A VENETIAN SCHIAVONA C.1600

This is a fine example of the schiavona as it first evolved, notably classified by Oakeshott as type 1. The iron basket comprises two sets of three diagonal bars. The uppermost bar is struck with the Lion of Saint Mark mark, of the city of Venice. The bronze pommel is of the iconic form, in its earliest manifestation, shield form with a nubbed central boss. That feature would later evolve into the cat’s face associated with later schiavonas. The blade is of fine form and bears remnants of the cabalistic number 1544. Blade length: 33 ½”.