When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Offered for sale is a rare and highly decorative 19th-century sword/dagger associated with the “Boschi e Selve” Royal Forestry and Gamekeeper Guard of the Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont, dating to the period of King Carlo Alberto (Charles Albert of Sardinia, reigned 1831–1849).
This distinctive type is documented in Italian historical collections as a “Daga per Dragoni Guardiacaccia” from the era of King Carlo Alberto. A particularly important identifying feature is the inscription “BOSCHI E SELVE” appearing on the blade of this example.
The term “Boschi e Selve” was used for the royal administration responsible for the protection, supervision and management of forests and woodland in the Savoy/Piedmontese states, an early predecessor of the later Italian forestry service.
The sword features an exceptionally elaborate brass hilt with a beautifully sculpted eagle-head pommel and dark grip panels. One side of the grip bears an ornate applied monogram-style emblem.
The large shell guard is richly decorated in relief with a crowned eagle bearing the Cross of the House of Savoy on its breast, surrounded by oak leaves, foliage and ornamental scrollwork.
The straight steel blade retains extensive period engraved and etched decoration. Most importantly, the blade bears the inscription:
“BOSCHI E SELVE”
Additional blade decoration includes a crown, winged heraldic eagle with the Savoy cross, floral and foliate motifs, all consistent with the royal Savoy/Piedmontese character of the piece.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT:
The Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont maintained a royal administration for the protection and supervision of forests and woodland known as Boschi e Selve. Historical Italian sources document a very similar weapon as a “Daga per Dragoni Guardiacaccia” from the period of King Carlo Alberto, specifically noting the “Boschi e Selve” inscription on the blade.
King Carlo Alberto of Savoy ruled the Kingdom of Sardinia from 1831 until 1849, placing this piece in the important pre-unification / Risorgimento period of Italian history.
FEATURES:
• Original antique 19th-century edged weapon
• Kingdom of Sardinia / Piedmont-Savoy
• Carlo Alberto era, circa 1830s–1840s
• Boschi e Selve Royal Forestry / Gamekeeper Guard attribution
• “BOSCHI E SELVE” inscription on blade
• Elaborately sculpted eagle-head pommel
• Dark grip panels
• Applied decorative monogram-style emblem on grip
• Ornate brass shell guard
• Crowned Savoy eagle on guard
• Cross of Savoy on eagle’s breast
• Straight steel blade
• Crown and Savoy eagle engraved on blade
• Floral and foliate blade decoration
• Attractive period patina
CONDITION:
Very good antique collectible condition considering its considerable age, with expected age-related patina, surface marks, scratches and finish wear.
The elaborate brass hilt retains excellent relief detail. The eagle-head pommel remains particularly well defined, and the crowned Savoy eagle and surrounding foliage on the guard retain strong detail.
The blade retains extensive visible period decoration, including the important “BOSCHI E SELVE” inscription and heraldic Savoy imagery.
Please examine all photographs carefully for exact condition, markings and details. The photographs show the actual item being offered and form an important part of this description.
The decorative monogram on the grip has not been conclusively attributed to a particular individual, and no claim of ownership by a specific historical person is being made.
A rare and historically fascinating piece for an advanced collection of Italian Risorgimento militaria, Kingdom of Sardinia, House of Savoy, Piedmontese arms, Royal Forestry Guard / Gamekeeper Guard items, antique European swords and 19th-century edged weapons.
Sold as an antique historical collectible.
