Lot 184
  • 184

An unusual French enamel and gold-mounted dagger and scabbard, Paris, 1798-1809

Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
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Description

  • length of dagger 44.5cm, 17 1/2 in
made for the Near Eastern market, the tapering handle and scabbard decorated with a spiralling continuous landscape ranging across seas and rivers, over hills and valleys past villages, castles and ancient ruins, on an opalescent sky ground and divided by a basse-taille ribbon band of colourful flowers and leaves, the steel blade damascened hear the hilt, on one side with martial trophies and on the other with gardening implements, partial maker's mark **B, very probably for Etienne-Lucien Blerzy, baby's head 2e titre and Paris grosse garantie for 1798-1809

Condition

An exceptional and interesting piece beautifully painted.; the handle has several scrapes to the enamel down to the gold, including one patch 2x1cm; the scabbard with a few smaller scrapes and loose top plate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

It is not known exactly when and through whom this interesting and unusual dagger entered the family. It is probable that it came at the same time as the Guidon, gide & Blondet snuff box (lot 178) which was also made "for the Turkish Market", since both objects were made over the same period: the box between 1801 and 1804 and the dagger between 1798 and 1809. It is possible that they were presented to the 1st Marquess at the end of his life when he was governor of Malta but one can also speculate that they were made for export to India rather than Turkey and were given to him around 1814, during his governorship of India.