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Click here to subscribeTEN PLAITED SILVER AND BRONZE FINGER RINGS, BALTIC, 11TH TO 13TH CENTURY AND SEVEN OTHER RINGS four of silver (one with lattice-work decoration) and six of bronze (two with twisted copper wire); together with three silver spiral rings (one with incised decoration) and two bronze spiral rings (one with twisted wire), one Roman key-type ring and one plain bronze ring (17)
A SILVER BUCKLE LOOP, EAST GERMANIC, LATE 5TH/6TH CENTURY AND SIX FURTHER BUCKLES the buckle loop with a zoomorphic pin, the others being two small silver buckles of a similar period and four medieval bronze buckles; together with a bronze strap distributor, and a belt-fitting(?) of medieval or later date the buckle loop: 6 cm; 2 3/8 in (9)
A WHITE METAL DOUBLE-HEADED HORSE PENDANT, 11TH/12TH CENTURY AND SIX OTHER PENDANTS of Finno-Ugrian type, with decorated body and five bells, together with a bronze horse pendant with punched circular decoration, on a ring with two bells, 11th/12th Century; a decorated Slavic silver crescent pendant, 9th/10th Century; two bear tooth pendants on chains, Viking or Medieval; a Baltic type bronze ring with two attachment plates and a bronze claw pendant, 9th to 12th Century; and a bronze bird pendant on a fragment of chain, 11th to 12th Century the first: 5.5 cm; 2 1/8 in (7) There is a very similar object to the double-headed horse pendant from Norway in the British Museum
ONE GOLD AND TEN SILVER COINS, VIKING AND OTHER, AND FURTHER JEWELLERY five with punched holes for turning into pendants and two with bronze loops attached, together with a decorated Slavic silver bead; a heart-shaped decorated silver mount and animal-head silver mount with similar decoration, possibly Magyar, 10th to 12th Century; a decorative floral pendant, a bronze wolf-head mount; a bronze double-headed dragon pendant with punched circular decoration; a bronze axe head pendant; two lengths of bronze chain, one with a bell attached; two bronze singular bells; a group of three joined bronze bells; a pair of small silver tubular rings, Baltic, 9th to 12th Century; four attachment plates for chains (fragments), Baltic, 10th/11th Century; and some other silver and bronze fragments (41)
A SILVER-HILTED SMALL-SWORD, LONDON, 1774, MARK OF WILLIAM KINMAN with hollow-triangular blade (areas of rust), silver hilt cast pierced and chased in low relief, including shell-guard formed as a sun-in-splendour within an elaborate beadwork border studded with numerous beads in imitation of brilliants, a pair of straight quillons, pierced quillon-block, slender knuckle-guard and pommel all chiselled en suite with the shell, and the grip retaining its original binding of plaited wire and ribband between chased colalrs 8.0 cm; 31 1/2 in blade A sword by this maker with a very similar hilt is preserved in the Royal Armouries Leeds, IX.3782. See Southwick 2001, p. 290-1 pls. 75-7
A SILVER-GILT-HILTED SMALL-SWORD, LONDON, 1788, MARK OF WILLIAM KINMAN with tapering hollow-triangular blade (areas of rust), silver-gilt hilt comprising oval shell-guard fitted on the inside with a fluted flowerhead washer within a framework surrounded by sprays of foliage against a hatched ground, a pair of straight quillons with drooping globular terminals, knuckle-guard with a central writhen moulding, urn-shaped finial and later wooden grip bound with plaited wire between silver-gilt collars, and in untouched condition 81.4 cm; 32 in blade William Kinman was born in 1728 and is recorded as a prominent silver hilt maker and also a founding member of the Founders' Company of London. A sword with a related hilt is preserved in the Victoria & Albert Museum, London. See Southwick 2001, pp.159-160 and p. 292, plate 82.
A FRENCH SMALL-SWORD WITH CHISELLED AND GILT IRON HILT, CIRCA 1760 with hollow-triangular blade signed 'Dupre Marchand a Paris' at the forte, chiselled iron hilt comprising double shell-guard, quillon with globular terminal, knuckle-guard and pommel all decorated with differing woodland game hunting scenes against a punched and gilt ground (worn, areas of rust), and the grip bound with plaited silver wire and ribband between 'Turk's heads' 78.5 cm; 31 in blade
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
A SILVER-HILTED SMALL-SWORD FOR A BOY, LONDON, 1731 with tapering hollow-triangular blade inlaid with brass scrollwork at the forte on one face, silver hilt cast and chased in low relief, including double shell-guard decorated with differing portrait busts in scrollwortk cartouches carried by trophies-of-arms on each face, quillon-block, knuckle-guard with central moulding and pommel all decorated en suite, and the grip with an early binding of plaited silver wire between chased silver collars 63.0 cm; 24 3/4 in blade
A CONTINENTAL SMALL-SWORD FOR A BOY, SECOND QUARTER OF THE 18TH CENTURY with tapering hollow-triangular blade etched with the figure of Paris and scrolling foliage at the forte, brass hilt cast and chased in low relief, including double shell-guard decorated with scrolls and palmette against a finely matted ground, globular quillon, knuckle-guard and pommel decorated en suite with the shell, and the grip with an early binding of plaited silver wire with one 'Turk's Head' (the other missing) 49.5 cm; 19 1/2 in blade
A SILVER-HILTED HUNTING SWORD, LONDON, 1734; AN ENGLISH SMALL-SWORD, MID-18TH CENTURY AND A CONTINENTAL ARTILLERY SWORD, CIRCA 1880 the first with broad straight blade double-edged towards the point and with a pair of long fullers on each face, silver hilt comprising vestigial outer guard, globular quillon, knuckle-guard and cap pommel and natural staghorn grip; the second with hollow-triangular blade, brass hilt including double shell-guard with moulded brim, forward-canted quillon with globular terminal, knuckle, guard, globular pommel, traces of gilding and the grip bound with plaited wire; the third of regulation type, with brass stirrup hilt the first: 57.0 cm; 22 1/2 in blade (3)
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 SILVER-MOUNTED SWORD IN THE HUNGARIAN MANNER FOR A BOY, EARLY 19TH CENTURY with curved fullered kilig style blade struck with two marks on each face, silver stirrup hilt (marks indistinct) including writhen knuckle-guard interrupted by an oval moulding chased with the letter 'M', trefoil-shaped pommel, and the grips faced with horn panels retained by three rivets with silver flowerhead caps 48.8 cm; 19 1/4 in blade
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)
‡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 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'.
