Olympia Auctions

FINE ANTIQUE ARMS, ARMOUR & MILITARIA

WEDNESDAY 25 AND THURSDAY 26 JUNE 2025

FINE

ANTIQUE ARMS, ARMOUR & MILITARIA

THE ROBERT E. BROOKER JR. COLLECTION OF RARE ANTIQUE ARMS AND ARMOUR PART TWO: THE EARLY MODERN PERIOD II

PROPERTY SOLD BY THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO, FROM THE GEORGE F. HARDING COLLECTION TO BENEFIT THE HARDING COLLECTION OF ARMS AND ARMOUR AN IMPORTANT ENGLISH PRIVATE COLLECTION THE PROPERTY OF A LADY THE PROPERTY OF A GENTLEMAN

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

AUCTION:

Day One: Wednesday 25th June 2025

Day Two: Thursday 26th June 2025 at 11am, precisely

PUBLIC EXHIBITION:

Sunday 22nd June 12pm to 4pm

Monday 23rd June 10am to 7pm

Tuesday 24th June 10am to 5pm

SALE NUMBER OA0163

ENQUIRIES:

Thomas Del Mar

David Williams

Simeon Beever

Henry Metcalf

CONSULTANTS: Ian Eaves

Peter Smith

Charles Webb

Sachiko Hori

Brijeshwari Gohil

ARCHIVIST: Ainslie Johnston

+44 (0) 207 806 5545 armsandarmour@olympiaauctions.com ONLINE CATALOGUE AND LIVE INTERNET BIDDING AVAILABLE THROUGH: www.olympiaauctions.com www.the-saleroom.com www.invaluable.com www.drouotonline.com

SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY

Akehurst 1968

Back 1988

Back 1992

Bailey 2013

Bedford & Grancsay 1971

Bell & Philpott 1960

Bell 1961

Black et al 2007

Blackmore 1989

Blair 1968

Blair 1983

Boothroyd 1985

Bremers 2024

Brooker & Lehner 1975

Brooker 2006

Brooker 2007

Carpegna 1997

Chamberlain & Taylerson 1976

de Vries & Martens 2007

Elgood 2004

Elgood 2021

Fliegel 2008

Ford & Bailey 2023

Franzoi 1990

Godoy 1993

Godwin & Oliver 2006

Richard Akehurst, Sporting Guns, London 1968

David Back, ‘The Use of Double Barrel Guns for Sporting Purposes in the Eighteenth Century’ in The Fifth Park Lane Arms Fair, 1988

David H. L. Back, Great Irish Gunmakers: Messrs Rigby, Norwich 1992

De Witt Bailey, ‘The Pattern 1824 Sea Service Pistol’ in Journal of the Arms & Armour Society, Vol. XXI, No. 1, March 2013, pp. 11-15

Clay P. Bedford & Stephen V. Grancsay, Early Firearms of Great Britain and Ireland from the Collection of Clay P. Bedford, exhibition catalogue, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York 1971

J. Bell & H. Philpott, ‘Brief Notes on Deane-Harding Percussion Revolvers’ in Black Powder, 1960

J.B. Bell, ‘Brief Notes on Transitional Type Revolvers (part 2) and Daw Revolvers’ in Black Powder, June 1961

Joel Black, Kerry Guerin & Roger G. Michaud, Tranter Cartridge Firearms, 2007

Howard L. Blackmore, ‘General Claude Martin, Master Gunmaker’ in The Canadian Journal of Arms Collecting, Vol. 27, No. 1, 1989

Claude Blair, Pistols of the World, New York 1968

Claude Blair, Pollard’s History of Firearms, New York 1983

Geoffrey Boothroyd, The Shotgun History and Development, London 1985

Dr Louis M. H. Bremers, The Pursuit of Honour: The History of the Pistol Duel in England & France, London 2024

R.E. Brooker & H. Lehner, ‘The Military Pistols of Saxony’ in ASAC Bulletin No. 31, 1975

Robert E. Brooker, Armes de poing militaires francaises: Du XVIe au XIXe siecle et leurs influences a l’etranger, 2006

Robert Brooker, Landeszeughaus Graz, Austria: Radschloss Sammlung / Wheellock Collection, Graz 2007

Nolfo di Carpegna, Bresian Firearms, Rome 1997

W.H.J. Chamberlain & A.W.F. Taylerson, Adam’s Revolvers, 1976

G. de Vries and B. J. Martens, Arms of the Netherlands in the Collection of H. L. Visser, volume I, part 4, Arnhem 2007

Robert Elgood, Hindu Arms and Ritual: Arms and Armour from India 1400-1865, Chicago 2004

Robert Elgood, ‘General Claude Martin’s Armoury at Lucknow’ in Rosie Llewellyn-Jones (ed), The Estate of Major Claude Martin at Lucknow: An Indian Inventory, Cambridge 2021

Stephen Fliegel, Arms & Armor: The Cleveland Museum of Art, 2008

Ian Ford & De Witt Bailey, British Powder Flasks 1700 To The Present Day, 2023

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

José-A. Godoy, Armes a feu XVe-XVIIe Siecle, Geneva 1993

Brian Godwin & David Oliver, ‘English Snaphaunce Firearms: A Loan Exhibition from the Royal Armouries and Private Collections’ in The Park Lane Arms Fair 2006

Gorman 1999

Gorman 2005

Hales 2013

Lavin 1965

Lhoste & Resek 2001

May & Annis 1970

Mazansky 2005

Neal & Back 1984

Neal & Back 1989

Norman 1980

Oakeshott 1991

Oakeshott 1992

Rawson 1968

Reid 1956

Rimer 2014

Roads 1964

Serpette et al 1995

Southwick 2001

Southwick 2022

Stewart 2007

Stroud 2023

Tarassuk 1967

Taylersen 1966

Taylersen et al 1968

Wagner 1967

Wimsey 2000

Winant 1955

Michael R. Gorman, ‘Ulfbrecht: Innovation and Imitation in Early Medieval Swords’ in The Sixteenth Park Lane Arms Fair Guide, February 1999, pp. 7-12

Michael R. Gorman, ‘Ingelrii: A Continuing Tradition of early Medieval Swordsmithing’ in The Park Lane Arms Fair, 2005

R. Hales, Islamic and Oriental Arms and Armour: A Lifetime’s Passion, St Peter Port 2013

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

Jean Lhoste & Patrick Resek, Les Sabres portes par L’ Armee Francais, Portail 2001

Commander W. E. May, R. N. & P. G. W. Annis, Swords for Sea Service, Portsmouth 1970

Cyril Mazansky, British Basket-Hilted Swords: A Typology of Basket-Type Sword Hilts, Woodbridge 2005

William Keith Neal and David H. L. Back, Great British Gunmakers 1540-1740, Norwich 1984

W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back, British Gunmakers Messrs Griffin & Tow And W. Bailes 1740-1790, Norwich 1989

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

R. Ewart Oakeshott, Records of the Medieval Sword, Woodbridge 1991

R. Ewart Oakeshott, ‘Sword and Rapier’ in The Ninth Park Lane Arms Fair, 1992

P. S. Rawson, The Indian Sword, Reading 1967

W. Reid, ‘Pauly, Gun-Designer’ in Journal of the Arms and Armour Society, Vol. II, 1956

Graeme Rimer, ‘An Important Sword associated with the visit of King George IV to Scotland in August, 1822’ in The Spring 2014 London Park Lane Arms Fair, 2014

Christopher Herbert Roads, The British Soldier’s Firearm, London 1964

Marie-Antoinette and Alain F. Serpette with Almore J. Forgett, Colonel Francois A. Le Mat, 15 avril 1821-28, juillet 1895, 1995

Leslie Southwick, London Silver-Hilted Swords: Their Makers, Suppliers and Allied Traders, with Directory, Leeds 2001

Leslie Southwick, ‘The Makers marks’, ‘I.K’ ‘JA’ and M.B’, Struck On London 18th Century Gun Furniture’ in Journal of the Arms & Armour Society, Vol. XXIV, No.2, September 2022

Ron Stewart, The Firearms Of William Tranter: Birmingham Gunsmith, Naenae 2007

David J. W. Stroud, A Directory of the Early Irish Gunmakers, Scarborough 2023

Leonid Tarassuk, Russian Pistols in the Seventeenth Century, London 1968

A.W.F. Taylerson, The Revolver 1865-1888, New York 1966

A. W. F. Taylersen, R. A. N. Andrews, & J. Frith, The Revolver 1818-1865, London, 1968

Eduard Wagner, Cut and Thrust Weapons, London 1967

Tom Wimsey, ‘Newton of Grantham’ in Journal of the Arms & Armour Society, Vol. XVI, No. 5, September 2000, pp. 281-303

Lewis Winant, Firearms Curiosa, New York 1955

1

A JAPANESE SWORD, SIGNED FUJIWARA NO HIROTAKA, EARLY EDO PERIOD

the shortened (o-suriage) blade with ridged cross section (shinogi-zukuri), saki-zori curvature, irregular (midare) tempering pattern (hamon), tang (nakago) with three peg holes (meguki-ana) and a partial fourth, cutting test signature of Inagaki Shigetira, in Edo Period fittings (koshirae) including copper alloy tortoise and crane ornaments (menuki), unsigned iron guard (tsuba), copper alloy hilt collar (fuchi) and pommel (kashira) decorated with foliage motifs (karakusa), in its laquered black scabbard (saya), 72.8 cm blade

A Hozon certificate dated 19th November 1963 is offered with this lot.

£3,000-4,000

2

A JAPANESE SWORD (TACHI), UNSIGNED, KOTO PERIOD

the blade with ridged cross section (shinogi-zukuri), koshi-zori curvature, straight (suguha) tempering pattern (hamon), faint wood grain surface texture (itame hada), groove (hi) extending into the tang (nakago), two peg holes (mekugi-ana), in WWII regulation fittings (shin-gunto koshirae), without a tassel, the scabbard (saya) painted brown (some dents to the tip (boshi) and upper edge, scratches in the polish), 72.8 cm blade

This is likely a Bizen school blade, that has been shortened (osuriage) from a full tachi.

£1,000-1,500

3

A JAPANESE SWORD (KATANA), SIGNED IZUMI (NO) KAMI FUJIWARA KUNISADA SAKU, 1620-1640

the blade with ridged cross section (shinogizukuri), irregular (midare) tempering pattern with a straight (suguha) lower section (hamon) (some scratches in the polish), two holes (mekugi-ana) in the tang (nakago), one filled, two copper alloy menuki decorations depicting tigers, matching pommel (kashira) and sleeve (fuchi) embossed with dragons, guard (tsuba) of the Sōten school, elaborately chiselled in Hikone-bori fashion with depictions of wrestling samurai (tsuba unsigned), in its lacquered black scabbard (saya) (kogatana knife and kurikata knob missing, some wear in the lacquer), 72.4 cm blade

£800-1,200

4

A JAPANESE SWORD (KATANA), SIGNED HISAMICHI, DATED 1866

the blade with ridged cross section (shinogizukuri), straight (suguha) tempering pattern (hamon) with some waves (notare), the tang signed Hisamichi on one side and dated ‘second month of the second year of the Keio Period (March 1866)’, sword guard (tsuba) from the Shoami school, depicting a large sake jar (tsubo) on one side with a ladel on the other, later drill hole, black bindings on the grip (tsuka), copper alloy collar (fuchi) and pommel (kashira), copper alloy ornament (menuki) on the grip, in its WWII regulation shin-gunto leather-covered scabbard (saya), 72.3 cm blade

£500-700

5

A JAPANESE SHORT SWORD (WAKIZASHI), SIGNED YAMASHIRO

DAIJO KUNITSUGU, PROBABLY EDO PERIOD

the blade with ridged cross section (shinogizukuri), straight (suguha) tempering pattern (hamon), copper guard (tsuba) imitating a shakudo nanako style guard, depicting a butterfly and foliage, painted black, singular peg hole (mekugi-ana) on the tang (nakago), copper alloy ornaments (menuki) depicting dragonflies, (some staining and damage to the tip (boshi) (scabbard (saya) missing), 47.0 cm blade

£400-600

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

with recurved single-edged blade with rounded back edge over most of its length to the point, iron hilt comprising deeply petalled cup guard extending over the forte on each side as a pair of tapering sharply pointed langets, one retaining some of its chiselled foliate decoration around the border, wooden cushion-shaped pommel with tall button finial, the latter with two silver rings, and tubular iron grip (pitted throughout), 67.5 cm blade

Provenance

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number C94

Three related examples, formerly in the collection of Anthony North, were sold in this room 30th June 2010, lot 83. The dating of this group ranges from the 12th to 16th centuries. See Elgood 2004, pp. 83-85, and Rawson 1968, pl. 12.

£400-600

7 A RARE SOUTH INDIAN COPPER ALLOY SWORD (KOPIS KADUTHALA), PROBABLY 18TH/19TH CENTURY, KERALA

with recurved blade recessed and with medial ridge over its length on both sides, the back edge over two-thirds of its length with seventeen small mounts each pierced for a ring carrying a later rattle, hilt comprising deeply petalled guard cast with two chakra on each side and with tapering plates over both sides of the forte with incised borders and central leafshaped projections, turned rounded pommel and integral grip, the former bordered by rattles (some missing) en suite with the blade, and with turned bulbous finial, 70.0 cm blade

Another example from the same collection sold in this room, 28th June 2023, lot 27

Provenance

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number L11

£500-700

8

A

MASSIVE INDIAN PROCESSIONAL HEADMAN’S SWORD (TEGHA), 18TH/19TH CENTURY

with curved wide blade fullered along one side and back-edged at the clipped-back point, iron hilt comprising beaked quillons and double langet plates over each side of the forte, the latter each with cusped line engraved border pierced with small holes, bent-up guard, knuckle-guard, dish-shaped pommel and stalk-like finial all with borders en suite, and slender slightly swelling grip (some rust patination and pitting overall), 83.5 cm blade

Provenance

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number C114

£400-600

9

AN UNUSUAL INDIAN SWORD, 18TH CENTURY OR EARLIER

with flamboyantly recurved blade single-edged towards the bellied point and reinforced along the back, hilt of khanda form comprising beaked quillons and langet plate over each side of the forte, the latter each with palmette-shaped terminal secured by a rivet with silver floretshaped washer on both sides, bent-up guard, integral knuckle-guard tapering up to join the disc-shaped pommel, the latter with stalk-like finial with fluted bud-shaped terminal, and slender grip with central swelling (old pitting overall), 65.0 cm blade

Provenance

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number C48

£800-1,000

A FINE INDIAN TALWAR WITH PERSIAN BLADE, EARLY TO MID-18TH CENTURY

with curved russet blade of finely watered wootz steel doubleedged at the point in front of the shallow yelman, the forte on one side inlaid in gold with three cartouches inscribed respectively ‘Help from God and a Speedy Victory’, ‘Slave of the King of the Trusteeship (Ali), Tahmasp’ and ‘Work of Sadir Isfahani’, a gold-inlaid buduh (amulet) to the left of the first, all arranged above two diagonally placed couplets inscribed ‘On the day there is nobody to be my protector, O Murtaza, Ali you are my defender!’, all the inscriptions in thuluth, characteristic russet steel hilt decorated overall with symmetrical arrangements of silver-inlaid bunched reeds and ferns (some minor losses and tarnishing), comprising tapering langets with pointed tips, waisted quillons with button tips, recurved knuckle-guard with bud-shaped terminal, large discshaped pommel with pierced bud-shaped finial on a domed petalled mount, and swelling grip of flattened diamond section, 83.0 cm blade

The blade dates to the reign of Tahmasp II (1704? -1740) who ruled from 1722 to 1732 and was the penultimate Safavid Shah of Iran.

In June 1722 Tsar Peter the Great of Russia declared war on Safavid Iran to gain influence in the Caspian and Caucasian regions and to prevent the Ottoman Empire from further territorial expansion in the region. The Russian victory was ratified at the Treaty of Saint Petersburg in 1723, however by 1729 Tahmasp had regained control of most of the territory ceded to the Russians. Following his disastrous campaign against the Ottomans in 1731 he was deposed in 1732 by Nader Shah in favour of his son, Abbas II.

£2,000-3,000

11

AN INDIAN FIRANGI, 17TH CENTURY

with slightly curved blade double-edged towards the point and cut with three fullers along the back on each side, characteristic steel hilt pierced overall with designs of foliage and comprising budshaped quillons with bluntly-pointed extension over each side of the forte, one with later pierced silver suspension tab for a thong, bent-up guard with integral tapering knuckle-guard joining the discshaped pommel, the latter with fluted stalk-like finial with bud-shaped tip, and slender swelling grip of diamond section (old rust patination), 93.0 cm blade

Provenance

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number C123

£500-700

12

A SOUTH INDIAN RAPIER (BAWANI), 18TH CENTURY, PROBABLY KERALA

with slender tapering double-edged blade, copper alloy hilt comprising long langets issuing from the jaws of a yali-head, each with line engraved decoration and extending over the forte on both sides, waisted bent-up guard with notched border, large two-piece spherical pommel with beaded medial band and button finial en suite, and grip of flattened ovoidal section, in modern scabbard covered in black leather, 101.5 cm blade

Provenance

Roy Elvis Catalogue Number C125

£500-700

13

AN INDO-PERSIAN SWORD (SHAMSHIR), 19TH CENTURY

with curved single-edged blade, iron hilt encrusted with gold scrollwork, and ivory grip, in later scabbard, 80.5 cm blade

£400-500

AN INDIAN TULWAR, THE HILT 18TH CENTURY

with associated artificially watered waved double-edged blade, characteristic hilt decorated overall with gold-damascened flowering foliage, comprising tapering pointed langets, waisted quillons with button tips, recurved knuckle-guard with budshaped finial, disc-shaped pommel with pierced bud-shaped finial on a domed petalled mount, and swelling faceted grip; together with a Caucasian wooden scabbard covered in black and burgundy leather with silver locket and chape both engraved with nielloed foliage on the outside, the former (incomplete) nielloed ‘Strengthened: Temir Khant, Shura’ in Russian and dated 1850 on the inside, and silver covered iron suspension mount engraved with nielloed foliage en suite, 37.0 cm blade and 50.0 cm scabbard (2)

The Temir-Khan-Shurinskiy okrug was a district of the Dagestan Oblast of the Caucasus Viceroyalty of the Russian Empire.

£300-500

15

A LARGE OTTOMAN QAMA, TRABZON, BLACK SEA COAST, 19TH CENTURY

with broad double-edged blade cut with converging central fullers over most of its length on each side, the forte struck with indistinct bladesmith’s mark on both sides, characteristic waisted hilt with domed pommel entirely covered in gilt metal profusely set overall with numerous pieces of fluted red coral (corallium rubrum) against a ground of small beads, in original wooden scabbard covered in silver engraved with ropework borders, the locket and chape en suite with the hilt, the latter with monster head terminal, 43.2 cm blade

For a related example see Hales 2013, p. 93, fig. 215

£1,000-1,500

16

A PERSIAN DAGGER, QAJAR, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

with slightly curved sharply tapering doubleedged blade of wootz steel with slender medial ridge over most of its length on each side, and waisted walrus-ivory hilt of ovoidal section, in its fishskin-covered wooden scabbard with silver locket and chape each embossed and chased with birds amid foliage on both sides, the former with upper border of beadwork, the latter with medial mount en suite, 25.6 cm blade

£400-500

17

A NEPALESE SILVER-MOUNTED KUKRI, LATE 19TH CENTURY

with characteristic single-edged blade engraved with a differing mask on each side, the back-edge of the forte on both faces engraved with running foliage against a hatched ground, dark horn grip cut with medial bands and with monster-head pommel, in its wooden scabbard covered in faded blue velvet with deep silver locket and chape embossed, pierced and chased with foliage, the latter inhabited by a dragon and a demon’s mask, and silver ring carrying a suspension chain of plaited silver wire, 33.5 cm blade

£250-350

18

A TURKISH YATAGHAN, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

with slightly recurved single-edged blade cut with a double narrow fuller along the top on each side, both sides gold-damascened with a long foliate panel containing Arabic inscriptions, almost certainly the owner’s and maker’s names respectively, a shaped silver mount over the forte set with silver diamonds and pellets including a red coral bead (corallium rubrum) on both sides, silver-covered hilt with grip-strap set with red coral and silver beads on filigree settings and against a ground of silver diamonds, and ‘eared’ grips each set on both sides with a red coral bead centred on a filigree and diamond floret, all between twisted silver lines, in original woodlined silver scabbard embossed and chased overall with a repeated design of symmetrical flowering foliage, the locket with silver beadwork and filigree en suite with the hilt, and with monsterhead terminal, 56.0 cm blade

£1,200-1,500

A VERY RARE INDIAN FLINTLOCK SILVER-MOUNTED POWDER-TESTER (EPROUVETTE), LATE 18TH CENTURY

of flintlock pistol form, with large pierced and engraved indicator wheel numbered from ‘1’ to ‘17’ on one side and again in Arabic numerals on the other, mounted on a baluster-shaped mount and acting against a bevelled spring and lever, the latter formed as a peacock, copper alloy cap-shaped anvil fitting against the top of a turned copper alloy chimney above the touch-hole, iron tang stamped with later Indian arsenal marks, flat bevelled lock with border engraved stepped tail, cock pierced with a scroll, figured stock carved with a foliate scroll and fleur-de-lys on the fore-end, mounts in the French fashion comprising flat side-plate pierced and engraved with foliage, vacant crowned escutcheon between lion supporters and above a grotesque mask, spurred pommel with rounded cap and engraved with a floret on each side, and border engraved trigger-guard with foliate finial and decorated with a flower-head on the bow, 31.0 cm

Probably produced at Pondicherry by a French trained Indian gunmaker, or at the Lucknow Arsenal under the direction of Claude Martin. See Elgood 2021, pp.48-64.

Claude Martin was born in 1735 in Lyons, the son of a cooper. He served with the French army 1752-60, when he deserted in India and joined the East India Company forces. Commissioned as Ensign in 1763, he was promoted Captain and appointed Superintendent of Artillery and Arsenals to the Nawab of Oudh. With the rank of Major he established the Lucknow Arsenal in 1779. Under his supervision and training a number of fine arms were produced by European and native armourers, examples of which are in the collections of the Royal Armouries, Leeds. He reached the rank of Major General and died in Lucknow in 1800. For further information on Claude Martin, patron of Zoffany and founder of La Martinière College, see Blackmore 1989.

£3,000-4,000

(reverse)

20

AN INDIAN HIDE SHIELD (DHAL), 19TH CENTURY, SIGNED BHAGUAN KHOOSALOA, AHMEDABAD

of concave form curved outwards at the brim, the outer surface lacquered and decorated with a band of foliage, fitted with four large engraved copper alloy bosses with foliate brims around a central panel en suite with the brim, the interior painted red, with a small pad, three rings for enarmes (the fourth missing), inscribed ‘Bhaguan Khoosaloa, shield maker, Ahmedabad’ and applied with two labels including ‘Circle 3, Bombay and Sind no. 923’, 38.3 cm diameter

£800-1,000

21

AN INDO-PERSIAN CIRCULAR SHIELD (DHAL), 19TH CENTURY

of steel and of convex form, the outer surface embossed with a gold-damascened sun-insplendour centred on domed bosses each chased with flower-heads, all against a ground of chiselled flowering foliage, the rim with applied copper alloy border and chiselled with circular and ovoidal panels of Persian verses between borders of running arabesques and foliage, the verses retaining some silver-damascening, the interior lined in fabric (worn and damaged, pad and enarmes missing), 53.0 cm diameter

A related shield was sold in this room, Fine Antique Arms, Armour & Militaria, 4th December 2024, lot 110.

£600-800

20 (inscription)

A FINE PERSIAN KULAH KHUD, DHAL AND BAZU BAND, QAJAR, 19TH CENTURY

of finely watered wootz steel, the first with domed skull chiselled in bas-relief with Persepolitan hunting scenes within arcades, the scenes involving horsemen hunting various game, and including a bearded figure riding an elephant, armed with a sword and wielding an axe, and a female figure at her toilette, and around the base of the arcade with the repeated scene of a lioness attacking a hind, the rim with gold-inlaid ovoidal panels enclosing Persian couplets in praise of the helmet in gold-inlaid nasta’liq, each panel between a cartouche chiselled with a hawk attacking a bird, a goldinlaid circular cartouche at the front inscribed in gold ‘The servant of the King of Trusteeship Sulaymen’ and dated 1115 AH (corresponding to 1703-04 AD), fitted with threaded central spike of hollow diamond section on a circular mount chiselled with four birds each in a cartouche, and adjustable nasal with shaped finials, vandyked camail of small butted steel and copper alloy rings forming a repeated design, and retaining its brown velvet liner; the second of convex circular form with four gold-damascened bosses each with pierced border, the outer surface decorated en suite with the kulah khud within a double border of gold-damascened calligraphy and scrolling foliage (some loss of gold-damascening in one area), and retaining its padded brown velvet liner, leather pad and bracers; the last shaped to the fore-arm and decorated en suite (wrist-plates and liner missing), 26.5 cm high, 38.3 cm diameter and 35.0 cm long (3)

Provenance

Frank Paul Collection, Berlin

£10,000-15,000

THE ROBERT E. BROOKER JR. COLLECTION OF RARE ANTIQUE ARMS AND ARMOUR PART TWO: THE EARLY MODERN PERIOD II

Robert Elton Brooker, Jr. started collecting firearms in 1954 at the age of 17, when he identified an original Colt revolver for sale in Morelia, Mexico. This led to a lifetime of collecting and scholarship related to technology development and geopolitics viewed through the lens of European military pistols. His first book, British Military Pistols 1603-1887, was published in 1978. This was followed by Armes de Poing Militaires Francaises (2006), Landeszeughaus Graz, Austria (2007), and finally British Military Pistols and Associated Edged Weapons (2016), an updated version of his original book, illustrated largely with items from his personal collec tion. He authored scholarly articles about Napoleon's Mamluk guard, Saxon military pistols, Neapolitan pistols, and other topics, plus t wo unfinished book manuscripts: one about Spanish and Latin American pistols, another about the Bavarian Army Museum collection. He received the Great Medal of Honor from the Austrian state of Styria in 2008.

Alongside his collecting and scholarship, Brooker built a career initially as an officer and pilot in the US Marine Corps. In the summer of 1959 he was granted a leave of absence from the Marines to work as an interpreter for the American Exhibition in Moscow. While there, he happened to be in the room where Richard Nixon and Nikita Khrushchev entered and filmed what later became known as the Kitchen Debate. Following an MBA at Harvard Business School, he served in senior management roles at Cummins Engine Company, NL Industries, Lord Corporation, and Connell LP. He oversaw the development of horizonal drilling technology that later transformed the oil and gas industry. He retired from business to obtain a PhD in Art History from Brown University. He speaks six languages and was an enthusiastic scuba diver. All these achievements took place alongside his wife of 60 years, Kitty Brooker. He has four children and six grandchildren.

The Robert Brooker Jr. Collection represents the greatest collection of its type assembled in the history of the subject. Spanning more than three centuries and comprising a unique group of munition firearms, edged weapons and associated objects, its magnitude, breadth and quality are truly remarkable. This second offering from the early modern period (specifically circa 1500-1780) gives collectors a rare opportunity to acquire several outstanding rarities, many of which remain in excellent condition.

Robert Elton Brooker, Jr.

A SOUTH EUROPEAN BROADSWORD, CIRCA 150020, POSSIBLY SPANISH

with associated broad double-edged blade of flattenedhexagonal section, with a pair of short slender fullers framed by incised lines on each face continuing into the rectangular ricasso, iron hilt comprising horizontally recurved quillons with flared strongly moulded fluted terminals, écusson, a pair of robust arms, lower ring-guard formed with a central rib en suite with the quillon terminals, wheel pommel incised with lines on the outer face, and later wire-bound grip (loose), 94.5 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S1486

‡ £1,500-2,000

A HAND-AND-A-HALF SWORD, CIRCA 1600-20, PROBABLY AUSTRIAN

with broad tapering blade formed with a short shallow fuller on each face, border engraved recessed ricasso struck with a bladesmith’s mark on one face, perhaps for a member of the Stantler family, iron hilt of rounded bars, comprising a pair of straight quillons with moulded bud-shaped terminals, outer ring-guard interrupted by a central moulding, diagonal innerguard joined to the quillon-block by a short arm, ovoid pommel, and two-stage leather-covered grip painted with inventory number ‘LZ.215-B’, 94.3 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S728

‡ £2,000-3,000

A GERMAN HAND-AND-A HALF SWORD, CIRCA 1600-20

with broad blade of flattened-hexagonal section, stamped ‘IX’ twice with a cross on each side within a short fuller framed by punched dots and incised lines, rectangular ricasso struck with two differing flower-head marks on the respective faces, iron hilt of faceted bars comprising a pair of straight ribbon-like quillons with bud-shaped terminals, outer ring-guard en suite joined to the arms by a pair of bars also en suite, diagonal inner-guard with thumb-ring and a further small bar onto the quillon-block, tall faceted pear-shaped pommel, and leathercovered wooden grip, perhaps early, 108.5 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S1109

‡ £2,000-3,000

A NORTH ITALIAN BROADSWORD, LATE

16TH/EARLY 17TH CENTURY, POSSIBLY VENETIAN with broad tapering blade of flattened-hexagonal section (tip bent), stamped ‘II IO I IO I’ on each face within a slender fuller extending into the rectangular ricasso, the latter with two further grooves at the border, russet iron hilt comprising vertically recurved quillons with swollen trifurcated terminals, outer ring-guard swelling in the centre and joined at the top by a curved and an angular arm, faceted pear-shaped pommel, and grip with a later plaited wire binding between ‘Turk’s heads’, 91.0 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S1028

A sword of related form is recorded in the Venetian Arsenal, see De Lucia 1908, p. 45, fig. 22, no. G945 ‡ £1,500-2,000

A NORTH EUROPEAN BASKET-HILTED MILITARY BACKSWORD (TESSAK), LATE 16TH CENTURY with tapering double-edged blade of flattened-diamond section and struck with a flower mark on each face at the forte, iron basket-hilt of rounded bars, comprising a pair of straight quillons with vertically recurved tips with pronounced globular terminals each chiselled with a finely chequered design, symmetrical basket-guard formed on each face with a saltire joining the knuckle-guard to the front and rear guards, fluted figure-of-eight shaped basal plate pierced with four circles and joined front and back by an S-shaped bar to the guard, thumbloop, mushroom-shaped pommel cut with a band of chequering en suite with the quillons, and leather-covered wooden grip, 99.2 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S1398

Hilts of this form are associated with North Germany and Scandinavia. See Norman 1980, p. 149.

‡ £2,000-2,500

A

SOUTH GERMAN BACKSWORD, CIRCA 1550

with straight single-edged blade formed with a curved edge at the point, struck with a latten-inlaid running wolf mark and a further mark on the reverse, iron hilt of moulded bars comprising a pair of straight quillons with moulded terminals, outer ring-guard and knuckle-guard each interrupted by a central moulding en suite, mushroom-shaped pommel (perhaps associated), cut with a band of chequering, and leather-covered wooden grip, 82.0 cm blade Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S830

‡ £1,000-1,400

30

A NORTH GERMAN MILITARY SWORD (TESSAK), LATE 16TH CENTURY

with broad curved blade double-edged towards the point and formed with a long broad fuller on each face, iron hilt of flattened bars comprising a pair of quillons with pointed terminals, outer-guard formed of an up-turned plate joined to the knuckle-guard by a scrolling bar, the latter two each en suite with the quillons, inner-guard with thumb-loop, rhomboid pommel, and early leather-covered wooden grip, 81.7 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S811

‡ £800-1,000

31

A GERMAN MILITARY SWORD, LATE 16TH CENTURY

with curved single-edged blade formed with a hatchet point, struck with the letter ‘E’ at the forte on one face, iron hilt of flattened rounded bars, comprising down-curved quillon with fluted spatulate terminal, outer-guard formed of an up-turned curved triangular plate pierced with a central quatrefoil, four rondels and with engraved border, knuckle-guard en suite with the quillon and joined to the guard by an S-shaped bar with central moulding, diagonal innerguard with thumb-loop, rhomboid pommel, and early leather-covered wooden grip (small losses), 77.5 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S825

‡ £700-900

32

A GERMAN MILITARY SWORD, LATE 16TH CENTURY

with broad curved single-edged blade formed with a hatchet point, incised with a series of lines, double eyelash marks and star-shaped marks on one face at the forte, blackened iron hilt of faceted rounded bars, comprising a pair of horizontally recurved quillons with chiselled bud-shaped finials decorated with a woven design, a scalloped plate forming the frontal guard, knuckle-guard joined to the latter by a scrolling bar and each with a central moulding en suite with the quillons, diagonal inner-guard with thumb-loop, rhomboid pommel cut with a chequered design, and early leather-covered wooden grip (hilt loose and old pitting), 83.2 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection

‡ £700-900

33

A NORTH GERMAN MILITARY SWORD (TESSAK), CIRCA 1600-20

with tapering double-edged blade of flattened-hexagonal section, incised with patterned lines on one face, rectangular ricasso struck with a mark, iron hilt comprising a pair of slightly down-curved quillons of flattened-diamond section with pointed terminals, basket-guard of rounded bars, thumbloop, later rhomboid pommel, and later leather-covered grip (some pitting overall), 90.2 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S810

‡ £500-700

34

A STYRIAN MILITARY BACKSWORD, LATE 16TH CENTURY

with tapering blade double-edged towards the point and formed with a long slender fuller along the back-edge, incised with a falchion mark on the reverse, iron hilt comprising a pair of ribbon-like quillons with patterned bud-shaped terminals, outer-guard formed of an up-turned plate pierced on each side with three holes at the base and joined to the knuckleguard by a scrolling bar, the latter two each with a central moulding en suite with the quillons, inner-guard with thumbloop, engraved rhomboid pommel, and writhen grip with a later embossed plaited wire binding between ‘Turk’s heads’, in its leather-covered wooden scabbard with iron mounts with elliptical designs, including two bands for suspension each with a pair of iron rings, 96.2 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S1408

‡ £700-1,000

35 A NORTH EUROPEAN SWORD RAPIER, LAST QUARTER OF THE 16TH CENTURY, POSSIBLY ENGLISH OR GERMAN

with broad tapering blade of flattened-hexagonal section, struck with a series of decorative marks within a pair of short fullers framed by lines over the forte, rectangular ricasso struck with the bladesmith’s mark, ‘P’ crowned, iron hilt of flattened bars, comprising vertically recurved quillons with rounded terminals, lower ring-guard fitted with a pierced sprung-in plate, a pair of arms one joined to the outer-guard by an S-shaped bar, knuckle-guard en suite with the quillons, inner-guard formed of a plate (detached at the base), two slender bars and a thumb-ring, flattened plummet-shaped pommel with button, and grip bound with plaited wire between ‘Turk’s heads’ (hilt loose, light pitting), 97.5 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S956

‡ £1,000-1,200

36

AN ITALIAN INFANTRY SWORD, CIRCA 1600 with broad straight 18th century blade of flattened-hexagonal section, struck with a mark, ‘B’ crowned for Clemens Broch of Solingen (1718-1772), twice at the forte on one face, iron hilt comprising down-curved quillon of flat rectangular section slightly swelling and incised with a line at the terminal, downturned shell-guard chiselled with a triangular panel of foliage, knuckle-guard en suite with the quillon, flattened figure-ofeight shaped pommel decorated with further triangular panels of foliage at the top and bottom on both sides, and grip with later twisted copper wire binding between ‘Turk’s heads’ (old pitting), 78.3 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S804

‡ £700-900

37

AN AUSTRIAN INFANTRY SWORD, CIRCA 1600 with broad blade of flattened-hexagonal section, struck with a crowned serpent mark, perhaps for Milan, on one face at the forte, iron hilt of flattened bars comprising drooping quillons with scrolling terminals, grooved quillon-block, knuckle-guard en suite with the quillons, and flattened figure-of-eight shaped pommel pierced with a pair of holes, and later grip carved with chevrons (old pitting throughout), 69.3 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S997

‡ £600-800

38

A GERMAN MILITARY SWORD,

EARLY 17TH CENTURY

with broad flat double-edged blade struck twice with a series of four alternating dots and lines on the reverse at the forte, iron hilt comprising vertically recurved quillons with conical bud-shaped finials, outer-guard formed of an up-turned plate pierced with a circular arrangement of quatrefoils and rondels enclosing a star, knuckle-guard with a central moulding en suite with the quillons, diagonal inner-guard with pear-shaped thumb-loop, stepped rhomboid pommel, and leather-covered wooden grip (some pitting overall), 80.5 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S892

‡ £700-900

39

A NORTH EUROPEAN MILITARY SWORD, CIRCA

1620

with curved blade double-edged towards the point formed with a slender fuller along the back on both sides, symmetrical iron hilt of flattened bars comprising vertically recurved quillons with flat swollen rounded terminals, ring-guards previously fitted with sprung-in plate (now missing) and joining the knuckle-guard, spherical pommel chiselled with foliage on the top, and wooden grip between iron collars (binding missing, pitted), 76.4 cm

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S1088

‡ £500-700

A GERMAN SWORD RAPIER, EARLY 17TH CENTURY

with broad blade of flattened-hexagonal section struck with three decorative marks within a slender fuller framed by lines on each face, grooved tapering ricasso, iron hilt of flattened bars, comprising vertically recurved quillons with rounded terminals (one bent), outer ring-guard with a scalloped lower plate joined at the top by a pair of short bars, a pair of arms, inner-guard formed of a basal blate joined at the top to a ringguard, thumb-loop, barrel-shaped pommel, and leather-covered grip (binding missing), 91.2 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S1385

‡ £1,500-2,000

41

A NORTH EUROPEAN RAPIER, CIRCA 1610, PROBABLY GERMAN

with broad tapering blade of flattened-diamond section with a slender fuller over its lower third on both sides, tapering ricasso struck with a mark, ‘H’ crowned, on each face, iron hilt of rounded bars, comprising a pair of straight quillons swelling towards the terminals, lower ring-guard swelling in the centre, a pair of arms, C-shaped outer-guard formed of a bar en suite with the ring and rooted on one arm, knuckle-guard, trifurcated inner-guard, flattened pommel with faceted sides and chiselled with an oval front and back, and later wire-bound grip between ‘Turk’s heads’, 108.5 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S1389

‡ £1,200-1,800

42

A GERMAN RAPIER, CIRCA 1620

with broad tapering blade of flattened-hexagonal section stamped with ‘Yesus’ within a slender fuller on each face (rubbed), grooved tapering ricasso with engraved line border, iron hilt of flattened rounded bars, comprising écusson with filed mouldings, curled quillon with rounded terminal, lower ring-guard, upper ring-guard rooted on the arms and bifurcated at the top to a further bar joining the knuckleguard, the latter en suite with the quillon, trifurcated inner ring-guard, ovoid pommel, and writhen grip with an elaborate binding of plaited wire between ‘Turk’s Heads’ (areas of pitting and cleaned), 97.2 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S819

‡ £1,200-1,800

43

A

NORTH EUROPEAN RAPIER, CIRCA 1620, PROBABLY GERMAN

with slender tapering blade of flattened-diamond section, border engraved rectangular ricasso hollowed on each face and struck with a crown-shaped mark, iron hilt of rounded bars, comprising a pair of short quillons swelling towards the terminals, engraved écusson with ogee terminals, arms, upper and lower ring-guards, a further ring-guard joined to the arms at the base and an additional outer bar at the top, knuckleguard joined to the latter and with a delicately filed recurved finial involving a C-scroll, bifurcated inner-guard, tapering barrel-shaped pommel with beadwork bands top and bottom, and grip with later twisted wire binding between (light pitting), 99.2 cm

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S1157 ‡ £1,200-1,800

AN ITALIAN MULTI-RING RAPIER, CIRCA 1630-40, ALMOST CERTAINLY FOR THE PAPAL GUARD

with long tapering blade of flattened-hexagonal section struck with a cross-and-orb mark ahead of a short fuller, the latter struck with a series of ‘X’ marks on each face, tapering ricasso, symmetrical iron hilt of rounded bars, comprising a pair of vertically recurved quillons, inner and outer ring-guards each of seven bars, the uppermost joined to the knuckle-guard by an additional bar, fitted with a figure-of-eight shaped plate embossed with the Crossed Keys of St. Peter on each side, faceted oval pommel (areas of pitting), and grip bound with a later twisted wire binding between ‘Turk’s Heads’, 116.0 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S509

‡ £1,500-2,000

45

AN ITALIAN MULTI-RING RAPIER, CIRCA 1630-40 with long tapering blade of flattened-diamond section struck with the sacred trigram ‘IHS’ in a short fuller on each face, rectangular ricasso, symmetrical iron hilt of slender rounded bars, comprising a pair of vertically recurved quillons, inner and outer ring-guards each of seven bars, the uppermost joined to the knuckle-guard by an additional bar, fitted with a pierced fluted plate at the base, compressed ovoid pommel, and leather-covered grip (binding missing) with ‘Turk’s heads’, 113.5 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S1129

‡ £1,400-1,800

A NORTH EUROPEAN PAPPENHEIM RAPIER, CIRCA 1630

with tapering blade of flattened-diamond section, rectangular ricasso stamped with the bladesmith’s mark within a large oval frame on each side, symmetrical russet steel hilt of rounded bars, comprising a pair of vertically-recurved quillons with moulded spatulate terminals, fluted écusson, knuckle-guard en suite with the quillons, inner and outer ring-guards each fitted with a pierced sprung-in plate (one replaced), an additional lower figure-of-eight ring-guard, upper ring-guard joined to the knuckle-guard and to the main ring by two further curved bars, faceted pommel formed with a ridge on each side (patinated brown throughout), and grip with later plaited copper alloy wire binding between ‘Turks’ heads’, 103.0 cm blade

Provenance

Sold in this room, 27th June 2012, lot 140

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S1386

‡ £1,400-1,800

47

A RAPIER, SECOND QUARTER OF THE 17TH CENTURY, ITALIAN OR SPANISH with slender tapering blade of flattened rounded section formed with a slender fuller stamped by the bladesmith’s name (indistinct, perhaps Toledo), rectangular ricasso struck with bladesmith’s mark on both sides, iron hilt of slender rounded bars comprising straight quillons swelling towards the terminals, fluted écusson, lower ring-guard fitted with a pierced sprung-in plate (chipped), ring-guard joined the knuckle-guard by a further bar, knuckle-guard with recurved finial formed as a stylised serpent, a pair of arms, inner-guard formed of a scalloped plate rising to a pair of bifurcated bars and a thumb-loop, slender barrel-shaped pommel, and writhen grip with later plaited wire binding between ‘Turk’s heads’, 113.0 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S1076

‡ £1,000-1,400

48

AN ENGLISH PROTO MORTUARY SWORD CIRCA

1630-40

with tapering blade double-edged towards the point, stamped ‘ME FECT’ and ‘SOLINGEN’ within a pair of long slender fuller on each face, rectangular ricasso formed with an additional groove, symmetrical russet iron hilt comprising scrolled quillon, scalloped guard rising to slender bar joining the pommel (repaired at the front), knuckle-guard interrupted by a scallop moulding en suite and joined to the front and rear guard by an S-shaped bar, globular pommel, and wooden grip (binding missing, some old rust patination and pitting overall), 83.7 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S466

‡ £600-800

49

AN ENGLISH BASKET-HILTED BACKSWORD, CIRCA

1650-90

with straight blade (areas of pitting) double-edged towards the point, stamped ‘ANDREA FARARA’, ‘SOILDEO’ and ‘GLORIA’ between a series of decorative marks within three long slender fullers on each face, rectangular ricasso with a further groove and struck with an indistinct mark, symmetrical iron basketguard of rounded bars including vestigial quillons, a pair of saltires framed by the knuckle-guard and an additional bar at the rear, the latter joined to a looped guard by a horizontal bar interrupted by a ‘bow-tie’ panel, grooved bun-shaped pommel, and later leather-covered grip bound with a strand of twisted wire, 86.4 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S817

‡ £1,000-1,200

50

A RARE SAXON PALLASCH, CIRCA 1650-1700

with broad straight blade double-edged towards the point etched with celestial motifs and with traces of a hussar figure, iron stirrup hilt, including a pair of very slender langets extending into the grip, elliptical pommel with scalloped backstrap, and leather-covered banded grip (minor old worming) retained by a rivet with copper alloy head (the reverse head missing), in its tooled leather-covered wooden scabbard (areas of light worm damage) with iron mounts, comprising small chape extending part-way up on both sides, and four iron bands, the upper two each fitted with a ring for suspension, 92.5 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S98

‡ £1,200-1,800

51

AN AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN HUSSAR SWORD, EARLY 18TH CENTURY

with curved blade formed with a long fuller on each face and double-edged towards the point, struck with a mark, a mullet, on the reverse at the forte, iron hilt showing copper brazing and formed of a pair of straight flattened quillons widening towards the terminals, a pair of slender langets extending into the grip, the inner face fitted with a thumb-loop, thick elliptical pommel, and cord-bound leather-covered grip fitted with a flower-head washer on each face, in its tooled leather-covered wooden scabbard with iron mounts comprising chape, and a series of slender bands including two pairs of three each fitted with two rings for suspension (areas of pitting), 85.0 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S870

See Wagner 1967, p. 401, plate 319.

