AN ETCHED AUSTRIAN STATE GLAIVE FOR THE GUARD OF EMPEROR MAXIMILLIAN II (REIGNED 1564-76), MID-16TH CENTURY

AN ETCHED AUSTRIAN STATE GLAIVE FOR THE GUARD OF EMPEROR MAXIMILLIAN II (REIGNED 1564-76), MID-16TH CENTURY

with knife-like blade retaining some etching including the crowned Imperial eagle enclosed by the collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece, the ragged staves of Burgundy dividing the fire steels of the Order, trophies-of-hunting, foliage, traces of the imperial device 'MM', motto and the date (obscured), tapering socket, a pair of straps, on a wooden haft with an additional pair of straps; together with a North European halberd, late 18th/19th century, with long tapering terminal spike formed with a globular basal moulding, curved axe blade pierced with four V-shaped apertures and a further cross-shaped aperture, rear spike en suite with a reinforced tip and decorated over its surface with pointillé, and a pair of shaped short straps on a wooden haft, both supported by a metal and stone stand
the glaive: 96.5cm. head, 38in.; the halberd: 89.5cm. head, 35¼in.

Condition Report:
The two objects are currently secured to the base with wire.
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
Additional images are available upon request.

"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."