Olympia Auctions

FINE ANTIQUE ARMS, ARMOUR & MILITARIA

WEDNESDAY 26 JUNE 2024

www.OlympiaAuctions.com

FINE ANTIQUE ARMS, ARMOUR & MILITARIA

SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE BILL TERRY ARCHERY COLLECTION THE ROY ELVIS COLLECTION OF INDIAN ARMS & ARMOUR, PART IV THE NORMAN FARGO COLLECTION REMOVED FROM SCHWEITZER CASTLE, SANDPOINT, IDAHO

PROPERTY FROM AN IMPORTANT PRIVATE COLLECTION

PROPERTY FROM A GERMAN PRIVATE COLLECTION

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION: 25 Blythe Road, London W14 0PD

AUCTION: Wednesday 26th June 2024, 11am, precisely

PUBLIC EXHIBITION: Sunday 23rd June 12pm to 4pm Monday 24th June 10am to 7pm Tuesday 25th June 10am to 5pm

SALE NUMBER OA0145

ENQUIRIES: Thomas Del Mar

Simeon Beever

CONSULTANTS: Ian Eaves

Peter Smith

Charles Webb

Sachiko Hori

Brijeshwari Gohil

Greg Irvine

+44 (0) 207 806 5545 armsandarmour@olympiaauctions.com

ARCHIVIST: Ainslie Johnston

ONLINE CATALOGUE AND LIVE INTERNET BIDDING

AVAILABLE THROUGH: www.olympiaauctions.com www.the-saleroom.com www.invaluable.com www.drouotonline.com

SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bennett 2018

Blackmore 1986

Blackmore 1999

Blair 1973

Blair 1982

Blair 1984

Carman 1982

Curtis 1978

de Reuck et al 2005

Dickens 1999

Elgood 1995

Elgood 2009

Feldhaus 1905

ffoulkes 1911

Franzoi 1990

Gaier 1976

Grancsay 1970

Hayden-Wright 2008

Hoff 1972

Kálmar 1935

Karcheski & Richardson 2000

Karcheski 1985

Karcheski 1996

Kelvin 1996

Khorasani 2006

Kruczek 2001

Natasha Bennett, Chinese Arms and Armour, Leeds 2018

Howard L. Blackmore, A Dictionary of London Gunmakers 1350-1850, London 1986

Howard L. Blackmore, Gunmakers of London: Supplement 1350-1850, London 1999

Claude Blair, ‘The Egg Family, Part I and Part II (contd.)’ in Journal of the Arms and Armour Society, Volume VII, 1973, pp. 266-299; 305-353

Claude Blair, ‘Notes on Armour from Chalcis’ in Arms & Armour at the Dorchester, London 1982

Claude Blair, ‘The Word “Baselard.”‘ in Journal of the Arms and Armour Society, XI.4 (1984)

W. Y. Carman, F.S.A., F.R.Hist.S., ‘General Richard Vyse in the 18th Light Dragoons’ in The Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research, London 1982

Howard M. Curtis, 2500 Years of European Helmets 800 B.C. - 1700 A.D., North Hollywood 1978

Anthony de Reuck et al, ‘Duplex armour: an unrecognised mode of construction’ in Arms and Armour, Volume 2, 2005

Bernard Dickens, ‘“M·B” The Gun Makers’ Silversmith - A Question of Attribution’ in Journal of the Arms & Armour Society, March 1999, pp. 110-114

Robert Elgood, Firearms of the Islamic world in the Tareq Rajab museum, Kuwait, London 1995

Robert Elgood, The arms of Greece and her Balkan neighbours in the Ottoman period, London 2009

F. M. Fedhaus, ‘Zur Geschichte der Windbüchse’ in Zeitschrift für historiche Waffenkunde, III, 1902-1905

Charles ffoulkes, ‘On Italian Armour from Chalcis in the Ethnothological Museum at Athens’ in Archaeologia, 1911

Umberto Franzoi, L’Armeria del Palazzo Ducale a Venezia, Treviso, 1990

Claude Gaier, Four Centuries of Liege Gunmaking, Sotheby Parke Bernet, 1976

Stephen V. Grancsay, Master French Gunsmiths Designs of the XVIII-XIX Centuries, New York, 1970

David Hayden-Wright, The Heritage of English Knives, Atglen, Pennsylvania, 2008

Arne Hoff, Airguns and other Pneumatic Arms, London 1972

J.V. Kálmar, ‘Säbel und Schwert in Ungarn’ in Zeitschrift für Historische Waffen -und Kostümkunde, Berlin, 1935-36, pp. 150-155

Walter J. Karcheski Jr. and Thom Richardson, The Medieval Armor from Rhodes, Leeds 2000

Walter J. Karcheski, Jr, ‘Notes on a Newly-Identified Armour by the Flemish Master ‘MP’, in the Smith Art Museum, Springfield, MA’ in J.A.A.S., XI, 1983-5, pp. 307-14

Walter J. Karcheski Jr., ‘Some Netherlandish Firearms in the George F. Harding Jr. Collection of Arms And Armor, The Art Institute of Chicago’ in Proceedings of the International Association of Museums of Arms and Military History XIV Congress 1996, Amsterdam 1996

Martin Kelvin, The Scottish Pistol: Its History, Design and Manufacture, Farleigh Dickinson 1996

M. M. Khorasani, Arms and armor from Iran: The Bronze Age to the end of the Qajar period, Tübingen 2006

Jan Kruczek, Rusznikarstwo szkoły cieszyńskiej, Pszczyna 2001

Laking 1920

Lavin 1965

Lenk 1965

Norman 1980

Oakeshott 1982

Oakeshott 1991

Oakeshott 1993

Paggiarino 2016

Peterson 1968

Pichler 1880

Pyhrr 1973

Ricketts & Missillier 1988

Robinson 1953

Robinson 1973

Schedelman 1944

Schmitz 2010

Schneider 1980

Seitz 1965

Seitz 1968

Sixl 1900-1902

Southwick 2022

Støckel 1978-1982

Thomas 2012

Tower of London 1952

Valentine 1968

Victoria & Albert Museum 1963

Walker 2008

Wegeli 1929

Wheeler 1940

Wolff 1958

Sir Guy Francis Laking, A Record of European Armour and Arms through Seven Centuries, London 1920

Lavin, James D., A History of Spanish Firearms, London, 1965

Tosten Lenk, The Flintlock: Its Origin and Development, Stockport 1965

A. V. B. Norman, The Rapier and Small-Sword, 1460-1820, London, 1980

Ewart Oakeshott, ‘A River-Find of 15th Century Swords’ in, Karl Stuber and Hans Wetter, Blankwaffen, 1982

Ewart Oakeshott, Records of the Medieval Sword, Bury St Edmonds 1991

Ewart Oakeshott, ‘The Swords of Castillon’ in The Tenth Park Lane Arms Fair, 1993

Claudio Paggiarino, The Gwynn Collection: A Lifetime of Passion for Antique Arms and Armour, 2016

Harold L. Peterson, The Book of the Gun, London 1968

Fritz Pichler, Das Landes-Zeughaus in Graz, Leipzig 1880

Stuart W. Pyhrr, ‘Hidden Marks on Boutet Firearms’ in The Arms and Armor Annual, 1973

Howard Ricketts & Phillipe Missilier, Splendeur des Armes Orientales, 1988

Henry Russell Robinson, ‘A Converted Helmet and some Early Barbute and Armets’ in Journal of the Arms and Arnour Society, Vol. I, No. 3, September 1953

Henry Russell Robinson, Il Museo Stibbert a Firenze, Vol. 1, 1973

H. Schedelmann, Die Wiener Buchsenmacher und Buchenschafter, Berlin 1944

Jürgen Schmitz, Besteck im Wandel der Zeit, Rome 2010

Hugo Schneider, Waffen im Schweizerischen Landesmuseum, vol. 1, Zurich 1980

Heribert Seitz, Blankwaffen, Braunschweig 1965

Heribert Seitz, Blankwaffen, Volume II, Braunschweig 1968

Paul Sixl, ‘Entwickelung und Gebrauch der Handfeuerwaffen’ in Zeitschrift für historische Waffen- und Kostümkunde, Vol. 2, 1900-1902

Leslie Southwick, ‘Thomas Gray of Sackville Street Royal Retail Jeweller, Goldsmith and Sword-Cutler’ in Jewellery Studies: The Journal of The Society of Jewellery Historians, 2022/2

Eugene Heer, Der Neue Støckel, 1978-1982

Clive Thomas, ‘Additional Notes on the Swords of Castillon’ in The Park Lane Arms Fair, 2012

Exhibition of Arms, Armour and Militaria lent by H.R.H. The Duke of Brunswick at the Tower of London, April 10th-October 31st 1952

Eric Valentine, Rapiers, London 1968

The Art of the Armourer, The Victoria and Albert Museum, London 1963

A. F. Walker, ‘A Japanese Indoor Archery Set’, in Journal of the Society of ArcherAntiquaries, vol. 51, 2008, pp. 76-77

Rudolf Wegeli, Inventar der Waffensammlung des Bernischen Historischen Museums in Bern, Volume 2, 1929

R. E. M. Wheeler, London Museum Medieval Catalogue, London 1940

Eldon G Wolff, Air Guns, Milwaukee 1958

William “Bill” Terry: 2 December 1933 – 11 August 2023

Known universally as Bill, William John Terry was born in Croydon the son of a police officer. During the war the family home was bombed and he was evacuated to Somerset, but returned to the South-East to live in Sevenoaks, Kent.

A neighbour was a member of the West Kent Archery Society, which he joined, and she gave the teenager lessons in archery on the front lawn of her house. Declining membership led to the closure of the WKAS in 1947 but he was hooked and also began to spend all his available pocket money on archery relics; his first was a metal quiver.

In 1951, aged 17, Bill helped form the Sennocke Archers in Sevenoaks and was a founder member of the British Long Bow Society (BLBS). His encouragement and enthusiasm helped those institutions in their formative years and the BLBS thrives to this day. National Service, during which he achieved the rank of lieutenant, was an interruption but he later became a devoted member of both the Societ y of Archer-Antiquaries and the Archery Collectors Guild.

Sennocke Archers shot at the Wildernesse School in Sevenoaks but unfor tunately the ground was lost when the school was enlarged in 2011. The committee opted to close the club, but Bill managed to find a shooting field in the nearby RNIB residential school. He moved all the club buildings and equipment on to the grounds and reformed the club as Sevenoaks Archery Club.

This was not to last as the premises were sold for redevelopment shortly after and Bill obtained permission to use a corner of the playing field of the nearby Knowle Academy. Once again, he moved the club’s building and equipment to the new venue. Again, the club was forced to move from the Knowle Academy after only a year and Bill found another school playing field at the Sackville School in Hildenborough, where the club is now.

When his wife died early in this century, Bill sold up his house and bought an apple orchard farm, the farmhouse being redesigned and enlarged to accommodate his now enormous collection. Neil Dimmock, friend and fellow archer, observed the project in all its stages, seeing the transformation from a muddy field and a house that was a shell. The apple trees were removed and replaced with a woodland planting. Within this is sited a 100 yard twoway range with eight targets. He gathered together a group of long bow archers which became the new, reformed West Kent Archery Society. The Society thrives and hosts long bow events at club, county, and national level.

In 2019, Neil Dimmock was approached by the President of the local Historical Society in Sutton, Surrey. She was researching archery in Beddington Park. She had bought photographs of the Southern Counties Archery Meeting (“the Southern”) in Beddington Park in 1907 and wondered whether this still existed. She explained that she had bid, online, for several more pictures but without success. Neil introduced her to Bill Terry who had managed to acquire them. She became extremely excited on visiting the collection and wondered if the first Meeting named as “The Southern” of 1903 could be re-enacted. Her influence in the locality and her contacts resulted in just that. Bill Terry was instrumental in arranging for equipment to be transported to the venue and his presence contributed to the success of the day. The archers who attended were old established shooters of “the Southern” and were pleased to be able to shoot at the first venue under that name.

Bill took a special interest in “the Southern” and took great pride in updating and refurbishing the Honours Board which is stored, in pride of place, at Beechin Wood. His ever-increasing collection was now well known nationally and internationally. His encyclopaedic knowledge was a wonder to all those who visited. He had built up probably the largest archery library, certainly in Britain, if not Europe. He was host to so many. The Worshipful Company of Bowyers and the Worshipful Company of Fletchers made visits available for their liverymen. His door was always open for guests to visit and be shown round, describing everything in the collection and there were not many questions that stumped him.

Until very recently, he still attended tournaments and was the first to congratulate the winners. Encouragement to all the competitors was his well-known modus operandi and there are established archers all over the country who are aware of Bill Terry and his influence in their formative years.

Everyone has dates in their lives that they do not forget. One of Neil Dimmock’s was 11th August 1974. The day he first met, and shot with, Bill Terry. Neil had taken up archery only a year before and club mates had persuaded him to shoot at tournaments. Neil, also, had been bitten by the bug and shot wherever he could. Bill restricted himself to Kent (his home county) Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex, and London, plus the Grand National Archery Meetings and the Southern Counties.

At Alan Zenthon’s first tournament, Bill was his target companion and greeted him with a huge smile and a shake of the hand. Throughout the shoot Bill was a source of positive encouragement, “Six hits! Jolly well done, old man.” The perfect target companion who was always more concerned about your performance than his own. They met frequently throughout the years at tournaments and would always seek each other out. Throughout his archery career Bill picked up winner’s medals, but just not that often. He admitted to Roger Spellane that he shot his best in his early 70s. A time when he really felt all the elements of his shooting really came together: technique, equipment and mind set. So, he felt he peaked after fifty years of shooting, which is a fitting testament to his dedication at archery.

This appreciation of Bill Terry is put together from contributions from Neil Dimmock, Jill and Bruno Bonora and other Archer-Antiquarians who were all saddened by the loss of this devoted archer and collector. He had an almost 18th century style of speaking and with a gentle delivery which all added to his old world charm, truly a man of another age.

Arthur G. Credland (first printed in the Journal of Archer Antiquaries, 2023)

EASTERN ARMS AND ARMOUR

THE BILL TERRY COLLECTION OF ARCHERY

1

A JAPANESE BOW (YUMI), BOWSTRING REEL, TWELVE WAR ARROWS AND QUIVER (UTSUBO), EDO PERIOD, 19TH CENTURY

the first with slightly curved long slender lacquered body bound with numerous bands of rattan; the second on a woven rattan reel with horn toggle with threaded lid; the third of near identical type, each with leaf-shaped iron head, and black-lacquered shaft enriched with gold; the fourth with lacquered body painted with a gilt mon (lid restored), and leather carrying strap, the first: 212.0 cm overall (15)

£700-1,000

2

A JAPANESE BOW (YUMI), BOWSTRING REEL, SEVEN WAR ARROWS AND QUIVER (UTSUBO), LATE EDO PERIOD, 19TH CENTURY/EARLY 20TH CENTURY

the first with slightly curved long slender lacquered body bound with numerous bands of rattan; the second on a carved lacquered reel with horn toggle with threaded lid; the third each of closely related type, with leaf-shaped iron head and lacquered shaft; the fourth of fur-covered hide reinforced with bamboo, and lacquered cover painted with a mon, the first: 207.0 cm overall (10)

£500-700

3

A JAPANESE BOW (YUMI), BOWSTRING REEL, SIX ARROWS AND QUIVER (YADZUTSU), LATE EDO PERIOD, 19TH CENTURY/EARLY 20TH CENTURY

the first with slightly curved long slender lacquered body bound with numerous bands of rattan; the second on a reel of lacquered rattan; the third each of closely related type, with two-stage head and bamboo shaft; the fourth black lacquered woven rattan arranged in alternating designs, with four loops for suspension, and cap lid, the first: 218.0 cm overall (9)

£400-600

A JAPANESE CASED ARCHERY SET

COMPRISING A PAIR OF BOWS DATED 1839, QUIVERS, EIGHT ASSOCIATED ARROWS, EDO PERIOD, 19TH CENTURY. the bows with slightly curved long slender lacquered bodies, inscribed on the front and bound with numerous bands of rattan, later strings, and tooled and gilt leather caps; the quivers each with provision for fifteen arrows, recurved horn bodies pierced at the top, gilt leather outer cover, two groups of four associated arrows; the bows and quiver contained together in a matching leather case decorated with a design of black crosses and a mon on a gilt ground, on a modern display stand, 228.5 cm overall.

The inscriptions on the front of the bows include the date, Tempo 10 (1839) I year (boar zodiacal year) and signature Haruna, probably for the maker.

£1,200-1,800

5

A JAPANESE BOW (YUMI), BOW-STRING REEL, THREE ARROWS AND QUIVER (YADZUTSU), LATE EDO PERIOD, 19TH CENTURY/EARLY 20TH CENTURY

the first with slightly curved long slender lacquered body bound with bands of rattan; the second on a reel of woven rattan; the third each of related type, with two-stage head and bamboo shaft; the fourth black lacquered woven rattan arranged in alternating designs, with four loops for suspension, later shagreen-backed mon, and cap lid, the first: 217.5 cm overall (6)

£300-500

6

A JAPANESE BOW (YUMI), BOW-STRING REEL, SIX ARROWS AND QUIVER (YADZUTSU), LATE EDO PERIOD, 19TH CENTURY AND 20TH CENTURY

the first with slightly curved long slender lacquered body bound with bands of rattan (warped); the second on a reel of woven rattan; the third later, each with conical head and bamboo shaft; the fourth lacquered in imitation of bark, three loops for suspension (the fourth missing), and cap lid, the first: 216.5 cm overall (9)

£300-500

7

A JAPANESE PIERCED ARROWHEAD AND TWENTYTWO FURTHER ARROWS

the first with broad flattened leaf-shaped blade pierced with a flower-head, and long plain tang; the second comprising seventeen with leaf-shaped heads, two with spatulate heads, three with triangular heads and long tapering socket, twelve with forked heads, all with bamboo shafts, the first: 63.7 cm overall (35)

£300-400

A SMALL JAPANESE ARCHERY SET, EDO PERIOD, 19TH CENTURY

comprising bow of flattened horn, the inner face carved with a dragon and an exotic bird, recurved terminals; the arrows comprising nine with iron leaf-shaped tips and bamboo shafts and another, longer, with pierced leafshaped head, all contained with a recurved horn stand enclosed with tooled gilt leather around the base, the bow: 56.0 cm.

£200-300

9 A JAPANESE INDOOR ARCHERY SET, COMPRISING TWO BOWS (YUMI), TEN ARROWS, A QUIVER (YADZUTSO), EDO PERIOD, AND A DECORATED STAND, LATE 19TH CENTURY

the first two with slightly curved long slender lacquered bodies bound with numerous bands of rattan, and patterned grips; the arrows, each with blunt iron head, and slender shaft decorated with gilt lacquer around the flights, and another arrow of similar type; the third of lacquered leather and of characteristic form, decorated with a gilt flowerhead mon, with its lid decorated en suite, fitted with leather straps with gilt borders for closure, and complete with its silk suspension cord and tassels, on its matching wooden stand (bows associated), the first: 59.7 cm (14)

See Walker 2008, pp. 76-77.

£400-600

A JAPANESE CASED INDOOR ARCHERY SET, COMPRISING THREE BOWS (YUMI) AND FORTY ARROWS, A QUIVER (YADZUTSO), EDO PERIOD, AND A DECORATED STAND, LATE 19TH/EARLY 20TH CENTURY.

the bows of differing type, each formed in three sections, two with separate rectangular grips, together with strings; the arrows comprised of two groups, each with blunt head and slender shaft; all contained within a three-drawer hardwood case, the case: 32.3 x 13.8 x 11.2 cm

£300-400

11

A JAPANESE INDOOR ARCHERY SET AND A PAIR OF RACKED ARROWS FOR INDOOR USE, EARLY 20TH CENTURY.

the first comprising lacquered bow decorated with numerous red and gilt bands, twenty arrows each with small iron point and bamboo shaft, on a carved wooden stand; the second comprising a pair of racks, each formed of six hinged sections respectively filled with eight arrows, the bow: 65.5 cm (3)

£200-300

A CHINESE STRENGTH-TESTING COMPOSITE

BOW, QING DYNASTY, 19TH/20TH CENTURY of robust construction, with reflexed limbs fitted with string bridges, the belly painted with red flames, and cork-covered grip (losses, minor repairs), 107.0 cm

£400-600

13

TWO CHINESE MANCHU STYLE COMPOSITE

BOWS, QING DYNASTY, SECOND HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY

with reflexed limbs faced with horn at the front decorated with traditional ornament at the top and either side of the grip, the belly covered with bark, fitted with string bridges and cork-covered grip (small losses); the second similar (small losses, worn, one spring bridge detached), the first: 101.5 cm (2)

£400-600

A CHINESE MANCHU STYLE COMPOSITE BOW, QING DYNASTY, SECOND HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY

with reflexed limbs faced with horn at the front, the belly covered with bark carved with flowers and traditional motifs, fitted with string bridges and cork-covered grip (small losses), 132.0 cm.

£300-400

15

A CHINESE COMPOSITE FOLDING BOW, QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

with reflexed limbs, the belly veneered in birch and painted with stylised longevity symbols top and bottom, and fitted at its centre with an iron hinge (losses), together with its later bill of sale, 69.8 cm (folded)

Provenance

Edward McEwan, sold in this room, 29th June 2022, lot 14

£300-400

16

A

RARE CHINESE QUIVER (JEBELE), QING DYNASTY, 18TH/19TH CENTURY

with tooled leather body with reinforced borders, the front with a pair of criss-crossed straps, applied with pierced and chased gilt copper-alloy mounts decorated with characters including symbols of longevity (central boss missing), the borders studded with flowerhead washers, and hinged inner portion with three folded pockets (light wear), 33.5 cm

A similar quiver is preserved in the Royal Armouries, Leeds, see Bennett, 2018, p.51.

£1,000-1,500

17

A

RARE CHINESE OFFICER’S BOW CASE, QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

with leather body decorated with gold thread, applied with shaped reinforced base and corners, the outer face fitted with pierced gilt copper alloy mounts comprising a central flower in the centre, a circular handle in the top corner and two openwork foliate mounts, 54.0 cm

A similar bow case is preserved in the Royal Armouries, Leeds (XXVIB.25).

£500-700

18

A FINE NORTH INDIAN (SIND) REFLEX COMPOSITE BOW, 19TH CENTURY

with wood horn and sinew body, carved nocks (one incomplete), one with a brief inscription on each face, decorated over its surface with boteh on a yellow and red ground highlighted with gilt foliage (small chips and losses), 98.5 cm. Edward McEwan, sold in this room, 30th July 2021, lot 193.

£500-700

19

THREE INDO-PERSIAN DECORATED REFLEX COMPOSITE BOWS, 18TH CENTURY

each formed of wood, bone, and sinew, lacquered over its surface, the first decorated with panels of polychrome and gilt flowers at each end and around the grip (worn, faded) and a further long panel over much of the front; the second decorated with panels of polychrome flowers on a gilt ground and four panels of later red binding; the third, similar, the first: 73.0 cm (3)

£350-450

20

A NORTH INDIAN (SIND) REFLEX COMPOSITE BOW AND TWO FURTHER INDIAN BOWS, 18TH/19TH CENTURY

with wood, horn and sinew bodies, the first with carved nocks with brief inscriptions, decorated with boteh, flowers and foliage gilt polychrome (losses, wear); the second decorated with red flowers on a green ground (worn, warped); and the third similar (repainted), the first: 104.0 cm (3)

£350-450

21

THREE NORTH INDIAN DECORATED REFLEX COMPOSITE BOWS, 18TH/19TH CENTURY

with wood, horn and sinew bodies, the first with a brief inscription on the nocks and decorated with gilt flowers and foliage on a red-brown ground (losses); the second decorated with gilt polychrome flowers and foliage (extensive losses) and the third repainted, the first: 49.5 cm (3)

£350-450

22

TWO PERSIAN DECORATED REFLEX COMPOSITE BOWS, QAJAR, 18TH/19TH CENTURY

each formed of wood, bone, and sinew, the first decorated over the majority of its surface with courtly hunting scenes in gilt polychrome, and a pair of tigers on each side of the grip, (small losses, early repairs); the second decorated over the greater part of its surface with flowers and foliage in gilt polychrome on a blackened ground (small losses and chips); the first: 73.0 cm (2)

£300-400

23

TWO INDO-PERSIAN DECORATED REFLEX COMPOSITE BOWS, 18TH/19TH CENTURY

each formed of wood, bone, and sinew, with bifurcated terminals incorporating the nocks, swelling at the grip, and decorated throughout in gilt polychrome with flowers and geometrical shapes (chips and losses), 104.5 cm and 81.0 cm (2)

£300-400

A SOUTH INDIAN REFLEX COMPOSITE BOW, 17TH/18TH CENTURY, POSSIBLY MADRAS, TAMIL NADU

formed of wood, bone and sinew, lacquered over its surface with a red background decorated with traditional ornament in yellow and gold pigments, reinforced with bands of sinew, leather grip, fitted with an iron plaque at the front punched with the number ‘8’, 146.3 cm.

Provenance

Roy Elvis catalogue number G19

£250-350

25

TWO NORTH INDIAN DECORATED REFLEX COMPOSITE BOWS, 18TH/19TH CENTURY

with wood, horn and sinew bodies, the first decorated with gilt foliage and flowers on a red ground and the second decorated with gilt foliage on a yellow ground (restorations), the first: 51.5 cm (2)

£200-300

26

A NORTH INDIAN DECORATED STEEL BOW, 18TH/19TH CENTURY

in two pieces joined at the robust grip by screws, reinforced terminals, and the grip and terminals each encrusted with silver flowers and foliage (small losses), 112.5 cm

£350-450

A NORTH INDIAN DECORATED STEEL BOW, 18TH/19TH CENTURY

of flat recurved form, decorated over the greater part of its surface in gold koftgari with foliage inhabited by exotic animals (losses, worn), 95.3 cm

£300-400

28

A NORTH INDIAN DECORATED STEEL BOW, 19TH CENTURY

in two pieces joined by a threaded stem and of flat recurved form, chiselled over the outer face with antelope set upon by tigers, and decorated with silver foliage at the terminals and over the grip (small losses), 83.7 cm

£300-450

29

A NORTH INDIAN DECORATED STEEL BOW, 18TH/19TH CENTURY

of flat recurved form, decorated with two pairs of flutes on the outside at the top and the bottom, and the inside with a single groove for the string (string replaced), fitted in the centre with a pair of wooden grips over brass fillets, 102.5 cm

A similar bow, attributed to 17th century Deccan, is illustrated Missillier and Ricketts, 1988, p. 82, no. 132.

£300-400

ELEVEN RARE SOUTH INDIAN ARROWS FORMED ENTIRELY OF STEEL, 17TH/18TH CENTURY.

for shooting large game, the first with large crescentic head and bulbous nock; the second with small crescentic head; the third with small inverted crescentic head; the fourth and fifth with tall pyramidal heads; the sixth and seventh with flat leafshaped head; and three further arrows, 75.5 cm the longest (11)

£400-600

TWENTY-SIX INDIAN ARROWS (TIR), 18TH/19TH CENTURY

each with tall pyramidal iron head, short socket, on its painted shaft with carved nock and some retaining a portion of their flight (losses, some restoration), 75.5 cm (average) (26)

£200-300

32

TWENTY-ONE INDIAN ARROWS (TIR), 18TH/19TH CENTURY

comprising two groups: the first twelve with tapering triangular iron heads with reinforced tips, wooden shafts with some paint and some with a portion of their flights (restorations); the second eight with four-sided pointed iron heads, reed hafts and some early painted finish, the first: 88.5 cm average (21)

£150-200

33

THREE INDIAN ARROWS WITH CRESCENTIC HEADS AND THREE INDIAN ARROWS WITH SPATULATE HEADS, 18TH/19TH CENTURY

the first two with large crescentic iron heads, reed shafts decorated with polychrome panels and carved nocks, the third similar, with smaller head; the fourth and fifth with spatulate heads and associated wooden shafts and the sixth similar, with earlier painted reed shaft, 78.5 cm (6)

£150-200

34

EIGHTEEN INDIAN ARROWS, 18TH/19TH CENTURY

comprising three groups: the first, four with pierced katar-shaped iron heads, reed shafts decorated with gilt polychrome panels and carved nocks (two ivory); the second, three with triangular heads, reed shaft decorated with gilt polychrome panels and carved ivory nock and the third, eight perhaps for stunning game, each with bound cylindrical iron head, painted haft, and slightly swollen nocks, the first: 75.5 (average) (18)

£100-150

35 A COLLECTION OF SIXTEEN ASIAN ARROWS, MOSTLY CHINESE, QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

comprising one round whistling arrow; six Pi arrows; two ceremonial arrows, and seven further arrows, 107.7 cm (16)

£300-400

36

A SOMALI QUIVER AND ARROWS TOGETHER WITH A QUANTITY OF ARROWS, LATE 19TH/20TH CENTURY

the quiver formed of an engraved large gourd decorated with three bands of stained and engraved geometric designs; and seven arrows with iron heads; together with fifteen arrows with small iron heads, long slender necks, reed hafts and painted nocks; and thirty-four various arrows and fifteen javelins, mainly African, the first: 37.0 cm (72)

£200-300

37

A NORTH AFRICAN SELF BOW, PROBABLY SUDAN, LATE 19TH/20TH CENTURY, TWO FURTHER AFRICAN BOWS, FOUR QUIVERS AND A QUANTITY OF ARROWS, LATE 19TH/20TH CENTURIES

the first with curved body of circular section, pierced at each end and fitted with an early string; the second and third of rudimentary construction; the quivers each of hide, one with some fur covering and elaborate tassels, with its lid, and each with a quantity of arrows, the first: 151.0 cm (7)

£150-200

TWO ANDAMAN ISLAND SELF BOWS, TWO NEW GUINEA SELF BOWS AND THREE FURTHER SELF BOWS, 19TH/EARLY 20TH CENTURY

the first of characteristic form, with rounded grip with a long spatulate section either side and tapering terminals; the second similar, carved with a criss-cross pattern down the centre at the front and on the edges; the third with hollowed face, rounded back and early string; the fourth similar (string missing); the fifth of dark hardwood, with rattan binding at the terminals; the sixth of two-tone hardwood and the seventh flat, bound with cord over much of its surface, the first: 173.0 cm (7)

£150-200

39

TWO NEW GUINEA SELF BOWS AND FOUR FURTHER BOWS, LATE 19TH/EARLY 20TH CENTURY

the first carved with long slender panels on the inner face, complete with an early string; the second similar (string missing), fitted with an additional grip retained by cords; the third, fourth and fifth of dark hardwood, and a smaller self-bow, the first: 123.0 cm (6)

£120-180

THE ROY ELVIS COLLECTION OF INDIAN ARMS & ARMOUR, PART IV

A FINE INDIAN RAPIER, 16TH/17TH CENTURY, PROBABLY BIKANER, RAJASTHAN

with tapering double-edged slender blade engraved with a linear design over each face at the forte, iron hilt comprising solid cup-shaped guard with fluted outer face, a fluted moulding beneath, cup-shaped pommel with domed cap en suite with the guard, moulded button and integral grip, 82.0 cm blade

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number C25

£1,500-2,000

A FINE SOUTH INDIAN SWORD (PATA), LATE 16TH/17TH CENTURY, POSSIBLY THANJAVUR, TAMIL NADU

with broad straight double-edged European blade formed with a long central fuller and stamped with three celestial motifs on each face, robust iron gauntlet hilt extending over the forte with a pair of shaped langets chiselled over their surface with a symmetrical design of flowers and foliage and with lotus flower terminals, a pair of low domed moulded panels over the hand finely pierced with a design of scrolling foliage inhabited by monsters, flaring over the fore-arm and pierced and chiselled en suite with an elliptical beadwork moulding in the middle, strongly moulded border, the interior with a single grip-bar and arm bar chiselled with foliage and with recurved budshaped finials, 95.0 cm blade

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number C73

£1,500-2,000

A SOUTH INDIAN RAPIER, LATE 16TH/17TH CENTURY

with broad tapering blade formed with a long medial ridge and reinforced point (small cracks), iron hilt comprising a pair of long triangular langets chiselled with foliage, broad curved elliptical guard, pommel en suite with the guard, rising up to a faceted button and fitted with a chiselled foliate plate on each side, and small moulded integral grip (areas of pitting), 102.4 cm

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number C19

A sword of near identical form is preserved at Junagarh Fort, Bikaner and another in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (acc. no. 36.25.1582). See Elgood 2004, p. 88, figs. 8.30 and 8.31.

