STEEL BATON
German, circa 1610
Cast and chased steel
Length, 20 3/8 inches

N terms of construction, this carved steel baton belongs to the art of the early seventeenth century German gunsmith. Iconographically, the nine figures depicted refer to mythological, solar, and planetary subjects, and this suggests to us a ceremonial purpose. The back side of the baton shows a sinuously carved vine whose tendrils terminate in flowers, leaves, and the heads of eagles.

$4000

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