‡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 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.
PROPERTY FORMERLY OF THE HABSBURG IMPERIAL FAMILY AN AUSTRIAN IMPERIAL SILVER-MOUNTED GALA COACH HARNESS SET FROM THE PRINCIPE DI CAMPOFRANCO (1861-1924), LATE 19TH CENTURY together with eight harnesses, fifteen leather straps, twelve horse bridles, two sets of stirrups straps with one stirrup, one feeding bridle, two horse whips and one baton whip, one set of twelve chains, one large bundle of leather straps for various types of tack, two small decorative crowns to attach to tack, three part brown leather bridles, one red decorative head piece and chest piece, one decorative headpiece and chest piece, one numnah in two pieces with two brass decorative plates, two equine/tack tools, two miscellaneous decorative pieces, together with eight decorative plaques in two sets of four with the crowned cypher for Archduke Rainer Joseph of Austria (1783-1853), one document in German with an inventory, dated from July 1922, with the stamp of Frau Fürstin di Campofranco
‡˜A 32 BORE INDIAN MATCHLOCK MUSKET (TORADOR), LATE 18TH/EARLY 19TH CENTURY with slender swamped sighted barrel of 'hog's back' form retained by two slender iron bands, decorated over its entire surface with symmetrical bouquets of flowers in gold and silver koftgari (light wear), the breech incorporating a pan with pivot-cover, the action encased in a large iron plate on each side decorated en suite with the barrel and two further matching iron plates behind the tang, iron trigger decorated with a silver koftgari fish, wooden full stock (fore-end repaired), slender faceted butt inlaid in horn with a stylised fish and a rosette, the butt with iron panels with further designs in silver and gold koftgari, butt-plate formed of alternating horn and ivory fillets, and iron ramrod 130.0 cm; 51 1/8 in barrel
TWO NORTH AFRICAN DETACHED MIQUELET-LOCK MECHANISMS, ALGERIA, LATE 18TH/19TH CENTURY AND ANOTHER, CAUCASIAN the first with robust iron plate chiselled with an inscription around the greater part of its edge, fitted with chiselled cock, bridles and safety-catch and the inside lined with sheet brass; the second of similar form, the outside chiselled with foliage and encrusted with silver (areas of pitting); and the third of russet iron, decorated with gold koftgari foliage over the greater part of the outer surface the first: 19.3 cm; 7 5/8 in (3)
ËœTHREE NORTH AFRICAN DETACHED SNAPHAUNCE MECHANISMS, MOROCCO, 19TH CENTURY the first with robust iron plate set with a coral, chiselled with scrolls and retaining traces of silver inlay, fitted with cock, steel and pan face all decorated en suite and set with corals; the second smaller, engraved and enriched with brass; and the third engraved with scrollwork (dog missing) the first: 23.0 cm; 9 1/8 in (3)
‡A RARE 80 BORE CASED GLOBE RESERVOIR AIRGUN BY H.W.MORTIMER & CO., GUNMAKER TO HIS MAJESTY, CIRCA 1799-1806 with take-down barrel formed in two stages, the forward section round, sighted, fitting within the rear portion, sleeved in rifled brass and secured by a vertical bolt ahead of the trigger-guard, octagonal breech fitted with back-sight of two folding leaves, inscribed 'Gunmaker to his Majesty' on a gold scroll (rubbed), and inlaid with a gold line, finely engraved tang decorated with flowers and trophies-of-arms, bevelled lock signed on a gold scroll, engraved with trophies-of arms beneath and on the tail, fitted with dummy flintlock cock decorated en suite, highly figured walnut half-stock, chequered grip, the butt with raised cheek-piece, finely engraved iron mounts comprising trigger-guard and butt-plate each decorated with a trophy-of-arms, the former extending to a ring-moulding decorated with foliage and forming the threaded aperture for the globe reservoir, vacant silver shield-shaped escutcheon, engraved silver fore-end cap decorated with a sunburst, silver barrel bolt escutcheons, a pair of iron ramrod-pipes, and original brass-and iron-tipped ramrod: in its original wedge-shaped fitted mahogany case lined in green baize (lining with expert restorations), the lid with flush-fitting brass carrying handle on the outside, complete with accessories including two reservoirs, pump struck with the maker's mark for Ezekiel Baker on the handle, bullet mould and spanner 88.5 cm; 34 7/8 in barrel Provenance Christie's, London: 1990, lot 139 Literature H. Lee Munson, The Mortimer Gunmakers 1753-1923, Rhode Island 1992, pp. 241-2, plates 394-5.
