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Click here to subscribeA PAIR OF SMALL INDIAN DAGGERS (KATAR), 19TH CENTURY each with broad blade tapering at the reinforced point, blued iron hilt decorated with chevrons on the inner face of the side bars, and a single grip bar decorated with gold flowers, each in its fabric-covered wooden scabbard with gilt copper locket and chape, and with a slender fabric belt for suspension 15.8 cm; 6 ¼ in blade (2)
‡˜AN INDONESIAN DAGGER (KRIS), 19TH CENTURY with wavy blade formed with a reinforced panel on each face at the forte, carved ivory hilt of Garuda form, rising to a beaked pommel with chased silver eyes, silver mendak, silver pommel cap en suite (bent, loose), in its wooden scabbard with chased silver mounts decorated with bold scrolling foliage and flowers, the remaining surface veneered in tortoiseshell 25.7 cm; 10 1/8 in blade
AN INDIAN DAGGER (KATAR), 18TH CENTURY with tapering blade formed with a reinforced point and a medial ridge dividing two pairs of broad panels on each face at the forte, the latter chiselled with figures and elephants on each face (rubbed, later etched in imitation of watering), later iron hilt incorporating a chain-shaped grip bar, in a fabric-covered wooden scabbard 22.5 cm; 8 7/8 in blade
AN INDIAN DAGGER (KHANJARLI), LATE 17TH/18TH CENTURY with recurved double-edged blade formed with a pair of slender converging fullers and chiselled with a reinforcing panel of foliage on each side at the forte, gilt russet iron hilt of characteristic form comprising three pairs of shaped ivory plaques retained by six gilt rivets (very small chips, the pommel slightly loose), in green velvet-covered wooden scabbard 20.0 cm; 7 7/8 in blade
AN INDIAN DAGGER (CHILANUM), LATE 17TH/EARLY 18TH CENTURY with strongly curved double-edged blade formed with a medial ridge along its length and reinforced towards the point, brass hilt of characteristic form including oval guard extending to a pair of small bud-shaped finials, knuckle-guard with recurved bud-shaped tip, bifurcated pommel with bud-shaped button and integral grip, in its leather-covered wooden scabbard with a pair of tassels (small losses) 27.0 cm; 10 5/8 in blade
‡TWO MALAYSIAN DAGGERS (BADE BADE), 19TH CENTURY the first with pattern welded blade, carved grip encased in chased silver, in its carved hardwood scabbard encased in chased silver; the second with carved horn hilt decorated with traditional scrollwork (silver ferrule missing), in its carved hardwood scabbard reinforced with silver bands, and with chased silver mounts top and bottom the first: 22.0 cm; 8 ¾ in blade (2) Provenance Wallis & Wallis, 8-9th July 1980, lot 916, the second
AN ARAB SILVER-MOUNTED DAGGER (JAMBIYA), 19TH CENTURY with curved double-edged blade formed with a medial ridge, silver hilt decorated with wrigglework designs within beadwork borders, the pommel with three clusters of beadwork finials, in its scabbard, the outer surface covered with silver en suite with the hilt, with seven rings 18.0 cm; 7 1/8 in blade
AN ARAB SILVER-MOUNTED DAGGER (JAMBIYA), 19TH CENTURY with curved double-edged blade formed with a medial ridge, silver hilt decorated with geometric beadwork and filigree designs, horn-shaped pommel, in its scabbard, the outer surface covered with silver en suite with the hilt including a panel of scale pattern, with seven rings 15.0 cm; 6 in blade
AN ARAB SILVER-MOUNTED DAGGER (JAMBIYA), 19TH CENTURY with curved double-edged blade formed with a medial ridge, silver hilt decorated with geometric beadwork and filigree designs, horn-shaped pommel, in its scabbard, the outer surface with silver panels en suite with the hilt, and with seven rings 16.0 cm; 6 1/4 in blade
AN ARAB DAGGER (JAMBIYA), 19TH CENTURY with curved double-edged blade formed with a medial ridge, silver-mounted horn hilt decorated with rondels and beadwork on the outer face, in its leather-covered wooden scabbard with large silver beadwork mounts comprising locket set with three rows each with three red glass ovals within a raised setting framed by silver beadwork, and pronounced chape rising to a very tall faceted terminal with bud-shaped finial 18.0 cm; 7 1/8 in blade
TWO ARAB DAGGERS (JAMBIYA), 19TH/EARLY 20TH CENTURY the first with curved medially-ridged blade, horn hilt studded with minute nails the inner face encased in chased sheet silver, the outer set with two gold rondels in imitation of coins, in its silver scabbard engraved with a lengthy inscription at the front, the chape rising to a pronounced moulded finial; the second similar, in its scabbard and complete with its woven belt the first: 20.7 cm; 8 1/8 in blade (2)
AN OMANI SILVER-MOUNTED DAGGER (KHANJAR), 19TH CENTURY with broad curved double-edged blade formed with a medial ridge on each face, silver-encased hilt decorated with beadwork and geometric designs, horn grip, in its wooden scabbard with large silver mounts en suite with the hilt, including seven rings, and complete with its belt 18.2 cm; 7 1/4 in blade
