A GERMAN ETCHED AND GILT STATE HALBERD OF THE GUARD OF LUDWIG RUDOLPH, DUKE OF BRUNSWICK AND LÜNEBURG IN BLANKENBURG AND WOLFENBÜTTEL (1671-1735), DATED 1717. with central spike, etched with vertical arrangement of leaves rising from an etched decorative collar, large axe-blade with convex leading edge, etched with the crested mantled ducal arms supported by lions, large flat down-turned fluke etched and gilt with scrolling foliage and the centre etched with the mantled crowned ducal cypher above the date, etched tubular socket the surface ground etched in imitation of damascus pattern, on a faceted wooden haft. 56.5cm; 22 1/4in head. Provenance. Schloss Blankenburg. The significance of the date 1717 on this group of halberds remains unclear. Ludwig Rudolph received the Earldom of Blankenburg am Harz in 1707. In complete violation of the rule of primogeniture the Earldom was raised to a Principality with all the rights of an Independant Sovereign State, in the centre of which Ludwig Rudolph created a lavish Court. In 1731, following the death of his brother, August Wilhelm, Ludwig Rudolph reunited Blankenburg and Wolfenbüttel and ruled them together briefly until 1735. The present halberd would have been made for the Court at Blankenburg. A number of these were sold Sotheby`s Hanover October 2005, lots 773-777.
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A RARE BRITISH CAVALRY TROOPER`S SWORD BY HARVEY, CIRCA 1755-60. with straight fullered blade double-edged towards the point, blunted ricasso retaining traces of the crowned cypher `GR` and the maker`s name (areas of pitting), robust steel hilt forged in one piece, comprising shallow bowl-guard rising to a broad triangular knuckle-guard, an additional bar front and back, and bun-shaped pommel, and the grip with an early leather binding. 90cm; 35 1/2in blade Another sword of this type is preserved in the National Army Museum, London. See L. Southwick 1982, p. 135, no. 135 and A. D. Darling 1969, p. 88.
A RARE 1798 PATTERN HIGHLAND OFFICER`S BROADSWORD . with broad blade of flattened-hexagonal section, cut with three short fullers and retaining traces of engraving on each side at the forte, regulation brass hilt involving an alternating arrangement of narrow and square panels carried by rounded bars (small cracks and minor losses), fluted bun-shaped pommel and original fishskin-covered grip, in its original leather-covered wooden scabbard (shrinkage) with steel mounts . 83cm; 32 5/8in blade. See B. Robson 1996, p. 173 no. 161.
A 1796 PATTERN INFANTRY OFFICER`S SWORD, PROBABLY FOR THE AMERICAN MARKET . with regulation blade etched blued and gilt with trophies and foliage over the lower half, hilt with folding shell-guard, original grip bound with silver wire, in its brass-mounted leather scabbard, and in good untouched condition. 81cm; 31 7/8in blade
A MAMELUKE-HILTED OFFICER`S SWORD, EARLY 19TH CENTURY. based on the 1796 light cavalry pattern, with regulation blade, gilt-brass hilt cast in low relief, including cross-piece with button terminals, a pair of ivory grip-scales retained by pairs of foliate washers on each side, in its regulation silver-plated steel scabbard decorated over its full surface with scrolling flowers and foliage. 83.8cm; 33in blade
A MAMELUKE-HILTED GENERAL OFFICER`S SWORD BY JOHNSTON, NO.8 NEWCASTLE STREET, STRAND, EARLY 19TH CENTURY. with broad kilig blade formed with a double-edged point, engraved gilt-brass hilt of characteristic form including a pair of quillons with bud-shaped terminals, horn grip-scales, in its original fishskin-covered wooden scabbard (small losses) with engraved gilt-brass mounts including locket with the maker`s details, chape decorated with neoclassical ornament on the front, laurel fronds, further foliage and a sword of justice on the reverse and four large loops for suspension. 64.8cm; 25 1/2in blade. Joshua Johnston and his son, of the same name, are recorded at Newcastle Street circa 1790-1839. See L. Southwick 2001, pp.152-3. It is likely that the blade of this sword came from the arsenal in Cairo, in the early 19th Century.
A POST 1902 NAVAL OFFICER`S SWORD BY S. W. SILVER & CO., LONDON AND PORTSMOUTH. with etched blade decorated with the crowned Royal arms and a fouled anchor, regulation hilt with folding side-guard engraved with the owner`s name `J. J. G. Fraser, R. N.`, sharkskin-covered grip, in its scabbard. 79.5cm; 31 3/8in blade
A GEORGE V 1897 PATTERN INFANTRY OFFICER`S SWORD; A GERMAN SWORD, EARLY 20TH CENTURY; A COPY OF A 1912 PATTERN CAVALRY SWORD; AND A CHASSEPOT BAYONET, DATED 1872. the first with etched blade, in its scabbard, the second with stirrup hilt incorporating lion`s head pommel, in its scabbard, the third in its scabbard, the fourth in its scabbard (incomplete, steel parts pitted). the first: 82.5cm; 32 1/2in blade. (4)
AN ENGLISH SMALL-SWORD WITH CUT-STEEL HILT BY THOMAS GRAY, SACKVILLE STREET, LONDON, LATE 18TH CENTURY, THE HILT PROBABLY BY MATTHEW BOULTON. with hollow-triangular blade etched and gilt with scrolls and trophies on a blued panel at the forte, burnished steel hilt comprising pierced oval guard formed with a central fluted flowerhead, forward-canted quillon, knuckle-guard, urn-shaped pommel and grip, decorated throughout with faceted beads of differing size throughout (small losses), in its original scabbard (later painted finish) with steel mounts including signed locket. 79.8cm; 31 3/8in blade. The connection between Matthew Boulton and Thomas Gray is well documented. The hilt of the present sword has a number of elements that are illustrated in Boulton`s pattern sheet datable to the 1780s. Gray worked at Sackville Street circa 1749-1820. He was a prominent Royal retail jeweller, cutler and goldsmith. He was immortalized in Jane Austen`s Sense and Sensibility as the Gray`s of Sackville Street where the Miss Dashwoods went to negotiate an exchange for a few old-fashioned jewels of their mother (Chapter XXXIII). See. L. Southwick 2001 p. 126 and also the same author 2009, pp.231-233.
A FINE ENGLISH SMALL-SWORD WITH CUT-STEEL HILT, CIRCA 1800, POSSIBLY BY MATTHEW BOULTON. with hollow-triangular blade etched and gilt with trophies on a blued panel over the forte (bluing worn), burnished steel beadwork hilt, comprising oval shell-guard, quillon, knuckle-guard, a pair of delicate pas d`âne, ovoid pommel and swelling grip, decorated throughout with beaded frames filled with faceted beads of differing size and remaining in fine condition (the pommel with expert restorations), in its steel mounted scabbard (later painted finish). 78.4cm; 30 78/8in blade. For the most recent and detailed discussion of Matthew Boulton`s work and his supply of fine sword hilts to the London retail trade see L. Southwick 2009, pp. 225-250.