‡˜A 28 BORE OTTOMAN MIQUELET-LOCK RIFLE (SHISHANA), TURKEY DATED 1226 AH/1811 AD AND 1274 AH/1857 AD with tapering etched twist sighted barrel retained by six chased and shaped silver bands, chiselled with cartouche shaped mouldings and a slender rib over the forward portion, encrusted with gold scrolls and foliage over the breech and muzzle, signed 'Lutf 'Ali, on the median with the barrelsmith's mark behind, gold-encrusted tang decorated with border ornament and a further inscription, gold-encrusted dated lock decorated with a running designs of flowers and foliage, the cock surmounted by a large fluted coral bead, full figured stock decorated with engraved silver openwork foliate plaques, faceted butt applied with further engraved silver plaques including foliate scrolls, bands of conventional foliage, stars and crescents, the underside of the butt with engraved patchbox with cover, green-stained horn fore-end cap, and iron-tipped ramrod 89.7 cm; 35 3/8 in barrel
‡A 10 BORE FLINTLOCK WILDFOWLING GUN BY H.W.MORTIMER, LONDON, GUNMAKER TO HIS MAJESTY, CIRCA 1783-90 with lightly swamped barrel formed in two stages, fitted with silver fore-sight (small losses, previously of 'spider' form), signed in full over the breech, engraved with a band of beadwork, struck with London proof and the barrelsmith's mark, later gold-lined vent, signed stepped bevelled lock engraved with a bouquet on the tail and fitted with roller (later cock, steel refaced in its working life), figured walnut full stock (repairs), with 'take-down' fore-end and grip cut with pineapple chequering, border-engraved brass mounts including solid side-plate decorated with a rococo shell, trigger-guard with a bouquet on the bow and with acorn finial, butt-plate with foliage and a trophy-of-arms on the tang, and four ramrod-pipes (later ramrod) 151.6 cm; 59 3/4 in barrel Provenance Ken Drake 1976 Literature H. Lee Munson, The Mortimer Gunmakers 1753-1923, Rhode Island 1992, pp. 42-3, plate 61. This is apparently the longest recorded gun by any of the Mortimers.
‡A FINE FLINTLOCK BLUNDERBUSS BY H.W.MORTIMER, LONDON, CIRCA 1790 with brass barrel swelling towards the muzzle, signed 'H.W.Mortimer, London' in a linear frame drawn-out to a loop over the breech, fitted with spring bayonet retained by a clip on the iron tang, the latter engraved with foliage, signed stepped bevelled lock engraved with conventional foliage on the tail and a sunburst behind the pan, fitted with cock en suite and bolt safety-catch (some light pitting), figured walnut full stock, finely engraved brass mounts comprising solid side-plate decorated with trophies-of-hunting, scrolls and border ornament, trigger-guard with a rococo flower on the bow and with pineapple finial, butt-plate with a trophy-of-arms on the tang, a pair of moulded ramrod-pipes, vacant silver escutcheon engraved with border ornament, a pair of iron sling swivels, original wooden ramrod with iron worm, and the barrel stock and mounts remaining in very good condition 34.8 cm; 13 3/4 in barrel Provenance Sotheby's, Sussex, 15th July 1996, lot 228.
‡A FLINTLOCK BLUNDERBUSS PISTOL BY THOMAS MORTIMER & SON, LUDGATE HILL, GUNMAKERS TO HIS MAJESTY, BIRMINGHAM PRIVATE PROOF MARKS, CIRCA 1806-16 with brass barrel fitted with spring bayonet beneath, inscribed 'Ludgate Hill' on the right and fitted with a pair of ramrod-pipes on the left (restored), box-lock action engraved with bouquets of flowers carrying ovals, signed 'T.Mortimer & Son, London' on the left and inscribed 'Gunmaker to his Majesty' on the right, engraved tang, fitted with sliding thumb-piece safety-catch also locking the steel, flat-sided walnut butt, engraved iron trigger-guard decorated with a further bouquet and sliding to lock the bayonet, and vacant silver escutcheon 15.5 cm; 6 1/8 in barrel
‡A 32 BORE OTTOMAN MIQUELET-LOCK RIFLE (SHISHANA), TURKEY, LATE 18TH CENTURY with late 17th-century etched twist sighted barrel retained by five silver bands, rifled with seven grooves, cut with raised cartouche-shaped panels at the breech and muzzle, the former with brass-lined maker's stamp, tall standing back-sight pierced with a vertical arrangement of seven apertures, iron lock decorated with silver flowers, wooden full stock profusely inlaid with pierced and engraved silver plaques decorated with flowers and scrolls, and faceted butt impressed with a silver-lined mark on the spine, with a brass-tipped wooden ramrod 83.5 cm; 32 7/8 in barrel
‡A CASED PAIR OF 40 BORE PERCUSSION TRAVELLING PISTOLS BY MORTIMER, ST. JAMES'S ST., LONDON, CIRCA 1820 with browned twist octagonal sighted barrels engraved with a band around the muzzles, scroll-engraved case-hardened breeches with engraved percussion bolsters, struck with London proof marks and the bore number beneath, engraved case-hardened actions signed in an oval carried by scrolls on the top, fitted with engraved case-hardened side-hammers and sliding bolt safety-catches on the right and with blued belt hooks on the left, finely chequered figured walnut butts, engraved case-hardened iron mounts including trigger-guards decorated with a flowerhead on the bows, stirrup ramrods, vacant silver escutcheons, and much original finish throughout: in a brass-mound mahogany case, with bullet mould and powder-flask 9.0 cm; 3 1/2 in The signature is that of Thomas Jackson Mortimer.
