A Highland Silver-Mounted DirkLate 18th/Early 19th CenturyWith blade tapering at the double-edge point and with a fuller along each side for much of its length, shouldered wooden hilt (chipped beneath the pommel-cap on one side) carved with Celtic knotwork and with swelling grip set with silver pins, border engraved basal mount and side-straps, border engraved pommel-cap inscribed with owner's name 'A. Murray', and with tang button, in original leather scabbard with border engraved mounts, the locket decoratively pierced and centred on a shield engraved with owner's crest and motto above initials 'AM', side-pocket mounts each pierced and engraved with a thistle, plain chape, and suspension rings, the by-knife and fork (grip damaged) en suite with the dirk 36 cm. blade Footnotes:The crest and motto is that of a member of the Murray family, Dukes of Atholl, Chiefs of Clan MurrayFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
We found 110986 price guide item(s) matching your search
There are 110986 lots that match your search criteria. Subscribe now to get instant access to the full price guide service.
Click here to subscribe- List
- Grid
-
110986 item(s)/page
A Basket-Hilted BroadswordLate 18th CenturyWith double-edged blade with border engraved central fuller on each side of the forte incised 'ANDREA FARARA' between dot marks, iron guard of rectangular bars framing panels of shaped outline pierced with rudimentary hearts and circles, the side panels en suite and with 'ram's horn', and with an oval aperture for reins on one side, fore-guards (detached on each side), small wrist-guard, later fluted pommel with separate button, and later turned wooden grip on a leather washer 89.1 cm. bladeFootnotes:Cf. a sword with related hilt in the National Museum of Scotland (inv. no. LA33). See Cyril Mazansky, British Basket-Hilted Swords, 2005, p. 97, FLe (illustrated)This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Scottish Basket-Hilted BroadswordEarly 18th CenturyWith tapering double-edged blade with shallow central fuller and retaining traces of etched decoration on both sides of the forte, rectangular ricasso, iron guard of narrow rectangular bars framing fretted panels incised with line borders and pierced with hearts and circles, the main panels centred on saltires, the side-bars each framing an S-shaped bar set at an angle above a 'ram's horn' with shell-shaped terminal, fore-guards and rear guard, the latter incised 'XIIX' beneath, fluted bun-shaped pommel with flattened button, and spirally-grooved wooden grip, in its wood-lined black leather scabbard tooled with a repeated design along the outside (worn) and with later steel chape and suspension hooks (one replaced) 82.4 cm. bladeFootnotes:For a related hilt see Cyril Mazansky, British Basket-Hilted Swords, 2005, p. 88, E4a (illustrated)This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Scottish Basket-Hilted BroadswordEarly To Mid-18th CenturyWith tapering double-edged blade with a pair of shallow fullers over each side of the forte etched 'Andrea Ferara' between scrolling foliage (worn), rectangular ricasso, iron guard of rounded bars framing lightly fretted panels incised with line borders and pierced with stylised hearts ánd circles, the main panels centred on saltires, the side-bars each framing an S-shaped bar set at an angle above a stylised 'ram's horn' with shell-shaped terminal, fore-guards, scrolled wrist-guard, bun-shaped pommel cut with triple lines and with separate flattened button, spirally-grooved fishskin-covered wooden grip with woollen tassel at the top, and remains of a buff-leather liner 90.7 cm. blade Footnotes:For a related sword in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow (inv. no. E. 1954. 118), see Cyril Mazansky, British Basket-Hilted Swords, 2005, p. 91, E6a (illustrated)This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Composite Scottish Basket-Hilted BroadswordThe Hilt In The Manner Of John Simpson The Younger Of Glasgow, Early 18th CenturyWith tapering double-edged blade of flattened hexagonal section incised with a running wolf mark on each side forward of the forte, the latter cut with three central fullers on both sides and incised 'ANDREA FERARA' between 'x' marks, and rectangular ricasso fluted on each side, iron guard of fluted bars of rectangular section framing finely fretted panels pierced with hearts and stylised hearts, the main panels centred on saltires, pierced en suite and each centred on a quatrefoil, the side panels each with 'ram's horn' terminal pierced with a stylised heart between, fore-guards, scrolled wrist-guard, bun-shaped pommel with flattened button, and wooden grip of octagonal section (wormed, some old pitting overall) 85.8 cm. bladeFootnotes:John Simpson the Younger was admitted to the Incorporation of Hammermen in 1711 and was dead by 1749For a sword with a very similar hilt in the National Museum of Scotland (inv. no. LA 139) see Cyril Mazansky, British Basket-Hilted Swords, 2005, p. 116, F16a (IS.G) (illustrated); and another sold in these Rooms, Antique Arms and Armour..., 22 April 2009, lot 123This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Scottish Basket-Hilted BroadswordLast Quarter Of The 17th CenturyWith tapering double-edged blade incised 'H IS' and 'ANDREA FERARAA' within the fuller over each side of the forte, iron 'ribbon' guard of broad flat bars involving saltires, circular panels (one with old rust hole) and a recurved bar on each side, rudimentary quillons (rear one and bar broken), and integral ring at the top beneath the bun-shaped pommel with flattened button, wooden grip, and later buff-leather liner faced in red woollen cloth (old pitting overall) 79.8 cm. blade Footnotes:See footnote to following lotThis lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Scottish Basket-Hilted BroadswordLast Quarter Of The 17th CenturyWith tapering double-edged blade fullered over both sides of the forte and incised with an anchor and orb and cross marks at the base, iron 'ribbon' guard of broad flat bars involving saltires, circular panels and an 'S' on each side (one with minor old repair), three of the bars incised with a double line 'X' at the top beneath an integral ring beneath the conical pommel, the latter with separate button, rudimentary quillon, and later ribbed wooden grip bound with twisted brass wire 90 cm. blade Footnotes:For other examples of this distinctive type see Cyril Mazansky, British Basket-Hilted Swords, 2005, pp. 70-73This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Fine Military Officer's Basket-Hilted Backsword Of So-Called 'Pinch Of Snuff' Type Late 18th CenturyWith tapering blade double-edged towards the point and with a narrow fuller bordering the back over most of its length on each side, the forte on both sides incised with crescent, stars and comet marks, elaborate iron guard of slender bars framing open ovoidal panels filled by scrolled crosses between diamond-shaped panels, and with a ring beneath the pommel above, scrolled fore-ground of two broad bars, wide scrolled wrist-guard, compressed bun-shaped pommel with button, spirally-grooved fishskin-covered grip bound with a strip of silver ribbon between two strands of silver wire, and with tartan-covered buff-leather liner, in original wood-lined leather-covered scabbard (seam open and incomplete, some loss of surface) tooled with double line ornament over one side at the forte, iron locket and chape, the former incised '6' on one side, and with iron belt hook 87 cm. bladeFootnotes:A similar sword appears in 'The Pinch of Snuff', a painting attributed to William Delacour. The picture shows an officer, probably of the 78th or Fraser's Regiment (1757-6). Another is depicted being held by the Hon. William Gordon, painted by Pompeo Batoni in 1766, in the uniform of the 105th The Queen's Own Royal Regiment of Highlanders. See John Wallace, Scottish Swords and Dirks, 1970, p. 53, fig. 44 For a closely related example in the Royal Armouries, Leeds (inv. no. ix. 244) see Cyril Mazansky, British Basket-Hilted Swords, 2005, p. 