FINE DUTCH SILVER HILT SHORT SWORD C.1785

Hilt with silver cross guard, ferrule and pommel revealing the butt end of the horn grip, inlaid with a silver windmill on mother of pearl ground. Octagonal horn grip. The sides are finely inlaid with mother of pearl and silver wire baskets from which grow flowers, foliage and tendrils. The baskets are inscribed, respectively, ANNO and 1785. The top and bottom inlaid in silver wire and a rectangular mother of pearl rectangles flanked by facets of the theme with the rectangles angled. Fine quality work throughout. 16 ¼” straight broad fullered blade with foliate decoration at the forte. The balance with gray patina and light to medium oxidation texture.