| DESCRIPTION: Here is the absolute greatest antique weapon found in the last 30-40 years. It is the very ornate and beautiful Hirschfänger that belonged to the most revered monarch of Europe, Frederick II, King in Prussia (King of Prussia from 1772 on). Der alte Fritz (“Old Fritz”), as his adoring public called him, was the “Warrior King”: first in battle; skilled as a classic composer and flutist; intellectually self-taught; excelled in the many civilized arts; and, a cultured gentleman, but a feared adversary. Yet, through it all, he was a kind and compassionate ruler who loved his people and his country. He was, however, a Francophile. He loved the French language and encouraged it to be spoken at his court and at private social occasions. He said he also loved the German language as well, but the often said it was really the language of the drill field! He was basically a modest ruler and military leader. If his men had to bed down in muddy hay field somewhere at the front, then so did their king. In his thinking, he was after all just one of the soldiers. He befriended Voltaire, the famed French philosopher, and they became devoted comrades and hundreds of letters between them are archived in Berlin. They were in constant communication; these phenomenal men made an indelible mark on world history. I will not recount all the military experiences and exploits of Fritz as it has filled many huge volumes and much can be found using your favorite search engine. It is my happy task to present this one item that is perhaps among one of the greatest articles ever found that once belonged to this great king. This is basically a Hirschfänger, or deer knife, but the basics must be abandoned at this point because it is so much beyond that. It is a veritable treasure that is absolutely the finest sword or dagger ever found in recent years. How it ever found its way to us is still rather a mystery, but It seems rather obvious that it was taken as a WWII souvenir somewhere in Berlin in 1945, but after that we lose track of its travels and the collections it was possibly in. The person whose last hands it was in appreciated it for its intense beauty, but really did not have any idea of its wonderful historical significance. However, we, in our role as historians, know it was not only glorious, but that it had to be the property of the great Hohenzollern Monarch Frederick. The proof is in the pudding. All the signs are obvious to anyone who has any working knowledge of not only Frederick, but the Prussian Empire. First, the carving in Elfenbein is typical of that genre of great artists in Germany, but the highly decorated clamshell guard and the crossguard are indicative of the exquisite French motif and it must have been executed by a metal master, to say the least. The blade of a Hirschfänger in this period was usually quite plain and not engraved. The exception here is that engraved upon the steel is the expression “Vivat Friedrich” and here is the key!. Voltaire, on his visits to the Prussian King, would often bring expensive gifts to present to his exalted friend and we feel that this would have been one of greatest presents that this French aristocrat could have presented. Obviously, it is basically a hunting dagger and Frederick abhorred hunting. Well, in German, we must say, “Macht Nichts.” The presentation of this magnificent piece would be still quite apropos even if it would never be used in that sport of the nobility and royalty. Instead, it would repose in the magnificent collection gallery of this Prussian ruler who maintained several collections of such items as gorgeous snuff boxes; coinage; fancy, carved canes; and special weapons. This Hirschfänger would surely have been a much-appreciated gift from a man much admired and respected in the Prussian Royal Court. Yes, this must have been from Voltaire. It just adds up as to any ownership question. It is quickly pointed out that the “F” positioned between the two Prussian lions that support the shield speaks volumes. This is an item fit for a king and that king was Frederick II of Prussia, no other! The condition of this treasure is perfect throughout. Grip, metal artistry, blade, and green, leather scabbard with brass fittings all are practically pristine. This wonderful eighteenth-century art object actually should be in a German museum or alternatively it should be included in some superb private collection with its next fortunate steward of the greatest historically important treasures of antiquity.
PRICE: P.O.R.
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