Formerly in the Collection of Ferdinand I of Bulgaria (1861-1948)
331
Gold and sapphire pocket knife, late 19th century
Estimate
CHF5,000–7,000
€5,400–7,500
$6,000–8,500
Priority BiddingAvailable through 7 November 4pm CET 2026. Learn more
The hammered gold handle set with a cabochon sapphire, opening to reveal two blades, a pair of scissors and a nail file, with suspension loop, measuring approximately 50 x 11 mm, signed J. A. Henckels, maker's mark.
Full-Cataloguing
Ferdinand I of Bulgaria (1861–1948) was a German-born prince of the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha-Koháry, the son of Prince August of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha and Princess Clémentine of Orléans, daughter of King Louis-Philippe I of France.
He reigned as Prince of Bulgaria from 1887 to 1908 and as Tsar from 1908 until his abdication in 1918. Under his leadership, Bulgaria transformed from an autonomous principality into a fully independent kingdom. In 1908, Ferdinand proclaimed Bulgaria’s independence from the Ottoman Empire, while playing a central role in the modernisation of the country and the development of its industry, military, infrastructure and cultural institutions.
He reigned as Prince of Bulgaria from 1887 to 1908 and as Tsar from 1908 until his abdication in 1918. Under his leadership, Bulgaria transformed from an autonomous principality into a fully independent kingdom. In 1908, Ferdinand proclaimed Bulgaria’s independence from the Ottoman Empire, while playing a central role in the modernisation of the country and the development of its industry, military, infrastructure and cultural institutions.