£1,200-1,800

43

A RARE SOUTH INDIAN SWORD (KHANDA), PROBABLY VIJAYANAGARA, 14TH/15TH CENTURY

with broad blade of flattened-diamond section flaring to a ‘cobra’s head’ tip, iron hilt extending over the lower third of the blade with a pair of shaped robust moulded bars terminating on each face with a pair of short prongs arranged at right angles to the blade, one with a brief inscription, deep V-shaped guard with three lugs on the outside (one missing), tall segmental stepped mace-like pommel formed in three stages, and integral grip (small restorations), 76.0 cm blade

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number C43

A related example is preserved in the British Museum (inv. no. 293374). See Elgood 2004, p. 82. Another, formerly in the collection of Henri Moser, is preserved in the Bernisches Historisches Museum, see Moser 1912, p. XIII, pl. XXIII, no. 107 and two others were sold in this room, 7th December 2023, lot 1 and 28th June 2023, lot 1.

£400-600

44

A RARE SOUTH INDIAN SWORD (KOPIS), PROBABLY 15TH CENTURY, SIVAGANGA, TAMIL NADU

with recurved blade formed with a raised moulding on the back edge, iron hilt extending over the lower portion of the blade with a pair of long broad pierced and chiselled langets, angular figure-of-eight shaped guard chiselled with scrolls, carved wooden cushion-shaped pommel with tall conical pierced iron button (pitted throughout), 72.5 cm blade

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number C39

Three related examples, formerly in the collection of Anthony North, were sold in this room 30th June 2010, lot 83. Dating on this group varies ranging from the 12th to 16th centuries. See Elgood 2004, pp. 83-5 and Rawson 1968, plate 12.

£300-400

A FINE NORTH INDIAN SWORD (SOSSUN PATA), RAJASTHAN, 18TH/19TH CENTURY

with recurved blade formed with a double-edged point, iron hilt applied with chased silver flowers and foliage in high relief against a gilt ground, comprising langets, quillons, integral grip and large disc pommel, in its fabric-covered wooden scabbard with locket and chape decorated en suite, 68.5 cm blade

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number C2

£1,200-1,800

A RARE SOUTH INDIAN SWORD (KHANDA), 17TH CENTURY

with broad double-edged crucible steel blade of flattened hollow-diamond section, iron hilt comprising a pair of long shaped langets extending over the forte, figure-of-eight shaped guard with slightly down-turned brim, disc pommel, domed moulded button and integral grip, 93.0 cm blade

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number C60

£700-1,000

47

A SOUTH INDIAN SWORD, 17TH/18TH CENTURY, PROBABLY ARCOT, TAMIL NADU

with European blade double-edged towards the point, stamped ‘Dimesel Aterro’ between decorative cross marks within one of a pair of long fullers on each face, silver-plated iron hilt comprising a pair of langets with pierced terminals, quillons formed as openwork crouching monsters, figure—ofeight shaped guard, knuckle-guard and pommel with up-turned brim all with beadwork borders, and integral grip, in its leather-covered wooden scabbard with small silver chape, 82.0 cm blade

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number C80

£500-800

48

A

SOUTH INDIAN SWORD (KIRACH), 17TH CENTURY, PROBABLY TRAVANCORE, KERALA

with broad blade formed with a pair of slender fullers on each face and slightly curved back-edge towards the point, engraved iron hilt comprising a pair of engraved shaped langets enclosing the forte, figure-of-eight shaped guard, triangular knuckleguard with recurved bud-shaped finial, two stage grip with tall iron ferrule and carved wooden pommel fitted with elaborate stepped cap of four slender scrolling plates and attenuated button, in a later leather scabbard, 74.5 cm blade

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number C99

£400-600

49

A SOUTH INDIAN SWORD (FIRANGI), 17TH/18TH CENTURY

with straight blade double-edged towards the point, with traces of an eyelash mark on one face, iron hilt comprising a pair of shaped langets, quillons with bud-shaped terminals, figure-of-eight shaped guard pierced with an openwork design, broad knuckle-guard and pommel en suite, the latter with upturned brim (small chips), attenuated button with bud terminal and integral grip (areas of pitting), 84.5 cm blade

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number C17

£350-450

A SOUTH INDIAN SHORTSWORD, POSSIBLY

17TH/18TH CENTURY MYSORE, KARNATAKA

with curved fullered blade double edged towards the point (pitted), copper alloy hilt formed as a pair of Yali engulfing the langets and extending to a recurved knuckle-guard, and integral grip and pommel formed as an engraved Yali head, 48.3 cm blade

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number C20

£300-400

51

A SOUTH INDIAN SWORD (TALWAR), LATE

16TH/17TH CENTURY, POSSIBLY BIJAPUR, KARNATAKA

with curved fullered blade double-edged towards the point, iron hilt comprising a pair of shaped langets, quillons with fluted bud-shaped terminals, knuckle-guard of three bars of low triangular section, cup-shaped pommel with cusped underside, angular attenuated button with domed fluted base, and integral grip (areas of pitting), 89.8 cm blade

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number C54

£400-600

A SOUTH INDIAN SWORD

(TALWAR),

18TH CENTURY,

POSSIBLY MYSORE, KARNATAKA with curved crucible steel blade double-edged towards the point, inlaid with two copper alloy panels on one face towards the forte, gilt-encrusted hilt set with cabochon pastes, comprising quillons, langets knuckle-guard and large disc pommel with gilt urn-shaped button, in its leather-covered wooden scabbard (chape missing), 81.2 cm blade

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number C7

£2,000-3,000

A

SOUTH INDIAN DAGGER (CHILANUM), 17TH/EARLY 18TH CENTURY, POSSIBLY HYDERABAD, ANDHRA PRADESH

with recurved double-edged blade formed with a reinforced point and a series of six slender converging fullers on each face, silver-plated iron hilt comprising concave oval guard with pierced border, a pair of short spirally-moulded bud-shaped quillons with additional Yali head lugs beneath, knuckle-guard, cup-shaped pommel with spirally-moulded button and integral grip interrupted by a moulding en suite, and retaining some early silver-plated finish (areas of pitting), 31.5 cm blade

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number D96

£700-900

54

A SOUTH INDIAN DAGGER (KATAR), 16TH CENTURY, VIJAYANAGARA, KARNATAKA

with sharply tapering blade formed with a reinforced point and a series of converging fullers, silver-encrusted iron hilt extending over the forte with a large pierced, shaped panel on each face, strongly recurved outer-guard with recurved Yali finial, reinforced at the borders with beadwork panels and in the centre with a slender foliate panels, a pair of waisted sidebars, and a pair of grip-bars each with a central globose moulding (areas of pitting, the silver with losses and small restorations), 45.7 cm blade

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number D60

£600-800

55

A SOUTH INDIAN DAGGER (KATAR), 17TH CENTURY, PROBABLY THANJAVUR, TAMIL NADU

with double-edged blade, iron hilt comprising langets pierced and chiselled with addorsed Yalis enclosing the forte, curved pierced oval guard decorated with four parrots in low relief, side bars finely pierced and chiselled with a vertical panel of foliage inhabited by mythical beasts, and a pair of strongly moulded grip bars joined by a series of short baluster mouldings (pitted throughout), 41.0 cm blade

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number D89

£400-700

56

A SOUTH INDIAN DAGGER (KHANJAR), 16TH/17TH CENTURY, POSSIBLY MADURAI, TAMIL NADU

with recurved blade formed with a pair of converging fullers on each face, silver-plated iron hilt comprising a pair of foliate langets, oval knuckle-guard with beadwork border, recurved knuckle-guard and grip each formed as a stylised peacock, and much early silver-plated finish throughout, 32.5 cm overall

Roy Elvis catalogue number D31

£350-450

57

AN INDIAN DAGGER (CHILANUM), 17TH/18TH CENTURY

with recurved blade of flattened-diamond section formed with a pair of converging fullers over its lower half, widening at the forte and decorated with silver koftgari flowers and foliage (losses), iron hilt of characteristic form, including a pair of curved arms enclosing the forte, moulded grip and large elliptical khanjarli style pommel with later ebony scales retained by three rivets, 29.2 cm blade

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number D90

£300-400

58

A SOUTH INDIAN DAGGER (KHANJAR), PROBABLY 17TH CENTURY, MYSORE OR BANGALORE, KARNATAKA

with recurved blade of flattened-diamond section formed with a series of converging slender fullers on each face, copper alloy hilt cast and chased in relief, comprising shaped langets, oval guard with pierced beaded border and a pair of quillons formed as Yali heads, knuckle-guard with recurved Yali head terminal, and engraved and chiselled grip rising to form an elaborate Yali head pommel, 34.3 cm overall

Roy Elvis catalogue number D37

£250-350

59

A SOUTH INDIAN DAGGER (BICHWA), 17TH/18TH CENTURY, POSSIBLY BIJAPUR, KARNATAKA

with recurved double-edged blade, copper alloy hilt cast and chased in high relief, comprising a pair of monsterheads devouring a bird on a ground of openwork foliage forming the outer-guard, engraved slender inner-guard, and tapering budshaped pommel, 23.8 cm overall

Roy Elvis catalogue number D87

£250-350

A NORTH INDIAN OR PERSIAN DAGGER (JAMBIYA), 19TH CENTURY

with curved double-edged blade of crucible steel, formed with a full length slender medial ridge on each face, marine ivory hilt with waisted grip, in its fabric-covered wooden scabbard with large silver mounts finely pierced with scrolling foliage, comprising chape with spirally moulded finial and locket with a small loop for suspension, 25.5 cm blade

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number D23

£500-700

61

A SOUTH INDIAN MOPLAH KNIFE, 18TH/19TH CENTURY, MALABAR, KARNATAKA

with broad hatchet blade engraved along the back-edge with a series of small eye-lash marks on each face and inlaid with a small white metal circle, the ricasso encased in copper alloy engraved with scrolls, copper alloy hilt comprising oval guard, knuckle-guard and cup-shaped pommel all decorated en suite, and a pair of ebony grip-scales retained by seven rivets, 35.8 cm blade

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number D93

£300-400

62

A SOUTH INDIAN SPEARHEAD, 17TH CENTURY, PROBABLY KARNATAKA

with robust tapering pyramidal spike chiselled with slender leaf-shaped recesses and foliage at the base, and tubular socket with raised mouldings chiselled with scrolling foliage and beadwork, and pronounced basal flange (pitted), 54.8 cm overall

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number F31

£600-800

63

A FINE INDIAN SPEAR (BARCHA), 18TH CENTURY, PROBABLY BIKANER, RAJASTHAN

with robust head of triangular section, moulded at the base long slender steel haft, broad moulded grip, two further mouldings at the base, and the mouldings retaining some early plated silver finish, 188.5 cm

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number F10

£300-400

64

A SOUTH INDIAN LANCE BUTT (BARSHA BALAM), 17TH CENTURY, POSSIBLY MYSORE, KARNATAKA with tapering spike, two pronounced fluted onion-shaped basal mouldings, wide beaded flange, and some early silver-plated finish, on a portion of its wooden haft, 55.0 cm overall

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number F4

£250-350

65

A SOUTH INDIAN MACE (GADA), 17TH/18TH CENTURY, PROBABLY BIJAPUR, KARNATAKA

with bulbous head formed of eight shaped flanges, spirally fluted bulbous terminal, long faceted haft, grip of hilt form, with bud-shaped quillons, pierced figure-of-eight shaped guard, knuckle-guard with bud-shaped finial, pommel with up-turned brim, attenuated button and integral grip, 81.0 cm overall

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number E36

£300-400

66

A SOUTH INDIAN AXE (PHARSA), 17TH/18TH CENTURY

with curved axe-blade engraved with scrolls, linear borders and stylised birds’ heads, chiselled moulded socket, fluted button-like rear pean, integral haft formed in four stages divided by raised mouldings chiselled with differing designs of petals, and fluted basal terminal with copper alloy suspension ring and long concealed integral spike, 56.7 cm overall

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number E29

£1,500-2,000

67

A SOUTH INDIAN AXE (BULLOVA), 19TH CENTURY, PROBABLY BANGALORE, KARNATAKA

with crescentic iron blade decorated over the greater part of its surface in thickly encrusted silver with a trellis framework filled with flowerheads within a foliate frame, integral faceted socket with bud terminal encrusted with silver en suite, on a later wooden haft, 20.2 cm head

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number E3

£200-300

A SOUTH INDIAN COMPOSITE FULL ARMOUR, 16TH/17TH CENTURY, PROBABLY ADONI, ANDHRA PRADESH

comprising coif formed of ten vertical panels of downward-lapping rectangular lames, each tapering to an obtuse point at the top and with a circular apex with bud-shaped finial, all joined by rows of rivetted mail with rivetted links, complete with neck-defence of three panels and a pair of tapering cheek-pieces (small losses, minor chips and some small early patched repairs); shirt formed en suite, with eight vertical panels and open at the front, seven panels at the back and vented at the base, a pair of shoulder panels, and two tall single plates on each side with Devanagari early inscriptions, and a pair of mail trousers of rivetted links, extending to the ankle, open at the rear and inner thigh, and complete with groin defence; and a single arm defence of five large rectangular plates, wrist defence formed of a band of small cusped overlapping plates, and mail hand defence

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number A23

£4,000-6,000

A RARE INDIAN HELMET (TOP), 16TH/17TH CENTURY, PROBABLY HYDERABAD, ANDHRA PRADESH with one piece skull of crucible steel rising to an obtuse point, flared out wards at the base, and fitted with later bracket and later shaped nasal with broad crescentic face defence with a bud-shaped terminal on each side (small chips), 30.5 cm

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number A10

£1,500-2,000

A NORTH INDIAN MAIL AND LAMELLAR HELMET (TOP), 17TH/18TH CENTURY, PROBABLY RAJASTHAN

formed of nine tall tapering plates with reinforced borders, joined at the apex by a rondel with later bud finial, the base enclosed by five plates en suite, all joined by rivetted mail, fitted with neck-defence of seven downward-lapping rectangular plates, a pair of ear-defences and the front fitted with shaped sliding nasal bar and a pair of plume-holders (losses, restorations), 31.0 cm high

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number A45

£1,000-1,500

71

AN INDIAN MAIL HELMET (COIF), 17TH/18TH CENTURY

formed of rivetted rings of circular-section mail, fitted at its apex with a later iron rondel, open at the face, a triangular flap to cover the nose, and extending over the chest at the front and back (losses, small restorations), 52.0 cm high

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number A46

£350-450

A COMPOSITE SOUTH INDIAN CUIRASS, 17TH/18TH CENTURY, PROBABLY HYDERABAD, ANDHRA PRADESH comprising medially ridged breastplate naturalistically formed over the chest, backplate shaped to the shoulders, each reinforced with cusped turned panels at the arm openings and at the base, the neck reinforced en suite and with a central leaf-shaped moulding at the front and the back-plate with an up-standing neck-defence (pitted, working life repairs), 40.5 cm high

This cuirass appears to have been adapted for a larger girth in its working life. Another cuirass of this type, of crucible steel, from the Hyderabad Royal Armoury, is preserved in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (acc. No. 29.158.165). Another, in the Nasser D. Khalili Collection, is illustrated Alexander 1992, p. 175, no. 108. Both examples have inscriptions recording them in the armoury of the fifth Nizam of Hyderabad (ruled 1762-1803) though their date of manufacture is almost certainly earlier.

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number A41

£1,200-1,800

A PAIR OF SOUTH INDIAN SILVER-PLATED IRON GAUNTLETS (DASTANA), 17TH/18TH CENTURY, PROBABLY HYDERABAD, ANDHRA PRADESH

each formed of a gutter-shaped main plate with reinforced border, embossed with an ellipse over the wrist, inner plate formed en suite, much early silverplated finish, and each retaining an early embroidered lining 42.5 cm (2)

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number A5

£1,500-2,000

A FINE SOUTH INDIAN TRANSLUCENT HIDE SHIELD (DHAL), 18TH CENTURY, PROBABLY HYDERABAD

of concave form curved outwards at the brim, the outer surface tooled with an elaborate spiralling trellis design framing numerous gilt flowerheads (losses) and centring on a large flower, fitted with four gilt iron bosses with pierced brims corresponding to gilt rings with velvet enarmes on the inside, and with a velvet pad, 45.5 cm diameter

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number B7

£1,000-1,500

75

A NORTH INDIAN LAQUERED SHIELD (DHAL), 19TH CENTURY

of heavy concave form curved outwards at the brim, lacquered over its entire surface, fitted with four large engraved and gilt copper alloy bosses, each decorated with flowers and with pierced brim, a further pair of bosses and a crescent above, the inside with four robust rings for enarmes, and an early pad, 42.5 cm diameter

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number B4

£500-700

76

A RARE INDIAN EXPANDING SHOT, 18TH/19TH CENTURY

comprising two spherical balls of slightly differing size joined by five bars of flattened-diamond section, each joined to the other by an iron rivet on a foliate washer, 31.0 cm (closed)

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number K16

£500-800

A SOUTH INDIAN BOW (AMBUM), PROBABLY KERALA

with slightly curved wooden stave of circular section, decorated over its surface with traditional floral and geometric designs in polychrome, and complete with an early scrolling grip retained by a pair of elaborate rattan bands, 177.0 cm

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number G3

£350-450

78

A

RARE INDIAN RITUAL ARROW, 18TH/19TH CENTURY AND TWENTY-FOUR FURTHER NORTH INDIAN ARROWS, 18TH/19TH CENTURY

the first with marine ivory head carved as a Makara devouring a serpent, on its haft; ten arrows with long tapering heads of circular section formed with a sharp point; six with pyramidal heads and short sockets; two with slotted heads, one with wavy head, three with broad triangular heads, and two further arrows, each on its haft with carved nock, (one incomplete), the first: 72.7 cm (25)

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number G7

£200-300

AN ASIAN IRON CANNON, 18TH/19TH CENTURY, PROBABLY INDIAN in the European late 15th Century style, with reinforced barrel fit ted with numerous sweated on pronounced bands, two large lifting rings, separate breech with ring (restored), on a wooden field carriage incorporating some early parts, with five iron brackets retaining the barrel, spoked wheels, large breech wedge and elevating device, 174.3 cm barrel, 4.0 cm bore

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number J4

£1,000-1,500

A 16 BORE INDIAN MATCHLOCK GUN, LATE 18TH/19TH CENTURY, JAIPUR, RAJASTHAN

with tapering sighted barrel swelling at the muzzle and chiselled with elaborate designs of scrolling gilt foliage, retained by later leather bands, the breech with a broad panel of scrolling foliage and flowers, inhabited at the top by a deity and a pair of stags, fitted with integral shaped pan with cover all chiselled and gilt en suite, slender tang chiselled and gilt with scrolling foliage, action enclosed by a pair of large panels chiselled and gilt with scrolling foliage and flowers within a foliate frame, the rear incorporating a pierced design involving a pair of addorsed birds, retaining its chain and pricker sheath (pricker missing), shaped trigger en suite, and hardwood full stock (small restorations), and two sling mounts, 94.5 cm barrel

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number H18

£2,000-3,000

A RARE 42 BORE INDIAN MATCHLOCK GUN WITH REVOLVING FOUR CHAMBER BREECH, 18TH CENTURY, PROBABLY HYDERABAD, ANDHRA PRADESH

with sighted barrel formed with a waisted muzzle retaining traces of gilt decoration, rotating breech decorated with gold koftgari foliage and chevrons (losses) and retained by a robust spring, round action cover and solid trigger, and slender slightly curved wooden butt (restored, later ramrod), 79.7 cm barrel

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number H17

£1,200-1,800

A JAPANESE SHIN-GUNTO, SHOWA PERIOD (1926-1945), BLADE 1600-1700, SIGNED TAKADA JU FUJIWARA

MUNEKAGE

sugata (configuration): shinogi-zukuri (longitudinal ridgeline) with shallow torii-zori (even curve), medium kissaki (tip of blade); kitae (forging pattern): faint itame (details obscured by rubbing); hamon (tempering pattern): faint suguha, but mostly obscured by rubbing, copper habaki (collar); nakago (tang): ubu (unshortened) with one mekugi-ana (peg hole), signed Takada ju Fujiwara Munekage; koshirae (mounting): saya (scabbard) steel with leather protective cover, wooden tsuka (handle) wrapped in brown silk over white samegawa (ray skin), standard brass military fuchi (collar) and kabutogane (hilt pommel), other fittings with sakura (cherry blossom) and kiku (chrysanthemums)

The signature of this smith is generally signed Hoshu Takada ju Fujiwara Munekage, a swordsmith who worked in the mid to late 1600s. The blade details are obscured by rubbing which makes it difficult to confirm that it is by the same smith, but it is not uncommon to have an old family blade mounted in military style for wear away from the battlefield.

£1,000-1,500

A JAPANESE TSUBA (HAND GUARD) OF MARU GATA (ROUND FORM), LATE 17TH/EARLY 18TH CENTURY of shakudō (copper/gold alloy) with a hammered ground of fine nanako (fish-roe) points, decorated with an applied scene of a deer in autumnal grasses and baying at the moon as it appears behind clouds; the deer in copper, the moon in gold and the autumn grasses in gold and silver, the verso with applied autumnal grasses in gold and silver, signed Goto Mitsutoshi and kao (art signature)

Goto Mitsutoshi was the 11th of the Seijo line of main school Goto makers; many sources argue that the correct reading of his name is Mitsunobu.

‡ £500-800

A CHINESE SWORD (DAO) WITH SILVERED IRON MOUNTS, QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

with slightly curved broad blade double-edged towards the point, formed with a full-length fuller and a shorter fuller along the back-edge on each face, octagonal iron guard (loose) decorated in silver with scrolling foliage in low relief on each face, iron ferrule and ‘Court Hat’ pommel each decorated in silver with further designs, fabric-covered grip with a copper alloy menuki-style mount on each face, in its black-painted wooden scabbard with characteristic iron mounts decorated with silver, with an associated leather thong and a silvered iron suspension (the silver with losses, light surface rust), 69.2 cm blade

£500-800

85

A CHINESE SWORD (DAO), QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

with curved single-edged blade formed with a rounded tip, copper alloy hilt comprising small disc guard and tall pommel each cast and pierced with traditional foliage inhabited by a dragon, and segmental grip bound with copper alloy wire, in its copper alloy mounted wooden scabbard decorated en suite with the hilt, including locket and chape with further dragons and a central rondel decorated with a bird, 59.3 cm blade

Provenance

Montague Waldegrave, 5th Baron Radstock (1867-1953), by descent.

£300-500

86

A BURMESE BRASS-MOUNTED SWORD (DHA) OF PRESENTATION TYPE, LATE 19TH/EARLY 20TH CENTURY

with curved single-edged blade, applied over the greater part of its length along the back of each face with a panel filled with silver inscriptions, figures in traditional dress and scrolling foliage, large brass hilt chased with foliage, including bulbous pommel decorated with an expanded flowerhead, brass grip, in its wooden scabbard entirely encased in brass embossed en suite, 79.0 cm blade

£700-900

87

A RARE SOUTH INDIAN SWORD (KHANDA), 17TH CENTURY

with broad double-edged blade swelling to a ‘Cobra’s head’ tip and etched with a watered pattern over its surface (probably an early association, small chips), engraved steel hilt formed with a pair of shaped langets decorated with scrollwork extending over almost a third of the blade’s length on each side, the portion at the forte widening and down-curved with blade-catching lugs, dish-guard formed of a pair of curved Dshaped panels of V-section, the outer surface engraved with expanded flowerheads, up-turned cup-shaped pommel fitted with a small internal dome, moulded button on a rosette washer, and integral grip ((areas of pitting), 79.2 cm blade

£800-1,200

88

AN INDIAN SWORD (KHANDA), 18TH/EARLY 19TH CENTURY

with straight, probably European, blade double-edged towards the point and formed with a long slender fuller along the backedge, iron hilt formed of a pair of langets, a pair of quillons with fluted bud-shaped terminals, figure-of-eight shaped guard of low V-section, knuckle-guard en suite, disc pommel with upturned brim, long attentuated button, integral grip, and some early blued finish with gilt border designs (the finish restored in places), 98.2 cm blade

£350-450

AN INDIAN SWORD (TALWAR) WITH GILT COPPER ALLOY HILT, LATE 17TH/18TH CENTURY

with curved European blade double-edged towards the point, formed with a pair of long slender fullers on each face, struck twice with a brief inscription between a pair of sunbursts on one face and formed with a shallow groove along the back-edge at the forte, well formed copper alloy hilt comprising a pair of langets with shaped foliate terminals, a pair of slender quillons with pronounced domed terminals, one rising to form a slightly recurved knuckle-guard terminating in a stylised monsterhead, large disc pommel with upturned brim (slightly bent, loose), pierced faceted button with domed base on a foliate washer, integral grip rising to a delciate pair of horns supporting the pommel, and much early gilt finish, 83.8 cm blade £500-700

90

AN INDIAN SWORD (TALWAR), DATED 1854

with curved fullered blade double-edged towards the point and formed with a hollowed back-edge, gilt russet iron hilt decorated over its surface with expanded flowerheads within a framework of foliage, including a pair of langets, bulbous quillons, disc pommel with a series of calligraphic cartouches on the underside, pierced button, and integral grip (areas of rust), in its leather-covered wooden scabbard with small silver chape, 71.3 cm blade

The inscriptions read, in the first cartouche, 'sayyid hashim ‘ali sakht-i peshawar' (Sayyid Hashim ‘Ali. Manufacture of Peshawar), in the second cartouche, Qur’an 61:13 (in part), and, in the third cartouche 5 (?) muharram sana 1271 (5(?) Muharram, year 1271 (1854))

£400-500

91

AN INDIAN SWORD (TALWAR) WITH SILVERENCRUSTED HILT, 19TH CENTURY

with curved crucible steel blade double-edged towards the point (areas of pitting), iron hilt of characteristic form decorated over its entire surface with symmetrical arrnagements of leafy tendrils enclosing and interrupted by expanded flowerheads, comprising a pair of langets, quillons with bulbous terminals, one joined to the knuckle-guard, large disc pommel, and pierced attenuated conical button, in a contemporary wooden scabbatrd with red silk covering, 75.2 cm blade

£400-600

92

AN INDIAN SWORD (TALWAR), 19TH CENTURY with curved blade double-edged towards the point and formed with a pair of long slender fullers on each face (areas of rust), iron hilt decorated with panels of silver scrolls and foliage on a punched ground within silver foliate frames (small losses), comprising a pair of langets, quillons with swollen terminals, disc pommel with up-turned brim, small button on a domed base and integral grip, 64.5 cm blade

£250-350

93

AN INDIAN SWORD (SOSUN PATA), 19TH CENTURY with associated blade of characteristic form with some watered pattern, silver painted iron hilt (pitted), including recurved iron knuckle-guard with bud-shaped terminal, 60.7 cm blade

£300-500

AN INDIAN JADE-HILTED DAGGER (KHANJAR), EARLY 19TH CENTURY

with double-edged recurved blade formed with a reinforced point and a pair of long fullers on each face (pitted), finely carved green jade hilt decorated with a lotus flower at the base on each face, the grip shaped for the fingers, rounded pommel decorated with further lotus flowers and scrolling foliage and a panel of conventional foliage on the back-edge 26.5 cm blade

£2,000-3,000

AN INDIAN JADE-HILTED DAGGER, 19TH CENTURY

with straight double-edged blade of watered steel, formed with a long slender central rib on each face, mottled-grey jade hilt

carved with flowers and foliage in low relief, in associated leather scabbard with carved green jade locket decorated with lotus flowers and incorporating a loop on the outer face (chape missing), 27.5 cm blade

£1,000-1,500

AN INDIAN DAGGER (KATAR), 19TH CENTURY

with triangular blade formed with a reinforced point and two pairs of converging fullers on each face, the latter divided by a watered ground, integral iron hilt encrusted with gold flowers and foliage including a pair of faceted grip-bars, and the base with a Devanagari inscription on each face, in its tooled leather-covered wooden scabbard with five additional compartments for accompanying pieces 21.5 cm blade £600-800

AN OTTOMAN SWORD, TURKEY, LATE 18TH/19TH CENTURY

with earlier style curved singleedged blade of wootz steel, formed with a series of recessed grooves and cross-shaped marks along the back-edge on each face, decorated on each face at the forte with three gold koftgari calligraphic cartouches, brass hilt comprising cross-piece with moulded terminals (cracked), a pair of ivory grip-scales retained by brass rivets, in its leathercovered wooden scabbard with two iron mounts each decorated with calligraphy in gold koftgari, 81.4 cm blade

Provenance

On loan to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (1936-2022), inv. no. 54-257

The inscriptions read, in the uppermost cartouche: ‘al-sultan nadir shah 981’ (The Sultan Nadir Shah, 981 (1573-4)); in the lower two cartouches: ‘[za] hush-i falatun/damash tiztar’ (Its tip is sharper than Plato’s wit). The latter is part of a poem frequently encountered on the carved bone handles of Qajar daggers.