AN ARAB DAGGER (JAMBIYA), 20TH CENTURY with curved medially-ridged blade engraved at the forte, the hilt encircled with white metal at the base and studded with numerous chased gold discs, in its silver scabbard chased with bands of beadwork and with an inscription at the front 20.5 cm; 8 in blade
AN ARAB DAGGER (JAMBIYA), WAHABI, LATE 19TH/20TH CENTURY with broad curved double-edged blade formed with two long fullers and with an engraved central ridge, characteristic hilt encased in engraved white metal including six pronounced nodules, in its iron and white metal mounted wooden scabbard 39.5 cm; 15 5/8 in blade
‡AN INDIAN JADE-HILTED DAGGER, LATE 19TH CENTURY with straight blade formed with a central fuller, wavy edges, decorated with gold koftgari at the tip and the ricasso on each face, the latter incorporating a brief Kufic inscription, pale green stone hilt (small chips) applied with a decorative silver band studded with red pastes, in its original scabbard encased in silver chased with scrolls and decorated en suite at the mouth 28.2 cm; 11 1/8 in blade
A PERSIAN CAVALRY OFFICER'S SWORD, THE BLADE DATED 1228 AH/1813 AD with curved blade of watered steel double-edged towards the point, inlaid in gold with a brief inscription within a linear frame next to a rampant lion on each face at the forte, the back-edge dated in gold, brass stirrup hilt including scrolling quillon, knuckle-guard and faceted beaked pommel, and banded horn grip retaining a portion of its plaited wire binding, in its painted iron scabbard 63.5 cm; 25 in blade
TWO SPANISH KNIVES AND TWO SPANISH COLONIAL KNIVES, 19TH CENTURY the first with scroll-engraved folding iron blade, and engraved silver body including a moor's head at the terminal; the second similar, smaller, with chased silver body; the third with tapering single-edged blade inlaid with engraved brass along the back-edge, and engraved brass hilt, in its engraved brass scabbard decorated with an eagle displayed and traditional scrollwork; the fourth etched with foliage and the inscription 'La Muerte Antes Que La Deshonra' within a foliate frame, white metal hilt, in its scabbard the first: 19.3 cm; 7 5/8 in, closed (4)
A RARE PERSIAN SHORT-SWORD (QAMA), MID-19TH CENTURY with broad tapering blade formed with a three-quarter length offset fuller on each face and with a panel of scrollwork on the front retaining traces of gold, bone grip carved with differing seated rulers in traditional garb beneath a panel of symmetrical scrollwork and a panel of calligraphy at the base, in its wooden scabbard with iron locket (chape and covering missing) 45.8 cm; 18 in long
ËœAN OTTOMAN SHORTSWORD (QAMA), 19TH CENTURY with broad single-edged blade formed with a pair of long slender fullers and a further fuller over the greater part of its length on both faces, one face etched with lengthy calligraphic inscriptions and each with a fine pattern in imitation of watering, hilt of characteristic form, fitted at the front with a shaped horn grip-scale and at the back with an ivory grip-scale, each retained by three iron rivets, the upper and lower drawn-out to a pronounced terminal at the front, in its leather-covered wooden scabbard with large iron locket and chape each decorated at the front with large silver stars within silver scrollwork frames (rubbed) 66.5 cm; 26 1/4 in blade
‡AN OTTOMAN DAGGER (JAMBIYA), TURKEY, 19TH CENTURY with broad curved double-edged blade formed with a medial ridge and decorated with gold foliage on each face at the forte, gilt copper hilt chased with scrolls, flowers and foliage against a finely punched ground over its entire surface, in its wooden scabbard encased in gilt copper decorated en suite (suspension loop missing), and the chape with a bud-shaped terminal 32.2 cm; 12 5/8 in blade
ËœAN ETHIOPIAN SWORD (SHOTEL) WITH RHINOCEROS HORN HILT, EARLY 20TH CENTURY with curved blade, etched with trophies, foliage and a brief inscription in a long fuller on each face, rhinoceros horn hilt of characteristic form (chipped), pommel with a coin washer dated 1924, in its leather scabbard with a belt for suspension 81.8 cm; 32 1/4 in blade
TWO MOROCCAN DAGGERS (JAMBIYA) AND AN ARAB DAGGER (JAMBIYA), FIRST QUARTER OF THE 20TH CENTURY the first with curved blade double-edged over its upper half, chased silver hilt and hardwood grip, in its silver scabbard; the second similar, in its scabbard; the third with broad curved blade formed with a medial ridge, horn hilt applied with chased silver and gilt metal, in its scabbard faced en suite and fitted with four rings at the front the first: 22.5 cm; 8 7/8 in (3)
‡˜AN ARAB DAGGER (JAMBIYA), 20TH CENTURY with curved doubled-edged blade formed with a medial ridge, gold-mounted ivory hilt of characteristic form, decorated with filigree collars and rondels, in its leather-covered wooden scabbard with gold mounts including filigree locket set with pastes in raised settings and chased chape, complete with its embroidered belt with four gold rings 19.0 cm; 7 1/2 in blade Provenance Sotheby's, 22nd April 1980, lot 356
