One day, I’ll own an engraved colt as breathtaking as this one. It was engraved by Leonard Francolini. You can find more of his work here. Every piece absolutely stunning.
Dagger
- Dated: 16th century
- Culture: Persian
- Medium: Steel, ivory, gold, silver gilt
- Measurements: Length 12 1/4 in. ( 31.12 cm)
The dagger features an inscription: on acanthus-shaped chape - mark of Turkish silver-smith stands: a) topline in Ottoman Turkish “I asked for water from your dagger-wielder if you would drink but one it will run (appear) from your side”, b) lower line in Persian “If I thirst his dagger is not laid down (does not descend) by my bloody desire no water will pass through this throat”.
Pair of Flintlock Pistols by Samuel Brunn, London c. 1800 (via The Metropolitan Museum of Art)
Presentation Sword
- Dated: circa 1815–17
- Made by John Targee (silversmith, recorded 1797–1841)
- Manufacture places: American (New York)
- Medium: gold, steel
- Measurements: L. 37 1/4 in. (94.5 cm)
Following the War of 1812, the State of New York awarded twelve swords to military officers who commanded troops within its borders. This example was presented posthumously to Brigadier-General Daniel Davis (1777–1813) of the New York Militia, who died during the Battle of Erie on September 10, 1813. The sword’s design reflects the classical inspiration of the Federal period. The hilt, with its downturned shell, is based on French Empire models.
The representation of Hercules and the Nemean Lion, emblematic of strength and courage, is probably copied from an English engraving after a classical gem or cameo. The eagle-headed pommel, on the other hand, is typically American, as is the style of engraving on the scabbard, illustrating the Battle of Erie.
The Swept-Hilt Rapier
The name of the rapiers refers only to the sword’s guard, handle, and pommel. For example, types of Renaissance sword hilts include: swept-hilt, shell, half-hilt, cup-hilt, dish-hilt, dueling-hilt, cavalier-hilt, Pappenheimer, mortuary-hilt, basket-hilt, etc.
Swept-hilt is an early Renaissance hilt form designed originally to protect the unarmored hand from cuts more than thrusts, they are made up of finger-rings, side-rings, knuckle-guard, and often a variety other protective bars (back-guards and counter-guards, etc), they are found on many cut & thrust swords and early rapiers The name is actually a Victorian era term and not a istorical one.
The rapier was the first civilian weapon, developing as the use of armor declined. A thrust and cut weapon, the rapier first appeared in the late 1400’s and had its heyday up to the 1600’s. The 1600’s saw the start of the transitional rapier as hilts became smaller and blades were designed more for thrusting and less for cutting.
The cup hilt rapier and Swept Hilt Rapier made their appearances in the early 1650’s in Spain, and enjoyed popularity in Spain and Southern Italy until the early 1700’s. The rapier was often used with a second defensive weapon; daggers, bucklers, and cloaks were the most popular.
While daggers were often decorated “en suite” with their companion rapier, it was by no means unusual to have a “mismatched” set of rapier and dagger. Much lighter than the broadsword of medieval times, the rapier brought about a whole new style of swordplay and a proliferation of fencing schools.
Info source: The ARMA | Swept Hilt Rapier
Set of stirling silver Scottish Highlander pistols crafted by Alexander Campbell, 1750
Currently on display at the NY Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Dagger with Scabbard
- Dated: mid 19th century
- Culture: Turkish
- Medium: steel, with gold inlay
- Measurements: dagger: 1 1/2 x 9 13/16 x 1 in. (3.8 x 25 x 2.5 cm); sheath: 1 5/16 x 6 5/8 x 3/4 in. (3.3 x 16.8 x 2 cm)
Source & Copyright: The Walters Art Museum
Hunting Sword
- Swordmaker: Carlo Botarelli (active between circa 1660 - 1690)
- Dated: circa 1680 - 1700
- Culture: Italian (probably Brescia)
- Medium: steel and gold, blued, chiselled, etched and gilded
- Measurements: length: 73 cm; width: 1.8 cm; weight: 0.368 kg
- Inscription: ‘DAMASCO’ (etched and gilt)
Source & Copyright: The Wallace Collection
Dagger in Scabbard with Butterflies and Peonies
- Dated: circa 1320 (Kamakura)
- Culture: Japanese
- Medium: dark brown lacquer, silver, gold, steel
- Measurements: L: 16 15/16 in. (43 cm)
The tanto blade, from the early 14th century, is inscribed with the Sanskrit character presenting the Buddhist deity Fudô Myô-ô. It is mounted in a 19th-century scabbard decorated with butterflies on lacquer and metalwork depicting peonies. Some of the metal fittings are signed “Toshitsugu.”
Source & Copyright: The Walters Art Museum
