An early 17th-century finely engraved European Shoehorn with the Whistle
An early 17th-century finely engraved European Shoehorn with the Whistle
£12,500.00
Description
An early 17th-century finely engraved European Shoehorn with the Whistle
The Shoehorn with the Whistle flask of elongated tapering form, the broad terminal rounded and richly engraved with scrolling foliate ornament,
The main body is decorated with a continuous frieze of armed figures in period dress, including pikemen, halberdiers, a drummer, and shield-bearing soldiers in procession.
The scene is executed in delicate incised line work, interspersed with military emblems and architectural motifs, all in the manner of Northern European decorative engraving of the seventeenth century.
The Shoehorn tapers gracefully to a narrow dispensing spout, retaining the natural polish and variegated dark amber tones of the horn.
Of elegant elongated tapering form, worked from a naturally curved cattle horn and finely engraved to the principal face with a continuous martial procession,
depicting richly attired pikemen, halberdiers, a drummer, and shield-bearing soldiers in seventeenth-century costume, interspersed with military trophies and architectural motifs,
The broad terminal is enriched with scrolling foliate ornament, the reverse is left largely plain to reveal the natural amber and dark umber variegation of the horn, and the narrow spout end is pierced for suspension.
A particularly decorative and highly evocative example, the engraved scene is rendered with remarkable precision and confidence, the figures shown in ruffs, plumed helmets, doublets,
and boots characteristic of Northern European military dress of the mid- to late seventeenth century. The iconography strongly suggests a ceremonial militia or guard procession,
possibly inspired by civic pageantry or commemorative martial engravings of the period.
The Shoehorns of this quality were both utilitarian and symbolic, serving as indispensable accoutrements for firearms while also functioning as expressions of rank, identity,
and personal taste. The present example, with its refined engraving and narrative composition, was almost certainly made for a gentleman officer, affluent huntsman, or member of a civic guard company.
Measurements:
Length: 43.5cm
Width: 5cm
| item details | |
|---|---|
| Origin | European Other |
| Period | 17th Century |
| Condition | Consistent with age |
| Dimensions | Length: 43.5cm Width: 5cm |
Product REF: JC-07224
