German Iron Stirrup Pair

Featuring a hexagonal brass pommel engraved with a fleur-de-lis to one side and a dragon to the other; pierced tang, two short quillons inclining towards the blade, terminating in lion head-shaped finials; straight single-edged blade, with side ridges to both faces of the blade, tapering to a fine point. 177 grams, 34 cm

Tang is heavily corroded, trace of employment on the battlefield.

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

Quillon daggers were predominantly employed as a military weapon. During the 16th century, this dagger continued to be popular, although the hilt no longer resembled that of the contemporary sword, as sword hilts had developed into more intricate forms.

Piriform in shape with raised lugs to the upper body with stamped concentric roundels between. 588 grams, 15.3 cm



Family collection, acquired 1980-2015. Ex property of a North London gentleman. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'.

Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of bronze) used for Greek fire. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.

Swedish made bolt action model M96 with matching serial No.890, full wood stock with steel butt plate, trigger guard, sling swivels and fore-end, hinged backsight with slide; fitted with correct bayonet dated 1916 with steel scabbard and leather frog. 4.05 kg, 148 cm



Acquired from Arundel Militaria Ltd, UK, 2016. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by copies of invoice and listing and original Birmingham Gun Barrel Proof House Deactivation Certificate No.96730.

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.