CIRCA 1660

Details

A RARE SAXON TROUSSE FOR A MEMBER OF THE ELECTORAL HUNT
circa 1660
Comprising waidblätt with matching bodkin, knife and fork, the former with heavy blade with single cutting-edge swelling towards the end, the outer-face cut with a narrow fuller and inlaid with a chased silver panel incorporating the abbreviated inscription 'H.G.H' for Hans Georg Herzog, the inner-face struck with a crossed swords (or sceptres) mark, iron hilt punched and incised with characteristic stylised ornament, including quillon terminal formed as a profile mask, side-ring, and grip-scales of natural staghorn retained by five rivets, each with domed white metal head engraved with the arms of the Dukes of Saxony quartered with the badge of the Archmarshallship of the Empire, in its original leather-covered scabbard bound with shaped iron panels and side panels, the locket and chape decorated en suite with the hilt, and the locket pierced with the abbreviated inscription 'H.G.H.Z.S.G.C.B.V.C' on a red fabric ground (worn) and fitted with suspension loop at the rear.
17½in (44.5cm)

Provenance

The Saxon Electoral Armouries, Dresden

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

The inscription on the scabbard locket is for Hans Georg, Herzog zu Sachsen Gülich Cleve und Berg.

Similar examples are preserved in the former Electoral Armouries in Dresden, The Royal Armouries, Leeds, and in The von Kienbusch Collection in the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

The inclusion of an additional ducal inscription on the blade and the additional engraved treatment of the grip rivet heads is unusual.

More from Antique Arms and Armour Including Property sold by The Art Institute of Chicago, From The George F. Harding Collection of Arms and Armour, and The Property of Various Owners

View All