‡AN OTTOMAN SWORD (KILIG), TURKEY, 18TH/EARLY 19TH CENTURY with broad curved blade formed with a long fuller and a double-edged point (areas of light pitting), with traces of a cartouche on one side, silvered hilt engraved with foliage around the borders, including a pair of langets and quillons with faceted bud-shaped terminals, polished horn grip scales rising to a rounded pommel, in its original leather-covered scabbard with large silver mounts chased with foliage, and with two loops for suspension 72.0 cm; 28 3/8 in blade
‡AN INDIAN SWORD (SHAMSHIR), LATE 19TH CENTURY, PROBABLY KUTCH with curved single-edged blade (areas of pitting), gilt copper hilt comprising a pair of long shaped langets, a pair of quillons with bud-shaped finials, and integral grip rising to a bridled horsehead pommel finely modelled in the round, the entire hilt set with coloured pastes in raised settings (some restorations and small losses), in its original wooden scabbard (fabric restored), with large gilt copper mounts chased with scrolling flowers and foliage and two mounts for suspension 73.5 cm; 29 in blade
‡˜AN OTTOMAN SHORTSWORD (YATAGHAN), TURKEY, DATED 1237 A.H./1821 AD with slightly curved single-edged blade, decorated with gold koftgari, on one face with the date, two panels of calligraphy and hatched ornament and on the other with a foliate panel, gilt copper hilt extending over the forte, set on each side with a red paste and over the back-strap with seven fluted corals in raised settings, a pair of large marine ivory grip-scales rising to an eared pommel (age cracks), in its wooden scabbard with large silver mounts repousée with scrolls and foliage and the chape terminal formed as a monsterhead 57.0 cm; 22 1/2 in blade
‡A VERY FINE EAST EUROPEAN GEM-SET, ENAMELLED AND SILVER-GILT MOUNTED SABRE OF EXHIBITION QUALITY, MID-19TH CENTURY, PROBABLY HUNGARY in the Turkish taste, with curved single-edged blade of watered steel double-edged towards the point, etched and gilt with trophies-of-arms, flowers, foliage, a Turkish bust, celestial motifs and a sun-in-splendour (areas of wear), silver-gilt hilt chased with panels of scrolling foliage and flowers on a finely punched ground, retaining some early polychrome enamel (losses), comprising a pair of langets (the inner slightly bent), quillons with swelling shaped terminals, and faceted grip rising to an angular pommel, the outer face profusely studded with rubies, emerald and garnets in raised settings (some replaced), in its wooden scabbard with later purple velvet covering, with large silver-gilt locket, chape and three broad middle bands all decorated with gemstones en suite with the hilt (minor restorations), and retaining some early polychrome enamel throughout, the middle band and locket each fitted with a fixed loop for suspension, in a later lined and fitted case by Asprey & Co 74.8 cm; 29 1/2 in blade
‡˜A VERY FINE IMPERIAL RUSSIAN GOLD INLAID AND IVORY-MOUNTED PRESENTATION CAUCASIAN SABRE (SHASQA), KUBACHI, LATE 19TH CENTURY with curved blade formed with three long fullers, encrusted in gold with Arabic couplets on each face (very small areas of very light pitting), blued iron hilt (the bluing largely oxidised to brown), inlaid with engraved gold designs of scrolling leafy foliage within beadwork frames, characteristic eared pommel set on each face with a panel of ivory inlaid with chased gold en suite with the hilt, in its original blued iron scabbard inlaid with engraved gold designs of scrolling leafy foliage within beadwork frames including a cartouche enclosed by foliage with the maker's signature at the top, in translation "Work of 'Abdullah", the outer face formed of an iron framework with locket, chape and two bands all inlaid in engraved gold with a more dense pattern of scrolling leafy foliage, the two bands each set with a polychrome enamel oval decorated with flowers and divided by two large ivory plaques inlaid with engraved gold en suite with the pommel, and a further panel of ivory at the top with the Imperial cypher of Nicholas II, with two gold inlaid iron rings for suspension, and complete with its bullion belt with matching gold inlaid ivory mounts, in a modern lined and fitted Asprey & Co case 78.7 cm; 31 in blade The couplets read "zada dawlat sahib hadha al-sayf wa 'umrahu / wa qadrahu wa baraka fi 'iyalihi w'anala maqsadahu", ("May the fortune and life of the owner of this sword increase / And his stature, and [God] bless his family and grant him his desire.") and "fi'l-'fizz wa'l-ghalba wa anala allah / ila muradihi bi-rahmat allah" ("In glory and in conquest, and may God grant / His desire, through God's mercy.") The town of Kubachi in Dagestan has a long history of arms production, the name roughly translating as 'mail master'. The inhabitants apparently supplied Tamerlane with mail and other weapons in the 15th Century though the town is now best known for the deluxe weapons produced there during the second half of the 19th century such as the present example. Sword makers were skilled at imitating decoration found elsewhere such as the gold-encrusted Arabic inscriptions frequently encountered on sword blades. See Miller 2000, pp. 256-266.