£2,500-3,000

98

AN OTTOMAN SWORD (SHAMSHIR), TURKEY, 19TH CENTURY

with curved single-edged blade of wootz steel, encrusted with gold over the forte on each face with calligraphic cartouches and traditional designs, silver hilt cast and chased in low relief with vines and trophies-ofmusic in foliate frames all against a finely matted ground, a pair of rhinoceros horn grip-scales shaped for the fingers and rising to a bulbous pommel, in its leather-covered wooden scabbard with large silver locket, chape and two middle-bands, all cast and chased in low relief en suite with the hilt, and the two bands each with a ring for suspension, 78.3 cm blade

Provenance

On loan to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (1936-2022), inv. no. 54-264

The inscriptions include, cartouches on the blade: ‘ma sha’a allah’ (Whatsoever God wills), and ‘tawakkaltu ‘ala allah’ (I put my trust in God), in the six-pointed star ‘ya fattah’ (O Conqueror!), in the large, teardrop cartouche ‘ma sha’a allah’ (‘Whatsover God wills), in the oblong cartouche ‘bismallah sunqur’ (In the Name of God. Sunqur).

£1,500-2,500

AN ARAB SILVER-MOUNTED SHAMSHIR, 19TH CENTURY, PROBABLY SYRIA

with broad slightly curved blade double-edged towards the point, formed with three long fullers and incised with a brief inscription on each face, engraved silver hilt, comprising a pair of straight quillons with bud-shaped finials, langets, integral grip rising to a right-angular pommel, engraved over its surface with foliage and flowers, with traces of red pigment, and the pommel with a small crescentic pendent, in its wooden scabbard encased in silver, embossed with flowers and foliage and with two middle bands with rings for suspension, each decorated en suite with the hilt 83.5 cm blade

£1,200-1,800

A FINE OTTOMAN SWORD (SHAMSHIR), TURKEY, FIRST HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY

with curved single-edged blade of finely watered steel, decorated in gold koftgari with calligraphic panels joined by flowers and scrolling foliage along the back-edge and on each face of the forte (small losses), silver-gilt hilt cast and chased with elaborate bouquets of flowers and foliage against a delicately punched ground, comprising a pair of recurved quillons with scrolling terminals, a pair of langets, back-strap, a pair of foliate washers on each side of the pommel and original gilt knuckle-chain, figured horn grip retained by brass rivets, in its black leather-covered wooden scabbard with large silver-gilt mounts cast and chased en suite with further trophies-of-arms, bouquets and trophies-of-hunting, comprising locket with terminal matching the quillons, middle-band and chape each with a ring for suspension, 79.5 cm blade

A Turkish shamshir with hilt and scabbard decorated in a very similar manner is preserved in the Stibbet Museum, Florence (inv. 6433).

See Robinson 1973, illus. 54b, and p. 209 no. 137.

£6,000-8,000

101

A CAUCASIAN SHORTSWORD (QAMA), LATE 19TH CENTURY

with double-edged blade curved at the point, formed with a pair of etched central fullers on each face, the front stamped with a mark, inlaid with brass foliage and stylised inscriptions, hilt fitted with a pair of shaped horn grip-scales retained by three pairs of iron rivets, in its leather-covered wooden scabbard (worn), 43 cm blade

£200-250

102

AN AFGHAN KHYBER KNIFE, 19TH CENTURY

of characteristic form, with straight single-edged blade formed with a slender groove along the low triangular back-edge on each face, faceted iron ferrule engraved with a series of circles each centring on a dot, back-strap en suite, small pierced button, and a pair of banded horn grip-scales, 59.8 cm blade

£150-200

A RARE OTTOMAN SILVER-MOUNTED SABRE (KILIG), LATE

17TH CENTURY

with very broad curved reinforced blade of T-section doubleedged towards the point, silver hilt comprising a pair of langets and quillons of tapering rectangular section, integral grip rising to a broad cusped pommel (one small early repair), chased over its entire surface with flowers and foliage against a finely punched matted ground (rubbed), in its tooled fishskin-covered wooden scabbard (later blackened finish) with large silver locket, chape and two bands for suspension, the locket and chape decorated en suite and incorporating a slender panel pierced and chased with conventional foliage, the two bands each formed as a pierced scroll of foliage carrying a central flower head, and two rings for suspension, 70.7 cm blade

£6,000-8,000

104

A BALKAN TROUSSE, SECOND HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY formed of three single-edged knives, each decorated with gold scrollwork at the forte, and chased silver grip, in a silver-covered wooden scabbard, the outer surface chased with traditional motifs, the basal finial formed as a marine monster, and the top fitted with a red and blue-stone encrusted band 15.0 cm blade

£400-500

105

A BALKAN SHORT DAGGER (YATAGHAN), BOKA KOTORSKA, DATED 1794 with single-edged blade inlaid with silver along the back-edge on each face (losses, worn), retaining traces of its nielloed silver hilt, fitted with a pair of ivory grip-scales retained by four pairs of rivets, in its finely decorated dated nielloed silver scabbard, the locket and chape each chased with scrollwork, the remaining surface decorated with scrolls and flowers against a punched ground, with a loop for suspension 22.5 cm blade

See Elgood 2009, p. 85 no. 70.

£300-500

106

A PERSIAN DAGGER (KHANJAR), QAJAR, 19TH CENTURY

with curved blade of watered steel formed with a full length medial ridge on each face, characteristic walrus ivory hilt carved with a short calligraphic inscription top and bottom with differing pairs of figures between on each face, all enclosed within beadwork frames, and the blade painted with the inventory number ‘D56’, 25.0 cm

Provenance

Property of a Prince, sold in this room 5th December 2018, Lot 74

£1,200-1,800

107

A PERSIAN DAGGER (KHANJAR), QAJAR, 19TH CENTURY

with curved blade of watered steel formed with a full length medial ridge on each face, characteristic walrus ivory hilt carved with a short calligraphic inscription top and bottom on each face, the front with a standing figure between two pillars and the rear with a design of foliage, all enclosed within beadwork frames (rubbed, cracked), and the blade painted with the inventory number ‘D54’ 24.0 cm

Provenance

Property of a Prince, sold in this room 5th December 2018, Lot 75

£800-1,000

A POLYNESIAN HARDWOOD CLUB, LATE 19TH/EARLY 20TH CENTURY, FIJI, SAMOA OR TONGA

with tapering body swelling towards the head, characteristic chip-carved grip and some early patina, 102.0 cm

Two clubs of related form, decorated in the same style, respectively attributed to Fiji and to Tonga or Samoa, are preserved in the British Museum (Museum nos. OC1913,0714.38 and OC1913,1115.237).

£350-400

AN INDIAN DECORATED QUIVER AND NINE ARROWS, 18TH CENTURY, PROBABLY MUGHAL

the quiver of leather covered in red velvet embroidered in silver thread with scrolling foliage inhabited by exotic birds (worn, losses), the arrows with bamboo shafts each retaining some polychrome decoration and flights, the quiver: 59.0 cm (10)

For a related quiver see Ricketts and Missillier 1988, p.109, no. 184 and p.189.

£1,000-1,200

110

A NORTH INDIAN HIDE SHIELD (DHAL), 18TH/EARLY 19TH CENTURY, PROBABLY RAJASTHAN

of circular convex form with outwardturned brim, fitted at its centre with five hemispherical copper alloy bosses with pierced rims and traces of gilding, a copper alloy crescent, and the inside with an early pad, four iron rings and a pair of leather enarmes (small losses), 54.0 cm diameter

£250-300

111

AN OTTOMAN COMPOSITE PART ARMOUR, TURKEY, EARLY 16TH CENTURY

comprising the rear portion of a cuirass, with backplate formed of circular plate embossed with a series of very narrow flutes radiating from a flat central boss (holes, small areas of light pitting) three outer plates for protecting the lower neck and arm openings, each joined to the main plate by panels of mail including some rivetted links, the mian plate struck with the mark of the Ottoman Court Arsenal at Hagia Eirene and a further mark, shoulder defence formed of a main-plate flanged upwards at the neck and embossed with a V-shaped panel beneath, struck with the mark of the Ottoman Court Arsenal at Hagia Eirene, a pair of shield-shaped upper arm defences attached by early mail of rivetted links (losses), and the principle border pierced for attachment and a lining, mounted on a board for display, the main plate 25.0 cm diameter (2)

£1,200-1,800

113

AN OTTOMAN MIQUELET-LOCK GUN, TURKEY, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

with associated Indian sighted barrel swelling at the muzzle, retained by two engraved silver bands and chiselled with a panel at each end enriched with gilt scrollwork (worn), iron lock of characteristic form decorated with gold scrollwork, full stock applied with pierced and engraved silver plaques over much of its surface and faceted segmental butt decorated en suite (ramrod missing, the plaques with small loses, trigger restored) 103.2 cm barrel

£1,400-1,800

114

A 28 BORE INDIAN MATCHLOCK GUN, 19TH CENTURY

with twist sighted barrel retained by six slender shaped brass bands, that over the breech enclosing a standing iron backsight, integral iron pan with brass pivot-cover, later iron serpentine operated by a pierced iron trigger, the action enclosed by a large border-engraved brass plaque on each side, wooden full stock (fore-end replaced), slender faceted butt applied with a brass inventory tag ‘S.M. 148’ on the right, and brass butt cap (ramrod missing), 121.5 cm barrel

£350-450

115

AN 18 BORE BALKAN MIQUELET-LOCK GUN (DZEFERDAR), HERZEGOVINA OR MONTENEGRO, 19TH CENTURY

with earlier Italian sighted barrel stamped ‘Becalo’s Franzini e Ferrari’ over the breech, flat lock of characteristic form, hardwood full stock profusely inlaid with shaped mother-ofpearl plaques enriched with minute brass nails (small losses), brass mounts comprising sideplate, trigger-guard and butt-plate, an iron ring for suspension and iron ramrod, 115 cm barrel

See Elgood 1995, pp. 96-7.

£350-450

116

TWO CAUCASIAN MIQUELET-LOCK HOLSTER PISTOLS, 19TH CENTURY

of 25 and 28 bore respectively, one with European and one with native barrel, each with characteristic flat iron lock struck with a maker’s mark on the mainspring bridle (rubbed), and full stock inlaid with numerous bone plaquettes enriched with soft metal nails (worn, losses) 27 cm and 28.3 cm barrels (2)

£600-800

117

A 28 BORE CAUCASIAN MIQUELET-LOCK HOLSTER PISTOL, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

with tapering twist barrel retained by two slender silver bands, characteristic lock with external mainspring, full stock encased in leather, and the grip profusely studded with silver flowerheads, compressed spherical marine ivory pommel, iron button trigger, and no provision for a ramrod, 33 cm barrel

£400-600

118

A PAIR OF 16 BORE BALKAN FLINTLOCK HOLSTER PISTOLS, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

with tapering sighted barrels each formed with a long flat, engraved in imitation of a signature and chiselled with foliage over the breeches, scroll-engraved strongly bevelled locks fitted with cocks and steels decorated en suite (one seized), hardwood full stocks carved with foliage ahead of the locks, side-plates and about the tangs, the latter also involving a flowerhead (small repairs, light wear), copper alloy mounts including engraved solid side-plates, spurred pommels engraved and cast with foliage and engraved trigger-guards decorated with flowers and brass-tipped wooden ramrods, one perhaps the original, 35.2 cm barrels (2)

£800-1,000

Norman was born in Los Angeles, California in 1945. The son of a Hungarian immigrant, Frank, and Rose, he started collecting rocks at the age of 6 and, in his own words, ‘it went downhill from there’. Aged thirteen, he toured Europe and the Middle East with five friends and a chaperone. Norman and two of the young group took a taxi to a flea market in Paris where he acquired three flintlock pistols and, by the 1960s, he had become a dedicated collector of antique arms and armour, with a keen eye for quality and detail. Norman started collecting at a time when there was a relatively ready supply of what have since become notably rare objects. His friendship with Howard Curtis, part of whose distinguished collection was sold at Christie’s, London in 1984, gave him access to some very rare early material that is offered here. Norman also acquired a number of outstanding pieces from Frank Bivens and others whose names are known to today’s generation principally through citations in museum and sale catalogue provenance. He graduated from college with a major in Real Estate Finance and an Arts minor and started work in his father’s tyre wholesaler company which he subsequently bought alongside a real estate business specialising in property in need of rehabilitation. His collecting interests expanded, with furniture and accessories covering the period alongside his arms and armour collection from 1450-1700. A fledgling collection of Pre-Columbian with an emphasis on Southern Mexican cultures, specifically Veracruz, started and another of Japanese Satsumaware and Cloisonné. Norman married Janet Astor in 1982 with whom he had a son, Scott. Tragically she died of cancer in 2000.

In 2008 Norman met beautiful Rachel Settels, of Swedish and German Jewish descent, then living in Mexico. Norman and Rachel relocated with their families to San Francisco where they opened a jewellery store, ‘Raquel Settels Metalsmith’. In 2013 they purchased the imposing Schweitzer Castle, in Sandpoint, Idaho, located one mile above the Schweitzer Ski Resort. There, his and Rachel’s collections of Arms and Armour, furniture and accessories were established in an appropriate setting and enjoyed by Norman, his family and friends. Recently, Norman and Rachel moved off the mountain and the Castle itself will soon be available on the vacation rental market. In Norman’s words ‘It is time to move on to the next stages of our lives, and for others to enjoy these remarkable pieces that have given us so much pleasure’.

119

A HAEMATITE MACE HEAD, POSSIBLY EGYPTIAN, 4TH/3RD MILLENIUM B.C.

of pear-shaped form with a rim around the base (small chips and scratches and pierced for a haft), 6.0 cm

‡ £250-350

120

A COPPER ALLOY SPEARHEAD AND A COPPER ALLOY SHORTSWORD, 1300-800 B.C.

in excavated condition, the first with leaf-shaped head formed with a full length medial ridge of semi-circular section on each face (the tip bent in profile) and tapering socket (shortened); the second with broad leaf-shaped double-edged blade (restored from two blades), widening at the forte, and integral tang (chipped) pierced with three holes, painted on one face ‘Ireland, Monaghan’, the first: 32.8 cm overall (2)

Provenance (the first)

River Thames, Putney (as painted on one face)

Sotheby’s, 16th July 1968, lot 150

Christie’s New York, 13th December 1980, lot 22

‡ £800-1,000

A LURISTAN CAVALRY SWORD WITH COPPER ALLOY HILT, PROBABLY 1000BC, NORTHERN IRAN

with long iron blade double-edged towards the point, near tubular copper alloy hilt extending over the forte, engraved over the greater part of its surface with hatched panels, and vestigial eared pommel decorated en suite, 100.0 cm overall

Provenance

Martin Retting Collection (acquired circa 1969)

‡ £700-1,000

122

A LURISTAN COPPER ALLOY SWORD, PROBABLY 10TH/9TH CENTURY B.C.

with tapering double-edged slender blade formed with a low rounded medial ridge on each face, copper alloy hilt (now detached) enclosing the forte, rectangular grip with a raised moulding, and pronounced eared pommel, 94.5 cm overall

Provenance

Martin Retting Collection (acquired circa 1969)

A related sword, excavated at Ardabil, Northwest Iran, is preserved in the British Museum (museum no. 124630).

‡ £700-900

TWO LURISTAN DAGGERS, IRON AGE II, 1100-900 B.C. in excavated condition, the first retaining 10.0 cm of its blade, integral hilt of characteristic form incorporating a crouching lion on each face of the forte, disc pommel with a beaded mask on each side, and banded grip, the second comprising the forte and tang, with bell-shaped copper alloy pommel, the first 22.3 cm (2)

See Khorasani 2006, pp. 385-390, cat. nos. 21-26 and p. 396, cat. No. 36.

‡ £150-200

124

A LURISTAN DAGGER, IRON AGE II, 1100-900 B.C. AND A LURISTAN COPPER ALLOY DAGGER, 1000 B.C. in excavated condition, the first with tapering double-edged blade formed with a medial ridge, copper alloy hilt with engraved rectangular guard, pronounced bell-shaped pommel, and integral grip (cracked through and repaired); the second with broad double-edged blade formed with a low wide medial ridge on each face (chips), recessed forte, and retaining in a short portion of its tang, the first: 50.7 cm overall (2)

See Khorasani 2006, p. 396, cat. No. 36, and p. 377 cat. No. 5.

‡ £400-600

125

A RARE LURISTAN IRON AGE II DAGGER, 1100-900 B.C. in excavated condition, with tapering blade formed with a broad medial ridge on each face, integral hilt of characteristic form incorporating a crouching lion on each face of the forte, disc pommel with a beaded mask on each side, and banded grip, 38.5 cm overall

Provenance

Martin Retting Collection (acquired circa 1969)

See Khorasani 2006, pp. 385-390, cat. nos. 21-26.

‡ £600-800

126

A RARE LURISTAN IRON AGE III

DAGGER, CIRCA 900-600 B.C. in excavated condition, with broad doubleedged straight iron blade, copper alloy hilt retained by two transverse bolts with pronounced conical heads, large elliptical pommel lined with iron, and integral grip with three raised bands, 48.0 cm overall

Provenance

Martin Retting Collection (acquired circa 1969)

See Khorasani 2006, p. 391, cat. no. 28.

‡ £500-700

127

A LURISTAN IRON AGE III DAGGER, CIRCA 900-600 B.C. in excavated condition, with broad doubleedged straight iron blade, rectangular ricasso, iron hilt with elliptical pommel and integral grip with three raised bands, 39.7 cm overall

Provenance

Martin Retting Collection (acquired circa 1969)

‡ £500-700

128

A LURISTAN COPPER ALLOY

SPEARHEAD, 1300-900 B.C. in excavated condition, formed in one piece, with broad leaf-shaped blade formed with a long low medial ridge on each face (one edge bent for a small portion of its length), slender tang with characteristic right-angular terminal with swollen tip, 42.4 cm overall

See Khorasani 2006, p. 625, cat. 270.

‡ £200-300

129

A RARE VIKING KNIFE, 8TH/10TH CENTURY with single-edged blade tapering towards the tip and grooved along the back-edge, engraved silver ferrule with traces of knot ornament, and carved grip formed as an eagle (the ferule and grip perhaps later), previously inlaid with a shaped panel on each side, 21.0 cm overall

‡ £400-600

130

A NORTH EUROPEAN SCRAMASAX, PROBABLY 7TH/9TH CENTURY AND FOUR FURTHER IRON EDGED WEAPONS

in excavated condition, the first with broad single-edged blade (tip missing), swelling at the forte to form an elliptical guard, and tapering tang; the second a portion of a blade, perhaps from a scramasax, of characteristic form; the third a very broad single-edged cleaver blade of Merovingian or early medieval type; the fourth from a barong and the fifth a portion of a hatchet (extensive losses), the first: 43.5 cm overall (5) ‡ £250-350

131

A MEDIEVAL DAGGER, EARLY 14TH CENTURY

in excavated condition, with tapering blade of flattenedtriangular section, slender tapering tang, iron hilt comprising recurved cross-guard of rectangular section chiselled with scrolls on the outer edges and flat rectangular pommel, 34.5 cm overall

A related dagger is preserved in the Historisches Museum, Bern. See Wegeli, 1929, p. 277, no. 1044.

‡ £300-400

132

A RARE SWISS DAGGER (BASELARD), 14TH CENTURY/15TH CENTURY

with broad tapering blade of flattened-diamond section formed with a pair of short deep fullers on each face (light pitting), iron hilt of characteristic form comprising robust guard and slightly curved T-shaped pommel, fitted with a pair of horn grip-scales, perhaps the original, retained by seven hollow copper alloy rivets, and in very good condition throughout, 35.5 cm overall

Provenance

Peter Dale or Robin Wiggington

Howard M. Curtis (inv. no. 465)

For related examples see Schneider and Stüber, 1980, pp. 222-224 and for a discussion of the origins of this dagger see Blair 1984, pp.193-206.

‡

£1,000-1,500

133

A

MEDIEVAL DAGGER, LATE 14TH/15TH CENTURY AND ANOTHER, 15TH CENTURY

in excavated condition, the first with tapering blade of flattened-triangular section formed with a low triangular back-edge, iron hilt with petal shaped guard and compressed bun-shaped pommel engraved with a pattern of spiralling lines on top; the second with tapering blade (cracked through and repaired), disc guard, thick disc pommel and onion-shaped button (restored, the pommel and button perhaps later), the first: 34.0 cm (2)

Provenance

Stated to have been found on the Thames foreshore.

‡ £500-700

134

A RONDEL DAGGER, LATE 14TH/EARLY 15TH CENTURY, PROBABLY FLEMISH

in excavated condition, with long slender blade of slightly hollow-diamond section, struck with a mark on one face at the forte, iron hilt comprising a thick disc guard (one plate loose) and matching pommel, and in black patinated condition throughout, 48.0 cm overall

Provenance

Howard M. Curtis (no. 425), sold Christie’s London 31st October 1984, lot 118.

A dagger of this form is shown on the memorial brass of Ystase de Seron (d. circa 1382), Chapel of Ease, Seron, Belgium. See Laking 1920, vol. III, p. 16, fig. 763.

‡ £500-800

135

A RARE DAGGER, POSSIBLY 14TH/15TH CENTURY in excavated condition, with tapering double-edged blade of flattened-diamond section, iron hilt comprising straight crosspiece of rectangular section, slender tang, and large ring pommel, 34.0 cm

Provenance

Excavated in Turkey, circa 1960 Howard M. Curtis (inv. no. 496)

A closely related example is preserved in the Historisches Museum, Bern. See Wegeli, 1929, p. 276, no. 1040. Two further examples are illustrated Peterson 1968, nos. 23 and 24.

‡ £600-800

136

A MEDIEVAL DAGGER WITH COPPER ALLOY HILT, PROBABLY LATE 14TH CENTURY in excavated condition, with tapering double-edged blade of flattened-diamond section becoming flattened hexagonal towards the forte, copper alloy hilt comprising straight guard with drooping globular quillons, wheel pommel with incised designs on each face, a central shield and traces of red pigment, 32.3 cm overall

‡ £350-450

A FINE RONDEL DAGGER, LATE 15TH CENTURY

with tapering double-edged blade of slightly hollow-diamond section and flattened on each face at the forte, iron hilt comprising chiselled outer ring-guard formed as a pair of scaley serpents, down-curved scalloped inner-guard, spirally moulded ferrule, and large mushroom-shaped cap pommel, and later wooden grip (the iron parts pitted), 34.8 cm overall ‡ £1,000-1,500

138

A SOUTH GERMAN DAGGER, EARLY 16TH CENTURY with double-edged blade of flattened-triangular section, rectangular ricasso engraved with foliage on each face, horn hilt comprising shaped lower guard with curved leading edge, disc pommel fitted with a chased copper alloy plaque on top decorated with foliage, and tapering grip (small chips, restorations and repairs), 32.5 cm overall

Provenance

Howard M. Curtis (inv. no. 466)

‡ £800-1,000

139

A NORTH EUROPEAN BALLOCK DAGGER, CIRCA 1450-1500, PROBABLY FLEMISH

in excavated condition, with tapering blade of flattenedtriangular section (tip missing, chips), iron hilt extending over the forte and inlaid with copper alloy lines, and wooden grip carved with two characteristic pronounced basal nodules (losses), 33.0 cm overall

Provenance

Stephen V. Grancsay (inv. no. L.64.14.35)

Exhibited

Arms and Armor, March 15 – June 14, 1964, a loan exhibition from the Collection of Stephen V. Grancsay, (cat. no. 86)

‡ £400-600

140

A QUILLON DAGGER, FIRST QUARTER OF THE 16TH CENTURY

in excavated condition, with straight double-edged blade of flattened-diamond section (tip missing), rectangular ricasso flattened for the thumb and inlaid in copper alloy with a mark on one face, iron hilt comprising down-turned quillons with globular terminals, and globular pommel (grip missing), 30.5 cm overall

‡ £300-500

141

AN ITALIAN LEFT-HAND DAGGER, CIRCA 1600-20

with slender blade of diamond-section (the point blunt), rectangular ricasso struck with a mark (perhaps ‘M’ crowned) on each face, iron hilt of flattened rounded bars, comprising a pair of slightly drooping quillons engraved with scrolls around the terminals, small ring-guard and barrel-shaped pommel decorated en suite, and the grip with an early binding of plaited wire between ‘Turk’s heads’, 35.5 cm overall

A left-hand dagger of related form, with a very similar blade and perhaps struck with the same mark is illustrated in Schneider and Stüber, 1980, pp.252, no. 502.

‡ £600-800

142

A GERMAN TROUSSE, CIRCA 1780

comprising knife with tapering blade double-edged towards the point, recessed at the forte and formed with a pierced moulding, iron hilt inset with a horn panel engraved with an inscription on each face, fork decorated en suite (one piece of horn with insect damage), an associated further fork in place of a steel, in its tooled leather scabbard (areas of wear, restorations), 21.5 cm overall

A related trousse is illustrated Schmitz 2010, no. 150.

‡ £250-350

143

A NORTH ITALIAN SHORTSWORD (CINQUEDEA), CIRCA 1480-1500 AND A SPEARHEAD, EARLY 16TH CENTURY

in excavated condition, the first with sharply tapering doubleedged blade, strongly arched iron guard of tapering rectangular section, shaped tang pierced with a large rondel in the centre and a further matching aperture at the top (the upper portion missing) and retaining one copper alloy rivet for the grips (missing, extensive losses); the second with tapering blade of flattened-diamond section and tapering tubular socket (chipped), the first: 55.5 cm overall (2)

‡ £400-600

A

MEDIEVAL SWORD, CIRCA 1050-1150

in excavated condition, with broad flat slightly tapering doubleedged blade formed with a fuller over its entire length (the last portion of approximately 12.0 cm missing, slightly bent in profile), iron cross-guard and strongly formed brazil nut pommel (pommel and guard perhaps associated), 82.0 cm blade

The blade conforms to Oakeshott type XII.

‡ £1,500-2,000

A RARE ITALIAN SPETUM, CIRCA 1550-1600

INCORPORATING AN EXCEPTIONAL BLADE OF CIRCA 1300-50

with sharply tapering terminal blade of slightly hollow-diamond section over the upper and lower portions and of flattenedhexagonal section in the middle, inlaid in bright latten on each face with a bishop’s crozier, a brief cabalistic inscription, a cross and orb mark, a crested helm and shield and two further characters beneath (losses, areas of wear), recessed at the base, formed with a pair of strongly curved flat lugs, and tapering faceted socket pierced on each side for attachment (areas of pitting throughout), 100.8 cm overall

Provenance

William Borland

Howard Curtis (inv. no. 503)

The blade is of Italian form and the bishop’s crozier suggest it was decorated in Passau, Germany. The crested helm and shield suggest a likely Imperial Austrian attribution though the detail of the shield is not sufficiently clear to confirm this. A detached blade decorated with the arms of Austria and Bohemia made for Ottakar II, King of Bohemia and Duke of Styria (1230-78), is preserved in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna (inv. no. A34). A sword with a blade decorated in the same manner, including the Austrian Arms, formerly in the Imperial Armoury Vienna and the Gwynn Collection, was exhibited Art of the Armourer, 1963, no. 60 (see Paggiarino 2016, no. 60 (A52), p. 284. The bright colour of the latten suggests a high gold or silver content.

