Description:

Latin America, Mexico, ca. 1960s CE. This unusual sword is dedicated to actor Francis Lederer, likely a goodwill token from a Raul Fernandez. The blade is etched: "To the great actor Francis Lederer as a memory from his stay in Mexico, Sincerely, Raul Fernandez," along with a possible movie or screenplay title, "A Zapotec Emperor by Raul Fernandez," featuring an ancient stone ruin and an Aztec sun stone. On the other side, it is etched: "Mill of Passions (La Molienda) by Raul Fernande," depicting an adobe mill building with a water wheel and a tree. The inscription reads: "The world's greatest family is the family of the Cinema Artists; it knows no difference in race, religion, or social barriers, as it only speaks one language: ART." Below is "Fabricado por Cervantes Oaxaca Mexico" (Manufactured by Cervantes, Oaxaca, Mexico). The handle is made of nickel brass, with an eagle pommel. Size: 28.5" L x 2" W (72.4 cm x 5.1 cm)

Francis Lederer (1899-2000) was a Czech-born actor known for his work in European and Hollywood films, particularly in the 1920s and 1930s. He gained fame for his roles in movies like "Pandora's Box" (1929) and "Confessions of a Nazi Spy" (1939), later transitioning to television and theater. He was also active in the civic affairs of his residence in Canoga Park and was particularly instrumental in the Canoga Park and Taxco, Mexico, Sister City program, which fosters cultural and artistic exchanges. In 1963, he spent a week visiting various parts of Mexico, including Taxco, as part of a goodwill tour for the Sister City program, and he played a role in supporting initiatives that promoted the town's art and craftsmanship. It is very likely this sword was presented to him as a gift, perhaps from a budding movie director, Raul Fernandez. An intriguing and mysterious piece, as "Zapotec Emperor" and "Mill of Passions" seem to reference specific titles - movies, plays, or books - but no works by a Raul Fernandez with these names can be found in either English or Spanish.

Provenance: Private collection of important Hollywood family, collected between 1930 and 1980

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#192252

  • Condition: Patina and oxidation to blade. Inscriptions are legible. Some minor abrasions, but otherwise intact and good condition.

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June 5, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000