‡A CASED 83 BORE D.B. PERCUSSION TRAVELLING PISTOL BY T.J.MORTIMER, ST. JAMES'S ST., LONDON PROOF MARKS, CIRCA 1830-33 with blued sighted barrels, the breeches with engraved percussion bolsters decorated with a flowerhead, scroll-engraved case-hardened action signed on the tang and fitted with engraved case-hardened hammers, finely chequered walnut butt, scroll-engraved blued mounts comprising trigger-guard and butt-cap with trap stamped 'W.T.' on the inside, blued swivel ramrod, vacant silver escutcheon, and much original finish throughout: in its fitted oak case lined in green baize, with accessories including bullet mould, copper powder-flask, and oil bottle engraved with a waterfowl on the top 10.0 cm; 4 in barrels Provenance Ken Drake, September 2000
‡A 40 BORE PERCUSSION HIGHLAND OFFICER'S DRESS PISTOL FORMED ENTIRELY OF STEEL, BY MORTIMER, BIRMINGHAM PROOF MARKS, CIRCA 1840 with three-stage barrel divided by slender raised bands, the muzzle engraved with neo-gothic arches, a broad panel of Celtic scrollwork over the median, the breech with a spray of foliage and incorporating a pierced platinum plug, signed lock engraved with sprays of thistle flowers and foliage, full stock encrusted with engraved silver thistle flowers, foliage and wriggle work against a hatched ground on the fore-end, engraved with scrollwork en suite with the median beneath the lock, 'ramshorn' butt numbered '107' on the inside, engraved with further scrollwork, palmettes and a silver-encrusted sphinx on each side, the spine with matching designs and with a silver escutcheon with the owners crest, a hand grasping a cutlass, engraved silver button trigger and pricker, the latter formed as a thistle head, blued iron belt hook, and brass-tipped iron ramrod 18.0 cm; 7 1/8 in barrel The crest is perhaps that of Barwis or Brady. The similarity with the pistol in the following lot makes an attribution to Thomas Elsworth Mortimer likely. The use of pierced platinum plugs ceased in general use by the mid-19th century.
‡A 40 BORE PERCUSSION HIGHLAND OFFICER'S DRESS PISTOL FORMED ENTIRELY OF STEEL, BY T.E.MORTIMER, BIRMINGHAM PROOF MARKS, CIRCA 1860 with three-stage barrel retaining traces of original blued finish, faceted muzzle engraved with neo-gothic arches, a broad panel of Celtic scrollwork over the median, and faceted breech incorporating the percussion bolster, the latter engraved with a flower, signed lock engraved with sprays of thistle flowers and foliage, full stock encrusted with engraved silver thistle flowers, foliage and wriggle work against a hatched ground on the fore-end, engraved with scrollwork en suite with the median beneath the lock, 'ramshorn' butt engraved with further scrollwork, palmettes and a silver-encrusted sphinx on each side, the spine with matching designs and with a silver escutcheon with the owners crest and motto, engraved silver button trigger and pricker, the latter formed as a thistle head, blued iron belt hook, and associated iron ramrod 16.0 cm; 6 3/8 in barrel Provenance Dr H. S. Sloane, Glasgow, sold Christie's, London, 10th July 1985, lot 18 Literature H. Lee Munson, The Mortimer Gunmakers 1753-1923, Rhode Island 1992, p. 118-120. The crests and mottoes are those of George Kellie-McCallum of Braco who joined the Gordon Highlanders on 13th January 1860. After service in Ireland, where he saw unusually severe conditions as a result of the Fenian disturbances, he went to India in 1868 and remained there until 1879 when he removed to Afghanistan. There he took part in the occupation of Kabul where, on 11th December, he commanded the rear guard of the 92nd and was mentioned in dispatches for conspicuous conduct. He was promoted to Major 9th September 1880 and he retired on 13th May 1885 and was made Lieutenant Colonel (Honorary), Reserve of Officers the same day. He became a Gentleman-At-Arms, in 1889 and died at Bedford in 1898.
‡AN 80 BORE PERCUSSION PISTOL BY T.J.MORTIMER, ST. JAMES'S LONDON, CIRCA 1830 with turnoff barrel engraved with a band of acanthus foliage around the muzzle, engraved rounded action decorated with foliage and signed in full on scrolls, fitted with sliding thumb-piece safety-catch, engraved hammer and folding trigger, finely chequered walnut butt, silver mounts comprising pear-shaped butt-cap and vacant escutcheon 3.8 cm; 1 1/2 in barrel Provenance Paul Lederer, 1982 Literature H. Lee Munson, The Mortimer Gunmakers 1753-1923, Rhode Island 1992, p. 103-4. The absence of the inscription 'Gunmaker to his Majesty', would suggest that this pistol was made after the death of George IV, to whom Mortimer held that appointment.
