Civil War Period Iron Musket Ball Scissor Mould

Longsword of Oakeshott's Type XVa, cross style 1, with two-edged lenticular-section piled blade with taper overall to a narrow point; quillons round in section with taper to ends and bronze lobe finials, median locket to lower edge; flat-section tang tapering to the upper end; the pommel a variant of Oakshott's Type V with median vertical band to each face, piriform block with lateral scoops. 1.07 kg, 105 cm



From the private family collection of a lady, UK; acquired in Germany, mid-20th century. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13301-257660.

The Type XVa of Oakeshott has a blade similar to the Type XV, being generally more slender than its parent type, and having a grip which is much longer, ranging from seven to nine inches long or more. This style of sword appears to have been popular in the 14th century, based on surviving examples. Interesting is here the style of the quillons, which are rare: in style 11 the guard may be long or short, curved or straight, but always characterised by knobbed ends and a circular or rhomboidal in section. A sword found in the River Ouse in Surrey shows a similar blade, with a flat oval diamond section, and the outline is such that the sword could be regarded as of type XV, although many swords of type XVII are of the same shape and proportions.

Narrow axe with curved blade and oval socket with a flat extension to the rear. 616 grams, 15.5 cm



Ex M. Spiegelberg collection, since 1991; thence by descent. Accompanied by a previous yellow cataloguing slip.

Egg-shaped with spiked prongs to the socket, narrow, rounded cutting edge. 165 grams, 11.9 cm



From a UK collection formed in the 1980s. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.

The 'claw mace' was an enigmatic ancient bronze weapon from the Bronze Age Near East. The hollow bulbous head was trailed by tines of varying lengths. It is believed that it was affixed over a wooden shaft and used like a club in combat, and not necessarily used as a ceremonial weapon. The knife-edge bulb end could have broken bones and proven to be a formidable striking weapon requiring no skill to wield. The tines would have not only been decorative, but would have served to add strength below the striking end to prevent breakage. In battle, maces were often used by commanders to display rank when giving orders in battle and leading soldiers, inspiring leadership and power. Egg-shaped with spiked sleeves or prongs, the top of the weapon has a narrow edge, and the sleeves have small internal tangs for mounting.