AN ENGLISH SMALL-SWORD WITH CUT-STEEL HILT, CIRCA 1800. with continental hollow-triangular blade sparsely etched with foliage and the bladesmith`s initials `A.K.` at the forte, burnished steel hilt including oval shell-guard, flattened globular quillon, knuckle-guard, and ovoid pommel decorated throughout with faceted beads of differing size, and original grip bound with a spiralling pattern of faceted beads en suite with the hilt, in its scabbard with steel mounts including locket inscribed `Armfields Manufactory Cross St.` . 83.5cm; 32 7/8in blade. Two cutlers of this name are recorded in Birmingham during this period.
A FINE FRENCH SMALL-SWORD, CIRCA 1770. with hollow-triangular blade, etched and gilt over the greater part of its length with scrolls, classical figures and trophies on a blued panel (areas of light wear), signed `Leiger Md Fourbisseur rue Coqulliere et Celle Des Vieux Augustin a Paris` on one side of the forte and decorated with a strapwork panel on the other, steel hilt finely chiselled against a gilt fishroe ground with a very delicate pattern of scrolls terminating in scaly marine monsters adjacent to the blade and the quillon-block on the respective faces, enriched with rococo garlands and the borders with masks issuant with further scrolls, the inner face fitted with two finely chased gold plaques depicting a pair of tigers and a pair of lions, the outer face with two burnished steel ovals (previously fitted with plaques), globular quillon chiselled as a monster engorged on a gilt ball, quillon-block chased with trophies-of-hunting, a pair of pas d`âne with monsterhead finials, knuckle-guard decorated with circular frames filled with expanded flowerheads, tall globular pommel formed as a close helmet with barred visor, chiselled over the skull with dragons and foliage, and the grip with a binding of plaited silver wire, ribband and `Turk`s heads`, in its original scabbard with steel locket chiselled with scrolls and foliage centring on a mask en suite with the hilt (middle band missing). 78.7cm; 31in blade
A FINE FRENCH SMALL-SWORD, CIRCA 1760. with tapering hollow-triangular blade etched and gilt with scrollwork on a blued panel, signed in full on a long gilt panel twice at the forte, ` Ravoisié Marchand Fourbiseur du Roy au Duc de Bourgoyne Pont St Michel à Paris`, within a scrollwork frame, steel hilt finely chiselled in low relief, comprising double shell-guard decorated with differing trophies on each side, including astronomical instruments, a quiver, and a classical torso on the outer face all within a scrollwork frame enriched with rococo flowers and foliage, the inner face with atrophied designs of trophies including a squirrel eating berries, all enriched with further scrolls and flowers and vine foliage and grapes, globular quillon, quillon-block decorated with trophies and a cannon on one side, a pair of pas d`âne, knuckle-guard and globular pommel all decorated en suite, all against a finely gilt fishroe ground, and the grip bound with plaited wire and `Turk`s heads`, perhaps the original. 86.3cm; 34in blade
A FINE FRENCH SMALL-SWORD, CIRCA 1780. with hollow-triangular blade etched and gilt with scrollwork, foliage, a cherubic mask, a Classical figure, probably Mutius Scaevola, and the inscription `un me fecit`, all on a blued panel, steel hilt finely chiselled in low relief, comprising double shell-guard decorated on each side with ovals filled with differing trophies-of-arms, surrounded by scrolls and garlands against a finely punched and gilt fishroe ground with small areas of delicate trellis, short globular quillon, knuckle-guard, a pair of pas d`âne, and ovoid pommel, all decorated en suite with the shell, and the grip finely rebound with plaited wire, ribband and `Turk`s heads`, in a contemporary scabbard (later covering), and steel locket and chape each chiselled and gilt with scrolls against a gilt fishroe ground including a classical figure on the locket . 83.5cm; 32 7/8in blade
ASHDOWN, Charles Henry. British and Foreign Arms & Armour. 1909, 2-page autograph letter from the author loosely-inserted; HEWITT, John. Ancient Armour and Weapons in Europe. 1855; ASHDOWN, C.H. Armour & Weapons in the Middle Ages. 1925; DEMMIN, Auguste. An Illustrated History of Arms and Armour. 1877; BOUTELL, Charles. Arms and Armour in Antiquity and the Middle Ages. 1874. BLACKMORE, Howard L. British Military Firearms 1650-1850. 1961; HASWELL MILLER, A.E. & N.P. DAWNAY. Military Drawings and Paintings in the Collection of Her Majesty the Queen … Volume One. Plates. 1970; MOLLO, John. Military Fashion. 1972; WOOD, Stephen. The Scottish Soldier. 1987, signed by the author. With 18 others of related interest. CARTER, Thomas. Medals of the British Army, and how they were won ... The Crimean Campaign … Egypt, Peninsula, Waterloo, and South Africa … India, China, Etc. London: Groombridge, 1861. 3 volumes in one, 8vo. Half title, 17 hand-coloured plates of medals (first plate creased, one plate detaching). Contemporary red half calf gilt (extremities lightly rubbed). Provenance: S. John Tombs (armorial bookplate). GEORGE, J.N. English Pistols and Revolvers. 1938; GEORGE, J.N. English Guns and Rifles. 1947; ATKINSON, John A. Duelling Pistols. 1964; ATKINSON, John A. The British Duelling Pistol. 1978; NEIL, W. Keith & D.H.L. BACK. British Gunmakers. Their Trade Cards, Cases & Equipment 1760-1860. 1980; COOPER, John S. For Commonwealth and Crown. English Gunmakers of the Seventeenth Century. 1993; DICKENS, Bernard. "M.B." - The Gunmaker`s Silversmith. 1998. ONE OF 30 COPIES, FOR PRESENTATION TO R. WIGINGTON, signed by the author . (35)
DIROM, Alexander (1757-1830). A Narrative of the Campaign in India which terminated the war with Tippoo Sultan in 1792. With maps and plans illustrative of the subject, and a view of Seringapatam. London: W. Bulmer, 1793. Quarto (260 x 205mm). Engraved frontispiece, plate, 6 maps and plans, all but one folding, engraved plate of Tippoo Sultan`s Great Seal (frontispiece cropped, frontispiece and title browned and spotted, some spotting and browning throughout, some mainly marginal staining). 19th-century green half calf gilt by Higginbotham & Co. of Madras (rather worn, lower cover detached). Provenance: Palace Library, Mysore (stamp on front free endpaper); early signature erased from title with some thinning of paper; some pencil marginalia and annotation. FIRST EDITION. INDIA - MARQUIS CURZON OF KEDLESTON. British Government in India. The Story of the Viceroys and Government Houses. London: Cassell, 1925. 2 volumes, quarto (317 x 270mm). Half titles, photogravure frontispiece portraits, half tone plates (some spotting and staining throughout). Original blue half morocco gilt, top edges gilt, others uncut (extremities rubbed). NUMBER 60 OF 500 "EDITION DE LUXE" COPIES. With 3 other works on India in 4 volumes including James Grant`s Cassell`s Illustrated History of India (London, [c.1880], 2 vols.) and The Historical Record of the Imperial Visit to India 1911 (London, John Murray, 1914, publisher`s presentation copy, blindstamped "With Mr Murray`s Compliments"). MUNRO, Innes (d.1827). A Narrative of the Military Operations, on the Coromandel Coast, against the combined forces of the French, Dutch, and Hyder Ally Cawn. London: for the Author, 1789. Quarto (266 x 212mm). Additional title with engraved vignette, folding engraved plans (additional title detached and stained, some mainly marginal worming, spotting and staining, some offsetting). 19th-century half library calf (some staining, a few wormholes).. (9)
