HUNTING SABRE IN BAROQUE-ROCOCO STYLE

c. 1750–1760 GERMANY OR THE NETHERLANDS

A fine-quality curved hunting sabre with a single guard hilt and solid metal twist pattern engraved grip. The rainguard engraved with rocaille pattern is turning over the byknife and fork pockets.

The whole handle is depicting design of assymetrical rocaille and shellguard patterns twisting elegantly and enclosing a bird head peaking from its nest. Similar design in smaller scale has been used on the byknife and fork handles.

Looks like the sabre, when drawn from its scabbard will reveal birds nest and small birds hiding under the shade of the leaf shaped rainguard – a genius design that one has to think being able to admire. Children of this bird have the same sour character like their mother. One can only think if the maker wanted us to see someone touching the sword will get birds disturbed and thus sour.

The forte of the blade is etched with baroque framed designs. Leather scabbard with gilt and embossed brass mounts. Upper mount has a seashell form langet to be fitted on leather frog for belt. Side of the mount has additional ring for belt chain securing- a double secure. It gives us the idea how important and expensive this object had been to its owner.

Hunting swords like this were made for final killing thrust for the hunted prey but their quality and workmanship was establishing owners wealth and overall position in society rather than just being a tool for letting the blood.

Overall condition, originality and quality of this object is in very high standard.

• Total length 71 / 68,5 cm
• Blade length 55 cm