inv. 1982.136).