‡ £800-1,000

A RARE CENTRAL EUROPEAN SWORD, 17TH CENTURY, POSSIBLY POLISH

with straight single-edged blade formed with a long shallow fuller on each face and struck with a small cross and orb mark (rubbed), hilt in the Ottoman taste, formed of a pair of sharply down-turned iron quillons with flattened foliate terminals and a pair of langets, copper alloy back-strap, and a pair of horn grips carved with pairs of chevrons on each face (one side with a small chip at the pommel), in its leather-covered wooden scabbard (small restorations) with iron mounts comprising large chape, and a pair of slender shaped bands each carrying a ring for suspension, 84.5 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S259

See Wagner 1967, p. 214, plate 9. ‡ £1,200-1,800

53

A SWEDISH MILITARY SWORD, CIRCA 1660

with broad straight blade incised ‘1414’ between two crosses within a short fuller and with a running wolf mark ahead on each face, iron hilt of flattened-rounded bars, comprising short down-curved quillon incised with a simple design at the terminal, symmetrical figure-of-eight shaped guard fitted with a pair of pierced sprung-in plates, frontal guard interrupted by an incised moulding en suite with the quillons and joined to the knuckle-guard, matching inner-guard, thumb-loop, globular pommel chiselled with a flowerhead on top, and writhen wooden grip (split, binding missing), 82.5 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S628

A number of swords with hilts of this type marked ‘1414’ on the blades are recorded. In the absence of any other explanation, it has been suggested that this may be talismanic. For a discussion of this group see Royal Collection inv. no. 62964.

‡ £500-700

54

A SWEDISH MILITARY SWORD, CIRCA 1670

with broad straight blade struck with a series of letters between crosses within a slender fuller on each face (indistinct), iron hilt of flattened-rounded bars, comprising short down-curved quillon, oval guard incised in imitation of a double-guard, frontal guard incised with a band and joined to the knuckle-guard by a diagonal bar, matching inner-guard, thumb-loop, globular pommel, and writhen grip bound with twisted wire between ‘Turk’s heads’ (old pitting overall), 78.8 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S770

‡ £500-700

55

A GERMAN MILITARY SWORD, LATE 17TH CENTURY

with curved blade double-edged towards the point and formed with a pair of long slender fullers along the back edge on each face, iron hilt of rounded bars, comprising vertically recurved quillons with moulded budshaped terminals, outer-guard formed of a curved bar rising to an oval plate, joined to the knuckle-guard at the top and by an additional S-shaped bar, innerguard formed of a smaller plate with thumb-loop, small ovoid pommel, and grip with an early binding of twisted iron wire between ‘Turk’s heads’, 82.7 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S924

‡ £600-800

A NORTH EUROPEAN MILITARY SWORD, CIRCA 1650-80, PROBABLY GERMAN

with tapering blade double-edged towards the point and formed with a two long slender fullers along the back edge on both sides, rectangular ricasso with a further groove, iron hilt of rounded bars, comprising down-curved quillon with mushroom-shaped terminal, asymmetrical figure-of-eight shaped guard fitted with two sprung-in plates, one embossed with foliage and the other pierced, frontal guard interrupted by a double globular moulding, knuckleguard en suite, thumb-loop, and leather-covered writhen grip with a later thin wire binding (loose), 88.3 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S1068

‡ £500-700

57

A NORTH EUROPEAN CAVALRY SWORD, SECOND QUARTER OF THE 17TH CENTURY

with straight double-edged blade stamped ‘1414’ divided by a series of mullets arranged in fours within a short fuller on each side, and with an incised running wolf mark beyond, asymmetrical iron hilt of rounded bars, including inner and outer ring-guards each filled with a pierced sprung-in plate, rear quillon with globular terminal, knuckle-guard, thumbring, and globular pommel, and grip bound with twisted wire between ‘Turk’s heads’, 88.7 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S52

A number of swords with hilts of this type marked ‘1414’ on the blades are recorded. In the absence of any other explanation, it has been suggested that this may be talismanic. For a discussion of this group see Royal Collection inv. no. 62964.

‡ £500-700

58

A NORTH EUROPEAN MILITARY SWORD, CIRCA 1640-60

with broad straight double-edged blade formed with a near central uneven slender fuller on each face and stamped with a double eyelash mark on one side, iron hilt of rounded bars, comprising a pair of quillons with pronounced mushroom-shaped terminals, asymmetrical figure-of-eight shaped guard fitted with two pierced sprung-in plates, frontal guard interrupted by a double globular moulding, knuckle-guard en suite and joined to the front by a diagonal bar, thumb-loop, mushroomshaped pommel chiselled with foliage, and writhen wooden grip (cracked) bound with twisted wire (loose), 91.8 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S913

‡ £500-700

59

A SWISS MILITARY SWORD, SECOND QUARTER OF THE 17TH CENTURY

with broad curved blade double-edged towards the point and formed with a shallow fuller along the back on both sides, iron hilt of rounded bars, comprising down-curved quillon with pointed globular terminal, ring-guard fitted with a copper alloy plate embossed with foliage, frontal guard interrupted by a double globular moulding, knuckle-guard en suite and joined to the front by a diagonal bar, thumb-loop, cast and chased copper alloy lion-head pommel, and wooden grip retaining a pair of copper alloy ‘Turk’s heads’ (binding missing), 84.4 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S838 ‡ £400-600

60

A MILITARY SWORD, THIRD QUARTER OF THE 17TH CENTURY, AUSTRIAN OR GERMAN with curved blade double-edged towards the point and formed with a long slender fuller along the back-edge on each side, iron hilt of rounded bars, comprising down-curved quillon with globular terminal, asymmetrical figureof-eight shaped guard fitted with two rounded pierced sprung-in plates, frontal guard interrupted by a double globular moulding, knuckle-guard en suite and joined at the front by a diagonal bar, thumb-loop, globular pommel, and leather-covered wooden grip (some old pitting), 77.5 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S601 ‡ £400-600

61

A MILITARY SWORD, THIRD QUARTER OF THE 17TH CENTURY, PROBABLY SWISS with curved blade double-edged towards the point, formed with a threequarter length fuller along the back-edge and incised with a running wolf mark on each face, iron hilt of rounded bars, comprising down-curved quillon with globular terminal, asymmetrical figureof-eight shaped guard fitted with two rounded pierced sprung-in plates, frontal guard interrupted by a double globular moulding, knuckle-guard en suite and joined to the front by a diagonal bar, thumb-loop, globular pommel, and spirally-moulded copper alloy grip (chemically cleaned overall), 78.0 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S1328 ‡ £400-600

62

A MILITARY SWORD, THIRD QUARTER OF THE 17TH CENTURY, AUSTRIAN OR GERMAN with curved blade double-edged towards the point, formed with a long slender fuller along the back-edge, and etched with foliage, an exotic bird, a falchion emerging from a cloud and brief inscriptions on each face, blackened iron hilt of rounded bars, comprising downcurved quillon with globular terminal, asymmetrical figure-of-eight shaped guard fitted with two rounded pierced sprung-in plates, frontal guard interrupted by a double globular moulding, knuckle-guard en suite and joined to the front by a diagonal bar, thumb-loop, globular pommel, and grip with later wire binding between ‘Turk’s heads’, 74.5 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S1113 ‡ £400-600

63

A FRENCH GENDARMERIE

OFFICER’S SWORD, CIRCA 1750 with tapering blade of flattenedhexagonal section, etched with scrollwork and inscribed ‘Gendarmerie’ on each face, iron hilt of rounded bars, comprising short quillon with globular terminal, asymmetrical figure-of-eight shaped guard fitted with two sprung-in plates, frontal guard interrupted by a double globular moulding, knuckle-guard en suite and joined to the front by a diagonal bar, three further outer bars, a single bar en suite forming the innerguard, globular pommel and the grip with a plaited wire binding between copper alloy collars, 88.3 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S528 ‡ £500-600

64

A MILITARY SWORD,

CIRCA 1700, GERMAN OR SWISS with curved blade double-edged towards the point and formed with a long slender fuller along the back-edge on both sides, iron hilt of rounded bars, comprising ring-guard fitted with a pierced sprung-in plate, frontal guard interrupted by a low double globular moulding, knuckle-guard en suite and joined to the front by a diagonal bar, small inner-guard with thumb-loop, globular pommel, and grip bound with twisted copper alloy wire between moulded collars, 65.4 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S844 ‡ £400-500

AN ITALIAN SWORD WITH ‘CRAB-CLAW’ HILT, EARLY 17TH CENTURY, POSSIBLY VENETIAN

with tapering blade of flattenedhexagonal section, iron hilt of flattened moulded bars, comprising a pair of drooping quillons with scrolling terminals, an additional pair of basal lugs en suite, two outer ring-guards, the upper filed with grooves and crosshatch patterns and with a scalloped plate beneath, ovoid pommel decorated with a pair of flutes on each side, and later twisted wire bound grip between ‘Turk’s heads’, 84.0 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S985

A number of swords of this type are preserved in the Armoury of the Doges Palace, Venice, see Franzoi 1990, p. 91, cat. nos. 179.

‡ £700-900

66

A VENETIAN BROADSWORD, LATE 18TH

CENTURY

with broad flat double-edged blade formed with a short fuller on each face and struck with a double eyelash mark on one side, iron hilt of square-section bars, comprising down-curved quillon, up-turned shield-shaped outer-guard cut with a pair of slots at the base, knuckleguard with turned-over terminal, shield-shaped pommel drawn-out to a low-domed boss on each face, and leather-covered grip bound with twisted wire, 69.7 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S1046

‡ £400-600

67

AN ITALIAN SWORD WITH ‘CRAB-CLAW’ HILT, MID-17TH CENTURY, POSSIBLY VENETIAN

with short tapering blade of hollowtriangular section etched and gilt on both sides of the forte with maker’s signature ‘Peter Munich Me Fecit Sol’ enclosing a profile bust of the Pope, a further oval and foliage (losses, perhaps an early association), iron hilt of flattened moulded bars, comprising a pair of drooping quillons with scrolling terminals, an additional pair of basal lugs en suite, a pair of outer ring-guards decorated with grooves and a central panel of cross-hatched ornament and with a scalloped plate between, ovoid pommel, and grip with a later twisted wire binding between ‘Turk’s heads’, 69.2 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S845

A number of swords of this type are preserved in the Armoury of the Doges Palace, Venice, see Franzoi 1990, p. 91, cat. nos. 179.

‡ £600-800

68

A VENETIAN SCHIAVONA, EARLY 18TH CENTURY

with broad flat double-edged blade stamped ‘Ioanni’ and a series of further letters (indistinct) within a short fuller framed by incised lines and eyelash marks on each face, rectangular ricasso struck with a cross mark and retaining its leather scabbard cover, iron basket-hilt of characteristic trellised flattened bars, cut with a brief inscription on one bar at the rear, forward-canted quillon with moulded terminal, copper alloy shield-shaped pommel drawn-out in the centre on each face and chiselled with a flower-head, and early cord-bound fishskin-covered grip, in its leather-covered wooden scabbard with iron mounts enclosing the sides of the lower half terminating in an openwork iron chape (small losses, repaired above the chape), 94.5 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S827

‡ £1,500-2,000

69

A VENETIAN SCHIAVONA, LATE 17TH CENTURY

with broad double-edged blade cut with a short fuller on each face, iron basket-hilt of characteristic trellised flattened bars, forward-curved quillon with faceted terminal, thumb-loop, shield-shaped pommel formed with a central hemispherical moulding on each side (hilt loose, pommel ring missing), and early writhen leather-covered grip, 85.7 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S914

‡ £800-1,000

A VENETIAN SCHIAVONA, MID-18TH CENTURY

with broad double-edged blade of flattened-diamond section, iron basket-hilt of characteristic trellised flattened bars, quillon with globular terminal, thumb-loop, shield-shaped pommel formed with a central hemispherical moulding on each side, later copper alloy acorn-shaped button (pommel ring missing), and early writhen leather-covered grip, 81.4 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S1044

‡ £800-1,000

A VENETIAN SCHIAVONA, EARLY 18TH CENTURY

with broad double-edged blade stamped ‘Antonio’ within a central deep long fuller framed by a pair of matching fullers on each face, iron basket-hilt of characteristic trellised flattened bars, short straight quillon with faceted terminal, inner-guard with thumb-loop, shield-shaped copper alloy pommel formed with a central flower-head on each face, and early writhen leather-covered grip, 86.0 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S505

‡ £700-900

72

A PORTUGUESE OFFICER’S CUP-HILT RAPIER, CIRCA 1750-80

with broad tapering blade double-edged towards the point, formed with a slender fuller along the back edge on each face, iron hilt of rounded bars, comprising large cup-guard with pronounced fluted brim, a pair of straight quillons with moulded bud-shaped terminals, knuckle-guard interrupted by a central moulding en suite, small faceted globular pommel, and grip bound with twisted copper alloy wire between iron collars, 87.2 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S1092

‡ £400-600

73

A PORTUGUESE COLONIAL OFFICER’S CUP-HILT RAPIER, BRAZIL, CIRCA 1750-80

with tapering double-edged blade formed with a central fuller on each face, iron hilt of rounded bars, comprising cup-guard with pronounced fluted brim, a pair of straight quillons with bud-shaped terminals, knuckle-guard interrupted by a central moulding, small faceted globular pommel, and horn grip with a large faceted copper alloy collar at the base, 77.7 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S1118

‡ £350-450

74

A PORTUGUESE OFFICER’S CUP-HILT RAPIER, CIRCA 1750-80

with broad tapering double-edged blade, etched ‘ENRIQUE COL ESPALEIRO’ and ‘DEL REY EM ALLEMANHA’ within an incised linear frame and with a cross and orb at the terminal on the respective faces, iron hilt of rounded bars, comprising cup-guard with pronounced fluted brim, a pair of straight quillons with faceted bud-shaped terminals, knuckle-guard interrupted by a central moulding en suite, small faceted globular pommel, and turned swelling horn grip, 83.6 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no.S1094

‡ £350-450

75

A PORTUGUESE OFFICER’S CUP-HILT RAPIER, CIRCA 1780

with broad tapering double-edged blade etched ‘VIVA MARIA RAINHA DE PORTUGAL’ and with an orb and cross within a short fuller framed by lines on each face at the forte, iron hilt of rounded bars, comprising large cup-guard with moulded brim, straight quillons swelling towards the terminals, knuckleguard en suite, globular pommel drawn-out at the top to form an attenuated button, and grip bound with twisted copper alloy wire reinforced with iron ribs between iron collars, 95.7 cm blade

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S1508

‡ £400-600

A RARE NORTH ITALIAN SALLET, CIRCA 1460-80 in excavated condition, formed in one piece with a rounded crown rising to a low medial ridge, extending downwards and flaring slightly outwards at each side and at the rear to just above the level of the shoulders, and cut at the front with a broad face-opening, pierced around its lower edge for attaching a lining, fitted at the front in the centre with a T-shaped stud for attaching a visor, and with nine rectangular loops (added in its working life) around its border for attaching a mail neckdefence (pitted, the skull with small holes and laminations), 21.0 cm high

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection

‡ £1,200-1,800

77

A SOUTH GERMAN COMB MORION, CIRCA 1600-20

with rounded two-piece skull joined along the crest of a high medial comb (split at front), and integral brim turned down at each side and rising to an acute point front and rear (the front cracked and pierced with small wiring-holes), the edge of the brim formed with a plain inward turn and the base of the crown encircled by ten round-headed liningrivets with brass rosette-washer retaining the greater part of a leather lining-band, the surface of the helmet blackened overall, 26.5 cm high

Provenance

The Armoury of Archduke Eugen, Fortress Hohenwerfen, Salzburg, Austria, sold Anderson Galleries, New York, 1st - 5th March 1927, lot 139

The John Woodman Higgins Armoury Collection (inv. no. 146), sold in this room, 20th March 2013, lot 297

Robert Brooker Collection

‡ £800-1,000

78

A GERMAN ZISCHÄGGE, MID17TH CENTURY

with hemispherical one-piece skull embossed with six radiating ribs, fitted at its apex with a transversely-pierced finial and circular washer, at the brow with a flat ogival peak pierced at the rear with a rectangular hole to accommodate a sliding nasal-bar and secured at the brow by a rectangular staple and locking-screw (the peak pierced for display purposes), fitted at the nape with a slightly flaring, obtuselypointed neck-guard of four upward-overlapping lames (cheek-pieces missing), the main edges of the helmet formed with plain inward turns (areas of light pitting and patination), 24.5 cm high

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection

‡ £700-900

79

A GERMAN COMB MORION, EARLY 17TH CENTURY

formed of two halves with a turned joint over the top of a narrow high comb and with additional riveted joints at both ends of the brim, the base of the skull encircled by thirteen lining rivets on copper alloy rosette washers, narrow brim up-turned to sharp points front and rear, and turned edge (the brim with an early internal reinforce at one end over the medial seam, one rosette missing, re-blacked) 28.0 cm high

Provenance

The Armoury of the Princely House of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, removed from Schloss Langenburg (inv. no. H8/9022), sold in this room, 3rd December 2014, lot 223 Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. H21

‡ £600-800

FIVE IRON SPURS, 15TH/17TH CENTURIES

the first with curved U-shaped heel-band rising to an acute point, short neck fitted with small eight-point rowel, and figureof-eight shaped terminal (the other adapted to a single hole) retaining a portion of an early tab; the second with straight Ushaped heel band rising to a low point, curved neck fitted with six-point rowel, and the terminals each pierced for buckles and tabs; the third with curved U-shaped heel band, short neck fitted with six-point rowel and retaining one buckle; the fourth with curved U-shaped heel band, short neck with six-point rowel (one terminal broken); and the fourth with two-piece Ushaped heel band (the third piece missing), short-curved neck and star-shaped rowel (terminal chipped, the first four in excavated condition, the last pitted), the first: 14.3 cm (5)

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection (no inventory numbers recorded)

‡ £300-500 81

A COMBINED SPRING CLAMP, SPANNER AND TURNSCREW AND FOUR FURTHER TOOLS, 17TH/18TH CENTURY

formed entirely of steel, the first with shaped turnscrew head pierced for a spindle nut, threaded shank, and clamp inscribed ‘CZ’ on one side; the second similar, incorporating a further curled lip and lug, engraved throughout with rocailles and scrollwork; the third similar, plain; the fourth similar (shank missing); and the fifth of folding form (some old rust patination), the first: 15.4 cm overall (5)

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection (no inventory number recorded)

‡ £250-350

82

AN ITALIAN POWDER-FLASK FORMED ENTIRELY OF STEEL, LAST QUARTER OF THE 16TH CENTURY

with tapering body of ‘D’ section, decorated with a diamondshaped panel of diagonal fluting on the outer face, engraved with scrollwork on the base, fitted with engraved belt hook, spirally-fluted tapering nozzle on a hinged plate for refilling, moulded spring cut-off, and four small loops, 18.8 cm high

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. A4 ‡ £400-600

83

TWO GERMAN COMBINED POWDER-FLASKS, WHEEL-LOCK SPANNERS AND TURNSCREWS, 17TH CENTURY AND A GERMAN COMBINED POWDER MEASURE AND WHEEL-LOCK SPANNER, EARLY 17TH CENTURY

each formed entirely of steel, with tapering faceted body, fitted at one end with nozzle with sprung tap, and at the other end with a wheel-lock spanner and turnscrew, slender belt hook, and a single fixed ring for suspension; the second similar (tap spring missing), the head incorporating three short branches forming spanner heads; the third with octagonal tubular body, fitted with internal ratchet bar graduated from 1-21, secured by replaced spring lever, and angular head incorporating the spanner, the first: 17.8 cm (3)

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. 796 (the first) ‡ £600-800

84

AN ITALIAN PRIMING-FLASK FORMED ENTIRELY OF STEEL, LAST QUARTER OF THE 16TH CENTURY

with tapering body of ‘D’ section, decorated with an oval panel filled with foliate scrollwork enclosing a stylised coat-of-arms surmounted by a crown, the remaining surface decorated with vertical fluting alternating with geometric designs (one small laminated loss), the inner face decorated with an engraved trellis (worn, belt hook missing), fitted with engraved moulded nozzle with spring cut-off lever, and four small loops, 12.7 cm high

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. A5

‡ £250-350

85

A GERMAN TRIANGULAR CHARGE-FLASK, 17TH CENTURY

with iron-bound wooden body covered in blue velvet (plush worn), the outer face centring on a copper alloy lion-mask boss, fitted with iron nozzle with sprung tap, provision for a ring for suspension (missing, top loose), and painted with the white inventory number ‘W283’, 14.3 cm high

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection (no inventory number recorded)

‡ £200-300

86

A GERMAN CIRCULAR TURNED WOODEN PRIMING-FLASK, 17TH CENTURY

of doughnut form, decorated on each face with a series of concentric circles forming a flower-head, fitted with nozzle with spring tap, two loops for suspension, and painted with a red inventory number ‘195’, 10.3 cm high

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. A5

‡ £200-300

87

TWELVE VARIOUS RAMRODS FOR PISTOLS, 17TH CENTURY AND LATER

the first with long iron terminal, five with light horn tips, two with dark horn tips, two with iron tips, one with copper alloy tip, and one entirely of wood, 55.7 cm, the longest (12)

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection (no inventory number recorded)

‡ £250-300

88

TWO WHEEL-LOCK PISTOL HOLSTERS OF MILITARY TYPE, MID-17TH CENTURY

of hardened leather in double thickness and stitched together, one with conical basal terminal reinforced with iron nails, and each fitted on the inside at the top with a pair of loops for suspension at the top, 64.0 cm and 61.0 cm (2)

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. nos. 3007 & 3008

‡ £350-450

89

TWO ITALIAN WHEEL-LOCK PISTOL HOLSTERS AND ANOTHER, MID-17TH CENTURY

the first two formed of a single thickness of leather stitched together, the third of double thickness leather, and each with a pair of loops on the inside for suspension (the first two worn and with losses, one loop on the third broken), the first: 58.0 cm (3)

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. nos. H31, H32, 3009

‡ £300-400

90

A WHEEL-LOCK PISTOL HOLSTER, MID-17TH CENTURY

of double thickness leather stitched together, the lower portion tooled with scrolls on a punched ground, the upper portion incised with lines, iron basal cap, and the inner face pierced with two pairs of slots for suspension straps, 45.0 cm

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. 3032

‡ £200-300

91

A LONG WHEEL-LOCK PISTOL HOLSTER, MID-17TH CENTURY, PROBABLY GERMAN

of double thickness leather stitched together, retaining a portion of a pouch for balls, and fitted with a broad strap for suspension (worn), 70.3 cm overall

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. 3031

‡ £200-300

92

A VERY RARE LEATHER COVER FOR A WHEEL-LOCK PISTOL, MID-17TH CENTURY

formed of a pair of stitched panels, retaining one leather button and a portion of a strap at the base for closure (small losses), 22.0 cm overall

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. 2090

See lot 212 from the same collection, sold in this room 4th December 2024. ‡ £200-300

93

A DETACHED GERMAN WHEEL-LOCK MECHANISM, CIRCA 1590

with provision for three side nails, flat plate struck with a mark, perhaps the letters ‘TP’ crowned (indistinct), fitted with external wheel retained by a large heartshaped bracket, pan with manually operated sliding cover, dog with slender neck moulded at the base and fitted with a shaped bridle, and dog-spring with pointed terminal, 22.0 cm

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. L30

‡ £250-350

94

A DETACHED GERMAN WHEEL-LOCK MECHANISM, CIRCA 1640-50 with bevelled plate fitted with external wheel retained by a small moulded bracket on the left, the former lightly engraved with foliage, pan with manually operated sliding cover, dog with moulded neck, and dog-spring filed with scrolls and with shaped bridle, 20.3 cm

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection

‡ £250-350

95

A DETACHED ITALIAN WHEEL-LOCK MECHANISM, CIRCA 1640-50 with flat plate fitted with external wheel retained by a slender moulded bracket, pan with provision for a manually operated sliding cover (missing), and dog with chiselled and moulded neck (rust patinated), 19.8 cm

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection

‡ £200-300

96

AN ENGLISH EXCAVATED SNAPHAUNCE LOCK, CIRCA 1630 in untouched heavily corroded condition, with handwritten provenance tag and metal collection tag, 22.0 cm

Provenance

Excavated circa 1938 from the site of the Battle of Lansdown, near Bath, fought in July 1643

William Keith Neal collection (A87), sold Christie’s 18th July 2002, lot 125 (first part)

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. 1563

The tag reads ‘Dug up on the site of the Battle of Lansdown near Bath, 5th July 1643’ and ‘Discovered in Bath c. 1938 by W. Keith Neal’.

‡ £200-300

97

A FINE AND RARE BRACE OF 40 BORE GERMAN SILVER-MOUNTED WHEEL-LOCK HOLSTER PISTOLS (PUFFERS) FOR AN OFFICER OF THE SAXON ELECTORAL TRABANTENLEIB-GARDE OF CHRISTIAN I (1586-91) OR CHRISTIAN II (1591-1611), LATE 16TH CENTURY

from the same series, with swamped barrels formed in three stages, the medians chiselled with a series of elongated triangular panels and domed recesses, octagonal breeches with a slender beadwork band at each end and struck with the barrelsmith’s mark, a fleur-de-lys (Neue Støckel 5427), flat locks retained by two side nails, each fitted with external wheel with finely engraved domed gilt copper alloy cover decorated with foliage, engraved pan with sliding cover with button release, engraved dog, delicately filed dog-spring, bridle and safety-catch, blackened full stocks finely stamped in imitation of natural staghorn (one with a small chip beneath the dog spring, (minor dents), inlaid with engraved st aghorn panels comprising marine monsters over the fore-end, the undersides with a further engraved staghorn panel decorated with geometric ornament and foliage, one with further monsters opposite the lock and the other with a pair of hippocampi, foliate panels about the tangs, each signed by the unidentified stockmaker ‘IP’ above a shield charged with a saltire, the rear por tion of the grips enclosed by an etched silver coronet-shaped collar decorated with scrolling foliage, near spherical pommels en suite with the stock s, each set with a stellate panel charged in the centre with the arms of Saxony enclosed within a chased frame of laurel foliage, iron trigger-guards engraved with a line, engraved staghorn ramrod-pipes and fore-end caps (one chipped and incomplete), one with its associated staghorn-tipped wooden ramrod (the other replaced), and the underside of the stock s incised with early inventory numbers ‘12’ and ‘15’ respectively, 39.0 cm barrels (2)

Provenance

The Saxon Electoral Armouries, Dresden

William Goodwin Renwick, sold Sotheby & Co., 17th December 1974, lot 72

Peter Tillou

Eric Bratli, circa 1980

Robert Brooker Collection inv. nos. 553 & 554

Literature

R.E. Brooker and H. Lehner, ‘The Military Pistols of Saxony’, ASAC Bulletin No. 31, 1975, pp. 108-110, fig. 6.

This belongs to a distinguished sub-group of wheel-lock ‘puffers’, almost certainly intended for high ranking officers of the Trabanten Guard. Another pistol from this series, numbered ‘10’ beneath the fore-end, and formerly in the collec tion of David L. Back, was sold Bonhams, Knightsbridge, 24th November 2010, lot 442. For a discussion of this group see Brooker 1975, op. cit.

‡ £25,000-35,000

A RARE 7 BORE SOUTH GERMAN WHEEL-LOCK PYROTECHNIC PISTOL, CIRCA 1590, PROBABLY AUGSBURG

with swamped barrel formed in two stages, moulded at the muz zle and median, oc tagonal breech struck with a mark (Neue Støckel 4960), plain tang extending over the length of the spine, flat lock retained by two side nails, fitted with external wheel retained by a circular bracket, pan with sliding cover with button release, engraved dog with moulded neck and bridle, filed dogspring and safety-catch, full stock finely carved with a detailed scale design over its entire surface, inlaid in staghorn with slender segmental lines, engraved plaques including foliate barrel bolt escutcheons, a pair of dragons confronting each other opposite the lock, scrollwork panels about the tang, and a foliate panel forming the trigger-plate, fluted spherical pommel carved and inlaid en suite, fitted with a rondel engraved with a lion mask, a ring in its mouth, and with a central iron stud, long iron belt hook with pierced terminal, iron trigger-guard, staghorn fore-end cap en suite with the pommel, and associated wooden ramrod with engraved staghorn tip, and in fine condition, 24.0 cm barrel

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. 2071

The same mark is struck on one of a series of twelve Augsburg-made wheel-lock ‘puffer’ pistols, preserved in the Landeszeughaus, Graz, inv. no. RP100 and three further pistols of this type, also with Augsburg town marks, formerly in the Geneva Arsenal. See Brooker 2007, p. 164 and Godoy 1993, pp. 48-49, nos. 62-64.

‡ £8,000-12,000

(reverse)

A RARE GERMAN WHEEL-LOCK PYROTECHNIC PISTOL, CIRCA 1580

with copper alloy barrel formed in two stages, strongly turned and moulded at the muzzle with a lug beneath for mounting and recessed at the breech, flat iron lock struck with a mark on the outside (Neue Støckel 406), fitted with external wheel retained by a pierced and engraved copper alloy bracket decorated with a pair of marine monsters, dog with faceted neck and filed spring, pan with sliding cover, moulded safety-catch, blackened full stock inlaid with a scroll-engraved staghorn plaque about the lug, impressed ‘HSB’ opposite the lock, faceted fishtail butt, moulded iron trigger-guard and iron trigger, 21.8 cm barrel

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. 2064

The mark is that of Mathias Frosch, recorded circa 1580-1620 in Regensburg where he was also in the local militia.

‡ £6,000-8,000

(reverse)

A RARE SOUTH GERMAN 40 BORE WHEEL-LOCK BELT PISTOL (PUFFER), CIRCA 1580-90, PROBABLY AUGSBURG FOR THE STYRIAN ARESENAL AT GRAZ with blued swamped barrel formed in two stages, engraved with foliage at the muzzle, median and breech, the latter octagonal and struck three times with a decorative flower-head, blued flat lock retained by two side nails with heads on the lock face, fit ted with external wheel with domed cover, pan with sliding cover with button release, dog with moulded neck, dogspring and safety-catch with delicately filed foliate terminals, full stock inlaid with staghorn lines, staghorn plaques engraved with foliage about the tang and a design of scrolling flower-heads over the grip, compressed spherical pommel inlaid en suite and inset with a cartouche at the base, iron trigger-guard, pierced iron belt hook, engraved staghorn fore-end cap and ramrodpipe, associated iron-tipped wooden ramrod, and the iron parts with blued finish, perhaps original Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no 1382

For related examples preserved in the Landeszeughaus, Graz, see Brooker, 2007, pp. 126-129.

‡ £6,000-8,000

A 54 BORE SOUTH GERMAN WHEEL-LOCK HOLSTER PISTOL (PUFFER), NUREMBERG, CIRCA 1570-80

with swamped barrel formed in two stages, oct agonal breech struck with Nuremberg town mark and a further mark, the initial ‘H’ and a star above a head (the second letter no longer visible), flat lock retained by two side nails, struck with a mark, the letters ‘DS’ divided by a mullet, fitted with internal wheel with low domed cover, engraved dog, sliding pan-cover with button release, and safety-catch, full stock inlaid with engraved staghorn ropework lines and plaques including flowers opposite the lock, slender panels of ropework over the butt, and a foliate collar at the base of the grip, and compressed spherical pommel inset with a flower-head rondel, iron trigger-guard, engraved staghorn ramrod-pipe, engraved staghorn fore-end cap, and ramrod with engraved staghorn tip and iron terminal, 32.0 cm barrel

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. 4005

‡ £6,000-8,000

(reverse)

102

A 90 BORE SOUTH GERMAN WHEEL-LOCK CARBINE, CIRCA 1600-10, PROBABLY AUGSBURG FOR THE STYRIAN ARSENAL AT GRAZ

with tapering sighted barrel formed in two stages, moulded at the muzzle and oc tagonal breech struck with an unrecorded mark, the letter ‘U’ in a shield, flat lock retained by two side nails, fitted with external spring retained by a circular bracket, pan with sliding cover with button release, engraved dog with moulded neck and moulded bridle, full stock (small chips and dents) inlaid with engraved staghorn scrollwork panels over the fore-end, scroll and foliate panels about the tang and a pair of matching washers for the side nails, curved ‘fishtail’ butt with rounded comb decorated with staghorn en suite, engraved staghorn butt-cap, ramrod pipe and fore-end cap, iron trigger-guard and later ramrod, 51.5 cm barrel

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. 2073

For related examples preserved in the Landeszeughaus, Graz, see Brooker, 2007, pp. 278-279.

‡ £3,000-4,000

(reverse)

A 64 BORE WHEEL-LOCK BELT PISTOL, CIRCA 1600/20, PROBABLY ITALIAN

with tapering barrel formed in two stages, octagonal breech, slender tang, flat lock retained by two side nails, struck with a mark on the outer face (Neue Støckel 3644), fitted with external wheel retained by a circular bracket, pan with sliding cover, dog with engraved and moulded neck, full stock with slender ‘fishtail’ butt with rounded spine (the forward portion of the fore-end restored), the fore-end with two openwork iron panels, iron mounts comprising butt-plate retained by a nail with serpent head, slender trigger-guard with an openwork central panel, pierced belt hook with pierced finial, plain ramrod-pipes, and associated iron-tipped wooden ramrod, 33.8 cm barrel

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. 1868

Støckel records this maker in Nuremberg circa 1590-1620, suggesting either the lock or the entire pistol was imported for use in Italy ‡ £2,000-3,000

(reverse)

104

A 44 BORE SOUTH GERMAN WHEEL-LOCK BELT PISTOL, NUREMBERG, CIRCA 1590

with tapering barrel formed in three stages, octagonal breech formed with a raised moulding, struck with Nuremberg control mark and mark and initials of Peter Danner (Neue Støckel 4251), flat lock retained by two side nails, struck with Nuremberg town mark and a further mark (Neue Støckel 4839), fitted with external wheel retained by a pierced circular bracket, pan with sliding cover with button release, engraved dog (spur and safety-catch missing), full stock carved with a pair of mouldings over the fore-end, ‘fishtail’ butt, iron mounts comprising a moulded band enclosing the pommel, triggerguard (belt hook missing), and early iron-tipped wooden ramrod, 40.5 cm barrel

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection (no recorded inventory number)

Peter Danner is recorded in Nuremberg 1583-1602, probably the son of Wolf, who made a wheel-lock gun for the King of Sweden in 1541. Peter is first recorded in 1583 in a family dispute following his brother’s death, when the court ruled that he could use the family snake mark in conjunction with his initials.

‡ £2,000-3,000 105

A 80 BORE SOUTH GERMAN WHEEL-LOCK HOLSTER PISTOL OF NOTABLE LENGTH, CIRCA 1620, PROBABLY BAVARIAN

with tapering barrel formed in two stages and moulded at the muzzle, octagonal breech struck with a mark, the letters ‘PB’ beneath a mullet on the left and moulded at the rear, flat lock retained by three side nails, struck with a mark, the letters ‘VH’ above a mullet, fitted with external wheel with circular cover, pan with sliding cover with button release, moulded dog, safety-catch opposite the lock, full stock (fore-end repaired on the right, small areas of light worming), slender grip and lemon-shaped butt with flattened sides, iron triggerguard, engraved staghorn ramrod-pipe and fore-end cap, and early iron-tipped wooden ramrod, 56.2 cm barrel

Provenance

Geoffrey Jenkinson 1969

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. 476

‡ £2,000-3,000

106

A 56 BORE GERMAN WHEEL-LOCK HOLSTER PISTOL OF NOTABLE LENGTH, CIRCA 1610-20

with tapering octagonal barrel rifled with eight slender grooves, recessed moulded muzzle, the breech struck with a mark (Neue Støckel 4847) and formed with a further raised moulding incorporating the back-sight, flat lock retained by two side nails and with slender foliate tail, fitted with external wheel with circular bracket, pan with sliding cover (button release missing), dog with moulded neck, and safety-catch, full stock with faceted lemon-shaped pommel, iron mounts comprising trigger-guard and ramrod-pipe, and early irontipped wooden ramrod, 59.3 cm barrel

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no 4028

Other pistols with this mark are recorded in the Berlin Arsenal and at Skokloster Slot, Sweden.

