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Click here to subscribedating: 1820-30 provenance: Sardinian Kingdom, Interesting version with short, wide, single-and-false-edged blade, with wide fuller, featuring the Alemannic troops' 'Hanseatic Cross' at the forte, on the right side, below a trophy, on the other side the motto 'VIVE LE ROI'. Typical, one-quillon, brass hilt with small valve and long, smooth cap. Wooden grip, the lower part with spirals and without wire binding. Without scabbard. length 73 cm.
dating: Mid 19th Century provenance: Austria, Curved, tipped, single-and short false-edged blade, with fuller, engraved at the forte with trophies and racemes, signed 'A Pospischil' and 'Wien'. The first segment of the rear part engraved with racemes. Iron hilt with stirrup guard provided with an additional loop-guard that can be rotated 90° and is provided with a locking system. Long, smooth cap. Grip with old leather covering. Iron scabbard with two lugs. length 96 cm.
dating: 1850/60 provenance: Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, Wide, curved, single-and short false-edged blade, slightly enlarged at the weak, with fuller for a good part of its length, bearing at the base the mark of the Royal Manufacture of Naples and the inspection mark 'S'. Iron hilt with circular stirrup guard and sheath-guard wings, mark 'IQ4SI22'. Long cap, grip with earlier leather cover (missing parts and slightly damaged). Iron scabbard with two lugs marked '2.87'. length 95 cm.
dating: 1839 provenance: Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, Curved, single-and-false-edged blade with wide central fuller and back groove, with the mark of the Royal Factory on one side of the tang, and 'B' mark and date '1839' on the other side. Brass hilt marked '4S. 67.' and numbered. Leather-covered, wooden grip, with brass wire binding. Cap with remains of numbers. Iron scabbard (some pitting) with two lugs, numbered like the quillon. See a similar item published in 'Armi Bianche Napoletane 1800 - 1860' by Tiziano Tonelli and P. Conti, page 73. length 106,5 cm.
dating: Second quarter of the 19th Century provenance: Sardinian Kingdom, Wide, tipped, single-and short false-edged blade with fuller, marked 'M.G.' on the tang. Iron hilt with stirrup guard. Marked 'R.F.' at the rear quillon (for Roatis Francesco). Slightly-curved, long, smooth, iron cap. Grip with leather covering and brass wire binding. Iron scabbard with two lugs. length 96,5 cm.
dating: 1820-30 provenance: Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, Straight, single-and-a-half-edged blade, first with fuller after of lenticular section, with remains of bluing at the forte and small engravings with remains of gilding. Brass hilt with remains of earlier gilding. Front valve with flaming grenade, folding rear valve. Grip with wire binding and wire. Wooden scabbard with remains of black leather covering (restorations), brass mounts with remains of gilding. Probably for grenadiers of the Royal Guard. length 94 cm.
dating: 1805 - 1814 provenance: Kingdom fo Italy (Napoleonic), Straight blade of triangular section with hollow sides, blued at the forte and engraved with small racemes and trophies featuring remains of gilding, marked 'A.K.' at the base. Minor signs of time. Beautiful mercury-gilt bronze hilt with well-preserved finishing. The shell-guard finely worked in relief with effigy of the Napoleonic imperial eagle protecting with its wings two shields surmounted with the crowns of France and Italy respectively; around palm leaves and oak branches. Guard with five-pointed star between laurel leaves. Pommel shaped as a plumed hemet worked in the round. Grip with four mother-of-pearl plates (one tends to come off) and small staves at corners. Inside the shell-guard the signature 'Masson Rue St. Martin n. 120 in Paris'. Well-preserved earlier leather scabbard with gilt metal mounts and engraved decorations, button worked as a palmette. Very rare and interesting. length 95 cm.
dating: Early 19th Century provenance: Kingdom fo Italy (Napoleonic), Curved, tipped, single-and short false-edged blade, with fuller near the back, engraved with small trophies and racemes and two deeply marked 'K' and '43' markings at the forte. Iron hilt with stirrup guard. Leather-covered grip with copper wire binding. Smooth cap. Without scabbard. length 88,5 cm.
