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Click here to subscribeA RARE SOUTH INDIAN SWORD, 16TH/17TH CENTURY with broad flat blade widening towards a cobra-shaped tip, brass hilt including a pair of robust shaped panels extending over the lower third of the blade on each side and rising to a figure-of-eight shaped base to the guard, tubular brass grip incorporating a moulded cylindrical pommel, fitted with a fan-shaped finial washer above 68.5cm; 27in blade See R. Elgood 2004, pp. 80-85.
A RARE INDIAN DECCANI SHORTSWORD (TALWAR OR CHAP), LATE 17TH/18TH CENTURY with curved single-edged Indian blade with false edge and ricasso, the lower spine of the blade with a groove, one face of wootz steel and the other sakhelâ, original iron talwar hilt decorated with silver koftgari chevrons or lehria, in its green-stained shagreen scabbard with silver wire seam and large silver chape 65cm; 25 5/8in blade A few examples exist of swords made from two types of steel with one blade face of sakhelâ and the other wootz. The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb possessed one, now in the Delhi Museum, inscribed `Alamgir the Emperor, Champion of the Faith, 1112AH/1700-1AD`. Aurangzeb spent most of his life in the Deccan. See Z. Hasan 1918, pp. 11-13. For another from Bareilly see G. Watt 1903, p. 473.
A RARE FALCHION, PROBABLY VENETIAN, EARLY 17TH CENTURY with broad blade double-edged towards the tip and formed with a clipped-back point, inlaid with two latten marks at the forte (worn), steel hilt comprising two down-turned quillons with knop-shaped and stylised hound`s head terminals respectively, moulded langets, knuckle-guard with knop-shaped finials, engraved brass pommel cap, and shaped horn grip with chequered back-edge studded with numerous brass nails, and inset with a pierced brass tracery panel on each side 72cm; 28 3/8in blade Literature Literature Anthony North, Swords and hilt Weapons, London 1994, p. 77, illustrated.
A RARE ENGLISH PROTO-MORTUARY SWORD, CIRCA 1635 with broad blade cut with a short shallow fuller on each side (light pitting), steel hilt comprising scalloped outer-guard, scrolling quillon knuckle-guard interrupted by a scalloped moulding, scalloped inner-guard, brass pommel cast as an Eagle`s head and decorated with scrolls and a green man mask, pierced iron threaded button, and fluted horn grip reinforced with an iron panel on each side (the hilt pitted) 77cm; 30 1/4in blade Literature Anthony R. E. North, European Swords, London 1982, p. 32, illustrated. A closely related sword is illustrated in D. Blackmore 1990, p. 29, no. 38. This sword was probably made in the sword factory at Hounslow, see A. R. E. North op cit.
A RARE ENGLISH SILVER-MOUNTED PLUG BAYONET, LAST QUARTER OF THE 17TH CENTURY with slightly curved blade double-edged towards the point (patinated), stamped with a King`s head mark on each side of the forte, silver hilt cast and chased in low relief, comprising a pair of straight moulded quillons with warrior head terminals, and cap pommel with terminal en suite with the quillons, and turned figured rootwood grip, in its tooled leather scabbard, probably the original, impressed `No Union` on one side at the top, with silver locket and chape decorated with scrolls and stars, the locket incorporating a moulded belt hook with warrior head profile at the top 65cm; 25 5/8in
A RARE ENGLISH PLUG BAYONET WITH SHOTLEY BRIDGE BLADE, LAST QUARTER OF THE 17TH CENTURY with tapering blade stamped `Shotley` and `Bridg` on the respective faces (worn), brass hilt comprising cross-piece with cherubic terminals, moulded globular pommel, and turned rootwood grip 48.8cm; 19 1/4in
A RARE BRITISH CAVALRY TROOPER`S SWORD, CIRCA 1755-60 with broad tapering flat blade cut with a series of very slender fullers on each side, 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 leather-covered spirally-carved grip bound with twisted wire and the grip with an early leather binding 95.5cm; 37 5/8in blade A 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, another was sold in these rooms, 9th December 2009, lot 198 (£1,080 including premium).
