Thomas Del Mar Ltd

Thomas Del Mar Ltd
In association with Sotheby’s
Antique Arms, Armour & Militaria
London
Wednesday 9th December 2009
AUCTION ENQUIRIES AND INFORMATION
Sale Number: 9
Code name:
Windsor
Enquiries
Catalogue
Thomas Del Mar
Ian Eaves
£15 plus postage
Clair Boluski
George Duckett
Thomas Del Mar Ltd
25 Blythe Road
London W14 0PD
Tel: +44 (0) 207 602 4805
Fax: +44 (0) 207 602 5973
Email: [email protected]
Online Catalogue:
www.thomasdelmar.com
www.antiquestradegazette.com/thomasdelmar
Thomas Del Mar Ltd gratefully acknowledges
Peter Smith for his assistance in the preparation
of this catalogue.
Front cover: lot 266
Back cover: lot 147
Thomas Del Mar Ltd
In association with
ANTIQUE ARMS, ARMOUR & MILITARIA
including
THE LAMBLE COLLECTION
A COLLECTION OF HIGHLY DECORATED EUROPEAN SMALL-SWORDS
AND THE PROPERTY OF A EUROPEAN COLLECTOR
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION AT
Thomas Del Mar Ltd
25 Blythe Road
London
W14 0PD
PUBLIC EXHIBITION
Sunday 6th December
12 noon to 4pm
Monday 7th December
10am to 7pm
Tuesday 8th December
10am to 5pm
DAY OF SALE
Wednesday 9th December 2009
at 12 noon, precisely
This auction is conducted by Thomas Del Mar Ltd in accordance with our Conditions of Business printed in the
back of this catalogue.
All questions and comments relating to the operation of this sale or to its contents should be addressed to
Thomas Del Mar Ltd and NOT to Sotheby’s.
view catalogue and contact us online at www.thomasdelmar.com
www.antiquestradegazette/thomasdelmar.com
i
ii
Important Information for Buyers
All lots are offered subject to Thomas Del Mar Ltd’s Condition’s of Business and to reserves. The Conditions of Business for
Buyers are published at the end of the catalogue.
Please note that all measurements including bore sizes are approximate.
Estimates are published as a guide only and are subject to review. The actual hammer price of a lot may well be higher or
lower than the range of figures given and there are no fixed “starting prices”.
A Buyer’s premium of 20% is applicable to all lots in this sale. Excepting lots sold under Temporary Import rules which are
marked with the symbol ‡ (see below), the Buyer’s Premium is subject to VAT at the standard rate (currently 15%). Lots
offered for sale under the auctioneer’s margin scheme and VAT on the Buyer’s Premium is payable by all buyers.
Lots marked with the symbol ‡ have been imported from outside the European Union (EU) to be sold at auction under
Temporary Import Rules. When released to buyers within the EU, including the UK, the buyer will become the importer and
must pay VAT at the rate of 5% on the hammer price. The Buyer’s premium will be subject to the standard VAT rate at
15%. Buyers outside the EU will normally be eligible to obtain a refund in respect of VAT, upon satisfactory documentary
evidence of exportation. Further information on this matter is available on request.
Thomas Del Mar Ltd. will be pleased to execute bids on behalf of those clients unable to attend the sale in person, subject
to our Conditions of Business. All bids must be submitted in writing in good time and lots will always be purchased as
cheaply as possible (depending on any other bids received, reserves and competition in the saleroom). This service is
offered free of charge.
Thomas Del Mar Ltd. can supply quotations for shipping of purchases, including transit insurance and VAT refund
administration fees, and will assist in the application for any export licenses which may be required. Administration fees
may be applicable for this. Buyers are reminded that it is their responsibility to comply with UK export regulations and with
any local import requirements.
Payment
Payment is due in sterling at the conclusion of the sale and before purchases can be released. Please note that we require
seven days to clear sterling cheques unless special arrangements have been made in advance of the sale. We are pleased
to accept major credit cards (regrettably we are unable to accept American Express), for which a surcharge will be made of
3% of the transaction total. There is no charge for payments made by UK registered debit card. Cash payments and credit
card payments above £6,000 will not be accepted without prior arrangement.
Electronic transfers may be sent directly to our Bank:
HSBC Bank Plc
38 High Street
Dartford
Kent
DA1 1DG
IBAN No.:
BIC.:
Sort Code:
Account No.:
Account Name.:
GB78MIDL40190481632140
MIDLGB22
40-19-04
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Thomas Del Mar Ltd
Storage
On receipt of cleared funds, lots can be collected from Thomas Del Mar Ltd’s premises at 25 Blythe Road, London W14
0PD. Please note that collection is BY APPOINTMENT on +44 (0) 207 602 4805. All lots should be cleared within one
month of the auction date, after which they will be transferred to a third party for storage. A transfer fee of £10 per lot plus
all incurred transfer and storage costs due to the third party will be payable prior to release.
iii
Select Bibliography
R. Akehurst 1972
Richard Akehurst, The World of Guns, 1972
Arms and Armour
Society 1963
The Art of the Armourer: An Exhibition of Armour, Swords and Firearms, London 1963
H. L. Blackmore 1986
Howard L.Blackmore, A Dictionary of London Gunmakers 1350-1850, Oxford 1986
C. Blair 1972
Claude Blair, Three Presentation Swords in the Victoria and Albert Museum and a group of English
enamels, London, 1972
C. Blair 1974
Claude Blair, Arms, Armour and Base-Metal Work, in the James A. de Rothschild Collection at
Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury 1974
L. G. Boccia 1991
Lionello Giorgio Boccia, L’Armeria del Museo Civico Medievale di Bologna, Bologna 1991
A. R. Chodyñski 1987
Antonio Romuald Chodyñski Horse Muzzles in ZHWK, Band 46, Heft 1, 1987
A. D. Darling 1969
Anthony D. Darling, The British Basket Hilted Cavalry Sword in The Canadian Journal of Arms
Collecting, Vol.7, No.3, Ontario 1969
A. D. Darling 1970
Anthony D. Darling, Weapons of the Highlands Regiments, 1740 to 1780, Canadian Journal of Arms
Collecting, Vol.8, No.1, Ontario 1970
B. Dean 1929
Bashford Dean, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Catalogue of European Court Swords and Hunting
Swords: Including the Ellis, de Dino, Riggs and Reubell Collections, New York 1929
A. R. Dufty 1974
Arthur Richard Dufty, European Swords and Daggers in the Tower of London, London 1974
R. Elgood 2004
Robert Elgood, Hindu Arms and Ritual, Arms and Armour from India 1400-1865, The Netherlands 2004
Estruch 1896
Museo Armeria de D. José Estruch Y Cumella, Barcelona 1896
A. Farrington 1999
A Biographical Index of East India Company Maritime Service Officers 1600-1834, London 1999
A. Farrington 1999
Catalogue of East India Company Ships’ Journals and Logs, London 1999
Zschille 1893
R. Forrer, Die Waffensammlung Des Herrn Stradtrath Rich. Zschille, Berlin 1893
W. B. Gusler and
J. D. Lavin 1977
Wallace B. Gusler and James D. Lavin, Decorated Firearms 1540-1870, from the Collection of
Clay P. Bedford, Williamsburg 1977
D. F. Harding 1997
David Frankland Harding, Small Arms of the East India Company 1600-1856, Oxford 1997
J. F. Hayward 1963
John F. Hayward, Swords & Daggers, London 1963
J. F. Hayward 1963
John F. Hayward, The Art of the Gunmaker, London 1963
J.F. Hayward 1980
John F. Hayward, Bertrand Piraube in Livrustkammaren, Vol.15, No. 5, 1980
R. Herbert 1940
R. Herbert, Catalogue of the Museum and Reference Library (Limerick). North Munster Antiquaries
Journal, 1940
J. V. Kalmár 1935/6
J.V. Kalmár, Säbel und Schwert in Ungarn in ZHWK, 1935/6
M. Kelvin 1996
Martin Kelvin, The Scottish Pistol, London 1996
A. N. Kennard 1986
A.N.Kennard, Gunfounding and Gunfounders. A Directory of Cannon Founders from Earliest Times to
1850, London 1986
iv
G. F. Laking 1920
Guy Francis Laking, A Record of European Armour and Arms: Through Seven Centuries, 1920
D. J. Larocca 1992
Donald J. LaRocca, Sorting Out Simonin: Pattern Books for Decorated Firearms, 1684-1705 in Studies
in European Arms and Armour, Cambridge 1992
D. J. LaRocca 2006
Donald J. LaRocca, Warriors of the Himalayas: Rediscovering the Arms of Tibet, New York 2006
T. Lenk 1965
Torsten Lenk, The Flintlock: its origin and development, London 1965
W. Keith Neal and
D. H. L. Back 1984
W.Keith Neal & D.H.L.Back, Great British Gunmakers 1540-1740, Norwich 1984
A. V. B. Norman 1980
A. V. B. Norman, The Rapier and Small-Sword, 1460-1820, London 1980
A. V. B. Norman 1986
A. V. B. Norman, Wallace Collection Catalogues: European Arms and Armour Supplement,
London 1986
E. Petrasch, R. Sänger,
E. Zimmermann and
H. G. Majer 1991
Ernst Petrasch, Reinhard Sänger, Eva Zimmerman and Hans Georg Majer, Die Karlsruher Türkenbeute,
Munich 1991
J. P. Puype 1996
Jan Piet Puype, The Visser Collection: Arms of the Netherlands in the collection of H.L.Visser.
Volume 1, Parts 1-3, Amsterdam 1996
B. Robson 1996
Brian Robson, Swords of the British Army. The Regulation Patterns 1788-1914, London 1996
W. Rose 1909-02
Dr. Walther Rose, Die Bedeutung des gotischen Streitkolbens als Waffe und als Würdezeichen
published in ZHWK 1909-02
Schallaburg 1977
Schallaburg, Das Wiener Bürgerliche Zeughaus, Vienna 1977
J. Sensfelder 2007
Jens Sensfelder, Crossbows in the Royal Netherlands Army Museum, Delft 2007
R. D. Smith 1989
Robert D. Smith, British Naval Armaments, London 1989
L. Southwick 1982
Leslie Southwick, The Price Guide to Antique Edged Weapons, Suffolk 1982
L. Southwick 1990
Leslie Southwick, ‘The recipients, goldsmiths and costs of the swords presented by the Corporation of
the City of London in JAAS, Vol. XIII, No. 3, London 1990
L. Southwick 1997
Leslie Southwick, New facts about James Morisset and a revised list of his known works, with others
by his successors, John Ray and James Montague in JAAS, Vol. XV, No. 6, London 1997
L. Southwick 2001
Leslie Southwick, London Silver-hilted Swords, their makers, suppliers and allied traders, with
directory, Leeds 2001
L. Southwick 2009
Leslie Southwick, Matthew Boulton’s small-sword hilt designs, his links with the London sword trade
and new light on cut-steel-hilted swords in JAAS, Vol. XIX, No.6, London, 2009
A. W. F. Taylerson,
R. A. N Andrews
and J. Frith 1968
A.W.F. Taylerson, R.A.N. Andrews & J. Frith, The Revolver 1818-1865, London 1968
H. R. Uhlemann 1968
Heinz R. Uhlemann, Kostbare Blankwaffen, aus dem Deutschen Klingenmuseum Solingen,
Düsseldorf 1968
Eric Valentine 1968
Eric Valentine, Rapiers: An Illustrated Reference Guide to the Rapiers of the 16th and 17th Centuries,
with their Companions, Cambridge 1968
v
vi
1
3
Eastern Arms and Armour
VARIOUS OWNERS
1
A JAPANESE KATANA
with curved single-edged blade, plain tang pierced with
two holes, pierced iron tsuba, fabric-bound sharkskincovered grip, with two regulation brass menuki, in its
regulation leather-covered wooden saya (worn), together
with a note recording its surrender by 2nd Lieutenant
Kitazawa to Flying Officer Aitken at Saigon on 11th
December 1945
57cm; 22I in blade
£200-300
3
A JAPANESE KATANA
with slightly curved single-edged blade retaining some
wavy hamon, signed tang pierced with a single hole, in
shira saya
68cm; 26Nin
£300-400
2
A JAPANESE W.W.II N.C.O’s KATANA, NO.144050
with curved regulation blade, steel tsuba, aluminium grip,
in its saya
67.5cm; 26Kin blade
£200-300
1
4
4
A JAPANESE WAKIZASHI
with slightly curved single-edged blade retaining a wavy
hamon (chips), plain tang pierced with two holes, in shira
saya
56cm; 22in blade
5
6
A JAPANESE YARI
with stout blade of triangular section, cut with a red
lacquer-filled fuller on one side, moulded at the base,
signed tang, in its saya, and complete with its lacquered
cover
19cm; 7I in head
£400-600
£300-400
5
A JAPANESE WAKIZASHI
with slightly curved single-edged blade retaining a straight
hamon, signed tang pierced with two holes, in shira saya
43.2cm; 17in blade
£300-400
2
6
7
A JAPANESE FULL ARMOUR, 19TH CENTURY
comprising kabuto with lacquered central panel, fitted with
lacquered peak and neck-guard, lacquered mempo, black
lacquered cuirass, and a pair of full arm and leg defences
formed of lacquered plates and mail on fabric (losses, the
lacquer with areas of rust)
£1000-1500
8
THREE PAIRS AND THREE SINGLE JAPANESE STIRRUPS
(ABUMI BATTO)
each of characteristic form, rising up to a buckle for
suspension, the first pair decorated over the outer surface
with silver flowers and signed on the top (losses,
patinated); the second pair heavily rusted, retaining traces
of silver decoration; the third pair painted with black and
gold paint; the first single stirrup decorated over its outer
surface with brass foliage and signed at the top; the
second decorated with brass and bronze mon over its
surface and signed in silver at the top (losses); the third
decorated with brass foliage over its surface (heavily pitted)
(9)
£200-300
8
7
3
9
10
9
A 28 BORE JAPANESE SNAP MATCHLOCK MUSKET,
CIRCA 1870
with octagonal swamped sighted barrel formed with a
vase-shaped muzzle encrusted with a series of silver ribs,
inlaid over the breech in soft metal with an exotic bird and
traditional foliage, integral pan (pivot-cover and fence
missing, patinated), the breech enclosed by a broad
engraved brass band decorated with a stylised warrior
mask, brass lock engraved with scrollwork and a flower,
sprung serpentine, cherrywood full stock impressed with
characters and applied with a long panel of engraved brass
enriched with silver plaquettes beneath the fore-end,
applied over the spine with a shaped brass plaque
engraved with cloud ornament, and brass mounts including
trigger-guard and trigger-plate, and silver foliate barrel bolt
escutcheons (ramrod missing)
100cm; 39Gin barrel
10
A 28 BORE JAPANESE SNAP-MATCHLOCK MUSKET,
CIRCA 1870
with octagonal swamped sighted barrel inlaid with a silver
mon at the breech and signed beneath, retained by a broad
brass muzzle band and a further band at the breech
extending over the tang and engraved with a warrior mask,
integral pan with brass pivot-cover and fence, brass lock,
sprung moulded brass serpentine, brass trigger,
cherrywood full stock (fore-end chipped), and brass
mounts including trigger-guard, trigger-plate, and a series
of foliate rondels including four pairs of barrel bolt
escutcheons (ramrod missing)
101cm; 39Nin barrel
The signature beneath the breech reads:
‘Koshu ju, Wadaharudayu zo kore’ (Wadaharudayu made
this living in Koshu)
£700-900
£600-800
4
12
13
11
A 32 BORE JAPANESE SNAP-MATCHLOCK MUSKET,
CIRCA 1870
with octagonal swamped sighted barrel formed with a
vase-shaped muzzle encrusted with silver behind, signed
beneath the breech and inlaid on top with with foliage and
a tiger (losses, areas of pitting), the breech enclosed by a
brass band, brass lock, sprung serpentine, cherrywood full
stock, applied with engraved silver rosettes, and brass
mounts including trigger-guard, silver rosette barrel bolt
escutcheons, and later wooden ramrod
102.3cm; 40Din barrel
‡ £500-700
12
AN 11 BORE JAPANESE SNAP-MATCHLOCK MUSKET,
CIRCA 1870
with heavy tapering barrel retained by a brass breech band
(areas of pitting), vase-shaped muzzle incorporating a
triangular fore-sight, pierced block-shaped back-sight, inlaid
with a silver mon over the breech and signed beneath,
integral pan with brass pivot-cover and fence, brass lock,
sprung moulded brass serpentine, brass trigger,
cherrywood full stock (minor repairs), signed in ink beneath
the breech, brass mounts including trigger-plate, and foliate
barrel bolt escutcheons, and original ramrod
69.2cm; 27Din barrel
The signature beneath the breech reads:
‘Gotei no uchi Kaei boshin natsu’ (Kaei year, summer)
‘Tamaoki Naohito ..Koshu, Kunitomo...Kiyo..’ and on the
stock ‘Yoshida Saburousukezaemon’, perhaps the name of
the owner.
£600-800
13
A 48 BORE JAPANESE SNAP-MATCHLOCK MUSKET,
CIRCA 1870
with slender tapering barrel retained by a brass breech
band (worn, painted black), swelling at the muzzle (foresight removed), pierced block-shaped back-sight, inlaid in
silver with a rabbit over the breech and signed beneath,
integral pan with brass pivot-cover and fence, brass lock
(serpentine missing), brass trigger, cherrywood full stock,
signed in ink beneath the breech (worn) and brass mounts
(ramrod and three barrel bolt escutcheons missing)
70cm; 27I in barrel
The signature beneath the breech reads:
‘Koshu Kunitomo Kaji Masahide’
£300-500
5
14
A BURMESE DHA, 20TH CENTURY
with slightly curved single-edged blade decorated with
scrolling silver foliage, exotic birds and beasts, white metal
hilt of characteristic form, in its scabbard
63cm; 24Nin blade
£40-60
15
A CHINESE SWORD, 19TH CENTURY
with straight double-edged blade, brass hilt comprising
cross-piece and shaped pommel each engraved with
traditional designs, reeded wooden grip, in its wooden
scabbard encased with tortoiseshell (small chips and
cracks) and fitted with five brass mounts engraved en suite
with the hilt
41.2cm; 16Din
£120-180
16
TWELVE PAIRS OF CHINESE AND TIBETAN STIRRUPS
the first pair of bronze with oval treads, slender tapering
side panels rising to a loop for suspension, cast and
chiselled on each side with a dragon, decorated over much
of its surface with polychrome flowers and five clawed
dragons against a blue ground in cloisonné; the second of
brass decorated over much of its surface with polychrome
flowers against a blue ground in cloisonné; and five
Chinese and Tibetan pairs of steel stirrups; three pairs of
bronze stirrups; another pair and a pair of Chinese horn
stirrups
15
(24)
£300-400
17
A JAVANESE KRIS, LATE 19TH CENTURY
with pattern welded wavy blade, gilt-brass openwork selut
decorated with beads, and finely carved beaked ivory
pommel (small chips, loose)
37cm; 14I in
£100-150
16
6
18
A BHUTANESE SILVER-MOUNTED GARNITURE OF TWO
SWORDS AND TWO DAGGERS, 19TH CENTURY
the swords with broad single-edged blades, silver hilts of
characteristic form including openwork pommels pierced
with geometric designs and scrolls, grips bound with
plaited wire, in their original wooden scabbards entirely
encased in white metal chased with a pattern of geometric
designs and scrollwork on the inner face and foliage on the
outer, and one sword with a scaly dragon, all enriched with
gilding; the daggers with broad single-edged fullered
blades, and hilts and scabbards decorated in a similar
manner to the swords, together with two contemporary
Bhutanese belts with silver mounts cast and chased with
similar ornament
the swords: 68cm; 26Nin and 64.7cm; 25I in blades
(6)
For a sword and scabbard with closely related ornament to
the present two swords, described variously as a ‘Royal
sword’ and a ‘Royal Tibetan sword’, see D. J. LaRocca
2006, pp.171-2 cat. no. 73.
£1200-1800
18
7
19
20
19
AN INDIAN TALWAR WITH DECORATED HILT, LATE 18TH
CENTURY
with curved blade double-edged towards the point (areas
of light pitting), steel hilt of characteristic form including a
pair of short quillons, recurved knuckle-guard and large
disc pommel, decorated over its entire surface with gold
koftgari flowers within a silver cartouche-shaped
framework, in its original wooden scabbard covered with
leather tooled with a spiralling pattern of foliage and
beadwork, and white metal chape (small losses)
75.5cm; 29Nin blade
20
AN INDIAN TALWAR WITH SILVERED HILT, 19TH
CENTURY
with earlier curved European blade stamped with the
bladesmith's name (rubbed) within a long fuller on each
face and double-edged towards the tip, silver-plated copper
hilt of characteristic form, including a pair of langets with
shaped terminals, decorated on each side with a rondel
filled with a flower formed of seven raised settings filled
with opals (three missing), a pair of short quillons, recurved
knuckle-guard with monsterhead finial, and large discshaped pommel with an up-turned rim, in its fabric-covered
wooden scabbard (worn, chape missing)
76cm; 30in blade
£1000-1500
£1000-1500
8
21
21
AN FINE INDIAN SILVER-HILTED TALWAR, 18TH
CENTURY, PROBABLY DELHI
with curved single-edged blade of watered steel, inlaid in
gold with a calligraphic cartouche one side (losses), silver
hilt comprising a pair of quillons with button-shaped finials,
a pair of attenuated langets with pierced finials, recurved
knuckle-guard terminating in a monstrous head, large discshaped pommel with a pierced loop for suspension,
integral grip, and engraved throughout with geometric
flowers and foliage within delicate beadwork frames
79.2cm; 31Din blade
£2500-3500
9
22
23
22
AN INDIAN TALWAR, EARLY 19TH CENTURY
with curved blade double-edged towards the point,
stamped with a mark at the forte on one side and pierced
with a hole, iron hilt of characteristic form, decorated over
its full surface with conventional foliage and flowerheads in
gold, in a leather-covered wooden scabbard
77cm; 30Gin blade
24
25
24
AN INDIAN TALWAR, EARLY 19TH CENTURY
with curved single-edged watered blade, iron hilt of
characteristic form, decorated over its surface with an
encrusted design of flowers and foliage in silver,
highlighted with gold flowers
86.2cm; 34in blade
£300-400
£500-600
23
AN INDIAN TALWAR, EARLY 19TH CENTURY
with curved fullered blade double-edged towards the point,
iron hilt of characteristic form, decorated over its surface
with an encrusted design of panels filled with scrolling
foliage and flowers in gold, and the pommel decorated with
a running pattern of foliage and ropework on the respective
sides
79.5cm; 31Gin blade
£400-500
10
25
AN INDIAN TALWAR, EARLY 19TH CENTURY
with curved blade double-edged towards the point, iron hilt
of characteristic form, decorated over its surface with an
encrusted symmetrical design of silver scrolls and foliage
centring on flowers against a punched ground
87cm; 34Din blade
£300-400
26
A RARE NORTH INDIAN SWORD, EARLY 19TH CENTURY
with curved single-edged blade of watered steel (small
patches of very light pitting), steel hilt comprising a pair of
short bulbous quillons chiselled with expanded
flowerheads on the terminals, recurved knuckle-guard, an
additional outer-guard formed of a small basal guard
pierced with stylised birds, two bars converging at the top
and recurved en suite with the pommel, a pair of
attenuated langets, fluted spherical pommel, applied over
its full surface with gold koftgari scrolls and foliage on a
russet ground, and solid grip decorated en suite, in its
velvet-covered wooden scabbard with pierced copper
chape
82cm; 32Din blade
A sword with an identical hilt is illustrated L. Southwick
1982, p. 187, no. 531.
£3000-5000
26
11
27
28
27
THREE INDIAN TALWARS WITH DECORATED HILTS, 19TH
CENTURY
each with curved blade, one stamped with a mark at the
forte, iron hilts of characteristic form, the first decorated
with gold and silver flowers, the second with silver koftgari
flowers, and the third chiselled with foliage highlighted in
silver (losses), and later scabbards
the first: 77.5cm; 30I in blade
28
FIVE INDIAN SWORDS, 18TH/19TH CENTURIES
the first based on the English Infantry pattern of 1822, with
etched blade and the hilt including a crossed sword and
baton, in its scabbard, the second and third with curved
blades double-edged towards the points, and the hilts
decorated with foliage and animal head pommels; the
fourth South Indian, with broad curved single-edged blade
decorated along the back-edge, engraved brass hilt and
hardwood grip; and the last probably for a child, with
straight blade double-edged toward the point and hilt of
talwar form
the first: 81.5cm; 32Bin blade
(3)
£300-400
(5)
£200-300
12
29
29
AN INDIAN PATA, 17TH CENTURY
with broad double-edged blade, probably of European
make, iron gauntlet hilt of characteristic form, incorporating
a pair of shaped panels extending over the lower portion of
the blade, decorated around the border with beadwork and
strongly moulded about the cuff (one side holed,
laminations), and retaining its original grip bar and arm
support
98.4cm; 38Nin blade
30
31
31
A SOUTH INDIAN SWORD (PATISSA), 17TH CENTURY
with double-edged blade swelling to a rounded tip,
engraved steel hilt formed with a pair of engraved
attenuated langets extending over the lower portion of the
blade on each side, figure-of-eight shaped dish-guard upturned on each side, up-turned cup-shaped pommel and
solid grip (the engraving refreshed)
84cm; 33in
£500-600
£450-550
30
A RARE INDIAN SWORD CANE, EARLY 19TH CENTURY
with robust single-edged blade, rectangular forte formed
with blunt edges and decorated with differing designs of
gold koftgari foliage, flowers and scrolls on the respective
faces, steel hilt comprising ferrule formed as a monstrous
mask with red stone eyes, a further green stone above and
gold koftgari stylised bibri stripes, grip of talwar form, and
large hemispherical pommel, decorated throughout with
gold koftgari en suite with the forte (small losses), in its
original steel-tipped wooden scabbard with painted locket
decorated with animals and an exotic bird (losses)
83.2cm; 32Nin blade
£1500-2000
13
32
32
TWO INDIAN KHANDA, 17TH/18TH CENTURY
the first with broad blade double-edged towards the tip, cut
with a brief inscription on one side, steel hilt of
characteristic form extending over the forte, attenuated
pommel, and retaining a portion of an early grip liner; the
second with broad blade of watered steel, the lower
portion enclosed by a shaped plaque with sides of unequal
length extending over the edges, steel hilt of talwar form
decorated over its surface with silver koftgari flowers and
foliage (worn)
83.5cm; 32Pin blade
33
34
TWO SOUTH INDIAN SWORDS, PATISSA, LATE
16TH/17TH CENTURIES
each with blunt blade swelling to a broad tip, iron hilt of
characteristic form extending over the lower portion of the
blade, disc-shaped guard of v-section, integral grip, and
cup-shaped pommel (rust patinated throughout)
74.5cm; 29Gin and 67cm; 26Din blades
(2)
The blunt edges are unusual and would suggest that these
might have been intended for practice use.
(2)
£200-300
£500-600
33
AN INDIAN SHAMSHIR FOR A CHILD, LATE 18TH
CENTURY
with curved single-edged blade retaining traces of watered
pattern, copper hilt including a pair of langets, short
quillons, knuckle-guard with recurved bud-shaped finial,
faceted grip, the pommel fitted with a hinged loop for
suspension, and retaining much original gilding, in its
fabric-covered wooden scabbard (losses)
51.5cm; 20Din blade
£300-400
14
34
35
36
35
AN INDIAN JADE-HILTED DAGGER, LATE 19TH/20TH
CENTURY
with double-edged blade swelling towards the point,
formed with a central rib and a pair of tapering fullers on
each face, the forte enclosed by a shaped sleeve decorated
with gold koftgari scrollwork on each side, finely carved hilt
of figured jade, carved with lotus flowers and foliage at the
base, the pommel formed as a bridled horse, the eyes set
with colourless stones, and the mane extending over the
spine
38cm; 15in
36
AN INDIAN CARVED ROCK CRYSTAL DAGGER HILT, 18TH
CENTURY
of strongly curved rounded form, carved with a band of
foliage centring on an expanded flowerhead on each side
at the base, and rising to a pommel formed as a bird-ofprey's head each enriched with gold, and decorated
throughout with gilt flowers (areas of wear)
16.5cm; 6I in
£2000-3000
£3000-5000
15
37
38
37
TWO SOUTH INDIAN DAGGERS, CHILANUM, 16TH/17TH
CENTURY, PROBABLY DECCAN
the first formed entirely of steel (rust patinated), with
recurved fullered blade, steel hilt formed with a pair of
shaped panels enclosing the lower portion of the blade, a
pair of curling horns forming the pommel, and the grip
interrupted by a spherical moulding; and the second
recurved blade cut with a pair of short tapering fullers
divided by a medial ridge on each side, carved wooden hilt
(cracked) fitted with a brass ferrule at the base, flattened
elliptical pommel, and the grip interrupted by a central
moulding
the first: 30cm; 11Nin
38
THREE SOUTH INDIAN DAGGERS 17TH/EARLY 18TH
CENTURY
the first with recurved fullered blade, iron hilt of chilanum
form, including grip with central moulding, the second with
recurved blade formed with a medial ridge, iron hilt
comprising oval cross-guard with beaded border, and bird's
head pommel, and the third similar to the second, with hilt
of more plain form (rusted throughout)
the first: 36.8cm; 14I in blade
(2)
For a discussion of this group and their dating see R.
Elgood 2004, pp. 163-179.
£300-400
16
(3)
£400-500
39
39
AN INDIAN KATAR, 18TH CENTURY AND AN INDIAN
FOLDING KATAR
the first with reinforced blade, chiselled and gilt with a
leaping tiger confronted by an elephant within a broad
fuller on each face (the gold with losses), steel hilt of
characteristic form decorated on the inner and outer faces
of the side bars with a running pattern of scrolling foliage
and flowers within linear frames, and the grip-bars
highlighted with lines of gold; the second of characteristic
form, the blade covers decorated with a panel of silver
foliage, in a fabric-covered wooden scabbard
the first: 45cm; 17Nin
40
40
A SOUTH INDIAN KATAR, 18TH CENTURY
with separate blade cut with a slender central fuller on each
face, steel hilt including a pair of shaped panels extending
over the forte, broad tapering side bars, and a pair of
moulded grip-bars, chiselled over its full surface with a
pattern of flowers and foliage (worn), in its fabric-covered
wooden scabbard with a silver chape embossed with
foliage (light wear)
41cm; 16Bin
£300-400
(2)
£450-550
17
41
TWO INDIAN DAGGERS, 18TH AND 19TH CENTURIES
the first with recurved fullered blade reinforced at the tip,
steel hilt including oval guard drawn-out to a pair of short
moulded quillons, ivory grip of khanjarli form retained by
five rivets on each side, the second with curved fullered
blade reinforced at the tip, iron hilt, and a pair of shaped
ivory grip-scales (one chipped, age cracks)
the first: 37cm; 14Kin
(2)
£300-400
41
42
TWO INDIAN DAGGERS, 19TH AND 20TH CENTURIES
the first comprising two recurved fullered blades swelling
towards the tip, central grip incorporating a pair of bone
grip-scales, and fitted with a knuckle-bow with an
additional short blade, the second with reinforced singleedged blade brass hilt, and stone grip-scales
the first: 52.5cm; 20Nin
(2)
£250-400
43
43
THREE INDIAN DAGGERS, BICHWA, 18TH AND 19TH
CENTURIES
with characteristic recurved double-edged blades, one with
brass moulded hilt with pierced border and bud-shaped
finial, in its scabbard; the second with steel hilt with
moulded border; and the third with brass hilt involving
stylised monsterheads
the first: 34cm; 13I in
(3)
£250-350
44
44
AN INDIAN DAGGER, LATE 19TH CENTURY
with broad serrated double-edged blade cut with a pair of
long fullers on each side, swelling at the forte and
decorated with gold koftgari foliage and a calligraphic
cartouche on each side, iron hilt including a pair of downcurved bud-shaped quillons, double-beaked pommel, and
decorated over its surface with leafy ornament en suite
with the forte, in its fabric-covered wooden scabbard
55.3cm; 21Nin
£400-600
18
45
AN INDIAN AXE, 19TH CENTURY, POSSIBLY SIND
with crescentic axe blade, the lower portion encased in
gilt-brass decorated with repoussé scrolling foliage and
flowers, flat rear pean decorated with an elephant and a
mounted warrior on either side, gilt-brass haft decorated en
suite with the base of the head, and retaining its chiselled
basal cap incorporating a concealed dagger
52cm; 20I in
£1500-2000
46
AN INDIAN MACE, 17TH CENTURY
of russet iron, with two-stage head formed of eight wedgeshaped flanges (two detached), tapering fluted haft, and hilt
of khanda form including curved attenuated pommel with
bud finial
85.7cm; 33Kin
£300-400
45
47
AN INDIAN SHORT SPEAR, EARLY 19TH CENTURY
with tapering single-edged blade-like head of watered steel,
figured hardwood haft with moulded terminal, and fabriccovered wooden scabbard
24.5cm; 9Nin head
£150-250
46
19
48
A GROUP OF TWELVE INDIAN ANKUS, 17TH AND 18TH
CENTURIES
of characteristic form, one with pierced body filled with
bells, eight with wooden hafts, and the remainder formed
entirely of steel (rusted)
48.8cm; 19Din to 79cm; 31in
(12)
£400-600
48
49
FIVE INDIAN AXES, 17TH-19TH CENTURIES
the first formed entirely of steel with crescentic head,
central spike, brass elephant-shaped rear pean, and steel
haft; the second with crescentic head, rear pean formed as
a pair of lustrating elephants, on its wooden haft, and three
with robust wedge-shaped heads, rear peans, and wooden
hafts
the first: 56cm; 22in
(5)
£300-400
50
FOUR INDIAN FAKIR’S CRUTCHES, 17TH AND 18TH
CENTURIES
each formed entirely of steel, with concealed blades, two
with recurved finials and two with crescentic finials, and
each with bud-shaped terminals (rusted)
54.5cm; 21I in and 59cm; 23Din
(4)
£200-300
49
50
20
51
AN INDIAN SPEAR, 18TH CENTURY
with slender tapering head formed with a reinforced tip,
decorated at the base with an applied panel of engraved
and punched silver decorated with flowers, tapering
moulded silvered socket engraved with lozenges filled with
flowers and scrolls, on its original two-piece wooden haft
with large chased gilt-brass mounts, and retaining a long
moulded steel basal cap, applied with engraved silver en
suite with the head
35.5cm; 14in head
Provenance
Robin Wigington
£700-900
52
TWO INDIAN CEREMONIAL CHOBAS AND AN AFRICAN
SHIELD
the chobas of tapering tubular form, interrupted by spirally
fluted moulded collars, iron basal cap, the top portions
decorated with bold fluting and cut with a brief inscription
beneath; the shield of hide, and fitted with a wooden staff
at the back
the first: 125.8cm; 49I in
(3)
£200-300
52
51
21
53
A VERY FINE AND RARE TURKISH GOLD, ENAMELLED
AND GEM-SET DAGGER WITH LAPIS LAZULI HILT, EARLY
18TH CENTURY
with tapering single-edged blade of watered steel,
decorated on one side with a gold-encrusted scroll and a
spray of tulip flowers, gold ferrule (incomplete), faceted hilt
of gold-flecked lapis lazuli (one small chip at the base),
rising to a beaked pommel set with a ruby in a raised floral
gold setting, in its original gold scabbard, the inner face
enamelled in polychrome with a vertical arrangement of
conventional flowers with sprays of foliage highlighted with
green enamelled leaves (the enamel with small losses), all
against a finely punched matted ground, the outer face
decorated with a large panel top and bottom filled with
floral patterns formed of raised gold settings and twenty
four and twenty six rubies respectively, all enriched with
black and white enamel and each with a single diamond,
the middle portion with a further flower formed of six
diamonds centring on a ruby surrounded by enamelled
polychrome flowers and foliage against a finely punched
ground en suite with the inner face, the chape set with a
single emerald, the back-edge of the scabbard with a
running pattern of enamelled green foliage (losses), the
inner face with characteristic locket and retaining its
original plaited silver wire suspension cord with fluted
bulbous finial
17.5cm; 6Pin
The floral mount for the pommel stone and the outer face
of the scabbard are closely related to another gold,
enamelled and gem-set dagger of earlier form, taken as
part of the booty gathered by the Margraves of BadenBaden and Baden-Durlach now preserved in the Badisches
Landesmuseum, Karlsruhe. See E. Petrasch, R. Sänger, E.
