Sheath for Dagger
Culture
Turkish
Date1860–1861
Mediumsilver and wood
Dimensions32 cm (12 5/8 in.), 7 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.485.2
DescriptionWood, 2-piece straight sheath encased in silver tapering very slightly to flattened ball terminal. Repousée floral & geometric patterns overall. Repaired at tip. The scabbard of elliptical section is straight over about 2/3 of its length, then curves to the tip. It is of thin, low grade silver sheet, repousseed and incised overall with a thatched treatment near the point, and ascendant fronds, leaves and floral motives to the mouth. Below this, both faces have a rather rococo like cartouche at the center of which is what seems to be a bipennis axe. The mouth of the scabbard has a beaded edge between two rows of smaller beads, and a thin washer above.
The scabbard has a wooden core, and around this the scabbard seems to be formed from one piece of metal, closed up near an overlapped seam with incised chevrons, on the rear edge. The front is punched and cut with overlapping trilobated petals, alternately plain and incised. From about mid-length, to the top, this side has a strip of thin metal with cut and pointille decoration, evidently serving to reinforce the edge. The very tip is fitted with a domed cap. There are no rings or other means for suspension.
ProvenancePurchased by the Museum at the Morosini sale (October 10-15, 1932) at American Art Association (NYC), lot #61. Paid $17.50 for lot. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on view
about 1600–1650
Southern German
about 1550