A RARE BASKET-HILTED BACKSWORD FOR AN OFFICER OF THE 116TH (PERTHSHIRE HIGHLANDERS) REGIMENT, BREADALBANE FENCIBLES, CIRCA 1794 with broad blade double-edged towards the tip, regulation basket-guard of flattened bars and formed in two halves, including panels of scrolling thistle flowers and foliage, the centre incorporating the regimental device, number and motto, bun-shaped pommel and original wire-bound fishskin-covered grip 86.4cm; 34in blade A number of short-lived highland regiments were raised in the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, including the 116th (Perthshire Highlanders) raised in 1794 and disbanded shortly after. See B. Robson 1996, pp. 173-4.
AN EXTREMELY RARE AMERICAN SWORD PRESENTED TO MIDSHIPMAN CHARLES T. PLATT FOR THE BATTLE OF LAKE CHAMPLAIN, 11TH SEPTEMBER 1814, BY RESOLUTION OF CONGRESS 20TH OCTOBER 1814 with flat blade formed with parallel edges and tapering at the point, etched over two-thirds of its length on each side, comprising entwined oak foliage, the presentation inscription (largely obscured by areas of pitting), trophies-of-arms, a panel of trellis filled with flowers, all divided by bands of key ornament on one side and a similar arrangement of foliage, the Latin inscription `Altius Ibunt Qui Ad Summa Nituntur` (he who aims highest rises highest), a trophy-of-arms and trellis on the other (areas of pitting), signed by the etcher `Meer` at the forte and the tang stamped by the bladesmith `Rose`, gilt-brass hilt (loose) comprising down-curved shell-guard cast on the outside with crossed anchors and flags behind a Federal eagle upon a cannon and on the inside with a wreath dividing the letters `US`, solid inner guard cast with laurel foliage on the top and eighteen stars beneath, pierced knuckle-guard decorated with a central profile medallion (the top now detached at a later repair), pommel formed as a warrior head cast in the round, solid rectangular grip cast with a mermaid up ending an urn above her head, and retaining much original gilding throughout 82.5cm; 32 1/2in blade The Battle of Lake Champlain, also known as the Battle of Plattsburgh - off which port it was fought, represented the culmination of British attempts to take control of the lake during the War of 1812. Since Lake Champlain represented a major north-south artery from Canada into the United States, control of the lake was a prerequisite both for the defence of the United States and for a successful assault into the USA`s north-eastern states and, ultimately, upon the city of New York. The border between Canada and the USA runs just north of the lake and so the lake was an area of tension between Britain and the USA both before and during the War of 1812. Recognising the lake`s strategic position, the US Navy had gradually increased its presence there from the beginning of the war, by converting merchantmen into warships and by actively building ships at Vergennes in Vermont, at the southern end of the lake; in Canada, the Royal Navy had carried out much the same increase in its forces and so, by the spring of 1814, the two navies were prepared for a trial of strength on the lake. In May 1814, a British naval bombardment of Vergennes was beaten off and the Royal Naval force returned to Canada to await an increase in its strength through the building of a frigate, HMS CONFIANCE; hearing of this increase in British strength, the Americans promptly commissioned a brig, named USS EAGLE, which was ready early in August. A land invasion of the USA began late in August and Plattsburgh was under siege by British forces by 6th September. The US Navy squadron, consisting of four small ships (USSs EAGLE, SARATOGA, TICONDEROGA and PREBLE) and ten gunboats, was anchored off Plattsburgh and able to provide fire support for the forts defending the town against a land assault: in order that Plattsburgh be captured - and thus