A SMALL-SWORD WITH BLUED IRON HILT, MID-18TH CENTURY AND ANOTHER, 19TH CENTURY the first with tapering blade of flattened-hexagonal section, etched over the lower portion with scrollwork and portrait medallions, blued iron hilt comprising small double shell-guard, a pair of large arms, short quillon with globular terminal, ovoid pommel and the grip bound with plaited wire between 'Turk's Heads'; the second with slender blade, iron hilt set with faceted studs, including down-turned shell-guard, integral grip and urn-shaped pommel, in its scabbard (areas of rust) the first: 76.2 cm; 30 in blade (2)
A RARE FRENCH SILVER-HILTED SMALL-SWORD, CIRCA 1780 with slender hollow-triangular blade with traces of a signature at the forte including 'Fourbisseur du Roy', silver hilt cast, pierced and chased in low relief, including double shell-guard decorated with bouquets and a trellis arrangement of beadwork carrying two ovals decorated with later (perhaps spurious) coats-of-arms on the outer face, the inner fitted with a pair of hinged frames, probably fitted with portrait plaques previously, quillon and knuckle-guard each decorated with conventional foliage, pommel with trophies-of-arms and the side with trellis en suite with the shell, and later grip of plaited wire and ribband between 'Turk's Heads', in associated leather scabbard with silver mounts 82 cm; 32 1/4 in blade
‡˜AN IVORY MOUNTED COSSAK SWORD (SHASQA), LATE 19TH/EARLY 20TH CENTURY with broad curved single-edged blade formed with three long fullers on each face, etched with scrolling foliage, the crowned Imperial eagle and an inscription on one face at the forte, marine ivory hilt of characteristic form, the inner face of the grip inlaid with a panel of silver scrolling foliage within a linear frame (losses, ivory with age cracks), in its leather-covered wooden scabbard with ivory locket, chape (repaired cracks) and two suspensions bands (one chipped) 77.0 cm; 30 3/8 in blade Provenance Sotheby's, 22nd April 1980, lot 360
ËœA FRENCH SILVER-MOUNTED HUNTING SWORD, CIRCA 1760 with broad fullered blade double-edged towards the point, etched with scrollwork, a wild boar and an exotic bird and with traces of gilding at the forte, silver cross-piece chased with trophies and foliage, ferrule decorated with a flower, and carved ivory 'pistol' grip, in its fishskin-covered wooden scabbard (small losses, repaired) with silver mounts chased with scrolls and flowers en suite 55.0 cm; 21 5/8 in blade
A FRENCH COURTSWORD AND ANOTHER, PROBABLY GERMAN, 19TH CENTURY the first with hollow-triangular blade etched and gilt with foliage and trophies on a blued panel over the forte, gilt-brass hilt including down-turned shell-guard cast with a trophy-of-arms carrying a fleur-de-lys, and chequered hardwood grips, the second similar, the shell decorated with a crowned 'W' between cornucopia (the rear-guard cracked), in its scabbard the first: 84.7 cm; 33 3/8 in blade (2)
A MASONIC DRESS SWORD RETAILED BY KENNING, LONDON LIVERPOOL & GLASGOW AND A GEORGIAN ROBE SWORD, 19TH CENTURY the first with straight double-edged blade etched with masonic devices, foliage and the retailer's details, gilt-brass hilt including a pair of straight 'bow-tie' quillons, globular pommel and wire-bound grip, in its brass-mounted leather scabbard; the second with tapering double-edged blade of flattened-diamond section, gilt-brass hilt with a pair of flattened spatulate quillons, ovoid pommel and the grip bound with plaited wire and 'Turk's heads' the first: 76.5 cm; 30 1/8 in blade (2)
A CULT DAGGER, A VICTORIAN STILETTO AND A CONTINENTAL STILETTO, 19TH CENTURY the first with broad double-edged blade etched with a frosted panel filled with foliage, trophies-of-hunting, a stag and doe and a hunter (areas of wear), silver-plated hilt decorated with thistle foliage in low relief, in its silver-plated scabbard decorated with scrolls, foliage a Medussa mask and a devil; the second by Manson, Sheffield, etched on one side of the blade 'Never draw me without reason nor sheath me without honour' white metal hilt decorated with fruit and foliage in low relief, in is red leather scabbard with white metal mounts and the third with white metal hilt formed as a female demi-figure, in its scabbard the first: 17.2 cm; 6 3/4 in blade (3)
