AN IMPERIAL PRESENTATION HUNTING SWORD, BY STANISLAUS STRIBERNY, VIENNA, CIRCA 1890

Property of an English Private Collection

AN IMPERIAL PRESENTATION HUNTING SWORD, BY STANISLAUS STRIBERNY, VIENNA, CIRCA 1890

with broad blade double-edged towards the point, formed with a three-quarter length fuller, etched on one face with the stag of St Hubert and the inscription 'Waidsmann Heil', with the signature of Striberny; gilt-brass hilt cast and chased in low relief, comprising a pair of straight quillons each formed as a bear’s head in the round, down-turned shell-guard applied with silver crowned Imperial cypher, gilt-brass cap pommel and natural stag horn grip, in its brass-mounted leather-covered wooden scabbard, complete with its accompanying knife en suite and with its chamois cover
54cm. long; 1ft. 9¼in.

Condition Report:
In overall good condition. The blades with minor scratches and tarnishing to silver throughout. The guard crowned with the imperial cypher and quillons with very minor old marks, scratches and areas of oxidation. The horn grips with minor rubbing and scratches commensurate with age and use. The chamois cover with minor scratches and old marks to leather, one very small indentation on the back, one small horizontal craquelure in the middle; the brass with old marks and scratches as well as small areas of oxidation, as to be expected given age and use.

"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."

Provenance:
Given by the Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Este (1863-1914) to Colonel H. Wylie, the English resident in Nepal, the grandfather of the present owner.