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Click here to subscribeBrora-20 year-old Distilled 1975. Bottle number 1954. Lacking carton. Single malt, 54.9% volume Brora-21 year-old Distilled 1977, bottled October 1998. Bottle number 2451. In original carton. Single malt, 56.9% volume Brora-24 year-old Distilled 1977, bottled October 2001. Bottle number 5187. In original carton. Single malt, 56.1% volume Rare Malts Selections bottled by their respective distillery. 70 cl. bottles 3 bottles
James Martin's Fine & Rare-20 year-old Blended and bottled by James Martin & Co. Ltd., Leith. 75 cl. Screw cap, embossed lead capsule. Level: 1.5 cm from base of capsule. 43% volume Crawford's Five Star-12 year-old Blended and bottled by A & A Crawford Ltd., Leith. 75 cl. Screw cap, embossed lead capsule. Level: into neck of bottle. 40% volume Robbie Burns Famed Old Scotch Whisky. Robbie Burns (1759-1796). Blended and bottled by R H Thomson & Co. (Distillers) Ltd., Edinburgh. 75 cl. Screw cap, embossed lead capsule. Level: into neck of bottle. 40% volume Something Special De Luxe Blended and bottled by Hill Thomson & Co. Ltd., Edinburgh. 75 cl. Screw cap, plastic seal covering embossed lead capsule. Level: 3.5 cm from base of capsule. 40% volume 4 bottles
Dunville’s VR-Early 20th Century VR-Circa 1902 Old Irish Whisky. Distilled matured and bottled by Dunville & Co. Ltd., Distillers, Belfast. Rare label states "This is the original V.R. label as used for 94 years". Two piece moulded dark green glass bottle. Driven cork, embossed lead capsule around neck, remains of wax capsule on top. Level: into neck of bottle 1 bottle
A RARE REGIS DARNE 1881 PATENT LIGHTWEIGHT 12-BORE ROTATING-BREECH LEVER-COCKING SIDELEVER HAMMERLESS GUN, serial no. 4376, 26in. nitro barrels, 2 1/2in. chambers, bored approx. 1/4and 1/2 choke, Darne patent revolving breech block, forward-facing sidelever drawn back to release breech and hammers, breech-block with manual safety lever, scroll engraving, 14 1/2in. replacement (oak) stock with poorly-fitted buttplate, weight 6lb. 9oz.
A STRING PULL, COTTON CH BAG WITH THE F JOYCE & COMPANY LTD, LONDON LOGO stamped on one side and a paper label stating Brown Felt Wadding for number 12-Bore breach loading cartridges to be used over the powder, F Joyce & Company Ltd on the other side. Together with, a small hessian sack imprinted with the Royal Cypher and "Walkers, Parker & Company" Newcastle hard shot Number 5 (Interesting and rare survivors of 19th Century reloading paraphernalia)
A very rare hand written and illustrated poem by Roger Keith Syd Barrett, penned in 1965 for his girlfriend at the time Viv Brans, who he referred to as Twig, initialled RKB bottom right In the poem Syd describes his feelings, observing Twigs distinctive clothing and mannerisms, something that he also catches in the small illustration that he has sketched at the top of the page. The drawing in the background shows Twig dancing and waving her arms in the air, wearing dark round sunglasses (a present from Barrett). The band playing is Jokers Wild, the band in which David Gilmour was playing at that time. The drawing in the foreground shows Twig in a hat with long blonde hair, Syd being overshadowed by her dancing. Barrett also incorporated her name into a line from the song Wouldnt you miss me? The poppy birds way Swing Twigs coffee brands around
A RARE TURKISH TROUSSE, LATE 17TH CENTURY comprising knife with slightly curved single-edged blade, the back-edge cut with a wavy pattern and each side inlaid with a series of brass-lined dots (losses), stamped with an indistinct mark on one side at the forte, iron hilt formed with a moulded collar and a plain back-strap, a pair of green horn grip-scales retained by three pairs of rivets and studded with large iron nails, the fork with a pair of long slender prongs each moulded at the base and formed with a spirally fluted neck, and a pair of horn grip-scales en suite with the knife: in their original wooden scabbard entirely sheathed in engraved brass, decorated with geometric flowers, the chape and locket decorated with horizontal bands of tulip flowers, the former with globular turban-shaped finial, and the latter with a pierced mount for suspension the knife: 40cm; 15 3/4in
A RARE PERSIAN SAFAVID BAZU BAND, 17TH CENTURY of watered steel, formed with a pointed elbow and a raised flange at the wrist, pierced with three cartouches filled with Koranic inscriptions in the middle, and with further slender panels en suite around the edge, fitted with four pierced steel buckles for straps, and retaining traces of gold koftgari 34.2cm; 13 1/2in LITERATURE Howard Ricketts and Philippe Missillier, Splendeur Des Armes Orientales, 1988, no.88.