‡ £3,500-4,500

107

A 30 BORE NORTH EUROPEAN WHEEL-LOCK HOLSTER PISTOL OF NOTABLE LENGTH, CIRCA 1620, DUTCH OR GERMAN

with tapering octagonal barrel formed with a pronounced moulding at each end, struck with a mark, the letters ‘RP’ at the breech, bevelled lock retained by three side nails, fitted with external wheel retained by a slender horizontal bracket with delicate urn-shaped finial at the rear, pan with sliding cover with button release, moulded dog and filed dog spring, full stock (fore-end restored), faceted lemon-shaped butt, iron trigger-guard incorporating a spring for the trigger return, iron ramrod-pipes, and later ramrod, 59.8 cm barrel

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. 654

‡ £2,000-3,000

108

A 28 BORE WHEEL-LOCK HOLSTER PISTOL, CIRCA 1620, AUSTRIAN OR GERMAN

with tapering octagonal barrel struck with a mark, the letters ‘GP’ divided by a profile head at the breech and with the number ‘5’, breech numbered en suite, strongly bevelled lock retained by three side nails, fitted with external wheel retained by a horizontal bracket, pan with sliding cover with button release and dog with moulded neck, full stock shaped to the profile of the lock and strongly angled beneath (fore-end split in the ramrod channel) , ‘fishtail’ butt, iron mounts comprising a band encircling the pommel, trig ger-guard painted with an early inventory number in white ‘E6/87 D5’ and incorporating a spring for the trigger return, ramrod-pipe (detached) and fore-end cap, and iron-tipped wooden ramrod, 38.7 cm barrel

Provenance

Kassel Waffenbörse 2009

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. 2054

‡ £2,500-3,000

109

A 74 BORE ITALIAN LONG WHEEL-LOCK HOLSTER PISTOL, CIRCA 1600-20

with slender swamped barrel formed in two stages, moulded at the muzzle and breech, the lat ter oc tagonal and struck with an indistinct mark (areas of light pitting), strongly bevelled lock retained by two side nails, fitted with external wheel retained by a slender horizontal bracket, pan with sliding cover, dog with moulded neck, full stock carved with a simple moulding at each end of the ramrod channel and raised ‘1629’ forward of the lock, slender ‘fishtail’ butt (small chips), iron mounts comprising a band around the butt, trigger-guard with shaped terminals, a pair of pierced foliate side nail washers and barrel bolt escutcheons, fore-end cap, and early iron-tipped wooden ramrod, 58.0 cm barrel

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no 1867

‡ £2,500-3,500

(reverse)

(reverse)

110

A 28 BORE NORTH EUROPEAN WHEEL-LOCK HOLSTER PISTOL, CIRCA 1630, DUTCH OR GERMAN

with associated tapering octagonal barrel struck with a mark over the breech, flat lock retained by two side nails and struck with the letters ‘GS’, fitted with external wheel retained by a slender horizontal bracket, faceted pan with sliding cover and dog with moulded neck, full stock moulded over the fore-end and decorated with punched and incised ornament over the rear (small splits and repairs), slender butt fitted with faceted iron cap and button terminal, iron trigger-guard, ramrod-pipe and fore-end cap, and later iron-tipped wooden ramrod, 36.0 cm barrel

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. 657

‡

£1,500-2,000

111

A 25 BORE AUSTRIAN WHEEL-LOCK HOLSTER PISTOL, CIRCA 1630

with tapering octagonal barrel struck with an Imperial eagle within an oval at the breech and a further mark on the right (mis-struck), strongly bevelled lock retained by two side nails and marked en suite, fitted with external wheel retained by a circular bracket, pan with sliding cover with button release, dog with moulded neck, full stock impressed with a circular arrangement of pellets opposite the lock (repairs), iron mounts comprising a band enclosing the pommel, trigger-guard with a spring for the trigger return, ramrod-pipe and fore-end cap, and iron-tipped wooden ramrod, 43.5 cm barrel

Provenance

Park Lane Arms Fair, 2006

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. 615

‡

£2,500-3,000

(reverse)

112

A 32 BORE SOUTH GERMAN WHEEL-LOCK HOLSTER PISTOL, CIRCA 1640-50 with tapering octagonal barrel struck with two marks, a falchion and a strung bugle at the breech (perhaps Neue Støckel 5219), rounded lock retained by three side nails, fitted with external wheel with etched and gilt cover decorated with an eagle displayed, pan with sliding cover with button release, dog with bridle decorated en suite with the wheel-cover, full stock lacquered in imitation of tortoiseshell (the fore-end with small chips and repairs), carved with an expanded flower-head opposite the lock and impressed with decorative stars, gilt copper alloy mounts comprising butt-cap chased with scrolling foliage (small pommel cap plaque missing), ramrod-pipe and fore-end cap, three staghorn side nail washers, iron triggerguard engraved with scrolls, and restored wooden ramrod with gilt copper alloy tip en suite with the mounts, 43.2 cm barrel

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. 557

‡ £3,500-4,500

113

A 30 BORE NORTH EUROPEAN MILITARY WHEELLOCK HOLSTER PISTOL, CIRCA 1640-60, PROBABLY DANISH with swamped barrel formed in two stages, octagonal breech stamped with a mark on top and Suhl control marks on the left (Neue Støckel 1655), plain tang, bevelled lock struck with a mark on the inside (Neue Støckel 3652) and retained by two side nails, fitted with external wheel retained by a small moulded basal bracket, bevelled pan with manually operated cover, blackened full stock (fore-end with a small filled repair on the left, a small repaired crack opposite the lock), flattened oval pommel bound with an iron band, iron trigger-guard, single ramrod-pipe and fore-end band, and iron-tipped ramrod, perhaps the original, painted with a red inventory number ‘341’, 43.8 cm barrel

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. 645

‡ £2,500-3,500

114

A RARE PAIR OF 30 BORE DUTCH MILITARY WHEEL-LOCK HOLSTER PISTOLS, CIRCA 1650 with swamped barrels formed in two stages, octagonal breeches stamped with differing marks, one incorporating the letter’ V’ above a crown (the other indistinct, perhaps an eagle), slender tangs, rounded locks with pointed tails retained by three side nails, the middle nail passing through the lower portion of the tang, fitted with external wheels each struck with an ‘o’ mark for ‘ontspannen’ and retained by a small moulded basal bracket, rounded pans with sliding covers, each with button release, blackened full stocks (the fore-ends with small repairs, small chips and minor bruising) car ved with raised mouldings about the tangs and opposite the locks, flattened oval pommel bound with an iron band, iron trigger-guard, single ramrod-pipe and fore-end band, and later ramrods, 36.8 cm barrels (2)

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. nos. 1422 & 1423

‡ £5,000-6,000

115

A 26 BORE NORTH EUROPEAN MILITARY WHEELLOCK HOLSTER PISTOL, CIRCA 1650, PROBABLY GERMAN

with octagonal barrel engraved with a pair of lines at the rear of the breech, plain tang, strongly bevelled lock retained by two side nails, fitted with external wheel retained by a small moulded basal bracket, bevelled pan with manually operated cover, full stock (small cracks, bruising, the grip pierced), impressed with an early ownership mark opposite the lock and the letters ‘BA’ on the grip, ovoidal iron pommel-cap, iron trigger-guard incorporating a spring for the trigger return (front screw missing), single ramrod-pipe and fore-end band, and associated iron-tipped ramrod, 43.2 cm barrel

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. 2098

‡

£2,000-3,000

116

A 20 BORE MILITARY WHEEL-LOCK HOLSTER PISTOL, CIRCA 1660, PROBABLY AUSTRIAN

with tapering barrel formed with a slender sighting rib over its length and struck with a mark, the letter ‘P’ on the left at the breech, very slender tang, flat bevelled lock engraved with a pair of lines on the tail, retained by three side nails, the middle nail passing through the base of the tang, fitted with internal wheel, concave pan with manually operated cover, angular dog with arm flush with the lockplate, full stock (small repair on the left ahead of the lock, light bruising), ovoidal iron pommelcap, iron trigger-guard with pointed terminal and engraved with a pair of lines on the bow, single ramrod-pipe and foreend cap, and iron-tipped ramrod, 42.3 cm barrel

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. 612

‡

£2,000-3,000

117

AN AUSTRIAN 30 BORE WHEEL-LOCK HOLSTER PISTOL, CIRCA 1660

with two-stage barrel, octagonal breech struck with Suhl control marks on the left (Neue Støckel 5209 and 1655), plain tang, rounded lock with pointed tail retained by three side nails, fitted with external wheel retained by a small moulded basal bracket, moulded pan with manually operated cover, full stock (the fore-end with a small repair in the ramrod channel, light bruising), ovoid iron pommel cap, iron trigger-guard retained by a later nail, single ramrod-pipe and fore-end band, iron-tipped ramrod, perhaps the original, 34.7 cm barrel

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. 643

‡ £2,000-3,000

118

A 21 BORE GERMAN MILITARY WHEEL-LOCK HOLSTER PISTOL, CIRCA 1680

with swamped barrel formed in three stages, polygonal median and octagonal breech engraved with scrolls, struck with a series of marks including the letters ‘MME’ and Suhl control marks, the underside with barrelsmith’s initials ‘NT’, plain tang, rounded lock engraved with scrolls of foliage and retained by three side nails, fitted with external wheel retained by a small moulded basal bracket, moulded pan with cover with button release, full stock (the fore-end with small repairs) carved with a raised moulding about the tang, iron mounts comprising spurred pommel, flush-fitting side-plate engraved with scrolls and a mask, trigger-guard, single ramrod-pipe and fore-end band, and early iron-tipped ramrod, 33.3 cm barrel

Provenance

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. 2035

‡ £2,000-3,000

(reverse)

(reverse)

A VERY RARE 28 BORE RUSSIAN MILITARY SNAPHAUNCE HOLSTER PISTOL, KREMLIN ARMOURY WORKSHOPS, CIRCA 1660-70

with tapering barrel formed with a sighting flat over the breech, plain tang (tang and retaining screw restored), strongly bevelled lock formed with a deep belly and with pierced foliate tail, punched with scrolls over its surface, fitted with chiselled cock formed with a marine monster at its base, the jaws formed as a further monster and punched en suite with the lock-plate, scalloped pan fence, manually operated sliding pan-cover, battery with pierced moulded arm decorated en suite with the tail (mainspring restored), safety-catch with moulded lever and chiselled spring opposite the lock, full stock moulded over the fore-end and car ved with slender panels of foliage at the front and rear, slender grip with faceted ovoid iron pommel-cap punched en suite with the lock, iron trigger-guard with slender pointed finial, two foliate washers for the side nails, a pair of engraved ramrod-pipes (one an early replacement), later iron fore-end cap, and later iron-tipped wooden ramrod, 42.2 cm barrel

Provenance

Robert-Jean Charles, Paris, sold 13th May 1993, lot 17

Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. 439

A number of pistols of this form are preserved in the Kremlin Armoury. The production of firearms flourished during the reign of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich (r. 1645-76) under the direction of Bodgan Khitrovo who was Master of the Kremlin Workshops 1657-77. See Tarassuk 1968, p. 25, illus. 9 and 23.

‡ £7,000-9,000

119 (reverse)

PROPERTY SOLD BY THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO, FROM THE GEORGE F. HARDING COLLECTION TO BENEFIT THE HARDING COLLECTION OF ARMS AND ARMOUR

120

A RARE SOUTH GERMAN ESTOC, CIRCA 1520-40 with robust tapering blade of hollow-triangular section, struck with a star-shaped mark on one face, iron hilt comprising a pair of horizontally recurved quillons (loose) swelling towards the terminals, tall mushroom-shaped pommel, and moulded wooden grip covered with tooled leather (small losses, the iron parts with areas of pitting), 111.7 cm blade

Provenance

The Armoury of the Princes of Liechtenstein, Schloss Vaduz American Art Association, New York, 19th November 1926, lot 71, illustrated plate VIII

George F. Harding Jr., Chicago

Transferred to the Art Institute of Chicago, 1982, Acc. No. 1982.3370

An estoc of similar form is preserved in the Cleveland Museum of Art (acc. No. 1916.686), see Fliegel 2017, p. 129. ‡ £8,000-12,000

A NORTH EUROPEAN SILVER-ENCRUSTED RAPIER, PROBABLY 19TH CENTURY BUILT AROUND A 17TH CENTURY POMMEL

with tapering blade of flattened-hexagonal section, stamped ‘MONTE EN TOLEDO’ accompanied by a series of decorative marks within a short slender fuller framed by lines on each face at the forte, recessed rectangular ricasso, iron hilt of flattened rounded bars, comprising a pair of straight quillons swelling towards the terminals, three outer ring-guards rooted to the base of a pair of arms, the upper ring joined to the knuckle-guard by an additional bar, trifurcated inner-guard, tall fluted ovoid pommel, probably early 17th century, the hilt decorated throughout in encrusted silver chiselled in relief with cherub’s masks, flowers and foliage (lightly rubbed), and the grip bound with plaited wire between ‘Turk’s heads’, 105.0 cm blade

Provenance

Frédéric Spitzer

By descent to Catherine Spitzer, Madame La Baronne Coche de la Ferte and Marguerite Spitzer, Madame Augustin Rey de Villette

Sold Anderson Galleries, New York, 1929, lot 663

George F. Harding Jr., Chicago

Transferred to the Art Institute of Chicago, 1982, Acc. No. 1982.2140

‡ £7,000-9,000

A COMPOSITE GERMAN TWO HAND SWORD, THE BLADE EARLY 16TH CENTURY, THE HILT PARTLY 16TH CENTURY

with broad flat double-edged blade with rectangular forte, latten inlaid cross moline in a rondel on each face and a further mark, probably a helm (small losses, polished), rectangular ricasso inlaid with a latten inlaid flower-head and stamped with an inventory number ‘303’ on one face, blackened iron hilt of rounded bars, comprising a pair of straight writhen quillons swelling towards the terminals, outer ring-guard interrupted by a spirally-moulded central globular moulding and chiselled with a stylised monster head at each end, and incised on each side with lat ten inlaid, diagonal lower ring-guard on both sides linked to a pair of arms each with a knop-shaped terminal at the base, large spirally-fluted spherical pommel cut with slender lines, and wooden grip bound with twisted copper wire between ‘Turk’s heads’, 121.7 cm blade

Provenance

Ambrose Monell, Tuxedo Park, New York, Col. No. 78

George F. Harding Collection

Transferred to the Art Institute of Chicago, 1982, Acc. No. 1982.2833

‡ £2,000-3,000

A RAPIER IN FRENCH MID-16TH CENTURY STYLE, 19TH CENTURY

with 17th century blade (old wear and pitting) of flattenedhexagonal section formed with a short fuller on each face of the forte, rectangular ricasso struck with two quatrefoil marks on both sides and with incised line borders, iron hilt of flattened and rounded bars formed as bound reeding against gilt grounds, including diagonal outer guard interrupted by a central moulding chiselled with foliage and centred on an oval medallion charged with Zeus clasping a falchion and thunderbolts, downcurved rear quillon with chiselled foliate bud-shaped terminal, knuckle-guard and down-curved foreguard with terminals en suite, plummet-shaped pommel formed with two recessed rows chiselled with acanthus around the top, reeded grip with central moulding chiselled with acanthus, and retaining much of its gilding, 114.8 cm blade

Provenance

Frederick Spitzer, 1892 vol. 6, p. 30 & 31, illus. 134

Sale 1893

No. 660 ill p. 392 12 January 1929

George F. Harding Collection

Transferred to the Art Institute of Chicago, 1982, Acc. No. 1982.3353

Literature

La Collection Spitzer, Antiquite - Moyen Age - Renaissance, vol. VI, Paris 1892

‡ £2,000-3,000

124

A VENETIAN SCHIAVONA, EARLY 18TH CENTURY

with broad flat double-edged blade (extreme tip chipped) with shallow central fuller on both sides of the forte, one side incised with two cross molines centring on an orb and retaining traces of latten, recessed ricasso with an early stitched leather covering, iron basket-hilt of characteristic trellised flattened bars incised with double chevrons, forwardcanted quillon with moulded terminal, copper alloy shield-shaped pommel punched with pellets and chiselled with a flower-head front and back, pierced at the base for attachment to the guard (reversed, the join missing, basketguard slightly loose), and early cord-bound leather-wrapped grip, in its iron-mounted leather scabbard, probably original, seamed along the inside (small chips, creased in the centre), 96.2 cm blade

Provenance

George F. Harding Collection

Transferred to the Art Institute of Chicago, 1982, Acc. No. 1982.3283

‡

£1,500-2,000

125

A HIGHLAND BASKET-HILTED BACKSWORD, SECOND HALF OF THE 18TH CENTURY

with straight blade double-edged for its upper third, stamped ‘ANDDREA xxx FARREA xxx’ on each face within three long fullers on each face (areas of pitting), iron basket-guard of slender rounded bars carrying seven oval hooped frameworks each filled with two moulded crosses arranged vertically, lower frontal guard secured by screws and pierced with a quatrefoil, bun-shaped pommel, and spirally carved wire-bound wooden grip, with an early doeskin liner, 88.3 cm blade

Provenance

James Graham, New York, 1927

George F. Harding Collection

Transferred to the Art Institute of Chicago, 1982, Acc. No. 1982.3285

The form of hilt is often referred to as the ‘Pinch of Snuff’ type, after a depiction of a hilt of this form in a portrait of an officer of the 42nd (Royal Highland) Regiment of Foot circa 1760; it was, however, very popular with officers of other Highland Scottish regiments in the third quarter of the 18th century. A related sword, formerly in the Colville Collection, is preserved in The National Museums of Scotland, no. SW128 (Mazansky 2005, p. 171, no. G18c).

‡ £3,000-4,000

A SPANISH LEFT-HAND DAGGER, LATE 17TH CENTURY

with tapering blade formed in two-stages, the upper half double-edged and the lower formed with a scalloped design along the back edge and two matching notched panels, rectangular ricasso engraved with a saltire and a series of punched circles and hollowed for the thumb on the reverse, steel hilt comprising a pair of straight quillons with writhen trumpet-shaped terminals, curved triangular guard formed with a rounded turned edge decorated with diagonal fluting and engraved foliage, small two-stage globular pommel, and the grip bound with plaited wire and iron strips between iron collars, 41.2 cm blade

Provenance

Charles of London (Charles Joel Duveen), New York, 1925

George F. Harding Collection

Transferred to the Art Institute of Chicago, 1982, Acc. No. 1982.3447

‡ £2,000-3,000

127

A MILITARY SKIRT (BASES) INCORPORATING 16TH CENTURY FABRIC, 19TH CENTURY

formed of a broad panel embroidered in gilt wire with bold foliate scrolls and expanded flower-heads on crimson velvet (losses, worn), a further panel above (extensive wear, losses, backed on later fabric)

Provenance

George F. Harding Jr, Chicago

Transferred to the Art Institute of Chicago, 1982.3105

‡ £200-300

A SOUTH GERMAN DECORATED SPORTING CROSSBOW (HALBE RÜSTUNG), DATED 1586

with blackened heavy steel bow struck with the letters ‘JHC’, retained by early cords and with early green pom-poms, small iron stirrup and fitted with an early string of twisted cord, strongly formed wooden tiller veneered over its full length on the top and bottom with engraved staghorn panels, the upper with the date, a palmette and scrollwork panel and a chequerboard panel of trellis, the lower decorated with further scrollwork panels involving bouquets of fruit, the figure for Fortune in an oval scrollwork panel, and with an aperture for a loading rod ahead of the trigger, the sides inlaid in staghorn with scenes from the chase including mounted hunters, and hounds framed by delicate scrolls top and bottom interupted by demi-mark s (small cracks and repairs, rubbed), fitted with bone nut, horn bolt clip (repaired), iron back-sight, a pair of iron lugs for a cranequin, cord-wrapped iron trigger-lever, and folding trigger (some early working replacements), 63.2 cm tiller

Provenance

S.J. Whawell, sold 1927, 151

George F. Harding Collection

Transferred to the Art Institute of Chicago, 1982, Acc. No. 1982.3304

‡ £5,000-7,000

A MEDIEVAL HAND-AND-A-HALF SWORD, EARLY 14TH CENTURY

in excavated condition, with broad tapering double-edged blade with shallow central fuller over almost its entire length on each side, the forte inlaid on each face with a series of latten marks including a cross potent (losses), hilt comprising quillons of square section widening towards the tips, long flat tapering tang, and compressed chamfered wheel pommel surmounted by a stepped pyramidal-shaped button, 88.5 cm blade

This sword conforms to Oakeshott Type XIIA.

£4,000-5,000

A MEDIEVAL SWORD, EARLY 15TH CENTURY, PROBABLY ITALIAN

with broad sharply tapering double-edged blade of flatteneddiamond section, inlaid in latten with a cross fourchée in a rondel on each face, hilt comprising tapering quillons of rectangular section strongly down-curved at the tips, strongly formed wheel pommel with a hollowed central recess on each face, one fitted with a later coin, and the wooden grip (wormed, the blade with small chips and laminations, areas of light pitting), 79.4 cm blade

This sword conforms to Oakeshott Type XV.

Literature

Ewart Oakeshott, Records of the Medieval Sword, Woodbridge 1991, p. 138, XV.12.

£7,000-10,000

A SCOTTISH BASKET-HILTED BROADSWORD, THE HILT BY JOHN SIMPSON THE YOUNGER OF GLASGOW, EARLY 18TH CENTURY

with tapering double-edged blade cut with three narrow fullers between sickle marks over each side of the forte, the central fuller incised ‘ANDONA’ and ‘FERARA’ respectively, iron guard of line engraved fluted bars of rectangular section involving finely fretted panels pierced with hearts, stylised hearts and quatrefoils, the side panels each with ‘ram’s horn’ terminal pierced with a stylised heart between, and with an oval aperture for reins, fore-guards, rear quillon stamped ‘I.S’ over ‘G’ within incised line borders and with scrolled wrist-guard with fluted borders, line engraved fluted bun-shaped pommel with turned button, and spirally-grooved fishskin-covered grip bound with silver wire and ribbon between silver collars (some old rust patination overall), 86.5 cm blade

Provenance

Bonhams Knightsbridge, Antique Arms and Armour Including the Henk L. Visser Library, Part II, 22nd April, lot 123.

David Baxter, The Baron of Earlshall

John Simpson the Younger of Glasgow was admitted to the Incorporation of Hammermen in 1711 and was dead by 1749. For a similar sword in the National Museum of Scotland (LA 139) see Mazansky 2005, p. 116, F16a (JS.G) (illustrated).

£6,000-8,000

A VERY RARE ENGLISH RAPIER WITH CHISELLED AND GOLDDAMASCENED HILT, CIRCA 1630-40 with slender tapering double-edged blade of flattened slightly hollow hexagonal section, the forte with central fuller extending into the rec tangular ricasso, the fuller on one side incised with rudimentary latten-inlaid running wolf mark, russet iron hilt of flattened rectangular bars comprising large double concentric side-rings on each side chiselled centrally in low relief with reclining figures, the lower ring (old fracture) filled by a plate pierced with symmetrical scrollwork centred on a medallion chiselled with a further reclining figure, recurved quillons each with ovoidal tip and large faceted ovoidal pommel chiselled on both sides with figures en suite, knuckle-guard drawn-out to form a ring at the top, linked to the upper side-ring by a curved bar on each side, and with central selling chiselled with a military trophy on both sides, the outer surfaces decorated overall with much of the delicate gold-damascened patterns of scrolling foliage between dotted borders, the interior surfaces retaining traces of gilding, and fluted grip bound with twisted wire between ‘Turk’s heads’, 108.0 cm blade

Exhibited

The Park Lane Arms Fair 2006, English Snaphaunce Firearms: A Loan Exhibition from the Royal Armouries and Private Collections Literature

Ewart Oakeshott, ‘Sword and Rapier’ in The Ninth Park Lane Arms Fair, 1992, pp. 12-18, illustrated p. 17, 6a and 6b.

Brian Godwin and David Oliver, 'English Snaphaunce Firearms: A Loan Exhibition from the Royal Armouries and Private Collections' in The Park Lane Arms Fair 2006, pp. 9-13, illustrated p. 13, no. 14.

Robert South was appointed Cutler to James I and subsequently to Charles I . His name first appears in the Records of the Cutler’s Company in 1603. By 1629 he was Master and was still active in the 1630’s, his name appearing in a petition addressed by him to the Council of War in 1639.

Counterfeit damascening of the type employed on this rapier is found on some of the finest quality pistols and guns of the snaphaunce period, the most notable being among the ‘Present of Spain’ gifts from James I to Philip III of Spain, and examples in the Kremlin Armoury, Moscow.

£6,000-8,000

133

AN ITALIAN SWEPT-HILT RAPIER, EARLY 17TH CENTURY

with tapering double-edged blade cut with narrow central double fuller over most of its length on both sides, the fullers at the forte stamped ‘Fredrico’ and ‘Picinino’ between pellet marks, rectangular ricasso with incised line borders, hilt of slender faceted bars comprising recurved quillons each with rounded terminal, down-curved arms, the tips linked to linked to three concentric side-rings on both sides, the lower ones each filled with a plate pierced with small holes centred on a cross, the upper larger ones linked at the top by a curved bar to the knuckle-guard, large faceted barrel chiselled on the sides and with button finial, and grip bound with twisted iron wire between ‘Turk’s heads’, 118.5 cm blade

£2,000-3,000

A VERY FINE GERMAN EXECUTIONER’S SWORD, DATED 1569

with bright broad double-edged rebated blade with shallow central fuller over each side of the forte, one side with incised latten-inlaid gibbet above the date beyond, and on the other with a latten-inlaid gibbet in the form of a St. Catherine wheel, steel hilt retaining much original blueing and comprising straight quillons of circular section slightly widening towards the rounded tips, compressed globular pommel with turned collar and surmounted by a flattened tang button, and bottle-shaped grip wrapped in blackened fish skin, in original wood-lined scabbard covered in dark leather seamed along the inside and lightly tooled with double line borders and roundels, the latter at the side-pocket for the by-knife and awl, each with dark horn grip (one with old split) of tapering ovoidal section, the former with incised cutler’s mark on one side of the single-edged blade, iron openwork chape (possibly later) involving a flower-head centred on an incised roundel on both sides at the bottom and a double scroll centred on a chequered oval on both sides at the top, complete with its leather suspension belt with iron buckle, and in fine condition, 85.5 cm blade, 109.2 cm overall Provenance

The Ambrogio Collection, Milan

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Christie, Manson & Woods, Ltd., Catalogue of Rare and Interesting Arms and Armour From The Collection Of The Metropolitan Museum Of New York (Sold by Order of The Board of Trustees), 22nd and 23rd November 1960, lot 304

£20,000-30,000

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

with broad blade double-edged towards the point, stamped ‘Andrea Ferara’ between a series of decorative marks within two fullers of differing length on each face (rubbed), symmetrical iron hilt comprising a pair of langets chiselled with foliage, scrolling vestigial quillon, basket-guard chiselled at the base with delicate scrolling leafy tendrils inhabited by birds, putti and grotesque busts, front-and rear-guard each bifurcated at the base, joined to the knuckle-guard by a pair of diagonal bars each interrupted by a leafy moulding, a further scrolling bar front and back, and ovoid pommel chiselled with foliage and punched scrolls, spirally-carved wooden grip with an early binding of plaited wire between ‘Turk’s heads’ (areas of light pitting), 88.0 cm blade

Provenance

A private collector, sold in this room, 7th December 2022, lot 255

£3,000-4,000

AN EXTREMELY RARE GERMAN ‘LANDSKNECHT’

DAGGER, LATE 16TH CENTURY

with tapering double-edged blade (some old pitting) of flattened diamond section with central fuller over its entire length on both sides with keyhole piercings between groups of small holes, the rectangular ricasso pierced with small holes en suite within the fullers on each side, bright steel hilt comprising side-ring of two inwardly scrolled bars of tapering octagonal section with central writhen sphere, slightly down bent quillons of octagonal section and each with spherical terminal ensuite ending in a small button, large spherical pommel made in two halves with fine closeset vertical fluting, and swelling grip en suite, in original wood-lined steel scabbard decorated en suite with the hilt including mounts at the locket, mid-section and chape each formed as prominent bands of ‘puffed and slashed’ ornament between slender shims, the first pierced with three apertures for the by-knife, fork and replacement awl all en suite with the dagger, and with two fixed rings for suspension, 28.5 cm blade, 45.5 cm overall

Provenance

The Conan Doyle Collection

Galerie Jürg Stuker Bern (Schweiz), Sammlung Conan Doyle, 2, 14th17th December 1974, lot 398

A dagger of related form from the armoury of the Counts Schenk von Stauffenberg was sold Sotheby's Olympia, 10th July 2002, lot 198.

£20,000-30,000

AN UNUSUAL COPPER ALLOY-HILTED SABRE, 17TH CENTURY, POSSIBLY SARDINIAN

with curved russet blade with narrow double fuller along the back for most of its length to the double-edged point (some old pitting), the fullers at the forte incised with indistinct marks and letters, cast and chased hilt comprising large upturned shell-guard pierced with a crowned double-headed eagle flanked by foliage and with a human figure supporting the crown on either side, all within a border of C-scrolls, small shell-shaped inner-guard, down bent arms and knuckle-guard decorated en suite, the latter with bud-shaped terminal pierced with linked C-scrolls and flower-heads, and openwork grip and pommel decorated en suite over both sides, the latter above a small moustachioed mask on each side, 78.0 cm blade

£600-800

138 A FRENCH SMALL-SWORD WITH CHISELLED AND GILT HILT, CIRCA 1740

with tapering blade (minor damage along one edge) of hollow triangular section etched over each side of the forte with bold designs of symmetrical partly hatched foliated strapwork, hilt of characteristic form chiselled in low relief with scalloped arrangements of foliage, garlands and foliate sprays, all against gold grounds, and grip bound with two thicknesses of silver wire (some rust patination), 77.0 cm blade

£400-500

139

AN ENGLISH STEEL-HILTED SMALL-SWORD, CIRCA 1760

with colichemarde blade of tapering triangular section retaining faint traces of etched decoration on both sides of the forte, characteristic hilt finely pierced and chiselled with scrolling foliated tendrils on the slightly dished shell-guard, quillon-block and pommel, the remaining parts (knuckle-guard repaired) and surfaces pierced and chiselled with scrolling foliage, and grip bound with silver-gilt ribbon and twisted silver wire (some rust patination), 82.4 cm blade

£600-800

140

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

with plain tapering blade of hollow triangular section, hilt of characteristic form finely chiselled in low relief with flowering foliage and rocailles, picked-out in gold and all against a finely punched gold ground, and grip bound with gilt ribbon and two thicknesses of twisted silver wire (some rust patination), 82.0 cm blade

£600-900

141

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

with tapering blade of hollow triangular section, characteristic steel hilt chiselled in relief with flowers in ovals, all between panels and further foliage, the former lightly engraved with trelliswork, all picked-out in gold and against finely punched gold grounds, and grip bound with silver ribbon and two thicknesses of twisted silver wire (light rust patination), 84.5 cm blade

£600-800

142

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

with tapering blade of hollow triangular section etched along one side of the forte with hatched strapwork framing a crowned fleur-de-lys in an oval against a martial trophy, symmetrical foliage beyond, and on the other with strapwork framing ‘Vive Le Roy’ in an oval, further foliage beyond, characteristic steel hilt chiselled in relief with urns and flowers in ovals, all between classical trophies-of-arms and foliage, and against finely punched gilt grounds, and grip bound with silver ribbon and two thicknesses of twisted silver wire (some rust patination and loss of gilding), 84.0 cm blade

£400-500

143

AN ENGLISH SILVER-HILTED SMALL-SWORD, LONDON SILVER HALLMARKS FOR 1767, MAKER’S MARK OF JOHN REYNOLDS

with bright tapering blade of hollow triangular section retaining faint traces of etched decoration over both sides of the forte, hilt of characteristic form cast, pierced and chased with diagonal recurved bands of scrolling foliage on the slightly dished ovoidal shell-guard, quillon-block and pommel, the remaining parts cast and chased with foliage, and grip bound with silver ribbon and two thicknesses of twisted silver wire (some rust patination), 84.0 cm blade

For more details regarding this maker, see Southwick 2001, pp. 206-207.

£600-800

144

AN ENGLISH SILVER-HILTED SMALL-SWORD, INDISTINCT SILVER MARKS, CIRCA 1760-70

with colichemarde blade of tapering hollow triangular section retaining traces of etched decoration on both sides of the forte, hilt of characteristic form cast, pierced and chased with Classical trophies in roundels against a ground of alternate rows of curved lines and dots on the slightly dished ovoidal shell-guard, quillon-block and pommel, and grip bound with crimped silver ribbon and two thicknesses of twisted silver wire (some rust patination), 84.0 cm blade

£500-700

145

AN ENGLISH STEEL-HILTED SMALL-SWORD, CIRCA 1760-70

with plain colichemarde blade of tapering hollow triangular section, characteristic hilt pierced and chiselled with repeated designs of waved dots and foliage on the slightly dished ovoidal shell-guard and on the pommel, spirally twist knuckle-guard, and grip bound with silver ribbon and two types of twisted silver wire (some rust patination), 80.2 cm blade

£500-700

146

A CONTINENTAL SILVER-HILTED SMALL-SWORD, SMALL SILVER MARK, MID-18TH CENTURY

with bright tapering blade of hollow triangular section etched and gilt against a blued ground over both sides of the forte with a hatched panel of strapwork, a trophy, a sun-insplendour and foliage (some loss of finish), hilt of characteristic form finely cast and chased in low relief with Classical figures and putti arranged in landscapes framed by rocailles and ribbonwork, all against finely punched grounds, and grip bound with twisted silver wire, 85.5 cm blade

£600-800

147

TWO CONTINENTAL STEEL-HILTED SMALLSWORDS, MID-18TH CENTURY

the first with bright colichemarde blade of hollow triangular section retaining traces of etching at the forte, hilt of characteristic form chiselled, pierced and gilt with hounds in Classical landscapes, the gold with chased and punched details, and grip bound with steel ribbon and two thicknesses of copper wire; the second with tapering blade of hollow triangular section, the forte etched with hatched foliated strapwork, a sun-in-splendour, and a trophy and foliage over both sides, steel hilt pierced and chiselled with flowering foliage between ribbons (near quillon and knuckle-guard replaced), and grip bound with twisted copper wire (some rust patination), 87.0 cm and 79.8 cm blades (2)

£500-750

148

A RARE NORTH INDIAN SMALL-SWORD SCABBARD LOCKET FOR THE EUROPEAN MARKET, CIRCA 1770-80

of russet steel and with integral frog-hook, finely inlaid in gold with varying designs of flowering foliage and pagodas

This belongs to the well-known group of small-swords made in an unidentified workshop in North India for export to Europe, probably via the East India Company. See Norman 1980.

£300-500

149

A FRENCH SMALL-SWORD WITH CHISELLED AND GILT HILT, MID-18TH CENTURY

with tapering blade of hollow triangular section etched with foliage and strapwork on both sides of the forte involving a profile blackamoor’s head above the maker’s details ‘Bernard Md Fourbussier Pont St. Michel à la tête noire à Paris’ one side with a winged figure above, characteristic russet steel hilt chiselled in relief with foliated landscape scenes inhabited by dogs and cattle, all against finely punched gold grounds, and grip bound with silver ribbon and two thicknesses of silver wire (some rust patination), 80.1 cm blade

£500-700

150

A FRENCH SILVER-HILTED SMALL-SWORD, MID-18TH CENTURY

with bright tapering blade of hollow triangular section etched and gilt against a blued ground over nearly half its length at the forte with panels of foliage, a trophy, a wreath and a sun-insplendour, characteristic hilt cast and chased in low relief with martial and musical trophies, rocailles and foliage, all against finely punched and trellised grounds, and grip bound with silver ribbon and two types of twisted silver wire, 72.8 cm blade

£450-550

151

A FRENCH SMALL-SWORD WITH CHISELLED AND GILT HILT, MID-18TH CENTURY

with slender tapering blade of hollow triangular section, characteristic steel hilt chiselled in relief with Classical trophies-of-arms and scrolling foliage picked-out in gold and against finely punched gold grounds, and grip bound with silver ribbon and twisted steel wire (some rust patination), 71.6 cm blade

£400-500

152

A FRENCH SMALL-SWORD WITH CHISELLED AND GILT HILT, MID-18TH CENTURY

with tapering blade of hollow triangular section etched on both sides at the forte with symmetrical designs of hatched strapwork and scrolling foliage, characteristic steel hilt chiselled in relief with bouquets in ovals beneath garlands and framed by flowering foliage, all picked-out in gold and against punched gold grounds, and grip bound with steel ribbon, twisted copper and crimped copper wire (some rust patination), 81.0 cm blade

£400-600

153

A FRENCH STEEL-HILTED SMALL-SWORD, MID-18TH CENTURY

with tapering blade of hollow triangular section retaining traces of etched Parisian swordsmith’s details on both sides of the forte, characteristic steel hilt chiselled with diagonal lines between rows of slender pierced circles on the shell-guard and pommel, the remaining parts chiselled with foliage pierced with holes, grip bound with steel ribbon and wire, and unusually retaining much of its blueing (some rust patination), 79.2 cm blade

£350-450

154

A FRENCH SMALL-SWORD, MID-18TH CENTURY

with tapering blade of hollow triangular section, the forte etched and gilt against faint traces of a blued ground over both sides with a panel of hatched foliated strapwork, a female portrait bust in an oval above a martial trophy, and foliage, gilt steel hilt of characteristic form chiselled with medallions encrusted in gold with trophies and foliage suspended from ribboned garlands, all against a ground of trellised flowerheads, and grip bound with copper ribbon and two thicknesses of twisted copper wire (some rust patination), 80.2 cm blade

Provenance

Bonhams Knightsbridge, Fine Antique Arms and Armour Including items removed from the Carl Beck Foundation, Sursee, 29th July 2004, lot 171

£350-450

155

A FRENCH SMALL-SWORD WITH CHISELLED AND GILT HILT, MID-18TH CENTURY

with sharply tapering blade of hollow triangular section (tip reduced) etched along both sides of the forte with a martial trophy, strapwork, a framed French inscription, a figure kneeling before a heart on a brazier, a baldachin and foliage, characteristic russet steel hilt chiselled in relief with Classical female figures, flowering foliage and fruit, all picked-out in gold and against finely punched gold grounds, and grip bound with copper ribbon and twisted copper alloy wire (some old wear and rust patination), 68.0 cm blade

£300-450

156

AN ORMOLU-HILTED SMALL-SWORD, MID-18TH CENTURY, PROBABLY ENGLISH

with colichemarde blade of hollow triangular section retaining traces of etched cross-hatched scrolling foliage over both sides of the forte, hilt of characteristic form cast and chased in low relief with rocailles and foliage, and retaining traces of original gilding, and grip bound with silver ribbon and twisted silver wire (old wear and rust patination), 82.2 cm blade

£200-300

157

AN ENGLISH STEEL-HILTED SMALL-SWORD, CIRCA 1760

with tapering blade of hollow triangular section, hilt of characteristic form pierced and chiselled with martial trophies centred on a trellised ground of flower-heads on the slightly dished ovoidal shell-guard, quillon-block and pommel, the remaining parts chiselled with spiral flutes and foliage, and grip bound with copper ribbon and twisted copper wire (some rust patination), 80.3 cm blade

£350-450

158

A FRENCH SMALL-SWORD, CIRCA 1770

with bright tapering blade of hollow triangular section etched and gilt with a trophy and panels of foliage against a blued ground over both sides of the forte, one side above the initials ‘I.G.B’, steel hilt of characteristic form chiselled and parcel-gilt with baskets of flowers in garlanded ovals, all against a ground of pierced parcel-gilt trelliswork, and grip bound with silver ribbon, steel wire and crimped steel ribbon (some rust patination), 85.0 cm blade

£350-450

159

A STEEL-HILTED SMALL-SWORD, LATE 18TH CENTURY, PROBABLY ENGLISH OR RUSSIAN with slender tapering blade of hollow triangular section etched over both sides at the forte with a stand of banners and foliated rocailles, hilt retaining faint traces of blueing, cut with fine diagonal fluting enriched with twisted silver lines on the urn-shaped pommel and grip, and with ovoidal shell-guard pierced with central arrangement of flower-heads set with cutsteel brilliants within twisted silver wire borders, and slender knuckle-guard with central feature en suite (minor losses and some rust patination), 87.0 cm blade

£400-500

160

A STEEL-HILTED SMALL-SWORD LATE 18TH CENTURY,

PROBABLY ENGLISH

with slender tapering blade of hollow triangular section etched with symmetrical designs of foliage over both sides at the forte, hilt of characteristic form and decorated with multi-faceting, ovoidal shell-guard set on the inside with a copper alloy mount pierced and chased with medallions suspended from garlands and chased respectively with portrait busts and vases, all within an outer border of pierced foliate scrolls, and grip bound with steel ribbon, crimped silver ribbon and two thicknesses of twisted silver wire (some rust patination), 82.0 cm blade

£300-400

161

A DUTCH LIGHT CAVALRY OFFICER’S SABRE, LATE 18TH CENTURY

with curved fullered blade (scattered light pitting) doubleedged towards the point and etched with maker’s details ‘Jean Ernen Marchand D’ Armes A Sohlingen’ along the back at the forte, the forte etched on both sides with a crowned lion rampant of the Seven United Provinces on a crowned shield above ‘Vivat Prince D’ Orange’, copper alloy stirrup hilt cast with raised pointed features forming a cross on the langets, straight rear quillon with faceted button terminal, knuckleguard cast in relief at the top with scallop-shells, pommel and back-piece in one, the former with applied grotesque mask cap, the latter en suite with the top of the knuckle-guard, and ribbed leather-covered grip pierced with a copper alloy-lined hole for a thong, in original leather-covered wooden scabbard with deep pierced locket, chape and suspension mount each cast and chased in relief en suite with the hilt within strapwork borders, and with two suspension rings, 86.2 cm blade

Provenance

Bonhams Knightsbridge, Fine Antique Arms and Armour from the Henk L. Visser Collection, 28th November 2007, lot 15

Literature

G. de Vries and B.J. Martens, The Visser Collection: Arms of the Netherlands in the Collection of H.L. Visser; Catalogue of Firearms, Swords and Related Objects, vol. 1, part 4, 2007, cat. no. 966, pp. 644-645

The design of this sabre follows that of the French during their Revolutionary period. The slogan ‘Vivat Prince d’ Orange’ reflects a time when there were two main political factions in Holland, the ‘Orangeists’ and the ‘Patriots’, and many officers supported the stadtholder Prince William V.

£3,000-4,000

162

A RARE FRENCH VARIANT VOLUNTEER

OFFICER’S SABRE OF THE GARDE NATIONALE, LATE 18TH CENTURY

with curved fullered blade (lightly pitted overall) double-edged towards the point, the forte re-etched and re-gilt against a re-blued ground along one side with a panel of foliage, a martial trophy and the inscription ‘Vaincre Ou Mourir’, symmetrical foliage beyond, and along the other with a further panel of foliage, a martial trophy and the figure of a Turk armed with a falchion, ormolu hilt retaining much of its gilding, comprising ovoidal guard pierced with rayed petals and with scallop-shell rear quillon, two scrolled side-bars swept-up to join the fluted knuckle-guard and enclosing a lion rampant grasping a banner surmounted by a Phrygian cap and standing above a dragon and cannon, pommel formed as a plumed close-helmet, and leather-covered grip bound with varying thicknesses of twisted copper wire, in its gilt scabbard lined in leather and open along each side at the top, and with two suspension rings; together with a reproduction of the same model sabre, with bright etched, blued and gilt blade, and heavy cast copper alloy hilt with lion-head pommel (scabbard missing), 79.1 cm and 84.5 cm blades (2)

£1,500-1,800

163

A RARE FRENCH OFFICER’S SABRE OF THE GARDE NATIONALE,

LATE 18TH CENTURY

with slightly curved fullered blade bright over half its length to the double-edged point (light pitting), the forte etched and gilt against a blued ground along one side with a trellised panel and a martial trophy, the inscription ‘Pour Le Salut’ between, and along the other with a further trellised panel and foliage, the inscription ‘De Ma Patrie’ between, slotted ormolu hilt retaining much of its gilding (perhaps partially re-gilt) and with a scrolled side-bar (minor repair) swept-up to join the fluted knuckle-guard and enclosing a revolutionary trophy comprising clasped hands emerging from clouds against bound spears bearing a shield engraved with a Classical warrior, a book and spilled coinage below, the former engraved ‘Nouvelle Constitution D’ Un Peuple Libre’, a banner bearing a Phrygian cap and a palm branch either side, pommel formed as a plumed cuirassier’s helmet, and later leather-covered grip bound with twisted copper alloy wire (some strands loose), in its black leather scabbard (some old wear and crazing) with line engraved ormolu locket and chape, the latter with frog button, 76.0 cm blade

£1,000-1,500

164

A RARE FRENCH DIRECTOIRE PERIOD OFFICER’S SABRE, LATE 18TH CENTURY

with curved fullered blade bright over two-thirds of its length to the point, the forte along both sides etched and gilt against a blued ground with bladesmith’s details, a differing martial trophy and foliage, cast and chased ormolu stirrup hilt retaining much of its gilding and comprising ovoidal langers each bearing a revolutionary figure holding a banner aloft, rear quillon with lion-head terminal, knuckle-guard with a branch of oak along the front and a scrolled leaf on the inside at the bottom, pommel formed as a plumed and scaled helmet, and ebony grip chequered over both sides, in its copper alloy scabbard retaining traces of gilding and embossed along one side with a martial trophy suspended from a ribbon, and with a fish scale pattern over most of its length to the steel shoe, and engraved suspension mounts each with suspension ring, 81.3 cm blade

See Lhoste & Resek 2001, p. 107, fig. 128.