‡˜A 25 BORE OTTOMAN MIQUELET-LOCK GUN (SHISHANA), FIRST QUARTER OF THE 19TH CENTURY with earlier Italian barrel stamped 'Lazari Cominaz' over the breech, inlaid with a small brass panel cut with an Ottoman maker's inscription and retained by three pierced chased silver-gilt bands (areas of rust), iron lock faced with silver panels engraved with a scale pattern and inset with coral beads over the spring bridal, wooden stock almost entirely encased in silver-gilt panels embossed and chased with cartouches of scrolls, flowers and foliage in low relief on a contrasting punched ground, overlaid with ivory panels about the barrel tang, faceted butt en suite, partially covered with silver embroidered fabric and with a large ivory rondel on the left and the right a pair of iron sling swivels, and iron ramrod 72.7 cm; 28 5/8 in barrel
‡A 54 BORE PERCUSSION POCKET PISTOL BY T.E.MORTIMER, EDINBURGH, BIRMINGHAM PROOF MARKS, CIRCA 1850-60 with turn-off barrel engraved box-lock action decorated with foliage, signed on a scroll on the left, inscribed 'Edinburgh' on the right, fitted with folding trigger and sliding thumb-piece safety-catch, flat-sided walnut butt and vacant silver escutcheon 4.6 cm; 1 3/4 in barrel
‡A 40 BORE PERCUSSION BELT PISTOL BY MORTIMER, LONDON, PROBABLY THOMAS JACKSON MORTIMER, CIRCA 1825-39 with octagonal barrel signed 'Mortimer London', engraved with a band around the muzzle, scroll-engraved box-lock action fitted with belt hook on the left, sliding thumb-piece safety-catch, folding trigger, continental style chequered walnut butt fitted with a vacant silver panel on the base and encircled with an engraved band, and vacant silver escutcheon 9.5 cm; 3 3/4 in barrel Provenance J. Herman, 1984 Literature H. Lee Munson, The Mortimer Gunmakers 1753-1923, Rhode Island 1992, p. 154-155.
‡AN EXTREMELY RARE 33 BORE FLINTLOCK BREECH-LOADING REPEATING MAGAZINE PISTOL ON THE LORENZONI PRINCIPLE BY H.W.MORTIMER, LONDON, GUNMAKER TO HIS MAJESTY, CIRCA 1790 with octagonal swamped sighted barrel signed in full on the top flat, engraved with a band around the breech and fitted with pivoting blade fore-sight, shaped action engraved with a sunburst on the top, a trophy-of-arms on the tang and swags around the trigger-guard, fitted with rotating brass breech-block operated by a long curved lever with knop-shaped terminal and hinged sprung magazine cover on the left, the latter engraved with rococo ornament and inscribed 'Gunmaker to His Majesty' carried by a trophy-of arms behind, border-engraved back-action lock signed on a scroll carried by a lion and lioness with a palm tree on the right (the cock and magazine cover expertly replaced), highly figured walnut butt carved with a fine pattern of chequering and characteristic spiral moulding at the base, finely engraved iron trigger-guard and vacant silver escutcheon with engraved border 25.5 cm; 10 9in barrel Provenance Dr Jack Strassman sold Christie's East, New York, 21st May 1986, lot 346 Literature H. Lee Munson, The Mortimer Gunmakers 1753-1923, Rhode Island 1992, pp. 237-238. The engraving on the lock is similar to another example of this type, by the same maker, made for Vice Admiral Lord Nelson and now preserved in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (acc. no. 35.81.3). Another pistol, that belonged to Lord Camelford, was reported to have fired nine bullets in thirty seconds (see Blackmore 1999, p. 88). A 'curious magazine pistol which discharges eight times without reloading' was included in the auction of property from H. W. Mortimer Jrs address following his retirement on 24th September 1816 . See Munson op. cit. p. 92.
‡A FINE CASED PAIR OF 50-BORE FLINTLOCK TURN-OFF POCKET PISTOLS BY H.W.MORTIMER, LONDON, CIRCA 1790-5 with tapering turn-off barrels engraved with a band of foliage around the muzzles, engraved breeches signed and inscribed 'Gunmaker to His Majesty' in a pair of elongated ovals carried by trophies-of-arms and rococo foliage, rounded side- actions engraved with conventional foliage, fitted with engraved rounded cocks, blued sliding safety-catches, blued folding triggers, semi-rainproof pans and rollers, engraved tangs, highly figured rounded walnut butts profusely engraved with engraved silver plaques and wire comprising an elaborate design of dense flowers, foliage and tendrils issuant from a cornucopia on each face, silver mounts comprising butt-caps decorated with an expanded flowerhead and border-engraved vacant escutcheons, and in very good to fine condition throughout: in their fitted mahogany case of circa 1835-40, lined in plum velvet (faded, light wear), the lid fitted with shaped brass escutcheon incorporating a flush-fitting carrying handle on the exterior, complete with accessories including three-way pistol-flask covered with red leather, barrel-key and iron bullet-mould, and a near contemporary card printed 'Dr Timm', the reverse inscribed 'these inlaid pistols given by me to Lt. W. W. Powell by me, Frances Powell 7th March 1839 late the property of his father' 4.5 cm; 1 3/4 in barrels William Wellington Powell (1813-79), was born at Carlton House, Nottinghamshire to Samuel and Frances (née Richmond). He joined the 9th Regiment of Foot (East Norfolk) as an Ensign by purchase in 1832. He remained with the regiment in England until 1834 when, on 25th June, he was presented to William IV prior to his embarkation to Mauritius. The following year when he was promoted to Lieutenant and left the island for Bengal and then on to Calcutta. In 1842 he was part of the force that cleared the Khyber Pass, having endured heavy fire from the local tribesmen and an extended period of fighting. The same year he was at Jellalabad where he painted a scene now preserved in the Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum. For his service in Afghanistan he received the Afghan Medal. His military career ceased in 1848 when he married Elizabeth Sarabella Peco, with whom he had five children. It is likely that these pistols were presented to him by his mother in the early part of his military career, having been re-cased.