AN INDIAN MAIL TÔP AND SHIRT, 18TH/19TH CENTURY each formed of rivetted links, the tôp with central steel plume-holder and open at the face, the shirt open at the neck, with short arms and extending to the knees (each with holes and losses); and a very rare contemporary padded lining for covering the head and upper torso (worn) (3)
A RARE CASED PAIR OF VICTORIAN 1845 PATTERN INFANTRY SWORDS BY PHILIPPS & SON, GEORGE ST., HANOVER SQ, LONDON, CIRCA 1864-70 with standard and piquet-weight etched blades, each decorated with foliage, the crowned Royal cypher, the owner's initials, 'A. H.', crested arms including three Eagles displayed, and motto 'Vive ut Vivas', regulation brass hilts, one retaining its leather liner and bullion knot, in their brass-mounted leather scabbards, contained together in their original mahogany case with flush-fitting brass carrying handle, and lined in padded red velvet (the lining worn) 82cm; 32 1/4in and 78cm; 30 3/4in blades Philipps & Son traded at this address as Philipps, Lawrence & Son circa 1864-70.
A FINE AND RARE FRENCH FIRST REPUBLIC SENIOR HUSSAR OFFICER'S SABRE OF PRESENTATION QUALITY, CIRCA 1800 with curved blade formed with a spear point, cut with a broad three-quarter length fuller on each face, etched and gilt with foliage, a wreath, and a trophy-of-arms on a blued panel on the lower portion on each side, the forte decorated with a gilt trellis pattern of flowers (the blueing worn on one side), and inscribed 'Klingenthal' on the back-edge, gilt-brass hilt in the German manner, comprising fluted quillon with shaped terminal, fluted langets and knuckle-guard, the former centring on a diamond-shaped panel, cap pommel fluted en suite and decorated with a trophy-of-arms partly enclosed by laurel (pommel retained by a later pin), original leather-covered banded wooden grip pierced with a pair of rivets with rosette washers, in its original leather-covered wooden scabbard with large gilt-brass mounts comprising locket and chape each fluted en suite with the hilt, the latter decorated with trophies-of-war, and a pair of middle bands each decorated with trophies en suite with the pommel cap, and a pair of brass rings for suspension (the scabbard split along the seam beneath the locket) 88cm; 34 1/2in blade PROVENANCE Dr Raymond Wargnier, sold Sotheby's Monaco, 23rd April 1990, lot 980. A very similar sword is illustrated C. Ariès 1969, 3 fascicule, fig. 2. For a similar blade and scabbard mounts see the Sabre of General La Fayette in the Museé de l'Armée, Paris.
A RARE GARDE DE HESSEN-DARMSTADT CAVALRY DEGEN, CIRCA 1750-68 with straight double-edged blade of hollow-hexagonal section, inscribed 'Garde de Hesse' on each side, rectangular forte, silvered hilt of pallasch form cast in low relief, comprising short quillon, frontal guard cast with the crowned monogram of Landgraf Ludwig VIII (1739-1768), knuckle-guard joined to the frontal guard by a pair of curved bars, and back-strap rising to a lionhead pommel, and the grip bound with silvered wire, probably the original (small areas of wear) 87.5cm; 34 1/2in blade
A RARE GERMAN MODEL 1916 STEEL HELMET COMPLETE WITH ITS BROW DEFENCE the helmet retaining its chin strap and two padded liners (the leather band, one liner and one liner's padding missing), the brow defence retaining a portion of its leather strap, and each retaining much early painted finish 19.7cm; 7 3/4in high together (2)
A RARE ITALIAN SHORTSWORD, LATE 16TH CENTURY, PROBABLY VENETIAN with straight single-edged blade tapering towards the point, formed with a broad shallow fuller on each face over much of its length, retaining traces of a latten inlaid running wolf mark and a further mark on the reverse towards the forte, steel hilt comprising short rear quillon of near square section tapering to a stout pyramidal point, strongly up-turned quillon extending to form a knuckle-guard, a pair of triangular écussons, an additional up-turned frontal bar of similar length, near conical pommel, and original leather-covered banded wooden grip (the steel parts with areas of very light pitting, one patch of the grip worn) 64.2cm; 25 1/4in blade The form of the hilt is notably rare and is reminiscent of earlier Venetian swords, a number of which are preserved in the armoury of the Doge's Palace, Venice. See L.G.Boccia & E.T.Coelho 1975, nos. 150-164.