‡ £3,000-4,000

A MEDIEVAL HAND-AND-A-HALF SWORD, 15TH CENTURY

in excavated condition, with tapering broad double-edged blade formed with a short broad central fuller on each face and with traces of a latten-inlaid mark at the forte, iron hilt comprising ribbon-like quillons, one with a tightly curling thumb-ring beneath, and slightly compressed bevelled disc pommel, 84.0 cm blade

Another sword of this distinctive form formerly preserved in the Ottoman Court Arsenal at Alexandria is preserved in the Royal Armouries, Leeds. See Oakeshott 1991, p. 204.

‡ £2,000-2,500

147

A FINE AND RARE HAND-AND-A-HALF SWORD, CIRCA 1420-60

in excavated condition, with sharply tapering straight doubleedged blade of flattened-diamond section with a sharp point (chips), inlaid in latten with the running wolf of Passau on each face and a further mark on one face only at the forte, iron hilt comprising a pair of quillons of circular section, swelling slightly at the centre and at the terminals, the latter each engraved with a cross, tall faceted pear-shaped pommel, and in characteristic black patinated largely stable condition throughout, 103.2 cm blade, 130.5 cm overall

Provenance

Christie’s, London, 1st August 1979, lot 24

Howard M. Curtis Literature

Oakeshott, Ewart, A River-Find of 15th Century Swords, in, Stuber, Karl and Wetter, Hans, Blankwaffen, 1982, pp. 17-32, sword no. 14.

Oakeshott, Ewart, Records of the Medieval Sword, Bury St Edmonds, 1991, p. 143, no. 3 (incorrectly attributed to the collection of the Royal Armouries, H. M. Tower of London).

Oakeshott Ewart, The Swords of Castillon, in, The Tenth Park Lane Arms Fair, 1993, pp. 7-16, illus. 8.

Thomas, Clive, Additional Notes on the Swords of Castillon, in, The Park Lane Arms Fair, 2012, p. 60, no. 7.

This sword forms a sub-group within the so-called ‘group B’ of swords found near the site of the last battle of the 100 Years War, fought near Castillon in Gascony in 1453. This group is characterised by so-called ‘fishtail’ or ‘scent stopper’ pommels. The present sword is the largest of the group and one of only two swords with this distinctive form of pommel.

‡ £8,000-12,000

A FINE AND RARE HAND-AND-A-HALF SWORD, CIRCA

1420-60

in excavated condition, with sharply tapering straight doubleedged blade of flattened-diamond section with a sharp point (chips), inlaid in latten with the running wolf of Passau on oner face, iron hilt comprising a pair of quillons of circular section, swelling slightly at the centre to form an écusson and with swollen bud-shaped terminals, strongly formed fishtail pommel, and in characteristic black patinated largely stable condition throughout, 99.7 cm blade; 124.3 cm overall

Provenance

Christie’s, London, 19th July 1978, lot 25

Howard M. Curtis

Literature

Oakeshott, Ewart, A River-Find of 15th Century Swords, in, Stuber, Karl and Wetter, Hans, Blankwaffen, 1982, pp. 17-32, sword no. 13.

Oakeshott, Ewart, Records of the Medieval Sword, Bury St Edmonds, 1991, p. 143, no. 5.

Thomas, Clive, Additional Notes on the Swords of Castillon, in, The Park Lane Arms Fair, 2012, p. 59, no. 71.

‡ £8,000-12,000

149

A MEDIEVAL SWORD BLADE AND POMMEL, 14TH CENTURY

in excavated condition, with tapering blade of flattenedhexagonal changing to flattened-diamond section towards the tip, formed with a fuller over its lower third and struck with a small latten-lined cross mark on each face, rectangular tang tapering toward the top (cross-guard missing), and wellformed wheel pommel with stepped latten rectangular button, 85.7 cm blade

Stated to have been found in Lake Constance, Switzerland, circa 1960s. The blade conforms to Oakeshott type XVI.

‡ £1,000-1,500

150

ELEMENTS OF A GERMAN MILITARY SABRE OF SINCLAIR TYPE, CIRCA 1600

in excavated condition, with broad curved single-edged blade formed with a pair of slender fullers along the back-edge on each face and struck with three marks, a double fleur-de-lys between two wheels (the forward three-quarters of the blade missing), iron hilt comprising vertically recurved quillons with writhen budshaped finials, outer guard pierced with shaped panels (chips) flanked by two further bars en suite, bifurcated inner-guard and thumb-loop (pommel and grip missing), 28.7 cm overall

‡ £150-200

A FINE GERMAN TWO-HAND PROCESSIONAL SWORD, LATE 16TH CENTURY

with long broad blade of flattened-hexagonal section widening towards a short spear point, cut with a spur mark on one face (one small lamination), ricasso formed with a pair of flat crescentic lugs and retaining much of its original tooled leather and wood covering, blackened steel hilt (slightly loose), comprising a pair of drooping quillons of diamond section with tightly curled terminals, cut with small decorative panels, applied with pairs of slender iron coils towards the terminals, large symmetrical inner and outer ring-guards each decorated en suite and filled with a fleur-de-lys projection, boldly fluted plummet-shaped pommel decorated with chevrons, spirally moulded button, retaining an early three-stage grip, the central portion of moulded leather-covered wood, the top and bottom with fabric-covered wood enclosed by an open mesh of twisted wire, and complete with a pair of early silk tassels, 137.8 cm blade

Provenance

Harold L. Peterson, sold Christie’s, 5th July 1978, lot 80 ‡ £3,000-4,000

A RARE NORTH ITALIAN BROADSWORD, LAST QUARTER OF THE 15TH CENTURY, PROBABLY VENETIAN

with broad straight double-edged blade of pronounced flattened section, stamped with three small marks within a central fuller framed by a pair of further fullers over the lower third on each side, steel hilt comprising écusson, rear quillon with flattened globular terminal formed with an additional bar curling along the plane of the blade, forward quillon extending at a right angle to form the knuckle-guard and drawn-out at the base to form an additional loop-guard, the knuckle-guard of flattened section, cut with pairs of decorative notched lines and with leaf-shaped terminal, square pommel drawn-out to a low domed boss front and back, and leather-covered wooden grip, perhaps the original, 95.3 cm blade

Provenance

Doctor George Douglas

A large number of similar swords are preserved in the Armoury of the Doges Palace, Venice and the former Imperial armoury now in Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna. Many of the swords in the Doge’s Palace are impressed ‘CX’ on the grip for the Consiglio Dieci. The Council of Ten was established in 1310 following a revolt and was intended as a temporary Government body. However, it became permanent in 1334 with powers that increased substantially and, a century later, was overseeing the Republic’s diplomatic and intelligence services as well as managing its military affairs. The hilt is a variant form of Norman type 6. See Norman 1980, pp. 69-70, plate 9, and Franzoi 1990, p. 86, no.151, fig. 43 and fig 237 for similar bladesmith’s marks.

‡ £4,000-6,000

A RARE BROADSWORD, CIRCA 1475-1500, PROBABLY VENETIAN

with broad double-edged blade formed with a sharp point (one small chip), struck with a knot mark on each face at the forte within a slender third-length fuller, iron hilt comprising a pair of horizontally recurved C-shaped quillons of low Vsection, écusson, characteristic near rectangular ‘winged’ pommel drawn-out in the centre to a low domed boss front and back, and spirally-bound leather-covered grip (some later black paint)

Provenance

Doctor George Douglas

A number of similar swords, formerly in the armoury of the Council of Ten, are preserved in the Armoury of the Doges Palace, Venice. Many are marked with the lion of Saint Mark on the blade as well as the so-called knot mark, associated with the bladesmiths of Belluno. See Franzoi 1990, p. 85, no. 144, fig 41.

‡ £3,000-5,000

A RARE SOUTH GERMAN LANDSKNECHT

BROADSWORD (KATZBALGER), CIRCA 1500-30

with broad flat blade tapering at the point, formed with a long central fuller over its upper half and a pair of fullers over the lower half on each face, grooved rectangular ricasso with blunt edges, iron hilt comprising horizontally recurved quillons, the forward quillon terminating in a stylised serpent head (the rear quillon shortened), fluted quillon-block, fluted ferule of oval section engraved with a pair of lines (small cracks and chips), tall fluted fishtail pommel decorated en suite, and very small rootwood grip (light pitting), 68.5 cm blade

Provenance

William Borland

Bruce Axt Collection

Howard M. Curtis

The tall pommel, quillon-block and ferrule are similar to those of the celebrated sword of Ulrik von Schellenberg (1487-1558) now preserved in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna (inv. no. A287).

‡

£4,000-6,000

A TWO HAND SWORD, EARLY 16TH CENTURY, PROBABLY SPANISH

with straight double-edged lade of flattened-hexagonal section (the last 28.0 cm restored), stamped with a brief inscription with a short slender fuller on each face at the forte, long rectangular ricasso, formed with three grooves each filled with a chiselled design of scrolls and formed with a pair of short serpentine lugs, iron hilt comprising fluted écusson, a pair of straight faceted quillons with finely filed terminals each terminating in a spirally fluted knop (one slightly bent), knopshaped pommel chiselled with conventional leaves, and wooden grip with later leather covering, 120.0 cm blade

Provenance

Howard M. Curtis (no. 444)

A sword with a related hilt is preserved in the Wallace Collection (inv. no. A471).

‡ £2,500-3,000

156

A RARE ITALIAN RAPIER, CIRCA 1540

with double-edged blade of flattened-diamond section, stamped with the sacred trigram ‘IHS’ between two decorative marks within a short fuller on each face, rectangular ricasso incised with two ‘S’ marks and engraved with lines at the borders, iron hilt of square-section bars interrupted by stepped globular mouldings, comprising a pair of straight quillons with bulbous stepped terminals of square section, écusson, a pair of ring-guards, the lower joined by a pair of arms to the upper and the latter with a bifurcated arm joining the arm and knuckle-guard respectively, inner-guard of a single bar, thumb-loop, and robustly fluted bun-shaped pommel decorated with a trellis design over its surface (the iron parts with light pitting), and later grip of plaited wire between ‘Turk’s Heads’, 102.0 cm

Provenance

The Bruce Axt Collection

The hilt is a rare variant of Norman type 50. A rapier with a closely related hilt was formerly in the J. F. Winsbury Collection. See Norman p. 121 and plate 19.

‡ £4,000-6,000

A FINE GERMAN (SAXON) RAPIER, CIRCA 1570-80

with sharply tapering blade of flattened-oval section, stamped with the sacred trigram ‘IHS’ within a short slender fuller on each face, recessed ricasso struck on each face with the bladesmith’s marks, a crowned serpent and a celestial motif, its borders framed by incised lines and the fuller continuing over its length, blued steel hilt of flattened iron bars, comprising écusson, the inner numbered ‘5’, upper and lower heartshaped ring-guards, a pair of vertically recurved quillons with pointed terminals, trifurcated inner guard, barrel-shaped pommel with button, early, probably original, leather-covered wooden grip with ‘Turk’s heads’ and plaited trellis binding, and some original finish throughout, 95.7 cm blade

Provenance

A New York Estate, sold Sotheby’s Los Angeles, 3rd July 1973, lot 256 Howard M. Curtis (no. 486)

The bladesmith’s marks are those of Abraham Schuch or Schuech of Dresden. See Seitz 1968, p. 36. A number of similar rapiers, supplied to the Saxon Electoral Guard, are preserved in the Historisches Museum, Dresden. See Norman 1980, p. 117.

Another sword from this group, with the same bladesmith’s marks, was sold American Art Association, 20th November 1926, lot 276.

‡ £10,000-14,000

158

A FINE CUP-HILT RAPIER, CIRCA 1640, BRESCIAN OR SPANISH

with tapering blade formed with a slender central ridge over its surface on each face, dividing to form a fuller at the forte and stamped ‘Pedro’ and ‘Lecama’ within a delicate punched frame on the respective sides, rectangular ricasso struck with a bell mark within a shallow groove on each face, inscribed ‘Lo Spadaro’ and Dello Re’ on the respective sides, symmetrical iron hilt of slender rounded bars, comprising a pair of straight quillons swelling slightly towards the terminals, ring-guard filled with a finely pierced plate decorated with delicate scrolling foliage inhabited by birds within an engraved framework of cross-hatched rondels, three looped bars at the sides, knuckleguard en suite with the quillons, and faceted near spherical pommel engraved with scrolls (perhaps an early association) and the grip with an early binding of plaited wire between ‘Turk’s heads’, 126.0 cm blade

Provenance

Eric Valentine, sold Christie’s, 25th February 1981, lot 49.

Literature

The Art of the Armourer, no.110

Eric Valentine, Rapiers, 1968, no. 35

Exhibited

The Art of the Armourer, The Vicotria and Albert Museum, 19th April –5th May 1963, no. 110.

The bladesmith is perhaps Pedro de Lezama of Toledo and Seville, or a contemporary bladesmith imitating his work as the bell mark is not associated with him.

‡ £3,000-4,000

A FINE NORTH EUROPEAN RAPIER WITH SILVERENCRUSTED HILT, CIRCA 1600-20, ENGLISH OR GERMAN

with tapering double-edged blade formed in three sections, flattened-diamond section towards the tip, flattened-hexagonal in the centre and long forte with blunt edges struck ‘Sandrinus Scacchus’ within a long central fuller framed by two further shorter fullers, rectangular ricasso struck with a profile head on each face, iron hilt of flattened rounded bars, comprising down-curved quillon with pointed terminal, lower ring-guard filled with a pierced engraved sprung-in plate decorated with a symmetrical arrangement of four serpents, upper ring-guard rooted to the arms at the base and joined on one side to the knuckle-guard by a further arm, trifurcated inner-guard fitted with a pierced plate en suite, pronounced faceted plummetshaped pommel, decorated throughout with a running pattern of foliage carrying fruit and centring on flowerheads, the pommel decorated en suite and divided with delicate ropework frames (the silver with small losses, lightly rubbed in places), and wooden grip retaining an early binding of plaited wire between ‘Turk’s heads’ (small losses), 102.7 cm blade Provenance

The Lord Astor of Hever, sold Sotheby’s, 5th May 1983, lot 8 Waldo (Bill) Gower Alessandro Scacchi is recorded in Brescia in the second half of the 16th century. His work was highly regarded and a number of blades, such as the present, bear his name and other mark s and are almost certainly not from his workshop. See Seitz 1965, p. 326 and Wallace Collection (inv. no. A613).

The distinctive silver decoration was perhaps executed in the same workshop as the hilt of another rapier now preserved in the Rothschild Collection at Waddesdon Manor, no. 26, fig. 29, pp. 89-91.

‡ £7,000-9,000

A FINE NORTH EUROPEAN RAPIER,

CIRCA 1640 with slender German blade formed in three stages, the long middle portion of diamond-section flattening to a doubleedged spatulate point, the forte of irregular hexagonal-section, inscribed ‘Me Fecit’ and ‘Solingen’ between decorative cross marks on each face, rectangular ricasso struck with a mark, a rampant stag, on each face, symmetrical iron hilt of rounded bars, comprising vertically recurved quillons with fluted knobshaped terminals, lower ring-guard fitted with a finely pierced sprung-in plate decorated with a series of circular and starshaped apertures, retained at the base by a pierced bracket involving two heart-shaped apertures, upper ring-guard interrupted by a central moulding en suite with the quillons and joined to the lower by saltire bars, a pair of arms, wellformed fluted plummet-shaped pommel, and the grip with a later binding of plaited copper wire and ribband between ‘Turk’s heads’, 116.0 cm blade

The mark is related to a series of similar marks attributed to the Solingen cutler Bartholomäus Meves who is recorded in that town circa 15901650.

‡ £1,500-2,500

A FINE ENGLISH DISH-HILT RAPIER, MID-17TH CENTURY

with tapering blade of flattened-hexagonal section stamped with decorative marks and a brief inscription including ‘Tomas’ in a short fuller on each face, symmetrical iron hilt of flattened rounded bars, comprising dish-guard pierced and chiselled with a small panel of trellis enclosed by elaborate foliage and mulberry fruits, écusson chiselled with foliage, delicately fluted horizontal quillons with tightly up-and down-curved spatulate terminals, outer ring-guard joined to the dish-guard by a pair of scrolling arms and joined on one side to the knuckle-guard, plummet-shaped pommel, chiselled throughout with scrollwork and foliage en suite with the guard, and the grip with a later binding of plaited copper wire between ‘Turk’s heads’, 91.4 cm blade

Provenance

The Bruce Axt Collection

‡ £2,500-3,500

162

A FINE ENGLISH ‘MORTUARY’ HILTED BROADSWORD, SECOND QUARTER OF THE 17TH CENTURY

with broad blade stamped with an inscription within a long central fuller framed by a pair of further slender fullers on each face (light pitting), symmetrical iron hilt comprising a pair of langets chiselled with foliage, broad scrolling vestigial quillon, basket-guard chiselled at the base with delicate scrolling leafy tendrils carrying a grotesque mask in each corner and with four large portrait medallions, front-and rear-guard each interrupted by a further small portrait medallion and bifurcated at the base, joined to the knuckle-guard by a pair of diagonal bars and compressed ovoid pommel decorated en suite, and the grip with an early spirally moulded fishskin covering between ‘Turk’s heads’ (binding missing), 90.4 cm blade

Provenance

Ken Drake

The quality of the chiselled decoration on the hilt is of notably high quality. ‡ £2,500-3,500

A RARE FRANKISH WINGED SPEAR 8TH/11TH CENTURY

with leaf-shaped double-edged blade of flattened-diamond section, the central portion showing pattern welding in places, tapering socket deeply engraved with a pair of characteristic linear panels on the front, back and each side, the latter with a pair of shor t wings at the base, each with curved lower edge, and later short wooden haft (the edges and wings with small chips), 51.0 cm head

Provenance

William Borland

See Seitz 1965, p. 116, abb. 68. ‡ £1,200-1,800

164

AN IRON AXE, 9TH/10TH CENTURY in excavated condition, with slightly curved blade tapering at the back to a socket of U-shaped section, flat back-edge, on a later wooden haft, 13.2 cm

Provenance

Bruce Axt Collection ‡ £300-400

165

FOUR BEARDED AXES AND A FURTHER AXE, 9TH/13TH CENTURIES

the first with curved blade and pronounced beard, struck with a mark on one face, trapezoidal-section socket formed with a flat rear face and slanting lower edge; the second with forward leaning curved blade, pronounced beard, pear-shaped section socket formed with a flat rear face and slanting lower edge; the third larger, with slightly curved blade, socket with flat rear face and slanting lower edge; the fourth with slightly curved blade, socket with flat rear face and curved lower edge; and the fifth of wedgeshaped section, slender socket and flattened rear face (5)

A similar example to the first, from the site of the Globe Theatre at Bankside, is preserved in the Museum of London (inv. No. A11467).

See Wheeler 1940, p. 62, no. 2.

‡ £400-600

166

THREE IRON AXES, 14TH/17TH CENTURIES

the first with narrow head of wedge-section, swelling at the top and bottom about the circular socket, and flat rear edge; the second with slender head with a ‘W’ mark on one face, slightly curved bearded blade, and long tubular socket; the third with slightly curved blade, and large faceted socket (pitted), the first: 24.2 cm (3)

‡ £200-300

167

FIVE IRON AXES, THE FIRST POSSIBLY ROMAN

in excavated condition, the first of wedge-section, with curved blade, curved lower edge, angular upper edge and large pear-shaped socket; the second, third and fourth medieval, each with near rectangular head formed with a curved blade, and socket with slanting lower edge; the fifth a fragment and an adze head, of slightly curved rectangular form, the first: 24.0 cm (6)

‡ £250-350

AN ITALIAN COMBINED STAFF AND BRANDISTOCK, DATED 1585

with very long sliding spike of diamond section, concealed within the haft and covered by an oval cap engraved with the date and ‘Libertas’, tubular iron haft retaining a portion of an early wrapped fabric binding, fitted with tall basal cap with cusped border, a slender collar en suite, a further moulded collar and the top with two crescentic lugs engraved with flowers and foliage at the base (spring and locking catch missing), 102.0 cm overall (retracted)

Provenance

Howard M. Curtis (no. 171)

‡ £1,400-1,800

A FINE COMPOSITE FLEMISH THREE-QUARTER CUIRASSIER ARMOUR, CIRCA 1600-20 comprising close helmet with two-piece skull rising to a ring finial with large star-shaped washer, fitted at the nape with a plumeholder and embossed with a radiating pattern of V-shaped flutes decorated at their crests with pairs of incised lines, peak, visor and bevor attached by common pivots, the peak projecting forward to an obtuse point, visor embossed with a pronounced transverse-rib pierced with four diagonal slots and a panel beneath them at each side with numerous circular holes, secured at the right by a hook and a pierced stud, bevor shaped to the chin and secured by a later strap and buckle, three gorget plates front and rear (visor with an early repair at the left lower edge); collar of one plate front and rear (with large repaired lamination at the front right); medially ridged one-piece heavy breastplate of late peascod fashion, struck on the right with the proof mark of a bullet, fitted with later swivel-hooks and pierced studs for attaching shoulder-straps, flanged outwards at its lower edge to receive a pair of tassets each of seventeen lames and divisible at the eleventh (the lower lames with areas of pitting, extensive pitting on the tenth, eleventh and twelfth of the left tasset, the top lame of the right cracked around its key-hole slot); poleyns of six lames, the third in each case embossed with a central rosette and formed with a pointed spade-shaped wing; matching backplate (fitted with an early extension at each side formed of a riveted plate, corresponding with two similar areas on the breastplate), shoulderstraps with pierced terminals for attaching to the breastplate (restored, some scales perhaps early) and later belt, flanged outwards at the base and fitted with an associated hinged bracket (rivet replaced) to attach a culet of five lames (some with patched repairs), symmetrical pauldrons of eleven lames connected by turners to articulated vambraces each formed of tubular upper and lower cannons linked by an intervening winged bracelet couter of five lames embossed with a central rosette, a pair of fingered gauntlets, each with a flared and pointed cuff, five met acarpal-plates, a knuckle-plate, hinged thumb-piece and finger scales (restorations, one lame on the right gauntlet cracked in two, left gauntlet with a small chip), the main edges of the armour scalloped and accompanied by pairs of incised lines, studded throughout with numerous copper-alloy rivets (replaced), and retaining some early blued finish (small areas of light pitting, expertly releathered); all on a wooden stand

Provenance

Sir Guy Francis Laking, 2nd Baronet (1875-1919)

Important Specimens of Arms and Armor…..from XII to XVII Century, American Art Association, New York, 24th November 1923, lot 254 ($400) The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Christie’s London, 23rd November 1960, lot 171 (£280 to Robinson)

The present armour is closely related to a distinctive group of high quality Flemish armours now mainly preserved in the Real Armeria , Madrid (A 380401 & 414-21), which can in some instances be identified as the work of the 'Master MP', purchased for Philip IV of Spain in Brussels in 1624 and 1625. See Karcheski 1985, pp.307-14. He records helmets similar to the present example in the Musée de l'Armée, Paris (H. 150), the Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg (Z.O.3288), the Livrustkammaren, Stockholm (2635), the Art Institute, Chicago (2661), and the Smith Art Museum, Springfield, Massachusetts (17.23.9). Another helmet from this group was sold in this room 5th December 2005, lot 114.

‡ £12,000-18,000

A COMPOSITE NORTH ITALIAN CAP-A-PIE ARMOUR WITH ETCHED DECORATION, LATE 16TH CENTURY, THE BACKPLATE SIGNED BY THE MASTER ‘P’ comprising morion with rounded one-piece crown rising to a high roped medial comb, and 'swept' integral brim rising to an acute point front (restored) and rear, the latter fitted with an associated etched and gilt copper alloy plume-holder, the interior with an early padded maroon velvet lining interspersed with small tassels; collar of three plates front and rear (the upper two of the front, and the uppermost and lowermost of the rear restored); breastplate formed of a main plate of deep 'peascod' fashion (the metal of its lower right showing internal delamination), embossed with a volute at each side of the chest, fitted at its arm-openings with moveable gussets, flanged outwards at its lower edge (the centre of the flange patched) and fitted with a fauld of two lames (the lowest patched at its left end) and a pair of pendent tassets each of nine lames (the left restored); well matched backplate embossed en suite, fitted with shoulder-straps and a belt; a pair of large symmetrical pauldrons, each formed of seven lames of which the third is in each case patched and the lowest four (restored) extend inwards only to the armpit; a pair of fully articulated tubular vambraces each fitted at its upper end with a turner of two lames and at its elbow with a winged bracelet couter of three lames; two gauntlets almost forming a pair, each formed of a flared and pointed tubular cuff (holed for display), four and five metacarpal-plates respectively, a shaped knuckleplate (the right restored), later thumb-plate and finger-scales; the main edges of the armour formed almost throughout with fileroped inward turns, and its surfaces decorated with etching on a stippled and blackened ground (areas of wear), that of the morion consisting of a large cartouche at each side of the skull filled with the figure of Fortune enclosed by the inscription ‘Semper Fortuna Docet’ and ‘Semper Fortuna Iuna’ respectively, the comb with a central cartouche filled with a coat-of-arms, two moor’s heads addorsed above a further head and a bar between charged with three mullets, flanked by mythical beasts and birds on one face and further beasts and putto on the other, and that of the remainder of the armour consisting of bands and borders of trophies of arms generally enclosed by narrow bands of cabling and enclosing in the interspaces and volutes of the fronts and rears of the pauldrons, classical busts, and involving at the neckopening of the backplate the device of a cross and orb, the latter charged with the letter ‘P’, and a pair of modern cuisses each of three lames, fitted at their lower ends with winged poleyns of five lames, hinged tubular greaves and articulated sabatons of eight lames; all on a wooden stand

Provenance

Russel J. Char ‡ £8,000-12,000

171

A VERY RARE ITALIAN GREAT BASCINET, CIRCA 1400-50

in excavated condition, formed of a one-piece skull and a further plate enclosing the lower portion of the head, the skull with medially-ridged crown rising to a high point, near triangular face-opening, and the lower edge flared outwards and drawn-forward at the chin (extensive losses, worn through in places, expert repairs), 29.5 cm high Provenance

Found near Ayia, Napa on the South East coast of Cyprus Christie’s 19th October 1977, lot 59

Howard M. Curtis

Expertly conserved by Zacov Barov, former head of conservation at Hearst Castle, San Simeon, California Literature

Howard M. Curtis, ‘2500 Years of European Helmets 800 B.C. - 1700 A.D.’, North Hollywood, 1978, pp. 86-87. Claude Blair, Notes on Armour from Chalcis, in Arms and Armour at the Dorchester 1982, p. 11

The distinctive form of this helmet is closely comparable to other examples found in the former Venetian Castle of Negroponte (Chalcis), Euboea, Greece, 1840. Another is preserved in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (acc. No. 29.158.46). For a discussion of this group see ffoulkes 1911, p. 381-391 and Blair, op. cit., pp. 7-14.

‡ £8,000-12,000

172

A RARE NORTH ITALIAN SALLET, CIRCA 1460-80, TWICE STRUCK WITH THE MARK “PR” BENEATH A SPLIT CROSS

formed in one piece with a rounded crown rising to a low medial ridge, pierced at its apex with a later rectangular slot for a crest, extending downwards and flaring slightly outwards at each side to just above the level of the shoulders, projecting rearwards over the nape as a short integral "tail" and cut at the front with a broad face-opening, its rear struck with the maker’s marks, the gothic letters 'PR' beneath a split cross at each side, and pierced around the lower half with two rows of holes for lining-rivets (worn, cracked at the front along the medial ridge for 5.5 cm, a further curved open crack at the lower left of the face-opening, further small cracks, delaminations), 24.0 cm high

Provenance

Howard M. Curtis (no. 281)

Literature

Howard M. Curtis, ‘2500 Years of European Helmets 800 B.C. - 1700 A.D.’, North Hollywood 1978, pp.134-135 (listed in the Curtis Collec tion)

Walter J. Karcheski Jr. and Thom Richardson, The Medieval Armor from Rhodes, Leeds, 2000, p. 12.

The same marks occur on a visor formerly in the Armoury of the Knights of St John, Rhodes and now preserved in the Royal Armouries Leeds The visor is discussed, with the marks illustrated, by Karcheski & Richardson 2000, p. 12 no. 1.15 along with related pieces struck with the same mark. The present helmet is erroneously cited by the authors as being formerly at Churburg (no. 59) and later with Curtis, though the marks are not those recorded in the Trapp & Mann Churburg catalogue of 1929.

‡ £7,000-10,000

173

A RARE SALLET, LATE 15TH CENTURY, PROBABLY NORTH ITALIAN

with hemispherical skull rising to a low medial ridge pierced at its centre and formed with a short projecting “tail” at the rear (brow and tail-plate missing, pitted, internally patched repairs, the edge chipped), 20.0 cm high

This sallet shows a preservation typical of pieces obtained from the armoury of the Knights of St John at Rhodes which fell to the Turks in 1522/3. It can be compared with sallets from that source now preserved in the Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds (IV. 481), the Higgins Armoury Museum, Worcester, Mass. (880), and several private collections. See Karcheski & Richardson 2000, pp. 9 & 13-15).