£1,000-1,500

165

A FRENCH DRAGOON OTHER RANK’S SWORD, LATE 18TH CENTURY

of regulation pattern, with bright blade with double-edged hatchet point, the forte stamped ‘R’ on one side, copper alloy hilt comprising scallop-shell shaped side-guard pierced with slots above and below a row of circles and linked to the knuckle-guard by four scrolled side-bars, smaller inner-guard en suite, pommel-cap, and leather-covered grip bound with a strand of twisted copper alloy wire, in its black leather scabbard with copper alloy locket and chape (old dents), the former with steel suspension ring, the latter with ovoidal steel tip button, 96.5 cm blade

Provenance

Professor Richard Holmes CBE Collection

£600-800

166

A FRENCH LIGHT CAVALRY OFFICER’S SABRE, LATE 18TH CENTURY

with curved fullered blade bright over half its length to the double-edged point (some rust patination), the forte etched and gilt against a blued ground along one side with a foliated panel, a martial trophy, a cavalryman on horseback beneath a scroll inscribed ‘Vivat Hussar’, and with a man-in-the-moon above, and along the other with a similar foliated panel, cabalistic symbols, a Turkish influenced crest surmounted by a turban, a sun-in-splendour and stars, copper alloy stirrup hilt retaining some original silvering and comprising border engraved ovoidal langets, rear quillon with squared button terminal, knuckle-guard faced with a row of beads, pommelcap and back-strap in one, and dark horn grip with bevelled inner edge, in its copper alloy scabbard retaining some silvering and engraved with double-lines at the suspension mounts, and with two suspension rings, 85.0 cm blade

Provenance

The Professor Richard Holmes Collection £600-800

167

A FRENCH VOLUNTEER INFANTRY OFFICER’S SABRE OF REVOLUTIONARY TYPE IN LATE 18TH CENTURY STYLE

with slightly curved blade burnished bright over half its length to the double-edged point, the forte etched and gilt against a blued ground along one side with a foliate panel, differing trophies of arms, a man-in-the moon and stars, and along the other with a foliate panel, a trophy of arms, a portrait bust of a moustachioed Turk wearing a turban, and a sun-in-splendour, slotted copper alloy hilt with two scrolled bars swept-up to join the knuckle-guard and incorporating the figure of La Nation against garlanded spears and holding the mane of a lion, pommel formed as a plumed cuirassier’s helmet, and leather-covered grip bound with twisted copper wire, in its copper alloy scabbard with two suspension rings, 76.5 cm blade

£600-800

168

A FRENCH DRAGOON OFFICER’S SABRE, LATE

18TH/EARLY 19TH CENTURY

of regulation pattern, with bright fullered blade (patches of light pitting and rust patination) double-edged at the point, ormolu hilt retaining some of its gilding and comprising scallopshell shaped side-guard pierced with slots above and below a row of circles and linked to the knuckle-guard by four scrolled side-bars, smaller inner-guard ensuite (one bar with minor fracture), pommel-cap, and leather-covered grip bound with twisted copper wire, in its black leather scabbard with linear engraved copper alloy mounts and two large suspension rings, the chape (old dents) with shaped steel shoe, the locket with frog button, 92.0 cm blade

£800-1,000

169

A FRENCH NAPOLEONIC LIGHT CAVALRY

OFFICER’S SABRE, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

with curved fullered blade bright over two-thirds of its length to the double-edged point, the forte etched and gilt against a blued ground over both sides with panels of foliage, one side including a martial trophy, cast and chased copper alloy hilt retaining some of its gilding and comprising ovoidal langets each bearing the figure of Aphrodite, rear quillon formed as a wolf’s head, knuckle-guard with central martial trophy between garlands, pommel encircled by a wreath, and ebony grip carved with fish-scales over each side, in its copper alloy scabbard retaining faint traces of gilding and embossed over both sides with leaves at the chape and on each side of the suspension mounts, the latter each embossed en suite and carrying a suspension ring, the outer side with borders of punched repeated stars and foliage, 82.0 cm blade

See Lhoste & Resek 2001, p. 207, fig. 359.

£1,000-1,500

170

A FRENCH NAPOLEONIC CHIEF OF STAFF’S SABRE SIGNED DEVEAUX, FOURBISSEUR A PARIS, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

with slender curved fullered blade now dull grey over two-thirds of its length to the point, the forte along both sides etched and gilt against a blued ground with a differing martial trophy and foliage, cast copper alloy hilt comprising ovoidal langets each bearing a Classical female mask, fluted recurved quillons each with wolf’s head terminal, the forward one with the knuckle-chain in its mouth to a ring in the mouth of the lion-head pommel, the back scaled and with neo-classical ornament, and ebony grip chequered over both sides, in its leather-covered scabbard with ormolu mounts retaining some of their gilding and embossed and chased on the outside with neo-classical ornament including female figures and a trophy-ofarms, the inner sides stamped with repeated borders of foliage, locket signed on the inside, and with two suspension rings, 82.5 cm blade

£800-1,000

171

A FRENCH NAPOLEONIC INFANTRY

OFFICER’S SABRE SIGNED PIRMET A PARIS, EARLY 19TH CENTURY with curved fullered blade (light rust patination) bright over two-thirds of its length to the double-edged point, the forte loosely etched and gilt over a dulled blued ground with differing designs of foliage along both sides, one side involving a sun-in-splendour, and with a trophy of arms and a wreath on the other, cast copper alloy hilt comprising ovoidal langets each bearing a helmeted profile bust of a warrior, fluted knuckleguard and down bent rear quillon with button terminal, pommel with recessed border, and ebony grip chequered over both sides, in its copper alloy scabbard with two suspension mounts each decorated with a row of neo-classical ornament and carrying a suspension ring, the inner side at the throat engraved with maker’s details, 83.8 cm blade

Pirmet is recorded as ‘Arquebusier et fourbisseur a Paris An IX-1818. Arquebusier du Roi de Westphalie, Jerome, 1807-1813. Arquebusier, fourbisseur de Monseigneur le Duc d’Angouleme et des Menus-Plaisirs de Roi en 1816’.

£600-800

172 A FRENCH NAVAL IMPERIAL GUARD SABRE,

EARLY 19TH CENTURY

with broad curved fullered blade doubleedged at the clipped-back point, the forte etched on both sides with a foliated panel inscribed ‘Garde Imperiale’ between roped anchors, copper alloy hilt comprising shield-shaped langets, one engraved with an anchor, scrolled rear quillon, fluted knuckle-guard, compressed rounded pommel, and leather-covered grip bound with copper alloy wire, 73.0 cm blade

Provenance

Bonhams Knightsbridge, Fine Antique Arms and Armour Including items removed from the Carl Beck Foundation, 29th July 2004, lot 82

See May & Annis 1970, p. 102 £600-800

173

A FRENCH NAPOLEONIC CHIEF OF STAFF’S SABRE, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

with curved fullered blade bright over two-thirds of its length to the double-edged point, the forte along both sides etched and gilt against a blued ground with a trophy and foliage including a wreath, cast and chased ormolu hilt retaining much of its gilding and comprising shield-shaped langets each bearing crossed cornucopia against a fasces, reeded down bent rear quillon emerging from foliage and with lion-mask terminal, knuckle-guard en suite and with scrolled ovoidal terminal held in the mouth of the lion-head pommel, and ivory grip (repaired beneath the pommel on one side) with chequered diamond-shaped panels on both sides, in its ormolu scabbard (gilding rubbed overall) embossed and chased along the outside with three raised panels each enclosing a Classical female figure representing the Three Graces, all within acanthus borders, the inner side stamped with flower-heads within acanthus borders, and with two suspension rings, 85.0 cm blade

For another example, see Lhoste & Resek 2001, p. 131, fig. 182. £500-700

174

A FRENCH ANXI CUIRASSIER’S SWORD, DATED 1814 of regulation pattern, with tapering fullered blade retaining some of the etched and dated Klingenthal manufactory details along the back at the forte, copper alloy hilt of three bars swept-up to join the knuckle-guard, the latter stamped ‘948’ and ‘59’, two inspector’s marks between, copper alloy pommel-cap, and leather-covered grip bound with a strand of twisted copper alloy wire, in its steel scabbard (light rust patination) with suspension rings, the upper suspension mounts stamped ‘824’, 95.2 cm blade

Provenance

Professor Richard Holmes CBE Collection

£600-800

175

A FRENCH AN XI CUIRASSIER’S SWORD, DATED 1816 of regulation pattern, with tapering fullered blade etched with dated Klingenthal manufactory details along the back at the forte, and stamped with indistinct inspector’s marks, copper alloy hilt of three bars swept-up to join the knuckle-guard and stamped ‘A 95.’ beneath, copper alloy pommel-cap, and leathercovered grip (wire-binding missing), in its steel scabbard (old light pitting) with suspension rings, 95.6 cm blade

Provenance

Professor Richard Holmes CBE Collection

£500-700

176

A RARE

FRENCH CORPS IMP.L DU GENIE AXE, CIRCA 1760

with robust steel head of triangular form drawn-out to a concave cutting-edge, one side engraved ‘A CORPS IMP.L DU GENIE’, surmounted by a threaded head of partisan form, and with a further detachable head also of partisan form at the rear of the socket, the base pierced with four interrupted holes and secured by a later steel staple; on its wooden haft of tapering ovoidal section retaining remains of fabric covering secured by numerous dome-headed brass nails (some pitting overall), 113.0 cm overall, head 48.5 cm wide

On 10 March 1759 six sapper companies were removed from the artillery brigades and were transferred, together with the miners’ companies, into the renamed Corps du Genie, however they continued to rank after the Corps Royal de L’Artlllerie. Worker companies who simply followed the artillery, were integrated into the artillery brigades to replace the sappers.

£500-700

177

THREE FRENCH 1821 MODEL

INFANTRY OFFICER’S SABRES, 19TH CENTURY

each with slightly curved fullered blade bright over half their length to the double-edged point, the fortes along both sides etched and gilt against a blued ground with foliate panels and differing martial trophies, two etched beneath the hilt on one side with bladesmith’s initials ‘K & S’ (for Schnitzler and Kirschbaum of Solingen), copper alloy hilts retaining traces of gilding and cast with foliate scrolls terminating in a flower-head, comprising sidebar swept-up to join the knuckleguard, lobed rear quillon, pommel-caps each with a border of laurel, and wirebound leather-covered grips, each in its black leather scabbard (one restored, the other broken and open along the seam) with copper alloy mounts, two lockets each with frog-button, and one suspension mount carrying a copper alloy ring, 71.0 cm, 73.5 cm and 75.7 cm blades (3)

£500-750

178

A FRENCH NAVAL OFFICER’S SWORD, LATE 19TH CENTURY

with slightly curved fullered blade with medial ridge to the double-edged point, the back at the forte etched with Klingenthal maker’s details, ormolu mounted hilt comprising half-basket guard cast, pierced and chased with foliage involving a fouled anchor within a rococo cartouche on one side, eagle head rear quillon, knuckle-guard, pommel and back-piece all en suite with the guard, ribbed composition grip, and blue cord sword-knot with bullion tassel set with silver stars, in its black leather scabbard with ormolu mounts cast, pierced and chased with naval motifs, shells and bulrushes, two suspension rings, and retaining much of its gilding, 68.0 cm blade

Provenance

Bonhams Knightsbridge, Antique Arms & Armour, 24th April 2013, lot 69 £600-800

179

A SPANISH OFFICER’S ORMOLUHILTED BROADSWORD,

MID-19TH CENTURY

with earlier double-edged blade of flattened hexagonal section stamped on one side at the forte with ‘L’ and crowned ‘R’ mark above ‘C: IV .’, and engraved ‘Adeos A Henrique Qujnio, Ea Migel Serei Sempre Fjel’ beyond, and on the other stamped ’D . T: 1799.’, and engraved ‘JMJ Com Avxiljo De Maria Destuirei A Maconarja +’ beyond, the hilt retaining nearly all of its gilding and comprising half-basket-guard of foliate engraved bars swept-up to join the knuckle-guard and enclosing an oval bearing the crowned arms of Castille, folding inner-guard pierced and chased en suite, monster-head pommel, and ribbed grip alternately fluted and chequered, 91.2 cm blade

The inscriptions read in translation: ‘Farewell to Henri V and to Michael we will always be faithful’ and ‘JMJ and with the help of Mary we destroyed Amaconaria +’.

Unlike the Royal Navy, the Spanish relied upon regular military troops to carry out hand to hand fighting at sea.

£600-800

180

AN EAST EUROPEAN HUSSAR’S SABRE, LATE 18TH/EARLY 19TH CENTURY, PROBABLY HUNGARIAN OR POLISH

with broad curved fullered blade (old wear and rust patination) double-edged at the point and retaining traces of etched decoration over most of its length on both sides, the forte on both sides with gilding beneath the hilt, one side etched with a trophy involving a shield on a spear and etched with a moustachioed face, and on the other with crossed cannons and a Hussar on horseback, ormolu stirrup hilt comprising reeded rectangular langets, rear quillon with spirally-fluted spherical terminal, knuckle-guard with a row of beads, pommel and back-piece in one, the latter with scalloped cap, and fishskin-covered grip bound with twisted silver wire, in its ormolumounted leather-covered wooden scabbard embossed and chased with rococo foliage within borders en suite, suspension mounts in imitation of binding and each with suspension ring, chape decorated en suite with the suspension mounts and with shoe, and retaining most of its original gilding, 88.0 cm blade

£3,000-4,000

181

A CONTINENTAL OFFICER’S SABRE, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

with curved fullered blade bright over twothirds of its length to the double-edged point, the forte along one side etched and gilt against a blued ground with Solingen bladesmith’s name, panels of foliage and a martial trophy, and along the other with a trellised panel, a martial trophy, a wreath and foliage, ormolu hilt retaining nearly all its gilding and comprising stirrup knuckle-guard with lobed rear quillon, eagle-head pommel, its feathers extending down the back-piece, and ebony grip chequered over both sides, in its copper alloy-mounted steel scabbard (light pitting) with suspension ring, the long chape with steel shoe, 84.0 cm blade

£600-900

AN OFFICER’S SABRE OF THE SUNDERLAND LOYAL VOLUNTEERS, LATE 18TH CENTURY

with curved fullered blade (areas of light pitting and rust patination) double-edged towards the point, the forte etched over one side with foliage, a reclining female figure in a landscape and crowned ‘GR’ cypher beneath a baldachin, and along the other with foliage including a vine, and the figure of Britannia beneath further foliage, ormolu hilt of spadroon form, retaining much of its gilding and comprising side-guard filled by a double scroll, knuckle-guard with tassel ring at the top, waisted cushion-shaped pommel, and vertically reeded ivory grip with medial band engraved ‘Sunderland Loyal Volunteers’ centred on a crowned sextant within an oval on one side, in its black leather scabbard (old damage and loss of finish) with linear engraved ormolu mounts (loss of gilding) with frogbutton and two suspension rings, 85.9 cm blade £600-800

183

A FINE 1796 PATTERN OFFICER’S SWORD BY GOLDNEY, ST. JAMES’S STREET, SWORD CUTLER TO H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF

WALES, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

with tapering fullered blade (some rust patination) bright over two thirds of its length to the double-edged point, the forte etched and gilt against a blued ground along one side with foliate panels and post-1801 crowned royal arms, and along the other with similar foliate panels, a martial trophy and crowned ‘GR’ cypher, the back of the blade with bladesmith’s details ‘J.J. Runkel, Solingen’ against a gilt ground, ormolu hilt (knuckle-guard with minor old fracture) cast and chased with designs and borders of foliage, and including inner-guard folding against a spring, and spirally turned bone grip carved with a spiral band of plaited ropework, in its black leather scabbard (minor loss of finish) with ormolu mounts and two suspension rings, the former embossed and chased en suite with the hilt, the locket with foliate frog-button and engraved with maker’s details, and retaining nearly all its original gilding, 82.4 cm blade

For more information regarding Goldney, described as ‘Prominent royal sword cutlers of St. James’s Street’, see Southwick 2001, pp. 119-121.

£1,500-1,800

184

THE 1796 PATTERN LIGHT CAVALRY OFFICER’S SWORD OF WILLIAM ELLIOTT OF BORTWICKBRAE, BY

WOOLEY & CO., BIRM. M, LATE 18TH CENTURY

of regulation pattern, with bright curved fullered blade double-edged toward the point, the forte on both sides retaining traces of blueing, one side (some old spotted rust staining) etched with maker’s name, foliated ‘GR’ cypher and the seated figure of Britannia beneath a foliated scroll, and on the other with owner’s initials, crest and motto, foliated ‘R’ over ‘LD’ , and surmounted by crowned crossed thistles, steel stirrup hilt, and ribbed leather-covered grip (leather incomplete beneath the pommel on one side) bound with twisted silver wire, in its bright steel scabbard (some rust patination) engraved with maker’s name in an oval on one side at the throat, and with two split-rings for suspension, 84.7cm blade

William Elliot of Bortwickbrae held field rank with the Roxburgh and Selkirk Cavalry who were also known as the Roxburgh Light Dragoons. The regiment saw considerable active service against the rebels in Ireland during the late 1790s.

£2,000-3,000

185

A 1796 PATTERN LIGHT CAVALRY

OFFICER’S SABRE, CIRCA 1800 of regulation pattern, with bright curved fullered blade (some old rust staining at the point), the forte on one side etched ‘Tho. Gills Warranted Never to Fail’, steel stirrup hilt (some pitting) with bevelled pointed langets, knuckle-guard with slot for a sword-knot, faceted pommel and back-piece, and ribbed leather-covered grip (worn and damaged) bound with twisted silver wire, in its steel scabbard (rust patinated) engraved ‘12’ on one side at the throat (throat mount retaining screw replaced), and with two suspension rings, 83.5 cm blade

£800-1,200

186

A 1796 PATTERN EAST INDA COMPANY LIGHT CAVALRY OFFICER’S SWORD, LATE 18TH CENTURY

of regulation pattern, with curved fullered blade retaining traces of faded blueing on both side of the forte, one side etched and gilt with a martial trophy, full Company arms and motto, a foliate cartouche and with further scrolling foliage beyond, and on the other with foliage, a cavalryman on horseback, a martial trophy surmounted by a foliate scroll and with further scrolling foliage beyond, steel stirrup hilt with cusped and fluted borders, the knuckle-guard slotted for a sword-knot, and ribbed wire-bound fishskin-covered grip (old repair beneath the pommel), in its steel scabbard (light pitting and rust patinated) with two split-rings for suspension, 81.2 cm blade

£500-700

187

AN EAST INDA COMPANY

OFFICER’S ORMOLU-HILTED FIVEBALL SPADROON, CIRCA 1800 with bright curved fullered blade double-edged towards the point, the forte etched and gilt against a blued ground over both sides with a martial trophy, ‘GRIII’ cypher, a crown above surmounted by a lion, and a foliate scroll, hilt retaining nearly all its gilding and comprising side-guard enclosing a pierced diamond, lobed rear quillon (old fracture), knuckle-guard with tassel ring at the top, border engraved waisted cushion-shaped pommel, and vertically reeded bone grip with border engraved mounts including medial band engraved with Company crest in an oval on one side, in its black leather scabbard (some old surface damage) with linear engraved ormolu mounts, frog-button and two suspension rings, 67.7 cm blade

£600-800

188

A 1796 PATTERN HEAVY

CAVALRY OFFICER’S SWORD, CIRCA 1800 of regulation pattern, with tapering double-edged bright blade etched and gilt against a blued ground over half its length along the forte on one side with foliage, crowned royal motto with lion and unicorn supporters, and a martial trophy beyond, and along the other with foliage, a martial trophy, crowned ‘GR’ cypher, and a flower beyond, ormolu hilt retaining some gilding, and grip bound with twisted silver wire, in its steel scabbard (some rust patination) with suspension rings, 82.0 cm blade

£600-800

189

AN UNUSUAL NAVAL OFFICER’S SWORD,

CIRCA 1800 with fullered blade bright over two thirds of its length to the double-edged point (minor old rust staining), the forte etched and gilt against a blued ground along both sides with a trellised panel, foliage, crowned full royal arms and a martial trophy, ormolu hilt of regulation type with ovoidal guard pierced with scrolls along each side, fluted knuckleguard pierced and chased with crowned ‘GR’ cypher and with ring for a tassel at the top, coffin-shaped pommel engraved with a crossed sword and anchor against palm and laurel branches, and with a baton and wreath next to the tang button, and turned ivory grip with three bands of chequering, in its black leather scabbard with linear engraved shaped ormolu mounts with two suspension rings, the locket with frogbutton, and retaining nearly all its original gilding, 81.4 cm blade

£1,500-2,000

190

A VERY RARE CAVALRY OFFICER’S SWORD OF THE EAST INDIA COMPANY BOMBAY REGIMENT LIGHT CAVALRY WITH DETACHABLE SIDE-GUARD, BY PROSSER, MANUFACTURER TO THE KING, LONDON, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

with slightly curved pipe-back blade double-edged at the quill point, the forte on one side etched ‘Prosser Manufacturer to the King’ and with the Company crest surmounted by crossed palms above, and on the other with ‘Prosser’s Invention, London’ and ‘Bombay Reg.t, Lt. Cavalry’ surmounted by crossed branches of laurel above, steel stirrup hilt with pointed langets, detachable side-guard of two scrolled bars secured by a wing-headed screw through the top of the knuckle-guard, and ribbed wire-bound fishskin-covered grip (minor damage), in its steel scabbard painted black and with two suspension rings (hilt and scabbard with some rust patination), 87.0 cm blade

£2,000-3,000

191

AN 1803 PATTERN INFANTRY OFFICER’S SWORD RETAILED BY

PROSSER, CHARING CROSS, LONDON, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

of regulation pattern, with curved fullered blade (minor rust patination) bright over two thirds of its length to the double-edge point, the forte etched and gilt against a blued ground along one side with a martial trophy, crowned ‘GR’ cypher, flowers and a cornucopia, and along the other with a martial trophy, full royal arms and flowering foliage, the back of the blade with bladesmith’s details ‘J.J. Runkel, Solingen’ against a gilt ground, ormolu hilt comprising ovoidal guard pierced with scrolls along each side, fluted knuckle-guard pierced and chased with crowned ’GR’ cypher and slotted for a sword-knot, lion-head pommel, and fishskincovered grip bound with two thicknesses of twisted silver wire, in its leather scabbard (some wear and damage, seam open) with linear engraved shaped ormolu mounts pierced with ovals, and with two suspension rings, the locket with foliate frog-button and engraved maker’s details, and retaining most of its original gilding, 83.0 cm blade

For Prosser see Southwick 2001, pp. 199-200.

£1,200-1,500

A 1796 PATTERN INFANTRY OFFICER’S SWORD

RETAILED BY J. & J. GILL, CUTLERS &C, BRISTOL, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

of regulation pattern, with tapering fullered blade bright over a third of its length to the double-edged point, the forte etched and gilt against a blued ground along one side with foliage, ‘Warranted’ on a foliate scroll, post-1801 royal arms, a martial trophy and a foliated wreath beyond, and along the other with foliage, the figure of Britannia, crowned ‘GR’ cypher and further foliage beyond, ormolu hilt with double shell-guard, the inner one folding against a spring, rear quillon and faceted pommel cast and chased with foliage, silver-covered grip in imitation of wire binding, and retaining it red fabric and bullion sword-knot, in its black leather scabbard (worn and some loss of finish, damaged above the chape) with linear engraved ormolu mounts and two suspension rings, the locket with frog-button and engraved with retailer’s details, and retaining most of its original gilding, 81.4 cm blade

J. & J. Gill appear to be unrecorded.

£800-1,000

193

A NAVAL OFFICER’S SILVER-HILTED FIVE-BALL SPADROON, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

with tapering fullered blade (rust patinated) etched and gilt against the remains of a blued ground over a third of its length along one side with foliage, a martial trophy, crowned ‘GR’ cypher, a stand of banners and further foliage, and along the other with similar decoration including post-1801 royal arms, silver hilt (unmarked) comprising side-guard enclosing a fouled anchor, lobed rear quillon, knuckle-guard with tassel ring at the top, border engraved waisted cushion-shaped pommel, and vertically reeded ebony grip with border engraved mounts including medial band engraved with a crowned fouled anchor in an oval on one side, in its black leather scabbard (possibly later) with linear engraved silver mounts and two suspension rings, 80.3 cm blade

£600-900

194

AN 1832 PATTERN 2ND LIFE GUARDS OFFICER’S SWORD, BY PROSSER, MAKER TO THE KING, LONDON, DATED 1832

of regulation pattern, with bright tapering fullered blade, the forte on both sides etched with dated maker’s details, crowned flaming grenade above regimental foliate cypher, and ‘2’ over bound oak and palm branches, one side stamped with Prosser’s mark, copper alloy hilt cast with scrollwork and comprising side-guard pierced with three scrolled bars swept-up to join the knuckle-guard, ovoidal guard beneath with flaming grenade above and below, the former engraved with worn owner’s crest, pommel-cap cast with a flaming grenade between wings and thunderbolts, and wire-bound fishskincovered grip, in its copper alloy-mounted steel scabbard (some rust patination) with suspension rings, the throat engraved with worn owner’s initials ‘DW’, 93.8 cm blade

John Prosser (about 1796-1837) was appointed Sword Cutler and Belt Maker to George III in 1795 and to George IV in 1827. For further information see Southwick 2001, pp. 199-200

£1,000-1,500

195

AN 1834 PATTERN ROYAL HORSE GUARDS OFFICER’S SWORD, BY HAMBURGER, ROGERS & CO., 30 KING ST., COV NT. GARDEN, LONDON, CIRCA 1835

of regulation pattern, with bright tapering fullered blade etched with maker’s details below symmetrical foliage on one side at the forte, copper alloy hilt cast with scrollwork and comprising side-guard pierced with three scrolled bars swept-up to join the knuckle-guard, ovoidal guard beneath with flaming grenade above and below, pommel-cap cast with a flaming grenade between wings and thunderbolts, wirebound fishskin-covered grip (minor damage at the top on one side), and complete with red fabric and bullion sword-knot, in its copper alloy-mounted steel scabbard (some rust patination) with suspension rings, 96.5 cm blade

£1,000-1,500

196

AN 1822 PATTERN EAST INDIA COMPANY INFANTRY OFFICER’S PRESENTATION SWORD SIGNED RESTORED BY WILKINSON, PALL MALL, 1868, DATED 1852

of regulation pattern, with slightly curved fullered blade (some old pitting at the point) etched over most of its length along one side with Wilkinson’s details in a shield, foliate scrollwork and the crest of the Company within a wreath, and along the other with foliate scrollwork and the presentation inscription, ormolu hilt retaining traces of gilding and incorporating the pierced Company crest in an oval, folding innerguard, and wire-bound fishskin-covered grip, in its copper alloy scabbard with suspension rings, 82.2 cm blade

The presentation inscription reads: ‘Gentleman Cadet Salisbury T. Trevor, this sword was presented to him at the Public Examination on 9th. Dec.r, 1852 by the Honourable Court of Directors of the East India Company as a mark of their approbation of his General Good Conduct while at the Company’s Military Seminary’.

£500-700

A FINE CASED SILVER-MOUNTED SWORD PRESENTED TO MAJOR G.A. SPOTTISWOODE, COMMANDING 2ND CITY OF LONDON RIFLE VOLUNTEER CORPS, FROM THE OFFICERS, NON COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND PRIVATES APRIL 1863, RETAILED BY WIDDOWSON & VEALE, GOLDSMITHS, 73 STRAND, LONDON SILVER HALLMARKS FOR 1862, MAKER’S MARK OF THOMAS WILLIAM DEE & SONS

of regulation type, with slightly curved fullered blade (small areas of rust patination, circular proof stamp missing) etched over nearly its entire length on both sides with differing designs of scrolling flowering foliage, one side framing the presentation inscription, and along the other with two martial trophies and crowned ‘VR’ cypher, hilt comprising half-basket guard finely pierced and chased with foliate scrollwork and ribbons, the former incorporating the recipient’s crest and motto, the latter engraved ‘2ND City Of London Rifle Volunteers’, folding inner-guard pierced and chased with foliage en suite, lobed rear quillon, lion-head pommel with stylised mane extending down the back of the grip, and stippled grip with alternate cusped and clawed bands and dots, in its black leather scabbard with mounts engraved with symmetrical strapwork against hatched grounds, and suspension rings: in original contoured fitted wooden case covered in maroon leather (some scuffing) and lined in navy blue velvet, 82.5 cm blade

Provenance

Sotheby’s Billingshurst, 25 March 1997, lot 107

George A. Spottiswoode (1827-1899), of the printing firm Eyre & Spottiswoode, was one of the first officers to be commissioned into the 2nd City of London upon its formation in May 1860.

£4,000-5,000

AN IMPORTANT SILVER-MOUNTED MAMELUKE-HILTED SABRE ASSOCIATED WITH THE VISIT OF GEORGE IV TO SCOTLAND IN AUGUST 1822, EDINBURGH, 1821, MAKER’S MARK OF JAMES HOME with curved bright fullered blade (some old rust patination) etched over most of its length along both sides against a gilt ground (some loss of gilding), the decoration along one side comprising an elaborate mar tial trophy, an urn of thistles, the figure of St. Andrew above a scroll inscribed ‘NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT’, a further martial trophy, the royal arms and motto, a female figure standing on a fasces and supporting a thistle, the order of the Thistle in a wreath, and a saltire cross surmounted by further foliage, and along the other with scrolling thistles, crossed swords against a staff supporting a winged open helmet, the figure of an armed highlander, a martial trophy, crowned ‘GR’ cypher surmounted by a pair of winged cherub’s heads, and a wreathed St. Andrew’s cross against a garter star between scrolling thistles, hilt comprising pointed langets and ovoidal quillons each set on both sides with a foiled piece of faceted glass in imitation of cairngorms, the grip set with a row of faceted stones en suite (one missing), all in claw settings, faceted ivory grips (one with minor old chip) secured by three transverse pins each secured by silver rosette-headed washers, pommel with silver-mounted piercing for the red cloth and buillion sword-knot, the tassel embroidered with a crown on both sides, in original silver scabbard embossed and chased along both sides against a punched ground with scrolling and union foliage involving the figure of St. Andrew carrying his cross, a circular cartouche bearing the royal arms of Scotland as used between 1816 and 1837, and a further roundel containing the figure of a highland soldier in a landscape, an illegible inscription beneath, the locket on both sides with a rococo cartouche, one engraved with the arms and motto of the Earls of Coventry, and with two hinged silver suspension hooks, 76.5 cm blade Provenance

Probably worn by John Coventry of Devonshaw, Deputy Lieutenant of Perthshire, when presented by John, 4th Duke of Atholl to King George IV at the levee held at Holyroodhouse Palace on the afternoon of Saturday 17th August 1822.

Bonhams, Home & Interiors and items from Montgomerie House, 9th-18th September 2024, Edinburgh, lot 1

Auction Sale, Fraysse & Associés, Paris, 5th December 2012, lot 70

See Graeme Rimer, ‘An Important Sword associated with the visit of King George IV to Scotland in August, 1822’, The Spring 2014 London Park Lane Arms Fair, 2014, pp. 106-119 (offered with a facsimile of the entry)

£8,000-12,000

199

A REGIMENTAL SCOTTISH BASKET-HILTED BROADSWORD, MID-LATE 19TH CENTURY

with bright tapering blade (minor areas of rust staining) with double central fuller over most of its length on both sides, the forte over both sides etched and gilt with differing designs of thistles, trophies-of-arms and foliage, all against a blued ground terminating in a further thistle, regulation bright steel guard of slender rounded bars framing cusped panels pierced with arrangements of hearts, wire-bound fishskin-covered grip, and retaining its buff-leather liner faced in red woollen cloth and with red tassel, in its black leather scabbard with linear engraved bright steel mounts and suspension rings (some rust patination), 83.5 cm blade

£800-1,200

200

A REGIMENTAL SCOTTISH BASKET-HILTED BROADSWORD, BY COLLINS, REGENT ST., LONDON, MID-LATE 19TH CENTURY

with bright tapering blade with double central fuller over most of its length on both sides, the forte over both sides etched and gilt with differing designs of trophies each including a Scottish bonnet, thistles and foliage, all against a blued ground terminating in scrolling foliage, one side including the maker’s details on a foliated scroll, regulation steel guard of slender rounded bars framing cusped panels pierced with arrangements of hearts, wire-bound fishskin-covered grip, and retaining its buff-leather liner faced in red woollen cloth and with red tassel, in its fabric-covered (fabric worn and damaged) wooden scabbard with linear engraved steel mounts, frog-button and suspension rings (some old rust patination), 82.0 cm blade

£600-800

201

AN 1831 PATTERN GENERAL OFFICER’S

MAMELUKEHILTED SABRE BELONGING TO THE 6TH DUKE OF RICHMOND AND GORDON RETAILED BY COOK & CO., CLIFFORD ST., LONDON, LATE 19TH CENTURY of regulation pattern, with bright blade etched over both sides with crowned royal cypher, and crossed sword and baton between wreaths of laurel and oak, the forte on one side with retailer’s details, and with owner’s crowned ‘RG’ monogram on the other, and gilt-copper alloy mounted hilt with ivory grip-scales, the pommel with copper alloy-lined hole and retaining its bullion and red cord sword-knot, in its copper alloy scabbard (minor old dents) with suspension rings, 76.2 cm blade

Provenance

Christie’s London, Important Guns and Pistols and English and Oriental Weapons, The property of His Grace the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, 31st March 1958, lot 130 (part)

This sword was worn by Charles Henry Gordon-Lennox, 6th Duke of Richmond and Gordon (1818-1903) as Lord Lieutenant of Trinity House. He held various cabinet posts in the Conservative governments of Lord Derby, Disraeli and the Marquis of Salisbury.

£600-800

202

A PLUG BAYONET IN ENGLISH LATE 17TH CENTURY STYLE

with slightly curved blade double-edged toward the point and stamped on both sides with a crowned rose mark, iron mounted hilt with waisted quillons each with button terminal, turned hardwood grip of tapering circular section swelling at the base, and turned baluster pommel, 29.4 cm blade

£300-400

A RARE NORTH GERMAN ETCHED BURGONET, BRUNSWICK, CIRCA 1550-60

with rounded one-piece skull rising to a tall roped medial comb (internally patched at its apex), projecting forward to a narrow acutely-pointed peak (the tip and right hand side restored), flanged outwards to an acutely-pointed neck-guard at the nape, fitted with a slender tubular plume-holder at the nape, hinged cheek-pieces flanged outwards at their lower edges to serve as a continuation of the neck-guard and in each case pierced at their centre with eight auditor y holes around a central hole, the whole formed at its main edges with boldly-roped inward turns accompanied by recessed borders, decorated throughout with etched panels of foliage on a finely stippled blackened ground, comprising a hare and a stag pursued by a pair of hounds on each side of the comb, a lion mask banderole and a beadwork scroll flanked by two exotic birds on each side of the skull, a panel of beadwork at the base of the skull and further foliage in the recessed borders, 28.0 cm high

Elements of the decorative scheme, including the hunting scene, exotic birds and pellet borders are similar to those encountered on other Brunswick armours of the period, such as the armour of Heinrich zu Rantzau dated 1559 now preserved in the Hofjagd- und Rüstkammer, Vienna (inv. no. A400).

£8,000-10,000

A RARE NORTH EUROPEAN CUIRASSIER’S CLOSE HELMET, EARLY 17TH CENTURY, PROBABLY FLEMISH OR FRENCH

with two-piece skull (small area of lamination on the right, plume-holder missing) rising to a slender high comb crimped over and roped along the top, pointed visor with rectangular vision slits each recessed and roped along the upper edge, the lower edges to the peak and medial ridge fitting against the comb all roped, lifting-peg on the right fit ting into a recess on the upper-bevor, the latter with slightly recessed turned and roped upper border and pierced with a circular arrangement of holes for ventilation, lower-bevor finely shaped to the chin and with upper border en suite and pierced with holes for a liner, hook-catch on the left and all pivoted at the same point on either side, deep gorget-plate front and rear each embossed with an incised ogee-shaped medial line, and with lower border en suite with the upper-bevor and followed by a line of dome-headed lining rivets, incised line borders and further dome-headed lining rivets along the upper border, 38.0 cm high

£10,000-15,000

204 (reverse)

205

A GERMAN BLACK AND WHITE COMB MORION, CIRCA 1600 with two-piece skull rising to a bright high turned comb, embossed on each side of the skull with a large fleur-de-lys in low relief, downturned brim curving up to a point fore and aft, and with turned border, the base of the skull with lining rivets on embossed copper alloy washers, tubular plumepipe to one side at the rear, triangular cheek-pieces en suite, and retaining much of its old blackened finish, 28.0 cm high

£800-1,200

206

A GERMAN COMB MORION WITH EMBOSSED DECORATION IN THE ‘BLACK AND WHITE’ FASHION, EARLY 17TH CENTURY with rounded two-piece crown joined along the crest of high medial comb, and ‘swept’ integral brim rising to an acute point front and rear (each point holed proximally), the edge of the brim formed with a plain inward turn, the base of the crown encircled by eleven (originally fourteen) lining-rivets with copper rosette-washers, and fitted at the nape with the proximal end of plume-holder, and each side decorated in low relief with a large vertically-symmetrical fleur-de-lis enhanced by incised lines, formerly burnished bright, along with each side of the comb, against a blackened ground (now heavily oxidised overall) 28.5 cm

£800-1,000

207

A GERMAN BLACK AND WHITE COMB MORION, CIRCA 1600 with blackened two-piece skull with high roped comb, embossed on each side of the skull with a large fleur-de-lys in low relief, downturned brim curving up to a point fore and aft and with turned notch roped edge, the base of the skull encircled by lining rivets on copper alloy rosette-shaped washers (two missing, some old rust patination and loss of blackened finish), 27.5 cm high

£800-1,000

208

A GERMAN BLACK AND WHITE MORION, CIRCA 1600 with blackened two-piece skull with high roped comb, embossed on each side with a curved band surmounted by a diamond in low relief, downturned brim curving up to a point fore and aft and with turned notch roped edge, the base of the skull encircled by lining rivets on copper alloy rosette-shaped washers (two replaced, some old rust patination), 25.5 cm high

£600-900

209

A ‘SPANISH’ CABASSET, LATE 16TH CENTURY, PROBABLY NORTH ITALIAN

of reblackened steel and made in one piece, with tall almond-shaped skull (top repaired), tubular plumeholder at the rear, the base encircled by dome-headed lining rivets on embossed circular copper alloy washer, and slightly downturned brim (old repairs) pointed fore and aft and with turned outer border, 24.5 cm high

£500-700

210

A LOBSTER-TAIL POT HELMET, SECOND QUARTER OF THE 17TH CENTURY

with one-piece hemispherical ribbed skull retaining some blueing and with ring-shaped finial on a circular washer at the top, riveted pointed peak pierced with a hole for the moveable bar-nasal secured by a wing-headed screw, bluntly pointed neck-guard of four upward-lapping lames, the lower lame painted with an old inventory number, triangular single plate ear-pieces each pierced with a circular arrangement of holes, and dome-headed rivets (russet overall), 28 cm high

£1,000-1,500

211

A EUROPEAN SAPPER’S HELMET, SECOND HALF OF THE 17TH CENTURY

of notable weight, with a medially-ridged one-piece hemispherical skull struck at its left rear with the mark of a bullet, fitted at the brow with a flat obtuselypointed peak, at the nape with a matching neck-guard and at each side with a slightly forward-curving pendent cheek-piece, the edges of the peak and neck-guard formed with plain inward-turns and the point of the former pierced with a later suspension-hole (the skull showing some delamination at its brow and the whole pitted and patinated overall) 23.0 cm

£800-1,000

212

THE UPPER PORTION OF A VAMBRACE IN GERMAN LATE 15TH CENTURY STYLE, 19TH CENTURY

incorporating earlier metal, formed of a tubular upper cannon and two upper lames, decorated throughout with sprays of fluting in the ‘gothic’ style emphasised by chiselled lines (light pitting, minor disarticulation), 24.5 cm

£400-600

213

A HIGHLY DECORATED ELECTROTYPE COPY OF A SOUTH GERMAN HALF SHAFFRON OF CIRCA 1560, 19TH CENTURY

formed of a main plate with integral ear-pieces and pol-plate, fitted with a pair of hinged cheek-pieces and tubular plumeholder, decorated throughout with broad bands of fruit, flowers and foliage on a blackened stippled ground and further slender panels of scrollwork, all enriched with silver and gold and the inner face with Elkington badge for the Department of Science & Art, 40.0 cm

The decoration matches that of the extensive ‘Flechtband Garnitur’ made by Anton Peffenhauser for the sons of Emperor Maximilian II, Archdukes Rudolf and Ernst, for the wedding celebration of their uncle, Charles of Styria to Mary of Bavaria in 1571. The original is preserved in the State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg.

£700-900

A FULL ARMOUR IN GERMAN LATE 15TH CENTURY STYLE BY CHRISTOPHER DOBSON of bright steel, comprising sallet with rounded skull reinforced with a plate over the brow, hinged visor with medial ridge, and long pointed tail of three overlapping plates, bevor shaped to the chin and laced to the front of the breastplate, breastplate with folding lance-rest, skirt of three upward-lapping lames, single plate tassets each with cusped upper edge and embossed converging ridges, back-plate embossed with a ‘V’ at the neck and with hinged extension beneath each arm, pauldrons each of six lames and carrying circular fluted besagews each with central brass floret, bracelet cowters, gauntlets each extending along the fore-arm, four knuckleplates and a single plate extending over the fingers, leg harness of three upward lapping lames forming cuisses, poleyns of two plates above and below the knee-plate with heart-shaped sidewing, greaves hinged together, and pointed sabatons each of six overlapping plates, dome-headed brass rivets and buff leather straps with brass buckles throughout: on a wooden stand mounted on a wooden plinth, the latter covered in green baize on the top

£3,000-4,000

215

A CASED RUSSIAN ORDER OF ST.

STANISLAS INSIGNIA

comprising a neck badge (enamel damaged), and breast star, second class, Civil Division: in their two-tier velvet-lined case covered in red morocco, the interior of the lid lined in silk and tooled in gilt Russian ‘P.C. Petrov, Saint Petersburg’, the exterior tooled in gilt Russian ‘St. Stanislaus 1 Class’ and with the Imperial Russian arms

£3,000-4,000

216

A WILLIAM IV SILVER POCKET WATCH, CIRCA 1836

key wound gilt movement, English lever escapement with ruby pin and jewelled lever pallets, signed Thos. Perry, 131 Oxford Street, London and numbered 972, engine-turned silver dial with foliate engraved centre and applied three-colour gold border surrounding Roman numerals and subsidiary seconds dial, rounded circular consular case with milled band and later inscribed to sprung back, case maker’s mark indecipherable, London hallmarks for 1836, case 43mm diameter

The inscription reads: Worn by / Capt Thos Hatton / 4th L Dns / at the / BALACLAVA CHARGE / 1854

Thomas Everard Hutton (1821-1896) exchanged into the 4th Light Dragoons in 1847 from the 15th (Yorkshire, East Riding) Regiment of Foot, and was promoted captain in 1852. Captain Hutton rode in the Charge of the Light Brigade at the Battle of Balaklava (1854). He was shot through the right thigh during the advance of the Light Cavalry Brigade and on returning from the guns he was again severely wounded through the left thigh. His horse was wounded in 11 places and had to be destroyed. After treatment at Scutari and Malta, Hutton returned to England in March 1855 and received his Crimea War Medal from Queen Victoria at the presentation ceremony on Horse Guards Parade, 18 May 1855. He retired from the Army as brevet-major by sale of his commission in 1857. Numerous items of uniform and other associated items including his sword and shako (inv. nos. NAM1967-06-40-2 and NAM1967-06-31-10) are in the care of the National Army Museum, Chelsea.