174, G18jThis lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Pair Of Highland 28-Bore Flintlock All-Metal Belt PistolsEarly 19th CenturyWith bright three-stage barrels (some pitting) each with double turn behind the flared octagonal muzzle, faceted breeches, border engraved flat bevelled locks each decorated with foliage, cocks en suite, pans with water-drains, German silver three-quarter stocks each engraved with designs of foliage, 'ram's horn' butts each with vacant oval on both side and owner's crest in an oval behind the breech, engraved silver button triggers, threaded prickers shaped as white-metal thistles, steel belt hooks each with pierced and engraved finial, and original steel ramrod (the other missing) (2) 20 cm. barrels Footnotes:ProvenanceSold in these Rooms, Antique Arms, Armour and Modern Sporting Guns, 27 July 2006, lot 480For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Pair Of Scottish 25-Bore Flintlock All-Metal Belt Pistols By John Campbell Of Doune, Third Quarter Of The 18th CenturyWith four-stage barrels engraved at the flared octagonal muzzles and with symmetrical scrolling foliage at the mid-sections, fluted breeches each with notched back-sight at the rear, signed border engraved flat bevelled locks each decorated with scrolling foliage on the tail, bevelled cocks en suite (one jaw screw an old replacement), three-quarter stocks engraved with foliate line ornament and characteristic foliage, the undersides each with three foliate engraved silver lines, foliate scroll engraved ram's horn butts each with silver-inlaid interlace along the back and vacant silver oval on both sides, silver button triggers and threaded prickers all engraved as a flower-head, slender partly fluted and engraved belt hooks each with pierced and engraved terminal, and original slender steel ramrods each with pierced baluster tip (some old pitting) (2)18.4 cm. barrels For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Rare Medieval SabreLate 15th Century, Probably Venetian Or HungarianIn excavated condition, with broad curved blade double-edged towards the rounded point, the forte on one side inlaid in copper with cross potent in a circle, cross-guard with widely recurved 'fish-tail' terminals each deeply incised with lines, long flat tang of rectangular section, compressed wheel-pommel with raised circular boss on both sides and surmounted by a stepped pyramidal copper-alloy button 87.5 cm. blade Footnotes:ProvenanceSotheby's Olympia, Antique Arms, Armour & Militaria, 5 December 2002, lot 52A related sword, together with another inlaid with a similar mark is in the Hungarian National Museum, Budapest. For a discussion of the type see J.V. Kálmar, 'Säbel und Schwert in Ungarn', Zeitschrift für Historische Waffen - und Kostümkunde, 5 Band, Berlin, 1935-36, pp. 150-155. A further example is in the Museum für Deutsche Geschichte, BerlinThis lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Rare German Boar-Sword (Schwein-Degen)Early 16th CenturyWith straight bar-like blade of rectangular section hollow-ground along each side and deeply struck with a bladesmith's mark on one side, broad ricasso of flattened hexagonal section, and rectangular piercing for a cross-bar above the wide double-edge blade of flattened diamond section, iron hilt with straight quillons of octagonal section widening towards the tips and incised with double line borders, side-ring en suite, and inner-bar of slender circular section bent down and linked to the tip of a downcurved arm, fig-shaped pommel with compressed button, and original bottle-shaped leather-covered grip impressed by the missing cord binding (some old rust patination) 110.4 cm. bladeFootnotes:ProvenanceSotheby's Olympia, Fine Antique Arms, Armour & Militaria, 10 July 2002, lot 44 Christie's South Kensington, Antique Arms, Armour And Collectors Firearms, 23 November 2011, lot 87For another example similar to one in the Deutsches Jagdmuseum, Munich (see H.L. Blackmore, Hunting Weapons, 1971 pl. no. 5) and sold in these Rooms, see Antique Arms, Armour and Modern Sporting Guns..., 1 December 2009, lot 425This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A German BroadswordThird Quarter Of The 16th CenturyWith tapering double-edge blade, rectangular ricasso with incised line borders, hilt comprising long straight spatulate quillons of flattened diamond section with button terminals, double side-rings swelling at the centre and joined by curved arms to a smaller side-ring on the outside, the quillon terminals and side-rings each incised with trellised foliage, one of the latter incised with a series of 'X' marks on the inside, replacement faceted plummet-shaped pommel decorated with foliage en suite, and original flattened shouldered grip wrapped in fishskin, the top covered in leather over two cord bindings (some old wear) 103.5 cm. bladeFootnotes:ProvenanceSotheby's Olympia, Fine Antique Arms. Armour & Militaria, 10 July 2002, lot 64 Christie's South Kensington, Antique Arms, Armour And Collectors Firearms, 23 November 2011, lot 85Cf. a related sword is in the Wallace Collection (inv. no. A481). Similar swords are preserved at Schloss Ambras near Innsbruck. See A.V.B. Norman, The Rapier and Small-Sword, 1980, p. 114This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Fine German Riding (Reiter) SwordGerman Or Italian, Circa 1570-80With broad single-edged blade fullered along the back on each side and double-edged towards the triangular point, the forte on one side incised with latten-lined running wolf mark, rectangular ricasso struck along one edge on both sides with a 'pi' mark between mullet marks, blackened hilt of bars of circular section composed of horizontally recurved quillons each with swelling tip, outer-guard of two rings swelling at their centres, downcurved arms, inner-guard of three merging diagonal bars surmounted by a thumb-ring, heavy spherical pommel with integral button, original tapering flattened wooden grip retaining the remains of its original binding, and in fine condition retaining much of its original blackened finish 100 cm. bladeFootnotes:ProvenanceThomas Del Mar Ltd In association with Sotheby's, London, Antique Arms, Armour & Militaria, 26 June 2007, lot 153The hilt is similar to that found on a number of similar swords at Schloss Ambras near Innsbruck, and a large number stamped with the so-called pi mark are in the Zeughaus, Graz. An almost identical sword struck with the same marks on the blade is in the Royal Armouries, Turin. See C. Bertolotto et al, L'Armeria Reale di Torino, 1982, p. 355, no. 128. See also A.V.B. Norman, Wallace Collection Catalogues, European Arms And Armour Supplement, 1986, pp. 140-141. Norman notes 'This type of bladesmith's mark resembling the Greek letter pi under a crown is very common on sword blades....H. Nickel, however, more recently [Waffen- und Kostümkunde, 1981, pp. 101-109] suggested that, since it was very widespread, it was probably a mark used spuriously at a number of centres to indicated supposed quality, in the same way that the Toledo mark and the signature of Andrea Ferrara were widely forged.'This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Fine German Two-Hand BroadswordCirca 1580, Probably StyrianWith double-edged blade of flattened hexagonal section with shallow central fuller on both sides of the forte bordered by incised lines terminating with an incised cross between dots, one side incised with the letter 'K' and with the letter 'L' on the other, both between pellet and star marks, the former with latten-inlaid running wolf mark beyond, ricasso with line borders en suite and deeply struck on both sides with 'pi' bladesmith's marks together with an orb and cross mark and a hunting horn mark, blued hilt of symmetrical bars of octagonal section comprising long quillons downbent at the swelling tips, large concentric side-rings each swelling at the centre and linked by curved arms beneath to smaller concentric side-rings en suite, blued faceted globular pommel with button, swelling wooden grip tapering towards the pommel and wrapped