Strong 18th century French hunting knife. Flat-backed blade - Lot 66

Strong 18th century French hunting knife. Flat-backed blade with point set back on axis. Slight gutter running along the back. Interesting engraving. On one side: a gentleman with a sword at his side, holding a lady's hand, surmounted by the text "J'ay une maistresse et un beau soleil qui m'échauffent sans me brûler" ("I have a mistress and a beautiful sun that warm me without burning me"). A central cartouche bears the name André Badinan, surmounted by a crowned fleur-de-lys (the maker's signature?), while the ricasso bears the large crowned arms of France. The other side of the blade features two horsemen charging through a forest, a cannon and a largely illegible text. Iron-mounted weapon. Short right hilt with forward curved steel quillon. Strong cut-out and engraved ferrule. Ebony spindle (striated lengthwise, enlarged to form a pommel). Prominent rivet knob, three strong oval rivet covers evenly distributed on the spindle. In its engraved tan leather scabbard, with central macaron and naive bust. Overall length: 540mm. Condition 1-