£1,000-1,500

217

AN IRON STRONGBOX, 17TH CENTURY, PROBABLY GERMAN

of rectangular form and heavy construction, the hinged lid carrying an elaborate internal lock mechanism working five independent bolts, operated by a key with hinged circular cover on the outside, hinged writhen lid support, two front straps engaging with rings on the lid, the sides and lid reinforced with wide riveted straps, the front with rounded dummy keyhole plate, writhen drop handle on each side, and retaining its key, 33.5 cm high x 76.0 cm wide x 39.0 cm deep (3)

218

A LARGE CONTINENTAL STRONGBOX, 19TH CENTURY, PROBABLY GERMAN

of tall octagonal form, constructed from steel plates secured by large dome-headed rivets, the front with decorative piercings including hinged door with central copper alloy roundel cast with a profile bust of a Grecian warrior, and with four disguised lock mechanisms operated by three iron keys, 90.0 cm high x 73.0 cm wide x 41.0 cm deep (4)

£600-800

Offered with a wooden plaque painted ‘EXTRACTS from the MINUTES of the COURT of DIRECTORS of THE WESTMINSTER INSURANCE OFFICE held 1st OCTOBER 1717 “Mr. Samuel PAUL, Sen.r, and Assistant Treasurer, gave notice that he knew of an IRON CHEST to be disposed of at a Pennyworth, and he was desired to buy the same”. “Resolved that Mr. Paul & Mr. Sharpe (Chairman) be desired to buy the same”. On 31st OCTOBER 1717 it was “Ordered that Mr. Paul be paid £2.5.0 for the IRON CHEST which he has bought for the use of the office.”

£600-800

A LARGE CASKET OR STRONGBOX, 18TH CENTURY

of rectangular form, with wooden body covered in blackened leather (minor old damage and repairs), bound by blackened iron mounts embossed and pierced with incised repeated scrolling foliage and secured by dome-headed nails, the front with central dummy keyhole plate, and drop handle on each side incised with foliate scrollwork, 32.0 cm high x 50.0 cm wide x 51.0 cm deep

Provenance

Arthur Davidson Ltd, London, 1988

£400-500

MILITARIA

THE PROPERTY OF A LADY

A RARE MODEL 1814 HELMET OF THE FRENCH GARDE DU CORPS DU ROI

possibly for a Trooper, the black leather skull mounted with metal thistle sprays and ornaments of Sheffield plate, including the ornate crest with repousse feathers to the sides with an upper crest of stiff black hair, the rounded peak edged with a decorated rayed frontal plate, struck with crowned reversed cypher L (for Louis XVIII) and motto NEC PLURIBUS IMPAR, on the left, a socket containing a white over black feather plume, black leather rounded peak with white-metal edging, tapered chin-scales, attached by rayed rosettes bearing Medusa’s face in the centre (metal elements dull, and the internal head-band of very worn leather, otherwise good condition)

£2,000-3,000

221

A FRENCH CAVALRY OFFICER’S HELMET, CIRCA 1825-30 with silvered steel skull and front and back peaks, both edged with white-metal, ornately curved front plate mounted with a Guelphic crown above a gilt fleur-de-lys in an oval edged by foliate sprays, white metal crest embossed with fluted ornaments to sides and surmounted by a massive black hair upper crest, chin-scales, also with embossed decoration, on leather backing, attached by rayed circlets with a copper alloy fleur-de-lys in the centre, headband of black leather (now very worn) with silk lining above

£1,500-2,000

222

A FRENCH CUIRASSIER’S HELMET, CIRCA 1840

with massive silvered steel skull, the lower part covered by a shaped “turban” of shaved black fur, pointed front peak with gilt or copper alloy edging, gilt metal crest with fluted and embossed decoration to sides, and “woven” at top, with a socket at the front containing a scarlet horsehair “shaving brush” plume above an embossed grenade and Medusa’s head, black horsehair tail emerging from the rear end of the crest, scarlet feather plume on the left of the skull, above a black woollen pompom, and slightly domed chin-scales with corded gilt links, attached by circular embossed foliate rosettes, black leather nine-tongue headband, in good condition

£500-800

223

A RARE FRENCH NAPOLEONIC DRUMMER’S BALDRIC, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

of red woollen cloth folded in half and embroidered in silver bullion threads with a central branch of fruiting oak and flaming grenades, bordered in silver brocade carrying numerous silver bullion tassels, rectangular ormolu mount with engraved foliate border and with four ring mounts for the ormolumounted drumsticks (one missing), and in fine condition: mounted on light green silk in a glazed oak frame with copper alloy plaque inscribed ‘WATERLOO 1815’; together with a copper alloy drum holder, cast as a crowned imperial eagle with a pair of hooks, hinged on a swivel with leather tab carrying a suspension ring, and two Napoleonic eagles each of cast copper alloy (one probably reproduction), the first approximately 158 cm long (4) £800-1,000

A HELMET OF THE PRUSSIAN GARDE DU CORPS OR GARDE KUIRASSIER REGIMENT, CIRCA 1900-1914

the body of tombak (yellow metal alloy), the front and back peaks edged with white-metal binding and studs, white-metal Parade Eagle, with outstretched wings and a gilt crown, on an oval base attached to top of skull, white metal eight-pointed Prussian Guard Star to the front, mounted with the Black Eagle within a circlet bearing the motto SUUM CUIQUE, domed chin-scales indicating a mounted unit, attached by National and State rosettes

£1,000-1,500

225

A CONTINENTAL CUIRASSIER’S HELMET

a massive early example, probably for an officer, with an attached label stating it to be an 1842 1879 Pattern, with markings of the 3rd Squadron of the 2nd Cuirassier Regiment, steel front and back peaks, both with copper alloy edging, and a steel skull constructed in two parts, the lower one forming an external headband, plain sides to the gilt crest, and the front embossed with a crowned royal cypher in the form of an L beneath a Guelphic crown, upper crest of coarse black hair, tapered gilt lobed chin-scales, attached by lion head bosses, small rosette with white outer and black inner above the lefthand boss (leather headband worn and distressed)

£1,200-1,800

226

AN OFFICER’S PICKELHAUBE OF THE GARDE CORPS, CIRCA 1900-1914 with black fibre skull, white-metal edging to peak, and Garde Eagle, white buffalo hair drooping plume on circular base with screw posts, slightly domed chin-scales attached by rosettes in National and State colours

£1,200-1,800

227

AN OFFICER’S PICKELHAUBE OF THE GARDE CORPS, CIRCA 1900-1914 with black fibre skull, gilt edging to peak and other fittings, including the Garde Eagle bearing the white metal Garde Star, black buffalo hair plume on spike with circular base, flat gilt chin-scales attached by rosettes in the National and State colours, black headband and pale lining

£1,000-1,500

228

AN OFFICER’S HELMET OF THE KINGDOM OF WURTTEMBERG, CIRCA 1900-1914

a good pickelhaube with black fibre skull, with spike on whitemetal cruciform base with gilt star screws, white-metal edging to peak, and frontal plate bearing the Arms of Wurttemberg, gilt chin-scales attached to National and State cockades, pale leather headband and silk lining

£400-600

229

A SAXON OFFICER’S PICKELHAUBE, CIRCA 1900-1914

with black fibre skull and gilt edging to the peak, metal spike on circular base and National and State rosettes, brown leather headband and two-piece drab silk lining (cockades of incorrect pattern, otherwise in good condition)

£300-500

230

A GERMAN RESERVIST OFFICER’S PICKELHAUBE, POST 1871

with black fibre skull with gilt copper alloy edge to peak, gilt eagle plate, mounted with Reservist cross in white-metal, yellow metal spike on circular base with four stars and flat gilt chin-scales, attached to National and State cockades, good brown leather headband and two-piece drab silk lining

£300-500

231

A GERMAN GUARDS OFFICER’S HELMET, EARLY 20TH CENTURY

a good pickelhaube of the Prussian Guard Fusilier Regiment or 5th Guard Regiment of Foot, with fibre skull and concave peak with white metal edging, crowned eagle to front, with outstretched wings, mounted with an 8-pointed Guard Star with burnished rays, around a circlet with the SUUM CUIQUE motto in gilt on a white enamel Black Eagle, fluted spike on a circular base secured with gilt star screws, flat white-metal chin-scales attached to rosettes and National and State cockades, pale leather headband and buff silk two-part lining, the interior bearing label inscribed E D SCHULTZE of Potsdam, named to Von Moltke and dated 26/3/1913 (lining frayed, otherwise in good condition)

£500-800

232

A RUSSIAN OFFICER’S SHAKO, CIRCA 1840 with black leather top and slightly-tapered scarlet cloth sides with two rows of lace around the upper part, scarlet turnedup back peak and a maroon front peak, edged with yellow metal, large boss to front with triple loop of gold bullion, attached to a button on a silver/red/blue rosette, chin-chain formed from gilt wire on crimson velvet, upright white feather plume, in a replacement socket, internal headband formed from nine leather tongues

£600-900

A CONTINENTAL CAVALRY OFFICER’S SHAKO, CIRCA 1830-40

the tall cylindrical cap with pale green cloth sides, plain black leather top and horizontal front peak, a row of narrow braid forming interlocking circles around the upper part, a triple loop of silver Heavy Russia braid to front, attached to a silver/crimson rosette by a plain button, turned-up back-peak of black leather, and a brown leather internal headband, narrow copper alloy chin-chain, attached to lion’s head bosses (cloth faded, silver elements dull)

£800-1,000

234

A RARE RUSSIAN OFFICER’S KIVER, CIRCA 1910

the pre-Revolution blue cloth cap with a body of slightly bell-top shape, with a narrow drooping peak edged in fine white-metal, black velvet band around the bottom, traced above and below with scarlet piping, massive white-metal front plate in the form of a double-headed eagle holding an orb and sceptre in its claws and bearing on its breast a shield displaying St George and Dragon, shields of the Russian provinces on its wings, silver lace of “Austrian” pattern around the upper part of the body, and flat top of glazed black leather, narrow silver cord, forming four plaited swags, attached by white-metal buttons, and domed chin-scales, white woollen tuft in a small socket to top, headband and lining of black leather and red watered silk

£800-1,200

AN OFFICER’S HELMET OF THE 3RD BOMBAY LIGHT CAVALRY, CIRCA 1847-70

a magnificent white metal headdress, with crowned rococo shield edged with bay and oakleaf sprays, ornate gilt fittings and peak-edging. Battle honours for PERSIA, RESHIRE, KHOOSHAB, CABOOL 1842, GHUZNEE and HYDERABAD, scarlet horsehair plume in a gilt “candle-stick” socket and a fine red leather headband, in near mint condition

£2,000-3,000

236

A VICTORIAN OFFICER’S SHAKO OF THE MADRAS LIGHT CAVALRY, CIRCA 1845-55 with slightly concave black silk sides and sunk black leather top, the peak edged with a wide row of silver wire, gilt QVC to the Maltese Cross front plate, the arms of the cross with gilt edging and white metal diamante studs, a bayleaf wreath around a domed silver plate mounted with initials MLC in gilt, gold cord lines, ending with flounders and tassels, encircling the cap twice and forming a festoon above the peak, white-metal chin-chain attached by rosettes, and a plume socket, pale leather headband and crimson silk lining (plume absent, silver lace dull, silk lining detached, otherwise near very good condition)

£2,500-3,500

AN OFFICER’S ALBERT SHAKO OF THE INDIAN ARMY, CIRCA 1840-55

a superb item with cylindrical body covered with black velvet, with leather peak and sunk top, the front with massive gilt

QVC plate bearing twelve battle honours (CONDORE, SHOLINGUR, PONDICHERRY, TERNATE, BANDA, MAHIDPORE, AVA, AMBOYNA, NUNDYDROOG, WANDEWASH, PLASSEY and ARCOT) on its rays, and a Tiger within a strap inscribed SPECTAMUR AGENDO, red pompom in a burnished gilt socket, and leather-backed chin-chain attached to lion head bosses

£1,200-1,800

238

A MADRAS ARTILLERY OFFICER’S FULL DRESS COATEE, CIRCA 1840-55

the blue uniform with scarlet edgings, cuffs, turn-backs and skirt-linings, double-breasted, with two rows of ten buttons to the front, two buttons at the waist behind, three on each of the two massive vertical pocket-slashes on the skirts, and three smaller buttons on each cuff-slash, all slashes covered with padded gold lace, large skirt-ornaments, featuring three guns in gold embroidery, within a bayleaf wreath under QVC, with provision for epaulettes (epaulettes absent, and minor moth damage to the blue cloth, otherwise in good condition, colours bright)

£1,000-1,500

239

A VICTORIAN INDIAN ARMY OFFICER’S SABRETACHE, CIRCA 1890-1900

a fine item, the black velvet face edged with wide silver lace, gold and crimson embroidered crown above a VR cypher, reversed and intertwined, in silver, crimson velvet scrolls, inscribed with AVA and SERINGAPATAM, also in silver embroidery, complete with its pocket, in its black leather case with a note inscribed ‘1st Madras Light Cavalry 1850’, in near very good condition

£700-900

A TARLETON HELMET OF THE OSWESTRY RANGERS, CIRCA 1800-20 with leather skull, fitted with a protective curved copper alloy bar on the left side, and concave black leather peak edged with copper alloy, the twelve-pleated hessian turban secured by narrow copper alloy chains and forming a rosette at the rear, frosted copper scroll struck with the regimental title above the pointed concave peak, crowned oval copper badge on the right, with the initials OR and the motto PRO LEGE PATRIA ET REGE, black bearskin crest and pleated lining (two small holes in the left side of the skull indicate the absence of a plume and plume-socket, otherwise in good condition)

£2,000-3,000

241

A HEADDRESS OF GEORGIAN CAVALRY STYLE, CIRCA 1840

the metal helmet closely resembling a British officer’s “Roman” pattern of circa 1818, with black skull, pointed front and rounded back peaks, both with white-metal edging, and mounted with laurel sprays, also in white-metal, the rayed frontal plate bearing a plaque edged with scrolls in Gothic script REGIMENT and LIGHT CAVALRY, and displaying a helm above a Cross within a circlet, inscribed AUSPICIO REGIMENT SENATUS ANGLIAE between two lions rampant, the plain black crest edged with curved and scalloped silver strips (HM IH London 1839), probably by John Harris, and fitted with a red horsehair plume falling to the right-hand side, tapering chinscales formed of four-pointed plates embossed with leaves, and attached by lions’ head bosses (the black silk lining now largely perished, otherwise near very good condition)

£1,000-1,500

A CAVALRY OFFICER’S ROMAN PATTERN HELMET OF THE INNISKILLING DRAGOONS, CIRCA 1834-43 with black leather skull mounted with gilt bayleaf sprays, and rayed front plate bearing a plaque edged with scrolls inscribed 6TH OR INNISKILLING REG’T OF DRAGOONS, the plain black crest edged on the front and sides with strips of scalloped gilt metal, massive upper crest of black bearskin, gilt metal binding to the front and back peaks, and tapered chin-scales attached by lions’ head rosettes, original red leather headband, in good condition

£2,000-3,000

243

A CAVALRY OFFICER’S 1812 PATTERN HELMET with black leather skull and peak, the latter edged with gilt metal, the front plate bearing a label inscribed 4th OR ROYAL IRISH DRAGOON GUARDS, gilt metal crest with Medusa’s face to the front, with a black “shaving brush” plume and horsehair tail, chin-scales (one slightly defective) attached by gilt rosettes, (lacking internal headband, some wear to gilding, otherwise good condition)

£1,500-2,500

AN OFFICER’S SHAKO OF THE QUEEN’S REGIMENT, CIRCA 1835-44

the magnificent bell-top headdress with black patent leather top, peak, and reinforcements to the black velvet sides, massive gilt star plate to the front, mounted with a diamante star bearing the motto PRISTINAE VIRTUTIS MEMORE, on a gilt oval strap displaying the Paschal Lamb and numeral 2 within gilt bayleaf wreaths inscribed with battle-honours, white pompom, gilt chin-chain attached by lion head bosses, pale leather headband and crimson silk lining (lining slightly defective, otherwise in near mint condition)

£1,200-1,800

245

AN OFFICER’S VICTORIAN BELL TOP SHAKO, CIRCA 1840-50

the cap with black felt sides, black leather top, peak , and reinforcements to the sides, a band of oakleaf lace around the top, gilt chin-scales attached to circlets mounted with the VR cypher within an oakleaf surround, and a plaited narrow gold cord festoon with flounders and tassels, fine gilt front plate, bearing VR in white metal, on a burnished gilt ground with the Garter motto in frosted gilt, within a laurel wreath, good leather headband, white horsehair plume now attached by a wooden tube (headband partly detached, lining absent, cloth split at the back, and lacking buckle)

£1,000-1,500

AN OFFICER’S BELL TOP SHAKO OF THE 66TH (BERKSHIRE) REGIMENT, CIRCA 1835-44

the black cloth cap with sunk leather top and Vshaped black leather reinforcements to sides, black leather peak and band round the base, magnificent crowned gilt rayed front plate in the form of a star, mounted with a Maltese Cross in white-metal, bearing the regimental number in gilt within a wreath and battle honours TALAVERA, VITTORIA, NIVELLE and ALBUHERA on the arms, white pompom in gilt socket, and gilt chinscales (plume-socket and headband slightly defective)

£800-1,200

247

AN OFFICER’S SHAKO OF THE NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS, CIRCA 1840-55

with black velvet sides, patent leather peaks, top and edging, superb gilt grenade front plate with St. George and Dragon and motto QUO FATA VOCANT on the strap, soft leather headband and crimson silk lining (partly detached), in its black tin case (chinstrap absent, hair plume present but lacking socket)

£600-900

248

A SHAKO OF THE 91ST (ARGYLLSHIRE) HIGHLANDERS, CIRCA 1900

an extremely fine headdress, of blue cloth, with a diced band, black cords with tasseled ends, forming a plaited festoon to the front, and a horizontal black leather peak, badge of the Thistle Star in gilt metal, mounted with 91 in black on a frosted gilt ground, within a strap bearing the regimental title in gilt lettering on pale blue enamel, black corded boss and a white-over-red pompom on a socket mounted with the VR cypher, brown leather headband and crimson silk lining, inscribed with the address of Macrae & Cameron, Edinburgh (minimal moth to the edge of band, otherwise near mint condition)

£500-750

249

A VICTORIAN OFFICER’S SHAKO OF THE KERRY MILITIA, H. POOLE & CO, CIRCA 1900

with blue cloth body, the upper part edged with a double row of silver lace of “Bias & stand” pattern, the rear, sides and bottom traced with narrow silver braid, plain horizontal black leather peak, eight-pointed star plate bearing QVC above a Maid of Erin harp, on a domed and burnished ground within a circlet inscribed with the regimental title, white over red pompom in a white metal socket mounted with VR cypher to the ball, narrow chin-chain and pale leather headband below the pleated crimson silk lining, (plume socket insecure, otherwise in mint condition)

£500-800

AN OFFICER’S CHAPKA OF THE CITY OF LONDON IMPERIAL YEOMANRY, CIRCA 1910

a magnificent example, the pale blue top with crossed gold gimp and orris cords, and a massively worked gold boss bearing the GR cypher on black velvet, gilt rayed front-plate displaying a crowned scroll inscribed ROUGH RIDERS, the Arms of the City of London, and SOUTH AFRICA battle-honour on oakleaf sprays, the peak edged with gold embroider y and gilt chin-chain with velvet backing, leather headband and crimson silk lining with details of Hawkes & Co. (cap lines, plume and socket absent, otherwise mint condition)

£2,500-3,500

251

A VICTORIAN CHAPKA OF THE 16TH LANCERS, CIRCA 1850

with black leather skull and gold lace decoration to front and back peaks, narrow gold cord across the square blue cloth upper part, rosette inscribed with VR cypher on the left, double row of one-inch gold lace to waist, and an extremely fine rayed gilt front plate, mounted in silver with the Royal Arms and thirteen battle-honours, gilt chin-chain with lions’ head bosses, leather headband and scarlet silk lining (stitching faults to top, the lace and embroidery dull, with a black horsehair plume, but the plume-socket absent)

Although the magnificent front plate is undoubtedly an officer’s item, the presence of gold lace, rather than embroidery to the peak and elsewhere, suggests that this is a senior NCO or Warrant Officer’s cap.

£600-900

252

AN 1871 PATTERN OFFICER’S HELMET OF THE 2ND DRAGOON GUARDS (QUEEN’S BAYS)

a fine gilt metal example with a diamond-cut white metal star mounted with a VR cypher on red enamel ground, within a gilt oval incised with the Garter motto, black horsehair plume and buff silk lining, chin-chain absent but rosettes present

£1,500-2,000

AN 1871 PATTERN OFFICER’S HELMET OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

with fine silver-plated skull, gilt fittings including peak-edging and a diamond-cut star mounted with a KC Royal Crest within a white metal circlet bearing the regimental title, gilt metal spike with knop, on a cruciform base, and a black horsehair plume, gilt chin-chain and rosettes, quilted cotton headband (chin-chain lacking its lining, otherwise in very good condition)

£1,500-2,000

254

A CAVALRY TROOPER’S ROMAN PATTERN HELMET OF THE HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY, CIRCA 1818-34 with massive burnished steel skull, peaks and crest, the rayed front plate mounted with scrolls inscribed PENINSULA and WATERLOO, bayleaf sprays to skull, the sides of the main crest edged with gilt curved scalloped strips, with a massive upper crest of black bearskin (leather internal headband somewhat perished, chin-scales absent, otherwise good condition)

£1,000-1,500

255

AN OFFICER’S BLACK FUR CAP OF THE LANCASHIRE FUSILIERS

a fine headdress, the front bearing a gilt grenade mounted with a Sphinx in fine white-metal within a bayleaf wreath, internal headband of 8-tongue black leather, and narrow copper alloy chin-chain, together with a yellow feather plume, with a long metal stem, in its black metal tube

Since plumes are not mentioned for any except two of the Fusilier regiments in the 1900 Dress Regulations, the absence of a plume-socket suggests an earlier date for this item.

£700-1,000

256

AN OFFICER’S BUSBY OF THE 3RD KING’S OWN HUSSARS, CIRCA 1910

the good black sable fur cap with garter-blue bag on the right side, seams trimmed with gold Russia braid, oval cockade of gold gimp at the centre of the top in front, triple row of gold cord around the cap, and cap-lines with gold acorn finials, pale leather headband, and lining bearing label of Hamburger Rogers, complete with cotton bag and tin named to Capt Watson, 3rd KO Hussars

£700-1,000

257

AN OFFICER’S HELMET OF THE DERBYSHIRE

YEOMANRY, CIRCA 1910

the skull of white-metal with a gilt oakleaf strip up the back, gilt edging to the peaks, both mounted with gilt bayleaf sprays, massive gilt King’s Crown above the GvR cypher, all in gilt metal, white over red drooping horsehair plume in an 1847style “Candlestick” socket with an acanthus-leaf base., wide gilt chin-chain attached by large rosettes, leather headband with lining of pleated lining of brown silk, in near mint condition

£1,500-2,500

AN OFFICER’S HELMET OF THE HERTFORDSHIRE

YEOMANRY, CIRCA 1910

with white-metal skull and gilt fittings, including the ornate gilt front plate bearing a horned stag in white-metal, and spike with black horsehair plume, quilted silk internal headband (somewhat frayed), chin-chain and rosettes detached but present, otherwise very good condition

£1,000-1,500

259

A SILVER SHOULDER BELT PLATE, JOSEPH JENNENS & CO, BIRMINGHAM, 1802

mounted with a gilt crown above a red enamel Rose, and gilt and enamel sprays, on a diamond-cut star

£800-1,200

260

AN OFFICER’S GILT SHOULDER BELT PLATE OF THE 7TH FOOT (ROYAL FUSILIERS), CIRCA 1840 with ornate curved foliate edges, mounted with a gilt Guelphic Crown above a rose, superimposed on a defective blue enamel part of a scroll incised with the Garter motto, of which only the letters Y, PE and H are visible

£500-700

A YEOMANRY OFFICER’S SABRETACHE OF THE ROYAL GLOUCESTERSHIRE HUSSARS, CIRCA 1880

a fine example, with large blue cloth face, edged around the sides and bot tom with undulating gold rose pattern lace, between the rows of lace, a Guelphic crown above the numeral 1 within an ornate embroidered figure in the shape of a V, and scrolls below, complete with its pocket

£1,000-1,500

262

A VICTORIAN OFFICER’S SABRETACHE OF THE 13TH HUSSARS, CIRCA 1890

with white cloth face, edged all round with gold Herringbone lace with white central stripe, bearing a crown above the VR cypher in gold embroidery above 13H in a small circle, and six battle honours, embroidered on light blue scrolls (gold elements slightly dull, but otherwise in very good condition), complete with its pocket, in its brown leather case

£800-1,200

263

A GEORGIAN OFFICER’S SABRETACHE OF THE 4TH (ROYAL IRISH) DRAGOON GUARDS, CIRCA 1820-30

with blue cloth face edged with silver “Train” lace, bearing a crown over a scroll inscribed PENINSULA, above the regimental title and St Patrick’s Star with a Shamrock wreath and IV DG, in very good condition, complete with its pocket

£800-1,200

263

264

A LATE GEORGIAN OR EARLY VICTORIAN OFFICER’S SABRETACHE OF THE 4TH DRAGOON GUARDS with blue velvet face, edged all round with gold lace of “Ess and Vellum” pattern, and bearing a crown above a St Patrick’s Star between gold shamrock sprays and the regimental title, in very good condition, complete with its pocket

£800-1,200

265

A VICTORIAN OFFICER’S SABRETACHE OF THE 11TH (PRINCE ALBERT’S OWN) HUSSARS, CIRCA 1890 a large and splendid example, the crimson cloth face edged on its sides and bottom with gold lace of regimental pattern, Guelphic Crown in gold embroidery with the VR cypher reversed and intertwined, and mounted with Prince Albert’s crest and motto, above a white metal Sphinx between bayleaf sprays in gold embroidery, bearing three battle honour scrolls

£800-1,200

266

AN OFFICER’S LARGE AND MAGNIFICENT EARLY

VICTORIAN SABRETACHE OF THE 8TH KING’S ROYAL IRISH HUSSARS, CIRCA 1850

the scarlet cloth face edged all round with wide silver “Bias and Stand” pattern silver lace, bearing the Guelphic crown above a gold Royal Crest backed by a VR cypher in silver embroidery above VIII and a Maid of Erin harp, between scrolls inscribed THE KING’S ROYAL and IRISH HUSSARS, complete with its pocket, the back of the flap bearing details of Hamburger & Co, in near very good condition

£800-1,200

267

A VICTORIAN OFFICER’S SABRETACHE OF THE 8TH KING’S ROYAL IRISH HUSSARS, CIRCA 1850

with scarlet cloth face edged with gold shamrock lace, bearing a Guelphic crown above a scroll inscribed PRISTINAE VIRTUTIS MEMORES and VR cypher in gold embroidery, mounted with a gold Royal Crest, Maid of Erin Harp in gold embroidery, between gold shamrock sprays mounted with eight battlehonour scrolls, complete with its pocket (lace and embroidery slightly dull but otherwise in near very good condition), in its leather carrying case

£600-900

END OF DAY ONE

suite and at the rear with a musketeer in contemporary costume standing in a niche with a hound at his feet, sliding patch-box cover faced in staghorn engraved with the figure of Fortuna, dated butt-plate engraved with a scrolled shield bearing a conjoined ‘HS’ monogram pierced by an arrow, iron trigger-guard with button terminal, iron heel button, staghorn fore-end cap engraved with repeated foliage, and original ramrod with horn tip engraved en suite, 92.8 cm barrel

Provenance

Galerie Fischer, Lucerne, 19th May 1933, lot 102

£15,000-18,000

270 (reverse)

Provenance

Hugh Percy, 2nd Duke of Northumberland (1742-1817), Alnwick Castle, Northumberland

Literature

W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back, British Gunmakers Messrs Griffin & Tow And W. Bailes 1740-1790, 1989, pp. 81-82, pls. 28a-e

The Second Park Lane Arms Fair Guide, 1985, p. 6, illustrated

For a full account of Joseph Keays, see Southwick 2022, pp. 136-185.

£4,000-5,000

Provenance

Hugh Percy, 2nd Duke of Northumberland, Alnwick Castle, Northumberland

Literature

W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back, British Gunmakers Messrs Griffin & Tow And W. Bailes 1740-1790, 1989, p.87, pl. 31

The Second Park Lane Arms Fair Guide, 1985, p. 6, illustrated Henry Percy, 2nd Duke of Northumberland (1742-1817) was an army officer and politician. He served at the battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775 but resigned his commission in disgust over the way General Howe was conducting the War and left American in 1777. He was an opponent of William Pitt and served as Member of Parliament for Westminster in 1763, 1768 and 1774.

£1,000-1,500

273

A FINE LIGHTWEIGHT FLINTLOCK BRASSBARRELLED BLUNDERBUSS BY GRIFFIN & TOW, LONDON, CIRCA 1775

with barrel flared at the muzzle and signed within an elongated loop along the tapering breech flat, London proof marks, border engraved tang decorated with foliage, signed border engraved rounded lock, safety-catch, cock and steel, figured full stock (slender old split on one side at the muzzle) carved with a drop behind the tang, brass mounts comprising scroll sideplate, butt-plate decorated with a flower-head on the border engraved heel tang, border engraved trigger-guard with bellshaped finial and decorated with a flower-head on the bow, vacant border engraved escutcheon, turned ramrod-pipes, and horn-tipped ramrod with iron worm, 40.8 cm barrel

Joseph Griffin & John Tow are recorded at 10 New Bond Street, London between 1772 and 1782. Town became Griffin’s partner in 1771, and due to the latter’s failing health took charge of the business in 1783.

£1,500-2,000

274

A 40-BORE FLINTLOCK TURN-OFF POCKET PISTOL BY H. DELANY, LONDON, CIRCA 1730

with two-stage cannon barrel, the breech engraved ‘London’ in front of a band of foliage, London proof marks and Delany’s barrelsmith’s mark, foliate engraved tang, border engraved action signed beneath the replacement steel spring, sliding safety-catch behind the replacement cock, trigger-guard engraved with a flower-head on the bow, and figured globose butt (slender repair) carved with a trefoil behind the apron, 4.8 cm barrel

Henry Delany (or Delaney), a Huguenot, was admitted to the freedom of the Gunmakers’ Company in 1714. He is recorded as a maker of fine breech-loading sporting guns and silver-mounted pistols. He retired in 1745, and his will was proved the following year.

£350-450

286

AN UNUSUAL 16 BORE FLINTLOCK SPORTING GUN BY KETLAND & CO., THE BARREL AND MOUNTS IN CONTINENTAL FASHION, LATE 18TH CENTURY with browned twist two-stage barrel with silver spider fore-sight, octagonal breech with raise longitudinal lines along the top and with turned girdle, gold-lined touch-hole (some pitting and loss of gold), tang engraved with foliage and grooved for sighting, signed border engraved flat bevelled lock with unusual stepped and waved tail, the mechanism (mainspring replaced) with bridle finely pierced and engraved with foliage, roller bearing on a ramp on the steelspring, figured half-stock (some old bruising and minor repairs) with chequered grip, border engraved steel mounts all decorated with flowering foliage and rocailles, comprising shaped bevelled side-plate, butt-plate, trigger-guard with flat scrolled tang and pointed finials, fore-end cap also forming the ramrod-entry, and copper alloy-mounted ramrod, 102.5 cm barrel

William Ketland & Co. are recorded in Birmingham between 1808 and 1831. The company had a London branch at 2 Copthall Buildings in 1818.

£800-1,200

287

AN 18 BORE TOY GUN FOR A BOY, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

with russet barrel without touch-hole (minor defects, fore-sight worn), grooved tang, plain flat lock and cock, figured three-quarter stock (some old bruising) with coarsely chequered grip and fore-end, copper alloy mounts comprising side-nail plates, engraved trigger-guard (tang incomplete), ramrod-pipes, and later iron-capped ramrod, 61.2 cm barrel Provenance

The Albert Littler Collection, Christie’s London, Antique Arms and Armour, 18th July 2002, lot 200

£150-250

288

A 20 BORE FLINTLOCK SPORTING GUN BY JOVER, LONDON, LATE 18TH/EARLY 19TH CENTURY

with browned twist sighted barrel engraved with a starburst at the breech (some old rust patination beneath), Tower private proof marks, case-hardened breech signed on the top flat and with gold line and goldlined touch-hole, grooved tang engraved with foliage, signed case-hardened flat bevelled lock engraved with a starburst behind the semi-rainproof pan and with foliage at the stepped tail, engraved cock, roller, figured half-stock with dark horn fore-end cap and chequered grip, steel mounts comprising butt-plate (pitted) decorated with a game bird on the heel tang, border engraved trigger-guard with pineapple finial and decorated with a Britannia shield and foliage on the border engraved bow, silver barrel-bolt escutcheons, and horn-tipped ramrod with iron worm, 77.5 cm barrel

The maker is probably William 2 Jover recorded at 65 New Bond Street, London between 1798 and 1801, and 26 Mortimer Street, London between 1802 and 1810.

£800-1,000

289

A 10 BORE FLINTLOCK SPORTING GUN WITH UNUSUAL DROP-DOWN PAN BY TURNEY, EARLY 19TH CENTURY, POSSIBLY IRISH

with rebrowned twist sighted barrel engraved with a starburst forward of the short breech flat, London(?) proof mark, border engraved breech with two gold lines (one slightly incomplete) and platinum-lined touch-hole, border engraved tang decorated with foliage and a gun dog in a landscape, border engraved flat lock inlaid in gold with a signed oval against an engraved game bird, and decorated with a gamebird amid foliage on the tail, engraved ‘French’ cock, drop-down pan hinged against a spring, and roller, figured half-stock (some old bruising) with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, russet steel mounts comprising butt-plate engraved with a gundog in a landscape on the heel tang, trigger-guard with a gundog and game bird on the border engraved bow and with a starburst on the tang scroll, trigger-plate with pineapple finial, vacant silver escutcheon, barrel bolt escutcheons and fore-end cap, and copper alloy-mounted ramrod (some old wear overall), 82.0 cm barrel

For an Irish flintlock d.b. sporting gun by Thomas Pattison & Co., Dublin, dated 1802 and with similar drop-down pans see Christie’s London, Fine Antique Firearms from the W. Keith Neal Collection, 9th November 2000, lot 83. £1,000-1,500

A CASED 14 BORE PERCUSSION D.B. SPORTING

GUN, BY SAMUEL NOCK, 180 FLEET STREET, LONDON, GUN MAKER TO HIS MAJESTY, NO. 6410, CIRCA 1820

probably converted by the maker from pellet-lock, with rebrowned alternately twist and damascus twist sighted barrels, London proof marks, damascus twist sighting rib signed in full and engraved with symmetrical foliage at the breech, breeches each with platinum plug, tang engraved with symmetrical foliage, signed border engraved flat locks each decorated with foliage inhabited by two gamebirds at the tail, foliate engraved hammers each with detachable nose retained by a spring, figured half-stock (some old bruising) with chequered grip and fore-end, border engraved steel mounts comprising butt-plate decorated en suite with the locks along the heel tang, trigger-guard decorated with symmetrical foliage on the wide bow, trigger-plate with pineapple finial, vacant silver escutcheon and barrelbolt escutcheons, and original copper alloy-mounted ramrod with threaded cap over the worm: in original mahogany case (keyhole escutcheon missing) fitted and lined in navy blue velvet with some accessories including G. & J.W. Hawksley powder-flask with bag-shaped body embossed with symmetrical foliage on each side, and leather shot-belt, the interior of the lid with large maker’s trade label (minor old damage and old staining), the exterior of the lid with circular vacant copper alloy escutcheon centred on a folding copper alloy carrying handle, 75.0 cm barrels

Samuel Nock is recorded at 180 Fleet Street, London between 1806 and 1822. He was elected Master of the Gunmakers’ Company in 1836 and held appointments successively to Kings George III in 1805, George IV in 1822, William IV in 1830, and to Queen Victoria in 1837.

£1,000-1,500

A CASED 13 BORE PERCUSSION D.B. SPORTING

GUN, BY C. MOORE, 77 ST. JAMES’S STREET, LONDON, NO. 1430, CIRCA 1840

with rebrowned twist sighted barrels signed in full along the rib (signature worn), London proof marks, border engraved case-hardened breeches each with platinum-lined maker’s mark and short platinum line, and engraved with a foliate motif between, foliate scroll engraved casehardened tang, signed border engraved flat locks decorated with foliate scrolls, case-hardened hammers en suite, highly figured half-stock (some old bruising) with chequered grip and fore-end, border engraved steel mounts decorated with foliate scrollwork and comprising butt-plate and serial numbered trigger-guard, the latter (grip-safety removed) retaining some blueing and fitted with a horn finger support at the front, shieldshaped vacant silver escutcheon and barrel-bolt escutcheons, and original copper alloy-mounted ramrod with threaded cap over the worm: in original lined and fitted mahogany case with accessories including G. & J.W. Hawksley powder-flask, the body embossed with a pinecone design, leather shot-flask, black leather shot-belt and leather ramrod slip, the interior of the lid with maker’s trade label, the exterior with circular vacant copper alloy escutcheon centred on a folding copper alloy carrying handle, 74.5 cm barrels

Charles 2 Moore is recorded at 77 St. James’s Street, London between 1825 and 1842. £800-1,000

294

A CASED 15 BORE PERCUSSION D.B. SPORTING GUN BY

JOSEPH SPIRES,

17 GREAT

RUSSELL STREET, BLOOMSBURY,

LONDON, NO. 170, CIRCA 1830 with rebrowned twist sighted barrels (some old rust patination) signed in full along the rib, London proof marks, case-hardened breeches each with platinum plug, and engraved duck above two platinum lines between, long slender tang engraved with a line of flower-heads and with scrolling foliage, signed border engraved back-action locks each retaining some case-hardening and decorated respectively with partridges and pheasants in landscapes, border engraved dolphin hammers each decorated with foliate scrolls, highly figured half-stock with chequered grip, border engraved steel mounts decorated with foliate scrollwork along the heel tang of the butt-plate and with foliate scrolls inhabited by a serpent on the bow of the trigger-guard, trigger-plate engraved with foliage and a pheasant in a landscape on the pineapple-shaped finial, vacant silver escutcheon and barrel-bolt escutcheons, and original copper alloymounted ramrod with threaded cap over the worm: in contemporary lined and fitted copper alloy-mounted mahogany case with some accessories including Sykes patent powder-flask with leather-covered body and leather shot-flask, the exterior of the lid with circular vacant copper alloy escutcheon centred on a folding copper alloy carrying handle, 74.5 cm barrel

Joseph Spires is recorded at 47 Great Russell Street, London between 1823 and 1834. £600-800

295

A 13 BORE D.B. SPORTING GUN FOR ‘IMPERIAL’

CAPS BY SAM.L & C. SMITH, PRINCES STREET, LEICESTER SQUARE, LONDON, NO. 5070 FOR 1840 with browned damascus twist sighted barrels signed in full along the rib, London proof marks, case-hardened breeches each with platinum plug and engraved ‘Smith’s Patent’ within a platinum rectangle between, tang engraved with foliate scrollwork and with a pheasant in a landscape at the top, signed rounded serial numbered locks each decorated with foliate scrollwork and a running hare in a landscape, characteristically engraved hammers each with detachable nose, figured halfstock with chequered grip, border engraved steel mounts decorated with foliate scrolls and comprising butt-plate (some old light pitting) serial numbered on the heel tang, trigger-guard with a gun dog in a landscape on the border engraved bow, trigger-plate and rear ramrod-pipe each with pineapple finial, vacant silver escutcheon and barrel-bolt escutcheons, and original copper alloy-mounted ramrod with reversable worm, 74.3 cm barrels

Offered with a pair of spare hammer noses and conventional percussion nipples.

Samuel 2 Smith, son of William Smith, carried on his father’s business at 64 Princes Street, London from 1824. He was granted English Patent No. 5978 for ‘’Imperial’ percussion cap and nipple.’ For a short period, the firm was called Smith & Co.. Samuel took his brother Charles into partnership and the name was changed to Samuel and Charles Smith and operated from the Princes Street address between 1834 and 1869.

£1,000-1,500

296

A 16 BORE D.B. SPORTING GUN FOR ‘IMPERIAL’ CAPS BY SAM.L & C. SMITH, PRINCES STREET, LEICESTER SQUARE, LONDON, NO. 5219 FOR 1842 with rebrowned damascus twist sighted barrels signed in full along the rib, London proof marks, breeches each with platinum plug and engraved ‘Smith’s Patent‘ within a platinum rectangle between, tang engraved with foliate scrollwork and with a pheasant in a landscape at the top, signed rounded border engraved serial numbered locks each decorated with foliate scrollwork and a differing oval vignette of a game bird, characteristically engraved hammers each with detachable nose, finely figured half-stock (some old bruising) with chequered grip, border engraved steel mounts (old wear) comprising butt-plate with a hare in a landscape on the heel tang, and trigger-guard with a gun dog in a landscape on the border engraved bow, rear ramrod-pipe with pineapple finial, vacant silver escutcheon and barrel-bolt escutcheons, and original copper alloy-mounted ramrod with threaded cap over the worm

Samuel 2 Smith, son of William Smith, carried on his father’s business at 64 Princes Street, London from 1824. He was granted English Patent No. 5978 for ‘’Imperial’ percussion cap and nipple.’ For a short period, the firm was called Smith & Co.. Samuel took his brother Charles into partnership and the name was changed to Samuel and Charles Smith and operated from the Princes Street address between 1834 and 1869. £800-1,000

297

A 14-BORE TUBELOCK D.B. SPORTING GUN BY CHARLES LANCASTER, 151 NEW BOND ST., LONDON, NO. 338, CIRCA 1830 with rebrowned twist sighted barrels signed along the rib (signature worn) and engraved ‘No. 1’, London proof marks and Lancaster’s barrelsmith’s marks, recessed patent breeches engraved with a scallop shell and foliage between and each with rectangular platinum-lined maker’s stamp and platinumlined touch-hole, slender tang engraved with foliate scrolls and with a pheasant in a landscape at the top, border engraved shaped rounded locks inscribed ‘Lancaster’s Improvement’ and decorated respectively with partridges and pheasants in landscapes, characteristic foliate scroll engraved hammers, sprung tube retainers (old replacements), figured half-stock with chequered grip and fore-end (reinforced in its working life with a large shaped steel plate), border engraved steel mounts (butt-plate rust patinated) including D-shaped trigger-guard decorated with a gundog in a landscape on the border engraved bow, trigger-plate and rear ramrod-pipe each with pineapple finial, the latter engraved with foliate scrollwork, silver escutcheon with indistinct owner’s crest, silver barrelbolt escutcheons, and copper alloy-tipped ramrod (cap missing over worm, some wear overall), 69.2 cm barrels

Charles Lancaster is recorded at 151 New Bond Street, London between 1829 and 1847. He was barrel maker to Joseph Manton and died in 1847.

£500-700

298

A 10-BORE PERCUSSION WILDFOWLING GUN BY W.

MCLAUCHLAN,

EDINBURGH, CIRCA 1845

with rebrowned twist two-stage sighted barrel turned at the girdle, octagonal breech becoming polygonal and signed along the top flat, Birmingham proof marks, border engraved casehardened breech with engraved platinum pug and decorated with a mallard in flight on the flat, long tapering tang engraved with symmetrical foliage, signed border engraved back-action lock decorated with foliate scrollwork, dolphin hammer en suite, figured half-stock (some old bruising) with dark horn fore-end cap and chequered grip, border engraved steel mounts decorated with foliate scrollwork and comprising buttplate and trigger-guard, the former with a waterfowl on the heel, the latter retaining some blueing on the inside of the bow and with a gun dog flushing waterfowl from the reeds, triggerplate with pineapple-shaped finial engraved with scrollwork, and original copper alloy-mounted ramrod with threaded cap over the worm, 89.5 cm barrel

William McLauchlan is recorded 24 Frederick Street, Edinburgh between 1830 and 1847.

