SPAIN, 19TH CENTURY

Details

A FINE NASRID-STYLE GOLD-DAMASCENED "EAR" DAGGER
SPAIN, 19TH CENTURY
The straight ridged blade with maker's mark, the forte and hilt strap decorated with gold-damascened scrolling tendrils, the ivory pommel panels engraved with mythical marine beasts flanking a floral vase, the ricasso with two palmettes

13 ½in. (34.3cm.) long

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

This dagger is a fine 19th century example modelled after 15th century Nasrid pieces. The origin of ear-daggers is not entirely clear, although they probably came from north Africa before being widely used in Spain in the 15th and 16th century and reaching Europe through Italy. Three Nasrid daggers are kept in the Real Armeria, Madrid (No. G361), in the Bargello Museum Florence (No. Bg R126) and another is said to be in the Ambrosian Library, Milan. See also an important dagger sold at Sotheby’s, 6 October 2010, lot 250. A closely related dagger in the Nasrid style, probably made by the same maker, sold at Christie’s South Kensington, 11 October 2013, lot 891.

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