Zimmermann and H. G. Majer 1991, p. 197, no. 143.
Lapis Lazuli is most commonly found in the valley of
Kokcha, a tributary of the Oxus, south of Firgamu in
Afghanistan. It was visited by Marco Polo in 1271 and has
been prized both before and since that date for its rich blue
colour characteristically flecked with gold specks of pyrite.
£25000-35000
22
23
54
54
A PERSIAN KARD, LATE 18TH CENTURY
with tapering blade sparsely decorated with gold koftgari
flowers at the forte, steel hilt decorated en suite with the
forte (the gold extensively worn), and morse grip-scales, in
its fishskin-covered wooden scabbard reinforced along the
back-edge with a silver strip (losses) and with copper chape
33cm; 13in
55
56
56
A PERSIAN KARD, 19TH CENTURY AND TWO ARAB
DAGGERS
with tapering blade of watered steel, decorated with gold
koftgari around the ferrule and over the back-strap, and a
pair of polished bone grip-scales; the second and third
20th century, with curved double-edged blades, white
metal hilts and scabbards set with coloured pastes
26.7cm; 10I in
£500-800
(3)
55
A PERSIAN KARD, 19TH CENTURY
with tapering blade of wedge-shaped section retaining
much finely watered ladder pattern, decorated with a panel
of gold koftgari scrollwork, flowers and foliage, and over
the lower portion of the back-edged (areas of wear, small
losses), and associated polished bone grip (small cracks)
32.4cm; 12Nin
£1000-1500
24
£300-400
57
A RARE OTTOMAN TURKISH SWORD, KILIG, LATE
17TH/EARLY 18TH CENTURY
with broad curved blade formed with a reinforced edge and
double-edged towards the point, etched with masonic
symbols on each side and a presentation inscription on the
back-edge (areas of pitting), brass hilt comprising crosspiece with down-turned quillons formed as a tulip profiles,
engraved silver back-strap decorated with tulip flowers and
foliage (one small chip, rubbed), strongly formed hardwood
grips shaped for the fingers, carved with pairs of chevrons
and with tulip flowerheads around the pommel, studded
with silver flowerhead rivets (one missing) and enriched
with brass nails (small losses), in its original leathercovered wooden scabbard (scabbard split along the seam
on one side) with large brass mounts comprising chape,
locket, middle band and with three rings for suspension
74.5cm; 29Gin blade
The presentation inscription reads: ‘Presented by brother
Betts to the Enoch Lodge, no 11, Febry 1838’
Henry Betts was born around 1806 and lived at 17
Marylebone Street. He is recorded working as a Cupper. He
joined Enoch Lodge in 1837, became Master 1840 and died
circa 1870.
£3000-5000
57
25
58
TWO INDO-PERSIAN JAMBIYAS AND AN INDO-PERSIAN
SPEAR HEAD, 19TH CENTURY
the first with curved double-edged blade, decorated with
silver koftgari at the forte, steel hilt decorated with silver en
suite with the forte, in its matching scabbard; the second
with curved blade divided laterally to form five layered
points, etched forte, etched steel grip, in its scabbard
decorated en suite, the third with broad flat tapering spear
head and moulded tubular socket, decorated over the
greater part of its surface with scrollwork and celestial
motifs in brass
the first: 41cm; 16Bin
(3)
£250-350
59
AN INDO-PERSIAN MACE, EARLY 20TH CENTURY
with spherical head retaining some silver koftgari, fitted
with numerous spikes and a central spike, and steel haft
incorporating two spherical mouldings at each end of the
grip
79.2cm; 31Din
£300-400
58
60
AN INDO-PERSIAN SPEARHEAD AND AXE, 19TH
CENTURY
the first formed of two wavy blades, moulded base, and
tubular socket, etched over its surface with calligraphic
designs (worn); the second with etched double crescentic
head, central spike and tubular haft
the first: 42cm; 16I in head
(2)
£80-100
61
TWO MOROCCAN JAMBIYAS, 20TH CENTURY
each with curved blade double-edged towards the point,
wooden hilt of characteristic form with engraved white
metal mounts, in its scabbard with a pair of rings for
suspension
37cm; 14I in and 37.5cm; 14Nin
(2)
£40-60
59
26
62
63
64
62
A TURKISH YATAGHAN, EARLY 19TH CENTURY
with curved single-edged blade cut with a stylised
inscription along the back-edge on one side, gilt-brass hilt
extending over the lower portion of the blade, decorated
with filigree and set with green stones and coral, and a pair
of ivory grip-scales rising to a strongly formed eared
pommel, in its original brass-mounted leather-covered
wooden scabbard
58.5cm; 23in blade
63
A TURKISH YATAGHAN AND AN ENAMELLED ARAB
DAGGER, 18TH AND 19TH CENTURIES
the first with slightly curved single-edged blade, brass hilt
and a pair of slender horn grip-scales rising to an eared
pommel; the second with curved double-edged blade
decorated with gold koftgari at the forte, and enamelled
copper grip and scabbard decorated with stylised flowers
on a polychrome ground (worn)
the first: 66cm; 26in blade
£700-1000
(2)
£150-250
64
A PERSIAN SHAMSHIR, LATE 18TH CENTURY
with curved watered steel blade of rose and ladder pattern,
decorated on one side with a gold koftgari calligraphic
cartouche, the forte chiselled with a shaped panel on each
side, copper-gilt hilt of pistol form (cracked), chiselled over
its surface with flowers and foliage against a finely punched
and gilt ground
60cm; 23Kin blade
£600-800
27
65
A FINE SILVER-MOUNTED OTTOMAN GREEK SHAMSHIR
PRESENTED BY THE PACHA OF CANDIA TO CAPTAIN
F.T.MICHELL R.N., DATED 1829
with curved blade double-edged towards the point and cut
with two slender fullers of differing length along the backedge, silver hilt comprising a pair of quillons with budshaped finials, engraved with scrolls and a bouquet of fruit,
moulded back-strap engraved with the presentation
inscription and date, and a pair of horn grip-scales fitted
with a tear-shaped washer on each side of the pommel, in
its original leather-covered wooden scabbard with large
silver mounts cast and chased in relief, comprising locket,
middle-band and chape each decorated with sprays of
flowers, foliage, trophies and bouquets all within an
elaborate series of scrollwork frames, and retaining a ring
for suspension (one suspension ring missing)
75.5cm; 29 Nin blade
Admiral Sir Frederick Thomas Michell KCB (1788-1873) was
the son of Lieutenant Sampson Michell RN, a Cornishman
who died an admiral in the Portuguese Navy in 1809. He
was born in Exeter, entered the Royal Naval Academy at
Portsmouth in 1800 and joined HMS EURYDICE (24) as a
Midshipman in 1803, serving in a number of ships and
locations before being commissioned lieutenant on 29th
May 1807. Serving in several more ships in locations from
the Adriatic to Brazil, he became 1st lieutenant of HMS
BOYNE (98) in March 1815. When Admiral Lord Exmouth
was appointed to command a punitive expedition to Algiers
in 1816, he took BOYNE's officers with him into his flagship,
HMS QUEEN CHARLOTTE (100). Before the bombardment
of Algiers, late in August 1816, Exmouth appointed Michell
to command the battering flotilla of 55 small vessels principally gun, mortar, rocket and bomb ships - in the
acting rank of commander and Michell was confirmed in
that rank on 16th September 1816. After a decade on halfpay, Michell was appointed to command HMS RIFLEMAN
(18) on 27th December 1826 and took her to the
Mediterranean.
28
During the 1820s Greece fought her war of independence
from Turkey: Britain, France and Russia were involved to
maintain the balance of power and their own interests in
the eastern Mediterranean. At the time, Crete was known
by its Venetian name Candia and the Sultan ruled the island
through a governor, or Pasha; the island's capital, now
Heraklion, was also known as Candia. It was British policy
to recognise Crete as Turkish and British ships were
welcomed in its harbours by the island's governor.
The Ship's Logs of HMS RIFLEMAN for 1829 (The National
Archives; ADM 51/3377 and ADM 53/1140) show that she
left Malta, bound for Crete, on 2nd March 1829, taking as
passengers two Turks, Mustapha Hassan and Mustapha Ali.
On 7th March, she anchored in Port Greco, a harbour on
the island of Stondia - now Dia Nisida - off the north coast
of Crete opposite the city of Candia. On 8th March, she
sailed across the strait to Candia, put the captain, Michell,
and the surgeon ashore in a yawl, ‘stood off and on’ until
the yawl returned and then, having fired a salute of 19 guns
- which was returned by the harbour's Turkish fort - sailed
back to Port Greco, leaving Michell - and, presumably, the
surgeon and the ship's two Turkish passengers - in Candia.
On 9th March, she returned and sent the yawl for Captain
Michell, who returned at 11.30am, whereupon she left
Candia harbour, returning a salute of 21 guns from the fort,
and made sail for Malta, arriving there on 16th March 1829.
For the remainder of 1829, HMS RIFLEMAN cruised in the
Mediterranean but did not return to Crete.
It seems most likely that Michell received the sword offered
here in March 1829 as a gesture of thanks from the island's
governor, perhaps for conveying the two Turks from Malta.
The Turkish governor of Candia 1832-51 was the Albanian
Giritli Mustafa Naili Pasha (b. 1798) who, in 1829, would
have been known as plain Mustafa Naili and so may have
been the ‘Mustapha Ali’ taken aboard Michell's ship on the
orders of C.-in-C. Mediterranean for passage to Crete; he
had been active in suppressing Greek insurrections on
Crete in the 1820s and passage on a British sloop-of-war
was probably the most sure way of returning him safely to
the island.
65
Michell was promoted post captain on 22nd February 1830,
commanded the 5th Rate HMS MAGICIENNE (24) at the
siege and bombardment of Acre in 1840 and then the 5th
Rate HMS INCONSTANT until 1843. In 1852 he was given
command of HMS QUEEN (110) and commanded her
during the Crimean War, particularly distinguishing himself
at the bombardment of Sebastopol 1854-55, after which he
was promoted rear admiral and created CB. Michell
returned home to live in Totnes, Devon, where he was
elected mayor in 1855 and 1858 and where he died. He
became a vice-admiral in 1862 and an admiral in 1866,
being created KCB in 1867. In addition to the sword given
him by the Pasha of Candia/Crete, he received another from
the Sultan, as well as a cloak with diamond clasps and
several Turkish orders and decorations; as well as the
insignia of a KCB, he received that of an Officer of the
Legion of Honour, the Naval General Service Medal 17931814, with clasps Algiers and Syria and the British and
Turkish medals for the Crimean War.
£1500-2500
29
66
66
A RARE BALKAN JAMBIYA, EARLY 19TH CENTURY
with curved double-edged blade formed with a medial
ridge, decorated with a panel of gold scrollwork and pellets
over the forte, wooden hilt covered with green velvet finely
embroidered in silver thread with foliage and set with seed
pearl flowers on each side, the pommel decorated with a
matching flowerhead, in its original wooden scabbard
covered with green velvet embroidered in silver thread
with sprays of conventional foliage in silver thread bound
with brocade and enriched with seed pearls (areas of wear
and minor losses)
53.5cm; 21in
£700-900
67
A CAUCASIAN SILVER-MOUNTED KINDJAL, LATE
19TH/20TH CENTURY
with broad blade cut with three slender fullers and stamped
with a mark, hilt of characteristic form encased in silver
repoussé with foliage enriched with niello all within
beadwork frames, in its wooden scabbard encased in silver
30
67
68
en suite with the hilt, the locket complete with a single loop
for suspension
48.2cm; 19in
£600-800
68
A CAUCASIAN SILVER-MOUNTED KINDJAL, LATE
19TH/20TH CENTURY
with broad blade cut with a pair of slender fullers and with
a blued decorative panel at the forte, hilt of characteristic
form encased in gilt-silver repoussé with foliage enriched
with niello on the front and niello foliage on the reverse, in
its wooden scabbard encased in silver en suite with the hilt,
including a brief niello inscription on the reverse and the
locket with a single loop for suspension
46.3cm; 18Din
£600-800
69
69
A CAUCASIAN SILVER-MOUNTED KINDJAL, DATED 1903
with broad fullered blade stamped with a mark at the forte
on one side, hilt of characteristic form encased in gilt-silver
beadwork frames filled with foliage enriched with niello, the
reverse decorated with niello flowers, in its wooden
scabbard encased in silver en suite with the hilt, decorated
in niello on the reverse with the date in both Arabic and
cyrillic numerals, a star and crescent, and with a single loop
for suspension
50cm; 19Nin
£600-800
70
A GEORGIAN KINDJAL, DATED 1765
with broad blade cut with a pair of long central fullers
framed by a pair of grooves, retaining some watered
pattern and with traces of gold koftgari (worn), one side
etched with the inscription ‘Kapt. CTP HA ßÈ š 1765’, ivory
hilt of characteristic form, engraved with the date on the
reverse, fitted with a pair of engraved silver flowerhead
washers at the front, the lower set with a green paste (the
70
71
other missing), in its fabric-covered wooden scabbard with
engraved silver mounts, the locket with an iron suspension
band retaining traces of gold koftgari (worn)
41.5cm; 16Gin
£500-700
71
A GEORGIAN SILVER-MOUNTED KINDJAL, 19TH
CENTURY
with broad tapering fullered blade decorated with a panel
of gold koftgari scrollwork and flowers at the forte on one
side (areas of wear and pitting), marine ivory grip (age
cracks) retained by two rivets on nielloed silver washers
each set with a turquoise, in its wooden scabbard covered
with green fabric (worn), with shaped silver locket and
chape each decorated with nielloed flowers on a hatched
ground, the locket set with green and turquoise pastes,
stamped with silver marks on the reverse, and with a single
ring for suspension
42.5cm; 16Nin
£400-600
31
72
72
A CAUCASIAN KINDJAL, 20TH CENTURY
with broad double-edged fullered blade decorated with
gold and silver koftgari silver foliage, steel hilt of
characteristic form decorated en suite, in its fabric-covered
wooden scabbard with steel mounts matching the hilt
(decoration worn)
38.7cm; 15Din
73
74
74
A GREEK BICHAQ, 19TH CENTURY
with single-edged blade, white metal hilt comprising ferrule
and back-strap each engraved with foliage (the pommel
paste missing), and a pair of ivory grip-scales (small chips
and age cracks), in its leather-covered wooden scabbard
29.5cm; 11Kin
£150-250
£300-400
73
A CAUCASIAN KINDJAL, LATE 19TH CENTURY
with broad fullered blade stamped with a mark on one side
and cut with a further mark on the other, wooden hilt of
characteristic form faced with gilt-brass embossed with
scrolls and foliage against a punched ground, in its original
fabric-covered wooden scabbard with gilt-brass mounts
(suspension loop missing)
55.5cm; 21Pin
£250-350
32
75
76
75
AN OTTOMAN BREAST-PLATE (KRUG) EARLY 16TH
CENTURY
comprising circular plate embossed with a series of very
narrow ribs radiating from a flat central boss, plain rim
struck with the mark of the Ottoman Court Arsenal at Hagia
Eirene retaining five outer plates for protecting the lower
neck and arm openings each joined to the main plate by
riveted mail links (chemically cleaned, two plates and some
mail restored)
26.5cm; 10I in main plate diameter
76
A PAIR OF INDIAN BAZU BANDS AND TWO DECORATED
BAZU BAND PLATES, 19TH CENTURY
the first formed of a gutter-shaped main-plate reinforced
with a pierced cusped panel around the edge, flanged
outwards at the base, fitted with hinged wrist-plate formed
en suite and retaining an early padded silk lining, the
second and third comprising two main plates of tapering
gutter-shape, the outer faces etched with calligraphic
panels, figures in traditional dress, and scrolling foliage
the first: 29cm; 11I in and 30cm; 11Pin
£800-1200
(4)
£400-500
33
77
AN INDIAN CHA AINA, 18TH CENTURY
comprising four plates of watered steel (areas of rust and
patination), each etched with calligraphic panels,
cartouches, exotic birds, beasts and foliage, fitted with
buckles for attaching straps (incomplete), the border with
plain turned brass brim, and two retaining a portion of their
lining
31.8cm; 12I in high
(4)
75
£1200-1800
78
AN INDO-PERSIAN KULAH-KHUD, 19TH CENTURY
with hemispherical skull, fitted with central spike, a pair of
plume-holders, adjustable sliding nasal-bar and mail neckdefence (minor repairs), the skull decorated over its outer
surface with mounted hunters and warriors in traditional
costume enriched with gold and silver koftgari (areas of
wear, painted black overall, worn)
27.5cm; 10Pin high
£600-800
78
34
79
EIGHT INDIAN HORSE BITS
the first of brass with spiked mouthpiece; four with
U-shaped mouthpiece and filed scrolling side bars and
three with two-part mouthpieces and a pair of rings at each
end
(8)
£300-400
80
A GROUP OF INDIAN AND MIDDLE EASTERN STIRRUPS
comprising a pair of Persian stirrups, first millennium BC,
with curved tread, moulded side bars rising to a pierced
loop decorated with monster heads for suspension; a pair
of Afghan stirrups,19th Century, with pierced treads,
chiselled with foliage over the side panels; a pair of Indian
stirrups, 18th Century, previously fitted with bells beneath,
decorated with a spiral pattern on the underside; a single
Indian stirrup, the base fitted with three pierced dome-like
projections with bells; four further pairs of brass stirrups
and three single stirrups
79
(18)
£100-150
80
81
TWELVE INDIAN ARROWS, A POWDER-FLASK AND A
CERAMIC GRENADE, 18TH AND 19TH CENTURIES
the arrows with bamboo hafts and bone nocks (some
incomplete), two with sharpened tips and the remainder
flat-tipped; the powder-flask of horn-shaped form, fitted
with spring cut-off and a loop for suspension; and the
grenade probably Turkish, with conical base and short
nozzle, impressed over its surface with rudimentary
decoration
the first, approximately 66cm; 26in
(14)
81
£150-250
82
AN OTTOMAN BALKAN CARTRIDGE BOX, 18TH/19TH
CENTURY
of characteristic form, the outer face decorated with
punched ornament centring on an applied star set with a
turquoise, hinged lid, and fitted with a loop for suspension
at the rear
11.8cm; 4Kin high
£150-250
82
35
83
84
83
A RARE SOLOMON ISLANDS FIGHTING AXE
with European trade wedge-shaped iron head stamped
with a mark on one side, figured hardwood haft carved
with raised mouldings at the top and a shaped finial, and
with much early patina
98.5cm; 38Nin
£800-1000
84
THREE AUSTRALIAN SPEAR THROWERS (WOOMEROS)
AND A CLUB
comprising two long Woomeros each with black gum tip
and traces of early binding; another, Woomero, probably
West Australian, of paddle-head form, with gum tip and
traces of a collection label; and a club, probably West
Australian, of paddle-head form, carved with a low cross on
each side, and crescentic base
117cm; 46in
(4)
£400-600
36
85
85
A GROUP OF FOUR AUSTRALIAN CLUBS
comprising a New Britain club with near spherical stone
head, the haft retaining a small bound collar; a New
Hebrides staff, with a carved disc-shaped moulding at each
end and in the centre, retaining an early binding and with
an old collection label; a Soloman Islands paddle club, of
characteristic form, and another club, probably Soloman
Islands, with traces of an old collection label
the first: 123.8cm; 48Nin
(4)
£500-700
86
THREE JADITE ARCHERS RINGS, PROBABLY CHINESE
19TH CENTURY
of cylindrical form, of translucent dark green, light green
and white figured stone, and remaining in good condition
(3)
£90-110
87
NINE PAIRS OF PERUVIAN BRASS STIRRUPS, 18TH AND
19TH CENTURIES
each of characteristic form, some cast with shell ornament,
the majority retaining their loops for suspension
87
(18)
£200-300
88
FOUR PAIRS OF PERUVIAN BRASS AND WHITE METAL
STIRRUPS, 18TH AND 19TH CENTURIES
each of characteristic form, the first cast with shell
ornament (patinated); the second of white metal engraved
over the forward portion; the third of brass engraved with
pairs of lines; and the fourth similar
(8)
£100-150
88
89
SEVEN PAIRS OF MOROCCAN STIRRUPS, 19TH CENTURY
of characteristic form, two pairs decorated with brass inlay
enriched with white metal studs, one pair inlaid with silver
wire and one pair chiselled with scrolls
£300-500
89
37
90
SEVEN PAIRS OF MEXICAN ROWEL SPURS AND A
SINGLE MEXICAN ROWEL SPUR
comprising two pairs with U-shaped heel bands, pierced
slotted terminals for attaching straps, pierced filed neck
extending to a pair of long pierced rectangular panels,
fitted with very large multi-spiked rowels, decorated over
much of their surface with German silver; two further pairs
of white metal; three smaller pairs and a single spur
decorated with a silver inlaid trellis pattern
90
(15)
£300-400
91
SEVEN PAIRS OF MEXICAN ROWEL SPURS
comprising three pairs with U-shaped heel bands with
pierced slotted terminals, moulded necks extending to a
pair of long pierced rectangular panels and large multispiked rowels, each decorated with German silver; two
further pairs of white metal and two pairs of plain steel
spurs
(14)
91
£300-400
92
VARIOUS SOUTH AMERICAN STIRRUPS
comprising a pair of Peruvian wooden stirrups of near
pyramidal form, the outer surface embossed with an eagle
displayed, flowers and foliage; three pairs of Chilean
wooden stirrups; a pair of wooden clog stirrups, the frontal
portion encased with sheet brass applied with the crowned
arms of Portugal; fifteen pairs of Brazilian stirrups and a
single silver shoe-shaped stirrup
(41)
£200-300
92
38
93
94
95
93
A 20 BORE MOROCCAN SNAPHAUNCE GUN, 19TH
CENTURY
with tapering sighted barrel retained by eight broad and
one narrow engraved brass bands, decorated with silver
and engraved scrollwork over the breech and fitted with
standing back-sight, engraved breech tang, characteristic
lock inlaid with engraved white metal panels, three-quarter
stock inlaid with silver wire scrollwork including a brief
inscription ahead of the lock, the butt decorated with
scrolling flowers and foliage, large ivory butt-cap engraved
with rondels, brass trigger-guard and original steel ramrod
146.7cm; 57Nin barrel
£300-400
94
A 25 BORE MOROCCAN SNAPHAUNCE GUN, 19TH
CENTURY
with three-stage sighted barrel decorated with silver
scrollwork over the breech and behind the muzzle, retained by
four engraved white metal bands, the breech tang decorated
en suite and incorporating the back-sight, characteristic lock
inlaid with engraved white metal panels, three-quarter stock
inlaid with silver wire scrollwork including a brief inscription
opposite the lock, the butt decorated with scrolling flowers
and foliage, large ivory butt-cap inlaid with rondels, iron
trigger-guard retaining some gilding and original steel ramrod
113.5cm; 44Nin barrel
95
AN 18 BORE ALBANIAN MIQUELET-LOCK CARBINE,
DATED 1115 AH (CIRCA 1703-04)
with tapering sighted barrel stamped ‘Mafeo Francin’ over
the breech, steel lock of characteristic form, engraved with
a brief inscription beneath the steel spring, wooden threequarter stock, encased over the greater part of its surface
with metal, the fore-end and the butt covered with brass
engraved with large flowerheads and cut with an
inscription behind the lock, and ivory butt incorporating a
series of contrasting horn fillets, writhen steel saddle bar
and a ring for a sling (the forward ring and trigger-guard
missing, worn, the ivory with age cracks), and original steel
ramrod
78.5cm; 30Pin barrel
The inscriptions read, in translation, ‘Work of ‘Uthman’,
‘Work of Ausat ‘Umar... Its owner and possessor ‘Uthman
Agha'.
£250-350
£300-400
39
96
A 14 BORE BALKAN SILVER-MOUNTED MIQUELET-LOCK
GUN CAPTURED AT ROSETTA BY CAPTAIN ROBERT
SAUNDERS AND PRESENTED TO LORD FREDERICK
BENTINCK, EARLY 19TH CENTURY
with tapering barrel retained by five silver bands repoussé
with foliage, chiselled with foliage over the breech and
encrusted with a shaped silver panel engraved with an
inscription within a beadwork frame, the breech and tang
overlaid with engraved silver and incorporating a standing
back-sight, iron lock of characteristic form overlaid with
engraved silver plaques, wooden full stock encased in
silver over almost its entire surface, repoussé with foliage
en suite with the barrel bands and a panel of raised
diamond-shapes within a frame of trellis ropework, faceted
butt applied with fabric (worn) and repoussé silver plaques
(one loose), the rear portion enclosed by a large matching
butt cap, silver ball trigger, a pair of silver sling swivels,
early fabric sling, and original steel ramrod
105cm; 41in barrel
The inscription on the breech reads:
40
'This firelock was taken from a Turkish Officer of rank in a
skirmish before the town of Rosetta in Egypt by Capt Robt
Saunders then of H. Majesty's late 20 L Dns and presented
by him to M. G. Lord Fred Bentinck'.
This gun was probably acquired by Robert Saunders as a
spoil of battle during the British expedition to Egypt in
1807. The purpose of that expedition was to restore British
influence to an area of the eastern Mediterranean which
was threatened by French occupation and a British mixed
force of around 6,000 men was dispatched from Sicily on
6th March 1807, capturing Alexandria on 20th March.
Having captured Alexandria, the next target was the grain
reserves at Rosetta and a small column marched there at
the end of March. That operation was unsuccessful and so
a larger column, of about 2,500 men including the 20th
Light Dragoons detachment, was sent to Rosetta on 3rd
April and had encamped outside the town by 7th April. For
the next fortnight the British were engaged in a series of
actions, running fights and skirmishes around Rosetta, were
under almost constant attack by Turkish and Albanian
forces and failed to bring Rosetta under British control. It
would have been during this period in April 1807 that the
gun offered here was acquired by Robert Saunders.
96
Robert Saunders was a sergeant in 20th Light Dragoons in
January 1804; he was promoted regimental sergeant major
in about June 1804 and appointed troop quartermaster en
route to the Mediterranean in about March 1805. On 25th
July 1809 he was commissioned cornet, without purchase,
and was appointed adjutant on 14th December 1809: he
remained adjutant until 26th June 1816. On 20th August
1811, Saunders was promoted lieutenant, again without
purchase, and he remained in that rank in the 20th until
24th September 1818, when he exchanged to the half-pay
of 66th Regiment of Foot: he remained on half-pay until his
death in 1834. Saunders served with his regiment in
eastern Spain from January 1813 to April 1814 and was
present at the Catalonian battles of Castalla (12th-13th April
1813) and Ordal (13th September 1813). From the rapidity
of his promotion through the non-commissioned ranks,
together with the types of appointment he was given and
the fact that he was commissioned and then promoted
without purchase, it can be inferred that Saunders was a
very competent administrative soldier of great value to his
regiment. As adjutant 1809-16 he would have had regular
contact with the regiment's colonel who, from 1810 to
1813, was Major General (from 1811 Lieutenant-General)
Lord William Bentinck. Bentinck was not only colonel of
20th Light Dragoons 1810-13 but also commander-in-chief
in the Mediterranean 1811-15 and local commander of the
British forces in Catalonia 1813-14; his brother - Lord
Frederick - commanded the cavalry brigade in which 20th
Light Dragoons served. The brothers Bentinck and
Saunders would have met and corresponded regularly and
it is probable that Saunders had many opportunities to
commend himself, as a competent administrator, to his
colonel and his brigade commander.
Saunders could not have been referred to as ‘captain’ prior
to 1821, in which year he became captain and adjutant in
the Southern Regiment of West Yorkshire Yeomanry and by
which time 20th Light Dragoons had been disbanded for
two years; Lord Frederick Bentinck, commander of the
Mansfield troop of Nottinghamshire Yeomanry since 1821,
died in 1828. Thus, this gun must have been presented
between 1821 and 1828 and was probably given in
recognition of Lord Frederick's recommendation of
Saunders, an experienced, deserving and competent
administrative Regular soldier, to a salaried post in the
yeomanry of his county where he could be of service.
