Lot 0386
Romantic Revival Paper Knife in the Form of a Dagger with Female Head
Estimate: 500-800€
Romantic Revival Paper Knife in the Form of a Dagger with Female Head
A 19th-century Romantic Revival paper knife, designed in the form of a small decorative dagger. The handle is cast with a finely modelled female head and bust in historical costume, giving the object a theatrical neo-Renaissance character.
The blade is narrow and faceted, intended as a paper knife or letter opener rather than a weapon. The scabbard is decorated in relief with scrolling foliage and ornamental historicist motifs.
The piece reflects the 19th-century Romantic taste for medieval and Renaissance-inspired decorative objects. The surface shows dark patination with rubbed highlights.
Probably France, 19th century.
Bronze or patinated metal.
Total length: 22 cm.
Starting price: €400,00€
Estimate: 500-800€
Hammer Price: €
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A finely cast and chased French Romantic Revival dagger or decorative poignard, dating to the 19th century.
The hilt is modelled as a standing neo-medieval soldier or knight, shown with his hands resting upon a sword. The scabbard is richly decorated in relief with historical and military motifs, including a mask, armour, a quiver, ribbons and scrolling ornament. The whole piece has a dark patinated bronze surface with gilt-bronze highlights, giving strong contrast to the raised decoration.
This type of object reflects the Romantic taste of the 19th century, when artists and collectors looked back to the Middle Ages as a source of heroic, chivalric and historical inspiration. Although made as a decorative object rather than a practical weapon, the dagger belongs to the wider 19th-century taste for historicist arms and militaria.
The quality of the casting and chasing is very fine and may be compared with the production of important French bronze foundries such as Barbedienne, though no maker’s mark is confirmed.
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A 19th-century Romantic Revival decorative dagger with a sculptural handle showing male and female figures in historical costume. The scabbard is decorated in relief with floral and neo-medieval ornament.
The slender double-edged blade and rich decoration suggest that this was made mainly as a decorative cabinet object or letter opener, rather than a practical weapon.
Probably France, 19th century.
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Total length: 24.5 cm.Starting price: €650,00€
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Lot 0385
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Estimate: 750-1000€
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Estimate: 750-1000€Romantic Revival Decorative Dagger with Female Figure
A 19th-century Romantic Revival decorative dagger, the hilt finely cast as a female figure in historical costume. The scabbard is richly ornamented in relief with masks, scrolling foliage, trophy motifs and neo-medieval decorative elements.
The dagger is fitted with a narrow triangular blade and has the character of a small ceremonial or cabinet piece rather than a practical military weapon. Its design reflects the 19th-century Romantic fascination with the Middle Ages and Renaissance, expressed through theatrical historicist detail and sculptural decoration.
The surface has a dark patina with rubbed highlights, enhancing the depth of the relief work.
Probably France, 19th century.
Bronze or patinated metal.
Total length: 24.5 cm.Starting price: €700,00€
Estimate: 750-1000€
Hammer Price: €