A RARE GERMAN COMBINED HUNTING SWORD AND FLINTLOCK PISTOL, CIRCA 1750 with fullered blade double-edged towards the point, the outer face fitted with a two-stage barrel at the forte, engraved brass action with flash-guard on the right, steel trigger, the grip formed of a pair of bone plaques retained by two engraved brass foliate plates, and brass monsterhead pommel, in an associated brass-mounted leather scabbard, and the hilt retaining traces of gilding (worn, the ivory grips with small chips) 50cm; 19 3/4in blade
A RARE ITALIAN HALBERD, EARLY 17TH CENTURY, PROBABLY VENETIAN with broad central blade pierced with a pair of slots, fitted at the base with a broad steel collar formed of six vertical hoops each interrupted by a chiselled mask, forward leaning pierced axe-blade fitted with a bronze warrior mask on each face, triangular rear-fluke fitted with a pair of bronze masks and pierced en suite, rectangular socket fitted with a later spiked transverse bolt, a pair of slender straps, and lightly engraved throughout (worn), on a wooden haft 54.5cm; 21 1/2in head A similar halberd is preserved in the Poldi Pezzoli museum, cat. no. 525. A near identical halberd was sold in these rooms, 28th June 2006, lot 347, £4320 (including premium).
A RARE GERMAN HALBERD, LATE 16TH CENTURY with two-stage spike, the upper portion of diamond section and the lower leaf-shaped formed with a pronounced medial ridge, cusped axe-blade pierced with three pairs of circles and a further circular arrangement of circles, formed with a pair of short lugs behind, flat rear fluke formed en suite, tapering socket, and a pair of short straps, on a later wooden haft 84.2cm; 33 1/4in head
A RARE ITALIAN GOTHIC SPEAR, LATE 15TH CENTURY, POSSIBLY VENETO with slender tapering blade of flattened-diamond section, stamped with a series of pellets, flowers and a waved pattern over the lower portion on each side, faceted socket, and a pair of short straps, on a later wooden haft 78.7cm; 31in head A similar spear attributed to the Veneto is illustrated in L. G. Boccia and E. T. Coelho 1975, no.142.
A RARE SPEAR, LATE 15TH CENTURY, PROBABLY GERMAN formed of a long tapering spike of square-section, the base incorporating four stout spikes, conical socket with a pair of roped latten collars, and a single short strap (one strap missing, the base chipped), on a later wooden haft 97.5cm; 38 3/8in head
A RARE ETCHED AND GILT PARTISAN OF THE GUARD OF THE ELECTOR JOHANN GEORG II OF SAXONY, CIRCA 1656-80 with central blade of hollow-diamond section, broad base formed with a pair of large up-turned flat lugs and two further smaller pairs of lugs above, etched and gilt with the Electoral cypher 'IG 2 C 'for Johann Georg II Churfürst, and the crowned Electoral arms enclosed by laurel and palm fronds respectively on both sides (one side delaminated), moulded neck, tapering socket, and a pair of straps, on a portion of an early wooden haft (the lower portion replaced), with a silk tassel 59.2cm; 23 3/8in head PROVENANCE The Saxon Electoral Armoury, Dresden Johann Georg II (1613-1680) acceded to the throne of Elector in 1657. His principal interest was in music and the arts. Under his patronage Dresden became the musical centre of Germany an attracted a number of foreign musicians to the court. Another partisan from this group is preserved in the Museum für Deutsche Geschichte, Berlin. See H Müller and H.Kölling 1990, no.396.