£2000-3000
41
97
98
97
A 25 BORE BALKAN SILVER-MOUNTED MIQUELET-LOCK
MUSKET, EARLY 19TH CENTURY
with tapering sighted barrel retained by six repoussé silver
bands, inscribed ‘Lazarino Cominazzo’ over the breech and
fitted with moulded silver back-sight, border-engraved
barrel tang, the lock applied with silver plaques including a
brief inscription on the bridle, applied with a silver plaque
set with a piece of coral on the front of the steel, wooden
full stock encased over the greater part of its surface with
silver plaques, the fore-end decorated with a trellis pattern
of repoussé flowers, faceted butt encased with silver en
suite with the fore-end and retaining an early fabric
covering, a pair of iron sling swivels, an early sling, and
original steel ramrod
115.5cm; 45I in barrel
98
A 12 BORE NORTH AFRICAN MIQUELET-LOCK MUSKET,
DATED 1242AH (1826/7)
with octagonal sighted barrel fitted with standing back-sight
overlaid with silver at the breech, retained by five pierced
and chased silver bands and a further silver band, steel
lock of characteristic form, inset with chased silver panels
decorated with scrollwork, inscribed with the date and the
maker's signature on the underside and engraved with a
crescent on the front of the steel, figured hardwood threequarter stock profusely inlaid over its full length with
numerous silver plaques pierced with openwork designs of
scrolling foliage, faceted butt inlaid en suite, silver butt cap,
retaining a portion of its fabric thumb-defence, and original
silver-tipped wooden ramrod
146cm; 57I in barrel
£1000-1500
£1000-1500
42
99
100
99
A RARE 20 BORE INDIAN FLINTLOCK GUN, 19TH
CENTURY
with tapering barrel inlaid with bands of twisted pattern at
the breech and muzzle and retained by five string bands,
the breech incorporating a standing back-sight and cut with
a brief inscription, stepped blued lock in the English taste,
including stylised maker's name beneath the pan,
hardwood full stock applied with steel bands retaining
some etched watered pattern, including a grooved panel
behind the breech for sighting, steel trigger-guard with
pineapple finial, a pair of sling swivels, and steel ramrod,
perhaps the original
109.2cm; 43in barrel
100
AN 18 BORE INDIAN MATCHLOCK MUSKET, LATE 18TH
CENTURY
with tapering barrel formed with a fluted vase-shaped
muzzle, decorated with bands of silver beadwork and
retained by six string bands, strongly tapering at the
breech, inlaid with a gold inscription on the left and fitted
with standing back-sight, steel pan with pivot-cover,
hardwood full stock with faceted hook-shaped butt, and
horn butt-cap (areas of wear, ramrod missing)
112cm; 44in barrel
£400-600
£1000-1500
43
101
101
A RARE .650 CALIBRE FLINTLOCK CAVALRY PISTOL FOR
THE NIZAM OF HYDERABAD'S FOURTH CAVALRY, CIRCA
1830
with 9in browned barrel stamped with London view and
proof marks, arsenal markings and ‘9’ and ‘10’ crowned at
the breech, stirrup ramrod retained by a spring, borderengraved lock engraved ‘Nizam's 4th Cavalry’, regulation
walnut full stock, and brass mounts including side-plate,
trigger-guard and butt cap stamped ‘228', the latter fitted
with steel lanyard, and remaining in crisp condition
throughout
38cm; 15in
The 4th Regiment Nizam's Cavalry was raised in 1826 and
became 4th Cavalry Hyderabad Contingent in 1854. For
another pistol made for this regiment but without a sideplate see R. Brooker, p.102 and 107. See also D. F. Harding
1997, pp. 296-301.
£1000-1500
44
102
102
A RARE INDIAN OVER-AND-UNDER FLINTLOCK
BLUNDERBUSS, CIRCA 1830
with two-stage barrels each swelling towards an elliptical
muzzle, decorated over the muzzle, the median and the
breech with cartouche-shaped panels filled with gold
koftgari scrolling foliage and fruit, flush-fitting lock
decorated en suite with the barrels, fitted with sliding pan
covering an additional pan for the lower barrel, pierced
cock and steel each decorated with matching designs in
gold koftgari, hardwood full stock, chequered grip, white
metal mounts comprising tear-shaped side-plate, triggerguard and butt-plate of shaped outline, and a pair of
ramrod-pipes, and steel ramrod, probably the original
40.5cm; 16in
£2000-3000
102 detail
45
The Lamble Collection
John and June Lamble met in 1959 through a shared interest in
mountaineering which provided the opportunity to travel
extensively around Europe and the United Kingdom. A financial
advisor at Vickers for a number of years John latterly ran his own
engineering business. It was these interests in engineering that,
perhaps naturally, led the couple to a keen interest in antique
edged weapons and metalwork.
Soon after they were married they started collecting arms and
armour in earnest. Combining their climbing holidays with visits to
museums, the Lambles became well known to curators as they
discussed pieces acquired through auction or the trade.
The collection reflects their shared appreciation of the
chronological development of edged weapons from the Bronze
Age to the early 19th Century, with particular interest in medieval
swords and decorated rapiers and small-swords. The greater part
of this collection has been assembled with an appreciation of high
quality and is testimony to their understanding and enthusiasm for
the subject.
A number of pieces are particularly worthy of note, such as lot
117, the medieval sword with latten pommel, lot 147 the garniture
of a cup-hilt rapier and left-hand dagger, and lot 164 the German
Horse muzzle, of which comparable examples have not been seen
on the auction market for many years.
After the sad loss of John in 1985 after 25 years of marriage, June
continued to expand the collection to the same standard as before
and acquired a number of significant pieces reflecting her passion
and understanding of the subject.
46
103
103
A BHUTANESE DAGGER, LATE 19TH CENTURY AND A
GURKHA KUKRI KNIFE
the first with straight blade from a regulation bayonet,
double-edged towards the point, white metal hilt of
characteristic form including two beadwork collars, the grip
bound with plaited wire, in its original scabbard with fabric
loop for suspension; the second of characteristic form, with
broad curved blade, hardwood grip, in its scabbard
(accompanying knives and pouch missing)
the first: 36cm; 14Bin
(2)
£80-120
104
104
A TURKISH YATAGHAN, DATED 1222 A.H. (CIRCA 1807/8)
with slightly curved single-edged blade, decorated with
gold koftgari including an inscription on the back-edge, two
large calligraphic panels, a central calligraphic rosette
surrounded by foliage on one side and a broad panel of
scrollwork and flowers on the other, silver hilt enclosing the
forte, set with a faceted red paste over the forte and seven
fluted corals on the back-strap, and the grips fitted with a
pair of large ivory grip-scales rising to an eared pommel
(one cracked through, age cracks), in its original wooden
scabbard repoussé with flowers, foliage and strapwork
within beaded frames, the locket with horizontal bands of
gilt flowerheads, and the chape formed as a marine
monster (small chips and wear)
75.5cm; 29Nin
The back edge gives the name of the maker as ‘Work of alHajj Muhammad’; the owner as: ’Owner Mustafa Agha’ It is
dated 1222 (AD 1807-08) and ends with two benedictory
phrases. The cartouches bear a benedictory quatrain in
Turkish. The central rosette bears the names of ‘The Seven
Sleepers and their dog’
£1200-1500
47
105
106
105
AN AXE HEAD, 14TH CENTURY, PROBABLY GERMAN
in excavated condition, with near rectangular head
moulded at the rear, broad neck, and the rear bean formed
with a hammer head, on a later wooden haft
17cm; 6Nin head
107
107
A RARE CAROLINGIAN LUGGED SPEAR HEAD, 7TH/10TH
CENTURY
in excavated condition, with leaf-shaped blade formed with
a pair of pronounced basal lugs, and tapering socket
(losses, one lug bent)
39cm; 15Gin head
Provenance
£300-500
Sotheby's, London, 1st November 1983, lot 116
£200-300
106
A GERMAN HALBERD, LATE 16th CENTURY
with long central spike of diamond section, curved axeblade pierced with three groups of holes, rear spike pierced
with a vertical arrangement of holes, a pair of long straps
(pitted), on an early wooden haft fitted with an additional
pair of straps
87cm; 34Din head
Provenance
Sotheby Parke Bernet, 23rd May 1978, lot 229
£300-400
48
108
108
A SAXON HORSEMAN'S HAMMER, EARLY 17TH
CENTURY
with moulded hammer head formed with a circular face,
long beak-shaped fluke of stiff diamond section,
compressed spherical central finial, tapering belt hook,
tubular haft, small circular hand-guard, moulded basal cap,
and the grip retaining its original binding of plaited wire
and ‘Turk's heads’
54.5cm; 21Gin
Provenance
Dr B. Giesker, Zurich
Schloss Vaduz, Liechtenstein
Christie’s 16th June 1993, lot 31
109
109
A FINE MACE FORMED ENTIRELY OF STEEL, SECOND
QUARTER OF THE 16th CENTURY, GERMAN OR ITALIAN
with head formed of seven wedge-shaped flanges each
incorporating a reinforced tip of cruciform section,
moulded central finial, tapering tubular haft pierced for a
thong, chiselled over the upper portion with a running
pattern of foliage against a punched ground within four
long rectangular frames, the grip chiselled with a trellis
pattern against a punched ground, basal cap decorated
with matching leafy ornament, and in fine condition
throughout
64.5cm; 25Gin
Provenance
Christie, Manson & Woods, 23rd May 1979, lot 29
£3000-5000
The present mace belongs to a small group decorated in
this manner of which other examples are preserved in the
Germanisches Nationalmuseum, Berlin; the former Town
Arsenal, Vienna; The Hermitage, St Petersburg; The
Armoury of Konopištì Castle,The Czech Republic; and the
Kretzschmar von Kienbusch Collection in the Philadelphia
Museum of Art. Another, formerly in the Warwick Castle
Collections was sold Thomas Del Mar Ltd in association
with Sotheby’s 12th December 2007, lot 286 (£3,840
including premium). For a discussion of this group see W.
Rose in ZHWK 1909-02, pp. 359-366.
£4000-6000
49
110
111
110
A SCOTTISH BASKET-HILTED BACKSWORD, SECOND
QUARTER OF THE 18th CENTURY
with broad blade double-edged towards the point, cut with
a pair of long fullers and retaining traces of an inscription
including ‘Andrea’ and ‘Farara’ on the respective faces
(patinated, the edge with nicks, one very small hole), steel
basket-hilt of flattened bars (one cracked), carrying an
alternating arrangement of slender and square panels each
pierced with hearts and rondels (quillon missing), ovoid
pommel, perhaps the original, and later grip
84.5cm; 33Din blade
111
A BRITISH INFANTRY HANGER BY SAMUEL HARVEY,
MID-18TH CENTURY
with curved blade double-edged towards the tip, cut with a
slender fuller along the back edge and stamped with a
running fox inscribed ‘Harvey’ on each side (worn),
stamped with the number ‘9’ beneath a crown at the forte,
brass hilt of regulation type, stamped ‘Gloster M-S-B’ and
‘49', and spirally moulded brass grip
62.5cm; 24Kin blade
Provenance
Captain W. Korner, Sotheby & Co., London, 13th April 1970,
lot 174
The Marquiss of Tweeddale, Yester House, East Lothian,
Christie, Manson & Woods , 8th December 1969, lot 181
Provenance
For a discussion of this type of hanger see A. D. Darling
1970 pp. 124-136.
£1200-1800
£400-700
50
112
A RARE DRAGOON OFFICER'S ‘FIELD’ OR FIGHTING
SWORD, ATTRIBUTABLE TO 11TH DRAGOONS, CIRCA
1768-83
with tapering blade of regulation type, double-edged
towards the point, engraved on each side with the crowned
Royal arms enclosed by the Garter above the Royal motto
and inscription ‘London', stamped ‘Bland’ on the back-edge,
steel hilt comprising half basket-guard formed of numerous
flattened moulded bars, stamped with the owner's name ‘R.
Dundas’ beneath, finely chiselled maned lion's head
pommel, and original spirally-bound sharkskin-covered grip
83.5cm; 32 Pin blade
The form of the hilt of this sword is comparable to that of
several recorded swords with dateable silver hilts, a
particular example being a Dragoon officer's sword with hilt
by William Kinman, hallmarked London 1775-76, in the
National War Museum of Scotland (M.1996.40) on which
the finely-chiselled lion's head pommel is remarkably
similar to that of this sword. This sword was probably
retailed by Bland and so cannot pre-date 1768; the
regiment to which it is confidently attributed became Light
Dragoons in 1783, after which the officers and men would
have carried light cavalry swords.
Ralph Dundas was born in Scotland circa 1730 and
commissioned cornet by purchase in 4th Dragoons on 30th
May 1755. Promoted lieutenant by purchase on 26th
January 1758, he served as adjutant 24th August 1758 to
20th January 1762 before purchasing a captaincy in 11th
Dragoons on 12th February 1762. Having served in
Germany in the last year of the Seven Years’ War, Dundas
was placed on half-pay on 25th April 1763, upon the
reduction of his regiment following the coming of peace.
On 16th September 1763, he exchanged from half pay back
to a captaincy in 11th Dragoons and purchased the
regiment's majority on 6th June 1770. Promoted lieutenantcolonel by brevet on 11th September 1775, he purchased
the regimental lieutenant-colonelcy on 27th September
1775 and was promoted colonel by brevet on 16th May
1782 - the 11th becoming Light Dragoons in 1783.
Promoted major general on 28th April 1790, he
commanded a heavy cavalry brigade in Flanders in 1794
and was made colonel of 8th (or the King's) Regiment of
Foot on 30th July 1794. Promoted lieutenant-general on
26th January 1797, he was appointed to command the
Midland District in Ireland and served throughout the Irish
Rebellion of 1798, initially with distinction at Kilcullen in
May but subsequently attracting criticism because of his
lenient attitude to surrendered rebels. He was promoted
general on 29th April 1802 and died in London on 7th
February 1814, having been governor of Duncannon Fort,
Co. Wexford, since at least 1802.
£1500-2000
112
51
113
113
A BRONZE SHORTSWORD, CIRCA 1200-900 B.C.
with tapering blade of hollow-diamond section, slender
tang pierced with a single hole, openwork hilt enclosing the
lower portion of the blade, pierced with a herringbone
arrangement of slotted panels on the front and back and a
series of triangular panels on each side, and flanged
pommel
33cm; 13in blade
114
114
A RARE SCRAMASAX, 8TH/9TH CENTURY, NORTH
EUROPEAN OR SCANDINAVIAN
in excavated condition, of characteristic form, with flat
single-edged blade (the forward portion cracked through),
incised with a linear pattern along the back-edge, and
tapering ricasso
47cm; 18I in blade
£1000-1200
£700-1000
52
115
AN EASTERN EUROPEAN OR RUSSIAN SABRE, 9TH/10TH
CENTURY
in excavated condition, with curved single-edged blade,
iron hilt comprising a pair of short slightly curved flat
quillons, curved tang, and flattened pear-shaped bronze
pommel
76cm; 30in blade
The most famous sword from this distinctive group is the
so-called sword of Charlemagne preserved in the former
Imperial Schatzkammer, Vienna, inv. no. WS XIII 5. For a
discussion of these swords see J. V. Kalmár 1935/6, pp.
150-155.
£2000-3000
115
53
116
A VIKING SWORD, 8TH/9TH CENTURY
in excavated condition, with broad pattern-welded blade
tapering to a sharp point, cut with a pair of long central
fullers filled with herringbone pattern (small holes, chips),
iron hilt comprising short cross-piece, and two-stage
pommel
81.5cm; 32in blade
Provenance
A Scandinavian Private Collection.
Robin Wigington, Poet's Arbour, Stratford-upon-Avon, 1984
£4000-6000
116
54
117 detail
117
A VERY RARE MEDIEVAL SWORD WITH LATTEN
POMMEL, LATE 13TH/FIRST HALF OF THE 14TH
CENTURY
in excavated condition, with stiff narrow tapering blade cut
with a broad three-quarter length fuller retaining traces of
an inscription on each side, iron cross-piece of tapering
section, well formed wheel pommel of latten, and the grip
with a modern leather binding
86cm; 33Pin blade
Provenance
Christie, Manson & Woods, 18th April 1985, lot 22
Swords with latten pommels rarely appear on the market.
A detached latten pommel of related form is preserved in
the Royal Armouries, Leeds. See A. R. Dufty 1974, p. 18,
plate 23a.
£6000-8000
117
55
119
118
A FINELY CONSTRUCTED COPY OF A 12TH CENTURY
SWORD, LATE 19TH CENTURY
with broad fullered blade, iron hilt comprising straight
cross-piece and brazil nut pommel, and leather-covered
grip
83cm 32Kin blade
£400-500
119
A COMPOSITE MEDIEVAL GREAT SWORD, CIRCA 12701320
in excavated condition, with broad flat near parallel-edged
blade tapering to a blunt point, formed with a pair of fullers
over almost half of its length and cut with a latten-filled
heart and cross mark on each side (the latten with losses),
iron hilt comprising a pair of 16th century straight tapering
quillons of circular section, and slightly compressed wheel
pommel, and later fabric-bound grip
98cm; 38I in blade
Provenance
Christie, Manson & Woods, 20th July 1983, lot 27
£2000-3000
56
120
120
A HAND-AND-A-HALF SWORD IN THE ITALIAN OR SWISS
STYLE OF CIRCA 1520, 19TH CENTURY
with broad flat blade tapering towards the tip, rectangular
ricasso with blunt edges, steel hilt including a pair of
straight writhen quillons, and spirally-fluted plummetshaped pommel en suite with the quillon terminals, and
two-stage leather-covered wooden grip (minor worm
damage)
89cm; 35in blade
Provenance
Stadrath Richard Zschille, no.229, sold Christie Manson &
Woods, 25th January 1897.
£2000-3000
121
A NORTH EUROPEAN TWO-HAND SWORD, LATE 16TH
CENTURY, PROBABLY DUTCH
with broad double-edged blade stamped with a decorative
mark, cut with three short fullers of differing length and
framed with wrigglework lines on each side, the forte with
flattened edges for additional grip and incorporating a pair
of basal lugs, waisted ricasso stamped with a bladesmith's
mark on each side, steel hilt comprising a pair of slightly
down-curved flattened quillons with spatulate terminals
formed with a pair of tightly scrolling finials behind and
with fluted mouldings, a further pair of scrolling lugs
beneath, inner and outer ring-guards each interrupted by a
pair of fluted globular mouldings and filled with a further
inner ring (one repaired), gadrooned bun-shaped pommel,
and later leather-covered wooden grip
120cm; 47Din blade
Provenance
Sotheby Parke Bernet, Zurich, 25th November 1980, lot 28
For a sword with a cross-guard of similar design formerly in
the Visser collection see J. D. Puype 1996, pp. 126-129, Cat.
No. 542.
£3000-5000
121
57
122
A COMPOSITE GERMAN TWO-HAND SWORD, FIRST
QUARTER OF THE 16TH CENTURY
with broad blade tapering towards the point, cut with a
long shallow fuller and with a latten inlaid stylised wolf
mark (losses) on each side, slightly waisted rectangular
ricasso formed with blunt edges and a pair of short lugs,
retaining minute traces of engraved decoration and further
latten inlay (areas of heavy pitting), steel hilt comprising a
pair of later straight moulded quillons with spirally-fluted
bud-shaped terminals, and spirally-fluted pear-shaped
pommel (pitting), and later spirally carved wooden grip
120.5cm; 47I in blade
Provenance
Christianson Collection, Copenhagen
Sotheby Parke Bernet, 18th October 1977, lot 227
£2500-3500
122
58
123
A NORTH GERMAN SWORD RAPIER, CIRCA 1560,
PROBABLY BRUNSWICK
with long tapering slender blade of stiff-diamond section,
stamped with the bladesmith's mark on one side, steel hilt
comprising a pair of straight flattened quillons with
spatulate terminals, outer ring-guard swelling towards the
centre, formed with a point top and bottom and filled with
a solid plate, inner guard formed of a diagonal bar joining
the quillon to a short lower arm and with a thumb loop,
and square cushion-shaped pommel, and early grip of
plaited wire and ‘Turk's heads’ (the upper Turk's head
replaced)
105.5cm; 41I in blade
Provenance
The Property of a Gentleman, Sotheby & Co., 19th May
1970, lot 96
A number of military rapiers and estocs with hilts of this
form are associated with the armoury of the Dukes of
Brunswick, sold Sotheby's Hanover October 2005, lot
numbers 218, 220 and 221. The hilt conforms to Norman
type 12.
£6000-8000
123
59
124
124
A RARE NORTH EUROPEAN BALLOCK DAGGER, LATE
16TH CENTURY, POSSIBLY ENGLISH
in excavated condition, with tapering blade of triangularsection, stamped with a flower mark on one side, rootwood
grip formed with a pair of characteristic nodules at the base
and reinforced with a steel plate enclosing the forte, the
upper portion spirally-carved and rising to a globular
pommel carved with rondels (chipped)
34.5cm; 13Kin measure
Provenance
Sotheby's 27th July 1991, lot 179
The Lamble notebooks state that this dagger probably
comes from the Queenhithe find, which would be
supported by its characteristic Thames patina.
125
126
the edge, the upper with spiralling lines and retained by a
foliate copper rivet, and fluted grip engraved with pairs of
spiralling lines
35cm; 13Nin
£1500-2500
126
A GERMAN LEFT-HAND DAGGER, CIRCA 1600
with robust tapering blade of diamond-section, inlaid in
latten with the bladesmith's mark, a crowned cross and orb,
on one side, rectangular ricasso hollowed for the thumb,
steel hilt comprising a pair of vertically recurved forwardcanted flattened quillons with bud-shaped terminals, off-set
side-ring interrupted by a circular moulding, associated
fluted globular pommel, and later spirally-carved wooden
grip (areas of pitting)
48cm; 18Pin
£2500-3500
Provenance
125
A RONDEL DAGGER FORMED ENTIRELY OF STEEL,
PROBABLY LATE 15TH CENTURY
with stout three-stage blade reinforced at the tip, formed
with a slender fuller along the hollowed back-edge on one
side, inlaid in latten with the bladesmith's mark, the letter ‘I’
at the forte, the hilt formed of a disc top and bottom of
differing size, each engraved with delicate foliage around
60
Sotheby Parke Bernet, 14th October 1975, lot 324
Literature
Leslie Southwick, The Price Guide to Antique Edged
Weapons, 1982, p. 201, no. 584.
£1200-1800
127
A RARE ITALIAN HAND-AND-A-HALF SWORD, PROBABLY
VENETIAN, 17TH CENTURY
with sharply tapering blade of flattened-diamond section,
cut with a short fuller on each face, rectangular ricasso
formed with blunted edges for grip, cut with a fuller on
each side continuing from the blade and incised with a
decorative line along the borders, steel hilt comprising a
pair of drooping quillons each terminating in a pair of
volutes enclosing a bud-shaped finial, swollen quillon-block
chiselled with further pairs of volutes, flattened pearshaped pommel decorated on each side en suite with the
guard and enriched with incised lines, and original
moulded wooden grip retaining its tooled leather covering
105cm; 41Din blade
Provenance
Christie, Manson & Woods, 20th December 1978, lot 105
Literature
Leslie Southwick, The Price Guide to Antique Edged
Weapons, 1982, p.22 no. 25
The hilt of this sword belongs to a distinctive group of
which others are preserved in the armoury of the Palazzo
Ducale, Venice (inv. no. A651) and The Royal Armouries,
Leeds (inv. no. IX763). Another, formerly in the Baron de
Cosson sale was sold Sotheby & Co. 23 May 1946, lot 151.
A sword with a pommel of similar form and decoration and
related quillons is attributed to the ownership of Doge
Alvise I Mocenigo (reigned 1570-77), and is now preserved
in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
£6000-8000
127
61
128
128
A RAPIER IN THE ITALIAN STYLE OF CIRCA 1560, 19TH
CENTURY
with tapering blade stamped with a series of decorative
cross marks within a short fuller, rectangular ricasso, steel
hilt cast in low relief, including a pair of horizontally
recurved quillons decorated with foliage on the terminals,
outer ring-guard with a central winged cherubic mask,
lower ring-guard formed en suite, bifurcated inner-guard,
and plummet-shaped pommel decorated with cherub
masks and acanthus, and the grip with plaited steel wire
and ‘Turk's heads’
103.5cm; 40Nin blade
129
129
AN ITALIAN BROADSWORD, LATE 16th/EARLY 17TH
CENTURY
with tapering blade of diamond-section, cut with a short
narrow fuller incised with a running wolf and a cross and
orb mark on each side, steel ‘crab-claw’ hilt of
characteristic form including a pair of drooping quillons and
a further pair of curved inner bars all chiselled with groups
of vertical lines, outer ring-guard fitted with a later pierced
sprung-in plate, faceted globular pommel, and the grip with
a later plaited wire binding (areas of light pitting)
73cm; 28Nin blade
£800-1000
The hilt is based on a sword associated with the region of
Emilia, preserved in the Museo Civico, Bologna, inv. no.
MC32.
£2000-3000
62
130
A RARE GERMAN SWEPT-HILT RAPIER WITH CHISELLED
STEEL HILT, CIRCA 1610
with tapering blade of flattened-hexagonal section, signed
‘Hortuno Aguir en Toledo’ between a series of pierced slots
and circles within a pair of slender fullers on each face,
tapering ricasso stamped with the bladesmith's mark on
each side (rubbed, the blade with areas of pitting) and cut
with cross hatching on the edges, steel hilt of rounded bars
comprising a pair of straight swelling quillons (the right
quillon expertly replaced), écusson, outer ring-guard joined
at the base to a pair of arms, lower ring-guard, knuckleguard joined to the ring-guard by a diagonal bar, trifurcated
inner-guard, and barrel-shaped pommel, the principal bars
and the pommel chiselled with an arrangement of nude
figures in differing attitudes amidst scrolling foliage (areas
of pitting, rubbed), and the grip bound with plaited wire
and ‘Turk’s heads’
98.5cm; 38Pin blade
Provenance
Eric Valentine, sold Christie, Manson & Woods, 25th
February 1981, lot 55.
Literature
Eric Valentine, Rapiers, Arms & Armour Press 1968, no. 15
Hortuno de Aguirre is recorded in Toledo in the early 17th
Century. A sword with a blade and hilt of related form is
preserved in the Wallace Collection (inv. no. A589). For a
discussion of this group see A. V. B. Norman 1986 pp. 1367. Another blade stamped with this mark is preserved in
the Armeria Reale, Madrid (inv. no. G81).
£5000-7000
130
63
131
132
131
A COMPOSITE RAPIER IN THE MANNER OF CLAUDE
SEVIGNY OF TOURS, LATE 16TH CENTURY AND LATER
with tapering blade of flattened-hexagonal section,
stamped ‘Sahagun’ between a series of decorative marks
within a short fuller on each side, tapering ricasso, finely
pierced and chiselled steel hilt formed of flattened bars
incorporating openwork panels filled with figures, including
down-curved quillon, knuckle-guard, shaped quillon-block
pierced with scrolls and a mask on each side, a pair of
arms, outer ring-guard joining the knuckle-guard to one of
the arms, lower ring-guard, later plain trifurcated innerguard, the principal bars decorated on the upper and lower
edges with a pierced chain pattern, solid pommel
decorated with an oval filled with the figures of Venus and
Mars on the front and back respectively, and the grip
bound with plaited brass wire and ‘Turk's heads'
100cm; 39Gin blade
132
A PAPPENHEIMER RAPIER, CIRCA 1630 AND LATER
with tapering blade of flattened-hexagonal section,
stamped with a series of decorative marks within a pair of
short fullers on each side at the forte, symmetrical steel hilt
formed of flattened rounded bars each interrupted by a
central moulding, comprising a pair of quillons with
flattened bud-shaped terminals, outer ring-guard (one
terminal detached at the rear), lower ring-guard fitted with a
sprung-in plate pierced with a series of stars, quatrefoils
and circles, a pair of arms joined to the upper ring-guard by
a pair of arms, knuckle-guard with recurved finial en suite
with the quillons, decorated throughout with a later
chiselled scale pattern enriched with silver pellets (small
losses), ovoid pommel decorated en suite with the bars,
and the later wire-bound grip with ‘Turk’s heads’
100.3cm; 39I in blade
Provenance
Provenance
Sotheby Parke Bernet, 22nd April 1980, lot 126
Sotheby & Co. 9th October 1972, lot 371
R. Ewart Oakeshott
For a discussion of Claude Sevigny of Tours see G. F. Laking
1920, pp. 296-299.
£3500-4500
64
£2000-3000
133
134
133
AN ITALIAN MULTI-RING RAPIER, CIRCA 1630-40
with associated tapering blade, rectangular ricasso
stamped with the bladesmith's name ‘Franc..’ and
‘C.Mastio’ on the respective sides, symmetrical steel hilt of
slender faceted bars, including a pair of vertically recurved
quillons, deep guard of six concentric rings, fitted at the
base with a figure-of-eight shaped plate pierced and
chiselled with a green man mask on each side, knuckleguard joined to the guard by an additional bar and fluted
barrel-shaped pommel (probably associated), and later
wire-bound grip with ‘Turk's heads'
94.7cm; 37Din blade
134
AN ITALIAN SWEPT-HILT RAPIER, CIRCA 1630
with associated blade of diamond section, tapering ricasso
signed ‘Marson’ one side, symmetrical steel hilt of slender
moulded bars, comprising vertically recurved quillons with
globular terminals (one repaired), three outer ring-guards of
diminishing size and each interrupted by a central
moulding, fitted with a scalloped double shell-guard,
knuckle-guard joined to the upper ring-guard by a diagonal
bar, and associated tapering barrel-shaped pommel (the
grip replaced)
119.5cm; 47in blade
Provenance
Provenance
Sotheby & Co., London, 12th October 1970, lot 192
Sotheby Parke Bernet, 22nd April 1980, lot 124
£2000-3000
£3000-5000
65
135
136
135
A GERMAN PIKEMAN'S SWORD, SECOND QUARTER OF
THE 17TH CENTURY
with tapering double-edged blade, rectangular ricasso
formed with blunted edges and incised with decorative
lines along the edge, stamped with the bladesmith's mark,
the letter ‘W’ on one side, steel hilt of flattened rounded
bars, comprising a pair of vertically recurved quillons with
fish-tail terminals, diagonal ring-guard joining the quillons
to a pair of lower arms, the latter formed with a pair of
additional up-turned bars with terminals en suite with the
quillons and a further ring at the base, trifurcated innerguard, and flattened pommel of fish-tail form pierced with a
hole on one side, and the grip with its original binding of
plaited wire and ‘Turk’s heads’
92cm; 36Din blade
Six swords with hilts of this form are recorded in the
former Town Arsenal, Vienna and a further seventy-six at
Schloss Ambras. See Schallaburg 1977, p. 155, no. 670 and
A.V.B.Norman 1980, p. 88.
Provenance
A Collection formed by a Maréchal de France, formed in
the course of his service as a Governor in Germany during
the Napoleonic Wars, sold Sotheby Parke Bernet, Zurich,
25th November 1980, lot 108.
£1500-2500
136
A NORTH EUROPEAN RIDING SWORD, LATE 17TH
CENTURY
with broad double-edged blade cut with three short fullers,
the central fuller stamped ‘Andria Ferara’ and with a running
wolf mark ahead on each side, symmetrical steel hilt of
flattened rounded bars, comprising ring-guards each
interrupted by a central moulding and fitted with a sprungin plate pierced with series of holes enclosed within a
strapwork panel, knuckle-guard formed en suite and joined
to the ring-guards by a scrolling bar front and back,
globular pommel chiselled with leafy ornament, and later
grip
84.5cm; 33Din blade
£1000-1400
66
137
A RIDING SWORD, SECOND QUARTER OF THE 17TH
CENTURY, PROBABLY GERMAN
with associated broad tapering blade cut with a short fuller
stamped with the bladesmith's name ‘Sebastian Hernie’ on
each side and ‘MDX’, finely chiselled steel hilt comprising a
pair of vertically recurved quillons with bud-shaped
terminals decorated with volutes and scrolls of foliage, a
pair of blunt écusson, outer ring-guard interrupted by a
globular moulding en suite with the quillons, small downcurved shell-guard decorated with leafy ornament, thumb
loop, and matching globular pommel, and later grip bound
with plaited wire and ‘Turk's heads’ (areas of pitting)
87.5cm; 34I in blade
Provenance
Sotheby’s 15th May 1984, lot 88
A sword with a hilt of related form including a vestigial
shell-guard is preserved in the Solingen Blade Museum.
See H. R. Uhlemann 1968 pp. 88-9.
£3000-5000
137
67
138
139
138
A VENETIAN SCHIAVONA, MID-17TH CENTURY
with broad double-edged blade cut with a near full-length
fuller on each side and retaining traces of engraving at the
forte, steel basket-hilt of characteristic form comprising a
trellis pattern of flattened bars (one bar cracked, one early
repair), slightly down-curved quillon with globular terminal,
shield-shaped pommel formed with a central hemispherical
moulding on each side, joined to the guard by a steel ring,
and original wire-bound leather-covered wooden grip
(small losses)
79.8cm; 31Gin blade
139
A NORTH EUROPEAN BROADSWORD, SECOND QUARTER
OF THE 17TH CENTURY
with broad flat blade decorated with a gibbet and an
inscription on one side, steel hilt of circular bars,
comprising inner and outer ring guards of differing size
each filled with a pierced sprung-in plate chiselled with
scrolling mulberry fruit and foliage issuant from an urn,
drawn-up at the front to an additional bar interrupted by a
globular moulding, short down-curved quillon with globular
terminal, knuckle-guard formed en suite and joined to the
frontal guard by a diagonal bar, the inside with a thumb
loop, compressed spherical pommel, and wire-bound grip
with ‘Turk's heads'
83.2cm; 32Nin blade
Provenance
L. F. McCardle, Sheffield Park, sold 25th May 1971, lot 835
Provenance
£800-1000
Sotheby's 23rd April 1985, lot 139
The inscription reads ‘Der Kav Fied As Fail Wirt Und Find
Eias Verlorn Wirt Der Stirwt Edas Er Kranckh Wiert’ which
reads in translation ‘If you find this sword and do not return
it to its owner you will become ill.’
£700-1000
68
140 detail
140
A FINE NORTH EUROPEAN DISH-HILT RAPIER, MID-17TH
CENTURY, PROBABLY ENGLISH
with tapering slender blade stamped with the bladesmith's
name ’ Ortiz Tesche’ and ‘IHN Solingen', within a short fuller
on the respective faces, symmetrical steel hilt chiselled in
low relief, comprising shallow dish-guard decorated on the
outside with a circular arrangement of branches issuant
with mulberries on a ground of tightly scrolling foliage, the
border divided into quarters by four grotesque masks,
straight quillons with globular terminals, quillon-block
chiselled with a broad acanthus leaf on each side, outer
ring-guard interrupted by a central moulding, knuckle-guard
interrupted by a globular central moulding en suite with the
quillons, globular pommel chiselled throughout with
elaborate patterns of foliage against a punched and striated
ground, and spirally-fluted grip with later copper wire
binding and ‘Turk's heads’, and remaining in fine condition
throughout
109cm; 43in blade
Provenance
Henry Griffith Keasby, sold The American Art Association,
inc. New York, 5-6th December 1924, lot 249.