A GROUP OF SIX DAGGERS AND SMALL KNIVES comprising a Gaucho knife, 20th Century; a white metal paper knife, the handle cast with a knotted cord pattern; a Sudanese dagger, with tapering blade with engraved borders, leather hilt with iron pommel, in its scabbard complete with arm loop; a decorative dagger in Tibetan style, the hilt in phurba form; a decorative dagger, the hilt incorporating a clutched broom; and an Indian dagger (katar), 20th century, with tapering blade formed with a medial ridge, iron hilt of characteristic form including a pair of side bars and moulded grip-bars each with traces of gold koftgari (6)
‡AN ITALIAN SILVER-MOUNTED SOCKET BAYONET FOR A SPORTING GUN, LATE 18TH CENTURY with tapering double-edged blade decorated with foliage, short ricasso inscribed 'Oton' on one face and decorated with further foliage, moulded neck with silver base chiselled as a grotesque mask and with a retaining screw for the blade, faceted silver socket decorated with engraved bands of foliage, in a leather scabbard with white metal mounts 20.5 cm; 8 in blade
‡A SMALL SCANDINAVIAN TRIBAL KNIFE, SECOND HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY with robust blade formed with a sharp point, brass ferrule, hardwood hilt inlaid with brass panels and pellets, in its hardwood scabbard decorated en suite with the hilt, including large fish-shaped plaquettes 10.2 cm; 4 in blade
A SWEDISH PRESENTATION SWORD TO C.A.BAUMANN, DATED 7TH SEPTEMBER 1818 with curved fullered blade double-edged towards the tip, etched and gilt with a star, a pair of fronds enclosing a scene of judgement, crossed cannon over fasces on a blued panel on one face and with a similar design incorporating the Royal Arms on the other (light wear), gilt-brass stirrup hilt cast and chased in low relief, comprising a pair of langets cast with neoclassical foliage and a male mascaron on each side, quillon issuant from a wolf's head, knuckle-guard en suite and interrupted by a central mask, angular pommel formed as a lion head with fasces on its neck, a pair of mother-of-pearl grip-scales engraved with the crowned Royal cypher 'CJ XIV' on one face and 'Erindring 1der Septemb 1818 C.A.Baumann' on the other, in its original gilt-brass mounted leather-covered wooden scabbard, the mounts decorated with neoclassical ornament en suite with the hilt 82.5 cm; 32 1/2 in blade Charles XIV John, King of Sweden and Norway (1763-1844), was crowned in Stockholm Cathedral on 11th May 1818 and subsequently travelled to Norway where he was crowned in Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim, on 7th September 1818. The vendor's notes state that C.A.Baumann was a German industrialist and mining expert who was presented with this sword at the Coronation.
A SILVER-HILTED LIGHT CAVALRY SWORD FOR A PRIVATEER based on the 1788 pattern, with curved blade double-edged at the point, formed with a broad near full length fuller, a further slender short fuller and stamped 'Wooley & Co' on the back-edge, silver stirrup hilt with down curled quillon, rounded back-strap and cap pommel, and the grip covered with brown leather bound with plaited silver wire, in its leather-covered wooden scabbard with large silver chape, middle-band and locket, the latter two each with a large silver ring for suspension and applied with a pasted on paper label with an early inscription 89.8 cm; 35 3/8 in blade The inscription reads: 'This sword was.....[proffered].....up by Colonel Le Ferie passenger on the French barque 'le Paris' [300 tons] which barque was taken as a prize in Falmouth Bay by Captain William Snow of the Miranda a Privateer of 50 tons during the French War 1800-1801'.
TWO CONTINENTAL REGULATION SHORT-SWORDS, SECOND HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY the first with curved single-edged blade formed with a long slender fuller, brass hilt including straight quillons and lion-head pommel in its brass-mounted leather scabbard (repairs); the second with German blade by W.K.& C. with a later inscription 'Vive le Roi et Ses Chasseurs' on one face, brass hilt with short moulded quillons and eagle-head pommel in its brass-mounted leather scabbard the first: 46.0 cm; 18 1/8 in (2)
A VICTORIAN HIGHLANDER'S BASKET-HILTED BROADSWORD, MID-19TH CENTURY with double-edged fullered blade etched with scrolling foliage and trophies on a frosted panel at the forte, iron hilt comprising basket-guard of rounded bars carrying an alternating arrangement of rectangular and square panels pierced with heart-shaped apertures and enriched with linear ornament and fluting, scrolling quillon, fluted pommel, wire-bound fishskin-covered grip, with its doeskin liner and silk tassel, in its iron-mounted leather scabbard 82.2 cm; 32 3/8 in blade