in fishskin, and retaining some original blueing 101 cm. blade, 139 cm. overallFootnotes:ProvenanceSotheby's Olympia, Antique Arms, Armour & Militaria, 30 June 2004, lot 30A related sword struck with the same bladesmith's mark and formerly in Schloss Ligist, Styria is now in the collection of the Dukes of Coburg at Veste Coburg (inv. no. 11). See A. Geibig, Gefährlich und Schön, Eine Auswahl Historischer Waffen aus den Beständen der Kunstasammlungen der Veste Coburg, 1996, pp. 72-73. Another is in the Landeszeughaus, GrazThis lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Fine And Rare German Rapier With Gold And Silver Decorated Hilt Early 17th CenturyWith tapering double-edged blade (small chip on one side) of flattened hexagonal section with central fuller on both sides of the forte extending from the slightly tapered rectangular ricasso, the former incised with latten-inlaid running wolf mark on one side, the latter struck along the edge on each side with a cross mark between stars, hilt of flattened bars with chiselled ropework borders enclosing silver encrusted punched scrollwork and pellets, and enriched with ovoidal and diamond-shape panels within ropework borders enclosing gold-damascened florets and foliage, comprising recurved quillons and a pair of upcurved bars on the outside all with pierced terminals decorated en suite, the latter linked by a plain curved bar beneath, diagonally curved side-ring, downbent arms, symmetrical inner-guard of plain slender bars of circular section, large globular pommel with turned button, and original writhen grip bound with copper ribbon and twisted silver wire between silver Turk's heads 103 cm. bladeFootnotes:ProvenanceCount Dimitri de Nesselrode (1816-1891)S.E. Kennedy, Christie, Manson & Woods, London, 18 March 1819, lot 79 (illustrated), £520 to Wade Armes et Armures de la Collection du Comte de Nesselrode au Chateau de Tzarevtchina, Amsterdam, 1909 Sotheby's Olympia, Antique Arms, Armour & Militaria, 15 December 2004, lot 68 Christie's South Kensington, Antique Arms, Armour And Collectors Firearms, 23 November 2011, lot 90A rapier with a hilt decorated in similar fashion is in the Wallace Collection (inv. no. A635). See J.G. Mann, Wallace Collection Catalogues, European Arms And Armour Vol. II, Arms, 1962, pp. 316-317, pl. 120. See also a rapier with a silver hilt of the same type and belonging to Charles IX of Sweden in the Swedish Royal Armoury (inv. no. 7905). L. Nordstrom, White Arms of the Royal Armoury, 1984, pp. 36-37This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Turkish 28-Bore Miquelet-Lock Short Rifle (Shishana)Late 18th CenturyWith octagonal sighted barrel of finely twist damascus pattern (old surface rust) rifled with seven spiral grooves, gold-damascened with foliage and scrollwork at the muzzle and breech and each decoratively chiselled in bas-relief beyond, arched gold-damascened back-sight and tang, the former pierced with two apertures, characteristic lock damascened en suite, figured Circassian walnut full stock profusely inlaid with brass nails and small roundels of brass and dark horn, the area around the tang and mid-section of the tapering faceted butt with alternate panels of plain and green-stained horn inlaid en suite (butt terminal missing), five shaped silver barrel bands embossed in imitation of wire bindings, button trigger, green-stained fore-end cap inlaid with roundels, and original steel ramrod (ramrod-pipe missing) 76.5 cm. barrel Footnotes:Cf. related examples sold in these Rooms, Antique Arms, Armour & Modern Sporting Guns, 24 November 2021, lot 26, and 25 November 2015, lot 55For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Turkish 25-Bore Miquelet-Lock Short Rifle (Shishana) Late 18th CenturyWith slightly swamped octagonal sighted barrel of finely twist damascus pattern rifled with nine spiral grooves and gold-damascened with engraved flowering foliage (some wear) at the muzzle and breech, arched single aperture back-sight en suite, plain tang, characteristic lock decorated en suite with the barrel, Circassian walnut full stock (minor old splits), the butt inlaid with pinned silver panels pierced with foliage, the area around the tang set with silver engraved with foliage, segmented tapering faceted butt (minor damage, terminal missing) inlaid with small brass nails and roundels of brass and dark horn, the mid-section with two bands of plain and green-stained horn either side of a decorative band of plain and dark horn, four shaped silver barrel-bands (one missing) each embossed with foliage, button trigger, green-stained fore-end cap, and later steel ramrod 83 cm. barrel For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Fine And Rare German 100-Bore Long Wheel-Lock Pistol Early 17th CenturyOf carbine form, with slender slightly swamped barrel incised with double lines towards the muzzle and in front of the brass fore-sight, and stamped with small crescents and dots at the raised back-sight, breech en suite and including stars, the top flat struck with unidentified barrelsmith's mark, initials 'ISI' above crossed wheel-lock pistol and sword in a shield, two ramps at the rear each notched for sighting, short tang incised with double lines, flat lock with exposed wheel retained by two shell-shaped brackets each secured by a screw, the rear bracket with tapering baluster terminal, the cock retaining bridle and cock-spring terminal en suite, and shell-shaped pan with sprung sliding pan-cover, the latter with release button, slender fruitwood full stock inlaid overall with white staghorn or bone roundels each engraved with a blackened flower-head and centred on fine symmetrical scrollwork highlighted with ball-flowers and pellets, butt of fluted 'fish-tail' form inlaid en suite on both sides of the comb, all within line engraved white staghorn or bone borders, foliate engraved trigger-plate and butt-plate, iron trigger-guard cut with two bands of line engraved mouldings and with pointed pierced finial, the curved tang of tapering circular section secured through a threaded ring-bracket and with button terminal, turned baluster trigger, white horn ramrod-pipe and fore-end cap each engraved with blackened overlapping foliage, wooden ramrod with engraved bone tip, and in fine condition 54 cm. barrel Footnotes:ProvenanceEdward Hubbard Litchfield Collection Parke-Bernet Galleries Inc., New York, Arms & Armor, Mainly European XV-XIX Century, The Important Collection Formed By Edward Hubbard Litchfield..., 5 and 6 December 1951, lot 9 (illustrated)ExhibitedThe Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Loan Exhibition of European Arms And Armor, 3 August to 27 September 1931, p. 76, no. 298For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Matched Hallmarked Silver Dressing Table Set, each piece with engine turned decoration and inscribed "Gladys", comprising shaped oval tray, Mappin & Webb, Birmingham 1921 (535grams); a shaped oval trinket box, raised on four slender legs, (maker's mark rubbed) Birmingham 1917, glove stretchers, A & J Zimmerman, Birmingham 1920 (internal sprung hinge broken), hand mirror (maker's mark rubbed) Birmingham 1918, two pairs of brushes, shoe horn, button hook and a comb. (11)
German Third Reich Kriegsmarine Officer’s Dress Dagger, with brass wired bound white cellulose covered grip. In excellent condition, only a slight dent to brass scabbard.Brass eagle with Swastika pommel, brass cross guard with press-release button and ‘fouled anchor’, Brass scabbard with ‘lightning bolt’ design, "Original Eickhorn Solingen" marked to the etched decorated blade, L41cm.
TIPP & CO; a German tinplate clockwork model of the Hindenburg, length 28cm, with a smaller model of an RAF airship named G-FAAW, and a further tinplate novelty airship toy (3).PROVENANCE: The Collection of Jack Tempest. Additional InformationNo key for the Hindenburg however the mechanism does wind and the stop/start button does operate correctly. The bow of the airship is open at the joint. Areas of tarnishing and wear to the paint throughout, the other items in tired condition.