Provenance

The Armoury of the Knights of St John, Rhodes Louis Bachereau, Paris Bashford Dean, New York, circa 1920

Howard M. Curtis (no. 44)

Literature

Howard M. Curtis, ‘2500 Years of European Helmets 800 B.C. - 1700 A.D.’, North Hollywood 1978, pp. 142-143 (incorrectly stated to be in Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York)

Walter J. Karcheski Jr. and Thom Richardson, The Medieval Armor from Rhodes, Leeds 2000, p. xii (illustrated in Bachereau photograph) and p. 14, no. 1.18. ‡ £2,000-3,000

A VERY RARE KETTLE HAT OF NOTABLE WEIGHT, THIRD QUARTER OF THE 15TH CENTURY, WESTERN EUROPEAN with domed one-piece skull rising to a low medial ridge, pierced around its base with four holes for attachment of a lining, broad down-turned brim (pitted throughout, extensive losses and patches, much of the skull and the majority of the brim reinforced with later riveted patch on the inside), 23.0 cm high

Provenance

Sir Edward Barry, Ockwell’s Manor, Bray, Berkshire (Mann cat. no. 73)

Sotheby’s, 7th July 1965, lot 95 (£40 to C. Wandby)

Peter Dale, sold 6th May 1971

Howard M. Curtis (no. 245)

Literature

Howard M. Curtis, ‘2500 Years of European Helmets 800 B.C. - 1700 A.D.’, North Hollywood, 1978, pp. 126-127 ‡ £6,000-8,000

175

A COMPOSITE CLOSE HELMET, CIRCA 1510-20, PROBABALY FLEMISH

with rounded one-piece skull formed with a low hollowed medial comb (pierced at its centre for a later funerary crest), associated ‘sparrow’s beak’ visor of pronounced form, pierced with a centrally-divided stepped vision-slit, and on each side of the beak with six ventilation-holes and three slots beneath them on each side (its upper edge cut to fit), associated bevor secured at the left by a swivel-hook and pierced stud, the lower edge of the bevor pierced for the attachment of a lining (bearing rich brown patina throughout), 28.0 cm high

Provenance

Probably Browsholme Hall, Forest of Boland, Lancashire

Eric Valentine

Arnhard, Graf Klenau, May 1982

Sold together with a letter from Claude Blair, dated 1st February 1983, stating that the helmet was from Eric Valentine and probably Browsholme Hall before.

‡ £7,000-10,000

A RARE SOUTH GERMAN CLOSE HELMET, CIRCA 1560 with finely formed skull boxed in eight sections and drawn out to an acute point at its apex, pierced with a circular arrangement of fourteen and thirteen circular ventilation-holes around a central hole on the left and right sides respectively, visor, upper bevor and bevor attached by common pivots (replaced), each secured at the right side by a spring-catch operated by a push button, the visor with stepped centrallydivided vision-slit, the prow-shaped upper bevor pierced with three pairs of cruciform ventilation-holes at each side, lower bevor shaped to the chin, two associated gorget-plates front and rear, and the skull pierced at its rear with pairs of holes for securing a lining, 28.3 cm high

Provenance

Harold Peterson, sold Christie’s 5th July 1978, lot 170 (£1200)

‡ £8,000-10,000

176

177

A RARE NORTH ITALIAN COMB MORION, CIRCA 1540-50

with rounded one-piece crown rising to a high file-roped medial comb decorated top and bottom on each side with an incised line, down-turned brim projecting to an obtuse point front and rear, the edge of the brim formed with a file-roped inward turn accompanied by a single incised line, the base of the crown encircled by eleven lining-rivets with foliate washers (small chips and losses, pierced with a later hole for display at each end and side), 20.0 cm high

Provenance

Sotheby Parke Bernet, Los Angeles, 12th February 1974, lot 166

Literature

Howard M. Curtis, ‘2500 Years of European Helmets 800 B.C. - 1700 A.D.’, North Hollywood, 1978, pp. 222-223

The helmet is a rare example of an early form of morion.

‡ £1,500-2,000

178

AN ITALIAN MORION IN THE ‘SPANISH’ FASHION, CIRCA 1580

formed in one piece with an almond-shaped crown rising at its apex to a short 'stalk' and a flat integral brim projecting to an obtuse point front and rear (the former pierced with a later wiring-hole), its edge formed with a file-roped inward turn accompanied by a narrow recessed border (one small chip), the base of the crown encircled by fourteen round-headed lining-rivets with copper alloy rosette-washers, and its surface retaining its original overall blued finish, 24.0 cm high

The morion forms one of an extensive group sold by Fenton & Sons of 11, Oxford Street, London in the 1930s for 5 guineas each. They were said by his former conservator, Theodore Egli, to have been acquired by him between the World Wars in Ireland, and may conceivably be relics of the Elizabethan wars there. For a discussion of the group providing evidence relating to their history, See Eaves 2002, pp.161-2.

‡ £500-800

179

A NORTH EUROPEAN HEAVY HELMET OF OFFICER'S QUALITY, CIRCA 1620-30

of exceptional weight and intended for siege use, with rounded two-piece skull joined along a finely roped low medial ridge enclosed to either side by three incised lines, down-turned brim formed with an obtuse point front and rear, with inward-turned finely roped edge accompanied by three incised lines rising at the centre of each side to an ogee, the main edge fitted with numerous domed lining-rivets, each struck on its head with a star, the interior of the skull fitted with two additional plates to reinforce it, and painted in white with the inventory number ‘3017’, 24.5 cm high

Provenance

Frank Andrana Collection

A very similar helmet attributed to the ownership of Gustavus II Adolphus, King of Sweden (1594-1632) is preserved in the Royal Armoury, Sweden (inv. no. 1867). Another is preserved in the armoury at Arundel Castle, Sussex. ‡ £4,000-6,000

180

A RARE WELL-MADE ZISCHÄGGE OF SIEGE WEIGHT, MID-17TH CENTURY, SOUTH GERMAN OR EAST EUROPEAN

with one-piece hemispherical crown fitted at its apex with a ring-finial on a large star-shaped washer, struck at the right back with the proof-mark of a bullet, fitted with an obtusely pointed peak bearing a later sliding nasal-bar secured by a locking-screw, neck-guard of five upward-lapping lames, the lowest drawn-out to an obtuse point, a pair of large scutiform pendent cheek-pieces, decorated throughout with plain turns accompanied by pairs of incised lines, fitted with domed liningrivets and further rivets in a rosette-formation on the cheek-pieces and the tail, retaining much early black finish, with an early padded fabric lining (partly detached, some holes), 38.5 cm high

Provenance

The Counts von Giech, Schloss Thurnau, Franconia, sold Sotheby & Co., 19th November 1974, lot 211 (£440, with cuirass)

‡ £1,500-2,000

181

A RARE ZISCHÄGGE OF SIEGE WEIGHT, MID-17TH CENTURY, SOUTH GERMAN OR EAST EUROPEAN with one-piece hemispherical crown fitted at its apex with a ring finial on a large star-shaped washer (one point of the latter chipped), struck at the left back with a proof-mark of a bullet, fitted with an obtusely-pointed peak with a later sliding nasal-bar secured by a locking-screw, neck-guard of five upward-overlapping lames (lacking two rivets), the lowest drawn-out to an obtuse point, a pair of large pendent scutiform cheek-pieces, formed throughout with plain inwardturned edges accompanied by pairs of incised lines, studded with domed lining-rivets and further rivets in a rosetteformation on the cheek-pieces and the tail, retaining an early black finish and small portions of an early lining (one cheekpiece releathered), 30.5 cm high

‡ £1,400-1,800

A RARE EUROPEAN MAIL CAPE OR PISAIN, LATE 15TH/EARLY 16TH CENTURY, PROBABLY GERMAN

composed of riveted iron rings with a border of latten rings top and bottom, those at the upstanding neck-opening and base of the throat densely arranged in alternating rows of rectangular and half-round-section wire, the remainder of rectangular section wire, the top latten border formed of a row of riveted rings with a further row of open rings above, the bottom border formed of two rows of larger riveted rings, shaped to the shoulders, extending downwards to an obtuse point at the front, formed with a central opening at the rear, closed by a later iron hook stamped with a fleur-de separated by a Maltese cross (small losses, oxydised overall)

Provenance

Galerie Fischer, 19th June 1967, lot 56

Howard M. Curtis (no. 175)

Mail capes such as this, referred to by modern collectors as ‘bishops’ mantles’, were known at the time of their use as ‘pisains’. Two similar examples are in the Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds, Inv. Nos. III. 13 & 14, in one case fitted with a Nuremberg-inscribed brass ring. Another, also opening at the front and now mounted on a so-called ‘Landsknecht armour’ is preserved in the Stibbert Museum, Florence. Others of an early fashion were formerly in the collections of Sir Guy Laking and Felix Joubert. (See Laking 1920, Vol. II, figs 530-1).

Another example, formerly in the collection of Baron Armand van Zeulen (1838-96) and sold Sotheby’s, London (1st April 1980, lot 81) was sold in this room 26th June 2007, lot 283.

A copy of an accompanying letter from Claude Blair states that other pieces of mail with Maltese cross marks are recorded and the likelihood is that the mark is connected with the Armoury of the Knights of St John, Malta. Alternatively the marks are purely talismanic. Apparently no mail is recorded in Malta though a number of weapons there are stamped with this mark.

‡ £5,000-8,000

183

A RARE MAIL GROIN DEFENCE, SECOND HALF OF THE 16TH CENTURY, PROBABLY GERMAN

composed entirely of riveted iron rings of halfround-section wire, with slanting lateral edges and shaped to the groin (very small losses)

Provenance

Wallis and Wallis, 28th June 1968, lot 1922

Howard M. Curtis (no. 218)

A portion of a related example formerly in the armoury of the Princes Radziwill at Niescwicz Castle, Poland, is now preserved in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (acc. No. 27.183.14).

‡ £800-1,000

184

A RARE INDO-PERSIAN MAIL SHIRT WITH INSCRIBED LINKS, POSSIBLY 15TH/16TH CENTURY

openly woven, formed of inscribed flat riveted rings, open at the front, vented at the back, extending to the over the thigh and with a pair of full length arms (losses)

Provenance

Michael German, 8th January 1980

The stamped inscriptions appear to represent the names of Allah and the five leading imams. Shirts of this type may have been manufactured in Persia or, alternatively, by Ottoman Turkish armourers working in Hyderabad during the 16th Century. Two further shirts from this small group are preserved in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 2014.198 and 2016.2. Another was sold in this room, 7th December 2022, lot 8.

‡ £700-1,000

A NORTH EUROPEAN SIEGE-WEIGHT CUIRASS, MID-17TH CENTURY comprising heavy shot-proof breastplate of vestigial peascod fashion, formed with an upstanding neck-opening and an outwardflanged lower edge, fitted on each side of the chest with a pierced stud and swivel-hook to receive a shoulder-strap, and one-piece backplate formed with a slightly upstanding neck-opening and an outward-flanged lower edge, and fitted at each shoulder with the proximal portion of a later strap, and the principal borders formed with plain inward turns accompanied by pairs of deeply incised lines involving an ogee at the centre of the neck-opening (bearing a mottled patina overall), 37.0 cm high (2)

Provenance

Frank Andrana Collection

‡ £800-1,200

186

A BEVOR IN THE SPANISH ‘GOTHIC’ STYLE OF THE LATE 15TH CENTURY, 19TH CENTURY

formed of a medially-ridged main plate strongly shaped to the chin and possessing a boxed, outward-turned upper edge, and a deep V-shaped gorget-plate pierced at its lower end with a pair of lace-holes (light pitting), 29.2 cm

Provenance

Howard Curtis

‡

£400-600

187

A GAUNTLET, MID-16TH CENTURY, WESTERN EUROPEAN, POSSIBLY FLEMISH

formed of a slightly flared and pointed tubular cuff, metacarpalplate, knuckle-plate formed with a roped transverse rib, and a single shaped finger-plate, the border of the cuff formed with a file-roped inward turn accompanied by a recessed double border, all framed with incised lines, and the secondary borders with scalloped edges, 17.5 cm high

‡ £350-450

188

A WESTERN EUROPEAN LONG TASSET FOR THE LEFT LEG, CIRCA 1530-40

formed of six upward-lapping lames (the lower lames missing), the top lame fitted with three pierced studs and swivel-hooks for attaching it to a fauld, the bottom lame with a doubleended iron buckle at its inner end, all embossed with four recessed vertical bands joined by slender diagonal bands, and enclosed with pairs of incised lines, 23.5 cm

‡

£400-600

A RARE SCOTTISH HIGHLAND TARGE, 18TH CENTURY

formed of two circular layers of wood set at right angles to the grain, the outer face covered in tooled leather decorated with geometric designs, the centre fitted with a low domed copper alloy boss enclosed by a broad panel of traditional interlace, the remaining surface set with six further bosses and twelve near triangular copper alloy panels on a ground of low domed copper alloy washers retained by iron nails, and the inner face retaining four square portions of early enarmes retained by iron nails (areas of wear, small losses), 49.0 cm diameter

A targe of related type in the collection of the Duke of Argyll, Inverary Castle is illustrated Culloden 1996, p. 58, 4:6. ‡ £3,000-4,000

190

FOUR EUROPEAN SPURS, 15TH/17TH CENTURY

the first 15th century, of iron, with six-point rowel, straight neck, curved heel-band with a point at its apex and figure-of-eight terminals for straps (chips, pitted); the second 17th century, of iron, with sixpoint rowel, L-shaped neck with a central moulding, arched heel-band and figure-of-eight shaped terminals, (pitted); the third 17th century, of copper alloy (rowel missing), L-shaped neck, and arched heel band (chipped) and the last 15th century, of iron, with twelve-point rowel, short neck, arched heel-band and figure-of-eight shaped terminals (pitted), 16.0 cm (4)

‡ £200-300

191

A COPPER ALLOY STIRRUP, 15TH CENTURY

with rectangular tread, robust side-bars of flattened-triangular section (bent), integral rectangular loop, and fitted on one side with an early rectangular iron spike intended as a spur (cracked), 15.8 cm high

‡

£100-120

192

A PAIR OF IRON STIRRUPS, IN GERMAN 16TH CENTURY STYLE, 19TH CENTURY

each with open tread of three internal bars and a curved bar front and back, the latter each pierced with a heart, flared arched side-bars pierced with two rows of tall slots beneath a heart, the apex with a box-mount pierced with a heart front and back and with provision for the straps, and the main edges decorated with a file roped design (heavily patinated throughout), 14.8 cm high (2)

Provenance

Bruce Axt Collection

A related pair of stirrups are preserved in the Royal Armouries, Leeds (acc. No. VI.347)

‡ £400-600

193

A RARE IRON BREECH-LOADING CANNON, PROBABLY GERMAN LATE 15TH CENTURY with tapering iron barrel retained by a series of sweated-on robust iron bands, waisted at the breech end to form a nozzle, the latter enclosed by a separate tankard-shaped breech with near rectangular ‘handle’, iron-clad wooden bed formed with a deep channel enclosing the lower half of the barrel and breech, fit ted with three rectangular iron hasps retaining the barrel, each retained by a bolt on the right and with a slotted rivet and wedge on the left, with two iron wedges behind the breech to make a gas tight seal, and an iron securing ring on the top, with brass inventory tag ‘1413’, 36.7 cm; 3.4 cm bore

Provenance

Frank Bivens

‡ £1,500-2,000

194

A GERMAN CRANEQUIN FOR A CROSSBOW, DATED 1539

with clawed ratchet-bar stamped with the date at the top, gearbox with slightly bevelled cover, stamped with a mark (Neue Støckel 2534), chiselled on one side with a six-point star, curved writhen winding bar, turned wood handle with small bone ferrule, cord loop (perhaps early), later belt hook, later copper alloy tab, and circular brass inventory tag ‘1461’, 39.8 cm

Provenance

Frank Bivens

This maker is recorded circa 1561-80 with other examples of his work being preserved in the Museum für Deutsches Geschichte, Berlin, the Nationalmuseet, Copenhagen, and the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, Nuremburg.

‡ £1,000-1,500

195

A VERY FINE SOUTH GERMAN SPORTING CROSSBOW (HALBE RÜSTUNG), DATED 1587

with heavy steel bow retaining its original painted finish comprising a trellis design sown with flowerheads on the front, back, upper and lower edges, early cords, green silk pom-poms and string, iron stirrup, tiller swelling about the nut, inlaid and veneered over much of its surface with engraved staghorn plaques (very small restorations, light wear), the top applied with a large plaque over its entire surface, decorated on the right side with an elaborate contemporary woodland hunting scene ahead of a castle, the owner's coat-of-arms and a herm and further mounted figures, on the left with figurative scenes after Joachim Meyer and a further scene including St Michael slaying the serpent, an amorous couple, scrolling foliage and ball flowers, the bottom engraved with the date around the cocking rod aperture, scrolls, a pair of marine monsters and a niche with the figure of Ceres, fitted with bone nut, a pair of iron lugs for a cranequin, horn bolt-clip, gilt copper alloy backsight, a gilt copper alloy cartouche engraved 'ehrlich zu leben und selig zu sterben' (to live honestly, to die in blessedness), etched trigger-plate, leather-bound writhen iron trigger (small losses), and a gilt copper alloy plaque enclosing the top and butt of the tiller (a working life repair), the string with circular brass inventory tag '1438' and the tiller with another '1365'

Provenance

Frank Bivens

The arms are for a member of the Princes Salm family.

It is likely that the bow was refurbished in the 17th century, at which time the bow was painted, and the pom-poms, string, gilt copper mounts and bolt-clip were fitted. The inclusion of an apparent extract after Joachim Meyer's Art of Combat (Kunst des Fechtens) of 1570 is unusual, perhaps unique, in this context.

‡ £8,000-12,000

196

AN ENGLISH STONEBOW, MID-18TH CENTURY

with slender steel bow (string missing) retained by a pair of irons terminating in a moulded finial at the front and fitted with folding fore-sight behind, slender tiller carved with pair of fluted lines on each face, built-in gaffle retained by a sliding iron ring (the lower portion only of the back-sight remaining), the forward section of the tiller inlaid on the top with an engraved shaped iron panel, a pair of scrolling side-bars, and turned pommel (the iron parts with light pitting), 79.0 cm tiller

Provenance

Martin Retting Collection (acquired circa 1969)

‡ £400-600

197

AN IRON BARREL FROM A HAND CANNON (HACKENBÜCHSE), LATE 15TH CENTURY, PROBABLY GERMAN

formed in three stages with a pierced hook beneath the foreend, flaring at the muzzle and incised with pairs of lines behind and at each end of the breech, the latter struck with a cross mark on top, a recess for a sight and integral pan, tapering to a pierced lug at the rear for a stock, and traces of early red paint (pitted), 91.2 cm overall

For a survey of Hackbutts see Sixl 1900-1902, pp. 163-170 and 264-269, a similar example illustrated p. 269.

‡ £1,500-2,000

A FINE 16 BORE SILESIAN WHEEL-LOCK RIFLED SPORTING CARBINE, TESCHEN, CIRCA

1620-50 with octagonal swamped sighted barrel rifled with seven grooves, etched and gilt over the lower half with a symmetrical design of tightly scrolling tendrils, tang decorated en suite, flat lock retained by two side nails, etched and gilt with a bold design of strapwork and leafy tendrils, fitted with external wheel retained by a pierced bevelled circular bracket, flashguard, sliding pan-cover with button-release, dog and bridle all etched and gilt en suite, double set trigger (the hair trigger missing its lower portion) figured full stock, profusely inlaid over its full surface with scrolling staghorn tendrils and pellets inhabited by running hounds, hares, rabbits, stags and marine monsters, all enriched with engraved mother-of-pearl ball flowers, the butt decorated en suite including cheek-piece decorated with the mounted figure of St George slaying the dragon with a further plaque beneath decorated with a rabbit pursued by a hound on the left and with sliding patchbox-cover inlaid en suite on the right, etched and gilt steel trigger-guard shaped for the fingers, plain trigger-plate, engraved staghorn butt-plate decorated with bouquet centring on a ball flower, engraved bone ramrod-pipes, engraved staghorn fore-end cap, ramrod with bone tip, perhaps the original, and in fine condition throughout (the inlay with minor restorations), 67.5 cm barrel

Provenance

William Goodwin Renwick, sold Sotheby & Co, 21st November 1972, lot 43 (£3,800 to Howard Ricketts)

A carbine decorated in the same manner, including the scene of St George and the dragon on the cheek-piece, is preserved in the Hungarian National Museum, Budapest (inv. nr. 56.5308). See Kruczek 2001, p, 90.

The barrel, lock and trigger-guard are described as somewhat archaic in the Sotheby & Co catalogue, though it is more likely they are earlier and South German, remounted in Silesia.

‡ £8,000-10,000

200

A FINE PAIR OF 20 BORE AUSTRIAN (STYRIAN) FLINTLOCK HOLSTER PISTOLS BY THOMAS WASTL, GRAZ, CIRCA 1700

with swamped sighted barrels signed on the flats and chiselled with foliage towards the muzzles, grotesque masks and a stepped moulding over the breeches, border-engraved tapering tangs with moulded back-sights, stepped bevelled locks signed beneath the pans, inscribed ‘Graz’ between the steel spring, engraved with a pair of scrolls on a punched ground on the tails and with border ornament, fitted with bevelled cocks with finely chiselled necks engraved faceted pans and steels, full stocks carved with a moulding over the fore-ends (repaired), swelling about the rear ramrod-pipe, car ved with foliage beneath the locks and tangs (one cracked on each side of the trigger-guard), burnished steel mounts comprising spurred pommels fitted with grotesque mask caps, open foliate side-plates with monsterhead terminals, crowned escutcheons formed as a crowned pair of fronds each charges with the owners arms, faceted trigger-guard with foliate finials and a pair of faceted ramrod-pipes, horn fore-end caps, and horn-tipped ramrods, perhaps the original, 36.8 cm barrels (2)

The arms are those of the Counts Wildenstein, Styria.

Probably by Thomas Wasterl, recorded circa 1691/2 in Laibach (present day Ljubljana, Slovenia). See Schedelman 1944, p. 37.

‡ £3,000-4,000

201

A FINE PAIR OF 18 BORE FRENCH SILVER-MOUNTED FLINTLOCK HOLSTER PISTOLS BY POITEVIN LAINE A ANGOULEME, NANTES DISCHARGE MARK, 1746

each with blued Spanish barrel formed in two stages, fitted with silver ‘spider’ fore-sight struck with the gold-lined barrelsmith’s mark of Juan Santos (Neue Støckel 982 and 8190) and five decorative gold-lined cross marks, engraved iron tang, stepped bevelled lock signed within a rococo frame, chiselled and engraved en rocaille against a finely mat ted gilt ground, fitted with bevelled cock, top-jaw, faceted pan and steel all engraved and gilt en suite (light wear, very small areas of light pitting), full stock carved with vine fruit and foliage about the rear ramrod-pipe and further foliage about the tang (one fore-end cracked in the ramrod channel), full silver mounts cast and chased en rocaille and retaining traces of gilding, comprising spurred pommel decorated on each side with a cockerel and a lion and fitted with grotesque mask cap, trigger-guard with scrolls and shells on the bow and charged with a crescent on a sunburst ground on the finial, solid side-plate with rococo scrolls and foliage inhabited by a lion, a pair of ramrodpipes, engraved iron trigger-plates, and each with its silver-tipped ramrod, probably the original, 21.2 cm barrels (2)

This maker is recorded in Angouleme and Paris, circa 1745-51 ‡ £1,500-2,000

A RARE PAIR OF 23 BORE FRENCH COLONIAL SILVER-MOUNTED FLINTLOCK PISTOLS SIGNED BOURDICE, ST PIERRE,

MARTINIQUE, CIRCA 1790

each with copper alloy brass barrel formed in two-stages, moulded muzzle, median and breech, the latter finely chiselled with an elaborate classical trophy-of-arms suspended from a garland beneath a sunburst and a thunder cloud, border-engraved iron tang, signed rounded border-engraved copper alloy lock, fitted with moulded cock and copper alloy pan (one cock repaired, top-jaws and screws replaced), figured full stock carved with a bouquet about the tang, full silver mounts comprising spurred pommel finely chased with foliage and engraved with border ornament, side-plate decorated with a central garland on a finely matted ground, trigger-guard chased en suite with the breech and with acorn finial, vacant escutcheon, two ramrod-pipes and one with silvertipped ramrod with worm, probably the original, 17.5 cm barrels (2)

Saint-Pierre had a permanent French fishing settlement established in 1604, subsequently it was exchanged between the French and British several times until restored permanently to France in 1816 under the 1814 Treaty of Paris.

‡ £1,400-1,800

A PAIR OF 25 BORE CONTINENTAL FLINTLOCK HOLSTER PISTOLS, CIRCA 1780 each with tapering sighted barrel inscribed ‘Lazaro Lazarino’ on the slender flat, chiselled with rococo scrolls, shell-ornament and flowers against a gilt ground over the breech (rubbed, gilding worn, engraved tangs, rounded locks inscribed ‘A Paris’ at the front and chiselled and gilt en suite with the breeches (worn), full stocks carved with foliage about the rear ramrod-pipe and the tang, full steel mounts en suite with the breeches including spurred pommels, side-plates trigger-guards with foliate terminals and escutcheons (later ramrods), 23.2 cm barrels (2)

‡ £800-1,000

204

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 with file-fluted details, the steel signed ‘Svpoca’, full stock with near spherical butt, profusely applied with pierced and engraved iron scrollwork and plaques in the Ripoll style, the butt decorated en suite (losses), spurred iron trigger-guard, iron side-plate and iron fore-end cap (later ramrod), 19.5 cm

A closely related pistol is preserved in the Museo Ejercito, Madrid. See Lavin 1965, p. 251, illus 113a.

‡ £600-800

205

A 22 BORE LIEGOIS PERCUSSION LONG HOLSTER PISTOL BY H. DEVILLERS, CIRCA 1740

converted from flintlock, with blued swamped sighted barrel formed with a long flat, engraved with strapwork at the breech, engraved tang, signed engraved stepped bevelled lock (rubbed), fitted with hammer and German style nipple safetycatch, highly figured rootwood full stock moulded about the rear ramrod-pipe and the tang (fore-end cracked), gilt copper alloy mounts cast and chased with trophies-of-arms, comprising spurred pommel, trigger-guard with baluster finial, solid side-plate, escutcheon and two ramrod-pipes, and gilt copper alloy fore-end cap (later ramrod), 30.1 cm barrel

‡ £600-800

206

A 40 BORE CENTRAL ITALIAN SNAPHAUNCE

HOLSTER PISTOL, CIRCA 1720

with tapering barrel formed in two stages, engraved with a scroll and moulded at the median, engraved tang, flat lock retained by two side nails, inscribed ‘G*’ on the inside, finely engraved with scrolls, flowers and foliage and chased with a demon mask in low relief on the tail, fitted with engraved and chiselled cock and battery en suite, rectangular pan with sliding cover, highly figured full stock carved with dense scrolls of foliage over the fore-end, further foliage about the tang and on the butt, engraved and chiselled steel mounts comprising spurred pommel decorated with a demon mask on each side and the cap set with a further mask, flat openwork side-plate engraved with demi-figures and foliage with a monsterhead terminal, trigger-guard with a mask on the bow and openwork finial, a pair of ramrod-pipes, and openwork escutcheon, 26.5 cm barrel

Provenance

Waldo (Bill) Gower

‡ £1,000-1,500

207

AN 18 BORE NEAPOLITAN MIQUELET-LOCK

HOLSTER

PISTOL

SIGNED

A.B.

PENZA, DATED 1776 with swamped barrel formed in two stages, chiselled with foliage at the median, octagonal breech struck with the barrelsmith’s mark of J. Pedro Esteva of Barcelona (Neue Støckel 7368 and 7369) lined in gold (losses), engraved tang, signed flat bevelled lock engraved with border ornament, dated steel, full stock moulded over the fore-end (repaired), carved with foliage about the rear ramrod-pipe, tang and lock (rubbed), full copper alloy mounts comprising spurred faceted pommel engraved with scrolls, border ornament and finely chiselled with a portrait bust cap, openwork side-plate, trigger-guard with foliate finial, faceted ramrod-pipe, a slender band at the fore-end, and iron ramrod, perhaps the original, 33.0 cm barrel

Probably by a member of the Penza family recorded in Naples circa 1700-50. ‡ £700-1,000

208

AN 18 BORE FLINTLOCK TURN-OFF PISTOL BY JAMES FREEMAN, LONDON, CIRCA 1730

with cannon barrel, engraved faceted breech inscribed ‘London’ on top, signed in full, struck with barrelsmiths mark, London view and proof marks beneath, and decorated with border ornament and st ylised flowerheads, engraved separate tang, side-action with rounded cock and steel engraved en suite, figured walnut butt carved with a raised moulding about the tang (repaired, inset with an early iron plaque on each side), cast and chased silver grotesque mask pommel, vacant foliate escutcheon, and sliding iron trigger-guard safety-catch (the iron parts with light pitting), 11.5 cm barrel

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 Blackmore 1986, p. 96.

‡ £700-900

EUROPEAN EDGED WEAPONS

VARIOUS OWNERS

209

A SABRE, POSSIBLY HUNGARIAN LATE 15TH CENTURY

with broad curved blade double-edged towards the point (small chips), iron hilt comprising a pair of horizontally recurved fluted quillons swelling towards the terminals, long flat rectangular-section tang, and square pommel with clipped corners, formed with a pronounced central boss front and back (extensively pitted, the surface now grey throughout), 93.9 cm blade

For a discussion of this group of swords see Kálmar 1935-36, pp. 150-155.

