Dagger for the erection of the Luxor obelisk. - Lot 29

Dagger for the erection of the Luxor obelisk. In vermeil, mother-of-pearl and gold. Pommel with cartouches, lion heads and trefoils, fluted mother-of-pearl spindle with chased gold plate on obverse and reverse. Antique-style guard, with two curved quillons ending in trefoils. The body knot features allegories of the navy (the obelisk chosen by Champollion was transported by the "Luxor" ship) and the artillery (for the 350 artillerymen who erected the monument). Mamluk-style straight blade, gilded and perforated at the quarter, then with hollow sides and median fillet. The heel is marked "Queillé Fecit" (made by Queillé) and the date "1836". Blackened steel scabbard with oriental-style geometric decoration. Two vermeil fittings. The two-ring chape features the god Hermes seated beside the obelisk on one side and the goddess Prudence on the other. On the edge, a cartouche marked "LA MARINE PROTÈGE LES ARTS". Bouterolle decorated with an antique glory. Total length: 33.5 cm. Gross weight: 322 grams France, circa 1836. Queillé in Paris: After being chosen by Champollion, the obelisk was chartered by ship, the Louxor. In 1836, during the erection of the monument, the steam engine provided for the lifting broke down. The colossus was erected by 350 artillerymen. This piece fits in perfectly with the context of the monument's installation. "The navy protecting the arts", the date 1836, the allegory of the artillerymen, the Egyptian-style blade - all these elements bring us to this precise point in history. This dagger was most likely commissioned as a gift for a key player in this affair.