EUROPEAN AUSTRIAN HUNTING SWORD 'VIVAT PANDUR' CA.1740

This attractive hunting cuttoe hanger features a Pandur soldier and the motto VIVAT PANDUR. Both sides of the blade are engraved with the images of Pandur soldiers, a popular motif in the middle part of the 18th century.

Sword is of solid construction, with a sturdy 43.5 cm long blade with a false edge. Ray-skin grip is is excellent shape. Hand-chased brass hilt shows a nice dark patina, and is profusely decorated. The images of the animals are quite endearing. An unusual feature is the depiction of the winged dragon on the down-turned guard, and the running Lion on the pommel. Guard is loose, the rest of the sword is quite tight. A very nice piece, and of the size favored by the Naval officers of the time.