Eric Valentine, sold Christie, Manson & Woods, 25th
February 1981, lot 57.
The hilt of this rapier is of notably high quality compared to
other English examples of this type. Another is preserved
in the Royal Armouries, Leeds. See A. R. Dufty 1974, p. 20,
plate 30b. For a discussion of this group see C. Blair 1974,
pp. 106-7.
£8000-10000
140
69
141
142
141
AN ENGLISH BASKET-HILTED BACKSWORD, SECOND
QUARTER OF THE 17TH CENTURY
with broad blade double-edged towards the tip, stamped
‘IHN Solingen’ between a series of decorative marks within
a pair of long fullers on each side, steel basket-guard of
flattened rounded bars carrying a pair of small panels each
incised with scale ornament, a pair of loop-shaped bars
beneath, flattened bun-shaped pommel decorated en suite,
and later wooden grip
86.4cm; 34in blade
142
AN ENGLISH DISH-HILT RAPIER, MID-17TH CENTURY
with associated blade of flattened oval section, cut with a
pair of short fullers and stamped with a bladesmith's mark
on one side (the tip with one small chip), steel hilt
comprising shallow cup-guard pierced and chiselled with
scrolling foliage inhabited by winged masks and stylised
figures supporting portrait ovals, inner and outer ringguards joined to the cup-guard by a pair of short arms, a
pair of short quillons with tightly curled chiselled spatulate
terminals, knuckle-guard, and globular pommel (tang
lengthened, pommel screw replaced), all chiselled en suite
with the guard, and later grip bound with plaited copper
wire
99.4cm; 39Bin blade
For a similar example and a discussion of this type of early
cavalry sword see A. D. Darling 1969, p. 80. A very similar
sword with blade dated 1648 is preserved in the Royal
Armouries, Leeds, see A. R. Dufty 1974, plate 51 (b).
£800-1200
£700-900
70
143 detail
143
A FINE ENGLISH MORTUARY SWORD, SECOND
QUARTER OF THE 17TH CENTURY
with tapering blade double-edged towards the tip, cut with
a pair of long slender fullers of differing length on each
side, stamped ‘Andrea’ and ‘Ferara’ respectively between a
series of decorative cross marks, and with the bladesmith's
mark at the forte on one side, symmetrical steel hilt
comprising a pair of foliate langets, basket-guard pierced
and chiselled with scrolling foliage inhabited by birds and
masks and carrying three ovals filled with classical figures
on the base, the knuckle-guard joined to the front and rear
guard by a pair of scrolling bars and with a further pair of
scrolling bars, vestigial scrolling quillon, ovoid pommel
chiselled with scrolling foliage and with a single mask on
one side, and retaining its original wooden grip (light worm
damage) with traces of its wire binding
83cm; 32Kin blade
Provenance
Sotheby’s, London, 23rd April 1985, lot 56
£2000-3000
143
71
144
A FINE ENGLISH DUELLING RAPIER, CIRCA 1640
with slender blade of flattened-diamond section, short
rectangular ricasso, symmetrical blackened steel hilt of
slender rectangular bars, comprising cup-guard formed of a
ring-guard interrupted by a globular moulding and filled
with a sprung-in plate pierced with a delicate arrangement
of quatrefoils, a pair of straight quillons with drooping
terminals turned in at the base and joining the base of the
arms, an additional pair of arms joining the cup-guard to
the quillon-block, the latter fluted, tall ovoid fluted pommel,
and the grip with an early binding of plaited wire and
‘Turk's heads’
95.2cm; 37I in blade
The looped quillons are extremely unusual and were
probably intended for catching the opponent's blade. The
hilt conforms to Norman type 97, for this type and a
discussion of other related examples to the present sword
see A. V. B. Norman 1980, p. 172.
£3500-4500
144
145 detail
72
145
146
145
A FINE PILLOW SWORD WITH SILVER-ENCRUSTED HILT,
CIRCA 1660, PROBABLY ENGLISH
with tapering blade stamped with a series of decorative
marks within a short fuller on each side, steel hilt
comprising asymmetrical double shell-guard, a pair of short
quillons with flattened globular terminals with small budlike tips, quillon-block, and compressed ovoid pommel,
decorated throughout in silver with bouquets of fruit,
flowers, foliage and an exotic bird, all enriched with silver
pellets (rubbed, small losses), and associated grip bound
with plaited wire and a moulded silver collar top and
bottom
90cm; 35I in blade
146
A PILLOW SWORD WITH SILVER-ENCRUSTED HILT, MID17TH CENTURY, PROBABLY ENGLISH
with tapering flat blade cut with two marks on each face
and retaining some latten inlay (shortened), pierced and
chiselled openwork steel hilt, comprising a pair of short
bulbous quillons with small bud-like terminals, quillon
block, and plummet-shaped pommel, decorated throughout
with pellets (small losses, rubbed), and the grip with a later
binding of plaited silver wire and ‘Turk's heads'
64.5cm; 25Gin blade
£1400-1800
Provenance
Mark Dineley
£4000-6000
73
147 detail
147
A FINE AND VERY RARE GARNITURE OF A CUP-HILT
RAPIER AND LEFT-HAND DAGGER, THIRD QUARTER OF
THE 17TH CENTURY, SPANISH OR ITALIAN
the rapier with blade of flattened-hexagonal section,
stamped ‘LHPHS’ and ‘AGHAE’ between a series of
decorative marks within a short fuller on the respective
sides, steel hilt comprising cup-guard pierced and chiselled
with a symmetrical arrangement of tightly scrolling leafy
tendrils bound together by ropework bands, strongly
moulded rompepuntas chiselled with an alternating
arrangement of plain and foliate panels, guardapolvo
pierced and chiselled with further designs of scrolling leafy
tendrils enclosing expanded flowerheads all framed by
bands of pellets and acanthus, a pair of straight tapering
writhen quillons en suite with the brim and chiselled with
expanded flowerheads on the terminals, chiselled écusson,
a pair of plain arms, knuckle-guard matching the quillons,
spirally moulded bun-shaped pommel, and the grip bound
with plaited copper wire with a steel collar top and bottom,
perhaps the original, the dagger with very slender threestage blade, the upper portion of stiff diamond section, the
middle and lower each with blunt edges chiselled with
blade catching ridges and stamped with decorative circles
on each face, rectangular ricasso hollowed for the thumb,
formed with a pair of rings at the top and two pairs of
notches for blade catching at the base, stamped with the
bladesmith's mark, the letter ‘B’ on one side and stamped
with pellets, steel hilt comprising a pair of straight quillons,
curved triangular guard with strongly moulded
rompepuntas, and spirally-fluted pommel, all pierced and
chiselled en suite with the rapier, and the grip with later
binding of plaited copper wire with a steel collar top and
bottom (the tang slightly shortened), and each remaining in
fine condition throughout
the rapier: 99cm; 39in blade
the dagger: 59cm; 23Din
(2)
Provenance
Roy Cole, Ontario, sold Sotheby & Co., 12th October 1970,
lot 264.
£15000-20000
74
147
75
148
A CUP HILT RAPIER, POSSIBLY ITALIAN CIRCA 1630
with tapering blade of flattened-diamond section, stamped
‘Tengo Lpo’ within a short fuller on each side, steel hilt
comprising deep cup-guard formed as a flower with six
petals each formed of a sprung-in plate finely pierced with
trellis (one replaced), a pair of vertically recurved quillons
with flattened fluted bud-shaped finials, knuckle-guard with
recurved finial en suite with the quillons, joined to the cupguard by an additional arm, associated fluted ovoid
pommel (acid cleaned throughout), and wooden grip
reinforced with steel bands
117.2cm; 46Bin blade
Provenance
Sotheby & Co. 16th April 1957, lot 186
Eric Valentine sold Christie, Manson & Woods 29th October
1986, lot 54.
Robin Wigington, Poet's Arbour, Stratford-upon-Avon
Literature
Eric Valentine, Rapiers, Arms & Armour Press 1968, no. 25
£2000-3000
148
76
149
149
A SPANISH CUP-HILT RAPIER, SECOND HALF OF THE
17TH CENTURY
with slender blade of diamond section, long ricasso of near
square section, stamped with a bladesmith's mark on one
side, steel hilt comprising deep cup-guard pierced with a
symmetrical arrangement of tightly scrolling leafy tendrils
beneath a panel of scrolling tendrils around the brim (one
small crack, areas of pitting), drawn-up on one side for
additional knuckle protection, a pair of straight writhen
quillons (one bent), a pair of arms, and knuckle-guard each
en suite with the quillons, and bun-shaped pommel
chiselled with scrolling foliage, and later wire-bound grip
with ‘Turk's heads'
120.5cm; 47I in blade
£4000-6000
150
150
A RARE SPANISH LEFT-HAND DAGGER, DATED 1683
with tapering blade of triangular-section, formed with a
flattened back-edge, etched with scrolls of foliage, the
bladesmith's name ‘Fran Durin Ensi vied 1683’ (rubbed),
recessed with a pair of crescentic apertures at the base for
blade-catching, rectangular ricasso formed with a notched
edge, recessed for the thumb on the inner face and
decorated with the sacred monogram ‘IHS’ on the outer
face, steel hilt comprising a pair of straight quillons
decorated with a writhen pattern and with fluted button
terminal, triangular outer guard decorated with a radiating
pattern of lozenge frames and with bold rompepuntas
decorated with a pattern of roping, compressed fluted
button-shaped pommel, and spirally-fluted grip with later
leather covering
62.5cm; 24Kin
£1500-2000
77
151
A FINE PILLOW SWORD WITH SILVER FILIGREEMOUNTED HILT, CIRCA 1680, PROBABLY SWEDISH
with tapering blade pierced with a series of circles and slots
over a deep full-length fuller, gilt-brass hilt cast and chased
with foliage in low relief, comprising a pair of forwardcanted quillons, and compressed oval pommel, decorated
throughout with finely pierced silver filigree foliate panels
enriched with silver beads, and the grip with an early
binding of plaited silver wire and ‘Turk's heads'
80cm; 31I in blade
Silver and gold filigree was produced in a number of
centres in Europe including Augsburg, Genoa and Bergen
from the 17th Century.
£4000-6000
151
78
152
AN ENGLISH HUNTING SWORD WITH SILVERENCRUSTED HILT, MID-17TH CENTURY
with curved blade double-edged towards the point, cut
with two fullers of differing length, the bladesmith's mark, a
double cross and orb mark and the initials ‘S.H.G.C.’ on
both sides (one side rubbed), steel hilt comprising downturned outer shell-guard, short scrolling quillon, up-turned
inner shell-guard, knuckle-guard and cap pommel,
decorated throughout with a trellis pattern of silver
beadwork framing silver pellets, and original staghorn grip
(age cracks) with an iron collar decorated en suite at the
base (the silver with small losses)
64.5cm; 25Gin blade
Provenance
Sotheby Parke Bernet, 31st July 1984, lot 81
Another sword from this group is preserved in the Royal
Armouries, Leeds. See A. R. Dufty 1974, p. 25 plate 55 b.
£800-1000
153
AN ENGLISH HUNTING SWORD, MID-17TH CENTURY
with broad curved blade double-edged towards the point,
cut with a long slender fuller along the serrated back-edge,
etched on the front ‘Fide sed Cudunor’ a portrait enclosed
by the inscription ‘Gubernaiar Hibernia’, ‘Nomine’ and ‘1-50’
and a mounted cavalryman, the reverse with ‘In Deo Gloria’
a portrait medallion of Thomas Fairfax, ‘Me Fecit Solingen’
and a further cavalryman, stamped with the bladesmith's
mark at the forte, probably for Peter Henkels of Solingen,
steel hilt formed of a pair of up-turned shell-guards of
unequal size, down-curved scrolling quillon, knuckle-guard
interrupted by a scallop moulding, fluted beak-shaped
pommel cap and original fluted wooden grip (small chips
and repairs) reinforced with an iron panel at the front
61.5cm; 24Din blade
152
Provenance
Christie, Manson & Woods, 23rd May 1979, lot 25
Literature
Leslie Southwick, The Price Guide to Antique Edged
Weapons, Woodbridge, 1982, p. 153, no. 421.
£800-1200
153
79
154
155
154
AN ITALIAN ARTILLERY STILETTO, MID-17TH CENTURY
with tapering blade of triangular section, incised with
graduation marks and inscribed with numbers from ‘1’ to
‘120', moulded forte, steel hilt comprising a pair of spirally
moulded quillons, ovoid pommel formed en suite, and
spirally carved horn grip inset with bone rondels and small
brass nails, and with a moulded brass collar top and
bottom
42.5cm; 16Nin
155
A NORTH EUROPEAN DAGGER, LATE 17TH CENTURY
from a cut-down small-sword, with tapering blade cut with
a long fuller, pierced over the greater part of its length with
a series of slots and circles, steel hilt including a pair of
recurved quillons with globular terminals, and horn grip
carved as an Eastern potentate (patinated, grip cracked)
37cm; 14Kin
£700-900
Weller & Dufty, 21st March 1973, lot 836
Provenance
£250-300
80
156
157
156
AN ENGLISH SILVER-HILTED HUNTING SWORD, LONDON
SILVER HALLMARKS FOR 1749
with curved blade double-edged towards towards the
point, etched with foliage and a strapwork panel at the forte
(worn), silver hilt cast and chased in low relief, comprising
down-curved shell-guard formed as a Wildman mask
issuant with rococo scalloped shells and scrolls, scalloped
quillon, quillon-block chiselled with a grotesque on each
side, knuckle-guard interrupted by a scallop moulding, cap
pommel en suite with the quillon-block, and original fluted
horn grip
60cm; 23Kin blade
157
A FRENCH SILVER-HILTED HUNTING SWORD, CIRCA 1770
with curved blade double-edged towards the hilt, stamped
with a King's head mark on each side, moulded silver hilt
comprising a pair of short quillons with fluted scrolling
terminals, stamped with a series of marks, perhaps
including Montpellier discharge for 1774/80, cap pommel
embossed with scrolls, and spirally-carved ivory grip bound
with silver ribband (one small age crack)
57cm; 22Iin blade
£400-600
£900-1200
81
158
158
A GERMAN OFFICER'S SMALL-SWORD, LATE 18TH
CENTURY
with slender blade of flattened-diamond section, engraved
with the owner's initials ‘GZ’ with decorative marks above,
perhaps including a pair of shears, on each side at the forte
(rubbed), steel hilt comprising a pair of straight tapering
quillons of flattened-oval section, boatshell-guard, ovoid
pommel, knuckle-guard (pitting) and the grip retaining an
early binding of plaited copper wire
81.5cm; 32Bin blade
Provenance
The Counts von Giech, Schloss Thurnau, Franconia sold
Sotheby & Co. 19th November 1974, lot 229
159
159
A FRENCH SMALL-SWORD, CIRCA 1770
with colichemarde blade, etched blued and gilt with foliage,
trophies and signed ‘Manufactur Royale du Klingenthal’ and
‘Coulaux Freres’ on a blued panel at the forte (oxidised),
steel hilt including finely pierced and chiselled shell-guard
decorated with a trellis pattern with central ovals filled with
differing trophies-of-arms, globular quillon, quillon-block
decorated with further trophies, knuckle-guard interrupted
by a pierced openwork panel (one very small chip), oval
pommel pierced with trellis and decorated with an oval
front and back en suite with the shell, all enriched with a
finely gilt fishroe ground (losses), and the grip with later
wire binding
89.5cm; 35Din blade
Provenance
£600-800
The property of a collector, Sotheby Parke Bernet, 15th
February 1977, lot 127
£700-900
82
160
161
160
A FINE NORTH EUROPEAN SMALL-SWORD WITH
CHISELLED STEEL HILT, CIRCA 1655-65, PROBABLY
DUTCH
with stout blade of diamond section cut with a pair of long
fullers on two faces and engraved with a pattern of running
foliage over the forte, steel hilt chiselled in relief,
comprising double shell-guard decorated with a cavalry
battle scene on the outer faces, mounted troops advancing
against infantry and two armies meeting on the inner face,
a pair of vertically recurved forward and back-canted
quillons decorated with further stylised troops issuant from
grotesques, the quillon-block and pommel each decorated
en suite with the shell, and the grip retaining its binding of
plaited wire and ‘Turk's heads'
89.5cm; 35Din blade
161
A NORTH EUROPEAN SMALL-SWORD WITH SILVERENCRUSTED HILT, CIRCA 1680
with tapering slender blade stamped ‘En Toledo’, steel hilt
comprising double shell-guard with moulded brim, a pair of
arms, globular quillon, knuckle-guard interrupted by a
central moulding, and globular pommel, decorated
throughout with scrolling flowers and foliage within
beadwork frames, and ovals filled with figures in
contemporary dress on the shell-guard and the front of the
pommel (rubbed), and the grip with a later wire binding
and ‘Turk's heads’
80.3cm; 31Kin blade
Provenance
Christie's, 15th December 1982, lot 45
A number of small-swords with chiselled steel hilts
decorated in a similar manner were formerly in the Visser
Collection. See J. P. Puype 1996, cat. 555-565.
£1200-1500
£2500-3500
83
163
162
162
A CIRCULAR STEEL SHIELD IN 16TH CENTURY STYLE,
19TH CENTURY
of convex form, with a broad embossed band around the
border, turned roped edge, fitted with central spike on a
foliate washer, etched throughout with broad strapwork
bands and ropework, the central panel divided by six
converging bands enclosing the crowned initials ‘MIDNEI’
beneath a coronet, and the inner surface with a leather
lining (worn)
63cm; 24Nin diameter
Provenance
Baron Guy de Rothschild, Chateau de Ferrières, sold
Sotheby Parke Bernet, 12th October 1976, lot 291
£2000-2500
84
163
A GERMAN FINGERED GAUNTLET FOR THE LEFT HAND,
AUGSBURG, LATE 16TH CENTURY
with pointed cuff formed with a plain turned edge, five
wrist plates, later knuckle-plate, and associated finger
lames and thumb-plate
31cm; 12Din
Provenance
Wigmore Abbey, 1954
Dr A. R. H. Mills, Sotheby Parke Bernet, 23rd May 1978, lot
163
£400-500
164
164
A RARE GERMAN HORSE MUZZLE, CIRCA 1560-70
formed of a series of slender riveted bars, fitted at the
centre with a chiselled salamander engorged with a
double-headed serpent, at the cheeks with a pierced and
chiselled strapwork panel carrying stylised mulberries, at
the top with a near rectangular panel surmounted by alpine
clematis foliage, filled with a frieze of addorsed lions and a
pair of griffins centring on a rondel filled with a double
eagle, the base with a circular gothic tracery panel
enclosed by further clematis foliage, and the inner face
formed of a series of converging bars (four replaced in its
early life, areas of pitting, minor chips), retaining a pair of
buckles at the top, and with some early tinned finish
throughout
23.5cm; 9Din high
Provenance
Baron Guy de Rothschild, Chateau de Ferrières, sold
Sotheby Parke Bernet, 12th October 1976, lot 292
Christie, Manson & Woods, 11th May 1983, lot 83
The decoration of this muzzle is related to another dated
1567 preserved in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New
York (inv. no. 14.25.1683). For a discussion of this and other
muzzles see A. R. Chodyñski 1987, pp. 4-20.
£7000-10000
85
165
165
A SOUTH GERMAN CARVED STAGHORN POWDER-FLASK
AND BOX, MID-19TH CENTURY
the first of natural staghorn, carved in cameo on the outer
face with a stag pursued by three hounds within a wooded
landscape, with staghorn basal cap, and the top fitted with
German silver Sykes patent nozzle with spring cut-off; the
second of natural staghorn carved with a boar hunting
scene in cameo on the outer face, fitted with associated
brass cap veneered with a cameo stag, and fluted ivory
basal cap
19cm; 7I in
(2)
Provenance
Christie's, 20th November 1996, lot 102
£2000-3000
86
166
166
A FINE PAIR OF GOLD DAMASCENED ROWEL SPURS,
EARLY 17TH CENTURY
each with curved heel band with figure-of-eight shaped
terminals, moulded faceted crane-necks with oval lower
portion, fitted with star-shaped rowel with five points, the
inner surfaces retaining traces of gilding, and the outer
surfaces damascened with a running pattern of scrolling
foliage and flowers, the basal edge decorated with scale
pattern, and each retaining its original buckles and
fastenings decorated en suite (small losses)
16.5cm; 6Iin
(2)
Provenance
Viscount Astor, Hever Castle, Sotheby, Parke Bernet, 5th
May 1983, lot 167
Christie's, South Kensington, 12th December 1997, lot 286.
£4000-6000
87
167
A 50 BORE FLINTLOCK BOX-LOCK POCKET PISTOL BY
COLE, DEVIZES, BIRMINGHAM PROOF MARKS CIRCA
1820
with turn-off barrel fitted with spring bayonet beneath, boxlock action signed on ovals carried by trophies-of-arms,
sliding thumb-piece safety-catch also locking the steel, flatsided walnut butt, and engraved sliding trigger-guard
locking the bayonet
19.8cm; 7Nin
Two makers of this name are recorded in Devizes, John of
Northgate Street circa 1821-44 and Robert of Chapel corner
circa 1821-27.
167
£250-300
168
A FLINTLOCK BLUNDERBUSS BY PRUDDEN,
BIRMINGHAM PRIVATE PROOF MARKS CIRCA 1800
with three-stage brass barrel engraved with rococo
ornament over the breech and fitted with spring bayonet
above, border-engraved tang incorporating a catch for the
bayonet, signed stepped border-engraved lock, figured
walnut full stock, engraved brass mounts comprising solid
side-plate decorated en suite with the breech, trigger-guard
with early acorn finial, butt-plate, vacant oval escutcheon
and a pair of moulded ramrod-pipes, and associated brasstipped wooden ramrod
75.5cm; 29Nin
Provenance
Mrs John Orton, Sotheby Parke Bernet, 12th October 1976,
lot 140
£1200-1800
88
168
169
169
A CASED 140 BORE FIVE-SHOT DOUBLE ACTION
PERCUSSION REVOLVER BY J. BENTLEY & SON, 6
SOUTH CASTLE STREET, LIVERPOOL, BIRMINGHAM
PROOF MARKS, CIRCA 1860
with signed octagonal sighted barrel (small areas of pitting),
border and foliate-engraved frame stamped ‘Patent No.
625’ on the left, chequered walnut grips, and engraved
steel trigger-guard: in its original fitted mahogany case, the
lid applied with trade label, and retaining a number of
accessories comprising copper powder-flask by C. & J.
Hawksley, brass bullet mould, and oil bottle
21.8cm; 8Kin
£1200-1500
89
170
European Edged Weapons
VARIOUS OWNERS
170
A GROUP OF SEVEN IRISH EARLY BRONZE AGE FLAT
AXES, CIRCA 2000-1500 B.C.
in excavated condition, of characteristic form, seven
retaining much green patina, one inscribed ‘Northern
Ireland', and one apparently of early transitional type with
low flanges
12cm; 4Nin to 20cm; 7Pin
(9)
Provenance
Sotheby's at Slane Castle, 12th May 1980, lots 120-123
Exhibited
Limerick Museum and Reference Library 1916-77
Literature
R. Herbert, Catalogue of the Museum and Reference Library
(Limerick), North Munster Antiquaries Journal, 1940
£450-650
90
171
171
AN IRISH LATE BRONZE AGE SOCKETED AXE AND AN
EARLY BRONZE AGE FLANGED AXE 1200-500 B.C. AND
1800-1200 B.C.
in excavated condition, of characteristic form, the first
retaining much green patina and inscribed ‘Coolcapp Co.',
the second with traces of an inscription
11.5cm; 4I in and 14cm; 5I in
(2)
Provenance
Sotheby's at Slane Castle, 12th May 1980, the first lot 134
Exhibited
Limerick Museum and Reference Library 1916-77
Literature
R. Herbert, Catalogue of the Museum and Reference Library
(Limerick), North Munster Antiquaries Journal, 1940.
£200-300
172
172
A GROUP OF NINE IRISH EARLY BRONZE AGE FLANGED
AXES, CIRCA 2000-1500 B.C.
in excavated condition, of characteristic form, three
inscribed ‘Limerick’, ‘Mitchelstown’ and ‘Carman Bog’
respectively
9.5cm; 3Nin to 16.5cm; 6I in
(9)
173
173
AN IRISH EARLY BRONZE AGE SHORTSWORD OR A
LONG AXE HEAD, A BRONZE SHORTSWORD, AND A
SMALL BLADE, 2000-1000 B.C.
the first of tapering form, with a low medial ridge on each
side, swelling towards the base and retaining three rivets
for fixing to a hilt or haft; the second with long tapering
blade formed with a medial ridge and widening at the base
(tang missing); and the third of flattened-hexagonal section
the first: 30.5cm; 12in
Provenance
(3)
Sotheby’s at Slane Castle, 12th May 1980, lots 136 and 137
Provenance
Exhibited
Sotheby's at Slane Castle, 12th May 1980, the first lot 128
Limerick Museum and Reference Library 1916-77
Exhibited
Literature
Limerick Museum and Reference Library 1916-77
R. Herbert, Catalogue of the Museum and Reference Library
(Limerick), North Munster Antiquaries Journal, 1940
£600-800
Literature
R. Herbert, Catalogue of the Museum and Reference Library
(Limerick), North Munster Antiquaries Journal, 1940.
£1400-1800
91
174
175
174
A GERMAN CUP-HILT RAPIER, LATE 17TH CENTURY
with slender blade of flattened-hexagonal section, cut with
a short fuller stamped by the bladesmith ‘JACOB BRACH
ANNO 1662’ on one side and with a brief Latin inscription
on the other, rectangular ricasso stamped with the
bladesmith's mark (rubbed), steel hilt comprising elliptical
cup-guard with moulded brim, engraved with scrollwork
and linear patterns on the inside, a pair of straight quillons
with button-shaped terminals, knuckle-guard interrupted by
an elliptical moulding, globular pommel moulded en suite
with the cup-guard and the grip bound with plaited wire
and a moulded steel collar top and bottom
99.5cm; 39Bin blade
175
AN ENGLISH BASKET-HILTED BACKSWORD, SECOND
QUARTER OF THE 17TH CENTURY
with tapering blade cut with a pair of long fullers of
differing length along the back-edge on each side and
retaining traces of a bladesmith's inscription, steel basketguard of rounded bars carrying a pair of small panels each
incised with a stylised flower (rubbed), a pair of loopshaped bars beneath, flattened bun-shaped pommel, and
retaining a portion of its spirally carved wooden grip
92cm; 36Din blade
See A. D. Darling 1969, p. 80 and also lot 141 in this sale.
£700-900
£600-800
92
176
176
A CUP-HILT RAPIER, CIRCA 1630, PROBABLY ENGLISH
with slender blade of hollow-diamond section, rectangular
ricasso retaining an early leather sleeve also enclosing the
forte, symmetrical steel hilt comprising very large cupguard formed of four sprung-in plates finely pierced with
stars and circles, inner and outer ring-guards each with a
central moulding, a pair of straight faceted quillons swelling
towards the tips, tall fluted ovoid pommel (the button with
one small chip, the hilt with areas of light pitting), and the
grip bound with plaited wire and ‘Turk's heads’, probably
the original
122cm; 42in blade
A rapier of very similar type formerly in the Eric Valentine
collection was exhibited Art of the Armourer, 1963, cat. no.
107.
£5000-7000
93
177
A VERY RARE DETACHED SWORD BLADE, MID-17TH
CENTURY
comprising broad flat blade cut with a broad shallow fuller
on each side (holed), cut with a cross and orb mark and a
lengthy inscription on one side, a further inscription and a
cross-hilt sword on the other, and long tapering tang
86.5cm; 34Bin blade
The inscriptions read:
Ad Henricum Magnae Brittanniae Principem/S. Caes
Carolus Henricus Sextus Edwardus Eliza Et Tibi me,
Princeps tradit Alensonius/ Magna evidem Magnus Mihi
Gloria Venit Absistis, Maxima ab auspicus, summa venit
tuis
IEHOVA et [cross-hilt sword ]/Ad Eundem/Caesaris et
Regum es per me Successor, et a me succedes regnus
victor et imperus
It is likely that this blade is from a sword that belonged to
Henry Stuart (1640-60), late Duke of Gloucester and
youngest son of Charles I. The inclusion of the word
‘Jehova’ would support this given his strong protestant
views.
£600-800
177
94
178
179
178
A FRENCH SMALL-SWORD WITH CHISELLED STEEL HILT,
CIRCA 1745
with hollow-triangular blade etched and gilt with trophies,
foliage and a panel of strapwork at the forte (one chip),
parcel gilt steel hilt including double shell-guard chiselled
with two scenes involving a hound and a goose in a
woodland on the outer face and a dragon and serpent and
a pair of birds-of-prey within a framework of scrolls on the
inner face, globular quillon chiselled with foliage, quillonblock decorated with a hound and an exotic bird, knuckleguard and globular pommel each chiselled en suite with
the guard, and the grip with an early binding of plaited
silver wire and ‘Turk's heads'
79cm; 31Bin blade
179
A FRENCH SMALL-SWORD WITH SILVER-GILT HILT,
PARIS FINENESS MARK AND GUARANTEE MARK FOR
CIRCA 1798-1809
with hollow-triangular blade etched and gilt with scrolls and
foliage on a blued panel and signed by the bladesmith
‘I.S.B.’ at the forte (the bluing oxidised), silver-gilt hilt finely
cast and chased in low relief comprising oval shell-guard
engraved with a concentric pattern of punched ornament
on the outer face, globular quillon, a pair of pas d'âne,
knuckle-guard, and ovoid pommel, the principal surfaces
chased with faceted beads of differing size alternating with
raised fluted ovals, and swelling grip decorated en suite, in
its original wooden scabbard with fishskin-covering (losses,
chape missing), with silver locket punched with scrollwork
and flowers
76.8cm; 30Din blade
‡ £1000-1500
‡ £800-1200
95
180
A COMPOSITE RAPIER, EARLY 17TH CENTURY AND
LATER
with double-edged blade, rectangular ricasso (pitted),
symmetrical steel hilt of rounded bars including a pair of
straight swelling quillons, three ring-guards fitted at the
base with a pair of pierced plates, faceted plummet-shaped
pommel, and spirally-fluted grip bound with plaited wire
and ‘Turk’s heads’
96cm; 37Nin blade
£1400-1800
181
A RAPIER IN 17TH CENTURY STYLE, 19TH CENTURY
with broad double-edged blade decorated with a running
wolf and the spurious date 1610, steel hilt of flattened bars
with engraved rondel mouldings, fluted barrel-shaped
pommel and wire-bound grip
80cm; 31I in blade
£200-300
180
181
96
182
182
A RARE HUNGARIAN HUSSAR OFFICER'S SABRE, FIRST
QUARTER OF THE 19TH CENTURY
in the 17th Century taste, with broad, curved blade cut with
a broad long shallow fuller, engraved with pious
inscriptions, the standing figure of the Virgin on one side
and the Cross of Lorraine on the other, steel hilt comprising
straight cross-piece with moulded bud-shaped terminals,
decorated in silver with a bearded mask on one side and a
stylised eagle displayed on the other, each within a
framework of silver foliage (rubbed), and large horn grip
decorated with pairs of chevrons and swelling towards the
pommel (small age cracks, the base of the grip inlaid with a
pair of small silver plaques, now missing)
73.5cm; 29in blade
The inscriptions read
'Maria Mater Dei Patrona Hungaria Subtum Bra Sid ium
Confagio', ‘In hoc Signa Vinces’ and ‘Deus exerci tuum
pellator fortissime es to me cum'.