‡A FINE PAIR OF 40 BORE D.B. SINGLE TRIGGER SILVER-MOUNTED FLINTLOCK CARRIAGE PISTOLS BY MORTIMER, LONDON, LONDON PROOF MARKS, FOREIGNERS MARK, BIRMINGHAM SILVER MARKS, CIRCA 1775 with turn-off cannon barrels numbered 1 to 4, box-lock actions chiselled with foliage against a finely matted ground, signed on a scroll carried by trophies-of-arms on the right, the cocks and steels decorated en suite, fitted with engraved sliding pan-cover on the left operated by a sliding bolt, the action tangs chiselled en suite with the locks, swelling figured walnut butts inlaid with silver wire scrollwork, flowers and pellets, silver butt-caps cast and chased in low relief with grotesque masks, and sliding trigger-guard safety-catches decorated with a central floral panel 10.7 cm; 4 1/4 in barrels (2)
‡AN OTTOMAN TURKISH MIQUELET-LOCK CARBINE (SHISHANA), TURKEY, LATE 18TH CENTURY with European barrel fitted with a sweated-on flared moulding at the muzzle, the breech with two raised silver bands, iron lock faced with engraved brass panels, figured full stock inlaid with clustered designs of segmental brass discs and brass nails over its length, faceted butt inlaid with segmental strips of contrasting bone and horn enriched with domed brass nails, and with inlaid wooden trap beneath, and associated horn-tipped ramrod 60.5 cm; 23 7/8 in barrel
‡AN EXCEPTIONAL PAIR OF 120 BORE FLINTLOCK BOX-LOCK POCKET PISTOLS WITH SILVER BARRELS, ACTIONS AND MOUNTS, SIGNED MORTIMER, LONDON, TOWER PRIVATE PROOF MARKS, BIRMINGHAM SILVER HALLMARKS FOR 1774, MARK OF CHARLES FREETH with turn-off cannon barrels formed in two stages divided by raised mouldings, engraved with a band of foliage at the breeches and one numbered '1' beneath, engraved actions decorated with border ornament, signed 'Mortimer' on a scroll carried by a ground of rococo scrolls on the left and inscribed 'London' on a scroll carried by trophies-of-arms and rococo designs on the right, fitted with border-engraved iron steels and ring-neck cocks, engraved tangs decorated with rococo flowers, highly figured rounded walnut butts profusely inlaid with silver wire and engraved silver plaques forming a design of scrolling tendrils, flowers and rococo shells within a wrigglework frame enriched with minute silver pellets (small pieces of wire lifting), silver mounts comprising, sliding trigger-guard safety-catches with moulded borders and each engraved with a diamond-shaped panel on the bow, vacant silver escutcheons, and grotesque mask butt-caps with engraved borders 3.5 cm; 1 3/8 in barrels (2) Provenance Clay P. Bedford Collection (inv. no. 1512), one pistol Christie's, London, 18th July 2002, lot 339, one pistol Bonhams, London, 30th November 2011, lot 391, the pair Exhibited Early Firearms of Great Britain and Ireland from the Collection of Clay P. Bedford, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1971, cat. no. 197 Literature Clay P. Bedford and Stephen V. Grancsay, Early Firearms of Great Britain and Ireland from the Collection of Clay P. Bedford, exhibition catalogue, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1971, pp. 174 and 177 H. Lee Munson, The Mortimer Gunmakers 1753-1923, 1992, pp. 151-152, pl. 234. This pair of pistols are probably unique and, as Munson states, are amongst the earliest known examples of H.W. Mortimer's work.