A RARE ETCHED PARTISAN OF THE GUARD OF THE ELECTOR FRIEDRICH AUGUST I OF SAXONY, 'THE STRONG', CIRCA 1694-97 with central blade of flattened-diamond section, broad base formed of a pair of flat notched flukes, etched at the base with a pattern of scrolling foliage on each side and surmounted on the respective faces with the crowned electoral arms and the initials CFA for Friedrich August Churfürst, moulded collar, faceted socket and a pair of long straps, on a wooden haft painted with an inventory number 61.2cm; 24 1/8in head PROVENANCE The Saxon Electoral Armoury, Dresden Friedrich August I ruled as Elector of Saxony (1694-1733) and twice as King August II of Poland (1697-1704 and 1709-1733). Similar partisans are preserved in the Wartburg (inv.no. 461) and the Wallace Collection (inv. Nos. A1002 & A1003). Another partisan from this group with the same notable style of etching is preserved in the Museum für Deutsche Geschichte, Berlin. See H. Müller and H. Kölling1981, p.311 no. 395.
A RARE ETCHED PARTISAN THIRD QUARTER OF THE 17TH CENTURY with two-stage central blade, formed with a pair of broad flat lugs cut with a series of notches at the base, etched over its surface with foliate rondels within a stylised architectural framework, including the inscriptions 'Nec Temer Nec Timide' and 'Fide sed Cuide' on one side and 'Inter Arma Silent Leges', 'R.O.R.O.P.' and 'Proaris -----' on the other, moulded neck, faceted socket, and a pair of short straps 52.6cm; 20 3/4in head This belongs to a group of partisans variously dated 1631 and 1632 and were almost certainly used by a Protestant Army from Saxony. Another, formerly in the collection of Count Dimitri de Nesselrode and William Randolph Hearst is the the Kretzschmar von Kienbusch collection, inv. no. 594.
A RARE OTTOMAN TURKISH SHIELD, EARLY 16TH CENTURY of convex circular form, fitted at its centre with a separate boss of low ogival form decorated with twelve shallow flutes radiating from a later central spike issuing from a large ornamental washer and retained at the rear by a nut and smaller washer, the boss surrounded by four large and thirty-five smaller bosses (one of the latter replaced), probably representing working-life additions, of oval form decorated in each case with six radiating panels of incised chevrons, one of the smaller bosses partly overlying the Ottoman ownership mark, the shield bordered by numerous round-headed lining-rivets (six missing, the remainder replaced) and fitted at its rear with fragmentary remains of later leather enarmes (showing some losses at the edges, a patched repair, three minor perforations and pitting overall) I52.6cm.; 20 3/4 in diameter Inv. no. A106. The shield is proved by its ownership mark to have derived from the Ottoman Turkish arsenal, housed, until recent times, in the church of Hagia Eirene (St Irene), Istanbul (formerly Constantinople). Although a substantial part of its original contents remain in Istanbul today as part of the city's Askerî Müze (Military Museum), many pieces were sold from the arsenal in the 19th and 20th centuries, to find their way into European and American collections. Photographs of the arsenal taken in its original home in 1889 show it to have originally included many shields of the kind catalogued here (see S. W. Pyhrr 2007, figs 3-6 &, 13). A finely decorated example is now to be seen in the Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds (see H. R. Robinson 1967, pl. X, A), while another was exhibited in Paris in 1988 (see H. Ricketts & P. Missilier 1988, Cat. No. 3, p. 154, ill.).
A FINE AND RARE SCOTTISH BACK-SWORD WITH BASKET HILT SIGNED BY WALTER ALLAN OF STIRLING, SECOND QUARTER OF THE 18TH CENTURY with straight blade double-edged for the last portion, stamped 'Andria Farara' over a pair of long slender fullers and cut with a pair of shorter fullers on each face, steel basket-hilt of moulded wavy bars joining at a ring beneath the pommel, comprising forward guard formed of a pair of bars, main knuckle-guard formed of a broad plate pierced with three horizontal panels of slipped circles alternating with diamonds in the top and bottom panels and quatrefoils in the centre, all framed with a broad flute top and bottom, side-guard formed of a central panel pierced with circular arrangements of hearts enclosed by a ramshorn finial top and bottom (one bar on one side and two on the other cracked), additional rear guard (two bars with early repairs), scrolling wrist guard (repaired), stamped with the maker's initials and the letter 'S' beneath the rear quillon (the first letter obscured), enriched throughout with wrigglework and incised circles, bun-shaped pommel cut with diagonal fluting framed by incised lines, original sharkskin-covered grip bound with silver ribband, with a shaped silver collar top and bottom, and complete with an early red felt doeskin liner 90.2cm; 35 1/2in blade Inv. no. E036. LITERATURE Cyril Mazansky, British Basket-Hilted Swords, Suffolk 2005, p. 157, illustrated. Walter Allan was admitted freeman of the Incorporation of Hammermen of Stirling in 1732 and became Deacon of the same in 1737. For a discussion of this maker see W. Reid 1963, pp.16-21. A number of comparable swords signed by this maker and with blades signed in a similar manner are illustrated in Culloden 1996, pp. 40-43.