£700-900
183
183
A SILVER-MOUNTED HUNTING SWORD CIRCA 1770-80
with curved blade double-edged towards the point, cut
with a full length broad fuller and etched with scrollwork
and trophies over the forte (worn), silver hilt comprising a
pair of quillons with flattened globular terminals, spirallycarved green-stained swelling ivory grip, in its original
silver-mounted tooled leather scabbard, with a ring for
suspension
47.5cm; 18Nin
£1000-1500
97
184
185
184
A SCOTTISH DIRK, FIRST HALF OF THE 18TH CENTURY
with tapering single-edged blade cut with a series of very
narrow grooves and with traces of a copper-lined mark on
one side, wooden grip carved with traditional basket weave
designs, retained by a steel collar at the base, and disc
pommel (the steel parts pitted)
44cm; 17Gin
186
original scabbard with silver mounts engraved en suite with
the hilt, complete with its accompanying pieces, the brooch
with matching ornament including claw mount with a
further citrine
the dirk: 42.5cm; 16Nin
(2)
‡ £1200-1800
£1500-2000
185
A SCOTTISH SILVER-MOUNTED DIRK AND PLAID
BROOCH, BY W. M. ANDERSON & SONS LTD,
EDINBURGH SILVER HALLMARKS FOR 1948, MAKER’S
MARK ‘TE'
the dirk with polished blade formed with a scalloped backedge and cut with a slender fuller on each face, hardwood
grip carved with traditional basket weave designs, fitted
with a silver ferrule engraved with panels of strapwork
within a wrigglework frame at the front, and the pommel
with silver claw mount set with a faceted citrine, in its
98
186
A SCOTTISH DIRK, 20TH CENTURY
with polished scallop-backed blade, wooden hilt carved
with traditional basket-weave designs and studded with
white metal nails, the pommel fitted with a piece of foilbacked coloured glass retained by a white metal band
decorated with thistle foliage, in its leather-covered wooden
scabbard with white metal mounts, and complete with its
accompanying pieces en suite with the dirk
44cm; 17Gin
£400-500
187
188
187
A BOWIE KNIFE BY JOSEPH RODGERS & SONS, CUTLERS
TO THEIR MAJESTIES, NO. 6 NORFOLK STREET,
SHEFFIELD, MID-19TH CENTURY
with signed blade formed with a clipped-back point
(patinated), shaped German silver cross-piece, back-strap
and pommel, and original natural staghorn grip-scales
retained by four German silver rivets, in its original leather
scabbard with German silver mounts (the leather crazed),
with a loop for suspension, and in untouched condition
throughout
34cm; 13Gin
189
190
189
A BOWIE KNIFE BY UNDERWOOD 56 HAYMARKET,
LONDON, CIRCA 1870
with single-edged blade of polished steel formed with a
clipped-back point, signed on one side at the forte beneath
the mark ‘VR’ a crown between, German silver cross-piece,
steel tang, and a pair of chequered hardwood grip-scales
retained by six German silver rivets, in its leather scabbard
incorporating a steel locking clip at the mouth
34cm; 13I in
£600-800
£800-1000
188
A DECORATIVE DAGGER BY GEORGE WOSTENHOLM,
SHEFFIELD, LATE 19TH CENTURY
with robust blade of diamond section, cut with a short fuller
on each side, stamped with the maker's details ‘G.
Wostenholm & son, Washington Works, Sheffield’ on one
side and ‘I*XL’ on the other at the forte, brass hilt cast in
relief, comprising an African Hunter holding a German
silver spear and arrow forming the grip, the cross-piece
formed as a pair of hound’s heads, in its scabbard
decorated with an eclectic blend of tribal and renaissance
motifs
25.4cm; 10in
190
A BOWIE KNIFE WITH ETCHED STEEL BLADE AND
MOUNTS, MODERN
with robust blade formed with a clipped back blade and cut
with a short fuller on each side, etched steel cross-piece
and disc pommel, and banded wooden grip
30.5cm; 12in
£100-150
£400-600
99
191
191
A GERMAN ETCHED AND GILT STATE HALBERD OF THE
GUARD OF LUDWIG RUDOLPH, DUKE OF BRUNSWICK
AND LÜNEBURG IN BLANKENBURG AND
WOLFENBÜTTEL (1671-1735), DATED 1717
with central spike, etched with vertical arrangement of
leaves rising from an etched decorative collar, large axeblade with convex leading edge, etched with the crested
mantled ducal arms supported by lions, large flat downturned fluke etched and gilt with scrolling foliage and the
centre etched with the mantled crowned ducal cypher
above the date, etched tubular socket the surface ground
etched in imitation of damascus pattern, on a faceted
wooden haft
56.5cm; 22Din head
The present halberd would have been made for the Court
at Blankenburg. A number of these were sold Sotheby's
Hanover October 2005, lots 773-777.
£2000-3000
192
TWO DECORATIVE TILTING LANCES, 19TH CENTURY
each fluted over the greater part of its forward portion,
recessed grip encircled with rivets at each end, conical rear
portion, fitted with a diamond-shaped iron head with
moulded neck and painted gold
484cm; 190I in and 362cm; 142I in overall
(2)
Provenance
£300-400
Schloss Blankenburg
The significance of the date 1717 on this group of halberds
remains unclear. Ludwig Rudolph received the Earldom of
Blankenburg am Harz in 1707. In complete violation of the
rule of primogeniture the Earldom was raised to a
Principality with all the rights of an Independant Sovereign
State, in the centre of which Ludwig Rudolph created a
lavish Court. In 1731, following the death of his brother,
August Wilhelm, Ludwig Rudolph reunited Blankenburg
and Wolfenbüttel and ruled them together briefly until 1735.
100
193
A GROUP OF SIXTEEN VARIOUS HAFTED WEAPONS,
19TH CENTURY AND LATER
including a flail, halberd and partisan in earlier style, each
on its wooden haft
(16)
£150-200
194
194
A SPEAR, LATE 16TH/17TH CENTURY
with triangular blade stamped with a star-shaped mark on
each side (pitted), tapering socket fitted with a moulded
brass collar, on a later wooden haft together with a
halberd in Italian 16th century style, 19th century, on its
wooden haft
the first 43.5cm; 17Bin head
196
196
A RUSSIAN MILITARY SPONTOON, LATE 18TH CENTURY
with shaped head etched with the crowned Imperial Double
Eagle on each side above a vacant scroll, moulded at the
base, straight cross-piece, and moulded faceted socket, on
a wooden haft
39cm; 15Gin head
£500-700
(2)
£300-400
195
AN ETCHED PARTISAN IN 16TH CENTURY STYLE, 19TH
CENTURY
with shaped central blade etched with a bold pattern of
scrolling foliage, a pair of slender crescentic side lugs, on a
wooden haft
64.5cm; 25I in head
197
TWO 1868 PATTERN LANCES
each with regulation steel head and shoe on a bamboo
shaft with buff leather strap, leather grip (one missing its
stitching) and later pendants (the steel parts patinated)
29cm; 11I in head
(2)
£200-300
£150-200
101
198
199
198
A RARE BRITISH CAVALRY TROOPER'S SWORD BY
HARVEY, CIRCA 1755-60
with straight fullered blade double-edged towards the
point, blunted ricasso retaining traces of the crowned
cypher ‘GR’ and the maker's name (areas of pitting), robust
steel hilt forged in one piece, comprising shallow bowlguard rising to a broad triangular knuckle-guard, an
additional bar front and back, and bun-shaped pommel,
and the grip with an early leather binding
90cm; 35I in blade
Another sword of this type is preserved in the National
Army Museum, London. See L. Southwick 1982, p. 135, no.
135 and A. D. Darling 1969, p. 88.
£300-400
199
A RARE BRITISH BRASS BASKET-HILTED BACK SWORD,
LATE 18TH/EARLY 19TH CENTURY
with straight fullered blade double-edged towards the point
(the point rounded), etched and gilt with foliage, ‘GR’
crowned, trophies and the Royal arms on a blued panel at
the forte (light wear and oxidation), signed on the backedge ‘J. J. Runkel, Solingen', brass basket-hilt including
short globular quillon, basket-guard pierced with
102
200
rectangular apertures (one bar cracked), spherical pommel
and wooden grip
81.2cm; 32in blade
‡ £500-800
200
A RARE 1798 PATTERN HIGHLAND OFFICER'S
BROADSWORD
with broad blade of flattened-hexagonal section, cut with
three short fullers and retaining traces of engraving on
each side at the forte, regulation brass hilt involving an
alternating arrangement of narrow and square panels
carried by rounded bars (small cracks and minor losses),
fluted bun-shaped pommel and original fishskin-covered
grip, in its original leather-covered wooden scabbard
(shrinkage) with steel mounts
83cm; 32Kin blade
See B. Robson 1996, p. 173 no. 161.
‡ £600-800
201
202
201
A 1796 PATTERN INFANTRY OFFICER'S SWORD,
PROBABLY FOR THE AMERICAN MARKET
with regulation blade etched blued and gilt with trophies
and foliage over the lower half, hilt with folding shell-guard,
original grip bound with silver wire, in its brass-mounted
leather scabbard, and in good untouched condition
81cm; 31Pin blade
203
203
A VICTORIAN 1827 PATTERN RIFLE OFFICER'S SWORD BY
HAWKES & CO, LONDON, NO. 1357
with etched blade, nickel-plated hilt, leather sword knot, in
its leather-covered regulation scabbard, complete with its
sword cover and dress scabbard (worn)
82cm; 32Din blade
£150-200
£500-700
202
A 1796 PATTERN INFANTRY OFFICER'S SWORD
with etched blued and gilt blade including the crowned
Royal arms and Royal cypher (worn), regulation hilt (quillon
missing), and wire-bound grip
80.5cm; 31Nin blade
£200-300
103
204
205
204
A MAMELUKE-HILTED OFFICER'S SWORD, EARLY 19TH
CENTURY
based on the 1796 light cavalry pattern, with regulation
blade, gilt-brass hilt cast in low relief, including cross-piece
with button terminals, a pair of ivory grip-scales retained by
pairs of foliate washers on each side, in its regulation silverplated steel scabbard decorated over its full surface with
scrolling flowers and foliage
83.8cm; 33in blade
£500-700
205
A MAMELUKE-HILTED GENERAL OFFICER'S SWORD BY
JOHNSTON, NO.8 NEWCASTLE STREET, STRAND, EARLY
19TH CENTURY
with broad kilig blade formed with a double-edged point,
engraved gilt-brass hilt of characteristic form including a
pair of quillons with bud-shaped terminals, horn gripscales, in its original fishskin-covered wooden scabbard
(small losses) with engraved gilt-brass mounts including
locket with the maker's details, chape decorated with
neoclassical ornament on the front, laurel fronds, further
foliage and a sword of justice on the reverse and four large
loops for suspension
64.8cm; 25I in blade
104
206
Joshua Johnston and his son, of the same name, are
recorded at Newcastle Street circa 1790-1839. See L.
Southwick 2001, pp.152-3. It is likely that the blade of this
sword came from the arsenal in Cairo, in the early 19th
Century.
£1500-2000
206
A MAMELUKE-HILTED SWORD RETAILED BY THE ARMY &
NAVY CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY, POST 1902
with curved etched blade, brass hilt cast in low relief,
ivorine grips, in its brass scabbard with two suspension
loops
83.5cm; 32Pin
£250-300
207
207
AN UNUSUAL SWORD OF REGULATION TYPE BY W.L &
H. SARGENT, MID-19TH CENTURY
with curved single-edged blade formed with a hatchet
point, stamped ‘best cast steel’ and with the maker's name
on the back-edge, gilt-brass gothic hilt incorporating an
oval filled with an expanded flowerhead, fishskin-covered
grip, in its steel scabbard
82.5cm; 32I in blade
208
209
209
A POST 1902 NAVAL OFFICER'S SWORD BY S. W. SILVER
& CO., LONDON AND PORTSMOUTH
with etched blade decorated with the crowned Royal arms
and a fouled anchor, regulation hilt with folding side-guard
engraved with the owner's name ‘J. J. G. Fraser, R. N.',
sharkskin-covered grip, in its scabbard
79.5cm; 31Gin blade
£200-300
William Lucas Sargant is recorded at Edmund Street,
Birmingham, circa 1852-65.
‡ £400-600
208
A POST 1902 NAVAL OFFICER'S SWORD
with etched blade, regulation brass hilt with folding sideguard (loose), fishskin-covered grip (wire binding missing),
in its regulation brass-mounted leather scabbard (worn)
79.2cm; 31Din blade
£200-300
105
210
A BAVARIAN EPEE BY REISS, MUNICH, CIRCA 1848-64
with slender blade of flattened-hexagonal section, etched
blued and gilt over the lower portion (light wear), gilt-brass
hilt of standard pattern, including down-turned shell cast
with a lion, mother-of-pearl grip-scales, applied on the
outer face with arms of Bavaria and the crowned letter M,
in its brass-mounted leather scabbard
77cm; 30Gin blade
£200-300
210
211
A GEORGE V 1897 PATTERN INFANTRY OFFICER'S
SWORD; A GERMAN SWORD, EARLY 20TH CENTURY; A
COPY OF A 1912 PATTERN CAVALRY SWORD; AND A
CHASSEPOT BAYONET, DATED 1872
the first with etched blade, in its scabbard, the second with
stirrup hilt incorporating lion's head pommel, in its
scabbard, the third in its scabbard, the fourth in its
scabbard (incomplete, steel parts pitted)
the first: 82.5cm; 32I in blade
(4)
£200-300
212
TWO BRITISH 1907 SECOND PATTERN BAYONETS, BY
WILKINSON
each in its scabbard and in good condition throughout
55.4cm; 21Nin
(2)
£40-60
211
213
A DISPLAY OF TEN PAIRS OF SPURS, 19TH CENTURY
of nickel and brass on their walnut stand incorporating a
very narrow drawer; together with two pairs of Georgian
steel spurs, one stamped Maxwell 161 Piccadilly; four
further pairs of spurs and a single decorated brass spur
(34)
£150-200
213
106
214
A COMPREHENSIVE FRAMED AND GLAZED DISPLAY OF
WORLD WAR I CAP BADGES, SHOULDER TAGS,
BUTTONS, POSTCARDS, AND DEACTIVATED BULLETS,
MAINLY BRITISH
arranged on a blue baize background
(approx 300 pieces)
£1200-1800
215
215
A PAIR OF PISTOL HOLSTERS OF REGULATION TYPE,
LATE 18TH/EARLY 19TH CENTURY
each with leather body (patches of crazing), domed
wooden basal finial bound by a copper band, bearskincovered flap, retained by a leather strap with a buckle to a
piece of backing leather fitted with a pair of loops for
suspension
33cm; 13in
(2)
£500-700
214
107
A Collection of Highly Decorated
European Small Swords
108
109
216
216
AN ENGLISH SMALL-SWORD WITH CUT-STEEL HILT BY
THOMAS GRAY, SACKVILLE STREET, LONDON, LATE
18TH CENTURY, THE HILT PROBABLY BY MATTHEW
BOULTON
with hollow-triangular blade etched and gilt with scrolls and
trophies on a blued panel at the forte, burnished steel hilt
comprising pierced oval guard formed with a central fluted
flowerhead, forward-canted quillon, knuckle-guard, urnshaped pommel and grip, decorated throughout with
faceted beads of differing size throughout (small losses), in
its original scabbard (later painted finish) with steel mounts
including signed locket
79.8cm; 31Gin blade
The connection between Matthew Boulton and Thomas
Gray is well documented. The hilt of the present sword has
a number of elements that are illustrated in Boulton's
pattern sheet datable to the 1780s. Gray worked at
Sackville Street circa 1749-1820. He was a prominent Royal
retail jeweller, cutler and goldsmith. He was immortalized in
Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility as the Gray's of
Sackville Street where the Miss Dashwoods went to
negotiate an exchange for a few old-fashioned jewels of
their mother (Chapter XXXIII). See. L. Southwick 2001 p.
126 and also the same author 2009, pp.231-233.
£500-700
110
217
217
A FINE ENGLISH SMALL-SWORD WITH CUT-STEEL HILT,
CIRCA 1800, POSSIBLY BY MATTHEW BOULTON
with hollow-triangular blade etched and gilt with trophies
on a blued panel over the forte (bluing worn), burnished
steel beadwork hilt, comprising oval shell-guard, quillon,
knuckle-guard, a pair of delicate pas d'âne, ovoid pommel
and swelling grip, decorated throughout with beaded
frames filled with faceted beads of differing size and
remaining in fine condition (the pommel with expert
restorations), in its steel mounted scabbard (later painted
finish)
78.4cm; 30Pin blade
For the most recent and detailed discussion of Matthew
Boulton's work and his supply of fine sword hilts to the
London retail trade see L. Southwick 2009, pp. 225-250.
£1500-2000
218
218
AN ENGLISH SMALL-SWORD WITH CUT-STEEL HILT,
CIRCA 1800
with continental hollow-triangular blade sparsely etched
with foliage and the bladesmith's initials ‘A.K.’ at the forte,
burnished steel hilt including oval shell-guard, flattened
globular quillon, knuckle-guard, and ovoid pommel
decorated throughout with faceted beads of differing size,
and original grip bound with a spiralling pattern of faceted
beads en suite with the hilt, in its scabbard with steel
mounts including locket inscribed ‘Armfields Manufactory
Cross St.’
83.5cm; 32Pin blade
Two cutlers of this name are recorded in Birmingham
during this period.
£1000-1500
219
A FINE ENGLISH SMALL-SWORD WITH SILVER-GILT HILT,
LONDON SILVER HALLMARKS FOR 1793, MAKER’S MARK
OF CORNELIUS BLAND
with French blade of hollow-triangular section, etched and
gilt with trophies, foliage and figures on a blued ground
over almost its entire length, inscribed by the bladesmith
‘Aubry Md Fourbisseur Pont St Michel au Roy de France',
silver-gilt hilt cast and chased in low relief, comprising oval
219
shell-guard decorated with a punched and engraved
flowerhead in the centre and a border of laurel foliage
chased in low relief against a punched ground on the inner
face, short quillon with flattened globular terminal engraved
with an expanded flowerhead, knuckle-guard chased en
suite with the guard, a pair of slender pas d'âne, flattened
ovoid pommel and solid grip each chased en suite, in its
original vellum-covered wooden scabbard with silver
mounts engraved with flowerheads matching the hilt, two
rings for suspension, and the locket engraved ‘Donné par la
Martinique'
82.4cm; 32I in blade
A sword with a hilt of almost identical design by the same
maker is illustrated in L. Southwick 1982, no. 217. Cornelius
Bland (1748-94) is known to have made a number of fine
presentation swords including one with a gold and
enamelled hilt presented by the people of the island of
Tobago to Major General Cornelius Cuyler in honour of his
capturing the island from the French. See L. Southwick
2001, pp.50-51.
£4000-6000
111
220
221
220
A FINE FRENCH SMALL-SWORD, CIRCA 1770
with hollow-triangular blade, etched and gilt over the
greater part of its length with scrolls, classical figures and
trophies on a blued panel (areas of light wear), signed
‘Leiger Md Fourbisseur rue Coqulliere et Celle Des Vieux
Augustin a Paris’ on one side of the forte and decorated
with a strapwork panel on the other, steel hilt finely
chiselled against a gilt fishroe ground with a very delicate
pattern of scrolls terminating in scaly marine monsters
adjacent to the blade and the quillon-block on the
respective faces, enriched with rococo garlands and the
borders with masks issuant with further scrolls, the inner
face fitted with two finely chased gold plaques depicting a
pair of tigers and a pair of lions, the outer face with two
burnished steel ovals (previously fitted with plaques),
globular quillon chiselled as a monster engorged on a gilt
ball, quillon-block chased with trophies-of-hunting, a pair of
pas d'âne with monsterhead finials, knuckle-guard
decorated with circular frames filled with expanded
flowerheads, tall globular pommel formed as a close
helmet with barred visor, chiselled over the skull with
dragons and foliage, and the grip with a binding of plaited
silver wire, ribband and ‘Turk's heads', in its original
scabbard with steel locket chiselled with scrolls and foliage
centring on a mask en suite with the hilt (middle band
missing)
78.7cm; 31in blade
221
A FRENCH SMALL-SWORD WITH FINELY CHISELLED AND
GILT HILT, CIRCA 1760
with contemporary hollow-triangular blade, associated
blade of flattened-hexagonal section, steel hilt finely
chiselled in low relief, comprising double shell-guard
decorated with portrait ovals enclosed by rococo foliage
and with differing trophies-of-hunting in each corner, the
borders enclosed by rococo scrolls and all against a finely
punched gilt fishroe ground, globular quillon, a pair of pas
d'âne decorated with foliage, quillon-block, knuckle-guard
and ovoid pommel all finely chiselled and gilt en suite with
the shell, and the grip a contemporary binding of plaited
silver wire and ribband, perhaps the original
78.7cm; 31in blade
£3000-4000
112
The medallions include portraits of Henri IV, Louis XIII, XIV
and XVI and would suggest that this was made for
presentation to a member of the court.
£1000-1500
222
223
222
A FINE FRENCH SMALL-SWORD, CIRCA 1780
with associated blade of flattened-hexagonal section,
etched and gilt with a cabbalistic inscription on a blued
panel at the forte (faded) on each side, steel hilt finely
chiselled in low relief, comprising double shell-guard
decorated with an oval filled with differing trophies, one
including a fleur-de-lys, each within a burnished steel frame
beneath a delicate garland of rococo flowers and with a
panel of fine trellis on each side, all against a very finely
punched and gilt ground, globular quillon, quillon-block, a
pair of pas d’âne, knuckle-guard and tall ovoid pommel all
finely chiselled and gilt en suite, and the grip with a later
binding of gilt wire and ribband
78cm; 30Nin blade
223
A FINE FRENCH SMALL-SWORD, CIRCA 1760
with tapering hollow-triangular blade etched and gilt with
scrollwork on a blued panel, signed in full on a long gilt
panel twice at the forte, ’Ravoisié Marchand Fourbiseur du
Roy au Duc de Bourgoyne Pont St Michel à Paris’, within a
scrollwork frame, steel hilt finely chiselled in low relief,
comprising double shell-guard decorated with differing
trophies on each side, including astronomical instruments,
a quiver, and a classical torso on the outer face all within a
scrollwork frame enriched with rococo flowers and foliage,
the inner face with atrophied designs of trophies including
a squirrel eating berries, all enriched with further scrolls
and flowers and vine foliage and grapes, globular quillon,
quillon-block decorated with trophies and a cannon on one
side, a pair of pas d'âne, knuckle-guard and globular
pommel all decorated en suite, all against a finely gilt
fishroe ground, and the grip bound with plaited wire and
‘Turk’s heads’, perhaps the original
86.3cm; 34in blade
£3000-4000
£1500-2000
113
224
A SPANISH SILVER-MOUNTED DAGGER, 19TH CENTURY
with double-edged fullered blade of flattened-diamond
section, the central fuller pierced with a series of slots and
circles, silver-gilt hilt including a pair of down-curved
quillons decorated with scrolls and an owl in the centre on
each side, and nielloed grip decorated with foliage and a
trellis pattern filled with crosses, in its fabric-covered
wooden scabbard with silver mounts en suite with the hilt
25cm; 9Pin
£800-1000
224
114
225
A FINE AND RARE FRENCH SMALL-SWORD WITH PASTESET SILVER-GILT HILT, CIRCA 1780
with hollow-triangular blade etched and gilt with trophies
and foliage on a blued ground at the forte, silver-gilt hilt
comprising oval shell-guard, quillon, a pair of pas d'âne,
knuckle-guard, urn-shaped pommel and swelling grip,
decorated throughout with faceted pastes of differing size
arranged as flowers and foliage and framed within ovals
over the grip
82cm; 32Din blade
A detached hilt almost certainly from the same workshop is
preserved in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. See
J. F. Hayward 1963, plate 36 (b).
£5000-7000
225
115
226
A VERY FINE AND RARE FRENCH SMALL-SWORD WITH
PASTE-SET SILVER-GILT HILT, CIRCA 1780
with hollow-triangular blade etched and gilt with foliage on
a blued panel at the forte, silver hilt cast and chased in low
relief, comprising oval shell-guard pierced with a
symmetrical arrangement of rococo flowers within a frame
of laurel, flattened globular quillon, knuckle-guard, a pair of
pas d'âne, ovoid pommel, threaded button and swelling
grip, decorated throughout with faceted pastes in raised
settings, in linear arrangements and as rococo flowers
within oval frames, and enriched with ropework and laurel
80.6cm; 31Nin blade
A sword with a very similar hilt and possibly from the same
workshop is preserved in the Metropolitan Museum of Art,
inv. no. 26.145.302. See B. Dean 1929, plate LXXV, no. 90.
£4000-6000
226
116
227
A FINE AND RARE SMALL-SWORD WITH PASTE-SET
SILVER-GILT HILT, CIRCA 1790, PROBABLY FRENCH
with two-stage blade of flattened-hexagonal section for the
greater part of its length, etched and gilt on each side with
foliage on a blued panel over the lower portion and the
inscription ‘Viva Carlus IV Rey de Las Espanas’ on one side,
silver gilt hilt cast in low relief, comprising oval shell-guard,
flattened globular quillon, knuckle-guard, a pair of pas
d’âne, ovoid pommel, threaded button, and swelling grip,
decorated throughout with flowers, foliage and spiralling
patterns of faceted pastes, and a crown on each side of the
quillon block (minor restorations), and all against a finely
punched ground engraved foliage
76.2cm; 30in blade
Provenance
Museo Armeria de D Jose Estruch Y Cumella, Barcelona,
illustrated plate CXXXXVII, no. 82 in the 1896 catalogue.
The inscription on the blade and the crown on the quillonblock would suggest that this sword may have been made
for a prominent member of the court of Charles IV, King of
Spain (1748-1819, ruled 1788-1808).
£2000-3000
227
117
228
A FINE FRENCH SMALL-SWORD WITH SILVER-GILT HILT,
PARIS CHARGE AND DISCHARGE MARK FOR 1775-81,
MAISON COMMUNE MARK FOR 1775
with hollow-triangular blade etched and gilt over the
greater part of its surface with fleur-de-lys on two sides and
with foliage, a pistol and trophies-of-arms on the other,
inscribed ‘De la manufacture de la Marque au Raisin fait a
Solingen’ at the forte, silver hilt cast and chased en rocaille
in low relief, including double shell-guard with four
medallions decorated with an artilleryman loading and
igniting a cannon, a pair of combatants holding a wreath,
and a victorious fighter, globular quillon and knuckle-guard
decorated with foliage, ovoid pommel decorated en suite
and with a central medallion with a drummer on the
reverse and a standing warrior on the front, and solid grip
with a central figurative medallion on each side, in its
scabbard with silver-gilt mounts (scabbard covering
replaced), decorated en suite with the hilt (middle bands
missing, covering replaced), and the locket inscribed
‘Devaux M. Fourbisser, Place des Trois Marie’
80.3cm; 31Kin blade
Deveaux is recorded as a Maître Fourbisseur in Paris 17571818.
£3500-4500
228
118
229
A FINE FRENCH SMALL-SWORD, CIRCA 1780
with hollow-triangular blade etched and gilt with
scrollwork, foliage, a cherubic mask, a Classical figure,
probably Mutius Scaevola, and the inscription ‘un me fecit’,
all on a blued panel, steel hilt finely chiselled in low relief,
comprising double shell-guard decorated on each side with
ovals filled with differing trophies-of-arms, surrounded by
scrolls and garlands against a finely punched and gilt
fishroe ground with small areas of delicate trellis, short
globular quillon, knuckle-guard, a pair of pas d'âne, and
ovoid pommel, all decorated en suite with the shell, and
the grip finely rebound with plaited wire, ribband and
‘Turk’s heads’, in a contemporary scabbard (later covering),
and steel locket and chape each chiselled and gilt with
scrolls against a gilt fishroe ground including a classical
figure on the locket
83.5cm; 32Pin blade
£2000-3000
229
119
Archaeologia Cantiana
230
A VERY FINE SMALL-SWORD WITH SILVER-GILT AND
ENAMELLED HILT PRESENTED BY THE UNDERWRITERS
OF THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE EAST INDIAMAN TO
CAPTAIN GOOCH, LONDON SILVER HALLMARKS FOR
1796-97, MAKER’S MARK OF JAMES MORRISET
with tapering blade of hollow-triangular section, etched
with scrollwork and retaining traces of blue and gilt, silvergilt hilt cast and chased in low relief, comprising oval shellguard inscribed ‘Presented by the Underwriters of the
Princess Charlotte East Indn. to Captain Gooch’, on the
underside and with a laurel border, the inside of the guard
with oak foliage and two laurel ovals filled with the
enamelled crest of the East India Company and the owner
respectively, short scrolling quillon, knuckle-guard
decorated with laurel centring on a fouled anchor on each
side, oval pommel decorated en suite and inset with an
enamelled plaque front and back decorated with differing
trophies-of-arms in polychrome enamel against a blue
ground, including a compass on the front and a globe on
the back, the arms of the hilt formed as small wreaths (the
enamel with expert restorations), and silver-gilt grip chased
with swags and an oval frame of foliage front and back,
each filled with an enamelled plaque decorated with further
maritime trophies
83cm; 32Kin blade
120
George Gooch (1761-1832) was born in Great Yarmouth. He
entered the East India Company’s Maritime Service in 1780,
after a decade of apprenticeship and service in trading
vessels and on a privateer. After promotion through
the ranks of Mate, his first command was the SIR STEPHEN
LUSHINGTON in 1796, a ship of which he was captain for
four voyages 1796-1803. Subsequently, he shared the
ownership of several East Indiamen, was an Elder of Trinity
House, owned property throughout England and Wales and
was buried in St Peter in Thanet, Kent, where his
monumental inscription describes him as ‘esteemed in
public, beloved in private’.
The life of the East Indiaman PRINCESS CHARLOTTE is
summarised in Farrington’s Catalogue... (1999). Launched in
1795, weighing 610 tons, she made four voyages before
being captured by a French frigate in Vizagapatam Roads
on 18th September 1804. She was built and three-quarters
owned by Peter Everitt Mestaer, who also owned a majority
share (four-sevenths) in Gooch’s first command, the SIR
STEPHEN LUSHINGTON. Mestaer was an important
Rotherhithe ship-builder who part-owned several East
Indiamen, some of which his firm had built, from the 1790s
until the early nineteenth century: he had close personal
and business links with George Gooch, who was an
executor of his will (PROB 11/1613) in 1819.
230
121
The PRINCESS CHARLOTTE was part of a small convoy of
East Indiamen that left the Downs for Portsmouth, en route
east, on 5th May 1796. At 9.30pm on 8th May, while
standing into St Helens at the east end of the Isle of Wight,
the ship struck hard on the long outcrop of rocks known as
the Mixon running south and south-west from Selsey Bill:
clearly, she was sailing far too close inshore. The Times of
10th May 1796 reported that, ‘the Princess Charlotte,
outward-bound East-India Ship, is on shore at Selsea Bill in
a dangerous situation.’ 48 hours of drama followed in
which the situation was not helped by the ship’s pilot
suffering, it was reported, a ‘mental derangement’: the
ship’s Journal suggests that it may have been this
‘derangement’ that had led to the ship sailing too far north.
The port admiral in Portsmouth sent two frigates to the
ship’s assistance and men arrived from Chichester and the
Isle of Wight in small boats, the shallow draught of which
allowed them to navigate the few channels of the Mixon at
high water in comparative safety. The ship’s Journal
records that Monday 9th May was spent in lightening the
ship by jettisoning shot and casks of the captain’s porter
and by manoeuvring her so that she might float at high
tide: this failed since when she became briefly free of the
rocks she promptly grounded again. During Tuesday 10th
May, her guns and some stores were unloaded into
launches and cutters alongside and her casks of drinking
water emptied. By 1am on Wednesday 11th May the ship
was free of the rocks and able to be towed through a
narrow channel known as the ‘Loo Stream’ into deep water:
although she had suffered damage, she was not in danger
of sinking. Alexander Williams, writing from Chichester to
the Court of Directors of the East India Company in London
on 11th May, said that the ship’s principal owner, Mestaer,
122
who had left London together with the Company’s Master
Attendant as soon as news had been received of her
striking on the Mixon, had arrived, ‘...to meet the Ship in a
State of Safety and, afterwards, to see her conducted thro’
an intricate Channel which no Ship had ever passed
before...’.
Capable of being sailed into Portsmouth on 11th May, she
then went aground again, as The Times of 12th May
reported from Portsmouth,’ ...in coming into this
Harbour...she struck on the East side of the Channel and is
likely to receive further damage.’ Fortunately, this
grounding was only temporary and she was able to be
towed into the harbour that evening, being lashed to HMS
FORTITUDE (74) on 12th May for further unloading. After
lengthy negotiation between the East India Company’s
Portsmouth agent, Andrew Lindegren, and the Navy Board
– which administered the Dockyard for the Admiralty, the
ship was admitted to a Royal Navy dry-dock in the harbour
for repair on 18th May, where it was found that she had lost
all her false keel and the greater part of her main keel. The
ship was in dock until 5th June, after which she spent six
days refitting before mooring at Spithead on 11th June and
sailing east in convoy on 27th June 1796.
PRINCESS CHARLOTTE’s near-loss and subsequent repair
generated an unusual flurry of correspondence between
Portsmouth and the East India Company in London: sadly
little or none of this correspondence appears to have
survived. However, the Minutes of the meeting of the
Company’s Court of Directors of 5th July 1796 record,
‘Resolved that in consideration of the very great Attention
and Exertions of the Master Builder in His Majesty’s
Dock Yard at Portsmouth, by which the ship Princess
Charlotte was repaired and enabled to join the late Convoy,
he be complimented with a Piece of Plate of the Value of
Fifty Guineas.’
The quality of the hilt of this fine sword, cast and chased in
silver-gilt rather than in gold, with enamel plaques only one
of which is specific to the recipient – that bearing his crest,
suggests that it probably cost about the same sum as the
‘Piece of Plate’ that the Company resolved to give to the
Dockyard’s Master Builder. The identities of the
Underwriters who subscribed for this sword, or who –
perhaps – made Gooch a present of about fifty guineas to
use as he thought fit, have not been identified but they are
likely to have been closely involved with either the ship’s
owner, or the East India Company, or both: Peter Everitt
Mestaer may even have been one of them and, as we have
seen, he and Gooch knew each other and were later
business associates.
