Measuring 13 1/2 inches overall, this dagger has a 7 3/4 inch long spear point blade, decorated on each side with engraved interwoven geometric and scroll motifs with line and checkerboard backgrounds. The hilt is constructed from three pieces of antique ivory, a 3 3/4 inch wide guard carved in a clamshell pattern with scroll accents, a diamond profile grip, and a flared pommel, with a short section of threaded tang with a round nut at the very rear. The scabbard is of similar construction to the hilt, with a smooth back panel, vine motifs below the throat, and the lion's share of the face occupied by a 7 5/8 inch long carved panel scene depicting the danse macabre. A classic motif of European art and a reminder of the inevitable equalization of death, the scene starts with a child on the left and ends with an emperor on the right, all called along by the already deceased. Some of the dancers seem fine tuned for their partners; a living soldier with a skeletal drummer in a tall mitre cap, and the emperor's globus crucifer tread upon by a bearded skeleton with a crown of his own, for example. Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection

Very good. The blade shows a mixed gray patina, with some patches of darkness/mild pitting, light wear, and good detail in the engraving. Some play is present in the blade/hilt fit. The hilt and sheath are also in very good condition, with some age splits and mild wear. The scabbard shows traces of glue at the seams and a few minor edge nicks, with excellent detail in the carving.