tine ghealáin

Robe sword with scabbard (early 19th century, 1806-08)

Traditionally identified as the sword of Joseph Bonaparte. It was captured among his baggage after the Battle of Vitoria and presented to the future George IV by Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington in August 1813.

Title: Robe sword and scabbard

Overall length: 89.9 cm

Blade length: 73.4 cm

Origin: Naples, Kingdom of Naples (Italy)

Maker: Royal Arms Factory, Torre Annunziata, Naples

Material: steel, iron, brass, ebony, wood

Technique: chiselling, engraving, etching, gilding, inlay, burnishing, counterfeit damascening

Decoration: Stylized foliage, acanthus scrolls, cornucopia ornament, brightly faceted cut-steel beads, the insignia of the Legion of Honour, N within a laurel wreath all crowned.

Inscription: Mre D’armes Rle de Naples; crowned N within a laurel wreath and the insignia of the Legion of Honour (blade), Dirigé par le Capitne d’Artilrie Legrand à la Manufre d’Armes Royale à Naples (scabbard)

Joseph René Gockinga (1893–1962), “Le Vampire”

pen, brush & black ink on paper, n.d.