A gem-set walrus ivory-hilted steel sword (shamshir) Persia and India, 17th/ 18th Centurythe single-edged watered-steel blade of curved form and bearing a Jacob's ladder pattern, decorated in gold inlay to one side with an inscription-filed cartouche and magic square, the cross-guard and pommel of steel chiselled with floral and foliate interlace; the walrus ivory grips set in gold, turquoise, ruby and emerald with floral interlace, the lower grip with coiled gold foil, hinged turquoise-set gold element to pommel; the wood scabbard clad in green velvet with brass suspension loops, the silver chape engraved with floral and geometric motifs 93.5 cm. longFootnotes:ProvenanceAcquired from the Mark Dineley Collection in April, 1998. Inscriptions: 'The work of [A]kbar bin Mulla Sadiq Isfahani'; in the square, letters 'B/D/U/H', (Biduh).Biduh is a talismanic word recorded as the name of a jinn or an angel capable of magic, used for protective purposes either in its full form or broken up into letters and placed in a square. A sword from the Jacques Desenfans collection by the same maker and bearing the same inscriptions was sold in these rooms (The Jacques Desenfans Collection, 10 April 2008, lot 208). For a similar blade bearing the father's maker's mark and the magic square in the Furusiyya Art Foundation Collection, see Bashir Mohamed, The Arts of the Muslim Knight, Italy, 2007, no. 52.The finely watered steel blade exhibits the sought-after Kirk Narduban or Jacob's ladder pattern characterised by transversely oriented distortions of the pattern called 'steps'. Carrying such a sword would be of particular significance to a Muslim warrior who would see the ladder as a symbolic vehicle for entry into paradise should he fall in battle. For a further discussion on the pattern see Leo S. Figiel, On Damascus Steel, Atlantis, 1991, pp. 70-71.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: YY Subject to CITES regulations when exporting items outside of the EU, see clause 13.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
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A 19TH CENTURY CHINESE SWORD, 41cm flattened diamond section blade, characteristic brass mounted hilt decorated with foliage and characters, reeded wooden grip, contained in its brass mounted tortoise shell wrapped wooden scabbard, decorated to match. Patch of shell lacking from rear of scabbard.
A FIRST WAR PERIOD REGULATION PATTERN COSSACK KINDJAL, 44cm double fullered blade struck with arsenal marks and the date 1918 to either side of the forte, regulation brass mounted hilt with wooden grips, one rivet cover lacking, contained in its brass mounted leather wrapped wooden scabbard.
A 19TH CENTURY MONUMENTAL SIZED CAUCASIAN KINDJAL, 109cm double fullered blade etched with a damascus pattern and decorated with naive human figures, characteristic two-piece riveted horn grips carved with scrolling foliage and a human figure, contained in its steel mounted leather wrapped wooden scabbard, the mounts etched to match and the scabbard decorated with a figure and weapons.
A LATE 19TH OR EARLY 20TH CENTURY LARGE SIZE CAUCASIAN KINDJAL, 53cm blade with deep offset fuller to either side, characteristic hilt with two-piece riveted ivory grips, white metal mounted leather wrapped wooden scabbard with bullion seam. Please note that we are not able to send ivory items outside the UK. This will be the final auction to contain ivory items unless they comply with the new UK legislation.
A LARGE SILVER NIELLO MOUNTED CHECHEN OR CIRCASSIAN KINDJAL, 39.5cm double fullered blade etched with a swirling motif in the fullers and set with a panel of calligraphy in gilt, characteristic silver niello mounted hilt with two-piece riveted horn grips, contained in its silver niello mounted leather wrapped wooden scabbard, the upper mount with signature.
AN IMPORTANT GEORGIAN PRESENTATION MAMELUKE OF CHARLES WILLIAM VANE-STEWART, 80.5cm sharply curved trophy kilij blade with gold koftgari signature panels and highlights, gilt hilt, the crossguard with cross-hatch decoration and chiselled with scrolling foliage and flowerheads, the backstrap chased and decorated with geometric designs, rose head riveted mother-o'-pearl grips, chain guard mounts, contained in its copper gilt mounted leather wrapped wooden scabbard, decorated with geometric designs and scrolling foliage, further applied with a presentation plaque, Presented by C. W. Vane Marquis of Londonderry GCB GCH BE GRS STGeo TO His Nephew Captn D. Wood RA ANNO 1847. Charles William Vane, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry first saw active service in the French Revolutionary wars as a young Lieutenant in 1794. He further served with distinction in the Peninsular Wars as a Cavalry Commander during the Corunna campaign with Paget and later as Wellington's Adjutant took part in the Battle of Talavera. Vane is famously depicted in a Portrait, now in the National Portrait Gallery and shown here, in which this Mameluke is slung over his shoulder. Three rivets lacking from one side of the grip, which is also cracked.
