British 1796 Pattern Light Cavalry Officer's Sword

Of Kunze Group VII, formed from two curved segments, each with a flared rim, nasal, raised panels to the upper section of the bowl, repoussé ridge forming curved brows, a recess for the ear to each side; star-shaped attachment to the top with slot for plumes; restored and with replica cheek pieces. 2.7 kg total, 42.5 cm high including stand

Restored, but in general good condition, rare details

Acquired in the 1970s. Ex private Austrian collection. The Kusmirek Collection, UK Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. Accompanied by a report of metallurgical analytical results, written by metallurgist Dr Brian Gilmour of the Research Laboratory for Archaeology and History of Art, University of Oxford. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11763-203979.

Among the Chalcidian helmet types, the fifth and last typology, corresponding to the Kunze group VII (Pflug, 1988, p.138), was characterised by the presence of detached cheek-guards. By the end of the 5th century BC, the fixed cheek-pieces had been entirely abandoned on the Chalcidian helmets for the more versatile hinged cheek pieces. As is the case with most of the Greek helmets in 5th and 4th century B.C., very few originals have been found on the Greek continent. Several district regional workshops produced such helmets by the 5th century B.C.: mainland Greece, the Black Sea Coast, Thrace, Southern Italy and Iberia.

Sword bayonet for use with the 8 mm M1886 Lebel rifle; fitted with 'German silver' grip scales; original scabbard. 532 grams, 65 cm



Property of a Luton, UK gentleman, by inheritance.

Known affectionately as “Rosalie” to French troops, the M1886 was the French mainstay during WWI and many were still in service at the Fall of France in 1940. The Lebel also saw extensive use worldwide by native troops in the French colonies. The M1886 introduced the distinctive cruciform blade, which remained a feature of most French bayonets until 1956. This example was made in 1890 at the Manufacture D'Armes St. Etienne (MAS). The scabbard was made by Manufacture Nationale d'Armes de Châtellerault (MAC). This is an early example that escaped later modifications, retaining its long blade, quillon, and raised round press stud. The silver-alloy grip is removable.

Square in plan with a slightly convex openwork panel composed of alternating circular cells and leaf-like ovals, central male head with long hair and stylised facial features, possibly wearing a helmet; attachment loop to each corner on the reverse. 8.27 grams, 22 mm

Fine condition.

Acquired in the 1980s-1990s. Ex an important central London gallery, London W1.