A scepter made from antique ivory, bearing the ‘hand of justice’ of the French Valois dynasty and the personal motto of Louis XII, “Cominus et eminus” (Near or far). The shaft features a cross fleury and the base features a stylized, Gothic revival arched fleur-de-lis. There is strong evidence that the hand is potentially seventeenth or eighteenth century, given the deep desiccation cracks, patination, and carving the style; it is also the right hand, which was the standard before it switched to the left with the coronation of Napoleon. Similar hands to this were used in various coronation staffs, ecumenical staffs, etc. so some were in circulation in private collections by the Victorian era. The scepter body itself is likely Victorian in origin. Measures 30 inches top to bottom. No international shipping. Know your local laws prior to bidding. | This lot has a reserve.
Condition Report
Checking indicative of age.