A GEORGIAN OFFICER'S MAMELUKE TO THE 3RD (KING'S OWN) LIGHT DRAGOONS, 79.5cm clean blade by Prosser, etched with crowned regimental title, battle honours SALAMANCA & PENINSULA, GR cypher, crossed lances, a laurel wreath and a stand of arms, regulation steel hilt applied with brass rose heads to either side of the crossguard, two-piece riveted ivory grips, contained in its steel scabbard. Minor grey staining to the blade and grip with split. See page 110 The British Cavalry Sword 1788-1912 by Richard Dellar and page 96 Swords of the British Army Revised Edition by Bryan Robson. Please note that we are not able to send ivory items outside the UK. This will be the final auction to contain ivory items unless they comply with the new UK legislation.
A RARE 1807/08 PATTERN 10TH LIGHT DRAGOONS OR HUSSARS OFFICER'S SWORD, 79cm curved clipped back blade decorated with stylised calligraphy, celestial imagery and spears in the Talismanic fashion, highlighted in gilt, regulation copper gilt stirrup hilt with ornate langets applied with white metal badge and motto of the Prince of Wales, stepped pommel, wire bound fishskin grip, contained in its steel scabbard. Some pitting to the top portion of the blade and small patch of fishskin replaced. See Page 62, plate 50 for a similar example, Swords of the British Army By Brian Robson and Page 85, plate 8.6 The British Cavalry Sword 1788-1912 by Richard Dellar.
A GEORGIAN SCOTTISH OFFICER'S PRESENTATION SABRE TO THE PERTHSHIRE MILITIA, 77cm sharply curved blade profusely etched, virtually to its tip with scrolling foliage, flower heads, stands of arms, a figure of Britannia, crowned GR cypher, Royal arms and the inscription PRESENTED TO LIEUT COLN COLIN CAMPBELL AS A TOKEN OF ESTEEM BY THE NON COMMISSIONED OFFICERS, DRUMMERS & PRIVATES OF THE ROYAL PERTHSHIRE MILITIA, gilt stirrup hilt deeply chased with acanthus leaves, wire bound ribbed ivory grip, chips and splits, contained in its steel scabbard with maker's panel for JOHNSTON. Please note that we are not able to send ivory items outside the UK. This will be the final auction to contain ivory items that do not comply with the new UK legislation.
A RARE 1814 PATTERN HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY OFFICER'S STATE SWORD, 88.5cm double fullered blade, regulation gilt half basket hilt composed of D-shaped knuckle guard with acanthus scroll supports, crowned oval panel with acanthus scroll borders and applied lion and crown motif centered, ring turned bun-shaped pommel, wire bound fishskin grip, contained in its brass panelled scabbard with fishskin inserts. Quillon lacking.
A RARE FRENCH 1ST EMPIRE SABRE D'OFFICIER SUPERIEUR DE CARABINIERS ADAPTED FOR USE BY A BRITISH OFFICER, 83cm sharply curved fullered blade with clipped back tip, etched damascus pattern along its entire length and etched to either side with a panel with English imagery in the Klingenthal style, to include mythical beasts, laurel wreath, a Mesopotamian staff, the club of Hercules, GR cypher, crowned Royal arms and makers' panels for CF for Coulaux Freres and Tatham et Egg, further etched Klingenthal on the back edge, regulation copper gilt hilt pierced with the Imperial Napoleonic crown, the white metal orb, flaming grenade and monogram N now removed, lion's mask pommel, wire bound leather grip, contained in its gilt brass mounted steel scabbard. Presumably a trophy sword re-bladed at Klingenthal by a British officer during the occupation of 1815-1818. See Gazette des Armes, The Armourer, and Man at Arms for articles discussing this and similar swords with English decorated Klingenthal blades.
A 1788 PATTERN HEAVY CAVALRY OFFICER'S SWORD, 91.5cm blade by Bland and decorated with a crowned GR cypher to either side of the forte, some grey staining, regulation half basket hilt, the principle knuckle defence of slotted hilt form and supported by six scrolling faceted side bars, silvered ribbon bound fishskin grip, contained in its plated mounted black leather scabbard.