that the British should acquire a port on Lake Champlain - it was necessary that the US Navy squadron be neutralised. On 11th September 1814, a Royal Navy squadron, consisting of four small ships (HMSs CHUBB, LINNET, CONFIANCE and FINCH) and thirteen gunboats, entered Plattsburgh Bay. The two forces were fairly equally matched in terms of strength - the Americans` 86 guns and carronades being opposed by 92 guns and carronades in the British ships - but, as so often in the naval War of 1812, American resolve and gunnery proved more than a match for the Royal Navy, whose Lake Champlain squadron suffered from inexperienced and divided leadership and poor gunnery training. The British tactic in attacking the American anchored line of warships was to emulate Nelson`s tactic at the Battle of the Nile, 1st August 1798: that each ship should approach, anchor alongside and engage a specific target. The superiority of American gunnery soon told, however, and all four British ships were eventually forced to surrender - having suffered a dreadful pounding - while most of the British gunboats fled from the action. The failure of the naval assault led to the cancellation of the siege of Plattsburgh and British land forces withdrew, leaving Lake Champlain in the triumphant hands of the Americans. British casualties for the battle were 54 killed and 116 wounded, whereas the Americans suffered 52 killed and 58 wounded. See R. Malcolmson 1998, pp. 124-126. Following the Battles of Lake Erie (10th September 1813) and Lake Champlain (11th September 1814) Congress resolved that 52 swords be presented. Of these 32 were to Sailing Masters and Midshipmen involved in the Battle of Lake Champlain and the whereabouts of seven are known. It has been suggested that, as a number of posthumous awards were postponed in favour of providing swords for the survivors, substantially fewer swords were actually made. As the original Navy muster rolls prior to 1818 were destroyed in a fire of 1833, it is difficult to be more specific. The distribution of prize money for this action records that: of the total $266,711.17 paid, Platt and other midshipmen received $1,427.13, with Lieutenants receiving $2,012.75 and Seamen and Privates $120.42. William and Joseph Rose were swordsmiths in Philadelphia circa 1754-1819. John Meer was born in Birmingham, England and exhibited at the Columbian exhibition on 1795 in Philadelphia, where he naturalized in 1798. Meer etched a number of the Roses` sword blades, including those with silver hilts by Thomas Fletcher for the State of Maryland. See John D. Hamilton 1985, pp. 30-37; R. H. Bezdek 1994, pp. 160, 188-189; Ohio 1988.
AN EXTREMELY FINE AND EXCEPTIONALLY RARE OFFICER`S SHOULDER-BELT PLATE, 1ST (OR THE KING`S) DRAGOON GUARDS, CIRCA 1788-1800 oval, of gilded brass, the raised border incorporating a tied wreath of laurel and enclosing an eight-pointed, silver facet-cut star on which is mounted, in gilt metal and coloured enamels, a crowned Garter enclosing the initials KDG on a scarlet ground; one hook and two studs on the reverse 7.3cm; 2 7/8in x 5.7cm; 2¼in Cavalry officers wore shoulder-belt plates for a very short period at the end of the 18th century; the comparatively small size of this fine and rare example, not recorded in Parkyn, suggests that it dates from that period.
A RARE EAST EUROPEAN CASE FOR A SHISHAK, LATE 18TH/EARLY 19TH CENTURY, PROBABLY TARTAR with conical leather body formed of four stitched panels, each decorated with an embossed pattern of rondels within a linear framework and applied with a panel filled with a stylised flower, fitted with lid embossed en suite, a pair of buckles and straps for closure, and leather suspension loop 26cm; 10 1/4in high Two similar cases, one containing its original shishak, are preserved in the Muzeum Narodowe w Krakowie, Poland. See J. Gutowski 1997, p. 55, nos. 37, 38 and 39.
