 |
 |
E-296 Early Imperial
Naval Sword With Ivory Grip and Single Etched Blade by Unknown Maker
This is a very early example that was recently purchased as part of a
very, very large militaria collection from a long-time German collector!
The hilt is the stationary style of larger proportion with hand-enhancing
throughout, especially to the lion head and mane (Volume III, page 438).
The gilding to the hilt easily grades 100%! The lion’s eyes are not
faceted, but rather they are perfectly formed via expert engraving. What
detail! The huge stationary basket depicts an Imperial Crown over fouled
ground swirl panels. The grip is fine genuine ivory having one small chip
to the lower obverse side, in addition to having age toning and age lines
throughout. It is wrapped with triple twisted gilded wire that is a little
loose, but still 100% intact. The center strand is larger than the outer
two strands. The blade is approximately 28" in overall length having
a wide fuller construction. It is the polished steel style with the
reverse side having a presentation panel. The panel at one time had a
beautiful blued background which is all but gone to time due to wear and
careless cleaning. The panel outline and presentation lettering are gilded
rating 40% at best. The entire presentation is in Latin, appearing in two
lines. It reads “Si fractus illabatur orbis, impavidum
ferient ruinae.” which translates to “Even if the world crumbles to
pieces, its ruins would strike him without, however, unsettling him.”
This is a direct quote from Caesar himself. This is following by the Initials W= H.v.L. We feel the H.v. L.
represents the name of the recipient. It may be something like Heinrich von
Luddendorff, for example. Very unusual and highly collectible!
The remainder of the blade has mild smudging throughout both sides. The
blade has had a crude edge applied to almost the entire surface.
Additionally, the spine has faint nicks to both edges while the tip appears
crisp. The ricasso and spine are void of any maker marks. Finally,
the blade washer is missing to time. The blade grades very good. The
scabbard black leather shell is really in very fine condition, especially for
its age. The brass fittings are the standard variety having scalloped
edges and decorative engraving to both sides. The fittings are mounted to
the shell via small reverse mounted staples. The upper and middle mount
displays minor wear/age while the lower exhibits minor carrying marks here and there.
Additionally, the lower scabbard drag is flat to one side caused by the scabbard
dragging across the floor/ground while in wear. A FINE example that is a
MUST for a serious Naval collector! Excellent.
$2,195.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Item E-296