A RARE COMBINED FLINTLOCK PISTOL AND HUNTING SWORD, CIRCA 1770 with straight fullered blade double-edged towards the point, steel hilt formed of a pierced down-turned scalloped shell-guard, moulded knuckle-guard and gadrooned pommel, fitted with cannon barrel on the right-hand side of the forte, struck with a spurious proof mark at the breech, the pan and steel mounted on the left of the forte, and natural staghorn grip incorporating the cock, trigger and enclosing the mainspring (defective) 67cm; 26 3/8in blade Inv. no. E199.
A VERY RARE PAIR OF SAXON AIR PISTOLS BY FUTTER À DRESSDE, CIRCA 1750 with tapering sighted barrels sheathed in brass and moulded at the muzzles, broad brass breech tangs of shaped outline engraved with flowers and foliage, signed stepped 'dummy' flintlock mechanisms engraved with scrolling foliage (defective), figured walnut full stocks carved with a flowerhead about the breech tangs and with raised mouldings about the mounts (the stocks with light bruising), brass mounts comprising engraved two-piece side-plates, short spurred pommels with screw-in caps covering the valves, moulded trigger-guards with slender baluster finials, and pair of ramrod-pipes, horn fore-end caps, and each with its steel ramrod 44.5cm; 17 1/2in (2) Inv. nos. F008 & F009. Barrel reservoir pistols with mock flintlock mechanisms are notably rare. Another pair are preserved in the Schwarzburg (inv. nos 1211-12)and are signed C. G. Pflug in Jena. See A. Hoff 1972, p. 40. Johann Joseph Futter is recorded in Dresden working for Johann Leopold Milotta in the second quarter of the 18th Century. He became Hofbüchsenmacher in 1754, worked in Warsaw 1759-63 and returned to Dresden in 1770. An air rifle and a combined flintlock and air gun by this maker are preserved in the former Electoral collections, inv. nos. 1840 s.3 and 1799 S.513. See D. Schaal 1975, pp. 124-129.
A RARE EUROPEAN MAIL CAPE OR PISAIN, PROBABLY GERMAN, LATE 15TH OR EARLY 16TH CENTURY composed entirely of riveted iron rings of half-round wire, those at the neck and at the base of the throat smaller in size than the rest and forming a stiff upstanding collar or standard, well-shaped to the shoulders, extending downwards to obtusely-pointed lower edges at the front and the rear of the waist and formed with a central opening at the rear (heavily patinated throughout with several small holes and some fusing of links at the neck) PROVENANCE Baron Armand van Zeulen (1838-96), sold Sotheby's, London, 1st April 1980, lot 81. Mail capes such as this, referred to by modern collectors as 'bishops' mantles', were known at the time of their use as 'pisains'. The relatively large rings of the present example indicate a date in the late 15th or early 16th century. Two similar examples are in the Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds, Inv. Nos. III. 13 & 14, in one case fitted with a Nuremberg-inscibed brass ring. Others of an early fashion were formerly in the collections of Sir Guy Laking and Felix Joubert. See G. F. Laking, Vol. II, 1920, figs 530-1).