A RARE HODGE`S PATENT ELASTIC GUN, NO. 22, CIRCA 1850 with walnut full stock fitted with rigid steel `spreader`, engraved brass action `R. E. Hodges Patentee, London, 22`, fitted with adjustable calibrated back-sight behind, chequered grip and fore-end, and engraved steel trigger-guard and butt-plate (the steel parts rubbed and with light pitting) overall 118.7cm; 46 3/4in In 1849 Richard Edward Hodges was granted a patent for `Improvements in Mechanical Purchases which are also applicable whole or in part to projectiles`, which incorporated the use of `vulcanised caoutchouc` or rubber as opposed to the previously used sinew in crossbows. Another example of this type, numbered 11, is preserved in the Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds. See H. L. Blackmore 1971, p. 171, p. 209 and pl. 84
A FINE AND RARE DUTCH 24 PDR. BRONZE CANNON BY CONRAD ANTHONISZ WILKES, THE HAGUE, DATED 1600, in marine excavated condition, with tapering multi-stage barrel with raised astragal mouldings, moulded muzzle astragal and fillets, decorated with a band of foliage and an urn supported by a pair of lions amidst further scrolls of foliage on the second reinforce, the first reinforce decorated with the inscription `Amsterdam` on a cartouche with the town arms charged with the letter `P` on each side above, raised vent, signed `Conraet Antoni Me Fecit Haga` and dated around the base ring, and inscribed with the weight number ahead, the cascabel chiselled with fleur-de-lys divided by acanthus leaves on a punched ground and drawn-out to a button formed as a mulberry fruit partially enclosed by foliage, a pair of plain trunnions, the lifting handles formed as a pair of finely-chiselled dolphins, and in green patinated condition with areas of mild corrosion 333cm; 131 1/8in barrel 15cm; 6in bore Conrad Anthonisz Wilkes is recorded in the Hague circa 1591-1616 where he held the post Grosbusgieter. He also supervised the start of the foundries in Rotterdam and Enkhuizen. See R. Roth 1996, p.176 and A. N. Kennard 1986, p. 33. This lot is on view at 25 Blythe Road by appointment with Thomas Del Mar Ltd.
A RARE SOUTH GERMAN INLAID MUSKET REST, FIRST HALF OF THE 17TH CENTURY of tapering hardwood (the steel rest missing), the lower portion inlaid with scrolls of foliage, ball flowers and acorns between segmental lines (two plaques missing), long basal finial formed of turned bone and slender segments of contrasting dark horn, the former engraved with architectural designs and other motifs 151.5cm; 59 3/4in
A RARE 18 BORE SAXON WHEEL-LOCK CARBINE, DATED 1588 with three-stage sighted barrel, engraved with pairs of lines behind the muzzle, the median formed of triangular panels with characteristic hemi-spherical recesses at the base, dated over the breech section, stamped with the barrelsmith`s marks (Neue Støckel 512), initials and a series of small decorative marks, and with a sighting groove (light pitting), flat lock stamped en suite with the breech, fitted with domed wheel-cover, sliding pan-cover with button release, blued fence, safety-catch and lightly engraved dog, blackened full stock, inlaid with engraved stag horn plaques including marine monsters over the fore-end, opposite the lock, and about the barrel tang, a panel of foliage over the spine of the butt, all within horn segmental lines, the butt with shaped cheek-piece on the left and patchbox fitted with sliding cover veneered en suite on the right, stag horn butt-plate (one small panel on the butt replaced, the stock with areas of bruising and scratches), steel trigger-guard shaped for the fingers, blued trigger-plate, engraved stag horn ramrod pipe, engraved stag horn fore-end cap, and original ramrod with engraved stag horn tip 83.5cm; 32 7/8in Zacharias Herold is recorded 1586-1618. He was the son of Hans Herold, and part of a large family of gunmakers in Dresden that were active in the 16th and 17th Centuries. He is recorded delivering large quantities of fine firearms to the Electoral armouries as well as making a number of more standard pieces. See J. F. Hayward 1962, p. 87 and D. Schaal 1975, p. 32.
A RARE 120 BORE BALTIC LOCK RIFLED CARBINE, THIRD QUARTER OF THE 17TH CENTURY, PROBABLY NORWEGIAN with octagonal swamped sighted barrel rifled with ten slender grooves and punched with a band at each end, the tang inscribed `5`, flat lock signed `Hansklammlls` fitted with slender cock with top-jaw retained by a pin passing through a hole at the top, pivoting safety steel, double set trigger, figured fruitwood full stock inlaid on each side with naive designs of birds, hares, and foxes all pursued by hounds and enriched with ball flowers and sprays of foliage, inlaid with a flower beneath the lock, the butt decorated with further birds and ball flowers enriched with dark horn rondels on the spine, raised cheek-piece inlaid with the stylised full arms and motto of Great Britain surmounted by further birds on the left and patchbox with sliding cover overlaid with engraved stag horn on the right, steel trigger-guard with acanthus finial, engraved stag horn butt-plate inscribed with the number `6` and signed `Maties Ciamber`, two engraved stag horn ramrod pipes, engraved stag horn fore-end cap, and original steel ramrod (the steel parts lightly cleaned with chemicals) 60.5cm; 23 7/8in barrel It has been suggested that the construction of the cock is of Norwegian origin as distinct from Baltic locks manufactured in Sweden, Russian and other Baltic provinces. See J. F. Hayward 1962, p. 243.
