18 CENTURY RUSSIAN ARISTOCRATS DAGGER

VANDOO · 21st July 2005, 04:23 PM

HERE ARE SOME PICTURES OF A RUSSIAN DAGGER SAID TO HAVE BEEN MADE IN THE 18 CENTURY IN THE CITY OF TULA FOR RUSSIAN ARISTOCRATS. IT IS 10 3/4 IN TOTAL IN SCABBARD, HAS A DAMASCUS BLADE, THE HANDLE IS MADE OF AGATE AND IS SET WITH RUBIES, TURQUOISE AND GARNETS. THERE IS ALSO GOLD SILVER AND ENAMEL USED, THERE IS A SMALL BUST OF A TURKS HEAD AND A SILVER LOCKET WITH GOLD GILT. ALSO NOT MINE

ENJOY

Bill · 21st July 2005, 04:30 PM

very nice blade, I wonder if the single "gem" on the pommel is amber?

VANDOO · 21st July 2005, 04:35 PM

I SUSPECT THE STONE IN THE POMMEL IS A GARNET AND THAT THE OTHER RED STONES ARE MATCHING PIGEON BLOOD RUBIES. AS I DON'T HAVE THE ITEM IN HAND I CAN ONLY GO BY LOOK AND COLOR AND WHAT WAS GIVEN IN ITS DESCRIPTION.

ham · 21st July 2005, 04:53 PM

Vandoo,

This is a nice example but likelier Hungarian work in the neoclassical style of the latter 19th century than Russian. Such weapons were popular at the Hungarian court along with elaborate sabers, belts and even pseudo-medieval dress, all of which was intended to emphasize and promote the distinct nature of Hungarian ethnicity. The Oriental motifs, use of gilding and enamels and semiprecious stones (as well as glass) are typical. Incidentally, the expression "gold gilded" is redundant-- an item simply is "gilded" or "silvered." The sharkskin covering on the scabbard is nice, sorry to see the tip is replaced.
Incidentally, I came across a very well-researched and objective article online on the subject of Vlad Tepes. I don't recall the author's name but I believe I have seen it on this forum. Kudos for that.

Sincerely,

Ham

21st July 2005, 04:23 PM	#1
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	18 CENTURY RUSSIAN ARISTOCRATS DAGGER HERE ARE SOME PICTURES OF A RUSSIAN DAGGER SAID TO HAVE BEEN MADE IN THE 18 CENTURY IN THE CITY OF TULA FOR RUSSIAN ARISTOCRATS. IT IS 10 3/4 IN TOTAL IN SCABBARD, HAS A DAMASCUS BLADE, THE HANDLE IS MADE OF AGATE AND IS SET WITH RUBIES, TURQUOISE AND GARNETS. THERE IS ALSO GOLD SILVER AND ENAMEL USED, THERE IS A SMALL BUST OF A TURKS HEAD AND A SILVER LOCKET WITH GOLD GILT. ALSO NOT MINE ENJOY Attached Images

21st July 2005, 04:30 PM	#2
Bill Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chicago area Posts: 327	very nice blade, I wonder if the single "gem" on the pommel is amber?

21st July 2005, 04:35 PM	#3
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	I SUSPECT THE STONE IN THE POMMEL IS A GARNET AND THAT THE OTHER RED STONES ARE MATCHING PIGEON BLOOD RUBIES. AS I DON'T HAVE THE ITEM IN HAND I CAN ONLY GO BY LOOK AND COLOR AND WHAT WAS GIVEN IN ITS DESCRIPTION.

21st July 2005, 04:53 PM	#4
ham Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 190	Vandoo, This is a nice example but likelier Hungarian work in the neoclassical style of the latter 19th century than Russian. Such weapons were popular at the Hungarian court along with elaborate sabers, belts and even pseudo-medieval dress, all of which was intended to emphasize and promote the distinct nature of Hungarian ethnicity. The Oriental motifs, use of gilding and enamels and semiprecious stones (as well as glass) are typical. Incidentally, the expression "gold gilded" is redundant-- an item simply is "gilded" or "silvered." The sharkskin covering on the scabbard is nice, sorry to see the tip is replaced. Incidentally, I came across a very well-researched and objective article online on the subject of Vlad Tepes. I don't recall the author's name but I believe I have seen it on this forum. Kudos for that. Sincerely, Ham