£700-1,000

A NORTH EUROPEAN RAPIER, EARLY 17TH CENTURY, WITH SILVER-ENCRUSTED HILT, 17TH CENTURY AND LATER

with tapering blade of flattened-hexagonal section, signed ‘Maderet’ within a slender fuller on each face, iron hilt of flattened bars, comprising a pair of vertically recurved quillons with triangular terminals with bud-shaped finials, outer ringguard, inner-guard with thumb-ring, flattened pear-shaped pommel, the principal bars encrusted with silver including a running pattern of foliage, fish on the quillon terminals, a dragon slayed by an armoured figure on one face of the pommel and the hound Cerberus on the reverse, and pommel the grip bound with plaited wire between ‘Turk’s Heads’, 90.7 cm blade

Provenance

The Lord Astor of Hever, sold Sotheby’s, 5th May 1983, lot 129

‡ £5,000-8,000

A COMPOSITE RAPIER, EARLY 17TH CENTURY, PROBABLY ITALIAN

with associated blade of flattened-diamond section, signed ‘Monte En Toledo’ between a series of decorative marks within a pair of short fullers on each face, rectangular ricasso inscribed ‘Picinino’ in an oval around a shield on each face, iron hilt of rounded bars including straight quillons with spirallyfluted bud-shaped terminals, three outer ring-guards each interrupted with a central moulding en suite with the quillon terminals, the upper most with an additional moulding either side and joined at the top to the knuckle-guard, knuckle-guard en suite, four-part inner-guard, spirally-fluted pommel, and later moulded iron grip, the principle bars decorated with punched scrolls and traces of gold and silver decoration, 117.5 cm blade Provenance

Prince Peter Soltykoff, Paris

William H. Riggs, included in his bequest to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1913

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, sold Sotheby’s New York, 31 January 1997, lot 444.

‡ £5,000-8,000

A FINE ENGLISH SMALL-SWORD WITH CUT-STEEL HILT, THE BLADE SIGNED FIRMIN & SONS, 153 STRAND, CIRCA 1780-90

with slender tapering hollow-triangular blade etched and gilt with scrolls, flowers and foliage on a blued panel over the forte and etched ‘Firmin & Sons, 153 Strand’ in a shield, the hilt formed with numerous burnished steel beads of differing sizes and cut in imitation of brilliants, including oval shell-guard formed of an alternating arrangement of rondels and ovals enclosing the centre, quillon with circular terminal, knuckleguard cut with beadwork borders enclosing graduated patterns of beads centring on an oval framed by a pair of flowerheads, urn-shaped pommel and grip decorated en suite (the guard slightly bent in places and with soldered repairs, small losses), in its vellum-covered wooden scabbard with burnished steel mounts comprising chape, locket and middle-band, the latter two each with a ring for suspension, 80.0 cm blade

The hilt was possibly made in Matthew Boulton’s Soho Works, Birmingham and supplied to Firmin for mounting. Firmin & Sons Ltd were established by Thomas Firmin (1632- circa 1677). In 1760 they are recorded at the Wheatsheaf, near Somerset House, Strand, later known as 153 Strand where they remained until 1894. For related hilts made in Boulton’s works see Southwick 2022, pp. 4-29.

£2,500-3,500

A FRENCH SMALL-SWORD WITH CHISELLED AND GILT IRON HILT, CIRCA 1760

with hollow-triangular blade engraved and gilt with scrolls, a trophy-of-arms and with some blued finish over the lower portion, engraved with the letter ‘W’ at the forte, chiselled iron hilt comprising double shell-guard, quillon with globular terminal, knuckle-guard and pommel all decorated with differing trophies-of-arms, scrolls and flowers against a finely matted gilt ground (worn, areas of light pitting), and the grip bound with plaited silver wire and ribband between ‘Turk’s heads’, in its wooden scabbard with locket decorated en suite (the lower portion of the scabbard and the chape missing, 81.2 cm blade

£500-700

A RARE GERMAN COMBINED HUNTING SWORD AND FLINTLOCK PISTOL, CIRCA 1750

with fullered blade double-edged towards the point, the outer face fitted with a two-stage turn-off cannon barrel at the forte, down-turned scalloped shell-guard, knuckle-guard, scalloped cap pommel, and natural staghorn grip, perhaps the original, incorporating the action (patinated throughout, the hilt with restorations), 63.0 cm blade

£500-700

A LEFT-HAND DAGGER, EARLY 17TH CENTURY PROBABLY GERMAN

with robust tapering blade of hollow-diamond section, iron hilt cut with a fine chequered design (perhaps later) over almost its entire surface, comprising drooped quillons with budshaped terminals, outer ring-guard, near spherical pommel, and the grip with a later wire binding between ‘Turk’s Heads’, 27.3 cm blade

‡ £2,500-3,000

A FINE AND RARE LARGE FOLDING KNIFE FOR EXHIBITION, LOCKWOOD BROTHERS, SHEFFIELD, SECOND HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY

with seventeen folding blades and implements, including three blades stamped ‘Lockwood Brothers’ divided by an engraved running rhea above ‘Pampa’, stamped ‘Lockwood Brothers Sheffield’ at the base and with the letters ‘CX’ divided by a pair of vertically arranged crosses, button hook, saw, awl, bodkin and gauge, ivory scales retained by six rivets with German silver caps, one face with vacant shield-shaped escutcheon, German silver terminals and remaining in fine condition throughout, 21.2 cm (closed)

Provenance

David Hayden-Wright (1936-2006)

Literature

David Hayden-Wright, The Heritage of English Knives, Atglen, Pennsylvania, 2008, p. 80.

The apparent founder of Lockwood Brother Ltd was John Lock wood of Ecclesfield, who was apprenticed to file maker John Burgin and became a Freeman in 1767, when he was assigned the mark ‘CX’. His two sons were John Lockwood Jun. (1769-1856) and William Lockwood (1775-1829). The latter moved to Sheffield in the 1790s and, in 1803, married Ann Sorby, linking his family to the local tool making dynasty. They had four sons, William (1806-1873), John (1813-1876), Joseph (1815-1902), and Charles (1822-1872). In 1817, Lockwood & Sorby are recorded as factors in Arundel Street and merchants and file manufacturers in 1822. William died in 1829 and his four sons who became the ‘Lockwood brothers’ ultimately continued the business, first recorded 1837. In 1861 Lockwoods employed 500 staff and in 1865 they expanded their premises at Arundel Street. The enterprise became more closely involved in cutlery and trade catalogues show a wide range of knives and pocket cutlery with an emphasis on complicated sportsman’s patterns, hunting and skinning knives. By 1862 German counterfeiting had forced the company to adopt another mark: a Pampas rhea with the words ‘REAL KNIFE’ and ‘PAMPA’. The firm’s main trade mark was ‘C:X’. Lockwood’s also acquired a Maltese cross ‘L’ mark. Three of the Lockwood brothers died in the early 1870s: Charles (1872), William (1873), and John (1876). Joseph continued the business and around 1891 they became a limited company. By the First World War, Lockwood’s was in decline and losing money, in 1919 it became par t of Sheffield Cutlery Manufacturers Ltd and were acquired by Elliott in 1927.

This lot is offered with UK Ivory Act 2018 certificate number BW4EHTWG. £3,000-4,000

217

A LARGE MULTI-BLADED COACHKNIFE FOR EXHIBITON, GEORGE WOSTENHOLM & SONS, SHEFFIELD, LATE 19TH CENTURY

with thirty two finely polished folding blades and implements, including files, screwdriver, button hook, gimlet borer, corkscrew, ivory budding blade, saw, comb and scissors, the spatula blade engraved ‘Geo. Wostenholm & Sons, Sole Manufacturers of the Real I.XLCutlery’ on a scroll, clip-point blade engraved ‘none are genuine but those marked I.XL’ above a scroll and spearpoint blade stamped ‘Oil the joints’, a pair of ivory scales retained by four rivets (small age cracks), German silver loop, and five accompanying implements comprising German silver tweezers, fork ‘Rustless Ruler’ signed ‘Chesterman, Sheffield no. 891’, tortoiseshell-mounted silver picks and fleams, 19.0 cm (closed)

Provenance

David Hayden-Wright (1936-2006)

Literature

David Hayden-Wright, The Heritage of English Knives, Atglen, Pennsylvania, 2008, p.81.

It is likely that the founder was George Wolstenholme (1775-1833), a fork maker at Thomas Lane. Apprenticed to John Micklethwaite, a cutler, in 1790 and granted his Freedom in 1799, George later moved to Broad Lane where he made spring knives. He was first listed in a Sheffield directory in 1816 as a pen and pocket knife manufacturer at Rockingham Street, where he had registered a silver mark in 1809. His workshops expanded to become Rockingham Works and he apparently shortened his name to ‘Wostenholm’ to facilitate its stamping on blades. His son, George Wostenholm (18021876) was apprenticed to his father and they are described in 1825 as ‘George Wolstenholme & Son, manufacturers of table knives, and fork s, pen, pocket, and sportsman’s knives, and general dealers in cutlery, 78 Rockingham Street’. George Wostenholm became a Freeman in 1826, a practical cutler and a dynamic salesman he found scope for his prodigious energy in America where, in 1830, the father and son launched a partnership with William Stenton, an experienced cutlery merchant. However, this did not last and the partnership was dissolved the following year when they were also granted their trademark ‘I*XL. ‘, bought by George Senior in 1826 and originally granted to William Aldam Smith in 1787. In 1833 George Senior died and the business continued under his son who opened a New York office in 1844, and by the middle of the century had agents in Philadelphia and Boston. America was the ideal market with its expanding frontier and enormous demand for folding knives, razors, and weapons. The firm’s trade became almost exclusively American and Wostenholm made little attempt to nurture other markets. In 1848 the Washington Works was acquired and American orders continued to roll in. The workforce increased significantly to 850 in 1861, having been around a hundred or so in the1830s. At the Great Exhibition in 1851 Wostenholm displayed a set of ornate sheath knives, including one commissioned from the well-known artist Alfred Stevens. The company also displayed a collection of exhibition multi-blades. The display won a Prize Medal for Wostenholm. The firm also carried off prize medals at exhibitions in Paris (1855) and London (1862). George Wostenholm had remarkable stamina. In early 1869, in his late sixties, he set off for a tour of Europe and in October the same year he made another trip to New York. In 1872, he again visited New York . He was active until the end, though he sold out to his business associates in 1875, when Wostenholm’s became a limited liability company. George Wostenholm died in 1876, aged 74 and left a remarkable fortune of nearly £250,000. The new company chairman and directors had little or no experience of the cutler y trade. Initially, Wostenholm’s continued to make good profit but the McKinley Tariff of 1890 raised the duties on their American exports to unprecedented heights and caused a crisis. Wostenholm’s refused to abandon the American trade and maintained an unprofitable New York office open until the early 1930s while tey had little success breaking into the Australian and other markets. In the early 20th century they opposed machine technolog y and consequently were in decline a decade before the First World War.

This lot is offered with UK Ivory Act 2018 certificate number IF3D6KY9.

£2,000-3,000

218

A SALESMAN’S DISPLAY OF TWENTY-SIX POCKET KNIVES, LOCKWOOD BROTHERS, SHEFFIELD, LATE 19TH/EARLY 20TH CENTURY

each struck with the maker’s details at the ricasso, including eleven with ‘Real Pampa’ blades; the remainder by various makers including Lockwood, Elliott and Allen, fourteen with ivory or ivorine scales, six with natural staghorn scales, three with tortoiseshell scales, one with polished horn scales and one with wooden scales, mounted on board with stock numbers in ink and the makers details in gilt letters, with cover, 40.8 x 35.5 cm

Provenance

David Hayden-Wright (1936-2006)

Literature

David Hayden-Wright, The Heritage of English Knives, Atglen, Pennsylvania, 2008, p. 200.

The apparent founder of Lockwood Brothers Ltd was John Lockwood of Ecclesfield, who was apprenticed to file maker John Burgin and became a Freeman in 1767, when he was assigned the mark ‘CX’. In 1861 Lockwoods employed 500 staff and in 1865 they expanded their premises at Arundel Street. The enterprise became more closely involved in cutlery and trade catalogues show a wide range of knives and pocket cutlery with an emphasis on complicated sportsman’s patterns, hunting and skinning knives. By 1862 German counterfeiting had forced the company to adopt another mark: a Pampas rhea with the words ‘REAL KNIFE’ and ‘PAMPA’. The firm’s main trade mark was ‘C:X’. Lockwood’s also acquired a Maltese cross ‘L’ mark.

This lot is offered with UK Ivory Act 2018 certificate number HNFUP6XT.

£400-500

219

A SALESMAN’S DISPLAY OF TWENTY POCKET KNIVES, JOSEPH ELLIOT & SONS, SHEFFIELD, LATE 19TH/EARLY 20TH CENTURY

each with three folding blades, struck with various maker’s details including at the ricasso, comprising eight with ivory or ivorine scales, one with tortoiseshell scales, two with mother-of-pearl scales, eight with natural staghorn scales, and one with polished horn scales, mounted on board with stock reference numbers in ink and the makers details, with cover labelled ’card no. 3, 3 blades’, 35.5 cm x 23.5 cm

Provenance

David Hayden-Wright (1936-2006)

Literature

David Hayden-Wright, The Heritage of English Knives, Atglen, Pennsylvania, 2008, p. 205.

This lot is offered with UK Ivory Act 2018 certificate number KOVFP9GZ.

£400-500

220

A FOLDING BOWIE KNIFE FOR THE AMERICAN MARKET, SPENCER, LONDON, CIRCA 1870

with folding blade formed with a long clipped-back point, inscribed ‘of the best quality’ in capital letters and signed at the ricasso ‘Spencer, London’ on one face (areas of light pitting and wear), German silver foliate cross-guard, German silver pommel formed as a horsehead on a field gun, copper alloy fillets, sprung lock on the back, ivory grip-scales (small chips) retained by four rivets and a vacant rectangular German silver escutcheon on one face, 15.0 cm (closed)

Provenance

David Hayden-Wright (1936-2006)

Literature

David Hayden-Wright, The Heritage of English Knives, Atglen, Pennsylvania, 2008, p. 239. Hayden-Wright (op. cit) suggests that this was Sheffield made by Wragg or Lindgard, and signed by the London retailer, Spencer.

This lot is offered with UK Ivory Act 2018 certificate number O1VN27ER.

£1,000-1,500

221

A BOWIE KNIFE FOR THE EASTERN MARKET, JOSEPH RODGERS & SONS, 6 NORFOLK ST., SHEFFIELD, LATE 19TH CENTURY

with straight burnished blade formed with a double-edged point and writhen back-edge accompanied by a long slender fuller on each face, signed on one face and with cross and star mark, rectangular ricasso, engraved silver ferrule decorated with foliage on a punched ground, pommel en suite, thick silver knuckle-chain and dark ivor y tusk grip, in its silver-mounted leather scabbard (perhaps associated) with chape and locket, the latter with long belt hook chased with a feather design, 23.0 cm blade

Provenance

David Hayden-Wright (1936-2006)

Literature

David Hayden-Wright, The Heritage of English Knives, Atglen, Pennsylvania, 2008, p. 263.

In the nineteenth century, Rodgers had an unsurpassed reputation and history that was synonymous with the cutlery trade. The family’s first cutler, John Rodgers (1701-85), is recorded around 1724, with a workshop near the present cathedral. In the same year, the Company of Cutlers ‘let’ him a mark , a Star and Maltese Cross, which became world famous in later years. Rodgers began the production of exhibition and presentation pieces in the early 19th century. The McKinley Tariff Act of 1890 halved their American business and consequently they sought to grow their business in other parts of the world, the present dagger was no doubt made for The Eastern Market. Hayden-Wright states that the present dagger is similar to that illustrated in the Rodgers cataloguing, p. 990. p. 56.

This lot is offered with UK Ivory Act 2018 certificate number 93T54AMN.

£500-700

222

A FINE IVORY-AND GERMAN SILVER-MOUNTED DAGGER (JAMBIYA) FOR THE NORTH AFRICAN OR MIDDLE EASTERN MARKET,

JOSEPH RODGERS & SONS, 6 NORFOLK STREET, SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND, LATE 19TH CENTURY with curved double-edged blade of flattened hollow-diamond section signed on one face in block capital letters on a large frosted panel and the edges retaining much original polish, copper alloy hilt fitted with moulded German silver ferrule, a pair of shaped ivory grip-scales retained by five rivets, in its German silver-mounted leather-covered wooden scabbard with shaped chape and moulded locket, 19.0 cm blade

Provenance

David Hayden-Wright (1936-2006)

Literature

David Hayden-Wright, The Heritage of English Knives, Atglen, Pennsylvania, 2008, p. 101

See footnote to previous lot. The present dagger was no doubt made for the market in North Africa or the Middle East. This lot is offered with UK Ivory Act certificate number 18VYTQFB.

£250-300

A RARE COMBINED 140 BORE IVORY-MOUNTED PERCUSSION PISTOL AND CUTLERY SET, STIRLING, BURNLEY, CIRCA 1880

with blued octagonal sighted barrel signed within a scrollwork frame and engraved with further scrolls over the breech, engraved hammer and back-strap, gilt copper alloy fillets, a pair of ivory grip-scales on each side of the butt, the fore-end with a further ivory fillet on each side with folding knife and fork respectively, the latter fit ted over the fore-end sides with a pair of key-hole slots acting on studs: in lined and fitted case veneered in rosewood, complete with bullet mould, powder-flask, ivory cap flask (cracked) and rammer with engraved separate head, 8.5 cm barrel

Provenance

David Hayden-Wright (1936-2006)

Literature

David Hayden-Wright, The Heritage of English Knives, Atglen, Pennsylvania, 2008, p. 105. For other examples see Winant 1965, pp. 122-125. This lot is offered with UK Ivory Act 2018 certificate number SDT9CU7O.

£300-500

A CENTRAL EUROPEAN WAR HAMMER, EARLY 17TH CENTURY, GERMAN, HUNGARIAN OR POLISH

with square hammer-head with moulded stem, shaped socket with a vertical flute on each face, bearded axe-head with slightly curved leading edge (small chips), punched with a flowerhead on each face, early wooden haft (cracked), and spiked iron shoe, 90.5 cm overall

‡ £1,500-2,000

225

A STYRIAN HALBERD, LAST QUARTER OF THE 16TH CENTURY

with long tapering terminal spike of diamond section, forward-leaning curved axe-blade pierced with three slipped quatrefoils, rear fluke pierced en suite, stamped with a mark, a medieval sword hilt, and with three pellets arranged vertically, short tapering socket, and a pair of long straps, on a wooden haft fitted with an additional pair of straps, 107.0 cm head

A halberd struck with same mark is preserved in the Styrian Zeughaus, Graz, see Pichler 1880, plate XXVII, fig. 1. £300-500

A NAVAL OFFICER’S SWORD, PROSSER, MAKER TO H.R.H. THE KING, THE LORD HIGH ADMIRAL, CHARING CROSS, CIRCA 1828, PROBABLY THAT OF WILLIAM, 8TH EARL WALDEGRAVE (1788-1859)

of regulation type, with pipe-backed blade formed with a pronounced hatchet point, etched with the crowned Royal arms, fouled anchor and the maker’s details at the forte, gilt copper alloy hilt with fouled anchor and fixed side-guard, wirebound sharkskin-covered grip with the Royal arms on the front and the owner’s arms including a label of three points on the reverse, sword knot (worn), in its copper alloy mounted leather scabbard (seam opening), with signed locket, two rings for suspension and two belt mounts, 77.8 cm blade

Provenance

Montague Waldegrave, 5th Baron Radstock (1867-1953)

The arms are those of the Earls of Waldegrave, almost certainly William, 8th Earl Waldegrave (1788-1859).

Waldegrave entered the Royal Navy as a first-class boy on board the Theseus, August 1801 then, two years afterwards having attained the rating of midshipman went to the Medusa and was in that vessel when its Captain, Sir John Gore, captured three Spanish frigates laden with treasure, and destroyed a fourth, off Cape St. Mary, in 1804. Waldegrave became a Lieutenant on the 29th of July, 1806, and was appointed to the famous Ville de Paris, 110 guns, bearing the flag of the illustrious Lord Collingwood, and forming part of the squadron with which his Lordship was clearing the seas of the remains of the enemy after the victory of Trafalgar. Waldegrave behaved so well at the destruction of the French armed store-ships, defended by numerous strong batteries, in the Bay of Rosas, that he was mentioned with high commendation in Lord Collingwood’s public letter, and he bore the despatches home. In March 1809, when Waldegrave was serving in the Mediterranean as a lieutenant under Lord Collingwood, his mother, niece to George III by her own mother’s second marriage, reminded the King of a promise, made in 1789 on the death of her husband, ‘that my children should never want a father while you lived’, and requested his intervention to secure her son’s advancement. The late Lord Cornwallis wrote to her ‘I have the satisfaction to assure you that William is a most promising youth, and that it is the opinion not only of his superior officers but likewise of his contemporaries, that he will make a distinguished figure in his profession.’ He was promoted to the rank of commander at the end of the year after distinguishing himself in action in the Bay of Rosas, and later served as a captain on the Lisbon station. Waldegrave commanded the Revenge at the siege of Acre in 1840; and was in 1841 senior officer in the Bay of Tunis, with the Ganges, and the Implacable. He was pensioned from the vessel in 1842, and returned to England in March of the same year. On the 1st of October, 1846, he accepted the rank of Retired Rear-Admiral. During September of that year, he succeeded his nephew to become Eighth Earl Waldegrave.

£300-500

227

A VICTORIAN BANDSMAN’S SWORD, LATE 19TH CENTURY

with curved single-edged blade, brass hilt cast and chased in low relief, comprising straight quillons with bud-shaped terminals, tall faceted grip rising to a maned lionhead pommel and knuckle chain, in it brass scabbard with two suspension rings, stamped at the mouth ‘2nd W. India’, 71.0 cm blade

£350-450

A GEORGIAN GRENADIER GUARD OFFICER’S SABRE, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

with curved blade double-edged towards the point, etched and gilt with scrolls, foliage, crowned GR cypher, a grenadier, and ‘warranted’ on one face and with the crowned Royal Arms and the maker’s details ‘Cooper & Craven’ on the other, gilt brass hilt comprising knuckle-guard, outer-guard involving two scrolling bars and lion’s head pommel, chequered ivory grip (small cracks), in its brass-mounted leather scabbard, the locket and chape each with a ring for suspension, 74.5 cm blade

£1,200-1,500

A NORTH EUROPEAN HARQUEBUSIER’S BREASTPLATE, MID-17TH CENTURY, PROBABLY DUTCH

of heavy construction, formed with a medial ridge, a V-shaped waist-line, a raised neck-opening and an outward-flanged lower edge, each side of the chest fitted with a stud for the attachment of a shoulder-strap, the right of the belly bearing a shallow proof-mark of a bullet, the edges finished with plain turns, the arms opening, waist flange and medial ridge all bordered by double incised lines, with later copper alloy lining rivets throughout (three missing, areas of pitting, worn), the inside reinforced with a contemporary iron plate rivetted over the greater part of its surface, 37.0 cm high

The reinforce on the inside appears to be contemporary, perhaps an emulation of duplex construction. See de Reuck et al 2005 pp. 5-26. £500-700

A NORTH ITALIAN CLOSE HELMET, FIRST QUARTER OF THE 17TH CENTURY with rounded one-piece skull rising to a low file-roped medial ridge, peak, upper bevor and bevor attached to the skull by common pivots (replaced), the peak rounded at its front, the upper bevor formed with a central division and at its right side with nine circular ventilation holes in rosette-formation, the bevor shaped to the chin, cut with a U-shaped face-opening, and fitted at the right cheek, with a swivel-hook to secure a pierced stud at the upper bevor, the lower edge of the skull and bevor each flanged outwards to receive a single deep gorget-plate (the rear plate holed), and the main edges of the helmet formed with file roped inward turns, decorated throughout with incised lines (its surfaces bearing a light, mottled patina overall), 28.0 cm high ‡ £4,000-6,000

MILITARIA

231

A VICTORIAN EARLY FOREIGN SERVICE HELMET AND UNIFORM OF PRINCE ALFRED’S GUARD (BANDSMAN)

the well-made helmet, believed to be late 19th Century, with a brass chin-chain (the lining partially detached) and spike on a domed base, 6-fold puggaree and roan leather internal headband; a scarlet tunic with blue facings and white piping to cuffs, skirt-slashes and backseams, brass buttons and regimental collar-badges, red shoulder-straps, embroidered with the regimental title, and bandsman’s wings, white belts, the shoulder-belt holding a music-pouch (badge absent), and the waist-belt clasp with ornate brass loops and KC centre

£350-450

232

A LATE VICTORIAN OFFICER’S HELMET OF THE HAMPSHIRE CARABINIERS

a fine example of Dragoon pattern, with white metal skull and gilt fittings, with white horsehair plume in a gilt metal socket with crosspiece base, frontal star with plain white metal rays, mounted with a QVC above a white metal rose within an oval gilt strap inscribed HAMPSHIRE YEOMANRY, quilted silk lining (slightly frayed)

£500-700

A RARE BLAKESLEE PATENT CARTRIDGE BOX

COMPLETE WITH TEN METAL TUBES, CIRCA 1865-70 with leather-covered wooden core of hexagonal-section, embossed ‘BLAKESLEE’S CARTRIDGE BOX’ in an arch over ‘U.S./PAT’D DEC 20 1864/REISSUED FEB 7 1865’ and ‘W. H. WILKINSON MAKER SPRINGFIELD MASS. U. S.’, with hinged lid (cover tab incomplete), two metal suspension loops, strap, and the interior with ten tubes each for seven cartridges, 31.0 cm high

Erastus Blakeslee, of Plymouth, Connecticut patented his cartridge box 20th December 1864. It was made in three different sizes, holding six, ten or thirteen tubes each filled with seven metallic cartridges for the Spencer carbine. The cartridge boxes were cumbersome and the Civil War ended before significant numbers were delivered, they saw little use after this time.

£1,500-2,000

234

LEBLOND, GUILLAUME

Traité de l’artillerie, ou des Armes et Machines en usage a la Guerre, depuis l’invention de la Poudre, Paris, 1753

octavo (204 x 130 mm), later leather-covered boards, 15 folding engraved plates (worn, foxing)

This lot is sold not subject to return £300-400

235

AMMAN, JOST

Kunstbüchlin : Darinnen neben Fürbildung vieler, geistlicher vnnd weltlicher, hohes vnd niderstands Personen, so dann auch der Türkischen Käyser unnd derselben obersten allerhande kunstreiche Stück vnnd Figuren : auch die sieben Planeten, zehen alter Rittmeister vnnd Befelchshaber, Reuteren vnd Contrafactur der Pferde, allerlen Thurnier, Fechten vnd dann erliche Helm vnd Helmdecken begriffen : Alles auff das zierlicht vnd künstlichst gerissen. Frankfurt 1599

Octavo (203 x 152 mm), engraved vignette on title, title in red and black, engraved frontispiece (dated 1578) laid down, 293 engraved plates, 5 with later hand-colouring, ’F. S. Ferguson’ bookplate on front pastedown, contemporary vellum, preserved in modern dop-backed box with gilt title and date (some wear and foxing, small tears), the final page with later inscriptions of seven sets of initials with pencilled attributions

This lot is sold not subject to return Jost Amman (1539-1591), a painter and print maker, was born in Zurich and became one of the most prolific and skilled book illustrators of the 16th century. The present work is the first complete edition of this model book for painters, designers, copyists and numerous other craftsmen including gunstockers and other decorators of arms and armour. It includes designs of mythological and classical compositions, the ages of man and woman, heads of bishops, Turkish Emperors, Commanders, Captains, scenes from the joust, horses, and designs for shields. Amman moved to Nuremburg around 1560-61 where he worked for the rest of his life.

£4,000-6,000

236

A GERMAN SPORTING STONEBOW (SCHNEPPER), EARLY 17TH CENTURY

with slender steel bow fitted with later string, a pair of foresight pillars, built-in gaffle retained by a spring-catch at the rear, stamped with the maker’s mark (Neue Støckel 3133), domed lever terminal, fruitwood tiller (cracked) carved with a scroll, incised with linear patterns and punched ornament and inset with an oval bone plaque on the left, 64.5cm tiller

This prolific maker’s work is represented in the Museum Für Deutsches Geschichte, Berlin; the Germanisches Museum, Nuremburg; the Tøjhusmuseet and National Museet, Copenhagen; and a number of European ancestral collections.

£800-1,200

237

AN ITALIAN STONEBOW,

17TH/18TH CENTURY

with slender steel bow retained by a pair of moulded irons, carved hardwood tiller of characteristic form, decorated with slender panels of ropework, the rear portion incorporating a scroll and with bevelled edges, turned knop-shaped finial, fitted with moulded steel trigger operating the string release, moulded steel back-sight, and fixed two prong fore-sight (areas of wear, adapted for display), 73.5 cm tiller

Provenance

Sold in this room, 4th December 2013, lot 375

£500-700

238

A FLEMISH TARGET CROSSBOW, LATE 17TH/18TH CENTURY

with robust steel bow stamped with three star marks on the inside and a further mark, retained by a pair of moulded irons with shaped finials, later string, walnut tiller with flaring rest of characteristic form, applied with a large brass panel of shaped outline on each side of the nut cavity, fitted with later steel cord release, later nut, double set trigger, brass lined bolt channel, brass trigger-guard, heart-shaped iron stirrup (bent), and the rear of the tiller fitted with an adjustable steel rest (losses), 96.0 cm tiller

239

A GERMAN SPORTING CROSSBOW, CIRCA 1750 with slender steel bow (string missing), retained by early cords and multi-coloured pom-poms, figured tiller (repaired worm damage), extensively inlaid with engraved staghorn plaques decorated with foliage, flowers and, on the right of the cheekpiece with a coat-of-arms (extensive restorations), the top with engraved bolt channel, fitted with iron stirrup, faceted iron string release catch, set trigger (incomplete), and iron trigger-guard, 65.8 cm tiller

£600-800

Provenance

Anderson Galleries Inc., New York, 16th March 1927, lot 313 John Woodman Higgins Armory (inv. no. 196), sold in this room 20th March 2013, lot 451

£300-400

AN ENGLISH STONEBOW BY BARKER, WIGAN, CIRCA 1780

with steel bow fitted with a later string of bound cord with spacers, retained by a pair of shaped steel plates drawn-out to a moulded finial at the front and extending over the forward portion of the tiller, sprung folding fore-sight, figured walnut tiller of gun stock form, engraved built-in gaffle (cleaned) signed folding back-sight, steel side-plates of shaped outline, numbered butt-plate (rubbed) and the top of the tiller inlaid with a shaped steel plate (the steel parts with areas of pitting, cleaned) 74.3 cm

£600-800

241

A MAHOGANY GUN CASE FOR A D.B. SPORTING GUN BY RICHARD BURNAND, NEWCASTLE, CIRCA 1850

the exterior with flush-fitting copper alloy carrying handle and mounts, the interior fitted, lined in blue baize, the lid applied with trade label, provision for 30 5/8 in barrels, with old bottle and patchbox, and complete with its leather outer with straps and carrying handle, 83.0 cm

Richard Burnand is recorded at three different addresses on Pilgrim Street, Newcastle, 1843-86. He was apparently taught by William Greener.