A RARE SOUTH GERMAN CLOSE HELMET FOR THE TOURNEY, IN THE MANNER OF WOLFGANG GROSSCHEDEL OF LANDSHUT, CIRCA 1550-5 of notable weight, formed of a rounded skull rising to a high roped medial comb (bruised and cracked towards the rear), pierced at the rear of the neck with four small rivet-holes for the attachment of a missing plume-holder and to either side of it with four lace-holes, two of those at the right retaining their brass eyelets, visor, upper bevor and bevor attached by later common pivots with large domed heads, the visor with a prominent step beneath its single broad vision-slit and a spring-catch at the right side operated by a later lifting-peg with baluster-shaped terminal, prow-shaped upper bevor pierced at its left side with twenty small circular ventilation holes arranged in four rows and at the right side with eight diagonal ventilation-slots, each expanded at its centre, the right side further pierced with a threaded hole for the attachment of a reinforce and fitted with a sliding spring-catch, the bevor (with riveted patch at right of face-opening) pierced at each side of the neck with seven circular ventilation-holes in rosette formation, the central one of the right group occupied by the brass-capped pivot of a sturdy forked visor-prop, the right of the neck further fitted with a brass swivel-hook to secure the push-button operated spring-catch issuing forward from the skull, the lower edges of the skull flanged outwards to receive missing gorget-plates, the front and left of the helmet showing numerous cuts from a rebated sword (pitted overall) 34.2cm; 131/2in high The helmet compares closely in both form and detail with the contemporary products of the Landshut school of armourers, in many cases marked by or documented as the work of Wolfgang Grosschedel, recorded 1517-62, and his son Franz Grosschedel, recorded 1555-78 (A. Von Reitzenstein 1954, pp. 142-53). Analogous helmets of the school can be recorded in the Hofjagd- und Rüstkammer, Vienna, the Real Armeria, Madrid, the Musée de l'Armée, Paris, the Musée Royale de l'Armée, Brussels, the Wallace Collection, London, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, and the Stadt- und Kreismuseum, Landshut (G. Spitzelberger 1975, pls 25, 31-2, 34-5, 38-9, 41& 47-52; J. Mann 1960, pls IV & VI; and A. V. B. Norman 1986, pl 214). Like the helmet under discussion, they are pieced at either side of their bevors with circular groups of ventilation-holes.
A RARE FRENCH CLOSE HELMET FOR FIELD USE WITH ETCHED AND GILT DECORATION, CIRCA 1570 formed of a rounded skull constructed in two pieces joined medially along the apex of a high roped comb and fitted at the nape with a later plume-holder of brass occupied by black ostrich feathers, visor, upper bevor and bevor attached by common pivots (replaced), the forward-sloping visor stepped and roped beneath its broad single vision-slit and fitted at its right side with a lifting-peg (replaced), the strongly prow-shaped upper bevor roped at its upper edge, pierced at its right side with eight circular ventilation-holes in rosette formation and secured to the bevor at the same side by a swivel-hook (perhaps replaced), the lower edges of the skull and bevor flanged outwards for the attachment of gorget-plates of which only the uppermost front one is preserved, the sides of the comb etched and gilt on a hatched ground with alternating foliate scrolls inhabited by winged herms (the upper edge of the visor and the flanged lower edges of the skull and bevor showing some losses and patched repairs, the surface of the helmet showing much pitting and wear) 30cm; 11 3/4in high The helmet closely resembles in both form and construction those belonging to a series of French royal armours made circa 1555-80 (Jean-Pierre Reverseau, Les Armures des Rois de France au Museé de l'Armée, Saint-Julien-du-Sault 1982, pp. 54-63, 68-7 & 72-9; Jean-Pierre Reverseau, Les Armes et La Vie, Chennevières-sur-Marne 1982, pp. 146-7). These include the finely etched and gilt armours G. 119, G. 120 & G. 121 in the Museé de l'Armée, Paris. The decoration of the comb of G. 120, made for Charles IX in the period 1564-74, is particularly close to that of the helmet described here.
A RARE ZISCHÄGGE, MID-17TH CENTURY formed of a one-piece hemispherical skull decorated with a pattern of radiating flutes of shallow V-section bisected by raised ribs, fitted at its apex with a moulded gilt brass finial riveted through two large superimposed circular washers, the lower one of iron, and the slightly smaller upper one of gilt brass with decoratively cut edge, at it brow with a flat obtusely-pointed peak, at its nape with a similarly-pointed flaring neck-guard of four lames, at each side with a pendent cheek-piece narrowing to its lower end and pierced at its upper end with seven circular ventilation-holes, and above its left cheek-piece with a gilt plume-holder, the peak pierced at its rear with a rectangular hole to accommodate a sliding nasal-bar with leaf shaped upper end and outward-angled lower end (right corner chipped) secured at the brow by a rectangular staple and locking-screw, the former gilt, the main edges of the helmet decorated with plain turns and ribs accompanied on the peak and neck-guard by narrow grooves, the surface of the helmet blackened overall, the large round heads of its rivets capped with gilt brass, its interior fitted throughout with an early lining of buff leather, that within the skull quilted with tow, the lower ends of the cheek-pieces fitted with the remains of velvet tie-loops (the lining with small holes and tears)
