British Leather Fencing Helmet

Of Naue II Type, with broad flattened midrib to both faces of the iron blade, the blade gently broadening below the tip, serrated edges at the base, flanged rivetted guard and hilt for the insertion of the organic handle and rhomboid-section grip. 245 grams, 43.5 cm



Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.

The Naue II, also known as the grip-tongue sword, was one of the longest lasting of all sword types. First appearing in the late Bronze Age it lasted well into the Iron Age, a span of 500-700 years, and it was made both in bronze and iron. As early as 1450 B.C., in northern Italy, smiths came up with an early type of a sword now known as the Naue II. It spread first into central Europe, Scandinavia and the British Isles. By 1200 B.C. it had spread to Greece, Crete, the Aegean Islands, the Levant, Palestine and Egypt. It was quite popular in Greece and the Aegean, but it is in Central Europe that the greatest number has been found. In all these areas it was the standard sword until the 7th century B.C. with iron replacing bronze, but still the same basic design.

Comprising tanged and socketted arrowheads with triangular, leaf-shaped and barbed examples. 40 grams total, 5-10.7 cm



From a private European collection, formed in the 1980s. Acquired from TimeLine Auctions, 2016, lot 72. The Kusmirek Collection, UK.

With 19.5cm (8¾") octagonal rifled barrels of 36 bore (marked to front of frame), solid Adams patent frames with foliate engraving marked 'ADAMS PATENT ' and serial numbers 20,368Y and 20,832Y with plain loading lever pins to left side, Tranter double trigger (providing single and double action), London proof marks to 5-shot cylinders and barrels, blued finish; in wood case with two hook latches and lock (no key) with accessories including loading lever (stamped 'TRANTERS PATENT 36), wood cleaning rod with extractor screw and two brass cleaning tips), wood handled turnscrew and nipple key, pewter oil bottle, steel wad cutter (marked CAST STEEL), brass-handled double bullet mould (stamped 'TRANTERS PATENT 36); Dixon powder flask, tin of Eley's Superior caps, tin of Tranter's Lubricating Composition, turned bone container with four spare nipples and three pre-made bullets with felt wads. 5.10 kg total, case 43 x 24 cm



Acquired Brighton dealer, 2020. Property of a Kent collector. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.204131.

The Tranter revolvers based on the Adams solid frame were numbered from 20,000 and have the Y suffix. Sold as an exempt item under Section 58 (2) of the Firearms Act, 1968, to be held as a curiosity or ornament. No license required but buyer must be over 18 years of age. Overseas bidders should note that, due to UK regulations governing export of all firearms, overseas buyers will need to make arrangements for shipping this lot out of the UK directly, by air freight, with a specialist company or agent.