Advanced Search 
View: Side A
Presentoir
Probably workshop of: Wenzel Jamnitzer (German, 1508–1586)
Possibly designed by: Matthias Zündt (German, about 1498 – 1572)
Possibly designed by: Matthias Zündt (German, about 1498 – 1572)
German (Nuremberg)
third quarter of 16th century
Object Place: Europe, Nuremberg, Germany
Medium/Technique
Gilded bronze, steel, horn and wood inlays
Dimensions
7 x 40 cm (2 3/4 x 15 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Maria Antoinette Evans Fund, Gift of Mrs. W. Scott Fitz and Edward Jackson Holmes, Bequest of William Homer through Mrs. Charles Davis, Jr., Gift in the name of Mr. and Mrs. Caleb A. Curtis, Gift of the Estate of Mrs. William C. Endicott, Estate of Mrs. William Dorr Boardman through Gift of Mrs. Bernard C. Weld, by exchange
Accession Number1993.189
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsMetalwork
DescriptionEach side of hilt decorated with intricately cast and chased mannerist ornament in the style of Wenzel Jamnitzer divided into three sections by horizontal molding. Shaped pommel has central caryatid figure flanked by strapwork, cornucopia and garlands which encircle the sides. Widest point has projecting masks. Middle section composed of strapwork with two vertical openings inlayed with horn and wood in a checkered pattern. Lower section has a lion's head maskwith shield-like cartouche. Broaded socket of hilt section decorated with gr otesques in profile amid scrolls surmounting a molded band supported by pierced strapwork. Wide, flat blade with rounded cusp.
ProvenanceBy 1981, with P. and D. Colnaghi and Co., London (dealer); July 4, 1991, anonymous sale, Sotheby's London, lot 252; Ellin Mitchell, New York (dealer); 1993, purchased by the MFA.