Mace
Date1700s
Mediumsteel with silver false-damascening (koftgari)
Dimensions63.5 cm (25 in.), 2 lb, 2 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.371
Description1700s with later decoration. Circular russetted steel shaft with egg-shaped head having acorn-shaped finial above and turned, flat collar below. The long shaft appears to be of one piece, of circular section, and extends without a taper or thickening to its end. This is fitted with an applied cap of oblate, bun-like shape. The head is cross-hatched, and has a silver koftgari décor of narrow lozenges overall. These are alternately filled with a vine tendril of floral motif. The top is bordered by an open-work scallop band, and the base by a row of repeated circles between narrow lines of silver.
The shaft is decorated for about 3/4 of its length in a spiralled band of koftgari on a similar ground. The band is a repeated motif of a vertical pair of circles from the join of which emanate narrow loops. Each set is contained within a pair of two lines of silver, and the whole band is likewise crested. The grip portion of the shaft has a vertically aligned pattern of bands alternating helixes, circles, cross-hatching, and running vines. The butt-cap is also silver-decorated with stylized vines and circles in pointed frames aligned to the center of the cap.
ProvenancePurchased by Museum on May 15, 1936 from Theron J. Damon (NYC). Paid $25 which included HAM#s 2328, 2329, 2330, and 2331. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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