MID-18TH CENTURY

Details

A MAGNIFICENT PRESENTATION SMALL-SWORD WITH DIAMOND-SET GOLD HILT
MID-18TH CENTURY
With slender tapering double-edged blade of flattened hexagonal section etched on each side at the forte with the inscription 'VN DIOS VNA LEI YVN REI' flanked by marks including a crescent moon, a sunburst, flower-heads and crosses (blade cleaned bright), gold hilt comprising short rear quillon, leaf-shaped side-ring, swelling knuckle-guard, waisted grip and globular pommel, the whole engraved with a basket-weave pattern and decorated with applied old brilliant and table cut diamond flower-head clusters and details interspersed with translucent green enamel foliage, in later reptile-skin covered scabbard with gilt-brass mounts, the chape, almost certainly original, engraved and decorated with green enamel foliage en suite with the hilt (minor loss to decoration on hilt, grip adapted for a larger hand, almost certainly by the original gold-smith prior to presentation)
31¾in. (80.7cm.) blade

Provenance

Sir George Howard K.B. and by descent to the late Richard Howard-Vyse.

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Lot Essay

During the Seven Year's War (1756-63) Lieutenant General Sir George Howard commanded a Brigade whilst serving under Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick. In recognition of his successful military service to the Prince he was presented this magnificent sword

More from Antique Arms, Armour and Collectors Firearms

View All