A VERY FINE AND RARE SOUTH GERMAN OVER-AND-UNDER SINGLE TRIGGER LONG WHEEL-LOCK PISTOL FORMED ENTIRELY OF STEEL, CIRCA 1570-80 with slender tapering octagonal barrels fluted over the forward half on each side, the upper with brass bead fore-sight, fixed back-sight, and retaining traces of Augsburg town mark over the breech (the breech and muzzle retaining screws missing), flat lock retained by three screws, fitted with a pair of external wheels each retained by a steel bracket pierced with a trefoil beneath, with gilt-brass wheel-covers finely pierced and engraved with scrolling foliage and differing flowers, sliding pan-covers with fluted button releases, pierced dogs engraved with serpent heads, pivoting sprung rear safety-catch (the forward safety missing), the interior mechanism with delicately filed bars and retaining some early blued finish, steel full stock with simple scroll mouldings opposite the lock, 'fishtail' butt with cavity for pyrites and sprung cap, moulded grip, trigger-guard with foliate finial front and rear, and original steel ramrod with moulded finial and worm 79.2cm; 31 1/4in This pistol forms part of a group of decorated South German over-and-under wheel-lock pistols stocked entirely in steel. Other examples are preserved in the Musée de l'Armée, Paris (inv. no. m.1625, 1634 and 1635), in the Collection of the Princes Odescalchi, Rome (inv. no. 1513), and in the Royal Armouries, Turin (cat. no. 328). The example in Turin and one of those in Paris (inv. No. 1635) are of particular interest as they are also stamped with the Augsburg town mark. The Paris pistol is also stamped with a maker's mark which maybe attributed to Alexander Beck who is recorded active in Augsburg 1553-84/5. Beck specialised in the production of combined wheel and matchlocks. The present pistol is distinguished from the group in its generally restrained decoration with the exception of the wheel-covers which are of superior quality to other pieces of this group. See N. di Carpegna 1969, C. Bertolotto et al 1982 and Mariaux 1927.
A RARE SUPERIMPOSED LOAD WHEEL-LOCK CARBINE BUILT ON THE BOSSI PRINCIPLE, CIRCA 1630-35 with sighted barrel, flat lock retained by three side nails (two replaced), with bevelled borders and acorn tail, two wheels each retained by a moulded bracket (one wheel chain incomplete), sliding pan-covers, figured walnut full stock (fore-end cracked), near fishtail-shaped butt (the right-hand side previously with later inlay), and steel mounts comprising trigger-guard with sprung trigger-return, vestigial butt-plate pierced with a circular aperture for measures of powder, and two plain ramrod-pipes (ramrod and saddle bar both missing) 92cm; 36 1/4in barrel PROVENANCE: The Property of a Collector, sold Christie Manson & Woods Ltd, 11th May 1983, lot 247. Giuliano Bossi was an Italian gunsmith who worked in Antwerp between 1625-9. He promoted his superimposed load carbine in a pamphlet published in 1629, where he specifically cites the benefits of his 'double advantage wheellock Arquebus......particularly against Turkish cavalry'. Three other examples were formerly in the Visser Collection, (inv.nos HV-577, HV-841, and HV-903), one of which is signed and dated 1631. See D.R.Baxter 1966, pp129-138, pls.72 and 73 and H.L.Visser 1996, pp.692-7. NOTE ILLUSTRATION NO 304/132
A RARE CONTINENTAL DOUBLE-BARRELED 18-SHOT DOUBLE ACTION PIN-FIRE REVOLVER, LIÈGE PROOF, CIRCA 1870 with vertically arranged barrels each rifled with six grooves and the upper fitted with bead fore-sight, fluted cylinder formed of two concentric bands of six and twelve chambers respectively, the hammer formed with two noses and knurled spur, hinged loading gate and clearing rod on the right, folding trigger, figured walnut grips, and the butt fitted with a lanyard ring for suspension (refinished throughout) 29cm; 11in A similar 18-shot revolver is illustrated in L.Winant 1956, p.69, no. 60. The present example differs in having two hammer noses.
A RARE SAXON BREECH-LOADING PERCUSSION PISTOL BY R. DRECHSLER, BAERENSTEIN, CIRCA 1865 with sighted rifled 30cm barrel retained by a steel muzzle band, turning breech block with sprung locking lever of Terry type, signed flush-fitting lock fitted with pivot nipple-shield, figured walnut three-quarter stock, regulation steel mounts, and with no provision for a ramrod 44.5cm; 17 1/2in This appears to be based on the Saxon model 1865 cavalry carbine. See H-D. Götz, p. 328.