£500-700

242

A RUSSIAN POWDER HORN, DATED 1855

of polished cow horn, inscribed ‘Sebastopol 1855’, fitted with brass nozzle with spring cut-off, shaped brass basal cap fitted with a wooden stopper, and two iron rings for suspension, 39 cm

£300-500

A SOUTH GERMAN (BLACK FOREST) POWDER FLASK, 19TH CENTURY

of dark cameo-carved stag horn, the outer face decorated with a stag set upon by hounds pursued by a mounted hunter in contemporary dress, turned threaded nozzle decorated en suite, a pair of silver oak foliage suspension mounts, and early suspension cord, 18.5 cm overall

£350-450

EUROPEAN AND AMERICAN FIREARMS

PROPERTY FROM AN IMPORTANT PRIVATE COLLECTION

244 AN EXCEPTIONAL, PROBABLY UNIQUE, FRENCH GOLD-MOUNTED FLINTLOCK DUCK GUN BY BOUTET A VERSAILLES, MARKED FOR JEAN MASSON, CIRCA 1805-09, FOR PRESENTATION TO A NORTH AFRICAN OR EASTERN RULER

with very long lightly swamped barrel decorated over the greater part of its surface with a finely punched ground sown with minute gold stars, the muzzle with a gilt panel of trellis filled with an expanded flowerhead and acanthus foliage ahead of a gilt neoclassical shell, conventional foliage, a star, crescent and garland, silver bead fore-sight on a gold shell, a pair of Ottoman tassels each rising from a crescent, the lower third decorated in gold with stars, crescents, an elaborate flaming grenade, acanthus foliage, a sunburst, garland, bound lances, a quiver of three arrows framed by olive foliage, the breech section engraved and gilt with arrows enclosing a diamond shaped panel of crescents and stars, a raised panel with a spray of palmet te centring on the barrelsmith’s stamp of Jean Leclerc (Neue Støckel 179), gold-lined vent and breech section ahead of the pan (the gold with small losses), integral tang punched and gilt en suite with the barrel, blued stepped bevelled lock, signed ‘Boutet’ and ‘A Versailles’ on the upper and lower edges at the front on each side of the steel spring, encrusted with gold foliage on the tail, a shield and a quiver of arrows beneath the pan, the inside blued, stamped ‘P4’ and with burnished fittings and springs, fitted with blued bevelled cock encrusted with a gold cornucopia, and, on the top-jaw, with a thundercloud charged with a crescent, steel encrusted in gold with a further cornucopia, semi-rainproof pan lined with gold, roller, and delicately filed steel spring (the bluing faded in parts), full stock profusely inlaid with finely engraved gold sheet within gold wire frames, comprising a symmetrical arrangement on each side of the fore-end of neo-classical designs including arrows, stars, cornucopia, crescents, olive foliage, an Ottoman trousse, a turban with aigrette, an Ottoman bow and a quiver of three arrows , on the underside of the fore-end an elaborate trophy-of-arms, surmounted by a turban, incorporating a pair of stylised Ottoman swords, arrows and spears carrying a shield charged with a pair of addorsed crescents, three ostrich feathers flanked by further crescents, tang enclosed by a gold line with an Ottoman bow on each side and a crescent behind, the side-plate and lock each bordered by crossed axes and garlands, the but t decorated en suite with the fore-end, including an elaborate trophy of a star and crescent borne by a winged spear issuant with thunderbolts and a tassel beneath on the spine, a symmetrical design of a quiver of arrows surmounted by a flaming grenade, rose and olive foliage, jambiya, aigrettes, crescents, a further shield charged with a crescent on a sunburst, and a frieze of neoclassical foliate scrolls framing shell flowers (a small number of very small dents, two small inlays on the butt lifting, the fore-end with a small closed split in the ramrod channel), full gold mounts comprising butt plate struck with three marks, cast and chased with an elaborate urn on the tang, side plate chased with feathers and foliage on a finely matted ground, trigger-guard struck with a mark on the inside (very slightly bent in profile), with an elaborate finial and a further trophy-of-arms , including a pair of fly whisks and a crescent on the bow, side plate chased with feathers and foliage on a finally matted ground, vacant oval escutcheon engraved with a frame of small circles, five moulded faceted ramrod pipes, the rear-most en suite with the trigger-guard, and octagonal barrel bold escutcheons engraved en suite with the escutcheon, finely carved ebony trigger-guard support decorated with a scroll, foliage and a garland of fruit, blued trigger-plate, hardwood ramrod with ivory tip and brass finial, perhaps the original, and remaining in very good condition with much original finish throughout, In a later green leather-covered padded case, 153.0 cm barrel, 193.5 cm overall

Provenance

The Royal House of Orléans Duchesse de Guise (probably Princess Isabelle of Orléans, Duchesse de Guise (1878-1961)), Larache, Morocco

Raphel Manchon (1886-1975), circa 1923/4

Daniel Manchon, circa 1975-85

An Important private collection (since 1985)

Sold together with a copy of a statement from Daniel Manchon recording the presentation of this gun to his father who had painted a series of portraits for the Orléans family at their Villa in Larache, Morocco.

Raphael Manchon (1886-1975), studied at the Ecole des Beaux Arts, Caen, and later with G. Ferrer in Paris. He exhibited at the salon of 1911, won the Prix Grand Prix de Rome in 1914 for engraving and a silver medal in 1924.

The entry of Boutet’s Annuaire for the period of AN XII (September 24, 1803 to September 22, 1804) includes the following entry: Ministre du Relations Extérieur

Fusil simple or, algérien, damasquiné au mat, or incruste, placage or filigrammes or, fr. 9.000

A gun of this quality, with its specific iconography, was almost cer tainly intended for presentation to the Algerian Dey. French-Algerian relations were highly charged during this period, originating in part from the French failure to pay their agents in Algeria for wheat. The tensions came to a head around 1827 when the French Consul reportedly insulted Hussain Dey who in turn struck him with a fly whisk. The Fly Whisk Incident was used by the French as grounds for their military assault, not least as they were concerned that the English were prepared to seize Algiers. French rule of Algeria followed in 1830.

Nicholas Noël Boutet (1761–1833) is credited with being the principal innovator of the dramatic change in the design and decoration of French firearms that took place from the Revolution of 1789 through to Napoleon’s reign as Emperor (1804-14). Boutet was named directeur-artiste of the newly formed Versailles Arms Manufactory in 1792. The Versailles factory was the principal producer of regulation weapons for the French armies, additionally Boutet was charged with creating richly decorated arms for presentation to military heroes and foreign heads of state.

The silver marks include the excise mark (poinçon de garantie) used in the Seine-Inferieure and the maker’s mark for Jean Masson, JM separated by a pellet a five-point star above. The excise mark suggests that there was a workshop in or near Rouen, the centre of the department, which was a centre of export arms prior to the Revolution. The same series of marks occur on a number of elaborate garnitures by Boutet, including the celebrated garniture preserved in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (acc. No. 1970.179.1) and another sold in this room 8th December 2021, lot 260. See Pyhrr 1973, pp. 266-274.

The elaborate design and exceptional quality of the gold inlay is of significantly higher quality than other pieces made for presentation to dignitaries outside of Europe by Boutet and his workshop.

£60,000-80,000

AN UNUSUAL 24-BORE GERMAN FLINTLOCK GUN, EARLY 19TH CENTURY, BUILT ON AN EARLIER STOCK INLAID WITH MOTHER-OF-PEARL AND FINELY CARVED IN HIGH RELIEF, THE STOCK SIGNED JOH. EBERHARDT SOMER, CIRCA 1660

with 18th century barrel formed in two stages, the rear section octagonal changing to a polygonal band capped by a turned girdle, inlaid with silver lines and scrollwork panels over the breech and fitted with silver ‘spider’ fore-sight, the lock early 19th century, sparsely engraved with scrollwork and signed ‘Joh. Lauterer’, fruitwood full stock, the fore-end inlaid over its length on both sides with engraved mother-of-pearl plaques formed as varieties of birds within an incised scrolling tendril pattern of inlaid leaves and flowers (the tendrils originally inlaid with wire, this and a small quantity of plaques each now missing), the butt slender and paddle-shaped, carved with the portrait bust of a 17th centur y prince in low relief about the barrel tang, finely carved in high relief on both sides with Roman battle scenes from the Second Punic War, after the chronicles of Polybius and probably inspired by the works of the Dutch engraver Cornelis Cort, the scene carved on the left-hand side illustrating Scipio coming to his father’s rescue during the battle of Trebia, that on the right a scene from Scipio’s victory over Hannibal at Zama, each scene captioned at length in Latin on scrolls carved along the lower edges of the butt and with the carver’s signature incised on a corner of the right-hand scroll, with plain gilt-brass mounts including butt-plate and solid flat side-plate, and the ramrod-pipes and fore-end cap all originally silvered (the but t with a ver y light coverage of inactive worm holes, the ramrod missing), 76.9cm barrel Provenance

The Property of a German Princely Family, sold in this room, 24 June 2015, Lot 591

Prior to the 2015 sale, this gun was unrecorded within a small sur viving group characterised by their distinctive paddle-shaped butts carved in high relief. Of these, the most well-documented is an example with its stock also signed “Joh. Eberhardt Somer” and which was formerly included in the renowned Gewehrkammer of the Grand Dukes of Saxe-Weimar at Schloss Ettersburg: see Lenk 1965, pp. 66-7 and p.71, pl.45, figs. 1-3, pl.46, fig. 3 and pl.47, fig. 2., the gun attributed by him to circa 1660.

Also see Fischer & Kahlert 1927, lot 51 (illustrated), attributed to circa 1650 in the auction catalogue, sold to Jakobssen.

All of the examples known within this enigmatic small group appear to be mounted with barrels, locks and mounts from disparate periods, but for the most part these components are apparently the first and only ones mounted to each of the stock s. In this respect the Ettersburg gun primarily differs from the present one in that the barrel, the lock and the mounts are of types much closer in keeping with the period suggested by the form of the stock. The Ettersburg stock differs also in as much as the butt is carved on the right-hand side only: the left-hand side is decorated instead with an inlaid pattern of mother-of-pearl plaques near-identical to those inlaid over the fore-end of the present gun. The carving on the right-hand side of the Ettersburg stock is a very closely comparable version of the identical scene, together with its identical caption, which is car ved on the corresponding left-hand side of the present gun.

Another, the stock unsigned, was sold in these rooms 4th December 2013, lot 395, the proper ty of a nobleman descended from the Grand Duke of Baden. This stock was decorated with carved battle scenes involving figures in dress contemporaneous with circa 1700. A further example was sold by Christie’s Paris, 31st March 2011, lot 622.

The Alsatian stockmaker Hans (Johann) Eberhardt Sommer is recorded ac tive circa 1650-70, in Strasbourg and possibly also in the Bavarian city of Bamberg: see Neue Støckel II, p.1193.

Johann Lauterer, whose signature is on the lock, was a gunmaker working in Weikersheim, in the vicinity of Schloss Langenburg, at least by circa 1780 and almost certainly related to I.G. Lauterer, who was active early within the second quarter of the 18th centur y. Other sporting guns by the Lauterers are recorded in the princely armoury at Schloss Langenburg. In the present instance at least, the inclusion of an early 19th centur y lock, together with the barrel and mounts equally out of stylistic keeping with the stock, supports the certainty that the previously unused stock was mounted or set-up considerably later than the period for which it would ordinarily have been intended.

£2,000-2,500

AN 11 BORE NORTH ITALIAN SNAPHAUNCE SPORTING GUN BY CASSIANO ZANOTTI,

CIRCA 1750-80

with tapering sighted barrel formed in three stages retained by a shaped copper alloy band, struck with a series of gold and silver-lined decorative marks including the barrelsmith’s mark at the breech (losses, restorations), flat lock chiselled with an espagnolette mask in low relief on the tail, signed by the maker ‘CZ’ (Neue Støckel 8578) on the inside, engraved with traditional foliage, flowerheads and a monster, fitted with engraved and chiselled cock, battery and sliding pan-cover en suite (restorations), figured half-stock, (small chips), fluted butt, copper alloy mounts including butt-plate with tang of shaped outline, trigger-guard with foliate terminal, a shaped plaque beneath the fore-end and ramrod-pipe (later ramrod, repaired), 99.0 cm barrel

£1,500-2,000

A 14 BORE SILVER-MOUNTED FLINTLOCK SPORTING GUN BY JOHN HARMAN LONDINI, WITH FINELY DECORATED STOCK AND MOUNTS, CIRCA 1730

with swamped barrel formed in three stages, fitted with silver fore-sight, raised silver bands at each end of the median and signed in block capitals over the breech, engraved tang grooved for sighting (the iron parts with areas of pitting), engraved stepped lock (associated, probably fitted in the early 19th century, restorations), highly figured walnut half-stock carved with foliage behind the tang (cracked through and expertly repaired), profusely inlaid in silver with delicate scrollwork over the fore-end and about the tang, the butt decorated on each side with further scrollwork issuant from a bearded mask, perhaps Aeolus or a river god, flowerheads and a panel of trellis, full silver mounts finely cast and chased in low relief (rubbed), comprising side-plate decorated with an elaborate trophy-of-arms centring on an armour all’ antica, trig ger-guard with moulded borders and rococo terminal, but tplate with moulded foliate borders on the tang and extending over the spine of the butt, escutcheon with the owner’s crested coat-of-arms (rubbed, the arms involving two bars wavy), fore-end cap en suite a pair of moulded ramrod-pipes and an additional plate applied on the underside of the muzzle to accommodate the ramrod, and original silver-tipped whalebone ramrod 76.2 cm barrel

John Harman apprenticed to Henry Anthonison and turned over to John Shaw in 1707. He became free of the Gunmakers Company in 1714 and Gunmaker to Frederick, Prince of Wales in 1729. In the Daily Journal of 7th November that year, he claimed that he had made shotguns with barrels only 30 in long which ‘out-shot other Guns from 6 to 12 inches longer’. This was a notable assertion at a time when guides to shooting, such as that of George Edies, recommended a length from 36 to 42 inches.

£1,800-2,500

A 20 BORE FLINTLOCK TRADE GUN, SECOND HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY

with tapering sighted barrel formed in three stages, struck with Birmingham proof marks and ‘22’ at the breech, flat lock stamped ‘London’ and ‘HAW’, full stock carved with a moulding about the tang, iron mounts including large triggerguard and four ramrod-pipes, and wooden ramrod, perhaps the original, 130.4 cm barrel

£300-500 249

A 32 BORE AUSTRIAN PERCUSSION SPORTING RIFLE SIGNED FENT, STEYR, CIRCA 1860

with signed heavy octagonal sighted barrel rilfed with seven deep grooves (signature rubbed), plain tang fitted with peepsight, bevelled lock incorporating a flintlock plate, fitted with engraved hammer, double set trigger, full stock moulded over the fore-end and carved with foliage about the tang, chequered grip (repaired on one side), the butt with carved raised cheek-piece on the left, copper alloy mounts of shaped outline comprising butt-plate with pronounced toe, triggerguard shaped for the fingers, vestigial two-piece sideplate, three ramrod-pipes and fore-end cap, and associated wooden ramrod with copper alloy tip, 68.8 cm barrel

This maker is recorded in Steyr circa 1850-75.

£400-600

250

A RARE GERMAN 140 BORE BARREL RESERVOIR

SPORTING AIRGUN, CIRCA 1720-30 with tapering copper alloy barrel fitted with fore-and backsights each on a heart-shaped bed, moulded breech and border-engraved tang (restored), curved stepped bevelled lock engraved with border-ornament, fitted with cock decorated en suite and activating the reservoir release on the inside (restorations), full stock carved with foliage about the rear ramrod-pipe and the tang, butt with carved cheek-piece on the left and patchbox with sliding cover on the right (fore-end restored, restored worm damage), copper alloy mounts comprising butt-plate with foliate terminal on the tang, solid side-plate decorated with a landscape, trigger-guard (restored) and three ramrod-pipes, later horn fore-end cap and two iron sling mounts, 88.3 cm barrel

The barrel reservoir system was described as the oldest system by the renowned physicist Abbot Schmid in 1709. Four guns of this type, including one by the renowned maker Bosler, are preserved in the Hunting Museum at Schloss Kranichstein. See Hoff 1972, p. 39-40.

£1,500-1,800

251

A GERMAN 60 BORE BUTT RESERVOIR AIR RIFLE, CIRCA 1740

with two-stage sighted barrel retained by an engraved brass band, engraved brass tang (restored), engraved rounded lock signed Leonard Clemper (associated, worn), figured walnut half stock carved with rococo scrolls and flowerheads about the rear ramrod-pipe and barrel tang (chips and bruises), detachable butt with copper alloy collar (restored), with carved cheek-piece on the left decorated with rococo scrolls and flowers, copper alloy mounts comprising butt-plate decorated with rococo scrolls and a hound on the tang, trigger-guard with foliate terminal (the rear portion adapted to accommodate the butt) sideplate and two ramrod-pipes, 95.8 cm barrel

This appears to have been converted for use as a sporting gun in its working life.

£1,800-2,000

A RARE NORTH

GERMAN BUTT

RESERVOIR AIRGUN BY HAUSCHKA, CIRCA 1770

with two-stage barrel formed with an octagonal breech (foresight removed), border-engraved iron action (light pitting), signed on the top, decorated with a trophy-of-arms, a stag vignette in a rococo frame on the left and with trigger-cocking lever, and external mainspring on the right, and leathercovered iron butt, 46.5 cm barrel

Johann Sebastian Hauschka (1695-1775) is recorded as a gunmaker, engraver, mother-of-pearl and ivory carver from Schamlkalden, Saxony. He became court gunmaker to August Wilhem, Duke of Brunswick in 1721 and master in 1724. In 1733 he received an Imperial commission from Empress Maria Theresa for a presentation rifle to the Prince of Salm.

£700-900

253

A 130 BORE BAVARIAN BREECH-LOADING AIR GUN OF BELLOWS TYPE BY F. FACKLER IN AICHACH, MID-19TH CENTURY

with signed blued octagonal sighted barrel opened by a lever ahead of the trigger-guard, inlaid with a slender German silver line at the breech, the tang covered with a plaque of engraved German silver, enclosed action retained by an engraved German silver serpentine plate on each side, double set trigger, figured walnut full stock carved with a panel of chequering at the fore-end and the grip (the fore-end with a small chip), the butt with carved raised cheek-piece on the left and incorporating an iron spindle for the mechanism on the right (cracked), the latter enclosed by a pierced German silver plaque of shaped outline, German silver mounts including trigger-guard shaped for the fingers, butt-plate, and three ramrod-pipes, and horn-tipped ramrod, 74.5cm barrel

Provenance

The property of a member of the Wittelsbach family, sold in this room, 8th December 2010, lot 289

£1,200-1,500

A RARE 16 BORE GERMAN AIRGUN

BY CARL RUT, CARLSRUHE, DATED 1834

with octagonal sighted barrel sleeved in brass, rotating at the breech on an eccentric pivot released by a knurled bolt beneath, strike pump action with German silver spring magazine signed and dated in script between a spray of oak fruit, foliage and flowers on the top, steel tang of shaped outline incorporating an aperture for the lever (now missing) on the right, double set trigger, walnut full stock boldly impressed ‘129’, carved with scrolls and a rest on the fore-end, chequered grip, moulded butt en suite with the fore-end and iron mounts including trigger-guard and butt cap (the iron parts pitted throughout, ramrod incomplete), 68.2 cm barrel

Provenance

The property of a European Nobleman, by direct descent from the Grand Duke of Baden, sold in this room 4th December 2013, lot 399. Other airguns of this date signed ‘Rutte in Bohm.’ are recorded in the Berlin Zeughaus, see Feldhaus 1905, p. 368-9 and Wolff 1958, p. 179.

£2,000-3,000

255

A RARE CASED 50 BORE REPEATING BUTT RESERVOIR AIR RIFLE COMPLETE WITH AN ADDITIONAL 32 BORE BARREL FOR BALL OR SHOT BY STAUDENMAYER,

CIRCA 1799

with browned twist octagonal sighted multi-groove rifled barrel signed in gold block capitals, the breech inlaid with a gold star, fitted with blued sprung loading lever on the left and tubular maga zine beneath, the ball or shot barrel formed in two stages, signed on a gold scroll over the breech and inlaid with a gold line, with brass-tipped wooden ramrod beneath, signed engraved case-hardened action, decorated with scrolls and fitted with sprung cocking lever on the right, engraved with an elaborate trophyof-music and fitted with cocking indicator on the left, and overlaid with a silver plaque on the top (minor restorations), border-engraved trigger-guard decorated with a Britannia trophy, steel but t reservoir encased in Japanned leather and with threaded brass nozzle, and retaining some early finish throughout: in its fit ted mahogany case, the lid with flush-fitting brass carrying handle on the outside, the interior line in green baize (one compar tment lid replaced), with trade label for 35 Jermyn Street and complete with some accessories including steel pump, reservoir spanner and bullet mould, 69.2cm rifle barrel, 67.2cm shot barrel

Provenance

Sold in this room 5th December 2012, lot 262.

Samuel Henry Staudenmayer is recorded at this address circa 1799, he was former workman of John Manton, gunmaker to the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York. Two air weapons by this maker are recorded in the Hanoverian Royal Gunroom, one of which was sold Sotheby’s, Hanover, October 2005, lot 868. He is also the maker of a Girandoni-system air rifle in the Royal Collection at Windsor (inv. no. L 409).

£6,000-8,000

256

A RARE CASED 60 BORE BUTT RESERVOIR AIR RIFLE COMPLETE WITH AN ADDITIONAL 32 BORE BARREL FOR BALL BY BLISSETT, LONDON, CIRCA 1840 with rebrowned twist sighted barrels each signed over the breeches in a linear frame, scroll-engraved action fitted with tap-lever on the left and cocking lever on the right, engraved trigger-guard decorated en suite with the lock and with some early blue, steel butt reservoir encased in rayskin (restored), stamped ‘warranted’ around the collar: in its fitted mahogany case, the lid with flushfitting brass carrying handle on the outside, the interior line in green baize (some fading and minor damage) and with trade label for 69 Leadenhall Street, complete with associated accessories including pump, single bullet mould, gang bullet mould for seven balls, and oil bottle, 74.5 cm barrel

£3,000-4,000

257

A 50 BORE GLOBE RESERVOIR AIR RIFE BY HARVEY WALKLATE MORTIMER, LONDON, CIRCA 1800

with multi-groove rifled sighted barrel signed ‘H. W. Mortimer, London’ on the flat, engraved tang, signed engraved stepped bevelled lock decorated with a starburst and fitted with cocking lever (the upper half restored), figured walnut halfstock, chequered grip, engraved iron mounts comprising butt-plate with a Britannia trophy on the tang, trigger-guard with a rococo flower on the bow, side-plate decorated with a trophy-of-arms and three ramrod-pipes, horn fore-end cap and horn-tipped ramrod, perhaps the original, with associated iron globe reservoir, 76.8 cm barrel

£2,500-3,000

258

A RARE 40 BORE REPEATING BUTT RESERVOIR AIR RIFLE BY STAUDENMAYER, CIRCA 1800

with rebrowned twist octagonal sighted multi-groove rifled barrel inlaid with a vacant gold scroll, reblued breech decorated with an elaborate gold star, fitted with sprung tap-lever and rebrowned tubular magazine with pivot cover, signed engraved action decorated with border ornament and a Britannia trophy on the reverse, fitted with sprung cocking lever on the right, cocking indicator and safety on the left (restorations), engraved trigger-guard decorated with a Britannia trophy, and steel butt reservoir with an early pigskin covering (the reservoir, action and barrel misaligned), 67.0 cm barrel

Samuel Henry Staudenmayer, former workman of John Manton, was gunmaker to the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York. He is the maker of a Girandoni-system air rifle in the Royal Collection at Windsor (inv. no. L 409). Two air weapons by this maker are recorded in the Hanoverian Royal Gunroom, one of which was sold Sotheby’s, Hanover, October 2005, lot 868.

£2,000-2,500

259

A 60 BORE BUTT RESERVOIR REPEATING AIR GUN ON THE GIRANDONI PRINCIPLE, CIRCA 1830

with tapering sighted barrel threaded at the breech, copper alloy action with tubular magazine, sprung sliding bolt, cocking lever and external spring on the right, copper alloy triggerguard with spur at the rear and foliate finial, and iron reservoir with copper alloy cap and later leather covering, 84.5 cm barrel

£2,000-2,500

260

A RARE 40 BORE RIFLE BY SAMUEL HENRY STAUDENMAYER, NO. 1085, CIRCA 1800

with octagonal sighted rifle barrel cut with seven grooves, signed in a gold-lined recess at the breech, inlaid with a platinum line and numbered beneath, fitted with figured walnut fore-end with engraved silver cap and silver barrel bolt escutcheon, signed action finely engraved with border ornament throughout, a rococo garland on top, a reclining stag, a Britannia trophy and a personification of wind on the left, fitted with engraved cocking lever on the right, indicator and safety-catch on the left, border-engraved trigger-guard decorated with a Britannia trophy, steel butt reservoir with internally threaded collar and later leather covering, and horntipped ramrod, perhaps the original, 70.0 cm barrel

Samuel Henry Staudenmayer, former workman of John Manton, was gunmaker to the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York. He is the maker of a Girandoni-system air rifle in the Royal Collection at Windsor (inv. no. L 409). Two air weapons by this maker are recorded in the Hanoverian Royal Gunroom, one of which was sold Sotheby’s, Hanover, October 2005, lot 868. A very similar rifle numbered 1084 was sold in this room, 27th June 2012, lot 40.

£1,500-2,000

261

A CASED .32 CALIBRE AIRCANE, LATE 19TH CENTURY

with rifled barrel sleeved in brass, with tap-lever at the breech end, and turn-off brass finial for the muzzle, screw-in air reservoir section threaded at the top for a horn knob or a skeleton butt (repainted overall), the latter cut with chequering and with engraved steel mount, in a contemporary relined leather case, perhaps the original, with trade label for F. T. Baker, and complete with a pump, and associated cane handle 108cm; 42 1/2in overall (with skeleton butt)

Provenance

Sold in this room 8th December 2010, lot 336

£1,500-2,000

262 A CASED 140 BORE AIR CANE RIFLE, LATE 19TH CENTURY

with blackened body fitted with button trigger, multi-groove rifled copper alloy sleeve, threaded gun-stock butt covered with brown leather: in early fitted case lined in green baize, the lid with facsimile trade label for E. M. Reilly & Co. , with pump, gang bullet mould for six bullets, and wad cutter (rusted), 52.0 cm barrel

£1,500-2,000

263

A 60 BORE BUTT RESERVOIR AIR RIFLE, CIRCA 1800 with tapering sighted multi-groove rifled barrel fitted with standing back-sight, scroll-engraved action with loading lever on the left and cocking lever on the right, figured walnut foreend of half-stock length (fore-end cap missing), and threaded butt with later leather covering (the iron parts patinated, restorations), and brass-tipped wooden ramrod, perhaps the original, 75.0 cm barrel

£900-1,200

264

A CASED 110 BORE AIR CANE RIFLE, LATE 19TH CENTURY

with black painted body fitted with button trigger, multigroove rifled sleeve, threaded rear-section forming the reservoir fitted with threaded bone knob: in early fitted case lined in green baize (worn, small losses), the lid with a remnant of a trade label on the inside, complete with rebrowned pump, oil bottle and bullet mould, 55.8 cm barrel

£500-600

A .36 CALIBRE COLT MODEL 1851 LONDON NAVY REVOLVER, LONDON PROOF MARKS, NO. 31315 FOR 1855 of standard production specifications, with 7 1/2 in barrel, engraved cylinder, case-hardened frame, iron back-strap and triggerguard, polished walnut grips, traces of original finish and matching numbers throughout: in associated fitted mahogany case lined in blue baize, with copper flask by J. & G. W. Hawksley and contemporary Colt iron bullet mould, 35.0 cm

£1,500-2,000

266

A CASED .31 CALIBRE COLT MODEL 1849 LONDON POCKET PERCUSSION REVOLVER, NO. 3803 FOR 1854 with blued octagonal sighted 4 in barrel (losses) with two line London address and struck with London proof marks on the left, engraved cylinder with stagecoach holdup scene and some blued finish, case-hardened frame stamped ‘Colt’s patent’ on the left, iron back-strap and trigger-guard, figured walnut grips (one small chip), matching numbers, and much original finish: in associated American style mahogany fitted oak case lined in green baize (compartment lid with knob replaced), with accessories including James Dixon & Sons Colt Pocket powder-flask, and Colt’s patent iron bullet mould, 24.5 cm

£1,000-1,500

A PAIR OF 20 BORE FRENCH FLINTLOCK PISTOLS FOR THE EASTERN MARKET BY ROYET, MID-18TH CENTURY, PROBABLY ST ETIENNE

with tapering gilt-brass barrels formed in two stages, fitted with silver bead fore-sights and engraved with trophies-of-arms and scrolls over the breeches, engraved gilt iron tangs, signed border-engraved bevelled and gilt locks fitted with engraved cocks, carved full stocks moulded about the locks and mounts, the tangs enclosed by bouquets in low relief, fore-ends encased in gilt brass chased with patterns of scrolling leafy foliage, engraved gilt mounts comprising solid side-plates, spurred pommels (cracks, small losses) and trigger-guards, silver escutcheons cast and chased with scrollwork, and each with gilt ramrod, 18.8 cm barrels (2)

A number of gunmakers of this name are recorded in St Etienne during the 18th and 19th centuries.