A RARE LATE 18TH OR EARLY 19TH CENTURY FRENCH MAMLUK OR MAMELUKE DIRK, 33cm curved flattened diamond section blade decorated with scrolling foliage and stand of arms, etched with the motto Fuyes Le bras qui me dirige and Soyes En garde ou si non, the brass hilt with recurved crossguard, scroll terminals, foliate chiselled pommel, reeded leather covered grip, contained in its engraved brass mounted leather wrapped wooden scabbard, decorated to match. At some stage a Crest has been erased from the blade.
A 1796 PATTERN LIGHT CAVALRY OFFICER'S SWORD, 83cm curved blade decorated with scrolling foliage, a mounted cavalry officer. crowned GR cypher, crowned Royal arms and a maker's panel for Gill, all with traces of gilt highlights, regulation steel stirrup hilt, wire bound leather covered grip, wormed, contained in a steel trooper's scabbard with maker's panel for Woolley & Deakin, Birmm.
A SCARCE 1796 PATTERN LIGHT CAVALRY OFFICER'S ETCHED AND GILT SWORD, 85cm curved fullered blade etched to the tip with a false damascus pattern, further decorated with Talismanic, Celestial and Eastern imagery all highlighted in gilt, regulation steel stirrup hilt with acanthus decorated back strap, wire bound leather grip, contained in its steel scabbard with maker's panel for Brunn.
AN 1805 PATTERN NAVAL OFFICER'S BLUED AND GILT SWORD, 81.5cm blade brightly decorated with scrolling foliage, angels, stands of arms, a crowned fouled anchor and crowned Royal arms, all highlighted in gilt on a bright blued ground, regulation copper gilt hilt with D-shaped knuckle guard, bold Lion's head pommel, wire bound ribbed ivory grip, chipped, contained in its engraved copper gilt mounted leather scabbard, the upper mount with maker's panel for Dudley of Portsmouth. Scabbard leather repaired. Please note that we are not able to send ivory items outside the UK. This will be the final auction to contain ivory items unless they comply with the new UK legislation.
A GOOD AND SCARCE LIGHT WEIGHT 1796 PATTERN INFANTRY OFFICER'S SWORD, 71cm flattened diamond section blade decorated with scrolling foliage, stands of arms and a crowned GR cypher, all highlighted in gilt on a blued ground, regulation gilt hilt with folding side guard, D-shaped knuckle bow, urn-shaped pommel, silver wire bound grip, contained in its laurel wreath engraved gilt mounted leather scabbard.
A 1796 PATTERN INFANTRY OFFICER'S SWORD, 81cm fullered blade decorated with scrolling foliage, a stand of arms, crowned Royal arms and crowned GR cypher, regulation copper hilt, D-shaped knuckle guard, urn-shaped pommel, leather covered grip, contained in its engraved copper mounted leather scabbard with maker's panel for Knubley & Co.
A 1796 PATTERN INFANTRY OFFICER'S SWORD, 78.5cm fullered blade with traces of etched decoration, patinated, regulation copper hilt with folding side guard, engraved Honorary Reward Cadet Company Barracks 7th April 1811 C Patton Cadet, D-shaped knuckle bow, urn-shaped pommel, ribbed wooden grip, contained in its engraved copper mounted leather scabbard. Scabbard leather repaired.
A SCARCE GEORGIAN GENERAL OFFICER'S SWORD, 82cm flattened diamond section blade decorated with scrolling foliage and stands of arms, regulation copper gilt hilt with D-shaped knuckle guard, urn-shaped pommel, wire bound wooden grip, contained in its copper gilt mounted leather scabbard, the upper mount with maker's panel for Jeffrey & Jones. Purchased as lot 50A at the Weston Hall Auction. Weston Hall was the seat of the Sitwells and examining the history of the family we would suggest that this is possibly the sword of General Lord Hutchinson of Alexandria who was provisionally second in command of the Egyptian Expedition of 1801 before Commanding it after the death of Abercromby at the Battle of Alexandria. Grip wire loose, chape lacking and scabbard dried and a poor fit.
AN 1803 PATTERN INFANTRY OFFICER'S SWORD TO THE ROYAL MARINES, 74cm curved blade decorated with scrolling foliage, stands of arms, an officer, crowned Royal arms and crowned GR cypher, regulation copper gilt hilt incorporating a crowned GR cypher, lion's head pommel, wire bound ivory grip, contained in its engraved copper mounted leather scabbard, the upper mount with maker's panel for Goldneys and owner's name CAPT N.F.LOCKE RM. Please note that we are not able to send ivory items outside the UK. This will be the final auction to contain ivory items unless they comply with the new UK legislation.