A RARE GERMAN GLOBE RESERVOIR AIRGUN, MID-18TH CENTURY with reblued two-stage sighted barrel fitted with a brass sleeve, octagonal breech with a vertical bar valve-opener, stepped bevelled lock fitted with external mainspring operating a horizontal pivoting striker with a curved bar for cocking, figured walnut full stock carved with a raised moulding about the barrel tang and incised with scrollwork over the fore-end (small cracks at the fore-end and about the lock), raised cheek-piece, and moulded brass mounts (associated ramrod, globe missing) 75cm; 29 1/2in barrel This system was probably developed on the Continent, see A. Hoff 1972, p.48.
A RARE 16 BORE GERMAN BREECH-LOADING PERCUSSION ROTARY UNDERLEVER SHOTGUN BY A. HOFFMANN IN MAGDEBURG, CIRCA 1860 with rebrowned sighted barrels signed in silver enclosed in scrolls of foliage on the top rib, the breech opened by a rotary underlever with horn knob, slender tang, blued back-action locks, figured walnut half-stock, the fore-end secured by a locking pin at the front, scrolling horn trigger-guard, horn butt-cap, and a pair of steel sling swivels 84.8cm; 33 3/8in barrels
A RARE CONTINENTAL SIGRIST PATENT PERCUSSION UNDER HAMMER RIFLE, NO. 83, DATED 1858 with reblued barrel retained by three steel bands of regulation type, fitted with brass fore-sight, rifled with six slender shallow grooves and stamped with a series of marks including the date at the breech, reblued folding back-sight, under-hammer action with hinged brass cover retained by a steel sliding pin, figured walnut full stock, brass mounts including trigger-guard and butt-plate of regulation type, steel sling swivels and steel ramrod 92.3cm; 36 3/8in barrel The Belgian patent of J. Sigrist dated 28th March 1843 is very similar to Baron Heurteloup's patent of 1841. See W. Reid 1959-61, pp. 59-81.
A VERY RARE BRASS CAP PRIMER FOR A COLT PATERSON REVOLVER, NO. 233, CIRCA 1839-41 of standard production specifications, with folding lid, stamped with the number inside the body and with blued steel fittings throughout (the steel screw with light surface rust) 4.8cm; 1 7/8in diameter Colt's improved cap primer was included in his U. S. patent no. 1304 of 29th August 1839. For an illustration of the patent and a discussion of this see L. Wilson 1971, pp. 23-24.
A RARE .36 CALIBRE COLT MODEL 1851 NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER, LONDON PROOF MARKS, NO. 188121L FOR 1866 of standard production specifications, with 7 1/2in barrel stamped with New York address, stamped with London proof marks on the left of the frame and on the cylinder, figured walnut grips stamped with Enfield storekeeper's mark on the left, and with matching numbers throughout (one grip with a very small crack, areas of wear), complete with a contemporary pigskin holster 33cm; 13in The Egyptian Government purchased 4,000 navy revolvers and 12,000 Springfield rifles from Colt via their agent Colonel Efflatoun Bey during the period 1865-66. See J.G.Rosa 1976, pp. 121-4.
A RARE PAIR OF FLINTLOCK BLUNDERBUSSES BY JOHN DAFTE, CIRCA 1680-85 with three-stage barrels swelling towards the muzzles, stamped with London proof and Foreigner's marks at the breeches, engraved barrel tangs, signed rounded locks engraved with pairs of lines around the borders (worn), figured walnut full stocks carved with a raised moulding about the tangs (one grip cracked through and repaired, the fore-ends with minor repairs), full brass mounts comprising pierced scrolling side-plates with profile dragon mask terminals, butt-plate engraved with border ornament and scrolling foliage, trigger-guards with acanthus finials, a pair of moulded ramrod-pipes, and escutcheons engraved with the owner's crest and motto, each fitted with a steel saddle ring on the side-plate (later ramrods) 76.8cm; 30 1/4in (2) The Crest is that of Duff of Scotland. John Dafte was made Free of the Gunmaker's Company in 1668. He was implicated in the Rye House Plot of 1683, the Horrid Conspiracy, when the Duke of Monmouth and others planned the assassination of King Charles II and the Duke of York on their return from Newmarket. Dafte was interrogated and found not guilty, being described as a 'very honest fellow'. See J. S. Cooper and K. J. Westwood 1989.
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