Composite Dagger - European Work Of The XIXth Century

COMPOSITE DAGGER
European work from the 19th century
Ivory, steel, gilt bronze and wood 
Total length: 63 ; Length of shaft: 13 cm

This particular dagger is noteworthy for its composite nature. Indeed, the spindle, the guard and the blade all seem to come from different elements. However, the balance found and the choice of the elements makes the harmony. 
The blade comes from a hunting dagger. It is made of double-edged steel, enhanced with gold and marked on the heel on both sides. On the one hand, the mention: "De La Manufacture De La marque à LExtra fin à Sohlingen EXT FIN", on the other, in capital letters: "De Vaux fourbisseur de l'école royale militaire place de trois Maris au Dieu Mars à Paris". It is punctuated with hunting attributes such as a stag and a banner bearing the words "Vive la chasse". 
The fuse is made of finely carved ivory with a feline head flanked by two cherubs blowing trumpets, on the back of which is carved an oval medallion depicting a portrait of a man crowned with laurel - probably an emperor. The lower part of the fuse is occupied by a lively bacchanalian scene. In the centre, Bacchus sits on his wine barrel, holding a cup. 
The hilt is rectangular in cross-section, made of wood and gilded bronze friezes cut out and openworked on both sides with a leafy mask, also called green man, and foliage. The side panels are decorated with friezes of openwork ovals. 

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

Ref.LP2781