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.
We found 1087811 price guide item(s) matching your search
There are 1087811 lots that match your search criteria. Subscribe now to get instant access to the full price guide service.
Click here to subscribe- List
- Grid
-
1087811 item(s)/page
A NORTH EUROPEAN LONG WHEEL-LOCK HOLSTER PISTOL, CIRCA 1630, PROBABLY ALSATIAN with tapering octagonal barrel, stamped with the barrelsmith's mark (Neue Støckel 4895) strongly bevelled lock retained by three side nails, fitted with external wheel retained by a moulded ring-shaped bracket, sliding pan-cover, safety-catch, moulded dog and dog spring, figured fruitwood full stock with fishtail butt (fore-end replaced), inlaid opposite the lock and over the butt with brass scrollwork terminating in engraved mother-of-pearl and bone rosettes, all enriched with minute brass stars and framed within linear arrangements of brass wire extending over the fore-end, the butt cap bound by a plain brass band and inlaid with a symmetrical pattern en suite, brass ramrod-pipe, and brass fore-end cap (later brass-tipped wooden ramrod) 74.5cm; 29 1/4in Inv. no. F080.
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 GERMAN WHEEL-LOCK SPORTING GUN, EARLY 17TH CENTURY converted for use as a trap or alarm gun, with cut-down octagonal barrel, engraved flat lock decorated with a doe and a stag pursued by a hound, fitted with internal wheel, engraved raised wheel-cover, sliding pan-cover, engraved pierced dog and flash-guard, double-ended trigger protruding from above and beneath the spine of the butt, figured walnut full stock (cracks and repairs), carved with scrolling tendrils in relief about the barrel tang, and in front of the lock, sliding patchbox-cover carved with scrolling foliage and a grotesque mask (chipped), and fitted with a ring for securing ring at the base 48.2cm; 19in barrel
A COMPOSITE GERMAN WHEEL-LOCK SPORTING RIFLE, CIRCA 1610-30 with heavy swamped octagonal sighted barrel rifled with eight grooves and fitted with separate breech cut for a tang-sight (missing), finely engraved flat lock decorated with a sportsman in 17th century dress shooting a lion, fitted with external wheel retained by a chamfered ring, sliding pan-cover with engraved button release, large pan-fence with projecting acorn finial, pierced dog engraved with a scrolling monster and a male profile mask, set trigger, figured fruitwood full stock profusely inlaid with engraved staghorn plaques, involving mythical beasts variously conjoined with monsters and human grotesques, larger strapwork designs similarly enriched, including the figure of Mercury in an elaborate architectural frame on the cheek-piece all in a field of scrolling ball flower tendrils sewn with conventional flowerheads, and all arranged within segmental horn lines, the butt with later fittings for target shooting, carved horn ramrod-pipe finely engraved with a monster, engraved horn fore-end cap, iron trigger-guard, and associated steel ramrod retained by a spring beneath the muzzle (minor pieces of inlay missing, patchbox-cover replaced, butt-plate removed) 103.5cm; 40 3/4in barrel PROVENANCE The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, sold Sotheby's New York, 31st January 1997, lot 506 ($14950, £9286, including premium).