The lack of the correspondence between Portsmouth and
London for May-June 1796, together with the lack of
survival of either Gooch’s or Mestaer’s or Lindegren’s
papers, means that supposition must supplant certainty in
associating Gooch with the near-loss of and repair to the
PRINCESS CHARLOTTE in that period. However, the
Journal for the SIR STEPHEN LUSHINGTON, the ship
principally owned by Mestaer and of which Gooch had
been sworn-in as captain on 30th March 1796, reveals that
she began fitting-out, trimming and loading at Deptford on
11th June 1796 and that Gooch came aboard for the first
time on 24th June, when she moved to Blackwall before
sailing down river to Gravesend, whereupon Gooch left the
ship to return on two occasions, 3rd and 8th July, to come
aboard finally on 17th July, when the ship sailed to the
Downs to join her convoy to the east. Thus, Gooch was not
with his ship when the PRINCESS CHARLOTTE was
damaged, emptied, repaired and refitted and so would
have been available to assist with one or more aspects of
that process. Since no other event or occasion has been
identified in the period 1796-98 when Gooch could have
prevented the loss of, or serious damage to, the PRINCESS
CHARLOTTE, it seems most probable that he was of
considerable help between mid-May and early June 1796
and that the ship’s Underwriters rewarded him accordingly.
£35000-50000
123
231
Armour
VARIOUS OWNERS
231
A COMPOSITE NORTH EUROPEAN ARMOUR, FIRST HALF
OF THE 17TH CENTURY AND LATER
comprising cuirassier helmet with fluted two-piece skull
pierced by a ring finial on a star-shaped washer
(incomplete), pivoting peak fitted with later visor and a
single neck lame front and rear, gorget formed of a single
deep plate front and rear, breastplate decorated with pairs
of incised lines and carrying a pair of tassets of seven
lames, backplate fitted with a culet of five lames, a pair of
full arm-defences including large pauldrons and a pair of
fingered gauntlets, a pair of full leg-defences including
articulated cuisses with winged poleyns and articulated
sabatons, on a wooden stand
£5000-7000
124
231
232
A NORTH EUROPEAN THREE-QUARTER CUIRASSIER
ARMOUR, 17TH CENTURY
comprising close helmet with two-piece skull joined at a
low comb, fitted with visor bevor and upper bevor joined
by common pivots, the bevor pierced with a series of
circular breathes on the right, neck-guard formed of two
broad lames at the front (the rear two missing) cuirass
formed of a heavy breastplate with vestigial peascod,
flanged outwards at the base and carrying a pair of tassets
of thirteen and fourteen lames on the left and right
respectively, a pair of knee-defences each of three lames,
the uppermost with a winged poleyn, a pair of full armdefences, a pair of gauntlets (fingers missing) decorated
throughout with pairs of incised lines around the principal
borders and studded with domed rivets, and with later
etched bands filled with trophies-of-arms on a stippled
ground within ropework frames in the so-called pisan
manner (worn small areas of lamination, minor holes and
disarticulated)
‡ £15000-25000
125
233
A FULL ARMOUR FOR THE TILT IN THE MANNER OF
ANTON PEFFENHAUSER OF AUGSBURG, 20TH CENTURY
of bright steel, comprising close helmet, reinforcing piece
on the left extending over the upper portion of the chest,
gorget, cuirass, the breast fitted with lance-rest on the right
and targe on the left, a pair of full arm-defences, fingered
gauntlets, a pair of full leg-defences including tassets
embossed with a roped medial ridge, on a wooden stand
and complete with a portion of a lance fitted with vamplate
in contemporary style
‡ £5000-7000
233
126
234
234
A HAND PAVISE FOR COMBAT ON FOOT IN SOUTH
GERMAN LATE 15TH/EARLY 16TH CENTURY STYLE, LATE
18TH/EARLY 19TH CENTURY
of sub rectangular outline, with rounded corners, rising to a
central cusp at its upper edge, formed with a broad medial
gutter extending over its full height, covered over almost its
entire surface with skin, the outer face applied with gesso,
painted with a large sable eagle displayed charged with a
shield fussily on its chest, all on an ochre ground enriched
with lighter ochre pellets, a pair of ochre lines framing the
main edges, and the top painted with a red border (small
losses, the upper and lower edges each with very small
early working repairs), the inner face left natural and
retaining its original four iron staples fitted with two pairs of
twisted leather enarmes
81.2cm; 32in high
A sample of the skin from the inside has been dated to 26
years either side of 1793. The arms are those of the
Bavarian town of Schongau, on the southern Danube.
Another example from this group was formerly in the
Rothschild Collection and another was in the Zschille
Collection, no. 638.
£4000-6000
127
235
A GROUP OF VARIOUS SPURS, ROMAN TO 17TH
CENTURY
in excavated condition, the Roman spur a fragment of
bronze; a prick spur, 11th Century, with moulded pyramidal
prick; a 12th Century spur, the prick incorporating a rondel;
a 14th Century rowel spur; a French rowel spur, 17th
Century, with moulded neck, five-pointed star and retaining
its original buckles; a 15th Century rowel spur and
seventeen further rowel spurs
235
(27)
£200-300
236
A LARGE STIRRUP IN GERMAN 16TH CENTURY STYLE,
20TH CENTURY, TWO PAIRS OF BRASS STIRRUPS, 18TH
CENTURY AND FIVE FRENCH REGULATION CAGE
STIRRUPS, EARLY 20TH CENTURY
the first pair formed of writhen bars chiselled with scale
pattern and incorporating a loop for suspension; the
second pair cast and chased with lion masks; the
regulation stirrups of characteristic form and the last with
steel tread formed of writhen iron bars and brass side
panels rising to a loop for suspension
(10)
236
237
£300-500
237
A GROUP OF THREE EUROPEAN SPURS, 14TH, 15TH AND
17TH CENTURIES AND TWO HORSE PICKS, 18TH AND
19TH CENTURIES
the first in excavated condition, with arched slotted heel
band with pierced figure-of-eight-shaped terminals,
tapering neck, and star-shaped rowel of six spikes; the
second in excavated condition, with arched heel band with
figure-of-eight-shaped terminals (one chipped), long neck,
and star shaped rowel of eight spikes, the third of brass,
with arched heel band retaining an original buckle on one
side, short neck, star-shaped rowel of five points, and
chiselled throughout with scale ornament; the first pick of
brass fitted with near rectangular steel tip, and brass grip
formed with large pierced spherical terminals; and the
second of iron, the finial formed of a foot with a robust iron
pick beneath, and turned wooden handle
the first: 13cm; 5Bin
(5)
£350-450
128
238
A NORTH ITALIAN ETCHED COUTER, THIRD QUARTER OF
THE 16TH CENTURY
formed in one piece, shaped to the point of the elbow
(holed), embossed with a roped medial ridge accompanied
by two further roped ridges, etched with a bold pattern of
scrolling foliage on the main surface, recessed border
etched with scrolling foliage accompanied by engrailed
patterns, and turned roped edge (worn)
£400-600
239
A PAIR OF GILT-BRASS ROWEL SPURS
with moulded ankle bands, each retaining its original
buckle and leather strap, moulded necks and petal-shaped
rowel, retaining some original gilding throughout
238
£100-150
240
A CLOSE HELMET IN LATE 16TH CENTURY STYLE,
MODERN
with two-piece skull joined at a roped comb, fitted at the
nape with a plume-holder and rear neck-guard of two
lames, visor pierced with two vision slits, upper and lower
bevor, the former pierced with a circular arrangement of
breathes on the right and a series of circular and slotted
breathes on the left, the latter shaped for the chin, drawnout at the base to form a neck-guard of two lames, and the
lower lame decorated with a roped inward turn
accompanied by a recessed border
31cm; 12Din high
239
‡ £350-450
241
A GROUP OF ELEVEN VARIOUS HORSE BITS, 10TH/7TH
CENTURY BC TO EARLY 17TH CENTURY
in excavated condition, the first probably Mesopotamian,
comprising two moulded side bars, each incorporating a
loop fitted with a chain cast with raised nodules; one
Roman iron bit; two Celtic iron bits; three medieval snaffle
bits; four further bits; a large steel headband and a single
stirrup
240
(12)
£300-400
241
129
242
A HELM IN 14TH CENTURY STYLE AND TWO MORIONS
IN EARLY 17TH CENTURY STYLE, 20TH CENTURY
the first formed of seven riveted plates, the lower front
portion hinged and fitted with two reinforcing plates; the
second of so-called Spanish form, with two-piece skull
encircled with steel rivets on brass rosette washers, and
the third formed in two pieces joined by a tall comb,
embossed on each face with a semi-circular panel (pitted
throughout)
the first: 36cm; 14Din high
(3)
‡ £400-600
243
A MINIATURE ARMOUR IN LATE 15TH/16TH CENTURY
STYLE
including helmet with stylised sparrow's-beak visor and
fingered gauntlets, holding a mace, on a wooden stand
51cm; 20in high
£400-500
243
244
A MINIATURE ARMOUR IN LATE 15TH/16TH CENTURY
STYLE
on a wooden stand, complete with a halberd
52.5cm; 20Kin high
£400-500
244
130
245
The following eight lots are sold not subject to return
245
VAUBAN (1633-1707), De L'Attaque et de la Defense des
Places: The Hague 1737. Quarto (270 x 220mm). Thirty-five
folding out engraved plates and diagrams, contemporary
leather binding (worn)
Bernard. “M.B.” - The Gunmaker's Silversmith. 1998. ONE
OF 30 COPIES, FOR PRESENTATION TO R. WIGINGTON,
signed by the author
(35)
£250-350
£300-500
246
ASHDOWN, Charles Henry. British and Foreign Arms &
Armour. 1909, 2-page autograph letter from the author
loosely-inserted; HEWITT, John. Ancient Armour and
Weapons in Europe. 1855; ASHDOWN, C.H. Armour &
Weapons in the Middle Ages. 1925; DEMMIN, Auguste. An
Illustrated History of Arms and Armour. 1877; BOUTELL,
Charles. Arms and Armour in Antiquity and the Middle
Ages. 1874. BLACKMORE, Howard L. British Military
Firearms 1650-1850. 1961; HASWELL MILLER, A.E. & N.P.
DAWNAY. Military Drawings and Paintings in the Collection
of Her Majesty the Queen … Volume One. Plates. 1970;
MOLLO, John. Military Fashion. 1972; WOOD, Stephen. The
Scottish Soldier. 1987, signed by the author. With 18 others
of related interest. CARTER, Thomas. Medals of the British
Army, and how they were won ... The Crimean Campaign
… Egypt, Peninsula, Waterloo, and South Africa … India,
China, Etc. London: Groombridge, 1861. 3 volumes in one,
8vo. Half title, 17 hand-coloured plates of medals (first plate
creased, one plate detaching). Contemporary red half calf
gilt (extremities lightly rubbed), Provenance: S. John
Tombs (armorial bookplate). GEORGE, J.N. English Pistols
and Revolvers. 1938; GEORGE, J.N. English Guns and
Rifles. 1947; ATKINSON, John A. Duelling Pistols. 1964;
ATKINSON, John A. The British Duelling Pistol. 1978; NEIL,
W. Keith & D.H.L. BACK. British Gunmakers. Their Trade
Cards, Cases & Equipment 1760-1860. 1980; COOPER,
John S. For Commonwealth and Crown. English
Gunmakers of the Seventeenth Century. 1993; DICKENS,
247
DIROM, Alexander (1757-1830). A Narrative of the
Campaign in India which terminated the war with Tippoo
Sultan in 1792. With maps and plans illustrative of the
subject, and a view of Seringapatam. London: W. Bulmer,
1793. Quarto (260 x 205mm). Engraved frontispiece, plate,
6 maps and plans, all but one folding, engraved plate of
Tippoo Sultan's Great Seal (frontispiece cropped,
frontispiece and title browned and spotted, some spotting
and browning throughout, some mainly marginal staining).
19th-century green half calf gilt by Higginbotham & Co. of
Madras (rather worn, lower cover detached), Provenance:
Palace Library, Mysore (stamp on front free endpaper);
early signature erased from title with some thinning of
paper; some pencil marginalia and annotation. FIRST
EDITION. INDIA - MARQUIS CURZON OF KEDLESTON.
British Government in India. The Story of the Viceroys and
Government Houses. London: Cassell, 1925. 2 volumes,
quarto (317 x 270mm). Half titles, photogravure frontispiece
portraits, half tone plates (some spotting and staining
throughout). Original blue half morocco gilt, top edges gilt,
others uncut (extremities rubbed). NUMBER 60 OF 500
“EDITION DE LUXE” COPIES. With 3 other works on India in
4 volumes including James Grant's Cassell's Illustrated
History of India (London, [c.1880], 2 vols.) and The
Historical Record of the Imperial Visit to India 1911
(London, John Murray, 1914, publisher's presentation copy,
blindstamped "With Mr Murray's Compliments").
MUNRO, Innes (d.1827). A Narrative of the Military
Operations, on the Coromandel Coast, against the
combined forces of the French, Dutch, and Hyder Ally
131
Cawn. London: for the Author, 1789. Quarto (266 x
212mm). Additional title with engraved vignette, folding
engraved plans (additional title detached and stained, some
mainly marginal worming, spotting and staining, some
offsetting). 19th-century half library calf (some staining, a
few wormholes).
(9)
£350-450
(422 x 290mm). Additional chromolithographed titles,
chromolithographed and tinted plates. Original reverse calf
elaborately decorated in gilt, gilt edges (rubbed). With J.B.
Waring's Art Treasures of the United Kingdom from the Art
Treasures Exhibition, Manchester … chromo lithographed
by F. Bedford … with essays by Owen Jones, Digby Wyatt
[etc] (London, 1858), The Art Journal. Illustrated Catalogue.
The Industry of All Nations 1851 (London, [1852]) and
Tallis's History and Description of the Crystal Palace, and
the Exhibition of the World's Industry in 1851 (London,
[n.d.], vols. I and III only).
248
ELGOOD, Robert (editor). Islamic Arms and Armour. 1979,
London, inscribed by the author, cloth boards, original dust
cover and slip case
(qty)
£200-300
251
CHRISTIE'S ARMS AND ARMOUR, MILITARIA AND
SPORTING GUN AUCTION CATALOGUES
249
HOLMES, Richard R. Naval & Military Trophies & Personal
Relics of British Heroes. London: John C. Nimmo, 1896.
Folio (398 x 300mm). Half title, title printed in red and black,
36 chromolithographed plates by William Gibb. Original red
pictorial cloth gilt, gilt edges (rebacked preserving original
spine). OWEN, C. H. & T. L. DAMES. Elementary Lectures on
Artillery, Prepared for the Use of the Gentlemen Cadets of
the Royal Military Academy. Woolwich: Royal Artillery
Institution, 1860. Quarto (280 x 212mm). Plates, some
folding, some with hand-colouring, tables (several plates
lacking). Contemporary half roan (rubbed), Provenance:
Andrew Noble (armorial bookplate and pencil signature on
title, "Capt. Noble").
£300-500
including sales in London, Geneva, New York and
Melbourne during the period 1966-2008, including the
collections of McDonald-Peattie, J. F. R. Winsbury (the
second and final part), Harold L. Peterson, Red Hackle
Whiskey, Alber J. Weatherhead III, A. C. C. Parker (Part 1), J.
C. L. Knapton, The Armoury of Their Serene Highnesses
the Princes zu Salm-Reifferscheidt-Dyck (Part 2), Eugene
Nielson, and R. T. Gwynn
A full listing is available on request
(87)
£400-600
(2)
£50-80
250
SALE CATALOGUES - Bank House, Wellesbourne. 1940;
Sheffield Park, 1971; The Green Collection. 1976 (2 copies);
Europaische Schmiedekunst. Part III. 1981; The Hever
Castle Collection … Volume One. Arms and Armour. 1983;
Powerscourt, Eniskerry. 1984; A Cabinet of Curiosities: the
Property of The Lord McAlpine of West Green. 1994. With
Wallis & Wallis Centenary. Some of the Best and Most
Interesting. [n.d.]. SEITZ, Heribert. Ein Waffenhistorisches
Handbuch. Blankwaffen I [II]. 1965-68. 2 vols; OAKESHOTT,
R. Ewart. The Sword in the Age of Chivalry. 1964;
OAKESHOTT, R. Ewart. The Archaeology of Weapons. 1960;
NORMAN, A.V.B. The Rapier and Small-Sword 1460-1820.
1980. WARING, J.B. Masterpieces of Industrial Art &
Sculpture at the International Exhibition, 1862 … ChromoLithographed by and under the Direction of W. R. Tymms,
A. Warren, and G. Macculloch, from photographs supplied
by the London Photographic and Stereoscopic Company,
taken exclusively for this work by Stephen Thompson.
London: Day & Son, 1863. Volumes I - II only (of 3). Folio
132
252
SOTHEBY'S ARMS AND ARMOUR, MILITARIA AND
SPORTING GUN AUCTION CATALOGUES
including sales in London, Florence, Los Angeles,
Johannesburg, Monte Carlo, Zurich, Sussex and New York
during the period 1970-2005, including the collections of
William Goodwin Renwick (parts I-IV & VII-X), John A.
Williams, A. L. Jackson, John F. Hayward, Visser (two
parts), and Alexander Davison
A full listing is available on request
(147)
£400-600
253
Sold by order of the administrators of Nobel Enterprises
Ltd
253
ERIK LINDBERG ( SWEDISH 1873-1966): ALFRED NOBEL
a patinated bronze bust on a square base, engraved Erik
Lindberg 1910 and with foundry stamp 'Herman Bergman
Fud Stockholm 1913'
102.3cm; 40Din high
The present bust is one of two cast at the Herman Bergman
foundry, the other being on display at the Nobel prize
ceremonies in Stockholm.
Alfred Bernhard Nobel (1833-1896) was born in Stockholm
and is most famous for his pioneering work with
explosives. He studied nitro-glycerine and found that when
it was incorporated within an inert and absorbent
substance like kieselguhr it became safer and thus more
convenient to manipulate. This was patented in 1862 as
dynamite. Other patents followed including gelignite or
blasting gelatine. Nobel amassed an immense fortune and
the bulk of this was left in trust after his death for the
establishment of five prizes in the fields of physics,
chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and peace.
The distribution of prizes was begun on the 10th of
December 1901, the anniversary of Nobel’s death. The
only individual to receive prizes in more than one section
has been Mme Marie Curie who was honoured in both
physics and chemistry.
Erik Lindberg was a medallist and sculptor who produced a
number of medals for the Nobel prize and other
institutions. In his lifetime he was described as ‘a very able
and clever artist, as shown in the execution of various
medals which show a rare ability not only in regard to
composition and artistic workmanship but also in the
delicacy of expression and feeling of form in his modelling
of the subjects.’
£8000-10000
133
254
254
A FRENCH BRONZE EQUESTRIAN STATUE OF NAPOLEON
BONAPARTE CAST FROM THE MODEL BY LOUIS MARIE
MORISE, LATE 19TH CENTURY
on a signed naturalistic base
62.2cm; 24I in high, 49.2cm; 19Gin long, 17.8cm; 7in
wide
£4000-5000
134
255
A GERMAN FOLDING KNIFE BY J. A. HENKELS, EARLY
20TH CENTURY
with German silver body faced with faux mother-of-pearl
plaques on each side fitted with numerous folding
implements including blades, files, boot hooks, picks,
bodkins, and screwdrivers, remaining in good crisp
condition throughout, in its German silver-mounted leather
pouch
8cm; 3Bin (closed)
£350-400
255
256
THE CASED COURT DRESS OF THE HONOURABLE GUY
CHARTERIS (1886-1967), EARLY 20TH CENTURY
comprising court sword with cut steel hilt, in its scabbard,
coatee, breeches, waistcoat, shoes with buckles en suite
with the sword, cocked hat, and a pair of gloves: all
contained in a black japanned tin case
£350-450
257
A BLACK LACQUERED PAPIER MACHÉ BOX, PROBABLY
ENGLISH, CIRCA 1815
circular, the cover applied with a printed scene entitled
‘BATAILLE DE WATERLOO / La garde meurt, et ne se rend
pas / le 18 Juin 1815’
9cm; 3I in diameter
£100-150
256
258
A MODEL CANNON IN 16TH/17TH CENTURY STYLE, 20th
CENTURY
with bronze barrel cast with a crested coat-of-arms and
acanthus foliage, on its wooden carriage
35cm (13Nin)
£500-700
258
135
259
AN UNUSUAL POWDER-FLASK, 19TH CENTURY
formed of wood, of tapering oval section, the outer surface
encased in sharkskin (losses), and the borders encased in
brass, with two rings for suspension, and complete with its
wooden stopper
36.5cm; 14Gin
£200-300
259
260
A HIGHLAND DRESS POWDER HORN, 19TH CENTURY
of flattened cowhorn, with German silver fittings cast in low
relief, comprising thistle-shaped finial, bulbous basal cap
decorated with elaborate patterns of thistle flowers and
foliage (loose), set with a foil-backed piece of glass in the
base, and an additional foil-backed piece of glass in a
scrollwork setting on the front, and retaining its German
silver suspension chain
33.5cm; 13Din
£500-800
260
261
A BRASS-MOUNTED POWDER HORN, EARLY 19TH
CENTURY AND ANOTHER POWDER HORN
the first of natural cow horn, with brass basal cap and
nozzle, the latter fitted with spring cut-off and with
provision for suspension (worn); the second of natural cow
horn, inscribed with the date 1847 at the base (probably
later), scalloped basal cap, moulded nozzle with horn
stopper, and two iron loops for suspension
the first: 27.5cm; 10Pin
(2)
£250-350
262
A HORN POWDER-FLASK, EARLY 19TH CENTURY
of flattened cowhorn, with brass basal cap, brass nozzle
with spring cut-off and a pair of loops for suspension fitted
with a brass chain
23.5cm; 9Din
261
£60-80
262
136
The Property of a European Collector
137
263
263
A VERY FINE GERMAN MANUFACTURER’S MODEL
CANNON BY ALFRED KRUPP PRESENTED TO KING
GEORGE I OF GREECE, DATED 1864
with tapering multi-stage steel barrel swelling at the
muzzle, cast with raised astragal and reinforcing bands,
engraved with the Greek crowned royal cypher between
entwined oak and olive branches on the first reinforce,
chiselled on top of the base-ring with the abbreviated word
for ‘Arsenal’ in Greek cyrillic, the date and with a golddamascened cartouche between, and with a further cyrillic
inscription beneath, globular cascable, and a pair of
trunnions inscribed ‘1/5’ on on the left and ‘C/K.1748’ on
the right, on its original steel-mounted mahogany carriage,
with steel-shod spoked cambered wheels, fitted with an
ammunition case on each side, the bed with elevating
screw, signed ‘K.O.’ and with the date 1858 on the trail eye
bracket (cap-squares expertly replaced) and with its limber
en suite with the carriage, carrying a further pair of fitted
ammunition boxes, and with accurately detailed steel
fittings throughout
49.5cm; 19I in. barrel
The Krupp family arrived in Essen in 1587 and are recorded
thirty one years later making over one thousand barrels a
year at the start of the thirty years war. The family
continued to manufacture gun barrels of a high quality and
rose to international fame in the 19th and 20th Centuries.
During the 19th Century a very large proportion of ‘die
Firma's’ income was generated from other areas of the
steel industry including the manufacture of steel tyres for
trains. A considerable number of these were exported to
the United States and praised for their superior quality. The
income generated from this was able to subsidise the
cannon founding business that was an obsessive passion
for Alfred Krupp (1812-87).
George I of Greece ascended to the throne on 29th October
1863. The unrest of the years preceding this together with
the handing over of the Ionian Islands by the British in June
1864 gave a favourable start to his reign.
For an account of the Krupp family see W. Manchester,
1964.
£20000-30000
138
263
139
264
A FINELY CONSTRUCTED MODEL CARRONADE
MOUNTED IN A HULL-SECTION, LATE 18TH CENTURY
with tapering bronze three-stage barrel, the muzzle and
second reinforce astragals each rising up to incorporate a
v-shaped sight, the base incorporating a central lug for
fixing to the bed, the vent lined with a rectangular panel of
white metal, stepped cascabel incorporating a breeching
loop and an iron screw for elevation, on its finely
constructed fully adjustable mahogany bed, incorporated
within a hull-section, complete with copper-lined hinged
port-cover and adjusting pulleys
21.5cm; 8I in barrel
The Carron Company was founded in Falkirk by Dr. John
Roebuck, Samuel Garbett and William Cadell in 1759. The
first carronades were produced from the designs of Charles
Gascoigne from 1779 until 1852. A drawing of a carronade
of similar form from 1785 and also in a hull-section is in the
collection of H. M. The Queen of the Netherlands. See R. D.
Smith 1989, p.34 and A. N. Kennard 1986, p. 54. A very
similar model with an inscription recording its presentation
from the Carron Company to Lieutenant General Melville
signed by the maker's Winlaw, Engine Maker, Margaret
Street, Cavendish Square was sold Christie's King Street,
11th February 1999, lot 299 (£20,700, including premium).
£3000-4000
140
264
141
265
265
A FINE CASED PAIR OF 38 BORE FRENCH PERCUSSION
RIFLED TARGET PISTOLS BY LEPAGE, ARQUEBUSIER DU
ROY, PARIS, NUMBER 2023, DATED 1818
with browned twist swamped octagonal sighted barrels cut
with micro-groove rifling, decorated with a band of gold
foliage around the muzzles (refreshed), signed in gold ‘Le
Page Arqer Du Roi’ and ‘et de Mgr Le Duc D'Orleans', inlaid
with a gold arrow and numbered ‘1’ and ‘2’ in gold
respectively, case-hardened breeches inlaid with gold lines,
stamped with the date and number beneath, engraved
case-hardened breech tangs incorporating the back-sights
and numbered in gold, border-engraved bevelled locks
signed in full and decorated with foliage, set triggers,
figured walnut half-stocks carved with shell ornament at the
fore-ends, chequered grips, the butts fitted with carved
ebony pommels, engraved case-hardened steel mounts
comprising two-piece flush-fitting side-plates formed as a
leaf and a pair of addorsed water dragons respectively,
spurred trigger-guards with neo-classical urn finial and
decorated with a monster matching the side-plate, buttcaps, a pair of barrel bolt escutcheons, with no provision
142
for a ramrod, and retaining much early finish throughout: in
their original brass-bound rosewood veneered fitted case
lined in tooled and gilt green and red leather (small areas of
wear), complete with a full complement of accessories
including signed case-hardened main-spring clamp, signed
and numbered case-hardened bullet mould, signed carved
ebony and ivory charge flask, and horn powder-flask bound
with gilt-brass
35.5cm; 14in
It is likely that these pistols were converted in their early
working life from fulminate lock to percussion, and possibly
refinished in part at this time.
Jean Lepage (1792-1854) continued his father's business
with his brothers André, Prosper and Henry. He was
gunmaker to Louis XVIII and Charles X, was a member of
the Conseil des Manufactures in 1825 and won medals at
the Paris exhibitions of 1823, 1827, 1834 and 1839.
£7000-9000
266
266
A VERY FINE AND RARE PAIR OF 22 BORE FRENCH
FLINTLOCK LONG HOLSTER PISTOLS BY PIRAUBE AUX
GALLERIES A PARIS, DATED 1697
with lightly swamped barrels fitted with silver fore-sights,
signed in full and dated on a long central panel engraved
with sprays of strapwork foliage at the muzzle end and
chiselled with a grotesque at the breech end, moulded
breeches chiselled with opposing classical warrior profile
busts beneath a canopy and a trophy-of-arms all within a
strapwork frame (areas of light wear), rectangular tangs
engraved with a stylized grotesque and border ornament,
stepped bevelled locks engraved with trophies on the tails,
engraved and chiselled faceted pans signed in full beneath,
the lock-plates and cocks engraved with strapwork foliage
and border ornament en suite with the muzzles, finely
chiselled steels decorated with a moustacheod
espagnolette mask on the outer face and the spurs formed
as grotesque monsters, highly figured walnut full stocks
carved in low relief with linear mouldings over the foreends (one fore-end expertly repaired), scrolling tendrils
with monsterhead terminals behind the rear ramrod-pipes
and on either side of the barrel tangs, the butts inlaid in
silver wire with scrolls over the spines and with a pattern of
wavy lines about the barrel tangs, the side-plates and the
pommel spurs, chiselled steel mounts comprising solid
side-plates decorated with a framework of foliage
incorporating an oval central panel and with a pierced
design of foliage on the tails, moulded trigger-guards
engraved en suite with the locks and with acanthus finials,
spurred pommels engraved with elaborate trophies-of-arms
carrying differing portrait medallions on each side, the caps
finely chiselled with acanthus and a laurel frame enriched
with gold pellets enclosing a mounted classical warrior on
a punched ground, vacant escutcheons carried by a pair of
addorsed herms, and surmounted by a ducal coronet, a
pair of faceted ramrod-pipes (the mounts with areas of light
wear), and steel-tipped wooden ramrods, perhaps the
original
56cm; 22in
(2)
Provenance
Clay P. Bedford
Charles H. Moses, Ashtablula, Ohio 1966
Literature
Wallace B. Gusler and James D. Lavin, Decorated Firearms
1540-1870, from the Collection of Clay P. Bedford,
Williamsburg, 1977, pp.34-7
143
266
Bertrand Piraube has been described as the most important
figure in the decorative development of French firearms
circa 1670-1724, and thus the history of European firearms.
There is evidence that his first workshop was in Saint
Germain en Laye, north west of Paris but little is known of
this period. On 25th January 1670 Louis XIV granted him a
brevet de logement in the Galeries du Louvre. This
appointment, which was confirmed in March the following
year, established Piraube as primus inter pares amongst
the gunmakers working for Louis XIV. In German Brice's
Description de la Ville de Paris, published in various
editions between 1698 and 1718, he was described as a
gunmaker who produced pieces of rare beauty. Working
within the precincts of the Royal Palace freed Piraube from
the restrictions of the Parisian Guilds and consequently he
was able to employ as many apprentices and journeymen
as his commissions required. It comes as no surprise that a
significant number of the great European Ancestral
Gunrooms have firearms by him, including a fowling-piece
at Windsor Castle believed to have been presented to
Charles II of England by Louis XIV; a pair of pistols and a
fowling-piece that were presented to the young Charles XI
of Sweden as part of an exceptional gift including twelve
richly caparisoned horses each with a brace of pistols in
the saddle holsters and a number of fowling pieces; and
the gunroom of the former Electors of Saxony in Dresden
which includes no less than eleven long arms and fourteen
pairs of pistols by him.
Unlike many of his contemporaries Piraube dated the
greater part of his firearms and thus one is able to follow
144
the development of his style in considerable detail. The
extant firearms by him are dated 1673, 1679, 1681, 1682,
1683, 1685, 1688, 1689, 1690, 1693, 1694, 1696, 1697, 1698,
1699, 1700, and 1715. In addition to this list two further
pairs of pistols with steel mounts, dated 1700 and 1701
respectively, are recorded in the gewehrkammer of Duke
August Wilhelm of Brunswick Luneburg (1662-1731).
The present pair of pistols represent an important turning
point in Piraube's style, along with another pair of pistols
dated 1696, one year earlier. The shorter side-plates with
their oval medallions, the engraved oval medallions on
each side of the pommels, the masks on the front of the
steels and the geometric panels on the trigger-guards are
among the features characteristic of the new Bérain style.
While many of the features of this new style were a
reintroduction from the mid-17th century others were
entirely new, such as the inset geometrical panels on the
trigger-guards and the espagnolette masks on the front of
the steels. These were first published eight years after
these pistols were made in 1705 as a supplement by de la
Collombe to the reissue of Simonin's earlier pattern book.
This also provides a useful insight into pattern books of this
period and how the most fashionable firearms often
preceded the publication of the designs.
See J. F. Hayward 1963, pp.32-47; the same author 1980,
pp. 118-157; and D. J. Larocca 1992, pp. 184-207.
£50000-70000
145
267
267
A PAIR OF 25 BORE FRENCH FLINTLOCK OFFICER'S
PISTOLS BY DALLY A PARIS, CIRCA 1770
with blued three-stage swamped barrels (worn), silver foresights on a spray of gilt foliage, signed over the breeches in
gold and decorated in gold with trophies, pellets and the
barrelsmith's stamps (worn), engraved breech tangs, goldlined vents, rounded locks signed within scrollwork frames
and engraved with trophies on the tails (cocks replaced,
restorations), figured walnut full stocks carved with rococo
ornament in low relief, including foliage about the rear
ramrod-pipes and scrollwork about the tangs, engraved
steel mounts including solid side-plates engraved with
border ornament and foliage, spurred pommels decorated
with trophies and foliage, trigger-guards with foliate
terminals and trophies on the bows (the engraving largely
refreshed throughout), and each with horn-tipped baleen
ramrod, perhaps the original
31.7cm; 12I in
(2)
Nicolas Dally is recorded as arquebusier in the Rue
Dauphin, Paris circa 1762-80.
