Catalogue

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: Not sold

Romantic Revival Decorative Dagger with Male and Female Figures
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.
Bronze or patinated metal, with steel blade.
Total length: 24.5 cm.

Starting price: €650,00€
Estimate: 700-900€
Hammer Price: Not sold

Romantic Revival Decorative Dagger with Female Figure and Skull Motif

A 19th-century Romantic Revival decorative dagger, the hilt cast as a female figure and surmounted by a skull motif. The scabbard is richly decorated in relief with masks, scrolling ornament and neo-medieval details.

The piece has a slender double-edged blade and a theatrical historicist design, typical of decorative cabinet objects of the Romantic period.
Europe, 19th century.
Bronze or patinated metal, with steel blade.
Total length: 21 cm.

Starting price: 450€
Estimate: 500-600€
Hammer Price: Not sold

Romantic Revival Decorative Dagger with Chain Scabbard

A 19th-century European Romantic Revival decorative dagger with a richly cast historicist hilt and matching scabbard. The hilt is decorated with a small figural scene, while the scabbard features relief ornament, masks and a suspension chain.

The slender blade and ornate design suggest that the piece was made as a decorative cabinet object or letter opener rather than a practical weapon.

Europe, 19th century.
Bronze or patinated metal, with steel blade.
Total length: 22 cm.

Starting price: 450€
Estimate: 500-600€
Hammer Price: Not sold

This exceptional Japanese tanto (短刀), attributed to the Mino school swordsmith Seki Kaneharo (関兼春) during the Tenshō era (1573–1592), represents the refined artistry and martial utility of late Sengoku-period blades. Certified by a Japanese sword appraisal body, this piece is paired with a richly adorned koshirae that exemplifies elite craftsmanship.

Specifications:

Type: Tanto (Japanese short sword)

Period: Tenshō era (1573–1592)

School: Mino-den (美濃伝)

Smith: Attributed to Seki Kaneharo (関兼春)

Signature: Mumei (無銘 – unsigned; suriage/tang shortened)

Grain Pattern (Jihada): Masame (straight)

Temper Line (Hamon): Gentle notare or maru

Tang: Suriage (磨上) – shortened

Mountings (Koshirae):
This tanto is housed in an elegant and traditional koshirae, designed for both visual appeal and functional durability:

Saya (Scabbard): High-gloss black lacquered ribbed saya with fine horizontal grooves for grip and style. Elegant and durable with a lacquered finish.

Kojiri, Koiguchi, and Kurikata: Fitted with matching gold metal mounts, subtly aged with patina, indicating fine craftsmanship and age-appropriate wear.

Sageo: Deep purple cord (sageo) secured in the kurikata, adding visual contrast and balance.

Tsuka (Handle): Covered in rose-violet ito (handle wrapping) over traditional white samegawa (ray skin), featuring gilded menuki and fuchi/kashira with detailed floral or possibly family crest motifs in gold and black.

Fittings: The fittings are tastefully decorated in gilt metal, consistent with higher-status swords, suggesting either ceremonial or high-ranking ownership.

Historical Context:
Forged during Japan’s era of unification under Nobunaga and Hideyoshi, this tanto is a relic from a time of immense military activity and artistic expression. The Seki tradition of Mino province was known for forging practical yet beautiful blades, often favored by samurai for their battlefield reliability.

The elegant fittings suggest this tanto may have been used by a higher-ranking samurai or an individual of cultural distinction—possibly ceremonial or formal wear.

Blade Length: 28.4 cm
Blade Width: 2.8 cm
Blade Thickness: 0.6 cm
Overall Length (with Koshirae): 41.2 cm
Certificate: Included (Japanese sword appraisal paper with oshigata)

Starting price: 3000€
Estimate: 3500-4000€
Hammer Price: Not sold