£600-800

A CASED 18 BORE PERCUSSION D.B. SPORTING GUN BY JOHN BLISSETT, 321 HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON, NO. 2067, CIRCA 1850

with rebrowned twist sighted barrels signed in full and numbered ‘2’ along the rib, the former within a foliated panel, London proof marks, border engraved case-hardened breeches each with pierced platinum plug and engraved with foliate scrollwork between, tang decorated with symmetrical scrollwork en suite and involving a spaniel in an oval, signed border engraved flat locks each decorated with foliate scrollwork inhabited by a differing gun dog and game bird respectively, hammers profusely engraved with foliate scrollwork, figured half-stock (some old bruising) with chequered grip, border engraved steel mounts finely engraved with symmetrical designs of scrolling foliage and comprising butt-plate with two partridge in a landscape and numbered ‘2’ on the heel tang, trigger-guard with pheasants in a landscape on the unusually shaped bow and numbered ‘2’ on the serial numbered tang, trigger-plate and rear ramrod-pipe each with elaborate pineapple finial, vacant silver escutcheon and barrel-bolt escutcheons, and original copper alloymounted ramrod with threaded cap over the worm: in original copper alloy-mounted oak case numbered to the gun, fitted and lined in chequered pigskin with accessories including powder-flask with flip-top adjustable nozzle, the body embossed with hanging birds and symmetrical foliage, leather shot-flask with suspension strap, combination tool, in its leather wallet, and spare side nail and nipples for the no. 1 gun, in their leather wallet, the interior of the lid with maker’s trade label with 322 High Holborn address, the exterior with shaped copper alloy plate incorporating a flush-fitting copper alloy carrying handle, 74.8 cm barrels

John Blissett is recorded at 321 High Hilborn, London between 1836-1850, and at 322 High Holborn between 1851 and 1866.

£1,500-1,800

300

A .400 (80 BORE) PIN-FIRE D.B.

SPORTING RIFLE BY JOSEPH LANG, 22 COCKSPUR STREET, LONDON, NO. 3012, CIRCA 1860 with rebrowned damascus twist barrels each rifled with six spiral grooves, signed along the rib at the breech and leaf sighted from ‘50’ to ‘130’ yards, the bottom flat each stamped ‘JL’ and numbered ‘3003’, long slender tang engraved with foliate scrollwork, raised fences, border engraved case-hardened rounded action, rotary under-lever, signed border engraved detented backaction locks, each stamped ‘I. Brazier’ on the inside, the mechanisms retaining their burnish finish, and dolphin hammers all decorated with foliate scrollwork, the latter each with blued safety-stop behind, highly figured halfstock with chequered grip and butt-face, chequered detachable foreend, reblued trigger-guard engraved with foliate scrollwork and serial numbered on the tang, and vacant silver escutcheon, 73.5 cm barrels Joseph Lang is recorded at 22 Cockspur Street, Charing Cross, London between 1853 and 1874. He popularised the pin-fire breechloader in this country and exhibited at the Great Exhibition held at Crystal Palace in 1851.

£800-1,000

301

A .350 (100 BORE) PIN-FIRE

SPORTING

RIFLE BY J. BEATTIE, 205 REGENT STREET, LONDON, NO. 3051, CIRCA 1860 with rebrowned twist octagonal barrel rifled with three spiral grooves, London proof marks, signed in full along the top flat at the breech and leafsighted from ‘50’ to ‘250’ yards, each leaf with central platinum line, border engraved casehardened breech decorated with a foliate scroll on top, long slender foliate scroll engraved tang, border engraved case-hardened rounded action, rotary under-lever with spring catch, signed border engraved back-action detented lock, and dolphin hammer all decorated with foliate scrollwork en suite, the lock inhabited by a prone stag in a landscape and with chequered safety-stop, highly figured butt with chequered grip, chequered detachable fore-end with horn tip, steel mounts comprising butt-plate decorated with a stag and scrollwork on the heel tang, trigger-guard and trigger-plate tang each retaining some blueing, the former serial numbered and decorated with foliate scrollwork, the latter decorated with a running stag in a landscape between borders of repeated flowering foliage, adjustable set trigger, vacant silver escutcheon, sling mounts, and some original finish, 71.5 cm barrel

James Beattie is recorded at 205 Regent Street, London between 1848 and 1863.

£600-800

302 AN IRISH .376 (88 BORE) NEEDLE-FIRE RIFLE BY JOHN RIGBY & CO., DUBLIN & LONDON, NO. 12869 FOR 1867 with rebrowned octagonal sighted rifled barrel leafsighted to 100 yards and signed in gothic script along the top flat at the breech, London proof marks, border engraved breech decorated with foliate scrolls, border engraved action and mounts decorated with foliate scrolls, the latter comprising buttplate and trigger-guard, threaded breech-plug with chequered side-lever also cocking the hammer, figured butt (minor old bruising) with chequered grip, and chequered detachable foreend with dark horn cap, 60.0 cm barrel

Literature

D.H.L. Back, Great Irish Gunmakers: Messrs Rigby 1760-1869, 1992, p. 180. Described as ‘Best needle rifle’ and sold to R. Hull.

£500-700

A CASED 13 BORE PIN-FIRE ‘BAR-IN-WOOD’ D.B.

SPORTING GUN BY WESTLEY RICHARDS, 170 NEW BOND ST., LONDON, NO. 10. 255 FOR 1863 with rebrowned damascus twist sighted barrels signed in full along the rib and numbered ‘1’ between gold lines and ‘Patent.’ in gold between the breeches, Birmingham proof marks, foliate engraved ‘doll’s head’ extension, foliate scroll engraved case-hardened tang engraved ‘Westley Richards’, chequered thumb-lever acting against a spring, numbered ‘1’ and engraved ‘Patent’, signed case-hardened border engraved flat locks each decorated with foliate scrollwork, dolphin hammers en suite, border engraved blued steel mounts also en suite including trigger-guard serial numbered on the tang, figured butt (some old bruising) and detachable fore-end, the latter with dark horn tip, and vacant silver escutcheon: in original lined and fitted leather-covered oak case (exterior with old wear and scuffing, handle partly detached, straps missing) with G. & J.W. Hawksley decapping tool, and japanned oil can, the interior of the lid with maker’s trade label (minor old damage and staining), 76.2 cm barrels

Provenance

Built for The Earl of Westmoreland in 1863

Incorporating British Patent No. 2149 of 24 September 1858.

£600-800

304

A RARE FRENCH 22 BORE PERCUSSION PAULY PATENT BREECH-LOADING D.B. SPORTING GUN, UNSIGNED BUT PROBABLY BY PICHERAU, PARIS, NO. 97, STOCKED AND REMOUNTED BY BAKER, LONDON, CIRCA 1825-30

with rebrowned twist sighted barrels with silver fore-sight, breeches each with oval silver-lined barrelsmith’s stamp of LeClerc (Neue Støckel 182 and 7247), hinged breech-cover with four small gas-escapes, two lined in platinum, engraved with English foliate scrollwork and signed ‘Baker London’ in gothic script, raised foliate engraved sighting groove, one side at the hinge engraved ‘Invention Pauly’, and on the other ‘Brevetee a Paris’, integral breech-lever secured by a sprung catch in the comb of the butt, scrolled side-hammers, figured half-stock with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, border engraved steel mounts comprising butt-plate decorated with a bird and trophy on the heel tang, foliate engraved trigger-guard with scrolled tang, original trig ger-plate with large foliate finial, silver barrel-bolt escutcheons, and steel-tipped ramrod with threaded copper alloy cap over the worm (in refurbished condition), 75.0 cm barrels

Eugene Pichereau was successor to Henry Roux and was granted a patent on 5 December 1824 for perfecting Pauley patent guns. See Reid 1956, pp. 181-210 and 254-258.

£1,500-1,800

305

A RARE LIEGE 13 BORE PIN-FIRE BASTIN PATENT

D.B. SPORTING GUN BY JH. MONTIGNY, ARQ. ER DU ROI DES PAYS-BAS A BRUXELLES, NO. 832, CIRCA 1860

with rebrowned twist sighted barrels (some old shallow internal pitting) sliding forward for loading, signed in full along the sighting rib and with short gold line at the rear, Liège proof, operated by a blued hinged lever fitting into the foreend, faced in chequered horn and with hooked sprung catch, stamped on the inside ‘Bastin Freres Brevette’ and with the serial number, the exterior of the lever, fore-end also faced in chequered horn along both sides, signed back-action locks, hammers and mounts all engraved with scrolling foliage, the last comprising butt-plate, trigger-guard and serial numbered tang, figured butt with chequered grip, and shield-shaped vacant silver escutcheon, 74.7 cm barrels

£450-550

VARIOUS OWNERS

307

A RARE FRENCH 14 BORE FLINTLOCK AN XIII MILITARY MUSKET BY BOUTET, MANUF.RE

A VERSAILLES, CIRCA 1805

of regulation pattern, the lock stamped with Boutet’s Manufactory mark and ‘Manuf.re A Versailles’, copper alloy pan with revolving copper alloy cover, full stock (some old bruising, toe of butt chipped) with cheekpiece punched ‘V’ and carved ‘XXIII’, copper alloy mounts including sling loops, and steel ramrod, possibly original (barrel and lock rust patinated), 94.8 cm barrel

£1,500-2,000

308

A FRENCH 13 BORE FLINTLOCK 1777 ARTILLERY MODEL MUSKET, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

of regulation pattern, the lock stamped ‘c’, a star above, etched ‘M.re Imp.le De Tulle’ and with copper alloy pan, full stock (old bruising) stamped ‘Ruhaui’ beneath the hollowed cheek-piece, and with small nailed copper alloy disc on the right side, iron and copper alloy mounts, sling loops, and original iron ramrod (iron parts with some rust patination), 103.0 cm barrel

£600-900

309

A FRENCH 18MM TABATIERE CONVERSION 1822 MODEL MILTARY MUSKET, MID-19TH CENTURY, CONVERTED CIRCA 1867

of production specifications, with hinged copper alloy breech-block etched ‘M.re R.le de St. Etienne’, full stock hollowed for the cheek on one side and stamped with indistinct circular arsenal mark on one side above ‘Tulle’ and ‘2533’, sling loops with whitened buff leather sling, and original steel ramrod, 98.0 cm barrel

£500-700

310

A 10 BORE FLINTLOCK INDIA PATTERN SERVICE MUSKET, KING’S PROOF MARKS, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

of regulation pattern, with figured three-quarter stock (some old bruising, minor damage on one side above the rear ramrod-pipe) stamped with crowned ‘P’ mark and initials including ‘IG’ on the side-flat, the butt stamped with crowned broad arrow Ordnance mark dated 1805 on one side, copper alloy mounts, sling loops, original steel ramrod, and in fair condition; together with a socket bayonet with blade of hollow triangular section stamped ‘_ughton’, the socket stamped ‘04’ over ‘43’ (2), 100.0 cm barrel

£1,800-2,200

311 A RUSSIAN 14 BORE PERCUSSION MILITARY MUSKET, NO. 10268, DATED 1838

of regulation pattern, the lock stamped with lzhevsk mark (Neue Støckel 8604) beneath the remains of the copper alloy pan, full stock with cheek-piece, and stamped with indistinct circular arsenal marks on the right side, dated copper alloy mounts all stamped with inspector’s marks, sling loops, and original copper alloy-tipped steel ramrod (steel parts with surface rust patination), 105.0 cm barrel

£500-700

312

AN AMERICAN 14 BORE PERCUSSION CONTRACT

(TYPE III) MILITARY MUSKET BY JOHNSON, MIDDLETON, CONNECTICUT, DATED 1830 converted from flintlock and of production specifications, the lock stamped with American eagle motif between ‘US’ and ‘Johnson’, the tail dated and deeply stamped ‘MIDDN’ and ‘CONN’, steel mounts, sling loops, and original steel ramrod (some old light pitting and surface rust patination), 106.7 cm barrel

Approximately 600 R. & J. D. Johnson contract muskets were produced circa 1829-34.

£400-600

313

AN AMERICAN .54 STARR PERCUSSION BREECHLOADING CARBINE, NOS. 10699 AND 766, CIRCA 1862-65 of production specifications, with copper alloy barrel band and butt-plate (some rust patination, trigger-plate tang with some pitting), 53.3 cm barrel

£500-700

314

AN AMERICAN .58 PERCUSSION 1861 MODEL MILITARY RIFLE MUSKET, DATED 1862 of production specifications, barrel dated on the breech flat, lock stamped with the American eagle motif and ‘U.S.’ over ‘Springfield’, the tail dated 1862 (stock with minor old bruising, steel parts rust patinated), sling loops, and original steel ramrod, 99.0 cm barrel

£450-500

315

A .58 PERCUSSION SPRINGFIELD 1855 MODEL RIFLE MUSKET, DATED 1860 of production specifications, the barrel dated on the breech flat, lock stamped ‘U.S.’ over ‘Springfield’ and dated on the tail, hinged Maynard tape primer stamped with American eagle motif, stock stamped with two inspector’s marks on the sideflat, the butt with hinged sprung patch-box cover, sling loops with leather sling, original ramrod, and socket bayonet, 101.6 cm barrel (2)

This model was one of the staple arms of the Civil War, and was the first U.S. martial arm firing the Minie bullet in .58 calibre

£1,000-1,500

316

AN AMERICAN .52 PERCUSSION SHARPS 1852

MODEL BREECH-LOADING SADDLE CARBINE, NO. 5237, CIRCA 1853-55 of production specifications, with copper alloy mounts including hinged patch-box cover, and retaining much of its finish (butt with minor bruising, fore-end with minor old split, some rust patination), 55.0 cm barrel

£1,000-1,500

317

A .50 PERCUSSION SMITH’S PATENT BREECHLOADING SADDLE CARBINE, NO. 1344, CIRCA 1861-65 of production specifications, the action stamped with manufacturer and patent markings of the left side, the butt stamped with clear inspector’s mark on one side of the grip, and retaining much of its blued and case-hardened finish (some surface rust patination), 55.0 cm barrel

Issued to a number of Union cavalry regiments including the 3rd West Virginia, 7th and 11th Illinois, 1st Connecticut, 7th and 17th Pennsylvania, 6th and 9th Ohio, and the 1st Massachusetts

£800-1,200

318

AN AMERICAN .52 RIM-FIRE SPENCER CIVIL WAR MODEL REPEATING CARBINE, NO. 54857, CIRCA 1863-65

of production specifications, the butt stamped with the inspector’s marks behind the saddle-bar and ring (some rust patination, butt and fore-stock with old bruising), 55.9 cm barrel

Flayderman notes ‘one of the most colourful, widely used and popular Civil War firearms, the Spencer received the unique advantage and distinction, after a trial firing demonstration, of gaining the personal endorsement of President Lincoln.’

£600-900

319

AN AMERICAN .54 (28 BORE) PERCUSSION MERRILL PATENT BREECH-LOADING CARBINE OF SECOND TYPE, NO. 18846, DATED 1863

of production specifications, the lock stamped with American eagle and patent dates, dated on the tail, and retaining some original finish (some surface rust patination), 52.5 cm barrel

£500-700

320

AN AMERICAN .58 PERCUSSION 1861 MODEL MILITARY RIFLE MUSKET, DATED 1864

of production specifications, the barrel dated on the breech flat, nipple-bolster stamped with American eagle motif, lock dated on the tail, stamped en suite and with ‘U.S.’ over ‘Bridesburg’, full stock stamped with indistinc t initials and clear inspector’s mark on the side-flat, the butt stamped ‘LD’ over ‘518’, sling loops, and later steel ramrod (minor old pitting at the breech), 100.5 cm barrel

£600-800

321

AN AMERICAN .50 SPRINGFIELD 1866 MODEL ALLIN CONVERSION (SECOND MODEL) ‘TRAPDOOR’ MILITARY RIFLE, CIRCA 1866

of production specifications, the lock stamped with American eagle motif and ‘U.S.’ over ‘Springfield’, the tail dated 1864 (stock with minor old bruising, steel parts with some rust patination), sling loops, leather sling and later steel ramrod; together with a socket bayonet (rust patinated), 93.0 cm barrel (2)

£500-700

322

AN AMERICAN .50 RIM-FIRE

SPENCER 1865 MODEL ARMY REPEATING RIFLE, NO. 2037, CIRCA 1865-67

of production specifications, in refurbished condition (butt with some bruising, old rust patination), 76.2 cm barrel

Approximately 1000 of these rifles are thought to have been produced.

£600-800

323

AN AMERICAN .550 PERCUSSION

MASS. ARMS CO. GREENE (BRITISH TYPE) RIFLED CARBINE, NO. 514, CIRCA 1855

of production specifications, and retaining much of its original blued and casehardened finish (some surface rust patination), 46.2 cm barrel

About 2000 of these carbines were ordered by Lord Hardinge in November 1855. For more information see Roads 1964, pp. 282-3

£800-1,000

324

AN 18 BORE PERCUSSION 1844 PATTERN YEOMANRY CARBINE, DATED 1848

of regulation pattern, stamped with inspector’s marks including Board of Ordnance mark on one side of the butt, copper alloy mounts including butt-plate incised ‘13’ over ‘LD’ and ‘44’, and retaining much of its original finish (some surface rust patination), Ordnance view and proof marks, 51.0 cm barrel

£450-550

325

A 30 BORE (.550) PERCUSSION TERRY’S PATENT 2ND PATTERN BREECH-LOADING CARBINE RETAILED BY WM. M. & CO., NO. 1570, BIRMINGHAM PROOF MARKS, CIRCA 1860 with blued sighted barrel rifled with five grooves, retained by a blued barrel band and engraved ‘Terry’s Patent 30 Bore’ at the breech, folding back-sight calibrated to 500 yards, bolt with case-hardened handle hinged against an adjustable blued spring, border engraved case-hardened flat lock and hammer, the former with abbreviated retailer’s details, figured full stock with chequered grip and fore-end, blued steel mounts including border engraved trigger-guard and butt-plate, sling loops, original steel ramrod, and some original finish (some surface rust patination), 51.5 cm barrel

William Terry was granted British Patent No. 843 of 7 April 1856 for bolt-action ‘Terry’s Patent’ carbines. William Moore & Co. are recorded as Gunmakers at 43 Old Bond Street, London between 1854 and 1872.

£600-900

A

RARE FRENCH 13 BORE FLINTLOCK PISTOL FOR THE GARDE DU CORPS DU ROI, CIRCA 1814-15 with reblued barrel inscribed in gilt letters ‘Gardes Du Corps du Roi’ and retained by a spring-held pierced copper alloy barrel band also forming the ramrod-entry, the breech with a band of stamped and gilt decoration (touch-hole enlarged and pitted), bright tang and flat levelled lock, the latter engraved ‘Maubeuge Manuf. Rle’, and stamped with an inspector’s mark behind the copper alloy pan, the interior stamped ‘nn4’, figured full stock stamped with an inspector’s mark on the side-flat, full copper alloy mounts comprising rounded side-plate, trigger-guard with engraved fleur-de-lys shaped finial, rounded butt-cap cast and chased with crowned arms of France within laurels, and iron ramrod, possibly original, 19.8 cm barrel £1,000-1,500

327

A FLINTLOCK PRIVATE CONTRACT SERVICE PISTOL OF CARBINE BORE BY H. NOCK, LONDON, LATE 18TH CENTURY

with plain barrel and tang, the former engraved ‘London’ at the breech, signed border engraved flat bevelled lock, border engraved bevelled cock, figured full stock (old split in ramrod channel), flat-sided rounded butt, copper alloy mounts of regulation type comprising scroll side-plate, trigger-guard numbered ‘244’, turned ramrod-pipe, and later copper alloytipped ramrod, 23.3 cm barrel

£500-700

328

A 26 BORE FLINTLOCK 1801 PATTERN LONG SEA SERVICE PISTOL, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

with plain barrel and tang (some old surface patination), border engraved flat bevel lock, with G.R crowned, tower across the tail, stamped with a crowned 2 beneath the pan, the inside struck with locksmith’s mark ‘SR’, border engraved ring neck cock, figured full stock (old bruising), stamped with indistinct Board of Ordinance ownership mark behind the apron, the latter stamped with Board of Ordinance broad arrow mark, the tail of the side-flat stamped ‘T.P’ beneath the staff, regulation copper alloy mounts including pommel engraved ‘5TH GUN’ over ‘2’, later copper alloy tipped ramrod, King’s proof marks, 30.5 cm barrel

Provenance

W. Keith Neal collection, P.108

Christie’s London Fine Antique Firearms from the W.Keith Neal collection, 9th November 2000 Lot 183

The locksmith’s mark is probably that of Samuel Rock. The crowned ‘2’ indicates that the lock was inspected by a lock viewer of the East India Company.

£1,000-1,500

329

A 25 BORE FLINTLOCK 1801 PATTERN LONG SEA SERVICE PISTOL, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

with plain barrel (scattered surface rust) and tang, border engraved flat bevelled lock with ‘GR’ and ‘Tower’ across the tail, small King’s proof marks, border engraved ring-neck cock, figured full stock (some old bruising) with apron around the tang, and stamped with indistinct Board of Ordnance ownership mark above the tail of the lock, and with initials behind the side-plate, regulation copper alloy mounts, belt hook, and copper alloy-tipped ramrod, 31.0 cm barrel

£1,000-1,500

330

A 28 BORE FLINTLOCK 1801 PATTERN LONG SEA SERVICE PISTOL, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

with plain barrel (some surface rust patination) and tang, border engraved flat-belted lock, with G.R engraved, tower across the tail, border-engraved ring-neck cock, figured full stock (minor damage at the trigger-guard and minor repaired worming on the fore-stock and small repair), with apron around the tang and stamped with inspectors marks including Board of Ownership mark behind the apron, supplier’s initials ‘T.H’ on the tail of the side-flat, regulation copper alloy mounts, belt-hook, and copper alloy tip ramrod, doublestamped king’s Proof-mark, 30.5 cm barrel

£1,000-1,500

331

A 28 BORE FLINTLOCK 1801 PATTERN LONG SEA SERVICE PISTOL, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

with plain barrel and tang, King’s proof marks, border engraved flat bevelled lock with ‘GR’ crowned and ‘Tower’ across the tail, border engraved ring-neck cock, figured full stock (some old bruising, minor repairs on one side at the rear barrel retaining pin) with apron around the tang and stamped with indistinct Board of Ordnance mark and Ordnance Storekeeper’s mark behind the tail of the lock, regulation copper alloy mounts including pommel punched ‘N.2’ over ‘MD 132 DB’ on one side, belt hook, and copper alloy-tipped ramrod, possibly original (barrel and belt hook with scattered surface rust), 31.0 cm barrel

£1,000-1,500

332

A 25 BORE FLINTLOCK 1801 PATTERN LONG SEA SERVICE PISTOL, EARLY 19TH CENTURY of regulation patten with plain barrel and tang, King’s proof marks, flat bevelled lock with ‘GR’ crowned and ‘Tower’ across the tail, ring-neck cock, figured full stock (some old bruising, repaired on each side on the muzzle) with apron around the barrel tang, stamped with indistinct inspector’s marks including Board of Ordnance ownership mark behind the lock, regulaiton copper alloy mounts, belt-hook, and later copper alloy-tipped ramrod (barrel and lock with some rust patination), 30.5 cm barrel

£800-1,200

333

A 28 BORE FLINTLOCK 1801 PATTERN LONG SEA SERVICE PISTOL, CIRCA 1800

with plain barrel and tang, small King’s proof marks, border engraved flat bevelled lock with ‘GR’ crowned and ‘Tower’ across the tail, border engraved ring-neck cock, figured full stock (some old bruising, butt with plugged repair) with apron around the tang and stamped with inspector’s marks and dated Board of Ordnance ownership mark behind the tail of the lock, a crowned ‘G’ and initials ‘J-M’ and ‘IG’ on the sideflat, regulation copper alloy mounts, belt hook, and copper alloy-tipped ramrod (barrel and belt hook with scattered surface rust), 30.7 cm barrel

£1,000-1,500

334

A 25 BORE FLINTLOCK 1801 PATTERN LONG SEA SERVICE PISTOL, DATED 1806

with plain barrel and tang, small King’s proof marks, border engraved flat bevelled lock with ‘GR’ crowned and ‘Tower’ across the tail, border engraved ring-neck cock (perhaps associated), figured full stock (old bruising) with apron around the tang and stamped with Board of Ordnance marks, one above the date, regulation copper alloy mounts including pommel engraved ‘QD3’ over ‘NI’ on both sides, belt hook, and copper alloy-tipped ramrod, possibly original (barrel and belt hook with scattered surface rust), 30.3 cm barrel

Provenance

W. Keith Neal Collection, P107

Christie’s London, Fine Antique Firearms from the W. Keith Neal Collection, 9th November 2000, lot 180

£1,500-1,800

335

AN 18 BORE FLINTLOCK NOTTINGHAM POLICE

PISTOL WITH SPRING BAYONET, CIRCA 1815-20 the barrel with spring bayonet mounted above, Birmingham proof marks, the barrel stamped ‘Nottingham police’ along the breech (some old rust patination) and secured with a catch on the tang, bright border engraved flat bevelled lock incised with the arms of Nottingham and sparsely decorated with foliage along the tail, cock en suite, figured full stock (some old bruising), copper alloy mounts of regulation type, and stirrup ramrod, 23.0 cm barrel

£1,000-1,500

336

A 25 BORE FLINTLOCK WILLIAM IV 1824 PATTERN SEA SERVICE PISTOL, CIRCA 1830 with plain barrel and tang retaining their blackened finish, remains of small King’s proof mark, border engraved flat bevelled lock with ‘WR’ crowned, border engraved ring-neck cock (possibly replaced), figured full stock (butt with old repairs) stamped with the Board of Ordnance ownership mark above the tail of the lock and initials ‘WG’ on the side-flat, regulation copper alloy mounts, belt hook, and stirrup ramrod (some scattered surface rust), 22.8 cm barrel

See Bailey 2013.

£800-1,000

337

A WILLIAM IV 16 BORE NEW LAND PATTERN SERVICE PISTOL, CIRCA 1835 of regulation pattern, with blackened barrel and tang, Ordnance proof mark, border engraved flat bevelled lock (jaw screw replaced) with ‘W.R’ crowned and safety-catch, figured full stock (butt drilled through) stamped with indistinct inspector’s marks on one side at the trigger-guard tang, regulation copper alloy mounts, and stirrup ramrod, 22.7 cm barrel

£400-500

338

A 16 BORE FLINTLOCK NEW LAND PATTERN SERVICE PISTOL, with plain barrel and tang, flat bevelled lock with ‘G.R’ crowned and ‘TOWER’ across the sparsley engraved tail, bevelled ring-neck cock, figured forestock stamped with Board of Ordinance storekeepers mark and ‘10’ over ‘1830’ above the tail of the lock, inspector’s mark s to the left of the triggerguard, and crowned ‘P’ and ‘W’ on the side-flat, regulation copper alloy mounts including reinforcing strap at the ramrod entry, and stirrup ramrod (some surface rust), small king’s proof marks, 22.7 cm barrel

£500-700

339

A FRENCH LEFAUCHEAUX PATENT 54 BORE PINFIRE 1863 MODEL SWEDISH CONTRACT SIX-SHOT MILITARY REVOLVER, BY E. LEFAUCHEAUX BP. ET S. G. D. G. A PARIS, NO. 80434, CIRCA 1865 with blued sighted rifled barrel signed along the top, blued part octagonal breech stamped with inventor’s details forming an oval on one side, and with the three crowns of Sweden on the other, blued cylinder, case-hardened frame with hinged loading-gate, trigger-guard and butt, the last with figured rounded grips and lanyard swivel, one grip (minor chip) stamped ‘S’ on the flat behind the action, bright hammer grooved for sighting, and in fine condition retaining nearly all its original finish, 15.8 cm barrel

See Brooker 2006, p. 294.

£600-800

340

A FRENCH LEFAUCHEUX PATENT 54 BORE PIN-FIRE 1863 MODEL SIX-SHOT OFFICER’S REVOLVER, SIGNED FQUE DUE LE PAGE FRES A LIEGE MSON A PARIS 12 RUE D’ENGLISHIEN, NO. 39236, CIRCA 1865 with blued sighted rifled barrel incised and punched with vine leaves at the muzzle and signed in full in etched letters between punched borders along the top, blued part octagonal breech decorated en suite with the muzzle, and stamped ‘Inv. E. Lefaucheux’ forming an arch on one side beneath the cylinder, blued action with hinged loading-gate, blued spur trigger-guard and butt, the latter with faceted cap and suspension swivel, cartridge-extracting rod, hammer grooved for sighting, figured rounded grips, and some original finish, 15.8 cm barrel

Le Page Freres are recorded at 12 Rue d’Englishien, Paris between 1857 and 1868

£500-700

341

A FRENCH 54 BORE PIN-FIRE MILITARY (SWEDISH CONTRACT) SIX-SHOT REVOLVER, NO. 79504, LATE 19TH CENTURY

with blued sighted barrel signed ‘E.LEFAUCHEUX BR.TE

S.G.D.G A PA...’ along the top, part octagonal breech stamped with three crowns on the side-flat, manufacturer’s details forming an oval on the left, case-hardened cylinder, frame, trigger-guard and butt, hinged loading-gate, bright hammer grooved for sighting, cartridge extracting rod and trigger, figured rounded grips, ovoidal butt cap with lanyard swivel, and in refurbished condition, 13.3 cm barrel

£400-500

342

A 54 BORE PERCUSSION KERR PATENT SPANISH NAVY SINGLE-ACTION FIVE-SHOT REVOLVER, NO. 2023, MID-19TH CENTURY

with blued octagonal sighted rifled barrel, blued top-strap stamped with inspector’s mark ‘RC’, an anchor between and in an oval, blued cylinder, case-hardened border engraved frame and back-action lock, the former serial numbered on one side, the latter stamped with inspector’s mark ‘RC’ in an oval, casehardened trigger-guard and butt-cap, the latter with lanyard swivel, arbor-pin with spring-catch, hinged case-hardened rammer with sprung side-catch, chequered figured rounded butt stamped ‘351’ and with further inspector’s mark on the left flat, and retaining most of its finish, 14.5 cm barrel

£800-1,200

343

A COLT .56 PERCUSSION 1855 MODEL ‘BRITISH CONTRACT’ FIVE-SHOT REVOLVING CARBINE, NO. 9369, CIRCA 1856-64 with sighted barrel retained by two barrel bands and rifled with seven grooves, London proof marks, octagonal breech leaf-sighted to 600 yards, fluted cylinder stamped ‘Patented Sept. 10 1856’, frame with side-hammer and stamped ‘Col. Colt Hartford Ct. U.S.A.’ in the sighting groove, the left side stamped ‘Colt’s Patent’ above the patent dates, rammer, figured fore-end and butt (some old scuffing), the former with copper alloy cap, the latter with steel butt-plate with butt-trap cover opening to reveal a copper alloy cleaning rod, copper alloy trigger-guard, sling loops, and leather sling (old light pitting), 79.5 cm barrel

£1,800-2,200

344

A COLT .56 PERCUSSION 1855 MODEL FIVE-SHOT REVOLVING RIFLE, NO. 789, CIRCA 1856-64 with reblued sighted barrel retained by two barrel bands and rifled with seven grooves, octagonal breech leaf-sighted to 500 yards, reblued fluted cylinder stamped ‘Patented Sept. 10 1856’, frame (action defective) with side-hammer and stamped ‘Col. Colt Hartford CT. U.S.A.’ in the sighting groove, rammer, figured fore-end and butt, the former with copper alloy cap, the latter with steel butt-plate with butt-trap cover opening to reveal a copper alloy cleaning rod, steel trigger-guard, sling loops, and original steel ramrod (some pitting and surface rust patination), 79.3 cm barrel

£1,500-1,800

A COLT 1851 NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER, NO. 24947 FOR 1853

with blued octagonal sighted barrel with New York City address, cylinder roll engraved with naval engagement scene (some wear), blued frame and rammer, copper alloy trigger-guard and back strap, the former retaining traces of silvering, varnished figured rounded grips, and matching numbers: in original crazed black leather holster of Dennett-Pays design, 19 cm barrel

Charles F. Dennett and George Pays of Oxford Street designed a flap holster and a ‘cartouche box’ of which only the latter was registered, no. 3745 on 14 August 1855.

£1,500-1,800

346

A COLT 1851 MODEL NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER WITH LATER SHOULDER-STOCK, NO. 12380 FOR 1854

with octagonal sighted barrel with London address, cylinder with traces of engraved naval engagement scene, frame stamped ‘Colt’s Patent’ on the left side, steel trigger-guard and back-strap, the latter now cut for a shoulder-stock, rammer, figured rounded grips, and matching numbers (some wear and surface rust), the shoulder-stock with copper alloy mounts, the butt-plate serial numbered to match, 19.0 cm barrel (2)

£1,000-1,400

347

A FINE .36 PERCUSSION MANHATTAN (NAVY TYPE) SERIES IV FIVE-SHOT REVOLVER, NO. 57538, CIRCA 1859-68

with blued octagonal sighted rifled barrel stamped ‘Manhattan Fire Arms Co. Newark N.J.’ over ‘Patented March 8. 1864’ along the top, London proof marks, blued cylinder with 1859 patent date and roll engraved with five foliate panels framing naval and military combat scenes, case-hardened frame, hammer and rammer, copper alloy trigger-guard and back-strap retaining traces of silvering, varnished figured rounded grips, matching numbers, and retaining much of its original finish, 16.5 cm barrel

£600-800

348

A PERCUSSION REMINGTON NEW MODEL ARMY SIX-SHOT REVOLVER, NO. 43101, CIRCA 1863-75

with blued octagonal sighted rifled barrel stamped ‘Patented Sept. 14 1858 E. Remington & Sons. Ilion New York U.S.A. New-Model’ along the top flat, blued cylinder, frame and butt, the former with grooved top-strap, blued rammer, copper alloy trigger-guard, figured rounded grips, and retaining most of its original finish, 20.3 cm barrel

£1,500-1,800

A 25 BORE CENTRAL ITALIAN ROMAN-LOCK CARBINE, EARLY 18TH CENTURY

with etched twist tapering sighted barrel formed in five stages, rifled with eight grooves and retained by a pierced copper alloy band, fluted and gilt over the breech, engraved and gilt tang incorporating the back-sight, engraved flat lock decorated with flowers and foliage on the tail, full stock with ‘Catalan’ style butt, gilt copper-alloy mounts comprising butt-plate and trigger-guard, the latter engraved with flowers and foliage en suite with the lock, gilt copper alloy fore-end cap, and associated wooden ramrod (the gilding refreshed), 48.7 cm barrel

‡ £500-700

350

A 12 BORE SPANISH MIQUELET-LOCK SPORTING GUN BY FERNANDO MURÚA, EIBAR, CIRCA

1790-1800

with blued barrel formed in two stages, with silver ‘spider’ fore-sight, chiselled and gilt girdle, octagonal breech inlaid with silver foliage surmounted by birds ahead of the gold-lined barrelsmith’s marks and further decorative marks (small losses, bluing now brown), engraved tang, signed flat lock with chiselled, gilt and engraved details, half stock with ‘Catalan’ butt, engraved and blued steel mounts including butt-plate with foliate tang, trigger-guard with parcel gilt foliate terminal, a pair of silver side-nail washers, silver ramrod-pipe, a silver band at the fore-end and a silver sprung plaque engraved as a fish engaging a single silver barrel band (later ramrod), 91.0 cm barrel

A similar gun by Antonio Guisasola from the collection of Dr James D. Lavin was sold in this room 10th July 2019, lot 286. A more elaborate example made in 1796 and presented to Carlos IV is preserved in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (acc. no. 16.135). See Lavin 1965, p. 262.

‡ £400-600

William Newton was nephew and successor of Edward Newton following the latter’s death in 1764. Robert Wogdon, John Twigg and Joseph Manton were all apprenticed to Edward, however firearms by William are almost unheard of. W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back in Great British Gunmakers 1740-1790, 1975, p. 85 cite ‘when Edward Newton died, he left his business to his nephew William, whose signature we have located on only one gun.’ For the gun mentioned, formerly in the A.N. Kennard collection, and for more information, see Wimsey 2000, pp. 281-303

£1,000-1,500

354

A RARE 16 BORE RIVIERE PATENT PERCUSSION

TARGET OR SPORTING RIFLE BY RIVIERE, PATENT

RIFLE GUN MAKER, LONDON, NO.299, CIRCA 1825 with heavy browned twist two-stage barrel polygonal over most of its length, rifled with three wide grooves and leafsighted to 300 yards, octagonal breech signed along the top flat, London proof marks, foliate scroll engraved case-hardened breech (plug replaced), border engraved enclosed action extending down the back of the grip to a hinged peep-sight aperture and engraved with scrolling foliage, plain hammer, figured half-stock with chequered grip and fore-end, the butt with plain hinged circular patch-box cover on one side and later copper alloy tag stamped ‘S.A.S. 1078’ on the other, border engraved steel mounts decorated with foliate scrollwork and including later blued trigger-guard with chequered spur, steel fore-end cap en suite and engraved with a starburst around the ramrod-entry, and original ramrod with dark horn tip (some old rust patination), 79.5 cm barrel

Provenance

The Infantry and Small Arms School Corps Collection Isaac 2 Riviere was granted English Patent No. 5157 (for concealed percussion locks) in 1825, however his lock was rejected by the Ordnance in 1834. He joined the HAC in 1821, became Captain in the Jager Corps in which he served between 1833 and 1848, and died in 1851.

£1,000-1,400

355

AN 18 BORE

PERCUSSION SPORTING RIFLE SIGNED W. LANDELL, GLASGOW, MID-19TH CENTURY with browned octagonal leaf-sighted barrels (some old patination along the top flats) rifled with eight grooves and signed along the top flat at the breech, Birmingham proof marks, case-hardened foliate scroll engraved breech with two platinum lines and platinum plug, border engraved tang decorated with foliate scrollwork, flat detented lock, hammer and mounts all en suite, the first retaining some casehardening, the last comprising butt-plate and trigger-guard, trigger-plate with pineapple finial, figured half-stock with chequered grip, vacant white-metal escutcheon and barrel-bolt escutcheons, adjustable set trigger, dark horn fore-end cap, and original copper alloy-mounted ramrod, 79.6 cm barrel

William Landell is recorded at various addresses in Glasgow between 1846 and 1903.

£800-1,000

356

A FLEMISH 25 BORE FLINTLOCK COPPER ALLOY-MOUNTED HOLSTER PISTOL BY LE PAPE, LATE 17TH CENTURY

with three-stage barrel encircled by a rounded copper alloy band at the muzzle and engraved with a foliate panel at the breech surmounted by a chiselled floret, tang decorated en suite, rounded copper alloy lock signed across the tail, foliate engraved cock and steel, the former inhabited by a monster head, moulded figured full stock with foliate apron around the barrel tang, cast and chased copper alloy mounts comprising side-plate pierced with foliage inhabited by monster heads, vacant escutcheon en suite, trigger-guard with foliate finial, spurred pommel with grotesque mask cap, turned ballaster ramrod-pipes, and later copper alloy-capped wooden ramrod, 30.0 cm barrel

£600-800

357 A FRENCH 28 BORE FLINTLOCK SILVER-MOUNTED PISTOL BY SOUICHE LE CADET, NANTES SILVER MARKS, MID-18TH CENTURY

with two-stage barrel (some old wear and rust patination) turned at the muzzle and mid-section, the forward section gilt with a fleur-de-lys centred on sprigs of foliage, octagonal breech becoming polygonal and decorated with rocailles and foliage en suite, border engraved tang with a foliate rocaille, signed border engraved flat bevelled lock engraved with scrolls on the stepped tail, bevelled cock engraved with foliage, figured moulded full stock with rounded butt and carved with foliage behind the rear ramrodpipe, and with crossed palms behind the barrel tang, mounts cast and chased with relief against a finely punched ground, and comprising shaped side-plate with a hound and a martial trophy within a border of foliage, vacant foliate escutcheon, trigger-guard with rocailles and foliage on the bow and finial, eaglehead pommel in the round, turned ramrod-pipes, and steel-tipped ramrod, 16.0 cm barrel

£500-700

358

A FRENCH 23 BORE FLINTLOCK SILVER-MOUNTED PISTOL, MID 18TH CENTURY

by Laborde a Paris, Nantes silver marks, with slightly swamped two stage barrel retaining much of its original blueing, decorated with punched and gilt foliage at the silver foresight and along the top flats of the breech, border engraved tang with back-sight, signed border engraved flat bevelled lock decorated with a rocaille and foliage ont he tail, bevelled cock ensuite, moulded figured full stock carved behind the rear ramrod pipe and barrel tang, inlaid with silver wire scrollwork on the back of the rounded butt, cast and chased mounts comprising pierces foliate sideplate centered on a vacant oval, trigger guard with scallop shell finial, eagle head pommel with drapery, turned ramrod pipes, original bone-tipped ramrod, 20.2 cm barrel

£500-700

359

AN UNUSUAL FRENCH 50 BORE FLINTLOCK SILVER-MOUNTED PISTOL IN THE ENGLISH FASHION BY P.J. PARILIS, AIX A LACHAPELLE, DATED 1798 with etched twist sighted barrel encrusted with symmetrical designs of gold foliage around the muzzle and at the breech, the decoration connected by a gold arrow along the top, foliate engraved tang, signed rounded lock with slender moulded border and safetycatch behind the cock, figured full stock with rounded butt and carved with a scallop shell behind the barrel tang, cast and chased mounts comprising pierced side-plate decorated with rocailles and engraved with owner’s initials ‘WB’ over the date on a central cartouche, plain trigger-guard with acorn-shaped finial, grotesque mask butt-cap, silver barrelbolt escutcheons, turned ramrod-pipes and contemporary wooden ramrod with iron worm, 12.2 cm barrel

This maker appears to be unrecorded.