£2000-3000
146
267
268
A PAIR OF 28 BORE FRENCH FLINTLOCK PISTOLS BY
JOSEPH LAMOTTE, CIRCA 1760
with swamped barrels retaining traces of decoration on the
flats over the breeches, fitted with silver fore-sights, border
and foliate-engraved tangs, signed engraved bevelled locks
decorated with border ornament, flowers and reclining
hounds on the tails (one cock replaced, engraving
refreshed), figured walnut full stocks carved with scrolling
foliage in low relief about the rear ramrod-pipes and barrel
tangs (areas of wear, the fore-ends cracked), inlaid with
silver wire scrollwork on the spine of the butts (small
losses), engraved steel mounts comprising solid side-plates
decorated with a boar pursued by a pair of hounds,
spurred pommels decorated with acanthus, and triggerguards decorated with rococo ornament on the bows,
silver escutcheons engraved with laurel fronds framing the
owner's coat-of arms beneath a coronet for a Count or Earl
permitted, and with steel-tipped wooden ramrod (one
replaced, the steel parts cleaned)
36cm; 14Bin
(2)
Joseph Lamotte (circa1716-84) worked in St Etienne and
was one of the official suppliers of firearms to the cavalry
during the third quarter of the 18th Century.
£2500-3500
147
269
269
A FINE PAIR OF 25 BORE FRENCH SILVER-MOUNTED
FLINTLOCK PISTOLS BY BARGE, PARIS CHARGE AND
DISCHARGE MARKS FOR 1756-62, MAISON COMMUNE
MARK FOR 1758
with blued three-stage barrels, fitted with silver fore-sights
on a gilt bed of swirling clouds and a sunburst, decorated
with bands of gilt beadwork and foliage about the muzzles,
an elaborate classical trophy-of-arms at the median, gilt
bands around the muzzles, signed in gold over the
breeches, decorated with scrollwork and stylised clam
shells within a framework of punched and gilt pellets (the
bluing now oxidised to brown), border-engraved tangs
decorated with differing trophies-of-arms, bevelled locks
signed within rococo scrollwork frames, chiselled with
trophies on the tails, foliage on the cocks and stylised
espagnolette masks on the steels, all against a finely
punched and gilt ground (one top-jaw expertly replaced),
figured walnut full stocks carved in low relief with linear
mouldings over the fore-ends, a wavy pattern beneath the
148
locks, sprays of laurel, fronds and flowers behind the rear
ramrod-pipes and about the barrel tangs, silver mounts
cast and chased with rococo ornament in low relief against
a gilt fishroe ground, comprising side-plates involving a
pair of cornucopia carrying an oval engraved with differing
trophies en suite with the respective tangs, trigger-guards
with flaming urn finials, the bows engraved with trophies
matching the tangs, spurred pommels decorated with
rococo shell ornament and trophies against a finely
punched and gilt ground, a pair of ramrod-pipes, original
horn-tipped baleen ramrods, and remaining in fine
condition throughout
38cm; 15in
(2)
Henri Barge is recorded arquebusier in Paris circa 1740-80.
£10000-12000
149
270
270
A PAIR OF 20 BORE FRENCH FLINTLOCK OFFICER’S
PISTOLS, LATE 18TH CENTURY
with blued two-stage sighted barrels, decorated with gilt
bouquets at the muzzles and over the breeches, engraved
tangs incorporating the back-sights, case-hardened
rounded locks, figured walnut full stocks carved with linear
moulding over the fore-ends, about the locks and mounts
and with scrolls and a flower about the tangs (fore-ends
with minor repairs), engraved blued steel mounts including
150
trigger-guards with foliate terminals, and pommels
extending up the spine of the butt, horn fore-end caps, and
horn-tipped wooden ramrods (one replaced, the other
probably associated)
33cm; 13in
(2)
£2000-3000
271
271
A PAIR OF 22 BORE FRENCH FLINTLOCK PISTOLS BY C.
GAGNIERE A ST ETIENNE, LYON CHARGE MARK FOR
CIRCA 1775-80
with two-stage browned swamped barrels fitted with silver
fore-sights on a gilt sunburst, decorated with gilt bands at
the muzzles, trophies and foliage at the medians, inscribed
‘Canon Tordu’ within linear frames and with further gilt
foliage at the breeches, border-engraved tangs, signed
border-engraved rounded locks (one steel spring, top-jaw
and screw replaced), figured walnut full stocks carved with
linear moulding over the fore-end, about the mounts and
with a spray of rococo foliage behind the tangs, full silver
mounts comprising solid border-engraved side-plates,
spurred pommels cast and chased with a Turk bust against
a punched ground, vacant escutcheons enclosed by a
rococo garland, engraved trigger-guards, and a pair of
ramrod-pipes (later ramrods)
31.8cm; 12I in
(2)
Clément Gagniere is recorded as arquebusier in St Etienne
circa 1757-88.
£3000-5000
151
272
272
A FINE PAIR OF 28 BORE FRENCH D.B. FLINTLOCK
PISTOLS BY BLETTERIE A PARIS, CIRCA 1740
with lightly swamped barrels, decorated with bands of gold
pellets at the muzzles, sprays of foliage and trophies,
signed on the rib, fitted with silver fore-sights and
decorated with further scrollwork and acanthus against a
punched ground at the breeches (the goldwork extensively
rubbed and with losses), grooved barrel tangs chiselled
with trophies against a gilt fishroe ground, signed engraved
stepped bevelled locks decorated with differing martial
trophies and border ornament, the tails chiselled and gilt
with trophies en suite, chiselled cocks decorated with
foliage against a gilt ground, the steel faces chiselled with
demon masks (the engraving worn, the cocks and steels
with restorations), highly figured walnut full stocks carved
with Green man masks issuant with foliage behind the rear
ramrod-pipes and with foliage about the tangs (the foreends with minor repairs), inlaid with silver wire scrollwork
over the fore-ends and the butts, full parcel-gilt silver
mounts cast and chased in low relief, comprising triggerguards with acanthus finials rising from demon demimasks, the bows decorated with foliate central pane’s
against a finely gilt fishroe ground, spurred trigger-guards
decorated with differing trophies-of-hunting on each side
within a rococo scrollwork frame accompanied by
cornucopia, the butt-caps decorated with a laurel frame
filled with portrait profiles of a nobleman and woman
152
against a gilt fishroe ground respectively, oval escutcheons
carried on trophies and engraved with the owner's crest
beneath a count's coronet, a pair of faceted ramrod-pipes
decorated en suite with the trigger-guards, blued triggerplates, and each with its horn-tipped baleen ramrod
42cm; 16I in
(2)
The arms, and almost certainly the portrait profiles on the
pommels, are those of Count Jan-Karol Mniszech and his
wife Countess Katarzyna (née Zamoyska) of Poland who
married in 1741. Mniszech was Lieutenant General of the
Crown, Great Chamberlain, Governor of Galicia and
Huntsman of the Crown.
The silver mounts are of exceptional quality.
François Ovide Bletry (also Bletterie and Blettery) is
recorded in Paris 1706-38 at Rue des Mauvais Garcons.
During the period 1720-35 he had the title ‘arquebusier et
archer du roy’. A gun and a crossbow signed by him are
preserved in the Historisches Museum Dresden. See T.
Lenk 1965, pp.113-4 and J. Sensfelder 2007, p. 305. It
would appear that few other pieces by him are extant.
£15000-20000
153
273
273
A FINE PAIR OF 18 BORE SPANISH MADRID-LOCK
PISTOLS BY DIEGO VENTURA, MADRID, CIRCA 1745
with bright barrels formed in two stages, moulded at the
muzzle and the median, octagonal breeches stamped with
gold-lined barrelsmith's stamps (Neue Støckel 8398 and
1118), gold-lined vents, the barrels retained by a slender
pierced band released by a spring-catch, tangs chiselled
with border-ornament and foliage against a punched
ground, stepped bevelled locks signed ‘Diego Bentura’
beneath the pans, engraved with a resting sportsman with
a hound at his feet and with trophies-of-hunting on the
tails, the cocks and steels chiselled with strapwork and
foliage against a punched ground, highly figured walnut
full-stocks moulded over the fore-ends, carved with
acanthus behind the rear ramrod-pipe and the tangs,
engraved, chiselled and parcel-gilt steel mounts comprising
pierced scrolling foliate side-plates with grotesque monster
terminals and central oval medallions engraved with male
and female classical portrait profiles respectively, triggerguards with moulded strapwork on the bows and
anthemion terminals, spurred trigger-guards engraved with
154
a Turkish warrior and a European huntsman each in
contemporary costume amidst a spray of trophies and
foliage, the pommel caps finely chiselled on a gilt fishroe
ground with a classical warrior bust and a nobleman
respectively, ramrod-pipes en suite with the trigger-guards,
horn-tipped wooden ramrods, perhaps the original, and
remaining in fine condition throughout
43.7cm; 17Din
(2)
Diego Ventura is recorded in Madrid circa 1722 and 1762.
He was the disciple of Alonso Martinez and became
gunmaker to King Carlos III in 1760, dying two years later,
as described by his near contemporary Isidro Soler.
Another lock also signed Diego Bentura and dated 1730 is
preserved in the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie Saint-Étienne,
cat no. 150. See A. S. del Campo, p. 397 and J. Lavin 1965,
p. 109.
£12000-18000
155
274
274
A PAIR OF 80 BORE FRENCH FLINTLOCK POCKET
PISTOLS BY MION, ARQUEBUSIER A PARIS, PASSAGE DU
COMMERCE, CIRCA 1794-6
with turn-off barrels, box-lock actions signed on the left and
inscribed ‘Passage du Commerce’ on the right, sliding
thumb-piece safety catches, folding triggers, and bulbous
figured walnut butts carved with a rococo flower about the
tangs
14.5cm; 5Nin
(2)
Provenance
W. Keith Neal, inv. no. P690 & 691
Mion is recorded at this address circa 1794-6. He was one
of the Parisian arquebusiers who signed the petition against
the Manufacture de Versailles.
£1000-1500
156
275
275
A PAIR OF 42 BORE D.B. FRENCH FLINTLOCK
TRAVELLING PISTOLS BY BOUTET A VERSAILLES, CIRCA
1800
with three-stage barrels decorated with gold bands around
the muzzles, punched and gilt with a line of beadwork at
the median and over the breeches, the latter stamped
‘Boutet’ in miniscules within an octagonal panel, with the
barrelsmiths marks (including Neue Støckel 95 and 97) and
inscribed ‘Manu Vlles’ beneath, gold-lined vents (the gold
with losses), grooved tangs of shaped outline, signed
stepped bevelled locks, semi-rainproof pans, figured walnut
full stocks, carved with a panel of fine chequering within a
trellis framework on each side on the butt, steel mounts,
comprising spurred trigger-guards with terminal of shaped
outline, ramrod-pipes en suite with the trigger-guards, and
moulded butt-caps (ramrods missing)
23.2cm; 9Bin
(2)
£8000-10000
157
276
276
A FINE PAIR OF 25 BORE BOHEMIAN D.B. FLINTLOCK
PISTOLS BY PAUL POSER IN PRAG, CIRCA 1720
with long swamped reblued barrels signed ‘Paul Poser’ and
‘In Prag’ respectively, fitted with brass foresights, borderengraved tangs incorporating grooved back-sights, finely
engraved signed flat bevelled locks decorated with
cavalrymen and pikemen beneath the pans, and on the tails
with a musketeer and an encampment scene, the cocks
engraved with foliage and chiselled with a monsterhead in
relief (one trigger repaired), moulded figured walnut full
stocks (minor repairs) carved in relief with linear mouldings
over the fore-ends, strapwork and foliage behind the rear
ramrod-pipes and about the barrel tangs, full brass mounts
finely cast and chased in low relief, comprising triggerguards with acanthus finials decorated with strapwork and
opposing warrior busts on a punched ground on the bows,
spurred pommels with further designs of strapwork foliage
enclosing standing classical warriors on a punched ground,
grotesque mask butt-caps within a beadwork frame,
pierced escutcheons supported by female figures,
engraved with the owner's crest beneath a coronet, a pair
of faceted ramrod-pipes, the mounts retaining some
original gilding, and original horn-tipped wooden ramrods
53.5cm; 21Bin
(2)
The crest is that of the Pálffy von Erdöd family, Counts of
Bohemia and Hungary, created circa 1581.
Paul Poser was one of the leading Bohemian gunmakers of
the first half of the 18th century. He is especially noted for
his co-operation with the distinguished chiseller Franz
Matzenkopf, medal die-cutter at the court of the PrinceBishops of Salzburg, who is thought to have been
responsible for the relief decoration on the locks and
mounts of some of Poser's firearms. See J. Hayward 1963,
pp. 124-126.
£15000-20000
158
159
277
A FINE PAIR OF 60 BORE FLINTLOCK BELT PISTOLS
SIGNED GIO. BOTTI, CIRCA 1730
each with two-stage sighted barrel, fluted breech stamped
by the barrelsmith ‘Lazarino Cominazzo', plain tang fitted
with folding back-sight, signed rounded lock struck with the
locksmith's mark on the inside, CF crowned (the second
letter indistinct), chiselled with scrolling monsterhead
tendrils against a punched ground in the Brescian manner
on the tails, cocks and steels, blued triggers, moulded
figured walnut full stocks carved with scrolls about the
ramrod-pipe, gilt-bronze mounts cast and chased with
scrolling monsterhead tendrils en suite with the locks,
comprising solid side-plates, trigger-guards, trigger-plates,
and spurred pommels decorated with the owner's arms and
cipher, short blued steel belt hooks, original ramrods with
gilt-brass tips, and remaining in fine, virtually unused
condition throughout
35.6cm; 14in
(2)
160
Provenance
The Gewehrkammer of the Grand Dukes of Saxe-Weimar at
Schloß Ettersburg, Saxony
The arms and cypher are those of Ernst August I, Grand
Duke of Saxe-Weimar (1688-1748).
A considerable number of firearms signed Gio Botti and
decorated in this manner are associated with this gunroom
which was dispersed in the early 20th Century. The present
pair are notable in bearing the arms and cypher of the
Grand Duke and can therefore be listed among his personal
weapons. For a discussion of this group see J.F. Hayward
1963, pp. 134-5.
£6000-8000
161
278
278
A 25 BORE FRENCH D.B. SILVER-MOUNTED FLINTLOCK
PISTOL BY PUIFORCAT ARQUEBUSIER DU ROI A PARIS,
PARIS CHARGE MARK FOR 1756-62, MAISON COMMUNE
MARK FOR 1761
with tapering barrels decorated with gold lines at the
muzzle, fitted with silver fore-sight on a large gold
sunburst, signed in full in gold along the rib, decorated with
differing trophies-of-arms over the breeches, and with goldlined vents (the gold with losses), engraved grooved
breech tang, stepped bevelled locks signed in full,
engraved with thunder bolts, scrolls and trophies-of-arms,
figured walnut full stock (repairs), carved with rococo
scrollwork and foliage behind the rear ramrod-pipe and the
tang, full silver mounts finely cast and chased in low relief
against a matted ground with rococo ornament, comprising
trigger-guard decorated with a trophy-of-arms on the bow
and with scroll and foliate terminal, spurred pommel with a
further trophy-of-arms occupying the greater part of its
surface, escutcheon filled with flowers within a scrollwork
frame, and a pair of ramrod-pipes, and associated steel
ramrod
36cm; 14Din
Puiforcat is recorded arquebusier et fourbisseur in Paris
circa 1746-1785. A double shotgun by him in the
Bayersiches Nationalmuseum, Munich is signed Seul
Arquebusier du Roy à Paris, the reason for which remains
unknown. See J. F. Hayward 1963, p. 184.
£3000-5000
162
279
279
A FINE PAIR OF 60 BORE D.B. FRENCH FLINTLOCK
PISTOLS BY BRUNON L'AINE, ST ETIENNE, CIRCA 1790
with turn-off cannon barrels formed with roped mouldings,
numbered ‘1’ to ‘4’ respectively, blued breeches stamped
with the gold-lined barrrelsmith's mark, a lion, inscribed in
gold ‘Canon Tordu’ and decorated with crowned eagles on
thunderbolts within a framework incorporating Greek key
pattern, border-engraved grooved breech tangs, signed
bevelled locks fitted with engraved cocks, figured walnut
half-stocks carved with a zig-zag pattern about the tangs,
finely chequered butts encircled with a band of beadwork
at the bottom, engraved steel mounts comprising broad
moulded trigger-guards with neoclassical finials, and
octagonal butt-caps decorated with flowers, vacant
mother-of-pearl escutcheons, and with no provision for a
ramrod
21.2cm; 8Gin
(2)
Laurant Brunon is recorded in St Etienne circa 1744-97.
£5000-7000
163
280
281
280
A 20 BORE FRENCH SILVER-MOUNTED FLINTLOCK
PISTOL BY LEPAGE A PARIS, PARIS CHARGE AND
DISCHARGE MARKS FOR 1750-56
with three-stage swamped sighted barrel decorated with
gold scrolls about the fore-sight, signed in gold over the
breech and decorated with further designs in gold (losses),
shaped tang decorated en suite with the breech, rounded
lock signed beneath the steel spring (cock repaired),
figured walnut full stock carved with rococo flowers and
foliage behind the rear ramrod-pipe and about the tang
(fore-end repaired), full silver mounts cast and chased with
rococo ornament in low relief, comprising side-plate and
trigger-guard each decorated with scrolls and shells,
spurred pommel fitted with a classical warrior bust profile
on the cap, a pair of ramrod-pipes, and associated ramrod
37.4cm; 14Nin
£2000-3000
164
281
A 7MM BELGIAN SIX-SHOT PIN-FIRE REVOLVER BY
LEPAGE FRÈRES A LIÈGE, MAISON A PARIS 12 RUE
D'ENGHIEN, CIRCA 1870
with engraved blued fluted barrel group cut with
polygroove rifling, scroll-engraved action, folding trigger,
ivory butt inscribed with the maker's details on the backstrap, original steel clearing rod, in its chamois holster
11.8cm; 4Kin
£600-800
282
282
A PAIR OF 22 BORE FRENCH FLINTLOCK PISTOLS BY
JEAN GRIOTTIERE, PARIS CHARGE MARK FOR 1762-68
with reblued swamped sighted barrels decorated in gold
with scrollwork, flowers and foliage, engraved tangs,
signed locks engraved with scrolls (engraving refreshed),
figured walnut full stocks carved with scrolls and foliage in
low relief about the rear ramrod-pipes and the tangs, full
silver mounts cast and chased in low relief, comprising
scrollwork side-plate decorated with a central rococo
flower, trigger-guards with foliate terminals, spurred
pommel decorated shell ornament on each side and with a
dolphin on the butt-caps, vacant oval escutcheons and a
pair of silver ramrod-pipes, and steel-tipped baleen
ramrods, probably the original
36cm; 14Din
Jean Griottiere is recorded arquebusier in St Etienne during
the mid-18th Century. Støckel records 20 carbines, 215
rifles and 301 pistols made by Griottiere for the Dauphin's
Dragoon regiment in 1743. The decoration of the pommels
of the present pistols would suggest that they might have
been part of this order.
£4000-6000
(2)
165
283
283
A PAIR OF 20 BORE LIEGOIS FLINTLOCK PISTOLS BY G.
MASSIN, CIRCA 1740-50
with blued two-stage sighted barrels, signed in stamped
letters at the medians, chiselled with foliage against a gilt
ground at the breeches, chiselled barrel tangs decorated en
suite with the breeches, bevelled locks chiselled with
further designs of scrolling foliage against a gilt ground,
figured walnut full stocks carved with scrolls and foliage in
low relief behind the ramrod-pipes, parcel-gilt steel mounts
chiselled with foliage, comprising solid side-plates, spurred
faceted pommels, trigger-guards, escutcheons and a pair of
ramrod-pipes, and one with it steel-tipped ramrod, perhaps
the original (the other replaced)
40.5cm; 16in
(2)
Gilles Massin is recorded as a gun dealer in Liège circa
1740.
£4000-6000
166
283 detail
284
284
A 20 BORE SPANISH MIQUELET-LOCK D.B. SPORTING
GUN BY JOSEPH AGUIRE, EIBAR, DATED 1811
with reblued two-stage barrels fitted with silver fore-sight
on a bed of silver-inlaid foliage, chiselled and gilt with
foliage over the girdle, octagonal breeches inlaid with silver
foliage and exotic birds, inscribed ‘Fabricados en Eibar’ and
‘Ano d 1811 d Erraduras’ and stamped with the gold-lined
barrelsmith's marks, gold-lined vents, reblued grooved
breech tang decorated with foliage en suite, borderengraved bevelled locks stamped with the gold-lined
maker's marks and engraved with scrolls, gold-lined pans,
figured walnut half-stock carved with linear mouldings over
the fore-end, acanthus foliage behind the ramrod-pipe, an
exotic bird ahead of the trigger-guard, and a green man
mask behind the barrel tang, chequered grip, cheek-piece
carved with vine foliage and grapes, burnished steel
mounts including broad trigger-guard stamped with the
gold-lined maker's mark and gold-lined decorative marks,
engraved butt-plate with acanthus tang matching the
trigger-guard finial (forward ramrod-pipe removed), and
associated bone-tipped ramrod
83.2cm; 32Nin barrels
£5000-7000
1167
285
285
A 20 BORE D.B. FRENCH SILVER-MOUNTED FLINTLOCK
SPORTING RIFLE SIGNED ‘MANUFACTURE A
VERSAILLES, PARIS PROVINCIAL MARKS FOR CIRCA
1798-1809
with blued grooved barrels, fitted with silver fore-sight on a
bed of elaborate gold sun rays and thunderbolts, inscribed
‘Canon Tordu’ over the breech, the latter stamped with
gold-lined barrelsmiths marks, inlaid in gold with
neoclassical urns, a framework enclosing celestial motifs on
a finely punched ground, and further scrollwork, gold-lined
vents (expertly refinished), engraved grooved breech tang,
engraved bevelled locks inscribed ‘Manufacre’ and ‘a
Versailles’ respectively, decorated with foliage and
thunderbolts, the cocks decorated with serpents and the
steels en suite with the lockplates, gold-lined semi-
168
rainproof pans, highly figured walnut half-stock carved with
chequering enclosed by foliage over the fore-end and the
grip (restored), the latter carved with three grotesque
masks in high relief enclosing the butt, the butt carved with
a matching head on the comb engulfing the grip, full silver
mounts cast and chased in low relief, comprising triggerguard with neoclassical foliage, butt-cap decorated with
trophies-of-arms on the tang, fore-end cap, vacant
escutcheon beneath the fore-end, a pair of barrel bolt
escutcheons, and later escutcheon engraved with three
fleur-de-lys, and bone-tipped baleen ramrod
80cm; 31I in barrels
£4000-6000
286
286
AN 18 BORE D.B. FRENCH FLINTLOCK SPORTING GUN
BY COULAUX A STRASBOURG, CIRCA 1800
with browned sighted barrels decorated with a gilt panel
over their full length, a sunburst around the fore-sight,
scrolls, thunderbolts and signed over the breech, stamped
with the gold-lined maker's mark, the letters MD with
crossed fronds between, and inscribed ‘Merley Dumares’
beneath, grooved tang, rounded locks signed ‘Coulaux’ on
the left, inscribed ‘Strasbourg’ on the right, and engraved
with sprays of delicate foliage, fitted with pierced cocks and
rainproof pans, figured walnut half-stock carved in low
relief with crossed fronds behind the ramrod-pipe, and
foliage about the tang, chequered grip, cheek-piece carved
with a scroll of foliage at each end, burnished steel mounts
including broad moulded trigger-guard with foliate
terminal, shaped butt-plate with moulded borders, and rear
ramrod-pipe en suite, and associated ramrod
86.3cm; 34in barrels
A father and son of this name are recorded in Strasbourg
and Klingenthal circa 1764-1838.
£3000-5000
169
289
European and American Firearms
VARIOUS OWNERS
287
A .750 CALIBRE EAST INDIA COMPANY FLINTLOCK
MUSKET, EARLY 19TH CENTURY
of transitional pattern, with tapering sighted barrel fitted
with standing back-sight, stamped with East India heart
mark and proof marks at the breech, rounded dated lock
engraved with East India lion (worn), walnut full stock,
brass mounts of regulation type, a pair of sling swivels and
steel ramrod
99cm; 39in barrel
£400-600
288
A .700 CALIBRE CONTINENTAL FLINTLOCK MUSKET,
CIRCA 1810
with tapering barrel retained by two pierced brass bands
(cut-down, perhaps a regulation conversion), regulation
lock stamped ‘Ascaran’ (rubbed), walnut full stock (chipped
behind the lock), steel trigger-guard (repaired), butt-plate
and ramrod
57.5cm; 22Nin barrel
‡ £200-300
170
289
A .700 CONTINENTAL FLINTLOCK REGULATION MUSKET,
CIRCA 1811 AND A .650 CALIBRE CONTINENTAL
PERCUSSION MILITARY RIFLE, CIRCA 1850
the first probably a Wurttemberg conversion from a French
musket with tapering barrel retained by three brass bands,
tang inscribed ‘M. 1811', lock with rounded tail and brass
pan, full stock impressed with an arsenal mark on the right
of the butt, brass mounts and steel ramrod (worn); the
second with rifled barrel retained by three shaped brass
bands (pitted), regulation lock with arsenal conversion to
percussion, full stock, brass mounts, steel ramrod, and a
socket bayonet
the first: 108.5cm; 42Nin
the second: 103cm; 40I in barrel
(3)
£300-400
290
291
290
A .65 CALIBRE NEW LAND PATTERN FLINTLOCK PISTOL
with 9in barrel stamped with proof marks at the breech,
bevelled lock with raised pan, engraved ‘GR’ crowned and
‘Tower', walnut full stock (cracks and repairs), regulation
brass mounts and stirrup ramrod
38.7cm; 15Din
291
A .750 CALIBRE FLINTLOCK REGULATION PISTOL BY
BRANDER & POTTS, LONDON, EARLY 19TH CENTURY
of regulation type, with tapering barrel fitted with stirrup
ramrod, signed lock (cock replaced), walnut full stock, and
brass mounts
38.7cm; 15Din
£600-800
£350-450
171
292
293
292
A .56 CALIBRE 1756/77 PATTERN FLINTLOCK SEA
SERVICE PISTOL
with 12in barrel stamped with proof marks at the breech,
border-engraved lock with ‘GR’ crowned and ‘Tower’,
regulation full stock impressed with assembly and arsenal
marks (chipped around the pommel, bruising), regulation
brass mounts, steel belt hook, and original brass-tipped
ramrod
48.3cm; 19in
293
A .56 CALIBRE 1756/77 PATTERN FLINTLOCK SEA
SERVICE PISTOL
with 12in barrel stamped with proof marks at the breech,
border-engraved lock with ‘GR’ crowned and ‘Tower’,
regulation full stock impressed with assembly and arsenal
marks, regulation brass mounts, steel belt hook, and
original brass-tipped ramrod
48.3cm; 19in
£1000-1200
£1400-1800
172
294
A .577 CALIBRE VICTORIAN PERCUSSION PISTOL OF
COASTGUARD TYPE, DATED 1845 AND A FRENCH .750
CALIBRE MODEL 1816 FLINTLOCK CAVALRY PISTOL
the first with tapering barrel, dated regulation lock with VR
crowned, full stock (chipped), and regulation brass mounts
(later ramrod, worn); the second of regulation
specifications (worn throughout), fitted with Westley
Richards steel ramrod
the first 28.5cm; 11Din
(2)
£250-350
295
A .700 CALIBRE FRENCH MODEL 1822 PERCUSSION
CAVALRY PISTOL
of regulation specifications, with sighted 8in barrel stamped
with arsenal markings at the breech, the lock with traces of
arsenal inscription probably for Chatellerault, the stock
impressed ‘1952’ on the left, and brass mounts including
butt-cap with steel lanyard (ramrod missing)
35cm; 13Nin
294
‡ £200-300
296
A .700 CALIBRE CONTINENTAL FLINTLOCK REGULATION
PISTOL, CIRCA 1820
with tapering barrel, rounded lock retaining traces of the
date and stamped with a mark, ‘DN’ crowned, figured
walnut full stock, and brass mounts including butt-cap with
steel lanyard ring
38.7cm; 15Din
295
‡ £250-350
296
173
297
297
A CASED 54 BORE ADAMS PATENT 1851 MODEL FIVESHOT SELF-COCKING PERCUSSION REVOLVER, BY
DEANE ADAMS & DEANE NO. 30 KING WILLIAM ST,
LONDON BRIDGE, RETAILED BY E. & E. EMANUEL,
AGENTS, 3 THE HARD, PORTSEA, NO. 13601R CIRCA 1855
with blued sighted barrel engraved with lines along each
face, signed with the full maker's and retailer's details,
decorated with a band of foliage at the muzzle, borderengraved blued frame decorated with further scrolls of
foliage and stamped with patent details and serial number
on the right, the cylinder with matching serial number and
engraved with a band of foliage, chequered walnut butt
with engraved steel cap with trap, engraved trigger-guard
with traces of original bluing, and the barrel and frame
retaining much original blued finish: in its original fitted oak
case lined in green baize, the lid applied with trade label for
30 King William Street (some staining), and retaining a
number of accessories including Sykes patent copper
powder-flask and brass cap dispenser, oil bottle, and twoway shot carrier
31.5cm; 12I in
£2000-2500
174
298
298
A CASED 54 BORE ADAMS PATENT MODEL 1851 FIVESHOT SELF-COCKING PERCUSSION REVOLVER MADE
UNDER LICENSE BY A. FRANCOTTE, LIÈGE PROOF,
NO.6210 CIRCA 1860
with blued octagonal rifled sighted barrel signed ‘Manufr.
By A. Francotte licensed by Deane, Adams & Deane,
London’, signed scroll-engraved blued frame stamped
‘Adams 1851 Patent’ on the left, chequered walnut butt,
scroll-engraved trigger-guard and butt-cap with trap: in
contemporary fitted oak case lined in green baize, the lid
with Deane Adams & Deane trade label for 30 King William
Street, and complete with some accessories including
brass bullet mould and copper flask (the lining worn, lid
with one minor repair, key escutcheon missing)
29cm; 11I in
The exact date of commencement for Adams patent
revolvers being made in Belgium remains unclear.
Examples marked Adams Patent 1851 on the frame are less
common. See A. W. F. Taylerson, R. A. N Andrews and J.
Frith 1968, p.111.
£1200-1800
175
299
300
301
299
A FLINTLOCK BLUNDERBUSS, THE LOCK SIGNED PEAKE,
LONDON, CIRCA 1800
reconverted from percussion, with earlier brass barrel
formed in four stages, belled at the muzzle, stamped with
the barrelsmith's mark of Daniel 2 Moore and inscribed
‘London’ over the breech, iron tang grooved for sighting
(cracked), signed rounded lock (associated, worn), figured
walnut full stock (repairs), full brass mounts engraved with
rococo ornament including solid side-plate, trigger-guard
with acorn finial, vacant escutcheon, and later ramrod
84cm; 33Bin
£800-1000
300
A FLINTLOCK BLUNDERBUSS BY BLANCH, CIRCA 1800
with two-stage steel barrel swelling towards the muzzle,
(pitted), engraved tang, signed engraved stepped lock
previously fitted with bolt safety-catch (now missing),
figured walnut full stock (fore-end split), chequered grip,
engraved brass mounts including trigger-guard with
176
trophies on the bow and pineapple finial and butt-plate,
vacant silver escutcheon, and brass ramrod, probably the
original
76cm; 30in
£500-700
301
A COMPOSITE FLINTLOCK BLUNDERBUSS WITH LOCK
BY T. PAGE, LATE 18TH CENTURY
with late 17th Century brass barrel formed in two stages,
stamped with London View and proof marks at the breech,
the unrecorded barrelsmith's mark ‘TF’ beneath a stylised
crown, and formed with a raised grooved moulding for
sighting, border-engraved lock signed ‘T Page', walnut full
stock (chipped and cracked) and brass mounts of shaped
outline
74cm; 29Din
£500-700
302
303
302
A FLINTLOCK BLUNDERBUSS BY SILK, DUBLIN, CIRCA
1800
reconverted from percussion, with three-stage brass barrel
strongly belled at the muzzle, signed and stamped with
Mayo registration number, ‘MA1130', over the breech, iron
tang, signed stepped bevelled lock, walnut full stock (cracks
and repairs), and brass mounts of shaped outline
78cm; 30Nin
£1000-2000
303
A MIQUELET-LOCK MUSKETOON BY PERES, EARLY 18TH
CENTURY, PROBABLY PORTUGESE
with two-stage barrel moulded at the muzzle and stamped
with the barrelsmith's marks retaining traces of gold inlay at
the breech (obscured), retained by a pair of shaped steel
bands, engraved breech tang, signed shaped lock
decorated with scrolls, hardwood full stock including
‘Catalan’ butt carved with a wavy pattern, and iron mounts
comprising trigger-guard (repaired), side-plate, belt hook,
butt-cap and horn-tipped wooden ramrod, perhaps the
original
62.5cm; 24Kin barrel
Three makers with this name are recorded in Lisbon during
the 17th Century.
