Slovakia, I Republic. A Pair Of Daggers

A pair of Slovak daggers, including a large ceremonial hunting dagger, measuring 495 mm in total length. It features a 450 mm-long magnetic metal blade with a sharpened tip and lower edge, lined on each side with a fuller. It is unmarked with the exception of a maker’s mark near the reverse ricasso of “WLASZLOVITS, ŠTOS” above a number of “1526”. The blade sits securely within a stylized bronze crossguard, completing on each side with a rounded linden leaf, and with an intact green wool buffer pad covering the seam. The obverse of the crossguard features a clamshell medallion bearing a raised Slovak national lion overlaid by a coat of arms, within a linden leaf wreath. A pristine piece of polished staghorn constitutes the handle grip, and the dagger completes with a flat and rounded pommel bearing raised initials “SLS”. It is accompanied by a period original wool cover. Minor signs of age and wear are evident, and include slight oxidation of the metal features and loss of gilt finish. It is in an overall extremely fine condition.

Also including a small dagger, 370 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 190 mm-long magnetic metal blade with a sharpened tip and lower edge. The blade is fully unmarked and sits securely within a pebbled magnetic metal upper crossguard. The latter transitions into a one-piece hilt, with a handle grip composed of two pieces of brown polished wood, securely fastened together with magnetic metal rivets. Inset into the obverse of the handle is a silvered bronze insignia depicting a Slovakian national lion rampant, topped by a coat of arms and measuring 15 mm (w) x 15 mm (h). It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a texted magnetic metal shaft. Dual integrated loops near the reverse of the throat retain a period original olive-drab canvas belt loop. The throat itself retains a functional spring catch, securely holding the dagger in place during storage, and held together by dual side rivets.