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 FRENCH PIN-FIRE REVOLVER BY LEFAUCHEUX, PARIS, NO.70050, CIRCA 1870 with signed rifled sighted barrel, plain cylinder, numbered frame stamped with a mark (Neue Støckel 7770), walnut grips, and steel mounts including trigger-guard and butt-cap with suspension ring; A CONTINENTAL PIN-FIRE REVOLVER, CIRCA 1870, with sighted barrel formed with a moulded muzzle, folding trigger, and walnut grips, and ANOTHER CONTINENTAL PIN-FIRE REVOLVER, CIRCA 1870, with sighted rifled barrel of hog's back form (clearing rod and lug removed) and chequered grips (all refinished throughout) the first: 25.3cm; 10in (3)
A CONTINENTAL PERCUSSION TRANSITIONAL REVOLVER, LIÈGE PROOF, MID-19TH CENTURY with two-stage sighted rifled barrel, fitted with ratchet rammer beneath operated by a lever on the right, rounded action engraved with scrolling foliage, fitted with safety-catch on the left, flat heart-shaped hammer, ring trigger, figured walnut grips, engraved steel back-strap signed by the maker on the inner side of the grips (worn), and engraved butt-cap (cleaned and refinished) 23.8cm; 9 3/4in
A COSSAK PERCUSSION PISTOL, SECOND HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY with tapering barrel retained by three slender steel bands, back action lock, stamped with a series of marks including Liège proof at the breech, flush-fitting back action lock, figured walnut full stock, separate pommel of compressed spherical form fitted with a suspension ring, and no provision for a ramrod 45.5cm; 17 7/8in
A 14 BORE BELGIAN D.B. PIN-FIRE SHOTGUN BY J. B. RONGE FILS À LIÈGE, CIRCA 1860 with etched twist sighted barrels lowered by a single engraved lever beneath and released by an additional engraved lever on the side of the action, patented rounded lever action signed M. N. Coleye, engraved with scrolling vine foliage, engraved tang, signed back-action locks engraved en suite with the action, highly figured walnut half-stock, chequered grip, engraved steel mounts comprising trigger-guard and butt-plate decorated en suite with the action, and a pair of ring-shaped sling swivels 81.2cm; 32 in barrels
A .50 CALIBRE RIMFIRE SPENCER MODEL 1865 REPEATING CAVALRY CARBINE, NO. 21146, CIRCA 1865 of standard production specifications, the barrel rifled with five grooves, and the stock fitted with a saddle bar with ring and a steel sling swivel (the steel parts pitted and cleaned, the maker's inscription worn) 50.7cm; 20in barrel
A .50 CALIBRE RIMFIRE SPENCER CIVIL WAR MODEL REPEATING CAVALRY CARBINE, NO. 59711, CIRCA 1863-5 of standard production specifications, the barrel rifled with six grooves, and the stock fitted with a saddle bar with ring and a steel sling swivel (the steel parts pitted and cleaned, the maker's inscription worn) 56cm; 22in barrel
A .50 CALIBRE RIMFIRE SPENCER CONTRACT MODEL 1865 REPEATING CAVALRY CARBINE BY THE BURNSIDE FIREARMS CO., NO. 34060, CIRCA 1865 of standard production specifications, the barrel rifled with three grooves and the stock stamped with inspector's marks and fitted with a saddle bar with ring a pair of steel sling swivels (the steel parts pitted and cleaned the stock repaired on each side of the breech) 50.7cm; 20in barrel
A .44 CALIBRE RIMFIRE WINCHESTER PATENT MODEL 1866 FOURTH MODEL REPEATING RIFLED CARBINE, NO. 159249, CIRCA 1873 of standard late production specifications, the barrel with much original blued finish (oxidised to brown), blued magazine, blued barrel band (largely oxidised), case-hardened lever and hammer, polished walnut half-stock, and blued saddle-ring and blued steel butt-cap with brass cover for a clearing rod (the butt-cap with small patches of rust, clearing rod missing) 50.8cm; 20in blade
A COOPERS PATENT SIX-SHOT PERCUSSION PEPPERBOX REVOLVER, BIRMINGHAM PROOF MARKS, CIRCA 1843-45 with fluted barrel group stamped with Birmingham proof marks, signed engraved rounded patent under hammer action, ring trigger, engraved back-strap, and a pair of figured walnut grips (the steel parts with light pitting and wear) 19.5cm; 7 3/4in Joseph Rock Cooper patented his design, no.86 for 'many barrelled revolving pistol and gun', on 7th November 1843.
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.
