EUROPEAN OR AMERICAN COUTEAU DE CHASSE SWORD CA.1780

This hunting sword dates from the American Revolutionary War period, ca.1780, or thereabout, and bears a 49 cm-long curved blade with a 13 cm false edge. Blade was at one time decorated with floral and talismanic motifs, which are now largely gone, with segments of decoration still present. Blade has acquired a deep dark patina, with areas of shallow pitting, but no active rust. Grip is made out of bone, dyed in deep cherry color and the overall hilt shape is very reminiscent of early naval dirks, of which this type of dague de venerie is a direct precursor.