A Large, Exhibited Gilt Bronze Knight & Dragon Vampire Stake, 19th century

This large and powerful wooden vampire stake features two bronze and gilt dragons positioned so that together they form a stylized cross. The carved wood handle is incised with a small gilt cross that is surmounted by the standing figure of a knight in full battle dress, his long cloak falling in soft folds behind him, his right hand holding his long sword, a horn slung over his right shoulder, and his left hand raised. The sign of the dragon is shown on his breastplate and a dragon, standing alert, is attached to the helmet he wears. This knight represents the Knightly Order of the Dragon which was dedicated to fighting the enemies of Christendom and had a defeated dragon as its emblem. This emblem symbolized the order had defeated and would continue to defeat evil as represented by the dragon.

Until the early 20th century, many people believed vampire stories were true. Across cultures and continents, the powers of vampire-like ghouls were blamed for phenomena for which there was no medical explanation, such as the spread of disease or what happens to the human body after death. One of the 19th century’s most intriguing mysteries involves the. manufacturing and selling of vampire-slaying accouterments. People could choose the necessities to vanquish vampires: stakes, knives, hammers, crucifixes, bibles, and holy water. While the origins of this vampire equipment continue to be shrouded in mystery, recent historical evidence suggests that such tools became popular in Western Europe after Bram Stroker published his novel “Dracula” in 1897, captivating audiences with romantic tales of gothic horror. Individuals who were superstitious about traveling to Eastern Europe would only embark on the journey if they were armed with vampire-slaying essentials, such as this impressive example.

Medium: Wood, bronze

Dimensions: 24.5 x 9.5 x 2.25 inches (62 x 24 x 6 cm)

Condition: Intact and in very good condition overall.

Provenance: Deaccessioned from the Vampire & Paranormal Museum Collection (VPMC), Lambertville, New Jersey, thereafter a private NJ collection.