Tiffany & Co presentation "Aztec" dagger designed by G Paulding Farnham and executed in sterling, ivory, and obsidian, the bulbous ivory handle having cabochon accents and continues to the figural mount depicting an Aztec god in high relief, the blade having conforming faceted obsidian inlay and in conjoined lettering, the tip reads AZTEC, marked Tiffany &Co/Makers/Sterling, 11.5"h x 2"w Note: Arguably Tiffany and Company's most eminent nineteenth-century jewelry designer. In 1885, at the tender age of 26, G. Paulding Farnham joined Tiffany's design department. Studying under Edward Moore, Farnham quickly distinguished himself as a skillful and innovative artist. He was given the responsibility, with Moore, of designing the jewelry for Paris's international exposition in 1889 and was "universally recognized as the genius" behind Tiffany's success there when the firm won an unprecedented six gold medals; Loring, John. Tiffany Jewels. New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1999

piece is in estate condition with no prior conservation; ivory grip with age (stress) cracks consistent with age; back of blade with obsidian chips (side with Tiffany mark); front with no chips; blade edges with shallow fleabites (nicks); overall good condition with no apparent losses