‡A VICTORIAN OFFICER'S DRESS DIRK OF THE 74TH REGIMENT OF FOOT, CIRCA 1870 with etched fullered blade decorated with the crowned Royal cypher, regimental devices, battle honours and signed by the retailer, 'Hamburger & Rogers & Co., Kings Street, Covent Garden, London', gilt-brass hilt cast with thistle foliage in low relief and the regimental device, the pommel set with a citrine, carved rootwood grip decorated with basket-weave designs enriched with gilt-brass nails, in its original leather-covered scabbard with large gilt-copper mounts en suite, and with its extra pieces en suite 29.8 cm; 11 ¾ in blade
‡A VICTORIAN OFFICER'S SILVER-MOUNTED DRESS DIRK OF THE ARGYLL AND SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS, EDINBURGH, 1885 with tapering blade formed with a notched back-edge, etched with scrollwork, the regimental device and signed by the retailer 'Johns and Pegg, Clifford Street, London', carved rootwood grip decorated with basket-weave designs enriched with silver nails, pommel inset with a large citrine, in its original scabbard with chased silver mounts decorated with interlaced monsters and the regimental device and with its extra pieces en suite (the knife incomplete) 29.5 cm; 11 5/8 in blade Provenance Sotheby's, 23 May 1978, lot 228
A ROYAL ENGINEERS HIGHLAND DRESS DIRK, 20TH CENTURY with tapering polished blade formed with a notched back-edge, stamped 'Peter Henderson, Glasgow' on one face, German silver hilt, basketweave carved grip, in its leather-covered wooden scabbard with German silver mounts including the regimental device on the locket 24.5 cm; 9 5/8 in blade
‡˜A SILVER-MOUNTED MAMELUKE-HILTED PRESENTATION SWORD TO MAJOR GENERAL SIR N.R.STEWART, FROM THE OFFICERS WHO SERVED UNDER HIS COMMAND IN THE INDIAN ARMY 1897, NO. 34932, LONDON, 1897, MARK OF JOHN FRANCIS LATHAM FOR THE WILKINSON SWORD COMPANY with curved single-edged blade etched with the presentation inscription, foliage, and strapwork on one face and further strapwork, foliage and the maker's details on the other, silver-gilt hilt comprising a pair of langets decorated with a central bouquet, quillons with foliate terminals and one struck with silver marks, back-strap decorated with a running pattern of olive foliage, and a pair of ivory grip-scales retained by rivets with gilt flowerhead caps, complete with its bullion knot, in its silver scabbard with large gilt locket, chape and middle band, all cast and chased with openwork designs of foliage within beadwork frames, the locket mouth decorated with a border of plaited silver gilt, the middle band and locket each decorated with the owner's crested coat-of-arms and motto and with the presentation inscription, each fitted with a plaited silver gilt ring for suspension, and in very good to fine condition throughout, in its lined and fitted mahogany case, the lid later fitted with glass for display purposes 80.5 cm; 31 3/4 in blade Major General Sir Norman Stewart was the second and only surviving son of Field Marshall Donald Stewart who was at the siege of Lucknow and later served with distinction in the Abyssinian and Afghan campaigns. His mother was Marina Catherine, daughter of Commander T.Dabine R.N.. He was born in India, entered the army in 1871, served in the Afghan war of 1876-80, was present at the engagements at Ahmed Kheyl and Urzu near Ghuzni, being mentioned in dispatches and receiving a brevet and clasp to the medal. In the Nile Expedition of 1884-5 he was with the Indian Contingent, being present at the engagements at Hasheen and the Tofrek zariba and at the destruction of Tamai. For these services he was again mentioned in dispatches and received his brevet to Lieutenant Colonel with two clasps to the medal and the Khedive's star. In the China expeditionary force in 1900 he commanded the first infantry brigade and was again mentioned and created CB. On the death of his father in 1900 he succeeded to the Baronetcy and in 1909 he published 'My Service Days', a book of reminiscences. He died in Ealing, London aged 75. Abridged from 'The Times', 11th November 1926. John Francis Latham is recorded trading as The Wilkinson Sword Company Limited from 1897 and was appointed sword cutler to Queen Victoria. See Southwick 2001, pp. 257-258.
