A 17th century cutlass

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by midelburgo

I think the portrait is a generic Holy Roman (Germanic), Emperor. He has a mustache!

Possibly Leopold I (d1705) although just kept as a decorative motif. He was the last one sporting a mustache.

EXCELLENT!!!

Good catch Midelburgo, with that acanthus wreath on the head I was associating with the neo ckassic thing later in the 18thc especially in France....but this solidly puts the notion further back and as you well note in the Germanic context. .....the thumb ring factor in place (Germany).