Produced by an unknown smith, this knife is attributed by the consignor to the Italian peninsula c.1500. Measuring 11 7/8 inches overall, the knife is fitted with a 7 1/4 inch blade, which is furnished with double fullers, unsharpened 4 1/4 inch false edge, a sculpted curl to the front corner of the ricasso, and an integral round bolster. Each side is adorned with a 4 1/4 inch long etched panel featuring bright scroll and floral designs, as well as a Damascus pattern to the background; the right side shows a panoply of antique arms, and the left shows an armored woman (likely a depiction of the goddess Athena/Minerva) seated among a variety of weapons and armor. While not verified the pattern in the etching appears to be the result of pattern welding to the steel, as opposed to a purely cosmetic effect. The tang runs a full two inches into the grip, which is constructed from a carved single piece of translucent white stone, with an engraved silver ferrule, 12-sided (dodecagonal) body, and a sculpted bird's head pommel with inlaid green eyes. Included with the knife is a brown leather sheath, fitted with a silver throat and tip decorated with engraved and repoussed floral scroll designs.

Very fine overall. The blade shows mild pitting at the tip and areas of rust concentrated in the low areas of the ricasso and bolster, with a slight bend to the tip and an overall bright appearance. The etching is strong and attractive, and the hilt is very good, with a thin crack visible on the left side at the ferrule, some cracking of the eyes, light handling marks and an attractive color and grain. The sheath is fair, with scuffing and material loss of the leather and a fine antique patina to the furniture.