A RARE .41 CALIBRE FIRST MODEL U.S. VOLCANIC REPEATING ARMS COMPANY LEVER ACTION CARBINE, NO.2986, CIRCA 1855-7 with 16 1/2in blued rifled barrel stamped `The Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. Patent Newhaven Conn. Feb 14 1854`, blued back-sight, brass action, case-hardened hammer, case-hardened blued loading lever, varnished figured walnut butt (small dents and minor scratches), impressed with the serial number beneath the butt-cap, numbered brass butt cap retained by two numbered blued steel screws, and retaining much original finish throughout 87cm; 34 1/4in overall
RARE CHINESE EXPORT AMBOYNA, EBONY AND IVORY INLAID LIBRARY TABLE CIRCA 1830 the rounded rectangular top above three frieze drawers, each with turned horn handles, raised on twin end supports ending in downswept legs with brass caps and castors, each drawer with a Chinese character mark 119cm wide, 74cm high, 66cm deep Provenance: Brockwood Park School, Hampshire.
A Rare Mid 14th Century Italian Polychromed Walnut Sculpture in the manner of Tino di Camaino; Enthroned Madonna of the Annunciation. The sculpture carved in the round and depicting Mary with head modestly bowed wearing a long blue mantel draped over a red dress enriched with gilt decoration and holding her hands crossed over her breast. Restoration recorded on the back in 1675 and 1855. 23¾ ins (83 cms) in height.* ]
A Rare 17th Century Oak `Adam & Eve` Court Cupboard of small proportions. The plank top with moulded edge stamped T. COLIHOLE above a guilloche carved frieze supported on two turned side posts. The recessed upper cupboard having two arcaded doors; one carved with Adam, the other Eve, flanking a central panel with flowering plant defined against a pitted ground. The lower section incorporating a frieze drawer with raised nulling above turned columns leading down to a lower shelf and terminating with block feet. 46 ins (117 cms) in height, 50 ins (127 cms) in width, 19 ins (48 cms) in depth. ]
A Rare 17th Century Joined Oak Ruff Box on an integral Stand. The twin panelled lid inlaid with chequer banding to the frame and the initials FW to the central muntin. The box having a nulled frieze above arcaded front & side panels. The gadrooned arches on palmate columns with foliate spandrels. The base rails having recessed channels incised in lunette decoration, raised on marrow turned legs united by peripheral stretchers and terminating on turned feet. 37 ins (94 cms high, 23 ins (58 cms) wide, 18 ins (46 cms) deep.* ]
A Rare & Fine 17th Century Oak Box Stool. The long plank top opening to reveal an interior with candle box. The box sides enriched with foliated lunette carving interspersed with flower-heads. The baluster turned legs terminating with block feet united by a central stretcher. 23½ ins in height, 43 ins (109 cms) in width, 14 ins (36 cms) in depth. ]
A Rare & Delightful 17th Century Oak Layette Tray. The rectangular tray decorated in relief with birds perched amongst scrolling foliage issuing seed clusters with a tree to the centre rising above a leafy face mask. The splayed sides pierced with hearts flanked by open carved waves of foliage and edged in a rope twist band, 15 is x 20¼ ins (38 cms x 51.5 cms).* ]
An Impressive & Rare Late 17th Century Portuguese Baroque Tortoiseshell, Brass and Ebonised Cabinet on Stand. The cabinet having a gallery of pierced brass panels cast with foliage and surmounted by flaming finials. The break-front incorporating a fitted interior enclosed by an ornate door with Solomonic columns, gilt brass appliqués and a plaque depicting the Virgin Mary in a niche to the centre. The flanking drawers set in threes and profusely decorated with bands of interlaced circles bordering tortoiseshell panels with raised ebonised mouldings. The moulded base raised on four large brass claw & ball front feet 39 ins (79 cms) in height, 44 ins (112 cms) in width, 14¼ ins (37 cms) in depth. The ebonised stand being later in date and having a break front top above barley-twist legs joined by peripheral stretchers and crossed iron S-form braces with central blade knops, terminating on bun feet 31 ins (79 cms) in height, 51 ins (130 cms) in width, 19¼ ins (49 cms) in depth. ]