A MASSIVE FLINTLOCK DECK OR RAMPART BLUNDERBUSS, MID-18TH CENTURY, PROBABLY DUTCH with two-stage steel barrel strongly swelling to an elliptical muzzle, fitted in the centre with a sweated-on ring incorporating a pair of trunnions, bevelled lock fitted with pivot flash-guard, hardwood full stock formed with a near flat comb over the butt, steel mounts including trigger-guard, stirrup mount with brass washers and butt-plate, and complete with its steel ramrod (the steel parts pitted, the stock cracked and chipped) 122cm; 48in
A MASSIVE FLINTLOCK DECK OR RAMPART BLUNDERBUSS, MID-18TH CENTURY, PROBABLY DUTCH with two-stage steel barrel strongly swelling to an elliptical muzzle, fitted in the centre with a sweated-on ring incorporating a pair of trunnions, bevelled lock fitted with pivot flash-guard (seized) hardwood full stock formed with a near flat comb over the butt, steel mounts including trigger-guard, stirrup mount with brass washers and butt-plate, and complete with its steel ramrod (the steel parts pitted, the stock with small cracks and chips) 124.5cm; 49in
Early C18th Figured & Burr Walnut Long Case Clock by Richard Hardwick of Ashwick the domed square brass dial with words of the zodiac with spinning dial & central pointer, silvered chapter ring with Arab minute marking, Roman hour numerals, central silvered engraved moon phase & date aperture over silver & engraved compass with gilt spandrels of urns & flowers, the finely figured case with burr walnut veneers, boxwood stringing & star burst inlay on double staged plinth
Mappin & Webb Silver Circular Rose Bowl with part wrythen & leaf decorated body on raised foot rim D6" x H4", Sheffield 1901 & 2 Handled Circular Bowl with ring handles on raised foot rim, ID&S, Sheffield 1917 approx. D4 1/2" x H2 3/4" & C18th style Cream Jug with loop handle on square footed base with reeded moulding maker HB Birmingham 1893, H6" to top of handle
Three First World War Groups, including a trio awarded to M2-132382 PTE.D.DODDS. A.S.C.,comprising 1914-15 Star (un-named), British War Medal and Victory Medal; two pairs awarded to G-81898 PTE.W.KNOWLES.R.FUS. and 218717 SPR.T.SAVAGE R.E.,each comprising BSM and Victory Medal; a Khedives Star with later ring suspender; a Long Service Good Conduct Medal to 946 S.Q.M. SJT. A.E.PEGG. A.P.C.-9
Three Altered Medals:-Indian Mutiny Medal 1857-1858, named to WM. HUNT 79TH HIGHLANDERS, very worn with incorrect suspender; Afghanistan medal 1878-79-80, named to 12 B.,E/135 PTE.J. HOLT. 81ST FOOT, suspender missing and very worn; Queen's Mediterranean Medal, named to 3854 PTE. G.W.HINDS. NORTH.D FUS., possibly spliced. A 1939-45 Star with bar BATTLE OF BRITAIN. A German Merit Cross Second Class-lacks suspender ring. A Croix Du Combattant Volontaire. A Royal Engineers sweetheart brooch and a pair of enamelled R.F.Association cuff links.
A German Nazi War Merit Cross, First Class, with crossed swords, the pin stamped 15, cased; a similar uncased example, un-numbered; a War Merit Cross First Class, the pin stamped 4; a War Merit Cross Second Class, suspender ring stamped 52; a similar example with crossed swords, un-numbered-5
A Victorian Naval Officer's Dirk, the single edge steel blade etched with royal cypher, crowned fouled anchor and foliate strapwork, by J Gieve & Sons, Portsmouth, the brass hilt with recurving crossguard with fouled anchor langet and acorn quillons, wire bound fish skin grip with lion mask and ring pommel, with brass mounted black leather scabbard-(some damage).
A 19th Century Horseman's Sabre, the single edge curved fullered steel blade indistinctly stamped ...lacayo Warrented Cast Steel, the brass hilt with stirrup knuckle bow and finger ring, and polished horn two piece grip (possibly American made for the South American market)

-
1087811 item(s)/page