Auctions Imperial 2018 Arms & Armor November
Lot 348:
Description
Of characteristically massive dimensions, with faceted urn-shaped brass pommel and leather-bound wooden grip with original twisted brass wire wrap, the brass crossguard with trefoil terminals. The imposing, heirloom blade quite long, the flat ricasso transitioning to a diamond section with pronounced central ridge, with the edges tapering continuously to the tip. Finely etched at the forte with the F3 monogram of Frederick III of Denmark (r. 1648-1670) between laurel wreathes supporting the Danish royal crown, and bound garlands above and below. Mid-17th century. Worn overall, blade with old, cleaned pitting, guard possibly repaired. Bearing swords were carried before rulers in public processions, and were typically quite large in order to convey the ruler’s power. The Danish monarchy had been elective for centuries. Following the death of his father, Christian IV, Frederick was compelled to concede considerable authority to the Danish nobility in exchange for their votes. At the same time, Denmark was under repeated attacks from Sweden. Though Frederick lost one war in 1657-58, he remained in the capital during the 1659 Attack on Copenhagen, defending it and ultimately winning the Dano-Swedish War of 1658-60. He used his resulting popularity with the public to disband the electors and proclaimed Denmark an absolute monarchy in 1660. It endured until Denmark became a democratic state in 1848. Frederick’s distinctive monogram is also preserved on a number of his books, now in the Danish Royal Library, Copenhagen. The image shown is for reference only and is not included in this lot. Overall length 119cm. Condition III
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