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A work made of steel, fruitwood, staghorn, and mother-of-pearl.

Combined Axe-Flintlock Gun-Dagger

1660/80

East German or Polish (Silesia; possibly Teschen)

Silesia

Just as other European centers were turning away from dense inlay decoration, the taste flourished in the region of Silesia, on the border between eastern Germany and Poland. The pieces generally featured folk-inspired motifs, with hunting dogs pursuing rabbits, foxes, and deer. Mother-of-pearl was also favored as an inlay, adding flashiness.

Though its practicality might be questioned, the combination axe-gun-dagger was a common curiosity weapon that was widely collected in the region.

Steel, fruitwood, staghorn, and mother-of-pearl

Applied Arts of Europe