£450-550

360

A FRENCH 25 BORE FLINTLOCK BOX-LOCK POCKET PISTOL IN THE MANNER OF BOUTET, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

with turn-off barrel retaining some blueing, bright action engraved on one side with a putti shooting an arrow at a target in a landscape, and on the other with a further putti cutting grass in a landscape, ring-neck cock engraved with a dolphin on each side, blue safety-catch also originally locking the steel (defective), blued folding trigger engraved with a human mask surmounted by a flaming urn and within a border of foliage, and figured rounded butt carved with overlapping scales on each side (some old rust patination), 3.7 cm barrel

£600-800

361

A DANISH 25 BORE FLINTLOCK ORMOLU-MOUNTED HOLSTER PISTOL BY A. GEBAUER,

COPENHAGEN, MID-18TH CENTURY

the watered barrel with sighting flat and copper alloy fore-sight, triangular flat at the breech pricked ‘2’, tang chiselled with symmetrical foliage, signed rounded lock chiselled with foliage on the tail, cock and steel decorated en suite, moulded figured full stock carved with scrolled foliage on either side of the fore-end and around the barrel tang, mounts comprising side-plate cast and chased with scrolling foliage, on a finely punched ground and centred on stags in a wooded landscape, escutcheon with a falconer on horseback, a grotesque mask above and below, trigger-guard with sportsman on the bow and a fox between trees on the finial, spurred pommel with a stag and a boar hunting scene between strapwork on each side, and pommel cap with further hunting scene, faceted ramrod-pipes, the rear one with a hawk above a monster head on the finial, fore-end cap with a hunting scene, later copper alloy-tipped ramrod, and retaining some original gilding, 28.2 cm barrel

Andreas Gebauer is recorded in Copenhagen between 1730 and 1755.

£1,500-1,800

362

A PAIR OF GERMAN 32 BORE FLINTLOCK SILVER-MOUNTED HOLSTER PISTOLS BY CHRISTIAN HANPEL A LUDWIGSBURG, MID-18TH CENTURY

with bright barrels each with silver spider fore-sight and signed in capitals along the sighting flat, stepped breeches each with white-metal touch-hole, bright tangs each with back-sight and numbered ‘1’ and ‘2’ respec tively, bright rounded locks each with moulded border, signed in capitals and chiselled with a rocaille on the tail, cocks chiselled with foliage, top jaws and steels en suite, highly figured moulded full stocks each carved with rocailles around the barrel tang (toe of each butt with old repair), full whitemetal mounts comprising flat side-plates of shaped outline, vacant crowned escutcheons, spurred pommels each with domed cap, trigger-guards each with foliate finial, fore-end caps, turned ramrod-pipes, and original wooden ramrods each with white-metal tip, 24.5 cm barrels (2)

C. Hampel is recorded in Ludwigsburg, Wurttemburg between 1750 and 1790.

£1,500-1,800

A PAIR OF BOHEMIAN 28 BORE FLINTLOCK HOLSTER PISTOLS BY ANTONI SEBERT, MID-18TH CENTURY

with two-stage barrels each with copper alloy spider fore-sight, turned and beaded at the girdle, and with oc tagonal breech punched and gilt with foliage (worn) along the flats, tangs en suite, signed border engraved flat bevelled locks each decorated with a martial trophy on the tail, border engraved cocks each decorated with foliage, the retaining screws each engraved as a flowerhead, figured moulded full stocks (some old bruising, fore-ends split) each carved with a rocaille in front of the trigger-guard, and behind the barrel tang, copper alloy mounts cast and chased with rocailles and comprising side-plates, crowned vacant escutcheons, trigger-guards (each finial pierced with a hole), and fore-end caps, hollow eagle-head pommels each cast in the round, turned ramrod-pipes, and later copper alloy-tipped ramrods, 25.5 cm barrels (2)

£1,500-1,800

A PAIR OF COMPOSITE CONTINENTAL 32 BORE FLINTLOCK PISTOLS, THE ITALIAN LOCKS SIGNED G. LANDI, EARLY 18TH CENTURY, THE MOUNTS LATE 17TH CENTURY, POSSIBLY DUTCH

with shortened three-stage barrels, border engraved octagonal breeches becoming polygonal, each engraved with a crowned mirror monogram on the top flat and decorated with foliage on the upper flats behind, border engraved tangs lightly decorated with foliage, rounded ormolu locks (gilding worn) each signed below the cock and decorated with scrollwork in bas-relief against a punched ground, bevelled cocks en suite, later figured full stocks each carved overall with differing designs of foliage in low relief against a finely pricked ground, copper alloy mounts (old wear) retaining traces of gilding and comprising side-plates each cast, pierced and chased as a foliated serpent, vacant heart-shaped escutcheons each centred on a border en suite, spurred pommels each finely engraved with the figures of Justice and Victory on one side, and on the other with two seated male figures sharing a bowl between them, a steaming cauldron at their feet, bearded grotesque mask caps, trigger-guards (one tang repaired, the other partly replaced) each engraved with a differing bird on the bow, swelling waisted finials (one repaired) engraved with foliage, single baluster ramrod-pipes each with moulded pointed finial, and later iron-capped ramrods, 23.0 cm barrels (2)

G. Landi is possibly Giulio Landi who is recorded attending the Council of the Brescian guild of gunmakers in 1743. See Carpegna 1997, p. 186, II, 275 £1,000-1,500

365

A RARE PAIR OF IRISH 20 BORE FLINTLOCK SILVERMOUNTED TURN-OFF PISTOLS BY COLLINS, DUBLIN, MID-18TH CENTURY

with two-stage cannon barrels numbered ‘1’ and ‘2’ respectively at the breech, breeches numbered to correspond and each engraved ‘Dublin’ within a band of foliage, waisted border engraved tangs each with foliate finial, border engraved actions each signed beneath the steel-spring, border engraved cocks, sliding trigger-guard safety-catches each engraved with a scallop shell in an oval, figured rounded swelling butts each carved with a shell behind the barrel tang, cast and chased mounts comprising trophy-of-arms side-plates, vacant foliate escutcheons each with a grotesque demi-mask above and drapery below, and grotesque mask butt-caps (some old scattered rust patination), 11.7 cm barrels (2)

Matthew Collins is recorded in Dame Street, Dublin between 1748 and his death in 1770. He was Contractor to Government, and a freeman in 1749. See Stroud 2023, p. 140.

£1,500-1,800

366

AN IRISH 18 BORE FLINTLOCK SILVER-MOUNTED PISTOL BY T. HUGHES, MID-18TH CENTURY

with three-stage cannon barrel turned and moulded at the muzzle, border engraved octagonal breech becoming polygonal, decorated with a floret on each top flat, and signed beneath the chiselled steel-spring, border engraved tang decorated with foliage and retained by a screw behind the finial extending over the breech, border engraved action (cock and steel probably old replacements), trigger-guard engraved with a trophy, moulded figured rounded swelling butt carved with foliage around the tang, cast and chased mounts comprising pierced foliate side-plate, vacant foliate escutcheon, and grotesque mask butt-cap, steel ramrod-pipes, and later bone-tipped ramrod (some old wear and rust patination), 8.0 cm barrel

Timothy Hughes is recorded in Cork between 1737 and 1783. See Stroud 2023, pp. 69-70.

£400-500

367

A PAIR OF IRISH 40 BORE FLINTLOCK BOX-LOCK OVERCOAT PISTOLS, BY FOWLER, DUBLIN, CIRCA 1800

with turn-off barrels each inlaid with a gold band at the muzzle behind a band of repeated engraved foliage, breeches each engraved with a broad band of repeated foliage, border engraved actions each signed on an inlaid gold oval centred on a martial trophy over each side, engraved thumbpiece safetycatches also locking the steels , ring-neck cock s each with top jaw engraved with a starburst, folding triggers, figured rounded butts each with silver butt-cap, one engraved with a starburst centred on the retaining screw (the other replaced), and siver escutcheons each engraved with owner’s crest (some old rust patination), 6.4 cm barrels (2)

Thomas Fowler is recorded at various numbers in Capel street, Dublin between 1795 and 1825. See Stroud 2023, pp. 161-162.

£800-1,200

368

AN IRISH 15 BORE FLINTLOCK TRAVELLING PISTOL BY MCDONOGH, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

with twist octagonal sighted barrel inlaid with a gold oval on the top flat at the breech stamped ‘McDonogh Clare Regt.’, two gold lines and gold-lined touch-hole, tang engraved with a martial trophy, signed border engraved flat lock and cock (top jaw and screw replaced) each decorated with martial trophies en suite, roller, figured half-stock with chequered rounded butt, the latter with sparsely engraved silver cap, steel triggerguard with acorn finial and border engraved bow, silver escutcheon engraved with owner’s monogram above the date ‘1810’, silver barrel-bolt escutcheons, slotted ramrod-pipes and later horn-tipped ramrod (some rust patination), 11.5 cm barrel

McDonogh is recorded in County Clare circa 1810. He was possibly the armoury sergeant, Clare Regiment.

£400-500

AN UNUSUAL PAIR OF 20 BORE FLINTLOCK TURNOFF PISTOLS WITH FOLDING BAYONETS BY HALFHIDE, LONDON, CIRCA 1730

each with two-stage cannon barrel, engraved with a band of foliage around the breech, and fitted with a sprung blade folding into a mount beneath the barrel, London proof marks, border engraved breeches, each engraved with a band of foliage at the rear and signed beneath the chiselled steel-spring, border engraved actions (one cock associated, the other replaced), trigger-guards each with trefoil-shaped finial, swelling figured rounded butts, each with lightly carved apron around the tang, side-plates pieced and engraved as a monster with pierced foliate tail, and border engraved butt caps each with engraved foliate tang up the back of the butt and engraved with beadwork centred on the retaining screw, Halfhide’s barrelsmith’s mark (some light old rust patination), 13.3 cm barrels (2)

Provenance

Christie’s London, Antique Arms and Armour, 12 July 2000

George Halfhide was apprenticed to John Sibley in 1709. He was elected Master of the Gunmakers’ Company in 1736, and was Proofmaster between 1738 and 1748, the year of his death.

£1,500-2,000

370

A 25 BORE FLINTLOCK SILVER-MOUNTED TURNOFF PISTOL BY BIRCHETT, LONDON, INDISTINCT SILVER MARKS,

CIRCA 1725-30

with two-stage cannon barrel, border engraved octagonal breech becoming polygonal, engraved ‘London’ along the top and signed beneath the steel-spring, border engraved tang decorated with a florette and secured by a screw at the breech (finial missing), border engraved action (cock replaced), plain trigger-guard (finial incomplete), figured rounded butt carved with foliage behind the tang, cast and chased mounts comprising pierced foliate side-plates, foliate escutcheon engraved with owner’s crest, and grotesque mask butt cap, 13.3 cm barrel

Provenance

Major H.B.C. Pollard (1888-1966), author of A History of Firearms, 1926. For a comprehensive biography see Claude Blair, Pollards History of Firearms, 1983

Christie’s London, The J.F.R Winsbury Collection, 16th May 1973, lot 256

Christie’s London, Antique Arms and Armour, 20th September 2007, lot 222

The maker is almost certainly Edward Birchett, apprenticed to George Trulock in 1701 and free of the Gunmakers’ Company in 1726. The last reference to him was in 1734. This pistol was never proofed.

£600-800

371

A PAIR OF 18 BORE FLINTLOCK SILVER-MOUNTED HOLSTER PISTOLS, BY HEYLIN, CORNHILL, LONDON, CIRCA 1765, SILVER HALLMARKS, MAKER’S MARK OF JOSEPH KEAYS

with copper alloy barrels each signed within an elongated loop along the top flat at the breech and engraved at the rear with a band of foliage, London proof marks and Heylin’s barrelsmith’s mark, grooved tangs each engraved with foliage, signed border engraved flat bevelled locks each decorated with a flower-head on the tail, cocks engraved en suite (top jaws and screws replaced), figured full stocks (some old repairs) each carved with a shell behind the barrel tang, cast and chased mounts comprising side-plates each pierced with foliage and involving a rococo cartouche, vacant escutcheons with a shell above and foliage below, trigger-guards each with a shell and foliate finial, and engraved with a large flower-head on the bow, border engraved spurred pommels each with grotesque mask cap centred on a border of scrolls, baluster ramrod-pipes, and later horn-tipped ramrods, 20.0 cm barrels (2)

Joseph Heylin, gunmaker and stonebow maker, was made free of the London Gunmakers’ Company in 1757 and was elected Master in 1777. Also on the livery of the Worshipful Company of Vintners, his career was interrupted by bankruptcy in 1779 and he died in 1801.

£3,000-4,000

372 AN 18 BORE FLINTLOCK COPPER ALLOYBARRELLED PISTOL WITH COPPER ALLOY LOCK AND MOUNTS, SIGNED PICKFATT, CIRCA 1760 with slightly swamped barrel engraved with an elongated loop along the top of the breech and with a line of beadwork at the rear, private Birmingham proof marks, border engraved tang decorated with foliage, signed border engraved rounded lock, foliate engraved cock, lightly figured rootwood full stock with dark horn cap, cast and chased mounts comprising pierced foliate side-plate centred on a cartouche, vacant escutcheon on a pedestal, a floret above, trigger-guard (tang repaired) with acorn finial and engraved with a flower-head on the bow, turned ramrod-pipes, and later horn-tipped ramrod with iron worm, 20.3 cm barrel

£400-500

A 25 BORE FLINTLOCK BOX-LOCK PISTOL BY T. POCOCK, BIRMINGHAM, CIRCA 1775

with turn-off cannon barrel numbered ‘2’ at the breech, breech numbered ‘2’ to correspond, London proof marks, border engraved action signed beneath foliage on one side and foliage involving a part martial trophy on the other, thumbpiece safety-catch engraved with a scallop shell (top jaw and screw expertly replaced), trigger-guard engraved with a stylised flower-head, figured rounded flat-sided butt inlaid with silver wire scrollwork (minor losses on one side), cast and chased silver escutcheons engraved with owner’s crest, silver butt-cap cast and chased with foliage and a martial trophy centred on a flower-head, and in fine condition retaining much of its burnished finish, 8.4 cm barrel

This maker appears to be unrecorded.

£600-800

374

A 20 BORE FLINTLOCK SILVER-MOUNTED PISTOL, SIGNED T. RICHARDS, LONDON, BIRMINGHAM SILVER HALLMARKS FOR 1776, MAKER’S MARK OF CHARLES FREETH

with two-stage barrel turned at the girdle, octagonal breech engraved ‘London’ along the top flat and decorated with flowerheads and foliage on the flats at the girdle and rear of the breech, private Birmingham proof marks, border engraved tang decorated with foliage, signed border engraved flat bevelled lock with large roller and decorated with a flower-head on the stepped tail, figured full stock (old split in the ramrod channel) with rounded butt and carved with a drop behind the barrel tang, cast and chased mounts comprising pierced foliate and rocaille side-plate, vacant escutcheon on a pedestal, a floret above, trigger-guard with scallop shell finial and engraved with a flower-head on the bow, grotesque mask butt-cap, turned ramrod-pipes, and later horn ramrod, 23.0 cm barrel

Provenance

Bonhams Knightsbridge, Antique Arms & Armour, 14th April 2005, lot 359 Thomas Richards is recorded at 53 High Street, Birmingham between circa 1747 and 1784.

£600-800

375

A FLINTLOCK COPPER ALLOY-BARRELLED

BLUNDERBUSS-PISTOL, BY HUDSON, LONDON, CIRCA 1750

with barrel flared at the muzzle, signed within an elongated loop along the top flat at the breech and engraved with a band of foliage at the rear, London proof marks and Hudson’s barrelsmith’s mark, grooved tang engraved with foliage, signed border engraved rounded lock (top jaw and screw replaced), figured full stock with swelling rounded butt and carved with an apron around the barrel tang, cast and chased mounts comprising pierced trophy-of-arms side-plate, trophy-of-arms escutcheon engraved with owner’s crest, trigger-guard engraved with a flower-head on the bow and with basket of flowers finial, grotesque mask cap, turned ramrod-pipe, and copper alloy-capped ramrod with iron worm, 16.0 cm barrel

Thomas 1 Hudson was apprenticed to George Halfhide in 1728 and free of the Gunmakers’ Company in 1735. The last reference to him is in 1762.

£800-1,200

376

A FLINTLOCK COPPER ALLOY-BARRELLED

BLUNDERBUSS-PISTOL, BY CAIRNS & CO., LATE 18TH CENTURY

with three-stage barrel turned and belled at the muzzle, turned at the mid-section and engraved with foliage on the octagonal breech, Tower private proof marks, border engraved tang decorated with foliage, signed border engraved flat bevelled lock engraved with foliage on the tail, bevelled cock en suite, figured full stock (butt with old splits on one side) inlaid with silver wire scrollwork and a shell around the barrel tang, border engraved copper alloy mounts comprising flat bevelled side-plate decorated with a foliate rocaille, vacant escutcheon, spurred pommel with grotesque mask cap, trigger-guard with acorn finial and decorated with a flower-head on the bow, turned ramrodpipes, and later horn-tipped ramrod, 23.0 cm barrel

This maker appears to be unrecorded.

£800-1,200

377

A 50 BORE FLINTLOCK BOX-LOCK D.B. TURNOFF

PISTOL BY BENNETT, ROYAL EXCHANGE, LONDON, BIRMINGHAM SILVER HALLMARKS FOR 1782, MAKER’S MARK OF CHARLES FREETH

with copper alloy cannon barrels numbered from nothing and ‘1’ respectively, border engraved octagonal breech numbered to correspond, London proof marks, border engraved copper alloy action signed over each side on rococo foliate scrolls, tang-plate decorated with foliage and a rocaille, border engraved ring-neck cock and steel (replaced), foliate engraved sliding steel cut-off on the left engraved with a flower-head on the pan-cover, slidng steel trigger-guard engraved with foliage in a diamond within an oval, figured rounded butt and swelling pommel profusely inlaid with scrollwork and rocailles in fine silver wire (minor losses) heightened with engraved silver flower-heads, vacant border engraved silver escutcheon and cast and chased silver lion and rampart butt-cap with a border of foliage, 10.2 cm barrel

Provenance

Christie’s London, Antique Arms and Armour, 20th September 2007, lot 221

John 2 Bennett was apprenticed to his father who is recorded as Citizen and Cutler in 1758. The father was a sword cutler and silver-hilt maker registering his mark with the Goldsmith’s Company in 1761. John 2 worked on his own account at ‘67 Threadneedle Street opposite the North Gate of Ye Royal Exchange’ between 1781 and 1803, and was elected Master of the Cutlers’ Company in 1779 and 1793. The business was succeeded by his widow Elizabeth.

£1,500-1,800

378

A 50 BORE FLINTLOCK BOX-LOCK D.B. TURN-OFF PISTOL BY MEWIS & CO, BIRMINGHAM SILVER HALLMARKS FOR 1784

with copper alloy cannon barrels numbered ‘2’ and ‘3’ respectively, border engraved octagonal breeches numbered to correspond, indistinct maker’s mark and private Birmingham proof marks, border engraved copper alloy action signed on a rococo scroll on one side and engraved with a flower and garland on the other, tang-plate decorated with foliage, ringneck cock, engraved sliding steel cut-off on the left, sliding steel trigger-guard engraved with a flower-head, figured rounded butt and swelling pommel profusely inlaid with scrollwork and rocailles in fine silver wire (minor losses) heightened with engraved silver flower-heads, vacant border engraved silver escutcheon, and cast and chased silver lion and rampart buttcap with a border of foliage (some old wear and rust patination), 10.0 cm barrel

Provenance

Christie’s London, Antique Arms and Armour, 20th September 2007, lot 220

William Mewis & Co. were gunmakers and factors in Birmingham and are recorded from around 1765. They are known to have marked their firearms ‘London’.

£1,200-1,500

379

A PAIR OF 54 BORE FLINTLOCK BOX-LOCK PISTOLS BY BATEMAN, LONDON, CIRCA 1782

with turn-off copper alloy cannon barrels, Tower private proof marks, border engraved copper alloy actions signed on a rococo scroll with a flower-head above one side, and engraved ‘London’ within an oval against a martial trophy on the other, sliding trigger-guard safety-catches, each engraved with a flower-head within a diamond-shaped panel, figured rounded butts profusely inlaid with silver wire rocailles and scrolls, and grotesque mask butt caps, 7.3 cm barrels (2)

This maker appears to be unrecorded.

£800-1,000

380 A 54 BORE FLINTLOCK ALL-STEEL BOX-LOCK PISTOL BY J COLLIS, OXFORD, CIRCA 1785

with turn-off cannon barrel, Ordnance proof mark between private Birmingham proof marks, border engraved action signed within a rococo scroll over each side, trigger-guard engraved with a flower-head and flat sided butt finely engraved with scrolling rocailles and flower-heads, and retaining much of its burnished finish, 6.0 cm barrel.

John Collis is recorded in Oxford between 1782 and 1798.

£500-700

381

A PAIR OF 60 BORE FLINTLOCK BOX-LOCK SIDE-BYSIDE TAP-ACTION PISTOLS BY NICHOLSON, CORN HILL, LONDON, LATE 18TH CENTURY

with turn-off barrels each engraved around the muzzle and numbered from nothing to ‘3’, border engraved part octagonal breeches numbered to correspond, border engraved actions each signed beneath a garland on one side and with the address within a panel between flower-heads on the other, thumbpiece safety-catches also locking the steels (top-jaws and screws replaced), trigger-guards each engraved with a flowerhead and figured flat-sided butts, 7.7 cm barrels

William 2 Nicholson was elected Master of the Gunmakers’ Company in 1793 and is recorded at 45 Cornhill between 1786-94.

£1,000-1,500

382

AN 80 BORE FLINTLOCK BOX-LOCK FOURBARRELLED ‘DUCK’S FOOT’ PISTOL, PARTLY LATE 18TH CENTURY

with turn-off cannon barrels numbered respectively from ‘1’ to ‘4’, border engraved breeches numbered to correspond, border engraved action decorated with foliage above ‘Barker’ on one side and ‘Newark’ on the other, trigger-guard engraved with a shell in an oval, and figured flat-sided butt inlaid with silver wire scrollwork including a rocaille on one side and a flower-head on the other, 8.5 cm barrels

£1,000-1,500

383

A 60 BORE FLINTLOCK BOXLOCK SIDE-BY-SIDE TAP-ACTION PISTOL SIGNED MEWIS & CO., LONDON, LATE 18TH CENTURY

with turn-off barrels, London proof marks, border engraved part octagonal breeches decorated with foliage on each side, border engraved action signed within an oval against a martial trophy on one side and engraved ‘London’ on the other, sliding pan-cover lever engraved with a flower-head over the right pan, engraved thumbpiece safetycatch also locking the steel, trigger-guard engraved with a flowerhead, large figured flat-sided butt, and retaining much of its original burnished finish, 7.5 cm barrels

William Mewis & Co. were gunmakers and factors in Birmingham and are recorded from around 1765. They are known to have marked their firearms ‘London’

£800-1,000

384

A 60 BORE FLINTLOCK BOXLOCK SIDE-BY-SIDE TAP-ACTION PISTOL BY WILSON OF LONDON, LATE 18TH CENTURY

with turn-off barrels each engraved around the muzzle and numbered ‘10’ and ‘11’ respectively at the breech, London proof marks, border engraved part octagonal breeches numbered to correspond, border engraved action, signed in an oval suspended from a garland over each side, thumbpiece safety-catch also locking the steel (top jaw screw and steel-spring retaining screw replaced), trigger-guard engraved with a flower-head, figured flat-sided butt with shield-shaped escutcheon, and silver butt-cap cast and chased with lion and rampart, 6.2 cm barrels

£500-700

385

AN 80 BORE FLINTLOCK BOXLOCK POCKET PISTOL SIGNED GRIFFIN, LONDON, LATE 18TH CENTURY

with turn-off copper alloy barrel, private Birmingham proof marks, border engraved copper alloy action signed beneath a flower-head on one side, and beneath a garland on the other, thumbpiece safety-catch, trigger-guard engraved with a flower-head, and figured flat-sided butt, 2.8 cm barrel Probably retailed by Joseph Griffin.

£400-500

386 AN 80 BORE FLINTLOCK BOX-LOCK OVER-ANDUNDER TAP-ACTON PISTOL, BY G. S. & S. YOUNG, SHEFFIELD, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

with turn-off barrels each engraved with foliage around the muzzle, Tower private proof marks, border engraved copper alloy action signed within an oval against a differing martial trophy over both sides, engraved thumbpiece safety-catch, also locking the steel, trigger-guard engraved with a flower-head, and figured flat-sided butt inlaid with fine silver wire scrollwork and engraved silver flower-heads and leaves (minor areas of old pitting), 4.5 cm barrels

G. S. & S. Young appear to be unrecorded.

£450-550

387 A FLINTLOCK FOUR-BARRELLED BOX-LOCK TAPACTION PISTOL INSCRIBED WILKINS, GRANTHAM

with turn-off cannon barrels numbered from ‘3’ to ‘4’ at the breeches, border engraved part octagonal breeches numbered to correspond, border engraved copper alloy action inscribed on a foliated scroll over each side, border engraved thumbpiece safety-catch, cocks and steels, border engraved trigger-guard engraved with a flower-head, and figured swelling flat-sided butt inlaid with silverwire scrollwork on each side, and with a rocaille on each flat behind the action, 7 cm barrels

£400-500

388

A 22 BORE FLINTLOCK PISTOL BY J. COLLIS, OXFORD, LATE 18TH CENTURY

with swamped barrel signed within an elongated loop along the top flat at the breech, London proof marks, border engraved tang decorated with foliage, border engraved flat lock signed in capitals on a rococo scroll and decorated with foliage on the tail, border engraved bevelled cock, highly figured forestock (minor repair on one side at the muzzle) carved with shell motifs around the barrel tang, border engraved steel mounts decorated with rocailles and foliage comprising shaped side-plate, vacant escutcheon, spurred pommel with stepped cap, trigger-guard decorated with a flower-head on the bow and with early form of acorn finial, turned ramrod-pipes, and later horn-tipped ramrod with iron worm (some old wear and pitting), 18.0 cm barrel

John Collis is recorded in Oxford between 1782 and 1798. £400-500

389 A 22 BORE FLINTLOCK SILVER MOUNTED PISTOL, 18TH CENTURY

with copper alloy barrel, by D. Moore, London, London proof marks and Moore’s barrelsmith’s mark, the barrel engraved ‘London’ within an elongated loop along the top flat at the breech (old corrosion staining at the muzzle), border engraved tang decorated with foliage, signed border engraved lock (signature worn), decorated with foliage on the tail, rounded lock en-suite, figured full stock (some old bruising) carved with a shell behind the barrel tang, cast and chased mounts comprising pierced foliate side plate, involving a close helmet and falchion, trophy of arms escutcheon engraved with owners initials ‘JJ’, London silver hallmarks for 1766, silver maker’s mark of Joseph Keays, trigger guard with a flowerhead on the bow and with scalloped shell and finial, grotesque mask buttcap, turned ramrod pipes and original horn-tip ramrod with iron worm, 20.7 cm barrel

Daniel 2 Moore was apprenticed to George Markby in 1746, and free of the Gunmakers’ Company in 1756 of which he was elected Assistant in 1761. He died in 1802.

For a full account of Joseph Keays (1715-1794) see Southwick 2022, pp. 136-185.

£600-800

390

A CASED PAIR OF 40 BORE FLINTLOCK DUELLING PISTOLS, BY FISHER, LONDON, EARLY 19TH CENTURY with rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrels each with London proof marks and William Fullerd’s barrelsmith’s mark, and signed in gold capitals along the top, octagonal breeches each with gold lines and gold-lined touch-hole, foliate engraved tangs each with back-sight, signed border engraved flat bevelled locks each decorated with foliage at the stepped tail and with a starburst behind the gold-lined rainproof pan, foliate engraved cocks each with safety-catch behind, rollers, figured half-stocks each with silver fore-end cap and chequered rounded butt, the latter each with border engraved silver cap engraved with a flower-head centred on the retaining screw (one replaced), steel trigger-guards (some light pitting and refreshed engraving) each decorated with a martial trophy on the border engraved bow, trigger-plates each with pineapple finial, vacant silver escutcheons and barrel-bolt escutcheons, and original horn-tipped ramrods each with iron worm: in associated relined and refitted mahogany case with some accessories including rare three-way powder-flask with body covered in green leather (some scuffing), and bright steel oil bottle with body of octagonal section, the exterior of the lid with copper alloy carr ying handle of Chippendale form, 24.2 cm barrels

£3,000-4,000

AN EXTREMELY RARE PAIR OF FERGUSON-ACTION 38 BORE FLINTLOCK PISTOLS, BY DURS EGG, LONDON, CIRCA 1790

with sighted barrels each signed in front of the breech-plug, rifled with six rec tangular grooves and engraved with a line of beadwork at the breech, London proof marks, border engraved case-hardened tangs each with a line of beadwork and decorated with foliage, signed border engraved flat bevelled locks (one lock expertly replaced) each decorated with a trophy and foliage at the stepped tail, figured full stocks (minor old bruising) with rounded butts (one with slender repaired split), border engraved steel mounts retaining traces of blueing and comprising trigger-guards and decorated with a flower-head on the bow and operating a threaded plug decorated en suite, butt-caps each with a garland around the retaining screw, turned ramrod-pipes, and horn-tipped ramrods each with iron worm (steel parts rust patinated), 22.5 cm barrels (2)

Provenance

An American Collection

W. Keith Neal

Wilfrid Ward

Christie’s London, The Wilfrid Ward Collection, 27th October 1993, lot 42

Captain Patrick Ferguson patented his improved version of the La Chaumet te breech-loading system in 1776. He employed the quick thread on the breech plug which enabled it to be opened by one turn of the trigger-guard (already used by Bidet in London in the 1720’s), but he improved the action to prevent jamming after a few rounds by cutting a smooth recess into the plug where it formed the breech end of the barrel, and a number of vertical grooves across the screw threads.

Ferguson demonstrated his rifle most successfully to the Board of Ordnance and to the King, whom he told that he could fire seven shots in a minute although ‘he would not undertake in that time to knock down about five of his Majesty’s enemies’. One hundred rifles were specially made (of which only one is known to survive), and a company of Riflemen trained to use them. They fought with distinction under Ferguson in the American War of Independence at the Battle of Brandywine Creek in 1777, but Ferguson was severely wounded and the project abandoned. He returned to the field in 1778 and was killed at the Battle of King’s Mountain on 7 October, 1780. Durs Egg, who made Ferguson’s own rifles, produced some fine sporting rifles, the most distinguished of which, silver-mounted and gold-inlaid, bears the crest of the Prince of Wales and is hallmarked for 1782. It is preserved at Windsor Castle (No. L 420).

£5,000-7,000

392

A FINE 25 BORE FLINTLOCK SAW-HANDLED DUELLING PISTOL, BY T. MORTIMER & SON, 44 LUDGATE HILL, LONDON, GUN MAKER TO HIS MAJESTY, NO. 2350, CIRCA 1820 with rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrel signed in full along the top flat and with white-metal fore-sight, London proof marks, breech engraved with a chevroned line at the rear and with platinum-lined touch-hole, border engraved tang with back-sight and decorated with a martial trophy and foliage, signed border engraved flat detented lock decorated with a starburst behind the pan and with foliage on the tail, ‘French’ cock decorated en suite, engraved safety-catch, and roller, figured full stock with bluntly-pointed spur (old chip) and chequered rounded butt, the latter with pineapple chequered flat ovoidal pommel inset with a border engraved oval decorated with a flower-head centred on the retaining screw, blued spur trigger-guard decorated with a martial trophy and foliage on the border engraved bow, trigger-plate with pineapple finial, vacant silver escutcheon on the side-flat, silver barrel-bolt escutcheon, adjustable set trigger, turned ramrodpipes, original horn-tipped ramrod with threaded copper alloy cap over the worm, and some original finish, 26.2 cm barrel

Thomas Jackson Mortimer was apprenticed to his father, Thomas Elsworth, in 1795. He joined his father at T. Mortimer & Son at 44 Ludgate Hill, London between 1807 and 1824. He was in business on his own account at 21 St. James’s Street between 1818 and 1821; 38 St. James’s Street between 1822 and 1824; and 34 St. James’s Street between 1824 and the year of his death in 1833.

£1,500-1,800

393

A

PAIR

OF 20 BORE FLINTLOCK TRAVELLING PISTOLS SIGNED HAMBLING, BIRMINGHAM PROOF MARKS,

CIRCA 1830 with brown twist sighted barrels each with sighting groove along the top, case-hardened breeches each engraved with a starburst in the groove, platinum lines and platinum-lined touch-holes, case-hardened tang engraved en suite, signed border engraved flat bevelled locks and cocks each decorated with foliage and with safety-catch, roller and rainproof pan, figured full stocks each with steel fore-end cap, and chequered flat-sided rounded butt, white-metal escutcheons each engraved with owner’s crest, blued trigger-guards each decorated with a Britannia shield and foliage, trigger-plates each with pineapple finial, turned ramrod-pipes, original copper alloy-tipped ramrods each with iron worm, and some original finish, 9 cm barrels (2)

Seven gunmakers with the surname Hambling are recorded, mostly working in Devon.

£1,000-1,500

394

AN UNUSUAL PAIR OF CONTINENTAL 32 BORE PERCUSSION RIFLED COPPER ALLOY-MOUNTED PISTOLS, MID-19TH CENTURY, PROBABLY GERMAN with three-stage sighted barrels each with copper alloy bands at the muzzle, mid-section and breech, the forward sections to the muzzles cut with spiral lines, octagonal breeches each with ribbed rear section, the latter with copper alloy-lined mark, four fleur-de-lys, a crown above, plain tangs each with backsight, case-hardened bevelled locks and hammers, pivoting sprung cap-retainers, figured moulded full stocks (one repaired beneath the lock, the other with old split beneath the tail of the lock) both fore-ends with internal repairs) carved in low relief with foliage and rocaille on the fore-ends and around the barrel-tangs, the latter each inhabited by a peacock , the back of each butt inlaid with an engraved copper alloy star, border engraved copper alloy mounts comprising bevelled side-plates, spurred pommels each with stepped octagonal cap, bevelled trigger-guards each with pointed finial, faceted ramrod-pipes, adjustable set triggers, dark horn fore-end caps, and original horn tipped ramrods, 18.5 cm barrels (2)

£1,000-1,500

395

AN 80 BORE PERCUSSION ALL-METAL PISTOL FOR THE AMERICAN MARKET BY HOLLIS, CHELTENHAM, MID-19TH CENTURY with rebound twist octagonal sighted barrel, rifled with six grooves, inlaid with engraved silver foliage along the top flats at the breech, and a silver arrow centred on the white metal fore-sight, breech with two silver lines and engraved with foliage, foliage engraved dolphin hammer and signed whitemetal back-action lock, white metal full stock engraved with scrolling foliage involving an American eagle and shield between branches of palm and laurel on one side of the rounded butt, foliage engraved pommel with hinged circular butt-trap cover, steel spur trigger engraved with foliage, white metal under rib, and stirrup ramrod, 15.5 cm barrel William Hollis is recorded in Cheltenham, 1829-1854.

£500-700

396

A RARE IRISH 28 BORE PERCUSSION OVER-ANDUNDER BACK-ACTION TRAVELLING PISTOL, BY KAVANAGH, 12 DAME ST., DUBLIN, MID-19TH CENTURY

with sighted part octagonal barrels (some scattered surface rust) signed along the top flat and engraved with a foliage scroll at the breech, foliate scroll engraved tang with back sight, engraved nipple-bolsters, signed border engraved back-action locks and dolphin hammers decorated with foliate scrollwork, the latter each acting on three vents, figured flattened butt chequered on both sides and with border engraved hinged back-strap opening to reveal cavaties for balls and caps, and secured by a sprung catch, border engraved butt-cap and trigger-guard, the latter decorated with scrolling foliage, and stirrup ramrod retained by a clip on the under-rib, 8.5 cm barrels

William Kavanagh (2) Jnr. is recorded at 12 Dame Street, Dublin between 1848 and 1863.

£1,500-1,800

397

AN 18 BORE PERCUSSION OVER-AND-UNDER PISTOL, SIGNED W. JONES, EARLY 19TH CENTURY converted from flintlock, with browned twist part octagonal sighted barrels, the upper one with gold line at the breech, London proof marks, foliate scroll engraved tang with backsight, signed border engraved bevelled back-action detented locks and dophin hammers all decorated with foliate scrollwork at the time of conversion, engraved safety-catches, figured finely chequered rounded butt, blued trigger-guard decorated with a Britannia shield centred on foliage on the border engraved bow, silver escutcheon (bruised), stirrup ramrod, and retaining some old finish, 18.5 cm barrels Converted in the mid-19th Century, almost certainly by W. Jones.

£1,000-1,500

A PAIR OF 40 BORE PERCUSSION BELT PISTOLS OF HIGHLAND TYPE SIGNED INNES, CIRCA 1820

with twist barrels each in three stages, signed along the mid-sec tion and retaining some original blueing, Birmingham proof marks, multi-faceted muzzles and breech section, the latter engraved with foliate scrollwork along the top flat of the part octagonal breech, case-hardened breeches decorated en suite and each with white-metal lines and plug, border engraved flat bevelled casehardened locks each engraved with foliate scrollwork, dolphin hammers en suite (one replaced), white-metal three-quarter stocks, the butts and border engraved side-flats decorated with foliate scrollwork, the former with faceted pommels decorated en suite, trigger-guards each cast and chased with foliage and with vacant oval on the bow, steel belt-hooks and triggers each retaining some original blueing, and original steel ramrods each engraved with a flower-head on the tip, 13.0 cm barrels (2)

Probably retailed by James Innes, recorded at various addresses in Edinburgh between 1790 and 1820.

£2,000-3,000

A CASED PAIR OF PERCUSSION OFFICER'S BELT PISTOLS OF CARBINE BORE BY MANTON & CO, CALCUTTA, MID-19TH CENTURY

with rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrels each signed in gothic script along the top flat, London proof marks, foliate scroll engraved case-hardened breeches, each with two platinum lines, border engraved tangs, signed flat locks and dolphin hammers all decorated with foliate scrollwork, figured full stocks (one with minor split on each side at the muzzle, the other repaired on each side) with chequered rounded butts, trigger-guards retaining some blueing on the inside and decorated with foliate scrollwork on the border engraved bow, silver escutcheons and barrel-bolt escutchons , the former each engraved with owner's initials 'J.T.', long belt hooks, and stirrup ramrods each engraved with a flowerhead on the tip: in later lined and fitted mahogany case with some accessories including Dixon & Sons three-way powder-flask, the exterior of the lid and sides with copper alloy stringing, 19.0 cm barrels

£1,000-1,500

A CASED PAIR OF 40 BORE PERCUSSION OVER-AND-UNDER BOX-LOCK BELT PISTOLS SIGNED W. SQUIRES, LONDON, MID-19TH CENTURY

with case-hardened sighted barrels engraved around the muzzles, Birmingham proof mark s, case-hardened breeches, border engraved actions, signed tang-plates and hammers all decorated with foliate scrollwork, the last each with safety-catch behind, blued trigger-guards each engraved with foliate scrollwork, finely chequered rounded butts each with ovoidal case-hardened buttcap with hinged circular butt-trap cover engraved with a flowerhead, vacant silver escutcheons, blued belt hooks and under-ribs, stirrup ramrods each engraved with a flowerhead on the tip, and retaining most of the their original finish: in original lined and fitted mahogany case with accessories including copper alloy-mounted powder-flask, the interior of the lid with maker's trade label (minor damage), the exterior with circular vacant copper alloy escutcheon, 13.0 cm barrels

William 2 Squires is recorded at 315A Oxford Street, London between 1854 and 1857. The company is best known for their four-barrelled rim-fire pocket pistols manufactured from 1860, under British Patent No. 207 of 2 January 1859, under license from C. Sharps & Co of Philadelphia, USA

£3,000-4,000

A CASED PAIR OF LARGE 25 BORE PERCUSSION OVER-AND-UNDER PISTOLS BY TIPPING & LAWDON, LONDON, MID-19TH CENTURY

with long case-hardened sighted barrels each engraved around the muz zles and signed along the top flat, Birmingham proof marks, case-hardened breeches, border engraved actions, tang-plates and hammers all decorated with foliate scrollwork, border engraved blued trigger-guards and decorated en suite, chequered figured rounded butts each with ovoid case-hardened butt-cap with hinged circular butt-trap cover engraved with a foliate scroll, vacant silver escutcheons, belt hooks, blued under-ribs, stirrup ramrods each engraved with a flowerhead on the tip, and retaining some of their original finish: in original mahogany case fitted and lined in plum velvet with some accessories including G. & J. W. Hawksley powder-flask retaining some of its laquered finish, the exterior of the lid with circular vacant copper alloy escutcheon, 20.5 cm barrels

Tipping & Lawdon are recorded at various addresses in London between 1837 and 1854. Their head office and factory was in Birmingham.

£2,500-3,500

402

A CASED PAIR OF 20 BORE PERCUSSION BOX-LOCK BELT PISTOLS BY COLLINS, REGENT ST., LONDON, MID19TH CENTURY

with browned twist sighted barrels each engraved with ropework around the muz zle and signed along the sighting groove, London proof marks, case-hardened breeches and under-ribs, the former each with threaded plug, border engraved case-hardened actions, tang-plates and hammers, the last each with safety-catch behind (one replaced), case-hardened trigger-guards and ovoidal butt-caps, the former decorated with foliate scrollwork, the latter each with circular hinged but t-trap cover engraved with a foliate scroll, finely chequered figured rounded butts, vacant silver escutcheons, blued belt hooks (some loss of finish), stirrup ramrods each engraved with a flowerhead on the tip, and retaining most of their original finish: in original lined and fitted mahogany case with some accessories including reproduction powder-flask, the interior of the lid with Deane, Adams & Deane trade label for 1851-56, the exterior with circular vacant copper alloy escutcheon, 13.0 cm barrels

James 2 Collins is recorded at 115 Regent Street, London between 1833 and 1854.

£1,800-2,200

403

A CASED 50 BORE PERCUSSION

D.B. BOX-LOCK TRAVELLING PISTOL BY LEECH, CHELMSFORD, CIRCA 1830

with reblued sighted barrels each engraved around the muzzle and signed in gothic script along the top, gold lines, Birmingham proof marks, border engraved reblued action and tang-plate decorated with foliate scrolls, casehardened dolphin hammers each engraved with foliate scrolls and with safety-catch behind, reblued trigger-guard decorated en suite with the action, chequered figured rounded butt, silver escutcheon engraved with owner's initials, reblued under-rib, stirrup ramrod, and retaining much of its old reblued finish: in original fitted mahogany case lined in navy blue baize with accessories including copper alloy-mounted three-way powder-flask, bullet mould and bonehandled brush, the exterior of the lid with silver escutcheon engraved with owner's initials, 8 cm barrels

John Leech is recorded in Chelmsford, Essex between 1826 and 1832. £500-700

404

A CASED UNWIN & ROGERS KNIFE-PISTOL OF SMALL BORE, BIRMINGHAM PROOF MARKS, MID-19TH CENTURY

with octagonal sighted white-metal barrel, folding trigger, two folding knife blades each stamped with maker’s details on one side at the forte, white-metal body with pinned mottled cowhorn sideplates, the butt with hinged white-metal butt-trap cover, and apertures for the tweezers and white-metal bullet mould: in reproduction lined and fitted wooden case with some accessories including copper alloy-mounted powder-flask, the interior of the lid lined and stamped in gilt letters with maker’s details, the exterior with vacant copper alloy escutcheon, 8.5 cm barrel

See Winant 1955, pp. 122-124, fig. 128 £450-550

405

A 28 BORE PERCUSSION BOXLOCK TURN-OVER OVERCOAT PISTOL, BY W.M. NIXON, MAKER, CIRCA 1850 with hand-rotated case-hardened barrels each cut at the muzzle for a barrel-key and numbered ‘3’ and ‘4’ respectively, Birmingham proof marks, case-hardened breeches numbered to correspond and engraved with foliate scrolls, border engraved case-hardened action signed on one side and decorated with foliate scrollwork, engraved thumbpiece safety-catch and dolphin hammer, blued folding trigger (some loss of finish), finely chequered figured rounded butt with ovoidal pommel, the latter with ovoidal stepped casehardened cap with hinged circular butt-trap cover engraved with a foliate scroll, vacant silver escutcheon, and retaining much of its original finish, 5.3 cm barrels

William Millington Nixon is recorded at 9 Duddeston Row, Birmingham between 1845 and 1853.