dating: circa 1870 - 1890 provenance: Kingdom of Italy, Round, rifled barrel, 10.4 mm cal. at the nozzle, with octagonal base (a few signs of use, well marked rifling, almost completely clean bore), with remains of markings, crowned 'GG', 'GLISENTI' and 'BRESCIA' provided with a club guide for the bayonet, foresight and adjustable rear sight. Working sliding-revolving bolt complete with rotating covering. Remains of earlier browning. Three-quarter wooden stock, iron mounts. With a Mod. 1870 Vetterli bayonet (64.5 cm. long) with long spring and brown Bakelite grip scales. If the bayonet is fixed, the secure wedge screw does not snap. Leather scabbard with brass mounts and belt frog. length 109,5 cm.
dating: 1847 provenance: Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, Straight, tipped, single-and short false-edged blade, grooved and with fuller, marked at the tang with the mark of the Royal Manufacture of Naples, marked 'S' and with the date '1847'. Brass hilt with guard provided with three additional loop-guards, mark '2.S.54' (II Squadron, 54 is the number of the soldier), remains of other marks on the guard. Short cap, leather-covered grip with brass wire binding. Without scabbard. Interesting. See a similar item in 'L'Esercito Borbonico dal 1830 al 1861' AA. VV. (Stato Maggiore dell'Esercito, Roma 1998), Volume II, pp. 332-333, with photos. length 116 cm.
dating: Third quarter of the 19th Century provenance: Austria, Long, numbered blade, with fuller, marked at the back 'P' and '33', with remains of other marks and numbers at the shoulder. Socket with ring nut. Interesting with its antique leather-covered wooden scabbard (some unstitched parts), with iron mounts and belt hook. length 71,2 cm.
dating: 1855 provenance: Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, Straight, double-edged blade (pitting) of hexagonal section, engraved with trophies and floral motifs at the first part, marked 'Napoli 1855' at the base. Brass hilt, shell-guard with crowned coat of arms featuring three lilies, framed by laurel leaves and layed on six flags; the guard with foliage in as-relief, vase-shaped pommel decorated with bees and thunderbolts; horn handle with metal wire binding. Leather scabbard with brass mounts engraved with floral motifs and with remains of gilding. length 94 cm.
dating: Mid 19th Century provenance: Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, Curved, single-and-false-edged blade, with wide fuller, featuring fine engravings with floral motifs and trophies at the forte, tang signed with 'Labruna' on one side. Brass hilt with three loop-guards, with elliptical and convex langets. Brass grip in one piece, faceted, iron button. Iron scabbard with two suspension rings and brass cap. length 96 cm.
dating: first quarter of the 20th Century provenance: Klingenthal, Straight, double-edged blade, the first part engraved with trophies and floral motifs on a granulated background, the tang signed 'Coulaux & .ie Klingenthal France'. Fine gilt brass hilt richly engraved in relief, the shell-guard with silver Maltese cross, two loop-guards, one with a human face, pommel shaped as a crown. Wooden grip with remains of metal wire binding. Brass scabbard engraved with floral motifs and a monogram 'T'. Suspension button with helmet and antique sword. length 95 cm.
dating: Mid 19th Century provenance: Grand Duchy of Tuscany, Beautiful, straight, single-and-false-edged blade, with fuller at the first part and then of lenticular section, the first part finely engraved and gilded on a blue background with trophies and floral motifs, small tang. Gilt bronze hilt with heart-shaped valve, pommel shaped as a plumed helmet, solid grip resembling the wire binding. Complete with the rare threaded sword knot and monogram of King Leopold II. Leather scabbard (signs of use and time) with gilt and engraved brass mounts. length 99 cm.
dating: 1850/60 provenance: Italy, Curved, tipped, single-and short false-edged blade, with double fuller along its entire length. Light pitting and a few dents on the edge caused by use. Provided with small butt-plate and guard with several counter-curved brass loop-guards (a couple with old repairs). Long cap also made of brass with fine pommel shaped as a lion's head on the top. Wooden or brown horn grip, anatomical and partially checkered. Iron scabbard with various stamps, signs of use and time. Two lugs. length 91,5 cm.
dating: 1849 provenance: Austria, Smoothbore, round,17.8 mm cal. barrel with foresight. Tang with fixed rear sight marked 'C.6 65' and dated '846'. Lock with imperial mark and date '849'. Working mechanism. Wooden full stock, with signs of use and time and a broken part at the handle probably restored in the time of use, the left side marked 'M'. Iron mounts featuring remains of marks. Iron ramrod. Socket bayonet (length: 56.1 cm.) with cross-shaped blade and marks at the base, complete with leather scabbard with iron mounts. length 145.5 cm.
