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LOT 1076
Colt .41 Rimfire Derringer Pistol and Book Case
19TH CENTURY A.D.
6 3/4 x 4 in. (450 grams total, book 17 x 10 cm).
Comprising a Colt .41 calibre single action rimfire single-shot derringer pocket pistol, the barrel top marked 'COLT' and the left frame '41 CAL'; with nickel-plated brass frame and steel rifled barrel (swivel to load) and bird's beak butt with plain wood grips; the pistol contained in an original case formed from a hollowed out leather-bound book Pratique du Sacrament de Penitence ou Methode pour L'Administrer Utilement, published Paris, 1714, the compartment lined with marbled paper with section for spare bullets; action in working order.
ProvenanceAcquired from Holts Auction, 2020, lot 899.
Formerly with a Kent collector.
With TimeLine Auctions, lot 1086.
Property of an Australian collector.
Accompanied by Holts lot ticket.
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.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1076
Colt .41 Rimfire Derringer Pistol and Book Case
Sold for (Inc. bp): £572
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Burmese Iron Single-Edged Sword with Scabbard
19th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £52
Comprising a smooth, slightly curved and unornamented blade, the hilt wrapped with organic plaited and plain string; tubular bamboo(?) scabbard wrapped with plaited string. 886 grams, 91 cm long
Ex Reeman Dansie, Colchester, Essex, UK.
The dha may have its origins with the Tai people who migrated to the area from present-day Yunnan Province in southern China. This sabre varied considerably according to locality but they shared some features that define them apart from other weapons and tools of the area, like the round cross-section grip, a long, gently curving blade with a single edge, and the absence of a guard. -
Byzantine Iron Anti-Cavalry Caltrop Trivoloi Group
11th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Comprising three caltrops, hand-forged with square-section in the form of four welded arrowheads. 34 grams total, 50 mm each
Acquired on the German art market around 2000. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Caltrops were a kind of 'landmine' of the ancient world an mentioned in the Classical period. Nevertheless, they turned into real military weapons only in Dark Ages. Their systematic and wide use by the Eastern Romans, who called it tribolos, is noticeable. In 1082, Emperor Alexios Komnenos used caltrops against the Norman cavalry in the Balkans. Anna Komnena tells us in detail of her father’s intentions: ‘He marched against Bohemond with a new idea for victory. He had iron caltrops made and since he expected the battle to take place on the next day, the evening before scattered them over the plain between the two armies at the point where he guessed that the Kelts (the Normans) would make a heavy cavalry attack. The plan was to frustrate the first and irresistible charge when the caltrops pierced the horses’ hooves.’ Unfortunately for the Romans the Normans avoided battle on the ‘minefield’, outflanked the enemy and gained victory. -
British Leather Fencing Helmet
Circa 1890-1920s A.D.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £83
By Lillywhite Frowd Co of London, fitted with neck fringe, stamped buckled securing strap and wire mesh face and ear panels, padded lining internally marked 'broad arrow-over-67' so likely a military issue. 2.0 kg, 39 cm
Acquired from Manfred Schotten Antiques, 2016. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by a copy of Manfred Schotten invoice and listing.
Although masks/helmets of this general form are typically associated with sword fencing, this example is of very heavy construction so possibly for use in protecting while training with a heavier weapon than a foil or epee.