£400-500

406

AN 18 BORE PERCUSSION BELT PISTOL SIGNED CLOUGH & SON, 9 NEW BOND ST., BATH, CIRCA 1860 with browned twist octagonal sighted barrel (minor scattered surface rust) engraved around the muzzle and signed along the top flat, Birmingham proof marks, case-hardened breech engraved with foliage on the top flat, border engraved case-hardened tang decorated en suite and with back-sight, border engraved action and hammer also decorated en suite, chequered figured rounded butt with case-hardened ovoidal butt-cap, the latter with foliate scroll-engraved hinged circular butt-trap cover, vacant white-metal escutcheon, blued border engraved trigger-guard decorated with folate scrollwork, blued rib and belt hook, stirrup ramrod with a flowerhead on the tip, and retaining nearly all its original finish, 10.4 cm barrel

John Clough & Son are recorded in Bath, Somerset, between 1855 and 1861.

£400-500

407

A 40 BORE PERCUSSION FOUR-BARRELLED BOX-LOCK TURN-OVER BELT PISTOL, SIGNED T. BLAND & SONS, 106 STRAND, LONDON, CIRCA 1865 with hand-rotated case-hardened barrelblock in one piece with four integral ribs and engraved around the muzzles, London and Birmingham proof marks, the bottom and top ribs each with white-metal fore-sight, the latter signed in full along the rib, border engraved case-hardened action and hammers (one an old replacement) all decorated with foliate scrollwork, safety-catches, blued border engraved trigger-guard decorated en suite with the action, chequered rounded butt with ovoidal case-hardened cap engraved with foliate scrolls centered on the retaining screw, vacant white-metal escutcheon, belt hook, no provision for a ramrod, and retaining some original finish, 11.5 cm barrels

Thomas Bland is recorded in Birmingham between 1862 and 1900. The firm is described as ‘Parent firm of the London Bland, which was set up in 1875.’ Thomas Bland was granted Bristol Patent No. 16,969 of 1887 for a ‘fourbrl pistol.’

£1,000-1,500

408

A RARE BELGIAN MAGEOT-COMBLAIN PATENT 80

BORE PERCUSSION SELF-COCKING SIDE-HAMMER

SIX-SHOT REVOLVER, NO. 1102, CIRCA 1856

with blued octagonal sighted rifled barrel engraved with vine leaves around the muzzle, and stamped with maker’s mark on one side in front of the cylinder, border engraved casehardened cylinder, frame and trigger-guard all decorated with vine leaves inhabited by a bird on one side of the frame, sprung trigger-stop on the inside of the guard, blued trigger, hinged loading-lever and engraved hammer, chequered figured rounded butt with case-hardened ovoidal butt-cap engraved with foliage centred on the retaining screw, and in fine condition retaining nearly all its original finish, 15.3 cm barrel

The partnership of Henri Mageot and Hubert Joseph Comblain is recorded in Brussels between 1834 and 1860.

£1,000-1,500

409

A FINE FRENCH LEFAUCHAUX PATENT PIN-FIRE

SIX-SHOT REVOLVER SIGNED INV. ON LEFAUCHEUX BTE, RUE DE LA BOURSE 10 A PARIS, CIRCA 1860 with browned two-stage barrel retained by a bright baluster nut with knurled edge, rounded bright steel action and butt engraved with scrolling foliage, the former signed in full behind the circular breech-plate engraved with a band of ropework, the face of the plate engraved ‘Brevete Inv Lefaucheux’, bright steel ring-trigger and under-hammer each engraved with foliage, fluted ebony grips, and retaining virtually all its original browned and bright finish, 7.5 cm barrels

Provenance

W. Keith Neal Collection, P39

Bonham’s Knightsbridge, Fine Antique Firearms from the W. Keith Neal Collection, 10th November 2005, lot 70

£1,500-1,800

410

A FRENCH LEFAUCHEUX PATENT 54 BORE PIN-FIRE

SILVER-PLATED SIX-SHOT REVOLVER, SIGNED

LEFAUCHEUX BREVETTE A PARIS, NO. LF1775, CIRCA 1850-70

the rifled barrel with gilt fore-sight, engraved around the muzzle and signed in gothic script along the top, breech engraved with vine leaves, cylinder, frame with hinged loadinggate, butt (ivory grips removed) and trigger-guard all decorated en suite, gilt-hammer formed as a lion-head, gilt cartridgeextracting rod, the tip cast with a coiled serpent, gilt trigger and lanyard swivel, and retaining most of its silver-plated and gilt finish, 13.5 cm barrel

£450-550

411

A CASED LIEGE 80 BORE PERCUSSION MANGEOT & COMBLAIN PATENT SIDE-HAMMER SIX-SHOT

REVOLVER, NO. 1835, CIRCA 1860

with reblued octagonal sighted rifled barrel, reblued serial numbered cylinder with Liège proof, dull grey case-hardened frame, trigger-guard and ovoidal butt-cap all decorated with foliage and rocailles, the first with foliate engraved side-hammer, the second with hinged sprung catch on the bow, the last with lanyard swivel, bright hinged rammer, and chequered figured rounded butt: in later wooden case fitted and lined in burgundy velvet with some accessories including powder-flask with copper body embossed over each side with a sporting trophy, the copper alloy top with adjustable plunger nozzle, the exterior of the lid with vacant shield-shaped escutcheon, 16.0 cm barrel

£600-800

412

A FRENCH 54 BORE LEFAUCHEUX PATENT PIN-FIRE SIX-SHOT REVOLVER, NO. 2757, CIRCA 1860 with sighted barrel signed ‘E.LEFAUCHEUX BR.TE S.G.D.G A PARIS’ along the top, plain cylinder, nickel-plated action, trigger-guard and butt, the first with hinged loading-gate, hammer grooved to form a back sight, cartridge extracting rod, figured rounded grips, suspension ring, and retaining some of its blued and nickel-plated finish, 13.3 cm barrel

£400-500

413

A CASED CONTINENTAL PIN-FIRE POCKET

REVOLVER OF SMALL BORE, NO. 8686, CIRCA 1860, ALMOST CERTAINLY LIEGE

with blued sighted rifled barrel engraved with foliage at the fore-sight and with symmetrical foliage at the part octagonal breech, blued cylinder, bright frame and butt (ivory grips removed) all en suite, hinged loading-gate and hammer retaining some blueing, bright cartridge-extracting rod and folding trigger, and retaining much of its original finish: in original contoured case covered in black leather (scuffed) lined in purple velvet and silk, 8.8 cm barrel

£400-500

414

AN UNUSUAL CASED LIEGE PIN-FIRE SIX-SHOT POCKET REVOLVER OF SMALL BORE, CIRCA 1860 with blued fluted cylinder also forming the barrels, engraved with scrolling foliage within strapwork borders along the flats and retained by a hinged side-catch secured to the front mount, the latter stamped ‘P. Chaineux’, Liège proof marks, dull grey action and butt engraved with foliate scrolls, the latter with rounded ebony grips, bright folding trigger and hammer, and retaining nearly all its original finish: in lined and fitted oak case, probably original, 5.0 cm barrels

£400-500

415 A FINE LEFAUCHEUX PATENT 54 BORE PIN-FIRE SIX-SHOT REVOLVER, NO. 25911, CIRCA 1865 the blued barrel with cited top-rib stamped ‘Jansen Breveté 599’ and extending back to form a top-strap carrying the backsight and secured by two screws on either side of the bright hammer, the left side at the arbor pin housing stamped with Lefaucheux’s patent marking, Liège proof, two securing screws each with knurled head pierced for a tommy-bar, frame with hinged loading-gate, butt with ovoidal cap, and trigger guard all decorated en suite and retaining their dull grey finish, bright hammer with chequered spur, cartridge extracting rod and trigger, lanyard finial chequered brightly figured rounded grips, and in fine condition retaining nearly all its original finish, 15.8 cm barrel

An Auguste Janson is recorded in Liège between 1863 and 1896.

£800-1,200

416

A LIEGE PIN-FIRE SIX-SHOT KNUCKLE-DUSTER

REVOLVER OF DOLNE (APACHE) TYPE AND OF SMALL BORE, NO. 3325, LATE 19TH CENTURY

with fluted detachable barrel-block retaining some blueing and engraved alternately with strapwork and foliage along each rib, Liège proof marks, white-metal action stamped ‘L. Dolne INV UR’ beneath the serial number on one side and engraved with trelliswork and foliage, the top-strap with a flower-head in an oval between foliage, folding grip pierced for the fingers and decorated en suite with the top-strap, peg catch, waved knifeblade mounted on the left side (some rust patination) and with spring catch, and folding trigger, 4 cm barrel-block

£1,500-1,800

417

A LIEGE PIN-FIRE SIX-SHOT KNUCKLE-DUSTER

REVOLVER OF DOLNE (APACHE) TYPE AND OF SMALL BORE, NO. 3944, LATE 19TH CENTURY

with fluted detachable barrel-block retaining some blueing, Birmingham proof marks, white-metal action stamped ‘L. Dolne INV UR’ beneath the serial number on one side, folding grip pierced for the fingers and with peg catch, waved knifeblade mounted on the left side (light old pitting on one side) and with spring catch, and folding trig ger, 4.0 cm barrel-block

£1,000-1,500

418

A LIEGE PIN-FIRE SIX-SHOT KNUCKLE-DUSTER REVOLVER OF DOLNE (APACHE) TYPE AND OF SMALL BORE, NO. 3360, LATE 19TH CENTURY

with fluted detachable barrel-block retaining some blueing, Birmingham proof marks, white-metal action stamped ‘L.

Dolne INV UR’ beneath the serial number on one side, folding grip pierced for the fingers, stamped with ‘ML’ crowned and with peg catch, waved knife-blade mounted on the left side and with spring catch, and folding trig ger, 4 cm barrel-block

£1,000-1,500

419

A LIEGE COMBINED PIN-FIRE SIX-SHOT REVOLVER OF SMALL BORE AND POCKET KNIFE, LATE 19TH CENTURY

with octagonal sighted rifled barrel, plain cylinder, frame with hinged loading-gate, cartridge-extracting rod, folding trigger, and bright slightly recurved single-edged folding blade stamped ‘Brevete S.G.B.G.’ on one side, the sides and butt covered in rounded mottled cowhorn scales, 6.0 cm barrel, 9.5 cm blade

Provenance

Christie’s London, Antique Arms and Armour, 20th November 1996, lot 215

Literature

Lewis Winant, Firearms Curiosa, 1955, p. 134, no. 145

£800-1,000

A CONTINENTAL PIN-FIRE 12-SHOT REVOLVER OF SMALL BORE, NO. 3960, LATE 19TH CENTURY, PROBABLY LIEGE

with sighted barrel inlaid with a gold line around the muzzle and breech, part octagonal breech inlaid with gold lines, fluted cylinder inlaid en suite, action, trigger-guard and butt inlaid with gold line borders, the first engraved ‘London, 3960’ on the right side, hinged loading-gate, chequered rounded grips (worn), and retaining some blueing, 12.4 cm barrel

£400-500

421

A CONTINENTAL PERCUSSION SELFCOCKING FIVE-SHOT REVOLVER OF SMALL BORE AND OF ADAMS PATENT TYPE, CIRCA 1860, PROBABLY GERMAN with blued octagonal sighted barrel, blue topstrap, border engraved frame and trigger-guard decorated with foliate scrollwork, blued cylinder and rammer, bright arbor-pin catch, safety-stop, hammer and trigger, chequered figured rounded butt with border engraved blued cap, and retaining most of its original finish, 9.8cm barrel

£600-900

422

A SPANISH 54 BORE PIN-FIRE SIX-SHOT REVOLVER WITH SPRING BAYONET, INSCRIBED CONSTRAGDO EN EIBAR ANO 1872

with blued octagonal sighted rifled barrel inlaid with an engraved copper alloy band at the muzzle and breech, inscribed and dated in copper alloy along the top flat, and decorated with symmetrical designs of silver and copper alloy foliage either side of the inscription and at the breech, the lat ter inhabited by a water fowl, spring bayonet beneath retained by a sprung catch in front of the cylinder, blued cylinder inlaid with a repeated design of silver and bass strapwork, blued frame en suite with hinged loading-gate, folding trigger, cartridge-extracting rod, butt with chequered rounded grips and lanyard swivel, and some original finish, 13.3 cm barrel

£600-800

423

A FINE CASED BOHEMIAN 50-BORE PIN-FIRE DOUBLE-ACTION SIX-SHOT REVOLVER, BY LEBEDA A PRAGUE, CIRCA 1870

with blued octagonal rifled barrel signed along the top flat, line engraved along the angles and with large blued sights, plain cylinder, case-hardened dull grey action including hinged loading-gate, butt and trigger-guard all engraved with scrolling foliage against partly trellised grounds, sprung cartridge-extracting rod, rounded partly chequered ebony grips, lanyard swivel, and retaining much of its finish: in original wooden case fitted and lined in plum velvet with replacement turnscrew (ivory compartment lid knobs and cleaning rod tip removed), the exterior covered in brown leather, the lid (some damage at the lock) with tooled borders and applied silver escutcheon engraved with owner’s crowned initials, 13.5 cm barrel

The maker or retailer is almost certainly Ferdinand Lebeda son of the famous Anton Vincent Lebeda and brother of Anton Vincent, all of whom worked in Prague.

£600-800

425

AN AMERICAN WHITNEY SECOND MODEL (3RD TYPE) PERCUSSION SIX-SHOT POCKET REVOLVER, NO. 23532, CIRCA 1860

with octagonal sighted rifled barrel stamped ‘E. Whitney N. Haven’ on the top flat, grooved top-strap, cylinder with traces of roll engraved eagle, shield and lion motif, frame and butt, silvered copper alloy trigger-guard, rammer, and varnished figured rounded grip, 19.0 cm barrel

£450-550

426

A RARE BRACE OF 54 BORE PERCUSSION ‘WEDGEFRAME’ DOUBLE-ACTION FIVE-SHOT REVOLVERS OF WEBLEY TYPE, MID-19TH CENTURY

with octagonal sighted rifled barrels each retaining some original blueing, engraved across the muzzle and with foliate scrollwork on each side in front of the border engraved topstrap, Birmingham proof marks, cylinders each retaining some blueing, numbered from ‘1’ to ‘5’ and with turned forward edge, border engraved frames decorated with foliate scrollwork and engraved ‘Patent 2226’ and ‘Patent 2261’ respectively on the left side, trigger-guards and butts decorated en suite, Kerr-type rammers and retaining some case-hardening, chequered rounded butts, and some original finish, 16.0 cm barrels (2)

£1,000-1,400

427

A FINE CASED 54-BORE PERCUSSION TRANTER PATENT THIRD MODEL DOUBLE-ACTION FIVE-SHOT REVOLVER, NO. 16492. T, MID-19TH CENTURY

with blued octagonal sighted rifled barrel engraved with foliate scrollwork at the muz zle, breech and at the rear of the border engraved top-strap, London proof marks, foliate scroll engraved case-hardened cylinder with knurled forward edge, blued frame, border engraved trigger-guard (some loss of finish) and case-hardened ovoidal butt-cap all decorated with foliate scrollwork, the first serial numbered on the right side, bright trigger and foliate engraved patent rammer, blued pivoting cylinder-stop and spring arbor pin catch, finely chequered figured rounded butt, and retaining most of its original finish: in original mahogany case (lock mechanism missing) with full accessories including James Dixon & Sons powder-flask with split-ring for suspension and retaining nearly all its lacquered finish, copper alloy bullet mould, and tins of Tranter’s ‘Lubricating Composition’ and empty tin of ‘Lubricating Bullets’, both in fine condition, the exterior of the lid with circular vacant copper alloy escutcheon, 15.2 cm barrel

£1,500-2,000

428

A RARE CASED PRYCE & CASHMORE (DAW) PATENT PERCUSSION DOUBLE-ACTION SIX-SHOT REVOLVER OF SMALL BORE RETAILED BY S. W. BERRY, WOODBRIDGE, MID-19TH CENTURY

with octagonal sighted rifled barrel engraved with foliate scrolls at the muzzle and on either side at the breech, raised sighting flat, and border engraved top-strap engraved with retailer’s details, London proof marks, plain cylinder, blued border engraved frame decorated with foliate scrollwork, trigger-guard and case-hardened ovoidal butt-cap en suite, spurred dolphin hammer, linked rammer with sprung side-catch, chequered figured rounded butt (minor chips), and some original finish on the frame: in associated mahogany case fitted and lined in blue baize with some accessories including Dixon & Sons powderflask retaining some of its lacquered finish, and copper alloy bullet mould stamped ‘No. 250’, the exterior of the lid with shield-shaped vacant copper alloy escutcheon, 9.0 cm barrel

This revolver incorporates C. Pryse and P. Cashmore’s British Patent No. 2018 of 6 November 1855 and the rammer appears to be based on J. Blisset’s Patent No. 2069 of 13 September 1855. The top-strap is an unusual feature.

Sharman West Berry is recorded at Woodbridge, Suffolk between 1845 and 1870. He also dealt in archery and ‘Wildfowling guns a speciality’. £1,000-1,500

429

A CASED 54 BORE PERCUSSION BAKER'S PATENT TRANSITIONAL SINGLE-ACTION SIX-SHOT REVOLVER BY T. K. BAKER, LONDON, NO. 49, BIRMINGHAM PROOF MARKS, MID-19TH CENTURY with octagonal sighted barrel rifled with eleven grooves and stamped '1.' on the bottom flat, cylinder with recessed nipples, rounded border engraved white-metal action and butt in one piece and decorated with foliate scrollwork, the former within a foliate scroll border on one side and with nipple-shield with knurled forward edge, blued safety-catch on the other between, engraved bar-hammer stamped 'Baker's Patent' and with long chequered spur, the action beneath stamped 'Registered April 24 1852', blued foliate scroll engraved triggerguard, the base of the butt numbered within a foliate oval, and figured rounded grips: in lined and fitted mahogany case with accessories including powder-flask with bevelled body and retaining much of its lacquered finish, and bullet mould, one arm forming a ramrod, the exterior of the lid with copper alloy escutcheon engraved 'George Forbes' (worn)

Thomas Kerslake Baker was granted British Registered Design No. 3230 of 24th April 1852 for his 'long-spur hammer'.

£800-1,000

430

A CASED 80 BORE PERCUSSION

J.R. COOPER PATENT SELFCOCKING UNDER-HAMMER

SIX-SHOT REVOLVER, MID-19TH CENTURY

the fluted case-hardened barrels with Birmingham proof marks, case-hardened border engraved rounded action and butt decorated with foliate scrollwork, the former engraved ‘J.R. Cooper Patentee’ along one side, blued thumbpiece safety-catch engaging with the nipple-shields, case-hardened ringtrigger and under-hammer, figured rounded grips, and retaining much of its original finish: in contemporary mahogany case refitted and relined in navy blue velvet with some accessories including small Sykes powder-flask retaining some of its lacquered finish, the exterior of the lid with shieldshaped vacant copper alloy escutcheon, 8.0 cm barrels

£400-500

431

A 90 BORE PERCUSSION

TRANSITIONAL SINGLE-ACTION

SIX-SHOT REVOLVER BY T. BLISSETT, 38 SOUTH CASTLE ST., LIVERPOOL, CIRCA 1850

with sighted rifled barrel retaining some original blueing and engraved around the muzzle, Birmingham proof marks, casehardened cylinder line engraved around the forward edge, rounded border engraved white-metal action and butt, the former decorated with scrolling foliage, the latter signed in full along the back between foliate scrolls and with foliate scroll engraved steel butt-cap with hinged circular butt-trap cover decorated with a flower-head, foliate engraved case-hardened bar-hammer with sighting-slot, ring-trigger, and chequered rounded grips, 12.5 cm barrel

Thomas Blissett is recorded at 38 South Castle Street, Liverpool between 1835 and 1870.

£450-550

432

A 90 BORE PERCUSSION TRANSITIONAL SINGLE-ACTION SIX-SHOT REVOLVER RETAILED BY COGSWELL, 224 STRAND, LONDON, CIRCA 1850

with blued octagonal sighted rifled barrel engraved around the muzzle and signed in full along the top flat, casehardened cylinder line engraved around the forward edge, Birmingham proof marks, rounded white-metal action and butt, the former decorated with a foliate scrolled panel on each side, the latter with border engraved steel buttcap decorated with scrollwork and with hinged circular butt-trap cover decorated with a foliate scroll, engraved case-hardened bar-hammer with sighting-slot, blued ring-trigger, chequered rounded grips, and retaining much of its original finish, 12.5 cm barrels

Benjamin Cogswell is recorded at 224 Strand, London between 1842 and 1856.

£400-500

433

A RARE 120-BORE PERCUSSION HARVEY’S PATENT

1854 SECOND MODEL ‘HAMMERLESS’ SELF-COCKING SIX-SHOT REVOLVER, NO. 3999, MID-19TH CENTURY

with octagonal sighted rifled barrel retaining some blueing and engraved around the muzzle, serial numbered and engraved ‘Harvey’s Patent Breech Loading Revolving Pistol’ along the top flat, Birmingham proof marks, serial numbered cylinder numbered from ‘1’ to ‘6’ and engraved around the forward edge, border engraved action retaining traces of casehardening and decorated with foliate scrollwork, enclosed hammer and engraved safety-stud on the left side, detachable combination tool and rammer with spring-catch and knurled tip, foliate scroll engraved trigger-guard, ovoidal butt-cap with foliate scroll engraved butt-trap cover, chequered figured rounded butt, and vacant silver escutcheon, 9.5 cm barrel

This revolver incorporates Harvey’s British Patent N. 2602 of 1834. See Taylerson et al, p. 305, pl. 34 (lower).

£800-1,200

434

A VERY RARE 54 BORE PERCUSSION PENNELL

PATENT ‘HAMMERLESS’ SELF-COCKING SIX-SHOT BELT REVOLVER RETAILED BY G.W. BALES, IPSWICH, CIRCA 1855

with octagonal sighted rifled barrel engraved with retailer’s details along the top flat, engraved around the muzzle and with foliate scrolls at the breech, Birmingham proof marks, pivoting patent barrel-catch and contemporary ramrod-lever mount, plain cylinder, patent border engraved action decorated with foliate scrollwork and with safety-stud on the left side, border engraved striker housing inscribed ‘Patent’ on a scroll, foliate scroll engraved tang and trigger-guard, ovoidal butt-cap with hinged circular butt-trap cover engraved with a scroll, finely chequered figured rounded butt with flared pommel (minor old chip), vacant white-metal escutcheon, belt hook, and traces of original finish (barrel and trigger-guard with old light pitting), 16.3 cm barrel

This revolver, one of only thirteen that are thought to survive, incorporates Thomas Pennell’s British Patent No.1038 of 29th April 1853. For more information see Taylerson et al 1968, p. 301

£1,000-1,500

435

A VERY RARE 80-BORE PERCUSSION WESTLEY RICHARDS PATENT SELFCOCKING SIDE-HAMMER FIVE-SHOT REVOLVER BY WESTLEY RICHARDS, 170 NEW BOND ST., LONDON (PATENTEE), NO. 43 FOR 1853 with blued octagonal sighted rifled barrel engraved around the muzzle and signed along the top flat, London proof marks, blued top-strap secured by a blued pivot-catch, plain cylinder with angled nipples, hinged arbor-pin catch, border engraved case-hardened action decorated with foliate scrollwork on the left side, foliate scroll engraved sidehammer with platinum filled gravity safety-stop, blued trigger-guard en suite with the action, case-hardened ovoidal butt-cap with hinged circular butt-trap cover engraved with scrolling foliage, broadly chequered figured rounded butt with spur, and retaining much of its original finish, 10.2 cm barrel

This revolver incorporates Westley Richards British Patent No. 14027 of 20 March 1852 and is thought to be the earliest of only about 300 that were produced. See Taylerson et al, p. 297, pl. 34 (top).

£1,500-1,800

436

A RARE 120 BORE PERCUSSION WEBLEY PATENT THIRD MODEL ‘LONG SPUR’ SINGLE-ACTION SIX-SHOT REVOLVER RETAILED BY PERERA, BIRMINGHAM, NO. 1099, CIRCA 1860 with octagonal sighted rifled barrel signed along the top flat, engraved around the muzzle and with a foliate scroll at the breech, threaded to engage with the cylinder arbor and secured by a screw beneath, Birmingham proof marks, cylinder numbered from ‘1’ to ‘6’ and engraved around the forward edge, silvered border engraved frame and butt, the former decorated with foliate scrollwork framing ‘Webleys Patent’ on the left side, the latter engraved with the serial number and ‘By Her Majesty’s Royal Letters Patent’ down the back, scroll engraved hammer with chequered spur, foliate engraved trigger-guard retaining some silvering, hinged rammer, lanyard swivel, and chequered figured rounded grips (some loss of silvering), 10.0 cm barrel

This revolver incorporates James Webley’s British Patent No. 743 of 1853. Perera, Birmingham appears to be unrecorded. £800-1,200

437

A VERY RARE 38-BORE PERCUSSION SHEATH’S PATENT SELF-COCKING FIVE-SHOT REVOLVER, INDISTINCTLY SIGNED, NO. 62, CIRCA 1853 with blued octagonal sighted rifled barrel (patches of shallow damage) engraved around the muzzle and with traces of signature along the top flat, and retained by a wing-headed screw in front of the frame, London proof marks, plain cylinder, border engraved frame retaining some blueing, decorated with foliate scrollwork and ‘Sheath’s No. 62’ on the right side, foliate scroll engraved triggerguard, and chequered figured rounded butt (butt-cap replaced), 19.1 cm barrel This revolver, one of only two that are thought to survive, incorporates British Patent No. 966 of 26 April 1853. Taylerson et al notes ‘Under this patent, a method for attaching a revolver barrel to the frame, by screws, was claimed, together with a use of a projection on the pawl of a self-cocking lockmechanism, to serve as a cylinder-bolt, by intercepting the nipple-partitions (The latter idea was also claimed by P. Webley’s Br. Pat. No. 2127/1853 (q.v.), For single-action arms) A fivechambered, 38-bore revolver, with 7 ½-in. barrel, is the only specimen arm that we have encountered…’

£800-1,200

438

A CASED 54 BORE PERCUSSION GAS-SEALED SINGLE-ACTION SIX-SHOT REVOLVER SIGNED WITTON & DAW’S IMPROVED, 57 THREADNEEDLE ST., LONDON, LONDON PROOF MARKS, CIRCA 1855-60 with blued octagonal sighted rifled barrel engraved around the muzzle (some loss of finish), signed in full along the top flat and engraved with foliate scrolls on each side of the breech-block, case-hardened cylinder numbered from ‘1’ to ‘6’ on the front, foliate scroll engraved case-hardened action signed in full on one side, hammer en suite, case-hardened rammer with retaining clip (incomplete), blued foliate scroll engraved trigger-guard, finely chequered figured rounded butt with case-hardened ovoidal cap with hinged circular butt-trap cover engraved with a flower-head, vacant silver escutcheon, and retaining most of its original finish: in original lined and fitted oak case with accessories including G. & J. W. Hawksley powder-flask (cut-off spring incomplete) with suspension ring and retaining its lacquered finish, the interior of the lid with maker’s trade label, the exterior with circular vacant copper alloy escutcheon, 16.0 cm barrel

Provenance

Wallis & Wallis, Lewes, Sussex, 5th September 1958, Lot 914

£2,000-3,000

439

A RARE LE MAT & GIRARD’S PATENT PERCUSSION DUAL SYSTEM NINE-SHOT ‘GRAPE-SHOT’ REVOLVER, NO. 8650, CIRCA 1864-5

with 60 bore blued octagonal sighted rifled barrel stamped ‘Le Mat & Girard’s Patent London’ along the top flat, Birmingham proof marks, fitted with hinged rammer on the left side and with 18 bore ‘grape-shot’ barrel beneath, blued serial numbered cylinder, blued squared action, hammer with pivoting nose, trigger-guard, butt with integral lanyard ring, partly chequered figured rounded grips, and some original finish (some old rust patination and small areas of pitting), 16.8 cm barrel

First patented in America in 1856, Dr Jean Francois Le Mat’s famous revolver was ready for production by 1859. A partnership was formed with his cousin by marriage Major, later General, P.G.T. Beauregard who was an enthusiastic supporter of Le Mat and his revolver, bringing it to the attention of the Confederate military and helping to finance its production. By 1860 the partnership was over, however the first production Le Mat’s were being built under the direction of Charles Frederic Girard with whom Le Mat had formed a new partnership in 1860. Formerly Assistant Secretary at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, Girard eventually acquired about 80% of the patent rights to the revolver and on his return to France oversaw the production of only about 3000 of the revolvers between 1862 and 1865. The business went bankrupt following the defeat of the Confederacy. See Marie-Antoinette and Alain F. Serpette with Almore J. Forgett, Colonel Francois A. Le Mat, 15 avril 1821-28, juillet 1895, 1995, pp. 52-58.

£3,500-4,500

440

A CASED COLT 1849 MODEL POCKET PERCUSSION REVOLVER, NO. 7399 FOR 1855 with blued octagonal sighted barrel (some loss of finish) with two line London address, London proof marks, reblued cylinder with roll engraved with stagecoach hold-up scene, case-hardened frame and rammer, silvered steel trigger-guard and back-strap, varnished figured rounded grips, matching numbers, and much original finish: in relined and fit ted oak case with accessories including Dixon & Sons powder-flask with split-ring for suspension, reproduction bullet mould, combination tool and cleaning rod, the interior of the lid with facsimile ‘Directions’ label, the exterior with circular vacant copper alloy escutcheon, 10.2 cm barrel £1,000-1,500

441

A 54 BORE PERCUSSION TRANTER PATENT DOUBLE-ACTION FIVE-SHOT BELT REVOLVER RETAILED BY H. EGG, PICCADILLY, LONDON, NO. 14,392.T., CIRCA 1855

with blued octagonal sighted rifled barrel engraved around the muzzle, signed border engraved top-strap, bright cylinder with roped forward edge, blued border engraved frame, bright trigger-guard and butt-cap, the latter engraved ‘B’ over ‘1’, blued hinged cylinder-stop and arbor-pin catch, bright border engraved patent rammer, blued belt hook, chequered figured rounded butt, and retaining much original finish, 21.1 cm barrel

Provenance

Bonhams Knightsbridge, Antique Arms and Armour, 27th March 2003, lot 240 Henry Egg is recorded at 1 Piccadilly, London between 1857 and 1869.

£600-900

442

A CASED 54 BORE PERCUSSION TRANTER PATENT THIRD MODEL SELF-COCKING FIVE-SHOT REVOLVER RETAILED BY WM. DOOLEY, RANELAGH ST. LIVERPOOL, NO. 1319. T., CIRCA 1860

with blued octagonal sighted rifled barrel engraved with foliate scrollwork at the muz zle, breech and at the rear of the border engraved top-strap, the latter signed in full, foliate scroll engraved cylinder (old staining) with knurled forward edge, blued border engraved frame, trigger-guard and case-hardened ovoidal but t-cap all decorated with foliate scrollwork, the first with serial number on the right side, bright patent double-trigger and foliate scroll engraved patent rammer, blued safety-stop and arbor pin catch, finely chequered rounded butt, and retaining most of its original finish: in original mahogany case fitted and lined in blue baize with accessories, Sykes patent powder-flask retaining much of its lacquered finish, and copper alloy bullet mould, the interior of the lid with retailer’s illustrated trade label, the exterior with circular vacant copper alloy escutcheon, 15.2 cm barrel

William Dooley is recorded at 11 Ranelagh Street, Liverpool between 1846 and 1864.

£1,800-2,200

441

442

A CASED 54 BORE PERCUSSION TRANTER PATENT FOURTH MODEL DOUBLE-ACTION FIVE-SHOT REVOLVER

RETAILED BY ROB.T ADAMS 76 KING WILLIAM ST., LONDON, NO. 15,356, CIRCA 1860 with octagonal sighted rifled barrel engraved around the muzzle, London proof marks, border engraved top-strap signed in full, cylinder with knurled forward edge, border engraved frame serial numbered on one side, border engraved trigger-guard, ovoidal butt-cap and patent rammer, recoloured arbor pin and catch, pivoting c ylinder-stop, chequered figured rounded butt, and now silvered overall over old light pitting: in associated oak case (keyhole escutcheon missing) fitted and lined in burgundy baize with Dixon & Sons powder-flask and Tranter patent bullet mould both silvered en suite with the revolver, 15.2 cm barrel

£600-800

444

A 120 BORE PERCUSSION DEANE-HARDING PATENT

SECOND MODEL DOUBLE-ACTION SIX-SHOT REVOLVER RETAILED BY MITCHELL & CO., MANCHESTER, NO. 5,414.L., CIRCA 1860 with blued octagonal rifled take-down barrel hinged at the top of the standing breech, signed border engraved top-strap, London proof marks, blued serial numbered cylinder, blued border engraved frame engraved ‘Deane Harding Patent No. 5.414.L.’ along the right side, blued pivoting barrel-catch and cylinder-stop, plain trigger-guard and butt-cap, bright patent hammer with sprung side-catch, and retaining much of its original finish (light surface rust patination), 11.5 cm barrel

See Bell & Philpott 1960, pp. 10-12.

£500-650

445

A 54 BORE PERCUSSION KERR PATENT SINGLEACTION FIVE-SHOT REVOLVER BY THE LONDON ARMOURY COMPANY, NO. 11229, CIRCA 1863 with blued octagonal sighted rifled barrel engraved ‘Jas. Kerr & Co. Successors, 36 King William Street E.C.’ along the slender top flat, blued top-strap engraved ‘London Armoury’, London proof marks, serial numbered cylinder, blued border engraved frame and case-hardened back-action lock, the former engraved ‘Kerr’s Patent 11229’ on one side, the latter stamped with London Armoury mark, trigger-guard and ovoidal buttcap, the latter with lanyard swivel, arbor-pin with spring-catch, hinged rammer with sprung side-catch, chequered figured rounded butt, and some original finish, 14.5 cm barrel

The London Armoury Company moved to 36 King William Street, London in 1863 and was later resold to James Kerr in 1875.

£800-1,000

A RARE CASED 54 BORE PERCUSSION PRYSE & CASHMORE (DAW) PATENT DOUBLE-ACTION FIVE-SHOT REVOLVER BY GEORGE H. DAW, 57 THREADNEEDLE ST., LONDON, PATENT NO. 1466, CIRCA 1861-68 with blued sighted rifled barrel signed in full along the top flat, London proof marks, serial numbered case-hardened cylinder numbered from ‘1’ to ‘5’ around the front, blued border engraved frame engraved ‘Patent No. 1466’ on one side, blued border engraved trigger-guard and ovoidal case-hardened butt-cap with lanyard ring, blued hammer and trigger, bright partly casehardened rammer with blued sprung side-catch, chequered rounded but t with rounded case-hardened spur, and retaining nearly all its original finish: in original lined and fitted oak case (keyhole escutcheon missing ) with accessories including G. & J.W. Hawksley powder-flask with split-ring for suspension and retaining most of its lacquered finish, and copper alloy bullet mould, the interior of the lid with maker’s trade card, the exterior with circular vacant copper alloy escutcheon, 15.2 cm barrel

This revolver incorporates C. Pryse and P. Cashmore’s British Patent No. 2018 of 6th December 1855 and the rammer appears to be based on J. Blisset’s British Patent No. 2069 of 13th December 1855.

For further information see Taylerson et al 1968, pp. 228-230 and 309; and Bell 1961, pp. 2-3. George Henry Daw is recorded at 57 Threadneedle Street, London between 1861 and 1868.

£2,000-3,000

447

A CASED 54 BORE PERCUSSION DEANE-HARDING PATENT SECOND MODEL DOUBLE-ACTION FIVE-SHOT REVOLVER BY DEANE & SON, LONDON BRIDGE, NO. 6, 561 L, CIRCA 1865 with blued octagonal sighted rifled take-down barrel hinged to the top of the standing breech, London proof marks, blued top-strap (minor old scratches) signed in full, blued serial numbered cylinder and frame, the latter engraved ‘Deane Harding Patent No. 6, 561 L’ and with indistinct conjoined ‘DH’ acceptance stamp on the right, blued pivoting barrel-catch and cylinder-stop, bright hammer and rammer, the latter with sprung side-catch, trigger-guard and ovoidal butt-cap, the former retaining some blueing on the inside, chequered rounded butt, and most of its finish: in original lined and fitted oak case with accessories including James Dixon & Sons powder-flask with split-ring for suspension, and retaining much of its lacquered finish, copper alloy bullet mould, and extra blued cylinder serial numbered ‘No. 6, 560 L’, the exterior of the lid with circular vacant copper alloy escutcheon, 15.3 cm barrel

John Deane & Son, successors to Deane, Adams & Deane, were manufacturers of revolvers under William Harding’s British Patent Nos. 669 & 1159 of 1858. £1,500-1,800

447

A VERY RARE CASED 50-BORE PERCUSSION JOHN ADAMS PATENT DOUBLE-ACTION SIX-SHOT REVOLVER

BY ADAM’S PATENT SMALL ARMS COMPANY, 391 STRAND, LONDON, NO. 40, CIRCA 1866

with octagonal sighted rifled barrel, London proof marks, top-strap signed in full, cylinder with swept nipple-shields, frame engraved with refreshed ‘Adams Patent Improved No. 40’ along the right side, plain trigger-guard and ovoidal butt-cap, rammer with pressstud and engaging with the replacement wedge-clip, chequered figured rounded butt, and recoloured overall apart from the hammer and blued trigger: in contemporary lined and fitted oak case with accessories including G. & J.W. Hawksley powder-flask (cut-off spring incomplete) retaining much of its lacquered finish, and copper alloy ‘Adams London’ bullet mould (minor bruising), the interior of the lid with maker’s trade label, the exterior with circular vacant copper alloy escutcheon, 15.0 cm barrel

This revolver incorporates John Adams’ British Patent No. 1758 of 12 July 1861 and No. 1959 of 28 July 1866. It appears to be only the fourth example recorded. Taylerson records that ‘Adams’s new pistol was designed for optimal use with a cylinder for “cartridges made on the Lefaucheux principle”, or with a percussion cylinder substituted [as in this case]; specimen arms are not known today’. See Blair 1968, p. 138, no. 645; and Chamberlain & Taylerson 1976, pp. 98-99, pl. 22 (bottom).

£1,500-1,800

449

A 90 BORE PERCUSSION TRANTER PATENT

DOUBLE-ACTION SIX-SHOT REVOLVER RETAILED BY GRIFFITHS & WORSLEY, MANCHESTER, NO. 27,844.T, CIRCA 1865

with reblued octagonal sighted rifled barrel engraved around the muzzle, signed top-strap within a foliate engraved border, Birmingham proof marks, reblued cylinder with roped forward edge, reblued foliate scroll engraved frame (action defective), trigger-guard and butt-cap, bright trigger, safety-stop, sprung arbor-pin catch and engraved patent rammer, chequered rounded butt, and in refurbished condition, 11.5 cm barrels

Provenance

Bonhams Knightsbridge, Antique Arms and Armour, 27th March 2003, lot 239

Griffiths & Worsley are recorded in Manchester, Lancashire between 1862 and 1869

£400-500

450

A RARE .500 CENTRE-FIRE TRANTER PATENT 1868 MODEL SINGLE-ACTION FIVE-SHOT REVOLVER RETAILED BY BOSS & CO., ST. JAMES’S STREET, LONDON, NO. 61897, CIRCA 1870

with sighted smooth-bore barrel engraved with retailer’s details along the top, Birmingham proof marks, fluted cylinder, border engraved frame (repaired at the hammer) with hinged loading-gate and sprung arbor-pin catch, border engraved trigger-guard and ovoidal butt-cap, the latter with lanyard swivel, chequered figured rounded butt, and traces of blueing in places, 15.5 cm barrel

Literature

A.W.F. Taylerson, The Revolver 1865-1888, 1966, pp. 158 and 204, pl. 54. Taylerson notes ‘In the U.K., a few TRANTER smooth-bore revolvers are known to exist and presumably date from the expiry of the provisional protection secured here by Dodge…’

Ron Stewart, The Firearms of William Tranter Birmingham Gunsmith, 2007, pp. 142-143

Joel Black, Kerry Guerin and Roger G. Michaud, Tranter Cartridge Firearms, 2007, pp. 142-143

£450-550

A CASED .320 RIM-FIRE TRANTER PATENT NO. 2 SINGLE-ACTION SEVEN-SHOT REVOLVER RETAILED BY J. BLANCH & SON, GRACECHURCH ST., LONDON, NO. 2221, BIRMINGHAM PROOF MARKS, CIRCA 1870 with blued octagonal sighted rifled barrel engraved around the muzzle and with retailer’s details along the top flat, grooved topstrap, plain cylinder, blued border engraved frame with open trigger, hinged loading-gate, blued butt with figured rounded grips and case-hardened border engraved ovoidal cap, blued arbor pin and spring-catch, and retaining most of its original blueing: in original fitted mahogany case lined in blue baize with turnscrew and bone box (lid missing ), the exterior of the lid veneered in burr walnut and with circular vacant escutcheon, 7.0 cm barrel

John Blanch & Son are recorded at 29 Gracechurch Street, London between 1848 and 1914.

For a similar example see Black et al, 2007, p. 30-33

£500-600

452

A CASED .230 RIM-FIRE SINGLE-ACTION SEVEN-SHOT REVOLVER OF TRANTER PATENT TYPE, NO. 31, CIRCA 1870

with blued octagonal sighted rifled barrel, blued cylinder, Birmingham proof marks, border engraved copper alloy top-strap, frame and butt all decorated with foliate scrollwork, single side-lever, arbor pin with blued spring-catch, spur trig ger and hammer, chequered rounded grips, and retaining most of its original finish: in original fitted mahogany case lined in blue velvet with some accessories, the exterior of the lid veneered in burr walnut and with border engraved shield-shaped copper alloy escutcheon above a copper alloy scroll, 6.0 cm barrel

£400-500

END OF SALE

452

SALE RESULTS FOR 4TH DECEMBER 2024

The following prices are the hammer prices GBP/£. Unsold lots are not shown. Olympia Auctions is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions

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DATE: 25TH & 26TH JUNE 2025

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