After Abraham Drentwett (1647-1729) German, Roman-Style Bronze Hilt and Iron Sword. The blade shows significant rust and signs of age, but the bronze handle, which is decorated with nude figures, pastoral images, and Teutonic symbols, shows only slight patination, indicating it may have been attached to the blade after it was initially forged or was protected from the elements in some way. The original sword was made in the 17th Century for the Papal Palatine Guard, and judging by the materials used, the quality, and the overall appearance, this is most likely a reproduction of it crafted in the late 18th or early 19th Century for ceremonial purposes rather than actual combat. 

Size: 31 1/4 x 6 1/4 in. 

Abraham Drentwett the Elder (1647-1729) was an important German visual artist and silversmith. He made numerous engravings of his home town of Augsburg, which show both everyday life as well as speculative scenes involving heroic and mythical figures. He is best known for his master silverwork, producing vessels, shields, swords, and much more, many of which survive today. Drentwett was occasionally employed by Matthaus Seutter and other Augsburg engravers to create decorative embellishments and cartouches, which can be seen on some of the surviving buildings in the oldest quarter, and demonstrates the influence of the ancient Romans who founded the city in 15 BC.

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