A GEORGIAN CAVALRY OFFICER'S SWORD TO THE 19TH LIGHT DRAGOONS, 70cm sharply curved blade profusely etched with scrolling foliage, acanthus, stands of arms, a stylized sphynx and maker's panel for Osborn & Gunby, regulation steel hilt with D-shaped knuckle guard, the front langet etched 19LD, wire bound fishskin grip, contained in its steel scabbard.
A GEORGIAN OFFICER'S SILVER HILTED HANGER, 69cm curved blade decorated with scrolling foliage and a crowned GR cypher, highlighted in gilt on a rubbed blued ground, characteristic silver hilt with D-shaped knuckle guard, looping side bar set with a diamond shaped form, cushion pommel, reeded ivory grip, contained in its hallmarked silver mounted leather scabbard. Birmingham hallmarks for 1801, maker's mark GF. Scabbard leather with old repair. Please note that we are not able to send ivory items outside the UK. This will be the final auction to contain ivory items unless they comply with the new UK legislation.
A GEORGIAN OFFICER'S HANGER, 73.5cm curved fullered blade decorated with celestial imagery and stands of arms, characteristic steel hilt with D-shaped knuckle guard, looping side guard, faceted urn pommel, reeded ivory grip, contained in its steel mounted leather scabbard. Please note that we are not able to send ivory items outside the UK. This will be the final auction to contain ivory items unless they comply with the new UK legislation.
A 1796 PATTERN HEAVY CAVALRY TROOPER'S SWORD, 76.5cm shortened blade by Reddel & Bate, with crowned 5 Inspector's stamp, regulation steel disc hilt, langets removed and grip replaced, contained in its steel scabbard, throat loose, marked to the 7th Dragoon Guards on the hilt and scabbard, rack numbers A23 and A26. The 7th DG were involved in the suppression of the 1798 Irish Rebellion.
A GEORGIAN INFANTRY OFFICER'S SPADROON, 81.5cm fullered blade, sharpened for use, regulation steel hilt with D-shaped knuckle guard and looping side bar, reeded marine ivory grip, together with two 1796 type hanger's with 68.5cm blades, lacking scabbards and an 1895 Pattern Infantry Officer's sword by Wilkinson, serial no. 35354, lacking scabbard. (4)
A WELSH GUARDS OFFICER'S SWORD, 83cm blade by E. Smith, etched with scrolling foliage, regimental motif and battle honours, laurel wreaths and a crowned GVR cypher, some staining, regulation plated steel hilt incorporating the regimental badge, wire bound fishskin grip, contained in its field service scabbard, complete with knot and bag. The sword of S. G. Holland Esq.
A FINE QUALITY VICTORIAN DIRK ETCHED WITH THE SCOTTISH ARMS, 26cm double fullered clean, bright blade finely etched with scrolling foliage, thistles, the figure of St Andrew, a crowned lion sat atop a crown holding a sword and a sceptre, being the crest of the coat of arms of Scotland, maker's panel for MACDOUGALL & CO OF THE ROYAL TARTAN WAREHOUSE INVERNESS SACKVELLE ST AT LONDON, white metal mounted hilt decorated with laurel and fleurs-de-lis, carved basket weave and Celtic knot wooden grip in the 17th Century fashion, contained in its white metal mounted leather wrapped wooden scabbard, decorated to match, complete with companion knife and fork. There is a suggestion that the iconography and quality would indicate this piece has some connection to the Royal household.
A VICTORIAN SCOTTISH BLACK WATCH OFFICER'S REGIMENTAL DIRK BY KIRKWOOD OF EDINBURGH, 27.5cm double fullered blade with faceted back edge, brass mounted hilt decorated with thistles, the pommel set with a stone, carved basket weave wooden grip set with brass studs, contained in its brass mounted leather scabbard decorated with thistles and regimental motifs, complete with companion knife and fork decorated to match.
A GORDON HIGHLANDERS OFFICER'S DIRK, 31.5cm blade with faceted back edge, characteristic gilt mounted hilt decorated with scrolling thistles, the pommel set with a stone, carved basket wooden grip set with brass studs, contained in its engraved gilt mounted scabbard, decorated to match, the upper mount applied with an engraved crest of the Gordon Highlanders, complete with companion fork, knife lacking.
A 19TH CENTURY SCOTTISH PIPER'S DIRK, 28cm blade with faceted back edge, white metal mounted hilt decorated with thistles, Celtic strapwork pommel set with a stone, carved basket weave wooden grip set with white metal studs, contained in its white metal mounted leather wrapped scabbard, decorated to match.