A 20-Bore (.600) Percussion Sporting Rifle By J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 2109 For 1833With rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrel signed in full along the top flat (engraving expertly refreshed), rifled with ten spiral grooves, and leaf sighted from '100' to '200' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, border engraved case-hardened breech with two platinum lines and pierced platinum plug, tang engraved with foliate scrollwork and with a tiger's mask on the sighting flat, signed border engraved recase-hardened serial numbered detented flat lock decorated with foliate scrollwork and with a prone stag in a landscape (engraving refreshed), the mechanism retaining its burnished finish, dolphin hammer with foliate scrolls en suite, ebonised half-stock (some old bruising) with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, the latter with dark horn cap, reblued steel mounts comprising butt-plate decorated with foliate engraving on the heel tang, serial numbered trigger-guard with chequered spur and re-engraved running stag in a landscape between borders of ropework on the bow, trigger-plate with a scallop shell on the pointed finial, border engraved barrel-bolt escutcheons, adjustable set trigger, engraved sling button, and original horn-tipped ramrod, London proof marks 72.5 cm. barrelFootnotes:ProvenanceThe Gewehrkammer of the Kings of Hanover, Blankenburg until moved to Schloss Marienburg in 1945LiteratureUnsworth, p. 147. Recorded as sold on 18 May 1833 for £39.18.0. Built for the Duke of Brunswick (1806-1884). See footnote to lot 46Dallas, p. 191For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Cased .650 (16-Bore) Percussion D.B. Sporting Rifle By J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 2489 For 1833With rebrowned twist sighted barrels signed in full along the rib, each rifled with ten spiral grooves, and leaf-sighted from '70' to '150' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, border engraved breeches each with short platinum line and pierced platinum plug, and engraved with a symmetrical foliate motif on the flat between, tang engraved with symmetrical foliate scrollwork and with a tiger's mask on the sighting flat, signed engraved serial numbered detented flat locks each retaining traces of case-hardening and decorated with foliate scrollwork and a stag in a landscape, dolphin hammers with foliate scrollwork en suite and engraved safety-catch, the mechanisms retaining their burnished finish, highly figured half-stock with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, border engraved steel mounts comprising butt-plate very unusually dated '1833' and decorated with a stag's head and scrolling foliage on the heel tang, serial numbered trigger-guard with chequered spur and decorated on the bow with a running stag in a landscape between borders of ropework, trigger-plate with a scallop shell above a flower-head on the pointed finial, and hinged circular patch-box cover decorated with a landscape scene depicting Lord Ossulston shooting a Chillingham bull from horseback, all within a border of ropework, border engraved barrel-bolt escutcheons, chequered forward trigger, sling button engraved with foliage, and original brass-mounted ramrod: in its fitted and partly relined mahogany case (compartment box and lid replaced) with accessories including G. & J.W. Hawksley brass-mounted powder-flask with bag-shaped planished tin body, and retaining most of its lacquered finish, steel bullet mould and sprue-cutter, and bullet-starter with leather-faced mallet-head (chipped), the interior of the lid with maker's trade label, the exterior (some old scratching) with circular vacant escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting circular brass carrying handle, London proof marks and Purdey's barrelsmith's mark 75 cm. barrels Footnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 149. Recorded as sold on 27 July 1833 for £73.10.0. Unsworth notes 'The first rifle to have Purdey's upright style of hammers'. Built for Lord Ossulston (see footnote to lot 93)Dallas, p. 191The scene on the patch-box cover is immortalised in the portrait entitled 'Scene in Chillingham Park: Portrait of Lord Ossulston' or 'Death of the Wild Bull', by Sir Edwin Landseer and probably commissioned by Charles Augustus, 5th Earl of Tankerville. The portrait was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1836, and was last sold at Christie's in 2003 for £1,272,000 including premiumLord Ossulston appears to have met Landseer for the first time at Glenfeshie, in the Scottish Highlands, where Landseer was staying with his close friends the Duke and Duchess of Bedford. In his essay, The Chillingham Wild Cattle, Reminiscences Of Life In The Highlands, published in 1891, Lord Ossulston described the amusing circumstances of his first encounter with the artist. Lord Ossulston, who had just arrived from staying with the Duke of Atholl at Blair Atholl to stay with his friend Horatio Ross, on the other side of Glenfeshie, had set out in the morning to go stalking in the company of the forester Charlie Mackintosh. They had just spotted a large herd of hinds and a big stag grazing near a burn beneath them when they heard the crack of a rifle shot which scared away the herd and felled the stag. Thinking this was likely to be the work of a poacher they set off to see who was responsible: 'Upon this we dived into a hollow close to our right that took us down to the burn and crawling under its banks we soon ensconced ourselves behind the heathery knoll within a few yards of our poacher, to watch his proceedings before we finally pounced upon him. He was a little, strongly built man, very like a pocket Hercules or Puck in the ''Midsummer Night's Dream''. He was busily employed in gralloching his deer. This he did with great quickness and dexterity... He next let the head hang over, so as to display the horns, and then squatting down on the stone opposite, took out of his pocket what I thought would be his pipe or whisky flask; but it is a sketch book! Seeing that we had mistaken our man, I came out into the open, and then found myself face to face with my friend of many years to come - Landseer.'According to Ossulston's account, a few days after having met Landseer, and having spent much time together in the company of the Duke and Duchess of Bedford and their house party, he left Glenfeshie together with him to go to Chillingham. At Chillingham he recalled that Landseer 'at once devoted himself to the wild cattle as keenly as he had done to his beloved deer observing them with his glass for days from some hiding place, and noting minutely their ways and characteristics'.Lord Ossulston evidently soon decided that Landseer should have the opportunity to take a closer look at the cattle and a decision was taken to shoot one of the bulls to make this possible. As it was considered 'ignoble' to kill such a bull by a 'pot shot' a more sporting plan was hatched to chase a bull out of the herd on horseback and thereby to bring him to bay. This, however, could not be done in the upper park at Chillingham, where the woods, bogs, and ravines provided unsuitable ground for horses, so it was decided to first separate the selected bull from the herd in the lower park, which provided open space much more suitable for horses. The lower park and the upper park were separated from each other by a fence and advantage was taken of the fact that at night the gates between them were left open and the herd allowed to graze freely in the lower park. A keeper was placed in ambush beside a gate, which was to be shut on one of the bulls after the main herd had returned to the upper park in the early morning. Unfortunately the plan went badly wrong and the bull charged and tossed one of Lord Tankerville's keepers breaking four of his ribs and piercing his chest with its horn. The keeper was only saved by the prompt action of Ossulstons's deerhound, Bran which held the bull off the keeper's body. Ossulston recorded that the keeper called Barnes, survived his wounds and lived to be eighty, but that the bull was forthwith shot and together with Bran and the other personages concerned, was the subject of Landseer's picture of the ''Dead Bull''.Landseer's monumental composition is dominated by the handsome and aristocratic figure of the young Lord Ossulston, standing beside his pony Hotspur, with a rifle in his left hand, his right foot resting on the majestic Chillingham bull lying at his feet. Ossulston looks towards his deerhound, Bran, who has proved the hero of the occasion. Lord Ossulston's head keeper Coles, kneels beside the dead bull, to the left of the composition, with his arm around his master's deerhound, looking at the lifeless bull. A bloodhound beyond the head keeper imitates his master by putting his paw on the dead bull, while the right hand side of the composition is closed off by another bloodhound with a weary gaze.