A FINE SILVER-GILT-MOUNTED SWORD PRESENTED TO CAPTAIN WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MONTAGU OF HIS MAJESTY'S FRIGATE CORNWALLIS FROM THE OFFICERS OF THE TROOPS ENGAGED WITH HIM IN THE ASSAULT AND CONQUEST OF AMBOYNA, 29 FEBRUARY 1810, LONDON, 1811, MAKER'S MARK OF THOMAS PRICE, RETAILED BY RUNDELL, BRIDGE AND RUNDELL with curved blade double-edged for its last quarter, etched within a linear frame with the presentation inscription on one face and with "Amboyna" and the date on the other, each enriched with foliage and with some original blued and gilt decoration (small areas of pitting), silver-gilt hilt cast and chased in low relief, comprising a pair of langets each with a fouled anchor, scrolling quillon and knuckle-guard each decorated with acorns and oak foliage, lion head pommel formed in the round, and integral grip decorated with an oval decorated with the reclining figure of Neptune on the front and an elaborate trophy-of-arms on the reverse, in its fishskin-covered wooden scabbard encased in silver-gilt, decorated with three differing scenes from the Labours of Hercules on each face, the remaining surface engraved with garlands, foliage, and trophies-of-arms, an openwork oval panel with a central fasces, a pair of scrolling serpents forming suspension loops, the locket signed by the retailer and remaining in very good to fine condition throughout 74.8cm; 29¾ in blade 'On the 1st of March the Cornwallis chased a Dutch man-of-war brig into a small bay on the north side of the island of Amblaw, in the neighbourhood of Amboyna. As the wind was light and variable, and night approaching, Captain Montagu sent the yawl, cutter, and jollyboat, under the command of Lieutenant Henry John Peachey, assisted by Mr. John Garland the master, and master's mate William Sanderson, to endeavour to bring the vessel out. After a fatiguing pull during the whole night, the boats found themselves, at daylight, close to the vessel which was the Dutch national brig Margaretta, mounting eight, but pierced for 14 guns, with a crew of 40 men. In the face of a heavy fire of grape and musketry, and of a brave defence by pikes and swords, Lieutenant Peachey and his party boarded and carried the brig, and that with so comparatively slight a loss as one man dangerously, and four slightly wounded. The Dutch had one officer killed and 20 seamen wounded…………..' taken from the Naval History of Great Britain volume V, 1808-11. Vice-Admiral Sir. William Augustus Montagu, Knt., K.C.H. and C.B. entered the navy in 1796 as first-class volunteer on board the Glatton under Captain Henry Trollope under whom he continued on the home station, in the Russell 74 (in which he was present in the victory at Camperdown), and Juste 80, until, transferred about the close of 1800 to the Sirius 38, in which he witnessed the surrender of the French frigate La Dédaigneuse. He was for four years on board the Dasher in the East Indies; was made Lieutenant Nov. 14, 1804, Commander, Oct. 31, 1805; and on the 8th June, 1807, acting Captain of the Terpsichore frigate, which appointment was confirmed by the Admiralty on the 8th Dec. following. In March, 1808, Capt. Montagu, whose ship mounted but 28 guns, and had only 180 men on board, fell in with, fought, and-with a loss to himself of 21 men killed and 22 wounded-fairly beat off the French frigate Sémillante of 40 guns and a crew of at least 300 men. Being soon after appointed to the Cornwallis 50 guns, he assisted in the redaction of the island of Amboyna, and captured the Dutch frigates Mandarin and De Ruyter. In Nov. 1810 he was entrusted with the command of the naval brigade landed to assist at the reduction of the Isle of France, during which his exertions were warmly approved by Major-Gen. Abercromby, particularly on the defeat of the French troops before St. Louis. On the 8th Sept. 1812 he was appointed to the Niobe 40, employed until June, 1814 on the Channel, American, and Lisbon stations. On the 29th Oct. 1819) he was appointed to the Phaeton 46, which he commanded at Halifax until put out of commission in Sept. 1822. And on the 25th July, 1834, he was appointed to the Malabar, employed in the Mediterranean until the close of 1837. He attained the rank of Rear-Admiral Nov. 23, 1841, and that of Vice-Admiral in the year 1851. He was nominated a Companion of the Bath, Dec. 8, 1815; a Knight of the Hanoverian Guelphic order, Oct. 5, 1830; and a Knight Companion of the same order, (accompanied with knighthood in this country,) in Jan. 1832. He married Aug. 26, 1823, Anne, third daughter of the late Sir George William Leeds, Bart., of Croxton Park, Cambridgeshire. Taken from The Gentleman's Magazine, vols. 191-192, p. 407. For a discussion of this maker, and fifteen other swords by him, see Southwick 2007, pp. 3 - 44.
A BRITISH OFFICER'S NON-REGULATION SABRE, A MEMENTO OF AN EARLY NAPOLEONIC ACTION, CIRCA 1803 with curved fullered regulation blade, etched with the crowned British Royal coat-of-arms, crowned 'GR III' cypher, foliage and retaining traces of original blue and gilt finish, with painted white inventory number 'R151' at the forte', brass stirrup hilt of French Light Cavalry Officer's model An. IX type, à la Chasseur, wire-bound leather-covered grip, in its leather scabbard (now in two pieces) with large brass mounts including locket inscribed Mallet, late Knubley, No. 7 Charing Cross, London 74.5 cm; 29 3/8 in blade
A 1796 PATTERN LIGHT CAVALRY OFFICER'S SWORD FOR A LANCER OR DRAGOON BY THOMAS GILL of regulation type, with curved fullered blade double-edged and widening towards the tip, etched 'Thos Gills Warranted Never to Fail' on one face at the forte, russet iron stirrup hilt , leather-covered wooden grip (binding missing), in its black painted iron scabbard (areas of pitting) 83.8 cm; 33 in blade See Dellar 2013, p. 54 and 295.
