[PASCAL PAOLI] 18th century hunting dagger, Corsican sheath, probably belonging to Pascal Paoli. German-style hunting dagger with brass handle, 18th century. The pommel is shaped like a deer hoof, with a stag on the right and a doe on the left. Molding and engraved ornamentation on the rest of the handle. The blade is attached to the handle by a through tang. The back of the blade is slightly curved, with a straight edge and 7 cm counter-edge. The cutting edge is sharp, with traces of previous sharpening visible. The scabbard is similar in architecture to 18th-century Corsican stylus cases. Brass cap and bolt, soldered together. Black leather, traces of wear. Wooden scabbard body, chain held by two rings. An old label on the scabbard reads "Couteau de chasse du célèbre Général Paoli - Libérateur de la Corse". Blade length: 28.2 cm. - Total length: 40.4 cm. The year 1769 had a profound effect on the history of Corsica. On May 8, 1769, Louis XV's army defeated Pascal Paoli's troops at the Battle of Ponte-Novu. Betrayed on all sides, Pascal Paoli organized his exile. To reach London in 1769, Pascal Paoli landed in Italy, then passed through Germany, Holland and finally England. It was during his stay in Germany, notably in Munich and Frankfurt, that he probably ordered this hunting dagger from a local craftsman.