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Fine .650 (16-Bore) Percussion D.B. Sporting Rifle By J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 2619 For 1834With browned twist sighted barrels (some loss of finish) signed in full along the rib, each rifled with ten spiral grooves and leaf-sighted from '50' to '150' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, border engraved case-hardened breeches each with short platinum line and pierced platinum plug, and decorated with a symmetrical foliate motif on the flat between, case-hardened foliate scroll engraved tang inhabited by a stag in landscape and with a tiger's mask on the sighting flat, signed border engraved case-hardened serial numbered detented flat locks (one with minor areas of pitting) each decorated with scrolling foliage and a prone stag in a landscape, dolphin hammers with foliate scrollwork en suite and each with blued safety-catch in front, the mechanisms retaining their burnished finish, figured half-stock (some old bruising) with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, border engraved steel mounts comprising butt-plate (loss of finish) decorated with foliate scrollwork and with a tiger in a landscape on the heel tang, blued serial numbered trigger-guard with chequered spur and decorated on the bow with a running stag in a landscape between borders of ropework, case-hardened trigger-plate with a scallop shell above a flower-head on the pointed finial, and hinged circular patch-box cover decorated with two hounds pursuing a boar in a landscape within a border of ropework, border engraved barrel-bolt escutcheons (head of bolt chipped), grooved forward trigger, sling button engraved with a flower-head, original brass-mounted ramrod, and retaining much original finish, London proof marks and James Purdey's barrelsmith's mark 75 cm. barrels Footnotes:ProvenanceJ. Roberts & SonL. Patrick Unsworth Collection. Offered with a typed label describing the rifle and signed in ink by Mr. UnsworthLiteratureRichard Akehurst, Game Guns & Rifles..., 1969, pp. 12-13, pl. 13Unsworth, pp. 83, 92, and 150, pls. 59-63. Recorded as sold on 23 June 1834 for £60.0.0. Unsworth notes 'Sold uncased and without extras'. Built for a Captain John Dixon. This appears to be John Dixon (1799-1873) of Astle Hall, Cheshire. He was Captain and Brevet Lieutenant Colonel of the 1st Royals, and was appointed High Sheriff of Cheshire in 1843Dallas, p. 191For another rifle (no. 2593 for 1834) with the same patch-box scene see Donald Dallas, James Purdey & Sons, Gun And Rifle Makers..., 2013, p.58 (illustrated)For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A .900 (6-Bore) Percussion Big Game Rifle By J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 2991 For 1837With shortened rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrel signed in full along the top flat (engraving refreshed) and rifled with fourteen spiral grooves, border engraved recessed patent breech with platinum line and plug, tang engraved with symmetrical foliage and with a tiger's mask on the sighting flat, replacement ebonised half-stock with chequered grip and fore-end, the latter with dark horn tip, re-engraved signed serial numbered detented flat lock decorated with foliage, dolphin hammer en suite and with engraved safety-catch behind, steel mounts comprising butt-plate decorated with scrolling foliage (worn), re-engraved serial numbered trigger-guard with chequered spur and decorated with a tiger on the border engraved bow, replacement hinged circular patch-box cover re-engraved with a prone tiger in a landscape within a border of repeated flowering foliage, and on the inside with 'Powder 2½ drms.,' trigger-plate with repaired and re-engraved pointed finial, replacement button-shaped sling mount, adjustable set trigger, replacement wooden ramrod, and later black leather sling (refurbished throughout), London proof marks and James Purdey's barrelsmith's mark 64.8 cm. barrelFootnotes:ProvenanceSold in these Rooms with a rhinoceros horn stock, Antique Arms, Armour & Militaria, 20 July 1999, lot 312 LiteratureUnsworth, p. 152. Recorded as sold on 13 July 1837 for £42.0.0. Unsworth notes 'Supplied with a Wainscot case (imported oak).' Built for Lord Waterford (see lot 76) and later resold to a Mr. H. MethuenDallas, p. 191For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Cased .650 (16-Bore) Percussion D.B. Sporting Rifle By J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 3170 For 1838With browned damascus twist sighted barrels signed in full along the rib and each rifled with ten spiral grooves, blued back-sight to '80' yards and with central platinum line, border engraved case-hardened breeches each with short platinum line and pierced platinum plug, and decorated with a symmetrical foliate motif on the flat between, case-hardened tang engraved with scrolling foliage, signed border engraved case-hardened serial numbered detented flat locks each decorated with foliate scrollwork, the mechanisms retaining their burnished finish, dolphin hammers decorated en suite and each with blued safety-catch in front, highly figured half-stock with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, border engraved blued steel mounts comprising chequered butt-plate decorated with a stag in a landscape and foliage along the heel tang, serial numbered trigger-guard with chequered spur and decorated with a running stag in a landscape between borders of repeated flowering foliage on the bow, case-hardened trigger-plate with scrollwork on the pointed finial, hinged circular case-hardened patch-box cover decorated with a flower-head centred on a circular arrangement of feathering within a border en suite with the trigger-guard, border engraved barrel-bolt escutcheons, grooved forward trigger, sling button engraved with a circular feathered design, original serial numbered brass-mounted ramrod, and retaining most of its original finish: in contemporary relined and refitted mahogany case with accessories including brass-mounted powder-flask with bag-shaped planished tin body (old surface rust), steel bullet-mould and sprue-cutter, and steel combination tool, in its leather wallet, the interior of the lid with reproduction maker's trade label, the exterior with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting brass carrying handle engraved 'John B. Ross', London proof marks and James Purdey's barrelsmith's mark 72.5 cm. barrels Footnotes:ProvenanceThe Thomas R. Prudenete Collection, Christie's South Kensington, Fine Antique Arms, Armour And Sporting Guns..., 17 December 2015, lot 94LiteratureUnsworth, p. 153. Built for a Captain des Voeux and completed on 3 August 1838 at a cost of £84.0.0.Dallas, p. 191For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Cased .650 (16-Bore) Percussion D.B. Sporting Rifle By J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 3373 For 1840With browned twist sighted barrels (some old scattered pitting) signed in full along the rib, each rifled with ten spiral grooves and leaf-sighed from '100' to '150' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, border engraved case-hardened breeches each with short platinum line and pierced platinum plug, and decorated with a symmetrical foliate motif on the flat between, case-hardened tang engraved with scrolling foliage, signed border engraved case-hardened serial numbered detented flat locks each decorated with foliate scrollwork, the mechanisms (one mainspring replaced) retaining their burnished finish, dolphin hammers decorated en suite and each with blued safety-stop in front, highly figured half-stock (minor old bruising) with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, border engraved blued steel mounts comprising chequered butt (some rust patination and loss of finish on the heel) decorated with foliate scrollwork along the tang, serial numbered trigger-guard with chequered spur and decorated with foliate scrollwork between borders of repeated flowering foliage on the bow, case-hardened trigger-plate with a circular arrangement of feathering above a flower-head on the pointed finial, hinged circular case-hardened patch-box cover decorated en suite with the trigger-plate finial centred on a flower-head and within a border en suite