A Fine & Rare 17th Century Italian Refectory Table. The impressive thick single plank top having a good colour & patination, measuring 107 ins x 32½ ins x 1¼ ins (272 cms x 83 cms x 4.5 cms). The bold twin baluster supports adjoining sledge form feet, united by a broad single stretcher. 31 ins (79 cms) in height. [A very similar example can be found in Etude Tajan`s catalogue; `Haute Epoch` 29th November 1999 sale, lot 95]. ]
A Rare Late Gothic Boarded Oak Coffer. The lid on replacement iron strap hinges with decoratively pierced finials. The front board carved with The Legends of Saint George & the Dragon with a crowned princess and King & Queen onlooking from castle window in the background. 24 ins (61 cms) high, 42½ ins (108 cms) wide, 16 ins (40 cms) deep.* (A similarly carved 14th century panel illustrated in Early English Furniture & Woodwork by Cescinsky & Gribble, Volume II, page 14, fig. 13 from The Victorian & Albert Museum). ]
A Fine & Rare 16th/17th Century Enclosed Throne Chair. The plain back panel between two large round-turned uprights surmounted by impressive egg turned finials. The trapezoid seat above splayed panelled sides topped with round-turned arms adjoining thick front supports with ball surmounts. [Similar example in Victor Champier, Le Mobilier Flamand, p.11, fig 1]. ]
A Fine & Rare 16th Century Oak Dressoir of unusually small proportions. The top having a deeply moulded pediment surmounted by a turned finial. The back having an upper panel of triangular form accentuated by the central triform petal carving and channel-carved borders. The canted cupboard section having panelled sides and a central door with a quatrefoil iron back plate. The ogee shaped aprons divided by pendant finials over hanging the chamfered back legs and base shelf, raised on block feet joined by run moulded rails. 74 ins (189 cms) in height, 28½ ins (72 cms) in width, 14 ins (36 cms) in depth. ]
A Splendid & Rare Set of Four 15th Century Gothic Oak Beam Supports. Each support carved with the figure of a saint stood beneath an arcaded canopy above a shield below: St Anne with Mary and the infant Christ, St. George slaying the dragon, St. Barbara holding a castle and St. James wearing a cloak. Approximately 36 ins (90 cms) in height, 8 ins (20 cms) in width.* ]
A Rare & Fabulous Mid 16th Century English West Country Joined Oak Wall Settle of impressive proportions. The high back surmounted by large twin cone finials. The top section incorporating seven carved nulled panels above seven plain corresponding panels and a row of five lower horizontal panels. The unusual slab silhouette-carved bracket sides of graduated form, supporting a long plank seat raised on a central foot. 74 ins (188 cms) in height, 107 ins (271 cms) in length, 14½ ins (37.5 cms) in depth. [Comparative example in Oak Furniture, the British Tradition by Victor Chinnery, Antique Collectors Club Publication, p.327, fig. 3:10] ]
Moorcroft, Macintyre, Florian Ware: A rare tapering jug painted with part daisy cartouche in shades of yellow, green and blue painted W Moorcroft DES. Design mark in green beneath 18cms high. It is commonly believed that the unusual markings to the base of this piece are found between Moorcroft leaving the MacIntyre factory and setting up in his own right, the shape of this piece is also deemed particularly rare.
A rare early 19c. blue and white chocolate cup and cover the domed top lid with blue and white decoration of Chinese influence showing buildings surrounded by trees and shrubs with an upper lined banding and a plain part decorated handle, 10cms high (it is most unusual to find these chocolate cups with lids).
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