‡A CASED PAIR OF 40 BORE FLINTLOCK TRAVELLING PISTOLS BY H.W.MORTIMER, LONDON, GUNMAKER TO HIS MAJESTY, 89 FLEET STREET, NO. 5123, CIRCA 1813-16 with browned octagonal twist sighted barrels signed 'H.W.Mortimer, London, Gunmaker to His Majesty' on the top flats and engraved with a slender band of foliage at the breeches, struck with the barrelsmith's marks, London view and proof marks and the serial numbers beneath, finely engraved breech tangs decorated with flowers and incorporating the back-sights, border-engraved locks signed beneath a starburst and with the address on the tails, fitted with 'French' cocks (one repaired), bolt safety-catches, semi rainproof pans and rollers, figured walnut full stocks with finely chequered butts carved with a flowerhead design, engraved blued steel mounts including trigger-guards with pineapple finials, and moulded ramrod-pipes, silver escutcheon with the owner's initials 'R.M.' and original ramrods: in original fitted oak case (repaired) lined in green baize, the lid with trade label for 89 Fleet Street, complete with three-way flask with later leather covering, turnscrew and bullet mould 7.7 cm; 3 in barrels Provenance Dudley T. Colton
‡A CASED PAIR OF 34 BORE FLINTLOCK TRAVELLING PISTOLS BY T.J.MORTIMER, ST. JAMES'S ST., LONDON, BIRMINGHAM PROOF MARKS, CIRCA 1816-1823 with browned twist octagonal sighted barrels signed on the top flats and engraved with a band of foliage at the breeches, engraved breech tangs incorporating the back-sights and decorated with flowers and trophies-of-arms, signed stepped bolted locks engraved with foliage, starbursts and border ornament, fitted with semi rainproof pans and rollers, figured walnut full stocks, chequered grips and butts of fishtail form, engraved blued iron mounts comprising trigger-guards decorated with trophies-of-arms on the bows and with pineapple finials, and moulded ramrod-pipes, silver escutcheons engraved with the owner's initials 'PAO', silver barrel bolt escutcheons, and original brass-tipped ramrods with iron worms: in original fitted mahogany case lined in green baize, the lid fitted with a later brass rondel on the outer face and with trade label for 21 St James's Street, complete with accessories including associated brass flask, bullet mould and oil bottle 8.7 cm; 3 3/8 in barrels Provenance Ken Drake, New York, 1981 Literature H. Lee Munson, The Mortimer Gunmakers 1753-1923, Rhode Island 1992, p. 95.
‡A 17 BORE OVER-AND-UNDER FLINTLOCK PISTOL BY T.MORTIMER, BIRMINGHAM PROOF MARKS, CIRCA 1816-22 with rebrowned octagonal sighted barrels inscribed 'London' in gold script over the breech, inlaid with a gold line and with platinum-lined vents, engraved breech tang decorated with trophies-of-arms, stepped bevelled locks signed in script, engraved with trophies-of-arms, foliage and starbursts, fitted with cocks decorated en suite, rainproof pans, bolt safety-catches (one restored), and rollers, figured walnut half-stock with finely chequered butt, engraved iron trigger-guard decorated with border ornament and trophies-of-arms, silver escutcheon engraved with the owner's initials 'S.R.', and stirrup ramrod 17.5 cm; 7 in barrels
‡A FINE PAIR OF 32 BORE FLINTLOCK POCKET PISTOLS BY MORTIMER & SON, ST. JAMES'S ST., LONDON, CIRCA 1811-18 with turn-off barrels, one numbered '1' beneath, fitted with spring bayonets retained by sliding catches on the right, rounded breeches engraved with a band of foliage, inscribed 'St James's St, London' in block capitals on the right, box-lock actions inlaid in engraved silver decorated with conventional foliage around the borders, trophies-of-arms carrying ovals signed 'Mortimer & Son' on the left, and with sprays of foliage on the right (the cocks and steels replaced), engraved sliding thumb-piece safety-catches also locking the steels, folding triggers, engraved tangs, flat-sided walnut butts inlaid with scrolling silver wire tendrils, foliage, flowers and pellets on each side and over the spine of the butt (small losses and some lifting), and vacant silver escutcheons enclosed by engraved garlands of fruit and foliage 6.5 cm; 2 1/2 in barrels Jackson Mortimer & Son are recorded in St James 1811-18, they were succeeded by Thomas Jackson Mortimer who had previously been working with his father as T. Mortimer & Son.
‡A 28 BORE OTTOMAN MIQUELET-LOCK RIFLED CARBINE (SHISHANA), TURKEY, LATE 18TH CENTURY with etched twist octagonal sighted barrel retained by four shaped silver bands, encrusted with gold foliage at the breech and muzzle, standing back-sight and iron tang each encrusted with gold foliage, iron lock encrusted with gold foliage en suite, gold-encrusted button-trigger, full stock inlaid with differing patterns of segmented brass discs and minute nails inlaid with contrasting strips of white and green-stained horn about the barrel tang, faceted butt inlaid with segmental strips of horn enriched with a trellis pattern of minute brass nails (a portion of the butt detached, the butt-plate missing), and later iron ramrod 81.6 cm; 32 1/8 in barrel
‡A RARE 120 BORE FLINTLOCK BOX-LOCK POCKET PISTOL WITH TUTENAG BARREL, ACTION AND MOUNTS BY MORTIMER, LONDON, TOWER PRIVATE PROOF MARKS, BIRMINGHAM SILVER HALLMARKS FOR 1776 with turn-off two-stage cannon barrel engraved with a band of foliage at the breech, engraved action decorated with border ornament and scrolls carried by rococo foliage, the scrolls respectively signed 'Mortimer' and inscribed 'London', engraved tang, highly figured rounded walnut butt profusely inlaid with silver wire scrolling tendrils, flowers and rococo shells within a wrigglework frame, silver mounts comprising grotesque mask butt-cap and escutcheon engraved with the owner's initials 'JH', and tutenag trigger-guard engraved with a diamond-shaped panel on the bow 3.5 cm; 1 3/8 in barrel Provenance William Guthman, sold Bonhams & Butterfields 12th October 2006, lot 5.