with the trigger-guard, silver escutcheon engraved with owner's crest, border engraved barrel-bolt escutcheons, grooved forward trigger, sling button engraved with a circular feathered design, brass-mounted ramrod housed in the case, and retaining much original finish: in original lined and fitted brass-mounted mahogany case (some moth damage, compartment lids replaced) with accessories including Dixon & Sons brass-mounted powder-flask with bag-shaped planished tin body, and steel bullet mould and sprue-cutter both serial numbered '3397' for 1840, the interior of the lid with maker's trade label (minor damage), the exterior (some old scratching) with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting circular brass carrying handle, London proof marks and Purdey's barrelsmith's mark 75 barrels Footnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 155. Recorded as sold on 21 July 1840 for £84.0.0. Built for Lord Seagrave. Noted as 'put in stock 4th June 1840', and that the price included 'M&L' [mahogany and outer leather cases]Dallas, p. 191The crest appears to be that of Thomas Moreton Fitzharding Berkeley (1796-1888), 6th Earl of Berkeley and 14th Baron BerkeleyFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Very Rare .850 (8-Bore) Percussion D.B. Big Game Rifle By J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 3839 For 1844With shortened rebrowned twist sighted barrels (back-sight replaced) signed in full along the rib (engraving refreshed) and each rifled with twelve spiral grooves, border engraved breeches retaining traces of case-hardening and each with short platinum line and pierced platinum plug, and engraved with a tiger's mask on the flat between, foliate scroll engraved tang, signed border engraved serial numbered detented flat locks each decorated with foliate scrollwork, the left lock with a tiger in a landscape, and the right with a lion in a landscape, foliate scroll engraved hammers each with a safety-catch in front, re-ebonised half-stock over old bruising and surface damage (some of the finish lifting and incomplete around the back of the lock cavities) with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, border engraved steel mounts comprising chequered butt-plate (pitted and filed off on the heel tang), trigger-guard with foliate scroll engraved serial numbered patent grip-safety and retaining traces of engraved lion in a landscape on the bow, the latter retaining traces of original blueing on the inside, long slender tang engraved with foliate scrolls, hinged circular patch-box cover re-engraved with a lion in a landscape within a border of repeated flowering foliage, the inside engraved 'drams 2½', grooved forward trigger, sling button engraved with a flower-head, original serial numbered brass-mounted ramrod, and reproduction black leather sling (in refurbished condition, some old wear and pitting), London proof marks and James Purdey barrelsmith's mark (3)75 cm. barrelsFootnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 157. Recorded as sold on 9 April 1844. Unsworth notes 'Purchased with No. 3840 ['A Large Double Bullet Gun'] for a total of £150 and with a Wainscot case to hold both 'furnished complete'. No. 3839 was described as 'A Large Double Rifle 2 ozs.' (i.e. 8 bore), with a grip safety-lever but not the intercepting sears. The pair was brought by an officer of the Madras Light Cavalry. The rifle retains its brass-bound oak case with an inner tray for No. 3840. The rifling pitch is one turn in 30''; the patch-box cover is engraved inside 2½ drams; lion on the lid; lion and tiger on the lock-plates, 'A double 8 bore is rare'. Built for the Hon. H. ArbuthnotDallas, p. 192Offered with the original brass-mounted two-tier oak case (linings and compartments missing, tray replaced) acquired from D.B. 'Bunney' Tubbs in July 1996; and an 8-bore brass bullet-mouldFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Cased .500 (32-Bore) Percussion D.B. Sporting Rifle By J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 4165 For 1849With browned damascus twist sighted barrels (some loss of finish) signed in full along the rib, each rifled with eight spiral grooves, and leaf-sighted from '50' to '100' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, border engraved case-hardened breeches each with short platinum line and pierced platinum plug engraved as a rosette, and decorated with a symmetrical foliate motif on the flat between, case-hardened tang engraved with scrolling foliage, signed border engraved case-hardened serial numbered detented flat locks each decorated with foliate scrollwork, the mechanisms retaining their burnished finish, dolphin hammers (each nose repaired) decorated en suite and each with blued safety-catch in front, highly figured half-stock with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, border engraved blued steel mounts comprising chequered butt-plate (some loss of finish) decorated with foliate scrollwork along the heel tang, serial numbered trigger-guard with chequered spur and decorated with foliate scrollwork between borders of repeated flowering foliage on the bow, trigger-plate with long slender finial, hinged circular case-hardened patch-box cover decorated with a flower-head centred on a border en suite with the trigger-guard, vacant silver escutcheon, foliate engraved barrel-bolt escutcheons, grooved forward trigger, sling button engraved with a flower-head, brass-mounted ramrod, and retaining some original finish: in its oak case partly refitted and relined in burgundy baize with accessories including James Dixon & Sons brass-mounted powder-flask with bag-shaped planished tin body, steel bullet mould and reproduction sprue-cutter, and reproduction combination tool, in its leather wallet, the interior of the lid with maker's trade label (stained and damaged), the exterior with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting circular brass carrying handle, London proof marks and James Purdey's barrelsmith's mark 69.5 cm. barrels Footnotes:ProvenanceA pencilled note in the Purdey records suggest that this rifle was in the D.H.L. Back CollectionLiteratureUnsworth, p. 159. Recorded as sold on 17 August 1849. Unsworth notes 'Described as a 'Small Double Rifle. Cased'. Built for a Mr. Bradley and later resold to a Mr. H.W. SaltDallas, p. 192For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Cased .360 (Black Powder Express) Centre-Fire D.B. Hammer RifleBy J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 8091 For 1869With reblacked sighted barrels each rifled with six spiral grooves, signed in full along the rib (engraving refreshed) and leaf-sighted from '50' to '100' yards, each leaf re-engraved, long slender tang engraved with foliate scrollwork and with V-shaped back-sight, rounded action, Jones Patent rotary under-lever with terminal chequered for the fingers, signed border engraved serial numbered detented back-action locks (one mainspring replaced) and dolphin hammers (one replaced) all decorated en suite, figured stock with cheek-piece, chequered grip and butt, chequered detachable fore-end with dark horn tip, steel mounts comprising trigger-guard, heel- and toe-plates, sling mounts (button replaced), and vacant silver escutcheon (steel parts worn and pitted overall): in later brass-mounted oak and leather case fitted and lined in burgundy baize with some accessories including steel bullet mould, and chamber-brush with horn handle, the interior of the lid with Stephen Grant & Sons, 67A. St. James's Street, London trade label, and charges label for breech-loading guns numbered '6389' (for a 28-bore centre-fire d.b. sporting gun built for Sir George Meyrick in 1892), the exterior tooled with owner's initials 'G.M.' and retaining the leather straps and carrying handle, London proof marks 68.5 cm. barrels Footnotes:Built for a Major CartwrightFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Twelve Rare Brass-Mounted Leather Bayonet Scabbards For Chillingham Muskets Circa 1833Each of characteristic form, numbered respectively '2', '6', '7', '9', '16', '18', '19', '24', '27', '28', '30' and '35', the last for the 5th Earl of Tankerville's musket (leather with surface damage, most seams open, frog-button missing from nos. 6 and 9, chapes missing from nos. 19, 24, 27, 28 and 30) (12)54 cm. to 57 cm.Footnotes:See footnote to the following lotFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Fine Chillingham Officer's .650 (16-Bore) Percussion Rifled Musket, No. 33 By J. Purdey Of London, Circa 1833Of the same specifications as lot 65 with the exception of the lock which is fitted with a safety-catch, the ramrod numbered '34', and in fine condition retaining nearly all its original finish, Birmingham proof marks; together with its original black leather bayonet scabbard (some loss of surface finish, bayonet missing), the locket with frog-button and numbered '33' to correspond to the musket (2)81 cm. barrel Footnotes:See footnote to lot 65For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