dating: Mid 19th Century provenance: France, Curved, single-and short-false-edged blade, with fuller on most of its length, with clearly visible marking on the back: 'Manuf.re Imp.ale de Chatellerault sp.bre 1855'. One-quillon, brass hilt, numbered '885' and with remains of marks, short cap. Leather-covered grip with brass wire binding. Iron scabbard with different numbering, two lugs. Probably of Papal use. Photographed and described in 'Storia dell'Arma Bianca Italiana' by C. Calamandrei (ed. Olimpia 1999) on p. 435. Indicated as an unidentified sabre by gunners based on the French 1829 model: 'il numerale che compare al centro della crociera è pontificio' (the number in the centre of the crossbar is pontifical). length 93 cm.
dating: Second quarter of the 19th Century provenance: Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, Blade of triangular section with hollow sides; engraved and gilded on a blue background with trophies and floral motifs at the first part, marked 'K&S' the base. Gilded brass hilt. Shell-guard finely decorated with Bourbon fleur-de-lis at the center encircled by the collar of St. Janarius, surmounted by under crown and on anchor, framed by oak leaves and on a finely granulated background. The loop-guard finely carved depicting a coiled halliard, the pommel featuring an antique-style helmet. Grip with four mother-of-pearl plates and gilded-brass staves. Leather scabbard with engraved, gilded-brass mounts. The gilding on the rear part of the cap partly faded due to use. Very rare. length 103.5 cm.
dating: 1841 provenance: Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, Straight blade of triangular section with hollow sides, the wider side with double fuller. The first side with beautiful gilded engravings on a blue background with trophies and floral motifs. Brass hilt keeping all its gilding. The upper side of the sword-shell beautifully worked in relief with cornucopias and rods of Asclepius, the lower part engraved with fine floral motifs on the border. Guard with floral motifs in relief. Pommel with palmettes and floral motifs. Grip bearing the crowned royal monogram 'FII' of Ferdinand II, with Bourbon three-lily shield on the back. Linen-covered wooden scabbard painted in white (damaged parts, signs of use and time) with gilt and engraved brass mounts, the cap signed 'Labruna 1841 Napoli'. See a similar sword in Calamandrei 'Storia dell'Arma Bianca Italiana' (Ed. Olimpia 1999), p. 482 (at the center, with photo). Such a beautiful work with engravings even under the sword-shell suggests that it could be a sword for the king's private doctors. length 91 cm.
dating: Third quarter of the 19th Century provenance: Piedmont, Curved, single-and short false-edged blade, with wide fuller that double at the weak; at the forte beautiful engraving of trophies and racemes, crowned Savoy coat of arms on both sides. Iron hilt with four loop-guards. Long, smooth cap. Octagonal button. Carved ebony grip divided in checkered sectors. Complete with scabbard with two suspension rings. length 101.5 cm.
dating: 1967 - 1979 provenance: Persia, Black velvet bicorn with gold-threaded effects, silk cockade, gold button with imperial coat of arms and white ostrich feathers. Lined. Black fabric tail coat richly decorated with gold-threaded stitching. Provided with the band with pendant and the plaque of the Order of the Lion and the Sun (First Class Knight); the left side of the jacket provided with chain with miniatures: Commemorative Medal of the Coronation of Mohammed Reza Pahlavi (1967), Medal of the Crown (Knight), of George I (Greece) (Commander), of the Crown (Belgium) (Official Knight), of Merit (Grand Duchy of Luxembourg) (Knight Grand Cross), National of Cedar (Lebanon) (Knight of the Grand Cross), of San Silvestro (Papal State) (Knight of the Grand Cross), to Merit (Italy) (Official Knight), of San Silvestro (Papal State) (Knight) and of the Lion and the Sun (Iran) (Knight of the Grand Cross). Together with black trousers with golden-threaded side bands. Provided with small sword featuring a blade engraved by the manufacturer Hörster in Solingen, brass hilt with imperial coat of arms on the butt-plate and handle with mother-of-pearl cheeks. Provided with sword-knot and scabbard. A rare set. height Marsina 115 cm.