£1000-1500
177
304
305
304
A 35 BORE GERMAN PERCUSSION SPORTING RIFLE
WITH BARREL BY JAMES 1 WILKINSON, LONDON, CIRCA
1840
with signed browned twist heavy octagonal barrel of circa
1810, rifled with five grooves, stamped with the
barrelsmith's mark beneath, fitted with barleycorn fore-sight
and folding ladder back-sight, case-hardened breech,
engraved case-hardened breech tang decorated with
foliage inhabited by a serpent, detented lock engraved with
foliage around the border and a hound in pursuit of a stag,
retained by a blued quick-release thumb-screw, and fitted
with engraved case-hardened hammer en suite with the
tang, double set trigger, highly figured walnut full stock cut
with a shaped panel of chequering at the fore-end and the
grip, carved raised cheek-piece (bruising and scratches, the
fore-end with one small crack), finely engraved steel
mounts comprising trigger-guard shaped for the fingers
and incorporating an adjustable front guard, spurred buttplate decorated with a stag, three moulded ramrod-pipes,
and two sling swivels, silver scrolling side-plate inset with a
vacant gold escutcheon beneath, oval escutcheon, silver
barrel bolt escutcheons, horn fore-end cap (one small
crack), and brass-tipped steel ramrod, perhaps the original
76.5cm; 30Bin barrel
James 1 Wilkinson is recorded as Henry Nock's foreman
and succeeded him as Gunmaker in Ordinary to George III
in 1805.
£1000-1500
305
A .600 CALIBRE GERMAN TARGET RIFLE SIGNED W.
FREUND IN HEIDELBERG, CIRCA 1860
with heavy octagonal etched twist barrel rifled with seven
narrow grooves, inscribed ‘Canon Damassé’ and signed in
gold over the breech (sights removed), the breech
incorporating a percussion bolster finely chiselled as a
scaly monster, engraved breech tang with provision for two
standing back-sights behind, border and scroll-engraved
lock fitted with pierced hammer decorated en suite, double
set trigger, highly figured walnut full stock carved with bold
chequering over the fore-end and the grip, carved raised
cheek-piece, carved horn mounts including trigger-guard
(incomplete), side-plate decorated with a reclining stag
(cracked), and fore-end cap, three white metal ramrodpipes, horn fore-end cap, and original horn-tipped wooden
ramrod
94cm; 37in barrel
£700-900
178
306
307
306
A 22 BORE FRENCH FLINTLOCK SPORTING GUN BY
JEAN LOUIS JALABERT, ST ETIENNE, CIRCA 1800
with two-stage blued swamped barrel, fitted with silver
fore-sight enclosed by a gilt wreath, inscribed ‘Canon
Tordu’ and decorated with thunderbolts and scrolling
foliage all in gold over the breech, stamped with the
barrelsmith's mark for Sebastian Merley (Neue Støckel
7902), platinum-lined vent, engraved breech tang
incorporating a grooved back-sight, signed bevelled lock
decorated with foliage on the tail and the cock, platinumlined pan (the vent and pan relined, probably in its working
life), figured walnut three-quarter stock (cut-down from full
stock) carved about the tang with foliage and a basket of
fruit, chequered grip and fore-end, the former carved with a
goat's head in the round, carved raised cheek-piece ,
engraved steel mounts including two-piece side-plate,
trigger-guard with stylised urn finial, two ramrod-pipes, and
gold escutcheon engraved with the owner's initials, and
associated horn-tipped baleen ramrod
78cm; 30Nin barrel
307
A .550 CALIBRE CONTINENTAL PERCUSSION TARGET
RIFLE FOR BELTED BALL SIGNED EUGÈNE DUPRÉ, LIÈGE
PROOF, MID-19TH CENTURY
with heavy twist octagonal barrel signed in gold, fitted with
fore-sight with etched cover, etched back-sight adjustable
for windage and fitted with drop-shaped level, etched
breech and breech tang, the latter fitted with folding fully
adjustable peep-sight, flush-fitting stepped lock retained by
an etched quick-release thumb-screw and etched over its
surface with scrolling foliage, double set trigger, figured
walnut full stock carved with foliage over the grip, the butt
with carved raised cheek-piece on the left and etched
hinged patchbox-cover on the right, etched steel mounts
comprising small side-plate, butt-plate, trigger-guard, three
robust ramrod-pipes, the rear incorporating a long slender
panel extending towards the trigger-guard, horn fore-end
cap (chipped), and brass-tipped wooden ramrod, perhaps
the original
84cm; 33in barrel
£800-1000
£2500-3500
179
308
A COMPOSED PAIR OF HANOVERIAN ROYAL D.B. PINFIRE SPORTING GUNS MADE FOR ERNST AUGUST,
CROWN PRINCE OF HANOVER, CIRCA 1878
one 16 and the other 14 bore, with rebrowned twist sighted
barrels signed in gold on the ribs by the barrelsmiths
‘Albert Staelhe in Wienn’ and ‘H. Scherping in Hannover’
respectively (one rebarrelled in its early working life), finely
chiselled breech tangs decorated with a hound beneath a
tree, the crowned Royal cypher, and enriched with gold
scrolls, rounded Lefaucheux type actions operated by a
rotary underlever, chiselled with scrollwork and game
vignettes enriched with gold, back-action locks decorated
en suite with the actions, figured walnut half-stocks with
chequered grips and raised cheek-pieces (light bruising),
chiselled steel trigger-guards en suite with the locks and
actions, reinforced with a piece of scrolling horn, engraved
steel butt-plates with the numbers ‘1’ and ‘2’, and a pair of
sling swivels (the steel parts with areas of pitting)
74cm; 29B in barrels
309
A 16 BORE HANOVERIAN ROYAL D.B. PIN-FIRE
SPORTING GUN MADE FOR ERNST AUGUST, CROWN
PRINCE OF HANOVER, BY H. SCHERPING IN HANNOVER,
CIRCA 1870
with rebrowned twist sighted barrels signed on a matted
rib, engraved breech tang decorated with the crowned
Royal cypher, rounded Lefaucheux type action operated by
a horn rotary underlever, engraved with scrollwork and
enriched with panels of gold scrollwork, signed engraved
locks chiselled with game vignettes in gold frames, figured
walnut half-stock with chequered grip and raised cheekpiece, chiselled steel trigger-guard en suite with the locks,
reinforced with a piece of scrolling horn, engraved steel
butt-plate with the number ‘9’ on a small oval escutcheon
adjacent to the heel, and a sling swivel (the forward sling
swivel missing, steel parts with areas of pitting)
75.2cm; 29Kin barrels
Provenance
The Crown Prince's Gunroom, Schloss Cumberland,
Gmunden
Schloss Marienburg
The Crown Prince's Gunroom, Schloss Cumberland,
Gmunden
Schloss Marienburg
£3000-3500
180
Provenance
£1000-1500
181
310
A .600 CALIBRE HANOVERIAN ROYAL PIN-FIRE DOUBLE
SPORTING RIFLE MADE FOR ERNST AUGUST, CROWN
PRINCE OF HANOVER, BY H. SCHERPING IN HANNOVER,
CIRCA 1870
with rebrowned twist sighted barrels rifled with seven
grooves, signed in gold and decorated with gold scrollwork
at the breech, engraved breech tang chiselled with a stag
and the crowned Royal cipher in a gold frame, rounded
Lefaucheux type action operated by a chiselled steel
underlever decorated en suite with the tang, back-action
locks chiselled with stag and boar hunting vignettes
enriched with gold, figured walnut half-stock with
chequered grip and raised cheek-piece, chiselled steel
trigger-guard en suite with the locks, reinforced with a
piece of scrolling horn at each end, engraved steel buttplate with the number ‘12', and a pair of steel sling swivel
(the steel parts with areas of pitting)
64cm; 25Din barrels
311
A 16 BORE HANOVERIAN D.B. PERCUSSION CAPE RIFLE
BY TANNER IN HANNOVER, CIRCA 1830
with rebrowned twist sighted barrels, the right barrel rifled,
signed in gold on the rib, engraved case-hardened breech
decorated with scrolling foliage extending down each side
and inlaid with gold lines, back-action locks chiselled with
differing scenes involving hounds and stags, scrollengraved hammers, set trigger for the rifled barrel, figured
walnut half-stock, chequered grip, raised cheek-piece,
engraved steel mounts decorated en suite with the locks
including trigger-guard and butt-plate, the latter engraved
‘no.1988', vacant white metal escutcheon, white metal
barrel bolt escutcheons, and brass-tipped wooden ramrod
(the steel parts with areas of pitting)
76.8cm; 30Din barrels
Provenance
Provenance
The Crown Prince's Gunroom, Schloss Cumberland,
Gmunden
Schloss Marienburg
The Crown Prince's Gunroom, Schloss Cumberland,
Gmunden
Schloss Marienburg
£2000-2500
£2500-3500
182
183
312
312
A 12 BORE PIN-FIRE FORWARD UNDERLEVER SHOTGUN
BY JOHN MANTON & SON, DOVER STREET, CIRCA 1830
converted from percussion, with rebrowned twist barrels
signed on the rib (fore-sight missing), the breech adapted
for breech-loading, engraved breech tang, signed flushfitting locks engraved with characteristic scrolls and
dragons, figured walnut half-stock with chequered grip,
hinged take-down fore-end operated by a catch ahead of
the trigger-guard, engraved steel mounts including buttplate and trigger-guard, and vacant German silver
escutcheon
71.8cm; 28Din barrels
£700-900
184
313
313
A RARE 11 BORE ENGLISH LOCK MUSKET, CIRCA 1650
with three-stage sighted barrel, the breech of octagonal
and polygonal form and inscribed with the armoury
number ‘17’ on the top flat, stamped with London view and
proof mark and the barrelsmith's mark, perhaps ‘TG', plain
tang (small repair), flat lock retained by three side nails,
stamped with the maker's initials ‘HB', fitted with dog catch,
separate pan, and buffer for the cock, the trigger pivoting
on a pin above the tail of the lock-plate, walnut full stock
carved with a shell in low relief about the barrel tang (the
stock a working replacement, small cracks and chips), iron
trigger-guard, two brass ramrod-pipes, and later iron-tipped
ramrod
107.3cm; 42Din barrel
Provenance
William Keith Neal
The Marquess of Bath, Longleat House, Wiltshire
Literature
Richard Akehurst, The World of Guns, 1972, p.15,
illustrated.
W. Keith Neal and D. H. L. Back, Great British Gunmakers
1540-1740, 1984 p.108, plate 25.
It has been suggested that the initials on the lock may be
those of Harman Barne (recorded in England circa 164261).
£4000-6000
185
314
314
A CASED PAIR OF 54 BORE POLISH PERCUSSION RIFLED
TARGET PISTOLS BY J. PETERSCHÜTZ IN PITSCHEN,
CIRCA 1840
with octagonal swamped etched twist barrels signed in
silver on the flats and rifled with eight grooves, German
silver fore-sights, engraved case-hardened breeches
incorporating a fence, engraved case-hardened tangs fitted
with blued adjustable back-sights and numbered ‘1’ and ‘2’
respectively, engraved stepped case-hardened locks
decorated with trophies-of-arms and neo-rococo ornament
and enriched with silver (the top portion of one hammer
spur detached), set triggers, figured walnut half-stocks with
moulded fore-ends, carved with foliage over the spine of
the butts and a finely chequered panel on each side,
engraved case-hardened steel mounts decorated en suite
186
with the locks, comprising butt-caps with acorn finials and
spurred trigger-guards, German silver barrel bolt
escutcheons, with no provision for ramrods, and each
remaining in fine crisp condition throughout: in original
fitted hardwood case (lid cracked) lined in green baize
(areas of wear) and complete with a number of accessories
including bullet mould, wad cutter and nipple wrench
38.7cm; 15Din
Together with a typed note recording the pistols
presentation to Lt. Col. Harris by Baron Emmerich v.
Jeszenszky, the grandson of the original owner, in 1947.
‡ £4000-6000
315
315
A CASED PAIR OF 40 BORE DANISH PERCUSSION RIFLED
TARGET PISTOLS BY DELCOMYN, KIOBENHAVN, CIRCA
1840
with octagonal swamped sighted barrels signed ‘C. H.
Delcomyn’ and ‘Kiobenhavn’ in silver respectively, rifled
with eight grooves, engraved case-hardened breeches
inlaid with silver lines, engraved case-hardened tangs
incorporating the back-sights, signed flush-fitting locks
engraved with border ornament and foliage (one hammer
spur detached, one hammer screw head missing), set
triggers, figured walnut full stocks, chequered butts,
engraved case-hardened engraved steel mounts including
trigger-guards, butt-caps and a pair of ramrod-pipes
(ramrods missing, the steel parts patinated throughout),
and horn fore-end caps: in their fitted elm case lined in
green baize, complete with some accessories including
embossed copper flask signed ‘A Paris', bullet mould, and
combined turnscrew, mallet and powder measure (lid
warped)
40cm; 15Nin
Carl Heinrich Delcomyn (circa 1800-64) was born in
Helsingor, trained by his father Heinrich in Odense and
arrived in Copenhagen around 1825. In 1834 he is recorded
gunmaker to the Jutland Infantry Regiments.
£3000-5000
187
316
317
318
316
A 32 BORE FRENCH PERCUSSION TARGET PISTOL BY LE
PAGE, ARQUEBUSIER DU ROI, PARIS, NO. 2837, CIRCA
1825-30
with rebrowned octagonal swamped twist sighted barrel
cut with polygroove rifling, decorated with a band of gold
foliage about the muzzle, signed in a gold oval over the
breech and numbered ‘2’ (the gold with losses), stamped
with the serial number beneath and the barrelsmith's mark,
foliate-engraved tang numbered in gold en suite with the
barrel and fitted with standing back-sight, flush-fitting
detented lock signed in a gold oval and engraved with
trophies, set trigger, highly figured walnut half-stock carved
with shell ornament at the fore-end, chequered butt fitted
with a wooden pommel projecting to the right for assisting
aim (probably an early working addition), engraved steel
mounts comprising spurred steel trigger-guard with urnshaped finial engraved with foliage, bat-wing side-plate,
and a pair of barrel bolt escutcheons, and with no provision
for a ramrod
35.2cm; 13Pin
£800-1200
317
A 20 BORE FLEMISH FLINTLOCK HOLSTER PISTOL, LATE
18TH CENTURY
with engraved tapering brass barrel (shortened, the breech
repaired), engraved bevelled lock fitted with later ‘French’
cock, moulded walnut full stock (repaired, fore-end
replaced), and engraved brass mounts
40cm; 15Nin
£300-400
318
A 32 BORE FRENCH FLINTLOCK TRAVELLING PISTOL BY
ALEGRE A PARIS CIRCA 1750
with tapering barrels retaining some gold decoration,
engraved grooved tang, border-engraved stepped locks
decorated with scrolls and trophies, signed on the right and
inscribed ‘a Paris’ on the left, figured walnut full stock
carved with rococo ornament in low relief, engraved steel
mounts including spurred pommel decorated with trophies
and with a gilt classical profile on the cap, and triggerguard with acanthus finial (the steel parts rusted, triggers
missing, lock inoperative, stock with cracks and small
chips)
28cm; 11in
‡ £400-600
188
319
320
319
A SPANISH MIQUELET-LOCK PISTOL, RIPOLL, EARLY
18TH CENTURY
with two-stage barrel, the forward portion formed with a
central rib and moulded at the muzzle, fluted breech,
engraved tang, iron patilla lock stamped with the maker's
mark beneath the pan (rubbed), hardwood stock with near
spherical butt, applied beneath the fore-end, about the
trigger-guard and around the tang with pierced and
engraved brass plaques in the Ripoll style (losses), the butt
applied with an expanded flowerhead in engraved brass,
spurred steel trigger-guard, brass fore-end cap decorated
with scrolls on a hatched ground, and moulded steel
ramrod, probably the original (the steel parts pitted)
26cm; 10Din
£1000-1500
320
A RARE FRENCH FLINTLOCK BLUNDERBUSS PISTOL BY
DUMAREST A PARIS, CIRCA 1820
with tapering barrel swelling to a strongly formed elliptical
muzzle, fitted with a spring bayonet beneath, and signed
beneath the breech, border-engraved box-lock action finely
engraved with camels on the left and a bull on the right,
engraved with thunder bolts on the top-jaw, sliding thumbpiece safety-catch also locking the steel, figured walnut butt
(chipped behind the lock on one side) carved with a band
of foliage around the pommel, cut with a panel of fine
chequering enriched with silver nails all within a beadwork
frame above a gold swag on each side, inlaid in gold and
silver with flowers and foliage over the spine of the butt
(losses), engraved steel trigger-guard locking the bayonet,
engraved steel butt-cap with lanyard ring, and vacant silver
shield-shaped escutcheon (the steel parts patinated
throughout)
27.3cm; 10Nin
‡ £800-1000
189
321
322
321
A PERCUSSION KNIFE-PISTOL BY UNWIN & RODGERS,
SHEFFIELD, BIRMINGHAM PROOF MARKS, CIRCA 1860
with tapering octagonal German silver barrel, the frame
faced in polished cow horn over brass fillets, folding iron
trigger and with two folding blades of differing size,
engraved ‘Unwin & Rodgers, Sheffield’ and ‘Non XLL Unwin
Rodgers Patent’ at the respective bases, the butt with
folding German silver cap, and retaining its original steel
tweezers, (bullet mould missing)
17cm; 6Nin
£500-700
322
A RARE .650 CALIBRE D.B. PERCUSSION BELT PISTOL BY
WILKINSON, BIRMINGHAM PROOF MARKS, CIRCA 1850
with browned sighted barrels signed on the rib, tang of
shaped outline, flush-fitting case-hardened back-action
locks (one defective), the left lock fitted with steel belt
hook, figured walnut three-quarter stock, brass mounts of
regulation type, comprising trigger-guard, butt-cap fitted
with a robust steel ‘skull crusher’ of hog's back form
pierced for attaching to a rampart or perhaps a howdah,
brass ramrod-pipe, original swivel ramrod, and with much
early colour throughout
37.5cm; 14Nin
£1200-1800
190
323
323
A CASED PAIR OF 45 BORE FLINTLOCK TRAVELLING
PISTOLS BY JAMES FREEMAN, CIRCA 1740
with short turn-off cannon barrels, border-engraved
rounded breeches decorated with a band of foliage and
inscribed ‘London’ on top and ‘Freeman’ beneath the pans,
border-engraved tangs and locks, swelling chequered
walnut butts (probably chequered in their early working
life), carved with foliage about the breech tangs, engraved
trigger-guards, and drop-shaped silver butt-caps: in a later
lined and fitted case
13cm; 5Bin
(2)
James Paul Freeman was elected assistant 1727, and
master in 1732. He made a number of fine silver-mounted
pistols including some breech-loaders. See H. L. Blackmore
1986, p. 96.
£3500-4500
191
324
324
A PAIR OF 10 BORE FLINTLOCK DUELLING PISTOLS BY
WILLIAM 2 BRANDER, CIRCA 1780
with swamped barrels fitted with standing back-sights and
with traces of the barrelsmith's stamps at the breeches
(fore-sights removed, pitted), steel tangs grooved for
sighting, signed stepped border-engraved locks (pitted,
signatures obscured), figured walnut full stocks (cracks and
repairs, one fore-end replaced), flat-sided butts in the
manner of Wogdon, full brass mounts including engraved
flush-fitting scrolling side-plates, vacant rococo
escutcheons, and trigger-guards with a rococo flower on
the bows and acorn finials (later ramrods)
47.5cm; 18Nin
(2)
William 2 Brander is recorded at 70 Minories 1765-87.
£1000-1500
192
325
325
A PAIR OF SCOTTISH HIGHLAND FLINTLOCK BELT
PISTOLS MADE ENTIRELY OF STEEL BY I. MURDOCH,
THIRD QUARTER OF THE 18TH CENTURY
with four stage barrels engraved with opposing designs of
scrollwork and foliage, octagonal muzzles decorated with
alternating panels of scrollwork, and cut with fluting over
the breeches (rubbed), signed locks with engraved bevelled
edges, wrigglework borders and scrollwork at the rear,
engraved full stocks decorated with an engraved silver
panel beneath the locks, silver Celtic strapwork over the
spines, and an engraved oval on each side of the butts
decorated with the owner's crest and monogrammed
initials ‘BV’ respectively, engraved silver button triggers,
engraved silver prickers en suite with the triggers (the
silver rubbed), engraved steel belt hooks, and each with its
steel ramrod
31.8cm; 12I in
The crest is probably that of Vere of Stanbroke, Suffolk.
John Murdoch is recorded in Doune circa 1750-98.
Alexander MacGibbon makes the following reference to
him in his account of the Doune gunmaking industry,
published around 1798 ‘John Murdoch.......famous for his
ingenuity in the craft and who likewise furnished pistols to
the first nobility of Europe. These pistols were sold for 4-24
guineas a pair.......’ See M. Kelvin 1996, pp. 92-4.
£7000-9000
(2)
193
Sale Results for 24th June 2009
The following lots were sold at the prices stated
1
2
3
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
16
17
18
19
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
36
37
38
39
41
43
44
45
47
48
49
50
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
70
71
194
£380
£900
£320
£450
£350
£280
£450
£300
£320
£250
£180
£750
£250
£900
£350
£4,000
£1,000
£1,200
£850
£800
£600
£800
£800
£500
£600
£600
£600
£2,500
£800
£1,800
£800
£1,500
£750
£200
£500
£350
£120
£300
£750
£700
£850
£850
£700
£1,600
£2,000
£200
£1,100
£950
£500
£450
£400
£1,400
£600
£400
£200
£300
£300
£700
£200
£2,400
£600
£420
72
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
109
111
113
115
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
133
134
137
138
139
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
£600
£800
£1,500
£300
£850
£300
£700
£600
£100
£350
£350
£360
£250
£260
£550
£600
£1,300
£600
£1,800
£1,100
£1,000
£1,100
£160
£550
£1,300
£1,000
£280
£80
£2,000
£1,200
£3,200
£220
£2,950
£4,200
£2,000
£1,400
£600
£5,000
£1,200
£1,200
£800
£1,500
£1,600
£1,100
£800
£100
£1,600
£1,600
£1,400
£1,400
£5,000
£10,000
£400
£350
£700
£2,600
£450
£1,000
£400
£400
£400
£100
148
149
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
210
211
212
213
214
£320
£150
£600
£420
£200
£350
£1,000
£1,300
£4,500
£1,800
£6,000
£1,300
£1,900
£550
£1,300
£340
£650
£1,200
£150
£1,600
£280
£2,000
£13,000
£200
£100
£850
£1,700
£3,200
£800
£1,400
£1,100
£500
£200
£150
£100
£420
£200
£520
£300
£50
£250
£450
£200
£100
£50
£50
£320
£600
£260
£380
£60
£260
£300
£300
£1,400
£650
£450
£40,000
£3,800
£5,000
£1,700
£700
215
216
217
218
219
220
222
225
226
227
230
231
232
233
235
236
237
240
242
243
244
245
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
£1,200
£3,200
£1,600
£900
£400
£850
£220
£900
£1,300
£650
£500
£360
£380
£400
£200
£2,800
£320
£700
£550
£360
£250
£380
£100
£200
£200
£200
£400
£300
£550
£220
£140
£110
£100
£1,300
£280
£200
£100
£100
£180
£600
£50
£220
£260
£100
£400
£450
£450
£150
£420
£50
£100
£2,800
£110
£140
£1,600
£300
£1,800
£800
£350
£450
£350
£300
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
298
299
300
301
303
304
305
306
307
308
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
321
322
323
324
325
327
328
329
330
331
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
£350
£500
£1,300
£350
£100
£950
£480
£50
£100
£200
£1,800
£150
£350
£350
£100
£200
£70
£400
£3,200
£100
£100
£200
£100
£100
£450
£200
£400
£80
£150
£1,500
£1,650
£2,800
£400
£600
£250
£320
£300
£395
£2,300
£2,650
£1,100
£320
£280
£680
£700
£650
£550
£650
£500
£1,200
£1,200
£1,800
£1,100
£850
£900
£950
£900
£800
£1,200
£950
£750
£1,300
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
£1,300
£650
£750
£1,300
£800
£500
£750
£750
£700
£2,500
£19,000
£210
£1,400
£2,400
£1,200
£1,100
£950
£750
£260
£160
£150
£300
£4,700
£1,300
£3,000
£1,200
£1,000
£550
£1,000
£2,500
£550
£150
£480
£3,200
£450
£550
£1,200
£6,000
£4,200
£14,000
£6,800
£7,500
£2,600
£3,500
£4,500
£9,000
£2,400
£11,000
£26,000
Prices are the
hammer price and do
not include the
buyer’s premium, lot
numbers which are
omitted were
withdrawn or did not
sell. We are not
responsible for
typographical errors
or omissions .
Thomas Del Mar Ltd
In association with Sotheby’s
Antique Arms,
Armour & Militaria,
30th June 2010
Arms & Armour Society
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Occasionally, Thomas Del Mar Ltd. may own or have a financial
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agent (in which case TDM’s prior and express consent must be
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(b) TDM advises Bidders to attend the auction, but TDM will
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(c) When available, written and telephone bidding is offered as a
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The Buyer’s Premium, Buyer’s Expenses and Hammer Price
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6. Import, Export and Copyright Restrictions
TDM and the Seller make no representations or warranties as
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(c) Subject to Condition 7(a), the contract between the Buyer and
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(d) Any post-auction sale of lots shall incorporate these Conditions
of Business.
4. Exclusions and limitations of liability to Buyers
(a) TDM shall refund the Purchase Price to
the Buyer in circumstances where it deems that the lot is a
Counterfeit, subject to the terms of TDM’s Authenticity
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information provided to Bidders by TDM, whether negligent or
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8. Payment and Collection
(a) Unless otherwise agreed in advance, payment of the Purchase
Price is due in pounds sterling immediately after the auction
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(b) Title in a lot will not pass to the Buyer until TDM has received
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(c) The refusal of any licence or permit required by law, as
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(d) The Buyer must arrange collection of lots within 10 working
198
days of the auction. Purchased lots are at the Buyer's risk from
the earlier of (i) collection or (ii) 10 working days after the
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Without prejudice to any rights that the Seller may have, if the
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(b) cancel the sale of the lot;
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Rate from the Payment Date to the date that the Purchase
Price is received in cleared funds;
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shortfall between the original Purchase Price and the amount
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before exercising such lien;
h) commence legal proceedings to recover the Purchase Price for
the lot, plus interest and legal costs;
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commence legal proceedings
10. Failure to collect purchases
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(b) If a lot is paid for but uncollected within 6 months of the
auction, following 60 days written notice to the Buyer, TDM will
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years of the original auction.
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Thomas Del Mar Ltd.‘s Authenticity Guarantee
If Thomas Del Mar Ltd. sells an item of Property which is later
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Del Mar Ltd. will rescind the sale and refund the Buyer the total
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Property, up to a maximum of the Purchase Price.
The Guarantee lasts for one (1) year after the date of the relevant
auction, is for the benefit of the Buyer only and is non-transferable.
“Counterfeit” means an item of Property that in Thomas Del Mar
Ltd.’s reasonable opinion is an imitation created with the intent to
deceive over the authorship, origin, date, age, period, culture or
source, where the correct description of such matters is not
included in the catalogue description for the Property.
Property shall not be considered Counterfeit solely because of any
damage and/or restoration and/or modification work (including, but
not limited to, recolouring, tooling or repatinating).
Please note that this Guarantee does not apply if either:(i) the catalogue description was in accordance with the generally
accepted opinions of scholars and experts at the date of the
sale, or the catalogue description indicated that there was a
conflict of such opinions; or
(ii) the only method of establishing at the date of the sale that the
item was a Counterfeit would have been by means of
processes not then generally available or accepted,
unreasonably expensive or impractical; or likely to have
caused damage to or loss in value to the Property (in Thomas
Del Mar Ltd.’s reasonable opinion); or
(iii) there has been no material loss in value of the Property from
its value had it accorded with its catalogue description.
To claim under this Guarantee, the Buyer must:(i) notify Thomas Del Mar Ltd. in writing within one (1) month of
receiving any informationthat causes the Buyer to question the
authenticity or attribution of the Property, specifying the lot
number, date of the auction at which it was purchased and the
reasons why it is believed to be Counterfeit; and
(ii) return the Property to Thomas Del Mar Ltd. in the same
condition as at the date of sale and be able to transfer good
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Thomas Del Mar Ltd. has discretion to waive any of the above
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Del Mar Ltd. decides to rescind the sale under this Guarantee, it
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mutually approved independent expert reports, provided always
that the costs of such reports have been approved in advance and
in writing by Thomas Del Mar Ltd.
199
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ABSENTEE BID FORM
Thomas Del Mar Ltd
In association with Sotheby s
Sale Title:
Antique Arms, Armour & Militaria
Date:
9th December 2009
(please print or type)
Name
Address
Code: WINDSOR
Please mail or fax to:
Thomas Del Mar
25 Blythe Road
London
W14 0PD
Fax +44 (0) 207 602 5973
Important
Please bid on my behalf at the above sale for the
following Lot(s) up to the hammer price(s)
mentioned below. These bids are to be executed
as cheaply as is permitted by other bids or
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exceeding the specified amount. The auctioneer
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203
A
Lot No
Lot Description
£ Bid Price
Lot No
Lot Description
£ Bid Price
F
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204
Auction of
FINE MODERN & VINTAGE
SPORTING GUNS
Wednesday 16th December at 2pm
Sotheby's 34-35 New Bond Street
London W1A 2AA
Viewing:
Tuesday 15th 9am-4.30pm
Wednesday 16th 9am-1pm
Over 300 Lots including a large
selection of classic hammer guns,
rifles and shooting
accessories
Catalogue £11 by post
Every lot illustrated
Telephone 01798 875300
or 07831 645551
Online catalogue
www.gavingardiner.com
Gavin Gardiner Limited
In association with Sotheby's
23 June 2009
All information is provisional and subject to change
Dr Robert Elgood is Research Fellow in Eastern European, Islamic and
Asian Arms and Armour at the Wallace Collection, London. He has
written widely on related topics, and his book Islamic Arms and Armour
(1979) remains the definitive work on the subject.
Author
Arms and the History of the Balkans • Arms, Craftsmen and Traders in the Eastern
Mediterranean • Arms Making in Boka Kotorska:The Džeferdar • Pistols:The
Ledenica, Zlatka, Kubura and Prizrenac • Coral-Decorated Arms • Accoutrements
The Arms of Bosnia HerzegovinaYataghans • The Chelenka • Tokž • Balkan Long Guns
The Gunmakers of Užice • The Armourers of Kosovo and Metohija • The Arms of
Skopje The Gunmakers of Tetova, Dibra and Elbasan • Arms and the Growth of Balkan
Nationalism from 1770 • Gun Making in Ioannina • The Greek Armed Forces and the
Struggle for Independence • Conclusion
Contents
• Essential reading not just for specialists and collectors but anyone
interested in the history of modern Greece and the Balkans.
• Packed with lively anecdotes that bring history to life.
• A definitive and comprehensively illustrated survey that will be the
standard work for many years to come.
Key Sales Information
This magnificent book traces the history of firearms and edged weapons in
Greece and the Balkans during the Ottoman era. The early developments of
firearms in the later Middle Ages coincided with the Ottoman occupation
of these regions, and over the following centuries they became by far the
greatest centre of arms manufacturing in the Islamic world. Each town
developed its own style in weaponry, decoration and costume, often with
spendid results. Traditional weapons were held in great pride, and surviving
guns and swords are richly ornamented with silverwork, mother-of-pearl,
coral or semi-precious stones. Over 19 chapters, Robert Elgood’s masterful
text weaves together the story of the weapons with the deeds of their
owners and the history of the region. The book culminates in the stirring
story of Greek national liberation in the 1820s. To Greeks the weapons used
by the heroes of their revolution are quasi-sacred objects: they fill the
museums of modern Greece and are highly collectible. Representing a decade
of research by a world expert in oriental arms and armour, this book is being
published to coincide with a major exhibition of Greek and Balkan arms at
the National Historical Museum, Athens.
Robert Elgood
The Arms of Greece and her Balkan
Neighbours in the Ottoman Period
Advance Information
E [email protected] /[email protected]
F +44 (0)1903 828801
T +44 (0)1903 828500/11
Worthing, West Sussex BN13 3RB
Faraday Close, Durrington
Littlehampton Book Services
Trade (Distribution & Accounts)
W www.thamesandhudson.com
E [email protected]
F +44 (0)20 7845 5050
T +44 (0)20 7845 5000
London WC1V 7QX
181A High Holborn
Thames & Hudson Ltd
Head Office
ISBN 978 0 500 251577
Price
£40.00
Binding
Hardback
Illustrations
c.449 illustrations, 445 in colour
Size
31.0 x 23.8cm
Extent
336pp
Provisional Publication
November 2009
Or visit
www.vandashop.com
To order your copy call
+44 (0)20 7942 2696
Photography: Rolant Dafis
Thomas Del Mar Ltd
In association with Sotheby’s
25 Blythe Road London W14 0PD
Tel: +44 (0) 207 602 4805 Fax: +44 (0) 207 602 5973 Email: [email protected]
www.thomasdelmar.com