An Early .650 (16-Bore) Percussion Sporting RifleThe Barrel And Mounts By J. Purdey, Princes Street, Leicester Square, London, No. 892 For 1825With rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrel signed in full along the top flat, rifled with twelve spiral grooves, and leaf-sighted from '100' to '200' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, recessed patent breech with platinum lines and pierced platinum plug, tang re-engraved with foliate scrollwork and a tiger's mask on the sighting flat, flat detented lock (hammer associated) re-engraved with Purdey style decoration and inscribed 'Purdey', engraved safety-catch, expertly replaced Purdey style half-stock with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, the latter with dark horn cap, re-engraved steel mounts including serial numbered trigger-guard with chequered spur, trigger-plate with foliate engraved pointed finial, sling button engraved with a flower-head, horn-tipped ramrod, and in refurbished condition, London proof marks and Charles Lancaster's barrelsmith's mark 74.5 cm. barrel Footnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 142. Recorded as a second hand sale and 'sold to Joseph Lang, dealer, 7 Haymarket, for £23.' Built for a Mr. LangstonDallas, p. 190For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Fine Cased .600 (20-Bore) Percussion Sporting Rifle By J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 1952 For 1830With browned twist octagonal sighted barrel signed in full along the top flat, rifled with ten spiral grooves, and leaf-sighted from '100' to '200' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, border engraved case-hardened recessed patent breech with two platinum lines and pierced platinum plug, case-hardened tang engraved with foliate scrollwork and with a scallop shell on the sighting flat, signed border engraved case-hardened serial numbered detented flat lock decorated with foliate scrollwork, dolphin hammer en suite and with engraved safety-catch behind, the mechanism retaining its burnished finish, ebonised bird's eye maple half-stock (minor areas of old wear and bruising) with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, the latter with dark horn cap, border engraved blued steel mounts (minor loss of finish) comprising butt-plate decorated with foliate scrollwork on the heel tang, trigger-guard with chequered spur and decorated with a prone stag in a landscape on the bow, case-hardened trigger-plate engraved with a scallop shell on the pointed finial, steel barrel-bolt escutcheons, foliate engraved sling button, blued adjustable set-trigger, original horn-tipped ramrod, and most of its original finish: in original lined and fitted mahogany case with accessories including brass-mounted powder-flask for rifles with bag-shaped planished tin body, steel bullet mould, sprue-cutter and patch-cutter, bright steel combination tool, in its leather wallet, and brass powder-measure, the interior of the lid with maker's trade label, the exterior (some old scratching) with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting circular brass carrying handle, London proof marks and James Purdey's barrelsmith's mark 67 cm. barrel Footnotes:ProvenanceW. Keith Neal Collection, C152L. Patrick Unsworth Collection. Offered with an undated typed letter signed by Mr. Unsworth describing the rifle and its acquisition from the W. Keith Neal Collection in 1999 LiteratureUnsworth, pp. 83, 87 and 146, pl. 48. Recorded as sold on 28 July 1830 for £39.18.0. Unsworth notes 'Black lacquered stock. Cased with many accessories.' Built for a Mr. P.B. AinslieDallas, p. 191Offered with a handwritten scrap of card signed by W. Keith Neal and reading : 'This rifle was made for Mr. P.B. Ainslie in 1830 by Purdeys - Note from Purdey records'For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A .700 (13-Bore) Percussion Sporting RifleBy J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, Circa 1830In poor condition, with rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrel (badly pitted along the bottom flats at the breech, forward ramrod-pipe replaced) signed in full along the top flat (engraving refreshed) and rifled with ten spiral grooves, replacement folding leaf back-sights from '100' to '150' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, tang engraved with a tiger's mask on the sighting flat, detented flat lock and dolphin hammer (both filed off externally, the former pitted internally obscuring the serial number), the mechanism bright, re-ebonised half-stock (some repairs) with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, the latter with replacement horn cap, steel mounts (filed off) comprising butt-plate and spur trigger-guard, trigger-plate (finial pitted), replacement sling button, adjustable set trigger, horn-tipped ramrod, and modern leather sling, obscured London proof marks 75 cm. barrelFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A .650 (16-Bore) Percussion Sporting RifleBy J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 2239 For 1832With rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrel signed in full along the top flat, rifled with ten spiral grooves, and leaf-sighted from '100' to '200' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, border engraved recessed patent breech retaining some case-hardening and with two platinum lines and pierced platinum plug, foliate scroll engraved tang with tiger's mask on the sighting flat, signed border engraved serial numbered detented flat lock decorated with foliate scrollwork and with a prone stag in a landscape, the mechanism retaining its burnished finish, dolphin hammer with foliate scrolls en suite, engraved safety-catch, ebonised half-stock (minor old bruising) with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, the latter with dark horn cap, border engraved steel mounts comprising butt-plate decorated with a stag's head and foliate scrolls on the heel tang, blued serial numbered trigger-guard with chequered spur and decorated with a tiger in a landscape between borders of ropework on the bow, case-hardened trigger-plate with a scallop shell above a palmette on the pointed finial, border engraved barrel-bolt escutcheons, sling button engraved as a flower-head, replacement wooden ramrod, and retaining some original finish, London proof mark and James Purdey's barrelsmith's mark 73.5 cm. barrelFootnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 148. Recorded as sold on 7 August 1832 for £39.18.0. Unsworth notes 'The Customer, Lord Craven, also bought rifle No. 2361 [see lot 77]. No. 2239 was sold at auction in 1974 with the barrel to 2361, 36''.'Dallas, p. 191William Craven, 2nd Earl of Craven (1809-1866), styled Viscount Uffington until 1825, was educated at Christchurch, Oxford. In 1829 he was commissioned captain in the Berkshire Regiment of Militia. Lord Craven was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Warwickshire and of Berkshire in 1831. In 1853 he was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire and held the office until 1856 when he resigned due to ill-health The bottom of the butt punched 'HOWELL' twice and incised '1832 July 12', presumably the date the stock was completedFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A .650 (16-Bore) Percussion Sporting RifleBy J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 2293 For 1832With rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrel signed in full along the top flat, rifled with ten spiral grooves, and leaf-sighted from '70' to '150' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, border engraved case-hardened recessed patent breech with two platinum lines and pierced platinum plug, foliate scroll engraved case-hardened tang with tiger's mask on the sighting flat, signed border engraved case-hardened serial numbered detented flat lock decorated with foliate scrollwork and with a prone stag in a landscape, the mechanism retaining its burnished finish, dolphin hammer with foliate scrolls en suite, engraved safety-catch, ebonised half-stock (some old wear and loss of finish, a series of punch marks behind the barrel tang) with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, the latter with dark horn cap, border engraved steel mounts comprising butt-plate decorated with a stag's head and foliate scrolls on the heel tang, blued serial numbered trigger-guard with chequered spur and decorated with a tiger in a landscape between borders of ropework on the bow, case-hardened trigger-plate with a scallop shell above a palmette on the pointed finial, case-hardened hinged circular patch-box cover engraved with a stag and prone hind in a landscape within a border of ropework, border engraved barrel-bolt escutcheons, sling button engraved with foliage, horn-tipped ramrod serial numbered '2046' (for 1831), and retaining some original finish, London proof marks and barrelsmith's marks of Thomas Evans and James Purdey 74.5 cm. barrel Footnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 148. Recorded as sold on 18 December 1832 for £39.18.0. Unsworth notes 'Resold in 1833 [to Lord Molyneux] with shotgun No. 2249 - £56. Returned in May 1839 for attention of the hair trigger at 3s 6d.' Built for Lord Waterford Dallas, p. 191Henry de la Poer Beresford, 3rd Marquis of Waterford (1811-1859), styled Lord Henry Beresford before 1824 and Earl of Tyrone between 1824 and 1826, was an Irish peer. He is responsible for the expression to 'paint the town red'. In the early hours of 6 April 1837, the Marquess of Waterford and his fox-hunting friends arrived at the Thorpe End tollgate at Melton Mowbray. The party had been drinking heavily at Broxton races and the tollkeeper requested payment before opening the gate for them. Unfortunately for him, repairs were underway including pots of red paint lying within reach. The Marquess and his cronies attacked the tollkeeper, painting him and a constable red. They went on to nail up the tollhouse and painted that red too before rampaging through the town, vandalising the Post Office and the Leicestershire Banking Company before attempting to overturn a caravan in which a man was asleep. The following day there was uproar and once the Marquess of Waterford finally sobered up he paid for all the damage to people and property. The group were brought to trial before the Derby Assize Court in July 1838 where they were found not guilty of riot, but were fined £100 each for common assault, a considerable sum at that time. Waterford was frequently in the news in the late 1830s for drunken brawling, brutal jokes and vandalism, and was said to do anything for a bet; his irregular behaviour and his contempt for women earned him the moniker 'the Mad Marquess'.In 1842, Lord Waterford married Louisa Stuart, daughter of the 1st Baron Stuart de Rothesay, and settled in Curraghmore House, Ireland, where he reportedly led an exemplary life until he died in a horse riding accident in 1859For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
SUFFRAGETTES – HOLLOWAY BROOCHSilver 'Portcullis' or 'Holloway' brooch awarded to Lizzie Berkeley of Hebden Bridge, depicting the portcullis of the House of Commons, one [of two] hanging chains and superimposed broad arrow in purple, green and white enamel, with safety chain and pin, stamped 'SILVER' and 'TOYE & CO/ LONDON' on reverse, 25 x 21mm., [1909]; together with a contemporary cardboard box depicting diagonal stripes in the WSPU colours, lined in green velvet, 55 x 55mm.; programme for the 'Mass Meeting of Women' at the Royal Albert Hall on 29th April 1909, 8 pages, outer leaves detached, old tape repairs, fragile, 8vo; with an essay by Lizzie Berkeley on prison conditions, and another entitled 'Marie Corelli and Women's Suffrage', an argument against the anti-suffrage movement, written in ink in a Jubilee exercise book, 11 leaves, stained, marked, some leaves detached, paper covers, 4to, [n.d.] (4)Footnotes:'WHERE IS THE JUSTICE AND CIVILISATION OF WHICH ENGLAND IS SO PROUD': A Yorkshire suffragette receives her 'Victoria Cross' and speaks of the conditions she experienced in prison.Known variously as the Portcullis Badge, Holloway Prison Brooch and the Victoria Cross of the Union, the silver brooch was presented by the WSPU to women imprisoned at Holloway Prison for militant suffragette activity. Designed by Sylvia Pankhurst, it includes the portcullis symbol for parliament, the chains of imprisonment and the broad arrow of the prison uniform picked out in the colours of the WSPU; purple (dignity), white (purity) and green (hope). Initially mentioned in Votes for Women on 16 April 1909, the first brooches were presented by Christabel and Emmeline Pankhurst, Annie Kenney and Emmeline Pethick Lawrence at the 29th April 'Mass Meeting', the programme for which is included in the lot. The programme lists a Miss Berkeley under the roll call of prisoners, and she may well have been at that meeting to receive her award. It is not known whether the box accompanying the brooch is the original, but it nonetheless remains a rare survival of suffragette memorabilia from the period. Elizabeth (or 'Lizzie') Berkeley (1883-1969) was a button machinist from Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire. Her father George trained as a teacher but by the 1891 census he was listed as unemployed and his son Robert, aged 11, the grandfather of the current owner, was forced to work in an iron foundry in Halifax to support the family. An article in Leeds Mercury of 22 March 1907 under the headline 'The Suffragette Martyrs: Fifty Women go to Prison', notes that she was fined 40s or 14 days imprisonment for taking part in a large demonstration outside the Houses of Parliament – one of the first so-called 'rushes' – on 18 March 1907. Her experience in Holloway prompted her to write a heartfelt diatribe in her notebook against conditions for all prisoners, not just for suffragettes, distinguishing between third and first division prisoners, describing their isolation, loneliness and inactivity, the terrible food and conditions, and asking why things can't be improved; '...do you wonder that people are driven mad, or broken in health, is there any humanity in such treatment, the dress itself is like an outward visible sign of inward wrong...', she writes. She remained unmarried and died in 1969. The brooch has remained in the family since then.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A rare Chinese Imperial golden-yellow 'Dragon' robe made for a consort to the Emperor, Jifu, Qing Dynasty, early 19th century, in rich satin stich embroidery and finely couched with nine gold five-clawed dragons including one gold dragon hidden by the over-flap, with flaming pearls all amongst dense ruyi-shaped clouds, with the side facing dragons clasping the pearl of wisdom, the golden-yellow ground is interspersed with several coral coloured bats amongst shaded clouds, all above a fine rich lishui water and wave design finely detailed with the eight auspicious emblems, the robe with correct side vents for a female robe, borders and cuffs and neck brocade embroidered with the classic dragon pattern on a midnight-blue ground, with original blue damask silk lining with a peony and butterfly design, 178cm cuff to cuff an 148cm collar to hem See Linda Wrigglesworth and Gary Dickinson, Imperial Wardrobe, page 23, plate 12, for a painted book plate referencing the 1759 regulations and also page 192 where it is stated that the extra dragon band at the elbow was not present on robes that were not for the first rank consort. Hence this yellow may be seen as golden-yellow for a second or third rank consort. See the rank table on same page. Female yellow robes did not display the 12 symbols until later in the 19th century. Compare with a Manchu woman's robe in, Robert D. Jacobsen, Imperial Silks in the Minneapolis Museum Institute of Arts, Vol 1, p. 138-139 Provenance: From a Family collection where it has been for at least 100 years清道光 罕见御制黄地彩云金龙纹女吉服袍 拍品来源：英国私人家族收藏 Condition Report: some of the wire threads loose and wearsome staining throughout especially on the under flapcollar with some ear and button loops broken pocket to the side later added and re-tailored in the Westblue damask lining with stains and fading and with small hole to liningCoral dye from the robe has bleed into the yellow extenders and various areas on the robe indicating it was stored in a damp environment as it must have been wet or damp at some point with the sleeve lying on the needlework but now stablethe extra dragon band at the elbow were only present on robes that were worn by the first degree consort. If they are not missing then it could be for a 2 or 3 rd rank golden yellow dragon robe. If they are missing then it's a 1st rank yellow dragon robe Condition Report Disclaimer
Loading...-
110986 item(s)/page