dating: Third quarter of the 19th Century provenance: Sweden, Blade with anchor-shaped mark and barred marking 'V.A.R.B. No 122'. Slightly counter-curved, flat, brass quillon. Wooden grips. Antique leather scabbard (partially unstitched) with brass mounts, the loop on the cap marked '21B3KN44'. length 58,5 cm.
dating: Second quarter of the 19th Century provenance: Austria, Round, smoothbore, 17 mm cal. barrel, base with 'H' mark under crown and 'P', clutch for the bayonet, front sight on barrel bracket; tang with rear sight marked '1839' and '24'. Lock converted to percussion with date '845' and imperial mark. Wooden full stock with iron mounts and ramrod. Butt-plate with remains of marking '12.C.24'. Socket bayonet with leather scabbard with iron mounts and hook. length 146 cm.
dating: 1820-30 provenance: Sardinian Kingdom, Very high skull covered with black felt, the upper part and visor made of leather, the visor finely decorated with a band featuring three rows of hearts at the centre and checkered at the border. With a threaded band for officers' ranks under the peak, a black velvet stripe on the lower border. The front side with a large brass Savoy eagle decoration keeping most of the original gilding under crown and above two crossed cannons. With a grenade above a light blue, silk cockade above the badge. With lions' heads and hooks holding the chain on the lower side and on the rear part. Leather scabbard, a label 'PIETRO BORRA MASTRO CALZOLAJO DEL REGGIMENTO DE' DRAGONI....IN TORINO' under the peak. height 26 cm.
dating: late 18th Century provenance: Sardinian Kingdom, Straight, flat, single-and-false-edged blade, base engraved with the motto 'vive le Roy de Sardaigne' between decorations on one side and with Savoy eagle under crown on the other side. Basket hilt with pierced, shell-shaped valve linked to four counter-curved quillons at the guard. Smooth, flat-headed cap decorated with a rhombus. Leather-covered, wooden grip with metal wire binding. Brown, leather scabbard with brass mounts (pitting). Two suspension rings. length 109 cm.
dating: Second half of the 19th Century provenance: Italy, Interesting blade from the pre-unification period (circa 1848), straight, single-and short false-edged blade, with fuller in the central segment, bearing in the first half floral engravings and the mottoes 'VIVA L'ITALIA' and 'VIVA L'UNIONE', at the base mark 'LOLLINI IN BOLOGNA'. Some small areas with pitting. Hilt for a 'Bersagliere' officer, made of brass, late 19th century, cap shaped as a lion's head and anatomical ebony grip. Iron scabbard with slight pitting and a bump; two lugs. length 98 cm.
dating: circa 1900 provenance: Kingdom of Italy, Slightly curved, single-and-false-edged blade, with central fuller and tang. One side of the forte provided with a coat of arms shaped as an eagle holding a bit with a dragon inside, then with a gold inscription on a blue background: 'Per la giustizia e la verità colpisci senz'odio' ('In the name of justice and truth, strike without hate'), and 'Ku-ngan-hsien notte 2.3 XI 1900' on the other side. Brass hilt richly engraved in high relief with uncrowned anchor inside an oval, pommel shaped as a lion's head and with twisted back valve. Fish-skin grip with metal wire binding. Complete with sword knot. Leather scabbard with gilt and engraved brass mounts, chape with anchor. Two suspension rings. length 90.5 cm.