A VICTORIAN SCOTTISH OFFICER'S CASED DIRK SGIAN DUBH AND SPORRAN SET, the dirk with 27.5cm fullered clipped back blade with faceted back edge, characteristic hilt with gilt mounts, the pommel set with a stone, carved basket weave wooden grip set with brass studs, contained in its gilt brass mounted leather scabbard decorated with thistles and regimental motifs, complete with companion knife and fork, contained in its purple velvet lined case, together with a companion sgian dubh and sporran, the latter with regimental device and battle honours applied to the cantle. One battle honour lacking and the dirk fork a replacement. (3)
A GOOD KING'S OWN SCOTTISH BORDERERS FIELD OFFICER'S SWORD, 82.5cm clean fullered blade by Wilkinson, decorated with thistles, regimental badge and crowned GVR cypher, regulation pierced plated hilt decorated with thistles and regimental motifs, wire bound fishskin grip, red faced chamois liner, contained in its plated steel scabbard, complete with field service scabbard and silk tassel.
AN ORNATE VICTORIAN SILVER MOUNTED SCOTTISH SGIAN DUBH, 11cm blade with faceted back edge, characteristic hilt with chased silver mounts decorated with thistles, the pommel set with a stone, carved basket weave wooden grip set with white metal studs and a faceted stone, contained in its hallmarked silver mounted leather scabbard decorated to match. Hallmarks rubbed.
A GORDON HIGHLANDERS OFFICER'S SGIAN DUBH, 9.25cm blade with faceted back edge, tip chipped, characteristic white metal mounted hilt, the pommel set with a stone, carved basket weave wooden grip decorated with white metal studs and applied with the regimental badge, contained in its white metal mounted leather scabbard.
A HALLMARKED SILVER SCOTTISH SGIAN DUBH, 8.75cm clipped back blade with faceted back edge, characteristic silver mounted hilt decorated with scrolling foliage and geometric designs, carved basket weave wooden grip, chipped, contained in its silver mounted leather scabbard, Edinburgh hallmarks with maker's marks for Mackay and Chisolm.
A BLACK WATCH OFFICER'S SGIAN DUBH, 9cm fullered blade with faceted back edge, characteristic gilt mounted hilt, the pommel set with a stone, carved basket weave wooden grip set with brass studs and the figure of St Andrew, contained in an associated copper gilt mounted leather scabbard, the upper mount set with the regimental badge.
A VICTORIAN WHITE METAL MOUNTED SCOTTISH DIRK, 27cm fullered blade with faceted back edge, characteristic white metal mounted hilt, the pommel set with a stone, carved basket weave wooden grip set with white metal studs, contained in its white metal mounted leather scabbard decorated to match, complete with companion knife and fork, the former with maker's name of NEWBOLD.
A 17TH CENTURY DUAL KNIFE SET IN STUMPWORK CASE, the first knife with 11.5cm blade, struck with maker and region marks of a dagger and cross, foliate gold damascene decorated collar, rubbed, fine pierced filigree work pommel, grip lacking, tang with brass wrap, the second knife bearing identical markings and decoration, lacking tang wrap and pommel, contained in a stumpwork wrapped wooden scabbard, worn, decorated with foliage and flower heads and what appears to be a stylised mitre or church spire to either side. The brass wrap to the tang that exists on the first knife may suggest the handles were of rock crystal.
A LATE 18TH CENTURY BLUED AND GILT HUNTING HANGER, 53.5cm fullered blade double edged towards the tip, decorated in the classical fashion with stands of arms, strapwork and swags, all highlighted in gilt on a blued ground, characteristic white metal hilt with reeded recurved quillons and shallow pommel cap decorated to match, polished horn grip, contained in its white metal mounted leather scabbard.
AN 18TH CENTURY HUNTING HANGER, 55.5cm fullered blade double edged towards the tip, characteristic white metal hilt with recurved guard decorated with rococo scrolls, the mid-point pierced and decorated with musical instruments, the pommel cap of bearded mask form, spirally reeded wooden grip, contained in its white metal mounted leather scabbard.
A FINE LATE 18TH CENTURY MUGHAL INDIAN KIRACH OR SWORD, 83cm slightly curved multi fullered Wootz damascus blade chiselled with a large panel of Quranic inscriptions, celestial imagery, a further small panel of calligraphy and a feline form, characteristic hilt deeply chiselled with scrolling foliage and flower heads within acanthus borders, the large dished disc pommel decorated to match, large foliate boss encircled with a border of calligraphy, purple velvet wrapped wooden scabbard.
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