Dagger Francuz
Blade of cast damask steel, straight, with a stiffening rib in the center, double-edged, tapering towards the point. The handle is made of ivory, the black handle is oval in cross-section, flattened. The shank surface is designed with vertical flutes. The top of the handle is decorated with a profiled ball and ends with a silver plate The metal base of the handle is decorated with a complex relief composition of elements of military fittings on a gold background. The ends of the crosshairs are made in the form of cast boar heads. The handle is decorated with an oval medallion with military fittings, using the same technique as the base of the handle. The pommel is intercepted by a lush golden bow and a garland of laurel leaves. The scabbard is wooden, covered with snakeskin. The scabbard device consists of a wide figured mouth and a tip. The surface of the device is richly decorated with compositions of elements of hunting and military fittings in the Empire style. The base of the mouth is trimmed with a lush strip of bay leaves. The lower end of the mouth is made in the form of a medallion, which contains the owner’s monogram. The dagger is made in the style of European hunting daggers of the first quarter of the 19th century, when the Empire style dominated in Europe. Weapons in the Empire style, which has been the favorite style of the Russian elite for centuries, are distinguished by laconic forms combined with rich solemn decoration.
Material: Cast damask, silver, gold, ivory, wood (maple), snake skin.
Techniques of execution: Forging, polishing, investment casting, soldering, mounting, engraving, chasing, occasional gilding, embossing, patinating.
Overall size: 472 mm
Length without scabbard: 447 mm
Stick length: 167 mm
Blade length: 280 mm
Blade width: 32 mm
Blade thickness: 6 mm
Scabbard length: 305 mm