3470

French Style Engraved and Gold Accented Hunting Dagger with Sheath, Attributed to Frederick II, King

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Armory - Daggers Start Price:17,000.00 USD Estimated At:35,000.00 - 55,000.00 USD
French Style Engraved and Gold Accented Hunting Dagger with Sheath, Attributed to Frederick II, King
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French Style Engraved and Gold Accented Hunting Dagger with Sheath, Attributed to Frederick II, King in Prussia, a.k.a. Frederick the Great

Measuring 23 5/8 inches overall, this dagger is outfitted with a 17 7/8 inch blade, with an oval cross-section at the ricasso, hexagonal for most of the length, and diamond at the tip, with "Vivat Friedrick" (Long Live Frederick) in an engraved panel on each side. Gold accented steel languet and dual quillion guard, with raised floral and scroll engraving with gold washed punch-dot backgrounds on both, a heraldic device on the obverse of the guard depicting rampant lions in the upper right and lower left corners and a river flanked by Maltese crosses in the reverse corners, and the reverse of the guard showing a scene of a hunting dog bringing down a running stag. The grip is a single piece of carved ivory, depicting a pair of lions atop a curtained pillar, holding a crowned plaque with a "FR" monogram. With a green leather sheath, outfitted with steel tip, throat and frog stud engraved and gold washed to match the guard and languet. Notes from the consignor attribute the inscription and monogram to Frederick II, aka Frederick the Great, King in Prussia circa 1740-1786. The overall design and styling of the dagger shows more French elements; Frederick was a noted fan of French culture and language, and was often saluted "Vivat Fredrick der Grosse" (Long Live Frederick the Great). The heraldic design on the guard has not been positively identified; it could be from one of Frederick's subordinates or from a foreign presenter. There is a possibility that this dagger could be a gift from Francouis-Marie Arouet (Voltaire).

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Very good. The blade shows an artificial gray patina overall, with a few brown spots, mild etching, and crisp inscription. The languet and guard show a well aged brown and gray patina, with the gold wash strong and fine detail in the engraving. The grip is very good, with minor age cracks, the longest being a few inches along the back of the column, with attractive grain and a fine color. The sheath is very fine, with mild spotting on the fittings and a few scuffs on the body. An attractive European hunting sword.