Auctions Imperial 2018 Arms & Armor November
Lot 276:
Description
Of superior quality for the type, the mounts of bronze, grip finely cast with the distinctive image of Satan, depicted with an imperious stare, massive draped horns, clawed feet and a dagger gripped in one hand, standing upon a pair of intertwined serpents with jaws wide and fangs exposed for the grip, the whole heavily gilded. The fine, double-edged blade with central ridge gilded at the forte and etched with vines for its entire length. In its steel scabbard with gothic embellishments, retaining its gilded chain suspension band. Mid-19th century. Light wear. The fine workmanship and symbolism suggest this dagger was made either for one of two prominent 19th c. diabolists, Eugene Vintras, founder of the Church of Carmel (1839,) or Abbot Boullan, creator of the Society for the Reparation of Souls (1856.) Overall length 23.3cm. Condition II
Share this lot:
