{"product_id":"original-continental-european-18th-century-gilt-brass-hunting-sword-with-faceted-agate-grip-etched-and-gilt-nec-temere-nec-timide-blade-and-scabbard","title":"Original Continental European 18th Century Gilt Brass Hunting Sword with Faceted Agate Grip, Etched and Gilt “NEC TEMERE NEC TIMIDE” Blade and Scabbard","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an exceptionally elegant Continental European hunting sword dating to approximately the first half of the 18th century. Measuring 32 inches overall with a 27-inch blade, it combines a finely decorated gilt brass hilt, a luxurious faceted agate grip, an extensively etched and gilt blade, and its original gilt-mounted leather scabbard. Although the exact country of manufacture has not been established, the style and workmanship are consistent with the high-quality court and aristocratic hunting swords produced in France, Germany, and neighboring European states during the period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe long grip is fashioned from beautifully figured polished agate, displaying an attractive natural mixture of amber, brown, reddish, cream, and cloudy white tones. Agate was an expensive luxury material that required considerable skill to shape, polish, and bore for mounting over the sword’s tang. Its use here reflects the high quality and courtly character of the weapon. The faceted grip is fitted with pierced and scalloped gilt brass collars at the top and bottom, together with a matching cap pommel secured by a small central tang button.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe gilt brass hilt is finely cast, chased, and engraved with elaborate period ornamentation. The slender knuckle bow incorporates raised floral and foliate decoration, while the short rear quillon terminates in a sculpted animal or grotesque head. The rectangular quillon block is decorated in relief with a human mask surrounded by scrolling foliage. Much of the gilt finish remains throughout the hilt, with expected wear to the raised surfaces and darker age toning within the recessed decoration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe straight 27-inch blade has a narrow fuller near the spine and tapers to a long spear-like point. Its lower portion is exceptionally decorative, featuring extensive etched and gilt panels filled with floral designs, scrollwork, architectural ornament, textured backgrounds, and symbolic devices. A darkened or blued section retains additional gilt floral decoration, creating a striking contrast with the bright gilt panels below.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth sides of the blade bear the Latin motto:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eNEC TEMERE\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eNEC TIMIDE\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis translates as “\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeither rashly nor timidly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e,” or more freely, “\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeither recklessly nor fearfully\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e.” The motto expresses courage governed by judgment and restraint, making it particularly appropriate for an aristocratic sword. A late 17th-century smallsword with the same motto etched on both sides of its blade was previously cataloged by Christie’s, demonstrating the phrase’s documented use on European edged weapons of the period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original black leather scabbard is included and measures approximately 27 1\/2 inches. It retains decorative gilt brass mounts that complement the hilt and blade. The leather displays age cracking, surface wear, and an old repair. Following that repair, the scabbard now accepts the sword only approximately halfway before binding. The blade should not be forced farther into the scabbard, as doing so could damage the leather, the repair, or the surviving blade decoration. Despite this functional limitation, the scabbard’s survival considerably enhances the completeness, historical interest, and display value of the sword.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sword remains in very good condition for its considerable age. The agate grip is visually impressive and remains substantially intact, while the hilt retains a pleasing amount of original gilding. The blade shows scattered staining, oxidation, finish loss, and age-related wear, but the extensive etched and gilt decoration remains remarkably clear and attractive. The repaired scabbard and its restricted fit are accurately noted and visible in the photographs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a particularly refined 18th-century European hunting sword, distinguished by its costly faceted agate grip, ornate gilt brass hilt, long and richly decorated blade, memorable Latin motto, and surviving original scabbard. Far finer than the ordinary horn-gripped hunting hangers commonly encountered, it would make an outstanding addition to an advanced collection of European edged weapons, aristocratic hunting arms, or decorative court weaponry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlade Length: 27\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall length: 32.5”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScabbard Length: 27.5\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45410029109317,"sku":"ONCD1179","price":4495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/FE36DE99-1B9F-46D9-B16D-31D27D56E87D_5fd6553f-491c-4189-ac16-5b12538e35d1.jpg?v=1785179035","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-continental-european-18th-century-gilt-brass-hunting-sword-with-faceted-agate-grip-etched-and-gilt-nec-temere-nec-timide-blade-and-scabbard","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}