‡˜A 20 BORE OTTOMAN MIQUELET-LOCK MUSKET (SHISHANA), TURKEY, LATE 18TH CENTURY with tapering sighted barrel of 'hog's back' form, struck with a gold-lined barrelsmith's mark, encrusted with gold scrolls at the breech and muzzle and retained by five shaped silver bands, flat lock struck with a mark on the bridle (indistinct), full stock inlaid with green-stained horn and brass rondels beneath the fore-end, faceted butt decorated en suite and enriched with shaped ivory and tortoiseshell plaques, rondels en suite with the fore-end and large domed silver nails, faceted bud-shaped silver trigger, two silver sling swivels and iron ramrod 92.8 cm; 36 1/2 in barrel
‡A 40 BORE FLINTLOCK POCKET PISTOL SIGNED MORTIMER, LONDON, PRIVATE PROOF MARKS, CIRCA 1800 with turn-off barrel engraved with foliage around the muzzle, box-lock action signed on a scroll on the left and inscribed 'London' in an oval on the right, fitted with folding trigger, sliding thumb-piece safety-catch also locking the steel (the steel parts with areas of pitting), flat-sided walnut but profusely inlaid with silver wire scrolls (small losses and some lifting) issuant from a finely engraved cornucopia on each side, a trophy-of-arms plaque (incomplete) on the spine and all enriched with pellets 3.8 cm; 1 1/2 in barrel
‡A 48 BORE FLINTLOCK POCKET PISTOL SIGNED MORTIMER, BIRMINGHAM PROOF MARKS, CIRCA 1820 with turn-off barrel engraved with foliage around the muzzle, signed rounded action engraved with sprays of foliage on each side, fitted with rainproof pan, sliding thumb-piece safety-catch also locking the steel, and folding trigger, rounded walnut butt, and vacant silver escutcheon 3.8 cm; 1 1/2 in barrel
‡A 40 BORE FLINTLOCK POCKET PISTOL BY DUNDERDALE & MABSON, BIRMINGHAM PROOF MARKS, CIRCA 1800 with turn-off barrel, engraved box-lock action decorated with a trophy-of-arms on the right and a bouquet of flowers above the signature on the left, fitted with folding trigger, sliding thumb-piece safety-catch also locking the steel (the cock and steel replaced), flat-sided walnut butt and vacant silver escutcheon 4.2 cm; 5 5/8 in barrel Literature H. Lee Munson, The Mortimer Gunmakers 1753-1923, Rhode Island 1992, pp. 205-206.
ËœA FINE ENGLISH STONEBOW BY JOHNSON, WIGAN, CIRCA 1750 with slender steel bow fitted with later expertly constructed string, highly figured rosewood tiller incorporating steel gaffle engraved with chevrons, fitted with folding forward sight, the forward portion of the tiller inlaid with an engraved shaped silver plaque, a pair of iron flush-fitting scrolling side-plates, signed folding back-sight with three sighting apertures, moulded lever button, sparsely engraved trigger-guard with acorn terminals, and the tiller numbered '909' 71.8 cm; 28 1/4 in tiller Provenance Albert Littler, sold, Christie's, London, 18th July 2002, lot 229
AN ENGLISH CROSSBOW BY E.BLANCHER, ATTLEBOROUGH, EARLY 18TH CENTURY with associated slender steel bow fitted with later string, and inscribed with the spurious date '1661' on a small metal plaque wedging the bow, tiller grooved at the front for bolts, fitted with long iron panels extending over the butt, bronze nut, signed on a plaque behind in silver, a pair of lugs for a winding device, and long iron trigger with acorn finial (the iron parts pitted, restorations) 80.5 cm; 31 3/4 in tiller
‡˜A 22 BORE OTTOMAN MIQUELET-LOCK GUN (SHISHANA), TURKEY, LATE 18TH CENTURY/EARLY 19TH CENTURY with octagonal swamped sighted barrel retained by three chased silver bands (areas of rust), standing back-sight pierced with two apertures, engraved lock chiselled with foliage and with traces of silver-encrusted decoration, full stock applied with a large silver plaque over the forward portion of the fore-end, faceted butt applied with pierced engraved brass plaques, further large brass plaques about the trigger cut with a brief inscription, large faceted ivory butt-cap and two iron sling swivels (ramrod missing) 84.0 cm; 33 in barrel Provenance Christie's, 15th February 1978, lot 74
A RARE NORTH EUROPEAN SILVER-ENCRUSTED DETACHED WHEEL-LOCK MECHANISM FROM A SMALL PISTOL, CIRCA 1600, PROBABLY ENGLISH with shaped russet iron plate formed with a scrolling forward terminal, fitted with external wheel retained by a pierced bracket, engraved sprung dog (possibly dated, now obscured), sliding pan-cover and pricker, the outer surface encrusted with silver flowers of differing size, foliage and pellets all within minute beadwork frames, fitted at the base with a slender metal plate encrusted with further ball flowers and foliage (cracked, small losses) 13.0 cm; 5 1/8 in The decoration is related to contemporary sword hilts such as that preserved in the James A. de Rothschild Collection at Waddesdon Manor (W1/83/4). The late Anthony North, former Keeper of Metalwork at the Victoria and Albert Museum, suggested that the present lock was English, based on the decoration as well as the form of the plate that is related to snaphaunce firearms of the period. The additional lower plate might suggest that this was part of an iron stocked small pistol or dag. See Blair 1974, cat. no. 24, pp. 84-6.
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