18th century Kastane

[mariusgmioc]

With Dutch VOC blade dated 1759, 22 carat hold bolster and carbochon star ruby...

[Rick]

Why is the date 1759 present on the blade?
As far as I remember the VOC was in a state of decline in this period.

[mariusgmioc]

Originally Posted by Rick

Why is the date 1759 present on the blade?
As far as I remember the VOC was in a state of decline in this period.

Indeed, but that doesn't mean they stopped producing blades... The decline didn't happen overnight but spun over many decades.
Moreover, while less successful than in the past, VOC survived until 1799 and even continued to mint their own coins throughout much of the 18th century.

However, what I believe to be a definig factor placing this sword in the late 18th century, is not so much the blade as is the technique of the silverwork. All the silverwork of this sword is consistent with the 18th century style and methods, significantly less elaborate and flamboyant than the later, 19th century, examples.

[Rick]

So 1759 could be the year it was presented to someone?

[mariusgmioc]

Originally Posted by Rick

So 1759 could be the year it was presented to someone?

I don't think so.
VOC blades were usually dated and I believe 1759 is the date when the blade was made.
I assume it was mounted in the Kastane at a later date, but still sometime in the 18th century.

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by mariusgmioc

I don't think so.
VOC blades were usually dated and I believe 1759 is the date when the blade was made.
I assume it was mounted in the Kastane at a later date, but still sometime in the 18th century.

I'd welcome better images of the Kastane blade to be sure, however, from afar, it looks correct.

The right blade looks like the blade from one of my old Gobang listings.

[mariusgmioc]

Originally Posted by Gavin Nugent

I'd welcome better images of the Kastane blade to be sure, however, from afar, it looks correct.

The right blade looks like the blade from one of my old Gobang listings.

I think I took the crop from the photo of your blade.

[Sajen]

Hello Marius,

A very nice high end kastane! Congrats! Attached pictures of a much more simple one sold recently on a German site.

Regards,
Detlef

[mariusgmioc]

Originally Posted by Sajen

Hello Marius,

A very nice high end kastane! Congrats! Attached pictures of a much more simple one sold recently on a German site.

Regards,
Detlef

This kastane appears to be in the same style and of similar age, if not earlier, to mine: second half of 18th century.
Very rare find.