A US 1917 WINCHESTER BAYONET, a nineteenth century basket HILT sword and another curved blade sword, the bayonet is missing its scabbard but is in an overall good condition, the basket hilt sword is with its scabbard but both the blade and scabbard have rust and the handle guard is loose, this is in need of a good clean, the curved sword is 19th/20th century but without any visible makers marks or proof marks and has no scabbard, Customers must satisfy themselves prior to sale in regards to conditions and authenticity, viewing is advised, condition reports are available on request
A US ARMY FIGHTING KNIFE, the blade is clearly marked 'U.S.M3 PAL' but has no date, the scabbard and frog appear to be original to the knife but have no markings apart from what could possibly read P47 or P49 in ink on the frog, the blade guard and part of the scabbard show some signs of rust, Customers must satisfy themselves prior to sale in regards to conditions and authenticity, viewing is advised, condition reports are available on request
A FRENCH NINETEENTH CENTURY BAYONET, two small items of trench art, two small postcard photographs and a military style suitcase, the bayonet comes complete with scabbard and the top of the blade is dated 1881, the trench art consists of a light and bullet case, the suitcase shows a soldiers name and R.A.D.C written on it along with what appears to be a list of places the soldier visited or was serving at, Customers must satisfy themselves prior to sale in regards to conditions and authenticity, viewing is advised, condition reports are available on request
WWII ERA GERMAN POLICE PARADE SWORD, made by Paul Wayersberg & Co Soligen, the blade still has the clear makers mark, the handle still has the eagle attached to it, the blade is clean with only some age related wear and rubbing, the scabbard has some wear to it but the blade fits nicely, the knot has started the fray and needs alight attention, Customers must satisfy themselves prior to sale in regards to conditions and authenticity, viewing is advised, condition reports are available on request
THREE SMALL HUNTING KNIVES, to include one made by Puma, the knives include the Puma one in a leatherette scabbard and motif on the handle, the second is unmarked but has a small iron cross on the handle and comes in a scabbard, the third knife blade is unmarked but the handle is made from the foot on an animal, Customers must satisfy themselves prior to sale in regards to conditions and authenticity, viewing is advised, condition reports are available on request
A 1988 PATTERN LEE METFORD MKII BAYONET, dated 12/94 meaning this was made in December 1894, the bayonet comes complete with its scabbard, date marks and proof marks are all still visible, the blade and scabbard show age related wear and the frog appears to be a later replacement, Customers must satisfy themselves prior to sale in regards to conditions and authenticity, viewing is advised, condition reports are available on request
A GERMAN CARL SCHMIDT SOHN HUNTING STYLE DAGGER, one side of the blade had the makers mark plus Ges Gesch and the name Carl Schmidt Sohn and Soligen, the other side of the blade has the motto BLUT UND EHREI meaning blood and honour, the handle appears to be bone and comes in a black metal scabbard, Customers must satisfy themselves prior to sale in regards to conditions and authenticity, viewing is advised, condition reports are available on request
A WWII ERA GERMAN SA DAGGER, this dagger is complete with its original scabbard and has the maker mark of RZM M7/2 and was made by Emil Voos Waffenfabrik in Soligen, the blade has the motto ' Alles fur Deutschland' etched onto one side, the handle and cross guard do have some scratches and general age related wear to them, Customers must satisfy themselves prior to sale in regards to conditions and authenticity, viewing is advised, condition reports are available on request
TWO FRENCH CHASSEPOT RIFLE BAYONETS WITH MATCHING SCABBARDS, the first is dated 1869 and the blade guard and scabbard have J5402 stamped on them, the second one is date 1871 and again matching numbers J3484, both bayonets are in a good clean condition with hardly any wear, Customers must satisfy themselves prior to sale in regards to conditions and authenticity, viewing is advised, condition reports are available on request
A BOX OF ASSORTED MILITARIA, MAGAZINES AND A SWORD, this lot includes two WWII or post war gas masks, one boxed and one in a canvas bag, two WWI era silk postcards in a frame, a pair of binoculars, fuel ration book, forty three editions of 'the twenty years after' magazine in various conditions, a pair of post WWII trench art vases, a wooden periscope and a twentieth century sword missing its scabbard, this has no markings on the blade but the handle and guard are in good condition, Customers must satisfy themselves prior to sale in regards to conditions and authenticity, viewing is advised, condition reports are available on request
20th century gold covered traditional style Arab Jambiya dagger and scabbard. Tests as gold, with curved steel blade, the handle and scabbard with engraved and applied foliate decoration, overall 26cm long including scabbard, together with a probably Syrian or Middle Eastern felt waistcoat with gold embroidered thread work decoration. (2) Provenance: The dagger presented to 'Mr Sobhi El-Ejel', Consul General for the Syrian Arab Republic and Dean of Consular Corps in India. Mr El-Ejel was a Syrian National who, having originally been a freedom fighter in Syria achieved high status with the independence of the country, becoming Consul for Syria in Bombay before the Embassy was established in New Delhi Served in other countries and returned to Bombay as Consul General, awarded various orders of merit across the Middle East, having a singular devotion 'To Work for the Consolidation of Close Relations between India and the Arab World'. Married a Welsh Lady from Carmarthenshire. (B.P. 21% + VAT) Additional images of dagger added.
