February 24th & 25th 2012 General (02)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/24/2012
Circa 1850. This piece is a very fine example of ivory carving done by the artist of Dieppe, France. As was often the case, a much earlier blade was used. The blade with haft, is double fluted on both sides. Both flutes on each side, beautifully inlaid with copper letters, which are indecipherable to describer. Very beautiful effect, a fine blade was used. Handle carved in a biblical scene, which appears to be a battle, between good and evil. One side depicts God, the other side depicts a winged demon, holding a group of humans in chains, while a winged angel is pointing out the demon and his chain, to clerics and some of their flock. All done in high relief, very fine carving. Incise decorated, ivory cross-guard on both sides. Round ivory scabbard, finely relief carved, with many figures ascending a spiral walkway. The figures are comprised of royalty, clerics and the common people, even children. All are being led by skeletons, one at the top of the procession is blowing a trumpet, one in the center of the procession is beating a drum and one at the bottom is carrying a scythe. Scene is a follow through of the battle between God and Satan, for the souls of mankind, with them depicted at the top and all of mankind below. It could be assumed that because they are all ascending, that God was winning the battle. Four areas with relief carved lettering, multi-lined, again in a language unknown to the describer. Knife is encased in a 19th century box, obviously made specifically for this piece. The inside is silk lined, with velvet contoured holding ends for the dagger. The box is wooden, leather covered, with incised line border tooling. Overall condition of the ivory, fine, with some age cracks however no pieces are missing. The condition of the blade is lightly pitted overall. Copper inlay letters are in good condition for their age. Condition of silk and velvet is very good. Outer leather in very good condition, some scuffing on edges, with some scuffing on edges. A few pieces of leather are missing from the bottom edges.
Condition: (Very Good - Excellent).
Item Dimensions: 19" L.