SALE CATALOGUES - Bank House, Wellesbourne. 1940; Sheffield Park, 1971; The Green Collection. 1976 (2 copies); Europaische Schmiedekunst. Part III. 1981; The Hever Castle Collection … Volume One. Arms and Armour. 1983; Powerscourt, Eniskerry. 1984; A Cabinet of Curiosities: the Property of The Lord McAlpine of West Green. 1994. With Wallis & Wallis Centenary. Some of the Best and Most Interesting. [n.d.]. SEITZ, Heribert. Ein Waffenhistorisches Handbuch. Blankwaffen I [II]. 1965-68. 2 vols; OAKESHOTT, R. Ewart. The Sword in the Age of Chivalry. 1964; OAKESHOTT, R. Ewart. The Archaeology of Weapons. 1960; NORMAN, A.V.B. The Rapier and Small-Sword 1460-1820. 1980. WARING, J.B. Masterpieces of Industrial Art & Sculpture at the International Exhibition, 1862 … Chromo-Lithographed by and under the Direction of W. R. Tymms, A. Warren, and G. Macculloch, from photographs supplied by the London Photographic and Stereoscopic Company, taken exclusively for this work by Stephen Thompson. London: Day & Son, 1863. Volumes I - II only (of 3). Folio (422 x 290mm). Additional chromolithographed titles, chromolithographed and tinted plates. Original reverse calf elaborately decorated in gilt, gilt edges (rubbed). With J.B. Waring`s Art Treasures of the United Kingdom from the Art Treasures Exhibition, Manchester … chromo lithographed by F. Bedford … with essays by Owen Jones, Digby Wyatt [etc] (London, 1858), The Art Journal. Illustrated Catalogue. The Industry of All Nations 1851 (London, [1852]) and Tallis`s History and Description of the Crystal Palace, and the Exhibition of the World`s Industry in 1851 (London, [n.d.], vols. I and III only). (qty)
CHRISTIE`S ARMS AND ARMOUR, MILITARIA AND SPORTING GUN AUCTION CATALOGUES . including sales in London, Geneva, New York and Melbourne during the period 1966-2008, including the collections of McDonald-Peattie, J. F. R. Winsbury (the second and final part), Harold L. Peterson, Red Hackle Whiskey, Alber J. Weatherhead III, A. C. C. Parker (Part 1), J. C. L. Knapton, The Armoury of Their Serene Highnesses the Princes zu Salm-Reifferscheidt-Dyck (Part 2), Eugene Nielson, and R. T. Gwynn. A full listing is available on request. (87)
Sold by order of the administrators of Nobel Enterprises Ltd . ERIK LINDBERG ( SWEDISH 1873-1966): ALFRED NOBEL . a patinated bronze bust on a square base, engraved Erik Lindberg 1910 and with foundry stamp `Herman Bergman Fud Stockholm 1913`. 102.3cm; 40 1/4in high. The present bust is one of two cast at the Herman Bergman foundry, the other being on display at the Nobel prize ceremonies in Stockholm. Alfred Bernhard Nobel (1833-1896) was born in Stockholm and is most famous for his pioneering work with explosives. He studied nitro-glycerine and found that when it was incorporated within an inert and absorbent substance like kieselguhr it became safer and thus more convenient to manipulate. This was patented in 1862 as dynamite. Other patents followed including gelignite or blasting gelatine amongst others. Nobel amassed an immense fortune and the bulk of this was left in trust after his death for the establishment of five prizes in the fields of physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and peace. The distribution of prizes was begun on the 10th of December 1901, the anniversary of Nobel`s death. The only individual to receive prizes in more than one section has been Mme Marie Curie who was honoured in both physics and chemistry. Erik Lindberg was a medallist and sculptor who produced a number of medals for the Nobel prize and other institutions. In his lifetime he was described as `a very able and clever artist, as shown in the execution of various medals which show a rare ability not only in regard to composition and artistic workmanship but also in the delicacy of expression and feeling of form in his modelling of the subjects.`.
THE PROPERTY OF A EUROPEAN COLLECTOR. A VERY FINE GERMAN MANUFACTURER`S MODEL CANNON BY ALFRED KRUPP PRESENTED TO KING GEORGE I OF GREECE, DATED 1864. with tapering multi-stage steel barrel swelling at the muzzle, cast with raised astragal and reinforcing bands, engraved with the Greek crowned royal cypher between entwined oak and olive branches on the first reinforce, chiselled on top of the base-ring with the abbreviated word for `Arsenal` in Greek cyrillic, the date and with a gold-damascened cartouche between, and with a further cyrillic inscription beneath, globular cascable, and a pair of trunnions inscribed `1/5` on on the left and `C/K.1748` on the right, on its original steel-mounted mahogany carriage, with steel-shod spoked cambered wheels, fitted with an ammunition case on each side, the bed with elevating screw, signed `K.O.` and with the date 1858 on the trail eye bracket (cap-squares expertly replaced) and with its limber en suite with the carriage, carrying a further pair of fitted ammunition boxes, and with accurately detailed steel fittings throughout. 49.5cm; 19 1/2in. barrel The Krupp family arrived in Essen in 1587 and are recorded thirty one years later making over one thousand barrels a year at the start of the thirty years war. The family continued to manufacture gun barrels of a high quality and rose to international fame in the 19th and 20th Centuries. During the 19th Century a very large proportion of `die Firma`s` income was generated from other areas of the steel industry including the manufacture of steel tyres for trains. A considerable number of these were exported to the United States and praised for their superior quality. The income generated from this was able to subsidise the cannon founding business that was an obsessive passion for Alfred Krupp (1812-87).. George I of Greece ascended to the throne on 29th October 1863. The unrest of the years preceding this together with the handing over of the Ionian Islands by the British in June 1864 gave a favourable start to his reign. For an account of the Krupp family see W. Manchester, 1964.
A FINELY CONSTRUCTED MODEL CARRONADE MOUNTED IN A HULL-SECTION, LATE 18TH CENTURY. with tapering bronze three-stage barrel, the muzzle and second reinforce astragals each rising up to incorporate a v-shaped sight, the base incorporating a central lug for fixing to the bed, the vent lined with a rectangular panel of white metal, stepped cascabel incorporating a breeching loop and an iron screw for elevation, on its finely constructed fully adjustable mahogany bed, incorporated within a hull-section, complete with copper-lined hinged port-cover and adjusting pulleys. 21.5cm; 8 1/2in barrel. The Carron Company was founded in Falkirk by Dr. John Roebuck, Samuel Garbett and William Cadell in 1759. The first carronades were produced from the designs of Charles Gascoigne from 1779 until 1852. A drawing of a carronade of similar form from 1785 and also in a hull-section is in the collection of H. M. The Queen of the Netherlands. See R. D. Smith 1989, p.34 and A. N. Kennard 1986, p. 54. A very similar model with an inscription recording its presentation from the Carron Company to Lieutenant General Melville signed by the maker`s Winlaw, Engine Maker, Margaret Street, Cavendish Square was sold Christie`s King Street, 11th February 1999, lot 299 (£20,700, including premium).
A FINE PAIR OF CASED 38 BORE FRENCH PERCUSSION RIFLED TARGET PISTOLS BY LEPAGE, ARQUEBUSIER DU ROY, PARIS, NUMBER 2023, DATED 1818. with browned twist swamped octagonal sighted barrels cut with micro-groove rifling, decorated with a band of gold foliage around the muzzles (refreshed), signed in gold `Le Page Arqer Du Roi` and `et de Mgr Le Duc D`Orleans`, inlaid with a gold arrow and numbered `1` and `2` in gold respectively, case-hardened breeches inlaid with gold lines, stamped with the date and number beneath, engraved case-hardened breech tangs incorporating the back-sights and numbered in gold, border-engraved bevelled locks signed in full and decorated with foliage, set triggers, figured walnut half-stocks carved with shell ornament at the fore-ends, chequered grips, the butts fitted with carved ebony pommels, engraved case-hardened steel mounts comprising two-piece flush-fitting side-plates formed as a leaf and a pair of addorsed water dragons respectively, spurred trigger-guards with neo-classical urn finial and decorated with a monster matching the side-plate, butt-caps, a pair of barrel bolt escutcheons, with no provision for a ramrod, and retaining much early finish throughout: in their original brass-bound rosewood veneered fitted case lined in tooled and gilt green and red leather (small areas of wear), complete with a full complement of accessories including signed case-hardened main-spring clamp, signed and numbered case-hardened bullet mould, signed carved ebony and ivory charge flask, and horn powder-flask bound with gilt-brass. 35.5cm; 14in . It is likely that these pistols were converted in their early working life from fulminate lock to percussion, and possibly refinished in part at this time. Jean Lepage (1792-1854) continued his father`s business with his brothers André, Prosper and Henry. He was gunmaker to Louis XVIII and Charles X, was a member of the Conseil des Manufactures in 1825 and won medals at the Paris exhibitions of 1823, 1827, 1834 and 1839.
A FINE AND RARE PAIR OF 22 BORE FRENCH FLINTLOCK LONG HOLSTER PISTOLS BY PIRAUBE AUX GALLERIES A PARIS, DATED 1697. with lightly swamped barrels fitted with silver fore-sights, signed in full and dated on a long central panel engraved with sprays of strapwork foliage at the muzzle end and chiselled with a grotesque at the breech end, moulded breeches chiselled with opposing classical warrior profile busts beneath a canopy and a trophy-of-arms all within a strapwork frame (areas of light wear), rectangular tangs engraved with a stylized grotesque and border ornament, stepped bevelled locks engraved with trophies on the tails, engraved and chiselled faceted pans signed in full beneath, the lock-plates and cocks engraved with strapwork foliage and border ornament en suite with the muzzles, finely chiselled steels decorated with a moustacheod espagnolette mask on the outer face and the spurs formed as grotesque monsters, highly figured walnut full stocks carved in low relief with linear mouldings over the fore-ends (one fore-end expertly repaired), scrolling tendrils with monsterhead terminals behind the rear ramrod-pipes and on either side of the barrel tangs, the butts inlaid in silver wire with scrolls over the spines and with a pattern of wavy lines about the barrel tangs, the side-plates and the pommel spurs, chiselled steel mounts comprising solid side-plates decorated with a framework of foliage incorporating an oval central panel and with a pierced design of foliage on the tails, moulded trigger-guards engraved en suite with the locks and with acanthus finials, spurred pommels engraved with elaborate trophies-of-arms carrying differing portrait medallions on each side, the caps finely chiselled with acanthus and a laurel frame enriched with gold pellets enclosing a mounted classical warrior on a punched ground, vacant escutcheons carried by a pair of addorsed herms, and surmounted by a ducal coronet, a pair of faceted ramrod-pipes (the mounts with areas of light wear), and steel-tipped wooden ramrods, perhaps the original . 56cm; 22in. (2). Provenance. Clay P. Bedford . Charles H. Moses, Ashtablula, Ohio 1966. Literature. Wallace B. Gusler and James D. Lavin, Decorated Firearms 1540-1870, from the Collection of Clay P. Bedford, Williamsburg, 1977, pp.34-7. Bertrand Piraube has been described as the most important figure in the decorative development of French firearms circa 1670-1724, and thus the history of European firearms as a whole. There is evidence that his first workshop was in Saint Germain en Laye, north west of Paris but little is known of this period. On 25th January 1670 Louis XIV granted him a brevet de logement in the Galeries du Louvre. This appointment, which was confirmed in March the following year, established Piraube as primus inter pares amongst the gunmakers working for Louis XIV. In German Brice`s Description de la Ville de Paris, published in various editions between 1698 and 1718, he was described as a gunmaker who produced pieces of rare beauty. Working within the precincts of the Royal Palace freed Piraube from the restrictions of the Parisian Guilds and consequently he was able to employ as many apprentices and journeymen as his commissions required. It comes as no surprise that a significant number of the great European Ancestral Gunrooms have firearms by him, including a fowling-piece at Windsor Castle believed to have been presented to Charles II of England by Louis XIV; a pair of pistols and a fowling-piece that were presented to the young Charles XI of Sweden as part of an exceptional gift including twelve richly caparisoned horses each with a brace of pistols in the saddle holsters and a number of fowling pieces; and the gunroom of the former Electors of Saxony in Dresden which includes no less than eleven long arms and fourteen pairs of pistols by him. Unlike many of his contemporaries Piraube dated the greater part of his firearms and thus one is able to follow the development of his style in considerable detail. The extant firearms by him are dated 1673, 1679, 1681, 1682, 1683, 1685, 1688, 1689, 1690, 1693, 1694, 1696, 1697, 1698, 1699, 1700, and 1715. In addition to this list two further pairs of pistols with steel mounts, dated 1700 and 1701 respectively, are recorded in the gewehrkammer of Duke August Wilhelm of Brunswick Luneburg (1662-1731). The present pair of pistols represent an important turning point in Piraube`s style, along with another pair of pistols dated 1696, one year earlier. The shorter side-plates with their oval medallions, the engraved oval medallions on each side of the pommels, the masks on the front of the steels and the geometric panels on the trigger-guards are among the features characteristic of the new Bérain style. While many of the features of this new style were a reintroduction from the mid-17th century others were entirely new, such as the inset geometrical panels on the trigger-guards and the espagnolette masks on the front of the steels. These were first published eight years after these pistols were made in 1705 as a supplement by de la Collombe to the reissue of Simonin`s earlier pattern book. This also provides a useful insight into pattern books of this period and how the most fashionable firearms often preceded the publication of the designs.. See J. F. Hayward 1963, pp.32-47; the same author 1980, pp. 118-157; and D. J. Larocca 1992, pp. 184-207.
A PAIR OF 25 BORE FRENCH FLINTLOCK OFFICER`S PISTOLS BY DALLY A PARIS, CIRCA 1770. with blued three-stage swamped barrels (worn), silver fore-sights on a spray of gilt foliage, signed over the breeches in gold and decorated in gold with trophies, pellets and the barrelsmith`s stamps (worn), engraved breech tangs, gold-lined vents, rounded locks signed within scrollwork frames and engraved with trophies on the tails (cocks replaced, restorations), figured walnut full stocks carved with rococo ornament in low relief, including foliage about the rear ramrod-pipes and scrollwork about the tangs, engraved steel mounts including solid side-plates engraved with border ornament and foliage, spurred pommels decorated with trophies and foliage, trigger-guards with foliate terminals and trophies on the bows (the engraving largely refreshed throughout), and each with horn-tipped baleen ramrod, perhaps the original. 31.7cm; 12 1/2in. (2). Nicolas Dally is recorded as arquebusier in the Rue Dauphin, Paris circa 1762-80.
A PAIR OF 20 BORE FRENCH FLINTLOCK OFFICER`S PISTOLS, LATE 18TH CENTURY. with blued two-stage sighted barrels, decorated with gilt bouquets at the muzzles and over the breeches, engraved tangs incorporating the back-sights, case-hardened rounded locks, figured walnut full stocks carved with linear moulding over the fore-ends, about the locks and mounts and with scrolls and a flower about the tangs (fore-ends with minor repairs), engraved blued steel mounts including trigger-guards with foliate terminals, and pommels extending up the spine of the butt, horn fore-end caps, and horn-tipped wooden ramrods (one replaced, the other probably associated). 33cm; 13in. (2)
A FINE PAIR OF 28 BORE FRENCH D.B. FLINTLOCK PISTOLS BY BLETTERIE A PARIS, CIRCA 1740. with lightly swamped barrels, decorated with bands of gold pellets at the muzzles, sprays of foliage and trophies, signed on the rib, fitted with silver fore-sights and decorated with further scrollwork and acanthus against a punched ground at the breeches (the goldwork extensively rubbed and with losses), grooved barrel tangs chiselled with trophies against a gilt fishroe ground, signed engraved stepped bevelled locks decorated with differing martial trophies and border ornament, the tails chiselled and gilt with trophies en suite, chiselled cocks decorated with foliage against a gilt ground, the steel faces chiselled with demon masks (the engraving worn, the cocks and steels with restorations), highly figured walnut full stocks carved with Green man masks issuant with foliage behind the rear ramrod-pipes and with foliage about the tangs (the fore-ends with minor repairs), inlaid with silver wire scrollwork over the fore-ends and the butts, full parcel-gilt silver mounts cast and chased in low relief, comprising trigger-guards with acanthus finials rising from demi-demon masks, the bows decorated with foliate central panes against a finely gilt fishroe ground, spurred trigger-guards decorated with differing trophies-of-hunting on each side within a rococo scrollwork frame accompanied by cornucopia, the butt-caps decorated with a laurel frame filled with portrait profiles of a nobleman and woman against a gilt fishroe ground respectively, oval escutcheons carried on trophies and engraved with the owner`s crest beneath a count`s coronet, a pair of faceted ramrod-pipes decorated en suite with the trigger-guards, blued trigger-plates, and each with its horn-tipped baleen ramrod. 42cm; 16 1/2in. (2). The arms, and almost certainly the portrait profiles on the pommels, are those of Count Jan-Karol Mniszech and his wife Countess Katarzyna (née Zamoyska) of Poland who married in 1741. Mniszech was Lieutenant General of the Crown, Great Chamberlain, Governor of Galicia and Huntsman of the Crown. The silver mounts are of exceptional quality. François Ovide Bletry (also Bletterie and Blettery) is recorded in Paris 1706-38 at Rue des Mauvais Garcons. During the period 1720-35 he had the title `arquebusier et archer du roy`. A gun and a crossbow signed by him are preserved in the Historisches Museum Dresden. See T. Lenk 1965, pp.113-4 and J. Sensfelder 2007, p. 305. It would appear that few other pieces by him are extant.
A FINE PAIR OF 18 BORE SPANISH MADRID-LOCK PISTOLS BY DIEGO VENTURA, MADRID, CIRCA 1745. with bright barrels formed in two stages, moulded at the muzzle and the median, octagonal breeches stamped with gold-lined barrelsmith`s stamps (Neue Støckel 8398 and 1118), gold-lined vents, the barrels retained by a slender pierced band released by a spring-catch, tangs chiselled with border-ornament and foliage against a punched ground, stepped bevelled locks signed `Diego Bentura` beneath the pans, engraved with a resting sportsman with a hound at his feet and with trophies-of-hunting on the tails, the cocks and steels chiselled with strapwork and foliage against a punched ground, highly figured walnut full-stocks moulded over the fore-ends, carved with acanthus behind the rear ramrod-pipe and the tangs, engraved, chiselled and parcel-gilt steel mounts comprising pierced scrolling foliate side-plates with grotesque monster terminals and central oval medallions engraved with male and female classical portrait profiles respectively, trigger-guards with moulded strapwork on the bows and anthemion terminals, spurred trigger-guards engraved with a Turkish warrior and a European huntsman each in contemporary costume amidst a spray of trophies and foliage, the pommel caps finely chiselled on a gilt fishroe ground with a classical warrior bust and a nobleman respectively, ramrod-pipes en suite with the trigger-guards, horn-tipped wooden ramrods, perhaps the original, and remaining in fine condition throughout . 43.7cm; 17 1/4in . (2). Diego Ventura is recorded in Madrid circa 1722 and 1762. He was the disciple of Alonso Martinez and became gunmaker to King Carlos III in 1760, dying two years later, as described by his near contemporary Isidro Soler. Another lock also signed Diego Bentura and dated 1730 is preserved in the Musée d`Art et d`Industrie Saint-Étienne, cat no. 150. See A. S. del Campo, p. 397 and J. Lavin 1965, p. 109.
A FINE PAIR OF 25 BORE BOHEMIAN D.B. FLINTLOCK PISTOLS BY PAUL POSER IN PRAG, CIRCA 1720. with long swamped reblued barrels signed `Paul Poser` and `In Prag` respectively, fitted with brass foresights, border-engraved tangs incorporating grooved back-sights, finely engraved signed flat bevelled locks decorated with cavalrymen and pikemen beneath the pans, and on the tails with a musketeer and an encampment scene, the cocks engraved with foliage and chiselled with a monsterhead in relief (one trigger repaired), moulded figured walnut full stocks (minor repairs) carved in relief with linear mouldings over the fore-ends, strapwork and foliage behind the rear ramrod-pipes and about the barrel tangs, full brass mounts finely cast and chased in low relief, comprising trigger-guards with acanthus finials decorated with strapwork and opposing warrior busts on a punched ground on the bows, spurred pommels with further designs of strapwork foliage enclosing standing classical warriors on a punched ground, grotesque mask butt-caps within a beadwork frame, pierced escutcheons supported by female figures, engraved with the owner`s crest beneath a coronet, a pair of faceted ramrod-pipes, the mounts retaining some original gilding, and original horn-tipped wooden ramrods. 53.5cm; 21 1/8in. (2). The crest is that of the Pálffy von Erdöd family, Counts of Bohemia and Hungary, created circa 1581. Paul Poser was one of the leading Bohemian gunmakers of the first half of the 18th century. He is especially noted for his co-operation with the distinguished chiseller Franz Matzenkopf, medal die-cutter at the court of the Prince-Bishops of Salzburg, who is thought to have been responsible for the relief decoration on the locks and mounts of some of Poser`s firearms. See J. Hayward 1963, pp. 124-126.
A FINE PAIR OF 60 BORE FLINTLOCK BELT PISTOLS SIGNED GIO. BOTTI, CIRCA 1730. each with two-stage sighted barrel, fluted breech stamped by the barrelsmith `Lazarino Cominazzo`, plain tang fitted with folding back-sight, signed rounded lock struck with the locksmith`s mark on the inside, CF crowned (the second letter indistinct), chiselled with scrolling monsterhead tendrils against a punched ground in the Brescian manner on the tails, cocks and steels, blued triggers, moulded figured walnut full stocks carved with scrolls about the ramrod-pipe, gilt-bronze mounts cast and chased with scrolling monsterhead tendrils en suite with the locks, comprising solid side-plates, trigger-guards, trigger-plates, and spurred pommels decorated with the owner`s arms and cipher, short blued steel belt hooks, original ramrods with gilt-brass tips, and remaining in fine, virtually unused condition throughout. 35.6cm; 14in. (2). Provenance. The Gewehrkammer of the Grand Dukes of Saxe-Weimar at Schloß Ettersburg, Saxony. The arms and cypher are those of Ernst August I, Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar (1688-1748). A considerable number of firearms signed Gio Botti and decorated in this manner are associated with this gunroom which was dispersed in the early 20th Century. The present pair are notable in bearing the arms and cypher of the Grand Duke and can therefore be listed among his personal weapons. For a discussion of this group see J.F. Hayward 1963, pp. 134-5.
A FINE PAIR OF 60 BORE D.B. FRENCH FLINTLOCK PISTOLS BY BRUNON L`AINE, ST ETIENNE, CIRCA 1790. with turn-off cannon barrels formed with roped mouldings, numbered `1` to `4` respectively, blued breeches stamped with the gold-lined barrrelsmith`s mark, a lion, inscribed in gold `Canon Tordu` and decorated with crowned eagles on thunderbolts within a framework incorporating Greek key pattern, border-engraved grooved breech tangs, signed bevelled locks fitted with engraved cocks, figured walnut half-stocks carved with a zig-zag pattern about the tangs, finely chequered butts encircled with a band of beadwork at the bottom, engraved steel mounts comprising broad moulded trigger-guards with neoclassical finials, and octagonal butt-caps decorated with flowers, vacant mother-of-pearl escutcheons, and with no provision for a ramrod. 21.2cm; 8 3/8in . (2). Laurant Brunon is recorded in St Etienne circa 1744-97.
A 7MM BELGIAN SIX-SHOT PIN-FIRE REVOLVER BY LEPAGE FRÈRES A LIÈGE, MAISON A PARIS 12 RUE D`ENGHIEN, CIRCA 1870. with engraved blued fluted barrel group cut with polygroove rifling, scroll-engraved action, folding trigger, ivory butt inscribed with the maker`s details on the back-strap, original steel clearing rod, in its chamois holster. 11.8cm; 4 5/8in
A PAIR OF 22 BORE FRENCH FLINTLOCK PISTOLS BY JEAN GRIOTTIERE, PARIS CHARGE MARK FOR 1762-68. with reblued swamped sighted barrels decorated in gold with scrollwork, flowers and foliage, engraved tangs, signed locks engraved with scrolls (engraving refreshed), figured walnut full stocks carved with scrolls and foliage in low relief about the rear ramrod-pipes and the tangs, full silver mounts cast and chased in low relief, comprising scrollwork side-plate decorated with a central rococo flower, trigger-guards with foliate terminals, spurred pommel decorated shell ornament on each side and with a dolphin on the butt-caps, vacant oval escutcheons and a pair of silver ramrod-pipes, and steel-tipped baleen ramrods, probably the original. 36cm; 14 1/4in. (2). Jean Griottiere is recorded arquebusier in St Etienne during the mid-18th Century. Støckel records 20 carbines, 215 rifles and 301 pistols made by Griottiere for the Dauphin`s Dragoon regiment in 1743. The decoration of the pommels of the present pistols would suggest that they might have been part of this order.
A 20 BORE SPANISH MIQUELET-LOCK D.B. SPORTING GUN BY JOSEPH AGUIRE, EIBAR, DATED 1811. with reblued two-stage barrels fitted with silver fore-sight on a bed of silver-inlaid foliage, chiselled and gilt with foliage over the girdle, octagonal breeches inlaid with silver foliage and exotic birds, inscribed `Fabricados en Eibar` and `Ano d 1811 d Erraduras` and stamped with the gold-lined barrelsmith`s marks, gold-lined vents, reblued grooved breech tang decorated with foliage en suite, border-engraved bevelled locks stamped with the gold-lined maker`s marks and engraved with scrolls, gold-lined pans, figured walnut half-stock carved with linear mouldings over the fore-end, acanthus foliage behind the ramrod-pipe, an exotic bird ahead of the trigger-guard, and a green man mask behind the barrel tang, chequered grip, cheek-piece carved with vine foliage and grapes, burnished steel mounts including broad trigger-guard stamped with the gold-lined maker`s mark and gold-lined decorative marks, engraved butt-plate with acanthus tang matching the trigger-guard finial (forward ramrod-pipe removed), and associated bone-tipped ramrod. 83.2cm; 32 3/4in barrels.
AN 18 BORE D.B. FRENCH FLINTLOCK SPORTING GUN BY COULAUX A STRASBOURG, CIRCA 1800. with browned sighted barrels decorated with a gilt panel over their full length, a sunburst around the fore-sight, scrolls, thunderbolts and signed over the breech, stamped with the gold-lined maker`s mark, the letters MD with crossed fronds between, and inscribed `Merley Dumares` beneath, grooved tang, rounded locks signed `Coulaux` on the left, inscribed `Strasbourg` on the right, and engraved with sprays of delicate foliage, fitted with pierced cocks and rainproof pans, figured walnut half-stock carved in low relief with crossed fronds behind the ramrod-pipe, and foliage about the tang, chequered grip, cheek-piece carved with a scroll of foliage at each end, burnished steel mounts including broad moulded trigger-guard with foliate terminal, shaped butt-plate with moulded borders, and rear ramrod-pipe en suite, and associated ramrod. 86.3cm; 34in barrels. A father and son of this name are recorded in Strasbourg and Klingenthal circa 1764-1838.
A CASED 54 BORE ADAMS PATENT 1851 MODEL FIVE-SHOT SELF-COCKING PERCUSSION REVOLVER, BY DEANE ADAMS & DEANE NO. 30 KING WILLIAM ST, LONDON BRIDGE, RETAILED BY E. & E. EMANUEL, AGENTS, 3 THE HARD, PORTSEA, NO. 13601R CIRCA 1855. with blued sighted barrel engraved with lines along each face, signed with the full maker`s and retailer`s details, decorated with a band of foliage at the muzzle, border-engraved blued frame decorated with further scrolls of foliage and stamped with patent details and serial number on the right, the cylinder with matching serial number and engraved with a band of foliage, chequered walnut butt with engraved steel cap with trap, engraved trigger-guard with traces of original bluing, and the barrel and frame retaining much original blued finish: in its original fitted oak case lined in green baize, the lid applied with trade label for 30 King William Street (some staining), and retaining a number of accessories including Sykes patent copper powder-flask and brass cap dispenser, oil bottle, and two-way shot carrier. 31.5cm; 12 1/2in .
A FLINTLOCK BLUNDERBUSS, THE LOCK SIGNED PEAKE, LONDON, CIRCA 1800. reconverted from percussion, with earlier brass barrel formed in four stages, belled at the muzzle, stamped with the barrelsmith`s mark of Daniel 2 Moore and inscribed `London` over the breech, iron tang grooved for sighting (cracked), signed rounded lock (associated, pitted, worn), figured walnut full stock (repairs), full brass mounts engraved with rococo ornament including solid side-plate, trigger-guard with acorn finial, vacant escutcheon, and later ramrod. 84cm; 33 1/8in
A COMPOSITE FLINTLOCK BLUNDERBUSS WITH LOCK BY T. PAGE, LATE 18TH CENTURY. with late 17th Century brass barrel formed in two stages, stamped with London View and proof marks at the breech, the unrecorded barrelsmith`s mark `TF` beneath a stylised crown, and formed with a raised grooved moulding for sighting, border-engraved lock signed `T Page`, walnut full stock (chipped and cracked) and brass mounts of shaped outline. 74cm; 29 1/4in
A MIQUELET-LOCK MUSKETOON BY PERES, EARLY 18TH CENTURY, PROBABLY PORTUGESE. with two-stage barrel moulded at the muzzle and stamped with the barrelsmith`s marks retaining traces of gold inlay at the breech (obscured), retained by a pair of shaped steel bands, engraved breech tang, signed shaped lock decorated with scrolls, hardwood full stock including `Catalan` butt carved with a wavy pattern, and iron mounts comprising trigger-guard (repaired), side-plate, belt hook, butt-cap and horn-tipped wooden ramrod, perhaps the original. 62.5cm; 24 5/8in barrel. Three makers with this name are recorded in Lisbon during the 17th Century.
A 35 BORE GERMAN PERCUSSION SPORTING RIFLE WITH BARREL BY JAMES 1 WILKINSON, LONDON, CIRCA 1840. with signed browned twist heavy octagonal barrel of circa 1810, rifled with five grooves, stamped with the barrelsmith`s mark beneath, fitted with barleycorn fore-sight and folding ladder back-sight, case-hardened breech, engraved case-hardened breech tang decorated with foliage inhabited by a serpent, detented lock engraved with foliage around the border and a hound in pursuit of a stag, retained by a blued quick-release thumb-screw, and fitted with engraved case-hardened hammer en suite with the tang, double set trigger, highly figured walnut full stock cut with a shaped panel of chequering at the fore-end and the grip, carved raised cheek-piece (bruising and scratches, the fore-end with one small crack), finely engraved steel mounts comprising trigger-guard shaped for the fingers and incorporating an adjustable front guard, spurred butt-plate decorated with a stag, three moulded ramrod-pipes, and two sling swivels, silver scrolling side-plate inset with a vacant gold escutcheon beneath, oval escutcheon, silver barrel bolt escutcheons, horn fore-end cap (one small crack), and brass-tipped steel ramrod, perhaps the original. 76.5cm; 30 1/8in barrel. James 1 Wilkinson is recorded as Henry Nock`s foreman and succeeded him as Gunmaker in Ordinary to George III in 1805.
A COMPOSED PAIR OF HANOVERIAN ROYAL D.B. PIN-FIRE SPORTING GUNS MADE FOR ERNST AUGUST, CROWN PRINCE OF HANOVER, CIRCA 1878. one 16 and the other 14 bore, with rebrowned twist sighted barrels signed in gold on the ribs by the barrelsmiths `Albert Staelhe in Wienn` and `H. Scherping in Hannover` respectively (one rebarrelled in its early working life), finely chiselled breech tangs decorated with a hound beneath a tree, the crowned Royal cypher, and enriched with gold scrolls, rounded Lefaucheux type actions operated by a rotary underlever, chiselled with scrollwork and game vignettes enriched with gold, back-action locks decorated en suite with the actions, figured walnut half-stocks with chequered grips and raised cheek-pieces (light bruising), chiselled steel trigger-guards en suite with the locks and actions, reinforced with a piece of scrolling horn, engraved steel butt-plates with the numbers `1` and `2`, and a pair of sling swivels (the steel parts with areas of pitting). 74cm; 29 1/8in barrels. Provenance. The Crown Prince`s Gunroom, Schloss Cumberland, Gmunden. Schloss Marienburg
A 16 BORE HANOVERIAN ROYAL D.B. PIN-FIRE SPORTING GUN MADE FOR ERNST AUGUST, CROWN PRINCE OF HANOVER, BY H. SCHERPING IN HANNOVER, CIRCA 1870. with rebrowned twist sighted barrels signed on a matted rib, engraved breech tang decorated with the crowned Royal cypher, rounded Lefaucheux type action operated by a horn rotary underlever, engraved with scrollwork and enriched with panels of gold scrollwork, signed engraved locks chiselled with game vignettes in gold frames, figured walnut half-stock with chequered grip and raised cheek-piece, chiselled steel trigger-guard en suite with the locks, reinforced with a piece of scrolling horn, engraved steel butt-plate with the number `9` on a small oval escutcheon adjacent to the heel, and a sling swivel (the forward sling swivel missing, steel parts with areas of pitting). 75.2cm; 29 5/8in barrels. Provenance. The Crown Prince`s Gunroom, Schloss Cumberland, Gmunden. Schloss Marienburg
A .600 CALIBRE HANOVERIAN ROYAL PIN-FIRE DOUBLE SPORTING RIFLE MADE FOR ERNST AUGUST, CROWN PRINCE OF HANOVER, BY H. SCHERPING IN HANNOVER, CIRCA 1870. with rebrowned twist sighted barrels rifled with seven grooves, signed in gold and decorated with gold scrollwork at the breech, engraved breech tang chiselled with a stag and the crowned Royal cipher in a gold frame, rounded Lefaucheux type action operated by a chiselled steel underlever decorated en suite with the tang, back-action locks chiselled with stag and boar hunting vignettes enriched with gold, figured walnut half-stock with chequered grip and raised cheek-piece, chiselled steel trigger-guard en suite with the locks, reinforced with a piece of scrolling horn at each end, engraved steel butt-plate with the number `12`, and a pair of steel sling swivel (the steel parts with areas of pitting). 64cm; 25 1/4in barrels. Provenance. The Crown Prince`s Gunroom, Schloss Cumberland, Gmunden. Schloss Marienburg
A 16 BORE HANOVERIAN D.B. PERCUSSION CAPE RIFLE BY TANNER IN HANNOVER, CIRCA 1830. with rebrowned twist sighted barrels, the right barrel rifled, signed in gold on the rib, engraved case-hardened breech decorated with scrolling foliage extending down each side and inlaid with gold lines, back-action locks chiselled with differing scenes involving hounds and stags, scroll-engraved hammers, set trigger for the rifled barrel, figured walnut half-stock, chequered grip, raised cheek-piece, engraved steel mounts decorated en suite with the locks including trigger-guard and butt-plate, the latter engraved `no.1988`, vacant white metal escutcheon, white metal barrel bolt escutcheons, and brass-tipped wooden ramrod (the steel parts with areas of pitting). 76.8cm; 30 1/4in barrels. Provenance. The Crown Prince`s Gunroom, Schloss Cumberland, Gmunden. Schloss Marienburg
A RARE 11 BORE ENGLISH LOCK MUSKET, CIRCA 1650. with three-stage sighted barrel, the breech of octagonal and polygonal form and inscribed with the armoury number `17` on the top flat, stamped with London view and proof mark and the barrelsmith`s mark, perhaps `TG`, plain tang (small repair), flat lock retained by three side nails, stamped with the maker`s initials `HB`, fitted with dog catch, separate pan, and buffer for the cock, the trigger pivoting on a pin above the tail of the lock-plate, walnut full stock carved with a shell in low relief about the barrel tang (the stock a working replacement, small cracks and chips), iron trigger-guard, two brass ramrod-pipes, and later iron-tipped ramrod. 107.3cm; 42 1/4in barrel. Provenance. William Keith Neal. The Marquess of Bath, Longleat House, Wiltshire. Literature. Richard Akehurst, The World of Guns, 1972, p.15, illustrated.. W. Keith Neal and D. H. L. Back, Great British Gunmakers 1540-1740, 1984 p.108, plate 25.. It has been suggested that the initials on the lock may be those of Harman Barne (recorded in England circa 1642-61).
A 32 BORE FRENCH PERCUSSION TARGET PISTOL BY LE PAGE, ARQUEBUSIER DU ROI, PARIS, NO. 2837, CIRCA 1825-30. with rebrowned octagonal swamped twist sighted barrel cut with polygroove rifling, decorated with a band of gold foliage about the muzzle, signed in a gold oval over the breech and numbered `2` (the gold with losses), stamped with the serial number beneath and the barrelsmith`s mark, foliate-engraved tang numbered in gold en suite with the barrel and fitted with standing back-sight, flush-fitting detented lock signed in a gold oval and engraved with trophies, set trigger, highly figured walnut half-stock carved with shell ornament at the fore-end, chequered butt fitted with a wooden pommel projecting to the right for assisting aim (probably an early working addition), engraved steel mounts comprising spurred steel trigger-guard with urn-shaped finial engraved with foliage, bat-wing side-plate, and a pair of barrel bolt escutcheons, and with no provision for a ramrod. 35.2cm; 13 7/8in
A SPANISH MIQUELET-LOCK PISTOL, RIPOLL, EARLY 18TH CENTURY. with two-stage barrel, the forward portion formed with a central rib and moulded at the muzzle, fluted breech, engraved tang, iron patilla lock stamped with the maker`s mark beneath the pan (rubbed), hardwood stock with near spherical butt, applied beneath the fore-end, about the trigger-guard and around the tang with pierced and engraved brass plaques in the Ripoll style (losses), the butt applied with an expanded flowerhead in engraved brass, spurred steel trigger-guard, brass fore-end cap decorated with scrolls on a hatched ground, and moulded steel ramrod, probably the original (the steel parts pitted). 26cm; 10 1/4in
A RARE .650 CALIBRE D.B. PERCUSSION BELT PISTOL BY WILKINSON, BIRMINGHAM PROOF MARKS, CIRCA 1850. with browned sighted barrels signed on the rib, tang of shaped outline, flush-fitting case-hardened back-action locks, the left lock fitted with steel belt hook, figured walnut three-quarter stock, brass mounts of regulation type, comprising trigger-guard, butt-cap fitted with a robust steel `skull crusher` of hog`s back form pierced for attaching to a rampart or perhaps a howdah, brass ramrod-pipe, original swivel ramrod, and with much early colour throughout. 37.5cm; 14 3/4in
A PAIR OF 10 BORE FLINTLOCK DUELLING PISTOLS BY WILLIAM 2 BRANDER, CIRCA 1780. with swamped barrels fitted with standing back-sights and with traces of the barrelsmith`s stamps at the breeches (fore-sights removed, pitted), steel tangs grooved for sighting, signed stepped border-engraved locks (pitted, signatures obscured), figured walnut full stocks (cracks and repairs, one fore-end replaced), flat-sided butts in the manner of Wogdon, full brass mounts including engraved flush-fitting scrolling side-plates, vacant rococo escutcheons, and trigger-guards with a rococo flower on the bows and acorn finials (later ramrods). 47.5cm; 18 3/4in . (2). William 2 Brander is recorded at 70 Minories 1765-87.
A PAIR OF SCOTTISH HIGHLAND FLINTLOCK BELT PISTOLS MADE ENTIRELY OF STEEL BY I. MURDOCH, THIRD QUARTER OF THE 18TH CENTURY. with four stage barrels engraved with opposing designs of scrollwork and foliage, octagonal muzzles decorated with alternating panels of scrollwork, and cut with fluting over the breeches (rubbed), signed locks with engraved bevelled edges, wrigglework borders and scrollwork at the rear, engraved full stocks decorated with an engraved silver panel beneath the locks, silver Celtic strapwork over the spines, and an engraved oval on each side of the butts decorated with the owner`s crest and monogrammed initials `BV` respectively, engraved silver button triggers, engraved silver prickers en suite with the triggers (the silver rubbed), engraved steel belt hooks, and each with its steel ramrod . 31.8cm; 12 1/2in. (2). The crest is probably that of Vere of Stanbroke, Suffolk. John Murdoch is recorded in Doune circa 1750-98. Alexander MacGibbon makes the following reference to him in his account of the Doune gunmaking industry, published around 1798 `John Murdoch.......famous for his ingenuity in the craft and who likewise furnished pistols to the first nobility of Europe. These pistols were sold for 4-24 guineas a pair.......` See M. Kelvin 1996, pp. 92-4.
Ten Wedgwood Jasperware American Independence bicentennial series plates, to include a Trophy plate, in pale blue and white jasper with cane, lilac and sage green ornamentation, Limited Edition, no: 139 of 300 and others, to include the Victory at Yorktown, Paul Revere`s Ride, Boston tea Party and others (all boxed except one)
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