German WWII period Army Officer's dress dagger with orange moulded grip (lacking wire), oak leaf pommel and band above scrolled eagle swastika cross bar, the double edged tapering blade marked 'Eickhorn, Solingen' in a metal scabbard with oak leaf bands and having bullion suspension loop with acorn. Overall 40cm long approx. including scabbard. (B.P. 21% + VAT) Handle lacks wire binding, blade is tarnished and shows signs of corrosion towards its tip. Additional photos added.
A good Japanese sword Katana, with green and black gilded lacquer Saya (scabbard), the blade 76cm long (from notch to point), having straight 'Hamon' and being signed to the tang (Nakago) 'Echizen No Kami Fujiwara Sukehiro'. Suke Hiro was an Edo period 17th century swordsmith, but such a signature does not guarantee the age of the sword. Double handed silk bound shark skin grip with iron Tsuba and gilded dragon Menuki. Overall 1.06M long including saya. Provenance: local private vendor who's relative acquired the sword at the end of WWII. (B.P. 21% + VAT) Overall appearing in fair to good condition, silk binding is grubby, tiny loss to blade point under magnification, small area of rust to the iron tsuba. We are not able to warrant the age of this item.Overall appearing in fair to good condition, silk binding is grubby, tiny loss to blade point under magnification, small area of rust to the iron tsuba. We are not able to warrant the age of this item.----Detailed Report of the Japanese Samurai Katana. Fine Art Sale – March 2023This ‘Katana’ is identified by the two handed grip or handle (Tsuka), the shallow curvature of the blade, the position and manner in which the sword is worn and, also, the positioning of the maker’s signature, which here appears on the side of the Tang (Nakago) which would traditionally face to the front, away from the body, where the sword is worn on the left side, blade curve up and held in place by the Kimono Sash. The ‘Nakago’ is signed – ‘Echizen No Kami Fujiwara Suke Hiro’. Suke Hiro was a renowned Edo period seventeenth century swordsmith. Because of his fame, there are many fakes and copies of his work, so the signature alone is not a guarantee of authenticity. However, there are many interesting features on this sword and its scabbard (Saya) which would fit with the period that the signature suggests.The Scabbard (Saya) – Ornately decorated in a dark green toned lacquer with black lacquer mottling and all highlighted with extensive gilding. The black lacquered cord loop (Kurigata), is a further indicator that this sword is a Katana. The earlier ‘Tachi’ curved sword, from which the ‘Katana’ was ultimately developed, was essentially a cavalry weapon and wielded from horseback, whereas the Katana became the favoured weapon for hand to hand combat, on foot. The ‘Tachi’ scabbard would have two cord loops and was mounted suspended, unlike the Katana which has one loop and is worn through the belt sash. The finely chisel-engraved metal binding around the scabbard has been tested and proves to be Silver. The configuration of the metalwork around the bottom of the ‘Saya’ appears to be in keeping with some Edo examples observed.The Silver banding was worn by second rank Samurai aristocrats. On this sword, the metal work on both the ‘Saya’ and the ‘Tsuka’ is beautifully enhanced by very finely hand engraved leaf scroll-work. The highest ranks wore gold bound swords.The Katana Blade – This sword has a 76 centimetre blade length, measured from the notch on which the blade collar (Habaki) seats, to the point of the blade. The blade is quite long for a ‘Katana’, which usually has a blade length in the low sixty centimetre range, though ‘Katana’ blades up to 80cm. have been recorded. This blade has a ‘Straight Hamon’ which is the line of a somewhat cloudy appearance immediately above the cutting edge and is an indicator that the blade has been ‘differentially tempered’ in the traditional manner. ‘Differential tempering’ is achieved by applying a layer of clay to the blade, of ever decreasing thickness from the spine of the blade to the cutting edge, the last few millimetres having little or no clay at all, applied to it. The blade is differentially tempered by a process of forge-firing and quenching which produces the required hard edged but flexible sword blade. It is worth mentioning that Suke Hiro achieved some fame in his later career when he developed