Motifs of dragons, basilisks and other monsters often appear as decoration on weapons. A unique cartridge-pouch with a basilisk motif, made of nielloed silver sheet, is an excuse to show a modest selection of other items with similar motifs.
An interesting item is a medallion intended for hussar armour, depicting St George killing a dragon. However, it is a 19th-century product: an attempt at forgery or a product of the historicism that was fashionable at the time – a kind of reconstruction that referred to the past.
Poland, 18th c.
Silver, gold, wood, leather, cotton thread, niello, gilding, engraving, cutting, sewing
Deposit of the Academy of Learning, 1896
Poland, 19th/20th c.
Lead, casting
Italy, Milan, workshop of Pietro Caino, first half of the 17th c.
Iron, bone, engraving, forging