£2,500-3,500

A FINE 18 BORE SCOTTISH FLINTLOCK BELT PISTOL FORMED ENTIRELY OF STEEL, BY THOMAS CADDELL, DOUNE, DATED 170with tapering multi-stage barrel faceted and swelling at the muzzle, fitted with silver bead fore-sight (rubbed flush), formed with a section of hog’s back form behind the muzzle and at the breech, inlaid in engraved silver over its surface with panels of thistle foliage, a heart filled with an expanded flowerhead, and foliate rondels, the median with a panel inscribed ‘Taken at the Battle of Colloden [sic]’, slightly rounded lock signed ‘Tho. Caddell’ and dated along the lower edge (rubbed, partly obscured, one screw missing), engraved with scrolling thistle foliage, fitted with rounded cock and moulded steel (both early associations, steel with a small chip), and horizontal sear, three-quarter steel stock inlaid with engraved silver panels en suite with the barrel and fur ther engraved panels, inscribed ‘Rich-Vyse-C—nt / R.D.T’ (rubbed) beneath the lock between two further engraved silver panels, tapering butt with tightly scrolling ‘ramshorn’ terminal, inlaid with fur ther engraved silver panels including a heart on each side and on the spine (the silver with small losses, engraving rubbed, areas of light pitting), pierced and engraved silver button trigger, associated iron pricker with bulbous terminal, and long slender belt hook with terminal of shaped outline (rubbed, ramrod missing), 28.4 cm barrel

Richard Vyse (1746-1825) was born in Lichfield, Staffordshire in 1746. His long and successful career in the army began as a cornet in the 5th Dragoons on 13 February 1762. He became a lieutenant in the same cavalr y regiment on 15 August 1762 and was appointed adjutant on 18 March 1767, finally purchasing his commission as captain on 28 November 1771, all this time the regiment being in Ireland. He became a major in the 18th Light Dragoons on 4 November 1777. After four years’ service with the light dragoons, he became lieutenant-colonel of the 4th Regiment of Horse, 7 January 1781, still in Ireland. On 28 May 1784 he transferred to the 1st or the King’s Own Regiment of Dragoon Guards, as lieutenant-colonel. He then became a colonel in the army 18 November 1791, a major-general on 3 October 1794 after ser vice overseas. At the outbreak of war with France in 1793 he proceeded with his regiment on foreign service and in the following year commanded a brigade of heavy cavalry under H.R.H. the Duke of York, distinguishing himself on several occasions, particularly at the battle of Cateau on the 26th of April, 1794 where after the fall of Major-General Mansel, he commanded two brigades throughout the remainder of the day and materially contributed to the victor y gained on that occasion. He was promoted to the rank of major-general on 3 October 1794. On 23 March 1797 he was given the colonelcy of the 29th Light Dragoons, made lieutenant-general on 1 January 1801, colonel of the 3rd Prince of Wales’s Dragoon Guards on 2 April 1804, Commander of Forces in Scotland, 1805 and achieved the rank of general on 1 January 1812.

He was member of parliament for Beverly 1805-6, a member of the Highland Society and elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh 1804. Sold together with an engraving of Lt. Gen Richard Vyse, circa 1800, drawn and etched by I. Kay, Edinburgh, and correspondence from Martin Kelvin, dated 2007.

Almost certainly by Thomas Caddell 3rd, recorded in Doune circa 1700-25. See Kelvin 1996, pp. 163-164. Another pistol by Thomas Caddell (probably 3rd), reputedly owned by Colonel John Roy Stuart, commander of a Regiment of Edinburgh men during the ‘45 rebellion and at Culloden, is discussed in Kelvin, op cit, p. 150. Further related examples are recorded Bedford 1971, p. 53, no. 42, Jackson & Whitelaw 1959, pp. 94-5, pl. VI, no. 22 and Sotheby’s Sussex, 13th July 1999, lot 300.

The inscription was added in the 19th century and would no doubt have appealed to Vyse’s antiquarian interests.

£12,000-18,000

269

A 14 BORE FLINTLOCK LIGHT DRAGOON PISTOL, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

271

of regulation type, with tapering barrel, bevelled lock with ‘GR’ crowned (losses), full stock (small chips and repairs), and regulation brass mounts (associated ramrod), 23.4 cm barrel

£400-600

270

A 16 BORE COMPOSITE PERCUSSION REGULATION PISTOL, MID-19TH CENTURY

with tapering barrel struck with Birmingham proof marks and the bore size at the breech, lock stamped ‘Tower’ and with a crown on the tail, full stock, regulation copper alloy mounts, iron muzzle band and iron ramrod, 25.2 cm barrel

£200-300

A CASED PAIR OF GERMAN (SAXON) 54 BORE PERCUSSION RIFLED TARGET PISTOLS BY ULBRICH, DRESDEN, CIRCA 1840

with blued octagonal sighted barrels cut with polygroove rifling and additional wide grooves, inlaid with a thin and thick gold line at the breech and muzzle, inscribed ‘Canon d’acier anglais’ in gold script on the flats, engraved breeches fitted with pierced platinum plug on the right and chiselled with a gold-eyed dolphin bust on the left, scroll-engraved tangs with adjustable back-sights and numbered ‘1’ and ‘2’ in silver respectively, engraved backaction locks signed in gold, decorated with scroll and border ornament, fitted with hammers en suite and detents, varnished figured half-stocks carved with foliage on the fore-ends, fluted butts, engraved iron mounts including side-plates en suite with the locks, spurred trigger-guards and shaped moulded butt-caps, and some early case-hardened finish: in a later lined and fitted case with modern embossed copper flask decorated with game and a hound, 21.5 cm barrels (2)

£700-1,000

A CASED PAIR OF 34 BORE PERCUSSION OFFICERS PISTOLS BY GAMESON & WILLIAMS, CIRCA 1831-34

each with browned twist octagonal sighted barrel signed on the flat, engraved blued breech inlaid with a platinum line, pierced platinum plug, engraved case-hardened breech tang decorated with scrolling foliage and incorporating the back-sight, signed scrolland border-engraved flush-fitting case-hardened flat lock fitted with bold safet y-catch, hammer en suite and set trigger, figured walnut half stock, ‘saw-handle’ butt cut with a panel of fine chequering, scroll-engraved blued steel mounts comprising a small oval plaque inset in the butt, trigger-guard, trigger-plate with pineapple finial, one browned and one blued ramrod-pipe, horn fore-end cap, silver barrel bolt escutcheons, original horn-tipped ramrod and much original finish throughout: in fit ted mahogany case lined in green baize, the lid with flush-fitting copper alloy carrying handle on the outside and trade label for Gameson & Williams, 67 Thread Needle Street on the inside (light wear, lock removed but present), complete with accessories, probably original, comprising copper alloy three-way flask, bullet mould, turnscrew, combination nipple-wrench and pricker and cleaning rods, 25.0 cm barrels

Provenance

Lieutenant Colonel Albert James Hesketh Daubeny (1844 - 1915), thence by descent

David Gameson and Joseph Williams Gunmakers are recorded with a factory and warehouse at 67 Threadneedle St., 1825-30. They apparently split up to form Gameson & Co. and Williams & Co., trading at the same address during the period 1831-34. See Blackmore 1999, p. 69.

£6,000-8,000

PROPERTY FROM A GERMAN PRIVATE COLLECTION

273

A 20 BORE CONTINENTAL D.B. FLINTLOCK SPORTING CARBINE IN THE FRENCH TASTE, CIRCA 1790-1800

with blued barrels formed in three stages the muzzles decorated with a gold band and fitted beneath with short spring bayonet with sprung locking catch, fitted with copper alloy fore-sight on a ground of gilt sun rays, engraved and gilt with trophies-of-arms and further ornament at the breeches, the latter stamped ‘EX’, burnished tang incorporating the back-sight, burnished stepped bevelled locks fitted with cocks en suite (one cracked through, its upper half detached) and steel springs with rollers, figured walnut three-quarter stock, chequered fore-end and grip, the butt with raised cheek-piece on the left, burnished steel mounts including butt-cap with acorn finial on the tang, trigger-guard incorporating a baluster and with finial en suite with the tang, rear ramrod-pipe incorporating catch for the bayonet, and horn-tipped ramrod, perhaps the original, 59.7 cm barrels

Provenance

The Hanoverian Royal Gunroom (Inv. No. 15)

Schloss Marienburg, sold Sotheby’s 5th-15th October 2005, lot 863

Literature

Inventar der Königliche Gewehr- und Waffenkammer 1895, inv. nr.15

‡ £700-900

A 14 BORE PERCUSSION TARGET RIFLE BY F. ANSCHÜTZ & SÖHNE IN

SUHL, CIRCA 1830

converted from flintlock, with heavy octagonal barrel rifled with eight grooves, fitted with German silver fore-sight and folding leaf back-sight signed in silver letters in gothic script over the breech, engraved breech tang, rounded lock engraved with foliage and a sunburst, double set trigger, full stock, chequered fore-end and grip, the butt with raised cheek-piece decorated with scrolls and foliage (small cracks, minor bruising), engraved German silver mounts including butt-plate with moulded faceted tang engraved with scrolling foliage, trigger-guard with broad bow, three ramrodpipes and shield-shaped escutcheon decorated with a trophy-of-arms, later fore-end cap, and wooden ramrod with white metal tip, perhaps the original, 95.2 cm barrel ‡ £600-800

A FINE PAIR OF 26 BORE FRENCH SILVER-MOUNTED FLINTLOCK HOLSTER PISTOLS MADE FOR A MEMBER OF THE BRUNSWICK AND LÜNEBURG FAMILY BY THURAINE À PARIS, CIRCA 1675

with blued barrels formed in four stages, formed with a tapering flat over the forward portion and damascened with a pair of elaborate scrolls at the base, the medians chiselled and gilt with a pair of classical figures each holding a frond of laurel and joined by a laurel wreath, the breeches decorated respectively with the figure of Hercules beneath a foliate canopy supported by putti with attendant hounds and a classical figure beneath a similar canopy with bound prisoners (the fore-sights removed, barrel decoration with areas of light wear), engraved tangs decorated with border ornament, foliage with monsterhead terminals and each numbered ‘7’ (worn over the rear portion, numbers faint), signed rounded border-engraved locks decorated with differing scenes including a mounted warrior attacking a serpent, fitted with engraved and chiselled cocks decorated with foliage with monsterhead terminals and chiselled steels, figured light walnut full stocks moulded over the fore-ends, about the locks and tangs (replaced by a Hanoverian court gunmaker in their early working life, small filled repairs), the butts impressed ‘No. 7’, pierced and chiselled silver side-plates formed of an arrangement of pierced scrolling foliage terminating in a pair of crowned adorsed serpent heads (rubbed), crowned escutcheons decorated with male and female classical busts, spurred steel pommels engraved with beadwork and an elaborate arrangement of foliage inhabited by a series of figures in differing attitudes on a finely cross-hatched ground, fitted with gilt brass caps finely pierced and engraved with scrolling foliage issuant from a mask top and bottom and centring on a silver grotesque mask, engraved steel trigger-guards with foliate terminals, moulded steel ramrod-pipes and steeltipped wooden ramrods, perhaps the original, 35.6 cm barrels (2)

Provenance

The Hanoverian Royal Gunroom, 1895, inv. nos. 208, 209 Schloss Marienburg, sold Sotheby’s 5th-15th October 2005, lot 757

Literature

Inventar der Königliche Gewehr- und Waffenkammer 1895, inv. nos. 208, 209. Exhibition of Arms, Armour and Militaria lent by H.R.H. The Duke of Brunswick at the Tower of London, April 10th-October 31st 1952, pp. 44-45, plate XI, nrs.160 & 161.

Stephen V. Grancsay, Master French Gunsmiths Designs of the XVIII-XIX Centuries, New York, 1970, p. 12

Exhibited

Arms, Armour and Militaria lent by H.R.H. The Duke of Brunswick at the Tower of London, April 10th-October 31st 1952, nrs.160 & 161.

A pair of pistols signed Thuraine à Paris were presented to Charles XI of Sweden by Louis XIV (delivered 1669) and are preserved in the Royal Armoury Stockholm. Another pair of pistols also signed Thuraine à Paris are preserved in the Tøjhusmuseet, Copenhagen (B.956/57). These are all probably the work of the Thuraine who worked with Le Hollandois (Adrien Reynier).

Thuraine and Le Hollandois were gunmakers to Louis XIV and are among the most welll-known gunmakers from the third quarter of the 17th Century in France. Their fame is largely due to their names appearing on the title page of the book of gunmakers’ designs discussed below. Le Hollandois was, as his name suggests, of Dutch origin and his real name was Adrien Reynier. Together they are recorded as gunmaker’s to the Royal Household but no record of a brevet de logement has been found to show that they were given lodging in the Louvre along with other State Artists. Around the year 1660 they published the now well-known series of engravings including detailed diagrams of lock mechanisms with the engraver Jacquinet. A number of firearms by the makers signed individually are recorded in European ancestral collections.

‡ £12,000-18,000

276

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 blueing now oxidised to brown), border-engraved tangs decorated with differing trophies-ofarms, 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 foreends, a wavy pattern beneath the 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 sideplates 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 ramrods, and remaining in fine condition throughout, 38cm (2)

Provenance

Property of a European Collector, sold in this room 9th December 2009, lot 269.

Henri Barge is recorded arquebusier in Paris circa 1740-80.

‡ £12,000-18,000

A FINE PAIR OF 16 BORE LIEGOIS FLINTLOCK HOLSTER PISTOLS BY JEAN JAQUES BEHR, CIRCA 1720-30 with swamped barrels signed on a long flat, fitted with moulded brass fore-sights on engraved beds, chiselled and engraved with scrolls and foliage on a finely punched and gilt ground over the breeches, each stamped with a mark beneath (Neue Støckel 42), chiselled and gilt tangs, chiselled and gilt locks decorated with scrolls of foliage en suite with the breeches and tangs, fitted with matching cocks and steels (one cock retaining screw replaced, areas of light pit ting), figured walnut full stocks (small closed cracks), carved with mouldings over the fore-ends, a spray of foliage behind the rear ramrod-pipes, and about the tangs, the barrel channels each inscribed in pencil ‘AR/1898/2/KN1912’, cast and chased gilt copper-alloy mounts, comprising pierced side-plates in the Parisian taste, decorated with trophies-of-arms and a bound prisoner on the right and another figure on the left, probably Hercules with the Nemean lion, ‘bird’s head’ pommels fitted with grotesque mask caps with foliate tangs, trigger-guards chiselled with acanthus terminals and trophies-of-arms on the bows, gilt copper-alloy trigger-plates, a pair of gilt-brass ramrod-pipes, and wooden ramrods with gilt-brass caps, and one pistol with brass inventory tag numbered ‘1930’ 30.0 cm; barrels (2)

Provenance

The Gewehrkammer of Ernst August I, Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar (1688-1748), Schloss Ettersburg, Saxony Wilhelm Ernst, Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach (1876-1923), sold E. Kahlert & Sohn, Berlin, circa 1923

George F. Harding Jr., Chicago, acquired by August 1927

Transferred to the Art Institute of Chicago, 1982, Acc. No. 1982.2879, sold in this room, 25th June 2014, lot 196.

Literature

Walter J. Karcheski Jr., ‘Some Netherlandish Firearms in the George F. Harding Jr. Collection of Arms And Armor, The Art Institute of Chicago’, Proceedings of the International Association of Museums of Arms and Military History XIV Congress 1996 , (Amsterdam: 1996), p. 76.

Jean Jaques Behr is recorded in Liège circa 1720-40 as a gunmaker and dealer in firearms. Other firearms by this maker are recorded in the armoury of the Counts of Schönborn at Schloss Würzburg. See Gaier 1976, p. 81

‡ £10,000-15,000

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 ramrodpipes, 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 its steel-tipped ramrod, perhaps the original (the other replaced) 40.5cm (2)

Provenance

Property of a European Collector, sold in this room 9th December 2009, lot 283.

Gilles Massin is recorded as a gun dealer in Liège circa 1740.

‡ £6,000-8,000

A PAIR OF 22 BORE FRENCH SILVER-MOUNTED 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 borderengraved 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 (2)

Provenance

Property of a European Collector, sold in this room 9th December 2009, lot 271.

Clément Gagniere is recorded as arquebusier in St Etienne circa 1757-88.

‡ £3,000-4,000

A PAIR OF 40 BORE FLINTLOCK SAW-HANDLED DUELLING PISTOLS BY JOHN (1) PROSSER, CHARING CROSS, LONDON SILVER MARKS FOR 1809

each with rebrowned heavy octagonal sighted barrel inscribed ‘Charing Cross, London’, breech struck with gold-lined barrelsmiths mark in a rectangle and inlaid with a gold line, gold-lined vent, engraved tang incorporating the back-sight, decorated with a Britannia trophy and border ornament, signed engraved flush-fitting lock fitted with bolt safety, rainproof pan, steel spring with roller and set trigger (cocks replaced), highly figured walnut half-stock , ‘saw-handle’ butt cut with fine chequering, engraved spurred steel trigger-guard decorated with trophies on the bow and with pineapple finial (areas of pitting), engraved silver but t-cap decorated with crossed fronds and struck with the mark of John Prosser, engraved steel fore-end cap decorated with a starburst, silver escutcheons with the owner’s initials, and associated horn-tipped wooden ramrod, 22.8 cm barrels (2)

John Prosser registered his silver mark in 1795.

‡ £4,000-6,000

A PAIR OF 20 BORE SILVER-MOUNTED FLINTLOCK TURN-OFF PISTOLS BY GRIFFIN, LONDON, LONDON VIEW AND PROOF MARKS, FOREIGNERS MARK, CIRCA 1760, MAKER’S MARK JA PROBABLY FOR JERMIAH ASHLEY

each with cannon barrel, rounded breech struck with foreigner’s mark and proof marks beneath, box-lock action engraved with border ornament and signed on a rococo scroll on the left, engraved tang, thumb-piece safety-catch, scroll-engraved tang, swelling figured walnut butt inlaid with silver wire scrolls, silver grotesque mask butt-cap cast and chased in low relief, escutcheon with the owner’s crest, and iron trigger-guard engraved with a rococo flower, 31.5 cm overall (2)

The crest is recorded as that of eighteen families including Griffin. ‡ £1,200-1,800

A PAIR OF 50 BORE OVER-AND-UNDER FLINTLOCK TAP-ACTION PISTOLS BY DUNDERDALE, MABSON & LABRON, BIRMINGHAM PRIVATE PROOF MARKS, CIRCA 1810

each with turn-off barrel, engraved action decorated with a trophy-of-arms on the right, fit ted with tap lever and signed above a bouquet on the left, sliding safety-catch also locking the s teel, flat-sided figured walnut butt, iron trigger-guard decorated with a rococo bouquet, and vacant silver escutcheon, 21.0 cm overall (2)

Provenance

Michael German, 1978

These makers are recorded as gunmakers and factors at 25 Russell Street, Birmingham, circa 1807-21. ‡ £1,200-1,800

283

A PAIR OF 60 BORE SILVER-MOUNTED FLINTLOCK POCKET PISTOLS BY ARCHER, PRIVATE PROOF MARKS, BIRMINGHAM 1777, MARK OF CHARLES FREETH

with turn-off cannon barrels, box-lock actions with engraved borders, signed on a rococo scroll on the left and inscribed ‘London’ on a further scroll on the right (one cock and both top-jaws and screws replaced), figured walnut butts profusely inlaid with silver wire scrolls, silver grotesque mask butt-caps cast and chased in low relief, sliding trigger-guard safety-catches engraved with a rococo flowerhead on the bows, and vacant silver escutcheons, 17.5 cm overall (2)

‡ £600-800

284

A PAIR OF 22 BORE SILVER-MOUNTED FLINTLOCK TURN-OFF PISTOLS SIGNED WHATELY, PRIVATE PROOF MARKS, BIRMINGHAM SILVER MARKS, MAKERS MARK OF CHARLES FREETH, CIRCA 1770

each with turn-off cannon barrel, rounded breech struck with private proof mark s and the barrelsmith’s mark, ‘MB’ beneath (rubbed), box-lock action engraved with rococo ornament, signed on a scroll on the left, scroll-engraved tang, swelling figured walnut butt, silver grotesque mask butt-cap cast and chased in low relief, escutcheon with the owner’s initials, and sliding iron trigger-guard safety-catch engraved with a rococo flower, 31.5 cm overall (2)

Provenance

Michael German, 1978

‡ £1,000-1,400

285

A 15 BORE FLINTLOCK TRAVELLING PISTOL SIGNED TIREBUCK, LONDON, BIRMINGHAM PROOF MARKS, CIRCA 1820

with twist sighted barrel inscribed ‘London’ on the flat, the breech inlaid with a platinum line and with platinum vent, engraved tang incorporating the back-sight, signed stepped bolted lock engraved with starbursts, fitted with bolt safetycatch, rainproof pan and steel spring with roller (cock replaced), full stock, chequered butt, engraved steel mounts comprising trigger-guard decorated with a trophy on the bow, trigger-plate with pineapple finial, vacant silver escutcheon, horn fore-end cap, and stirrup ramrod (restored), 15.8 cm barrel

Joseph Tirebuck is recorded at 60 Haymarket, London, circa 1816. ‡ £350-450

286

A PAIR OF 34 BORE NORTH GERMAN SILVERMOUNTED PERCUSSION RIFLED TARGET PISTOLS IN THE FRENCH TASTE MADE FOR WILHELM, DUKE OF BRUNSWICK AND LÜNEBURG (1806-1884), BY G.L. RASCH, CIRCA 1835-40

with browned twist swamped sighted polygroove rifled barrels inscribed ‘Damas D’ Acier’ in gold capitals in a slender silver frame on the flats, engraved breeches with engraved percussion bolsters, engraved breech tangs with adjustable back-sights and numbered ‘I’ and ‘II’ respectively, figured walnut full stocks (small cracks and bruises), finely chequered butts with oval pommels inset with silver caps engraved with the crowned royal initials ‘W’ between fronds within a foliate frame, spurred silver scroll-engraved trigger-guards engraved steel trigger-plates with shaped foliate finials, vacant German silver escutcheons and barrel bolt escutcheons, steel ramrodpipes, horn fore-end caps, and horn-tipped ramrods, and brass inventory tags 465 and 466, 17.4 cm barrels (2)

Provenance

Probably the Brunswick Ducal Gunroom

Schloss Marienburg, sold Sotheby’s 5th-15th October 2005, lot 757. ‡ £2,500-3,500

A CASED PAIR OF 16 BORE PERCUSSION TRAVELLING PISTOLS BY WESTLEY RICHARDS, 170 NEW BOND STREET, LONDON, BIRMINGHAM PROOF MARKS, NO. 413, CIRCA 1840 with signed octagonal sighted barrels, engraved case-hardened breeches decorated with scallop shells, platinum lines, pierced platinum plugs, engraved case-hardened breech tangs incorporating the back-sights, signed scroll-engraved bolted locks fitted with hammers decorated en suite, figured walnut full stocks, chequered but ts, engraved numbered trigger-guards, vacant silver escutcheons, stirrup ramrods and traces of early colour: in their fitted mahogany case lined in green baize (small holes and areas of wear), the lid with brass flush-fitting carrying handle on the outside and applied with trade label on the inside, and complete with associated accessories including bullet mould and copper powder-flask, 17.5 cm barrels ‡ £1,200-1,800

288

A PAIR OF 32 BORE PERCUSSION TRAVELLING PISTOLS SIGNED HARVEY, EXETER, BIRMINGHAM PROOF MARKS, CIRCA 1830 converted from flintlock, each with browned twist sighted barrel inscribed ‘Exeter’ on the flat, engraved tang incorporating the back-sight, signed engraved stepped bevelled lock decorated with a sunburst, fitted with bolt-safety and scroll-engraved hammer, figured walnut full stock, chequered butt, engraved blued trigger-guard decorated with a Brittannia trophy on the bow and with pineapple finial, blued ramrodpipes, vacant silver escutcheon and silver barrel bolt escutcheons, and brass-tipped ramrods, probabaly the original, 12.0 cm barrels (2)

‡ £500-600

289

A 16 BORE PERCUSSION BELT PISTOL BY WESTLEY RICHARDS, 170 NEW BOND STREET, LONDON, NO. 520, BIRMINGHAM PROOF MARKS, CIRCA 1840 with signed browned twist octagonal sighted barrel, engraved case-hardened breech decorated with a scallop shell and inlaid with a platinum line, pierced platinum plug, foliate scrollengraved tang incorporating the back-sight, signed scroll-engraved flush-fitting flat lock fitted with bolt safetycatch and hammer en suite, full stock, engraved blued steel mounts including numbered trigger-guard decorated with scrolls, belt hook with engraved terminal, stirrup ramrod with engraved links, vacant white metal escutcheon and white metal barrel bolt escutcheons, 13.0 cm barrel

‡ £400-600

290

A FINE AND RARE 50 BORE SILVER-MOUNTED SINGLE-TRIGGER OVER AND UNDER PERCUSSION PISTOL, BY HENRY EGG, LONDON, CIRCA 1830, SILVER MAKER’S MARK MB FOR MICHAEL BARNETT

with blued octagonal barrels fitted with silver fore-sight, signed ‘Tatham & Egg’ in a platinum-lined recess at the breech and inlaid with two platinum lines, silver fore-sight, engraved blued percussion bolsters, engraved case-hardened breech tang incorporating the back-sight, decorated with foliage and a Brittania trophy, signed engraved stepped locks decorated with scrolls, flowers, border ornament and sunbursts, fitted with engraved hammers and engraved blued bolt safet y-catches, figured walnut butt cut with a fine pattern of chequering, engraved trigger-plate decorated with a starburst, silver mounts comprising engraved trigger-guard decorated with an elaborate trophy-of-arms, spurred pommel en suite with the trigger-guard and with a full coat-of-arms, silver escutcheon with the owner’s crest, blued steel ramrod with pineapple chequered finial, and some early finish, 8.5 cm barrels

Provenance

Peter Dale, 1978

The arms and crest are those of George Gordon, 9th Marquess of Huntley Gordon, George, Ninth Marquess of Huntly (1761–1853), was the son of Charles, fourth earl of Aboyne (1726–1794), and Lady Margaret Stewart (d. 1762), third daughter of Alexander, sixth earl of Galloway. He was born at Edinburgh on 28 June 1761. Known as Lord Strathavon, he attended Eton College for a short period, 1774–5, and joined the army in 1777 as ensign in the 1st regiment of foot guards; he was promoted in the same year to a company in the 81st Highland regiment of foot. In 1780 he was one of the aides-de-camp to the Earl of Carlisle, then lord lieutenant of Ireland. In 1782 he had a troop in the 9th regiment of dragoons, and in March 1783 he was constituted major of an independent corps of foot, which was reduced at the peace of 1784. He was promoted lieutenant-colonel of the 35th foot in 1789, but exchanged in the same year into the Coldstream Guards. Lord Strathavon married, on 4 April 1791, despite her mother’s opposition, Catherine Anne (1771–1833), second daughter of Sir Charles Cope, by which marriage he acquired the estate of Orton Longueville, Huntingdonshire, which he enlarged by purchasing in 1803 the adjoining parishes of Chester ton and Haddon. They had six sons and three daughters. Lord Strathavon quit the army in 1792, and was appointed colonel of the Aberdeenshire militia in 1798. He succeeded his father as Earl of Aboyne on 28 December 1794. He was a Scottish representative peer, 1796–1806 and 1807–18. In 1815 Aboyne was created a peer of the United Kingdom by the title of Baron Meldrum of Morven, and thenceforward took his seat in the House of Lords in his own right. He was made a knight of the Thistle in 1827. In 1836 he succeeded his cousin George, fifth Duke of Gordon, as Marquess and Earl of Huntly. He was a tory in politics, voting against reform in 1832, but following Wellington on Catholic emancipation and Peel on the corn laws. The Marquess died at his residence in Chapel Street, Grosvenor Square, London, on 17 June 1853. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Charles, tenth Marquess. Taken from Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, accessed May 2024.

Henry (1) Tatham worked with Joseph Egg (Henry Egg’s father) circa 1801-14. For a discussion of the Egg family see Blair 1973, pp. 266-299 and 306-353 and for an account Michael Barnett’s work and the attribution of his mark s, see Dickens 1999, pp. 86 – 117.

‡ £4,000-6,000

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Antique Arms, Armour & Militaria

Online 21st June 2024

Closing 30th June 2024

Fine Antique Arms, Armour & Militaria 4th December 2024

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