41 - A very rare partizan (aguccia) of the personal guard of King Victor Amadeus II of Savoy

A very rare partizan (aguccia) of the personal guard of King Victor Amadeus II of Savoy dating: circa 1700 provenance: Piedmont, Double-edged cusp-blade with small lugs, ribbed in the middle, with convex borders at the base, featuring a single crescent-shaped wing, finely punched on one side with the monogram "VAS" under royal crown featuring the trefoil cross of Saints Maurice and Lazarus and encircled by the collar of the Order of the Most Holy Annunciation with pendant; set amongst floral motifs, and featuring the royal coat of arms decorated en suite on the other side. Cylindrical ferrule with original straps, with light remains of floral engravings. Earlier wooden shaft of octagonal cross section, covered with countless small brass studs and rosettes. A ceremonial weapon rather than a combat weapon, intended to visually distinguish the elite corps responsible for the sovereign’s personal protection. The rarity of this piece is enhanced by its direct link to the Duke himself, as shown by the personal monogram engraved on the blade. Comparisons: See "Armi in asta Europee del Museo di Artiglieria Torino" by G. Dondi, 2005, pages 137–139.