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AUCTION 45: ANTIQUE ARMS AND ARMOR
Lot 184:
This 18th century cuttoe style dagger bears matching engraved inscriptions on each side of the blade. At the top of the engraving is the phrase ‘Vivat Pandur’ or ‘Long live the Pandur!’. The aforementioned phrase sits atop a depiction of a Pandur soldier in their traditional style, though they did not have a uniform per se. This dagger may have belonged to a member of ‘Trenck’s Pandurs’, a light infantry unit which was raised by Baron Franz von der Trenck in 1741, in the service of future Empress Maria Theresa during the War of the Austrian Succession. Below the depiction of the Pandur, encased within the outline of a heart, is the phrase ‘mit meinem arm und meinen deger wif ich der feind erlegen’, meaning ‘with my arm and my sword I will slay the enemy’.
The blade itself is of the usual type for a cuttoe, with a gentle curve and flat back. The back of the blade is beveled for the last 5 1/2 inches to aid in penetration.
The clamshell guard and quillon are of brass and are decorated with chasing and filigree engraving. There once were two quillons but at some point in the sword’s history the rear quillon was removed, whether on purpose or by accident we cannot tell, and sanded down. It appears to have been done during the 18th century as the aging is consistent with the parts around it. The grip itself is a typical shape for a cuttoe grip, and is made of an oblong brown horn and finished with a brass pommel cap.
L: 21.75 in. (55.25 cm.);
Condition: The blade is slightly pitted but the engraving is well preserved. One of the quillons was sawn off and the stump engraved. The grip has a small crack due to age. A few minor chips to the cutting edge.
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