a technique that produced the elaborately decorative ‘Toran Midare Hamon’ which, in appearance, resembled large high-rising ocean waves and was highly prized by the seventeenth century Edo Samurai. There are, however, extant blades attributed to Suke Hiro, which show a Straight ‘Hamon’. Microscopic investigation of the ‘Hamon’ on this blade, appears to reveal the ‘Martensite Crystals’ at the tempered edge, reducing in density from the cutting edge towards the back of the ‘Hamon’ (nearest to the spine), all in all suggesting that this ‘Hamon’ is correct. A ‘Hamon’ can be contrived and faked by acid etching, but this does not appear to be the case with this sword. The naked blade and Nakago of this sword appear to compare visually to the 17th. century Edo blades of the period, illustrated in ‘Facts and Fundamentals of Japanese Swords – a Collector’s Guide’ by Nobuo Nakahara (translated by Paul Martin). The cross section shape of the blade (Mune), appears to conform with the ‘gyo-no-mune’ shape seen on page 60 fig. 70 of Nobuo Nakahara’s guide. The patina on the ‘Nakago’ is of a brownish hue and the finishing hand filing marks are clearly visible.The Sword Handle (Tsuka) – The ‘Tsuka’ is the double-handed grip which is separated from the sword blade by the blade collar (Habaki) and two sword guard spacers (Seppa) which sit either side of the sword guard, itself (Tsuba). On this sword there appears to be a ‘Tsuba’ maker’s signature, in the Kanji flanking the ‘Nakago’ aperture. We think that part of the inscription on the ‘Tsuba’ makes reference to Yamashiro no Kuni province and the Kanji to the left of the ‘Nakago’ aperture, though somewhat obscured by rust, can be the name ‘Tadatsugu’. Further research has revealed that there were at least three swordsmiths of that name working in Yamashiro province, between 1644 and 1673. The ‘Tsuka’ is held in place on the ‘Nakago by a Bamboo tapered peg (Mekugi) which passes through a single hole in the ‘Nakago’ and secures the whole assembly in place. The ‘Tsuba’ is plain iron with no adornment other than the Kanji characters mentioned above. The body of the ‘Tsuka’ is made from wood, before being traditionally wrapped in a layer of Ray skin (Samegawa). There are two gilded white metal, in this case, ‘Dragon’ talismans (Menuki) , one on each side of the hilt where the sword is held and these are secured in place by a two-colour silk ‘wrap’ (Ito). The ‘Ito’ is secured at the ‘Tsuba’ end of the handle with the ‘Tsuka’ collar (Fuchi) and at the opposite end, by the ornate pommel (Kashira) which, on this sword is fashioned as two arms with hands folded, one on top of the other and embracing the top of the hilt. Both the ‘Fuchi’ and the ‘Kashira’ are emblazoned with the Family Crest (Mon) of the ‘Minokuni branch of the Ikeda family’, two of which are raised and gilded and two which are raised, but with no gilding. The circular ‘Mon’ is in the form of a stylised Butterfly.Condition – There is some degradation of the Lacquer-work on the Saya and very minor fraying of the silk in the ‘Ito’, which is also grubby in places. There is a small loss to the point of the blade which becomes apparent under magnification. There is a small area of rust visible on the signed surface of the ‘Tsuba’. There is a minor distortion of the ‘Mekugi’ peg. Otherwise, the ‘Katana’ is in very good condition.We have described this Katana to the best of our ability and knowledge but, ultimately, it must rest with the buyer regarding decisions as to authenticity and age.
A Fairbairn Sykes third pattern late WWII period fighting knife with A3 MoD inspection mark, and hand ground blade. Stamped No. 2 to top of handle with leather scabbard having metal tip and non standard buckle. Blade 29cm long approx. Overall with scabbard 32cm long approx. (B.P. 21% + VAT) The blade is tarnished generally through finger marks, but not noticeably chipped, the handle is worn, the scabbard incorporates a non standard buckle fastening. Additional image added.
WW2 British items: Pre war Binoculars marked "Special 56065" and "RA 5 25"and 1937 pattern webbing case maker marked and dated "Meco 1940", short webbing strap added in place of issue shoulder sling: No 4 Spike bayonet, no scabbard and a .303 Bren Gun Magazine. NOTE: UK BIDDERS ONLY on this lot please due to overseas laws and shipping restriction.
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