The present lot appears to have formerly been a prestigious decoration of a large sword shop in Venice probably owned by the man portrayed. The dates on the hilts are those which the swordmakers supplied the shop. As a point of historical reference, strangely enough on the mans left wrist, the hilt is dated 1796 which was the last year of Venetian independance.

The hilts of the swords are inscribed and dated 'GS 1776' 'GS 1796' 'SM 1775' 'DS 1769' 'SW' 'WS' 'SG 1771'