A PRESENTATION SABRE TO CAPTAIN H.B.LYNCH BY THE ROCHESTER AND CHATHAM VOLUNTEERS, DATED 1809 with broad curved blade formed with a hatchet point, etched over its surface in imitation of watered pattern, decorated with a blued and gilt frame with elaborate scrolling terminal at the forte enclosing the presentation inscription on one face and with scrolling oak fruit and foliage on the other face above the crowned regimental motto 'Liberty, Loyalty, Property' and a trophy-of-arms (the gilding and bluing with losses, edges chipped), gilt-brass stirrup hilt with a finely punched and matted surface, comprising a pair of low ogee langets, scrolling quillon, knuckle-guard pierced for a knot at the top and beaked pommel, leather-covered wooden grip retained by three rivets over gilt flowerhead washers, in its original iron scabbard with gilt-brass mounts comprising chape and a pair of bands for suspension, and applied on the outer face with the crowned regimental device cast and chased in brass enriched with silver and gilding 79.8 cm; 31 1/2 in blade The presentation inscription reads: 'Given to Captain H.B.Lynch by the Rochester and Chatham Volunteers in testimony of the high sense they entertain of his zeal and the unremitted attention he paid to the discipline of that corps, and also for his gentlemanly demeanor towards every individual during the time he was their adjutant. XII March MDCCCIX'. Major Henry Blosse Lynch (1778-1823) of Partry House, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo, distinguished himself at the capture of Ciudad Rodrigo when serving in the Portuguese army under Marshal Beresford in 1812.
A PRESENTATION CAVALRY OFFICER'S SWORD TO MAJOR GENERAL DANIEL SEDDON, BY OSBORN, DATED 1803 of regulation type, with curved fullered blade of etched and gilt with the owner's crested arms and motto, trophies-of-arms and presentation inscription including ".....for the defence of their country 25th October 1803 and foliage on one face and with further designs including the maker's details and the crowned Royal arms on the other (areas of staining, light pitting, decoration and inscription obscured in places), gilt-brass stirrup hilt with short scrolling quillon, a pair of lion mask langets, and the back-strap and pommel formed as a finely detailed maned bridled horsehead, and finely chequered ivory grip (one small chip and age cracks), in its leather-covered wooden scabbard (worn, now in two pieces), with large gilt-brass mounts comprising chape, middle-band and locket, the latter two with a ring for suspension 74.5 cm; 29 3/8 in blade Lieutenant General Daniel Seddon began his military career as a lieutenant in the Lancashire Militia in 1778. He served in the 96th and 100th regiments of foot and was posted to India in 1781 serving in the Second Anglo-Mysore War. There he was wounded, captured, and became a prisoner-of-war until 1784 when he returned to Britain on half pay returning to India in 1788. Subsequently he served in Ireland as an officer in the 22nd Dragoons where he was again wounded. Seddon then served in Egypt in 1801 and 1802. Seddon was Inspecting Field Officer for the large Militia and volunteer forces raised to repel the threat of a French Invasion under Napoleon in 1803. When the latter invaded the Peninsular in 1808 Seddon was asked by the Duke of Wellington to join him as Brigadier commanding the Portuguese cavalry. Seddon was promoted to the rank of Major General in the British Army in 1813 and Lieutenant General in 1825.
A MAMELUKE-HILTED OFFICER'S SWORD RETAILED BY GILL, PRINCE'S STREET, SOHO, LONDON, EARLY 19TH CENTURY with pipe-backed blade formed with a spear point, etched on one face 'Gill's warranted' within an oval, gilt-brass hilt decorated with a finely punched ground, comprising a pair of flat langets swelling towards the terminals, back-strap, and a pair of horn grip-scales retained by three pairs of gilt-brass rivets with circular washers (one missing) and the pommel pierced for a knot, in its gilt-brass scabbard with two large mounts formed as expanded flower heads, each fitted with a ring for suspension, signed on the locket, and with some early gilding throughout 85.5 cm; 33 5/8 in blade
ËœAN IVORY-MOUNTED SWORD CANE, SECOND QUARTER OF THE 19TH CENTURY with tapering single-edged blade etched and gilt with scrolling foliage on a blued panel at the forte on each face, cane grip pierced for a thong, with a horn washer on each side, and the pommel formed as a finely carved ivory bust of Admiral Horatio Nelson in the round, in its cane scabbard with iron tip 69.0 cm; 27 1/4 in blade
‡A COURT SWORD BY MEYER & MORTIMER, LATE 19TH CENTURY with hollow-triangular blade etched with scrolls either side of the maker's detail at the forte, polished steel hilt studded with faceted iron beads, including down-turned shell-guard, knuckle-guard and urn-shaped pommel, iron grip set with further faceted studs, in its leather-covered scabbard with polished steel locket and chape en suite with the hilt 77.0 cm; 30 3/8 in blade
A CHINESE SWORD (YAODAO), QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY with slightly curved broad single-edged blade formed with a long slender fuller on each face, brass hilt comprising lobed guard with broad brim, compressed elliptical pommel, and wooden grip covered with blackened plaited binding, in its fishskin-covered wooden scabbard (small cracks and losses) with large pierced and engraved white metal locket and chape each decorated with geometric scrolls on a scaly ground, and two further plain slender bands joined by a characteristic bar decorated with scrolls and with two loops for suspension 53.0 cm; 20 7/8 in blade Waist swords, or yaodao, were worn suspended from the belt and were widespread in the Qing military. See Bennett 2018, p. 75.
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