Luristan Bronze Sword Blade

Each with four large triangular-shaped projections flanked by smaller projections; decorated with groups of ring-and-dot ornaments. 155 grams total, 46 mm each



Private collection, UK, formed in the 1980s. The Kusmirek Collection, UK.

The polygonal mace evolved into the hexagonal winged mace. Originating in the East, this weapon spread across Eastern Europe during the 13th century A.D., and from there to the West. The winged mace, used by the western Europeans, was almost certainly based upon Eastern Roman or Islamic prototypes. It is relevant to note that the polygonal mace was widely used by the eastern cavalrymen (like Turkish and Mongols), during the 14th century A.D.

The one-piece skull rising to a prominent baluster-shaped finial, facetted upper half, the lower writhen projecting forward to flat obtusely pointed integral peak and backwards to a similar but shorter integral neck-guard, hinged cheek-pieces embossed with a star with four points, an auditory hole between each arm; fitted internally with a quilted canvas lining; with possible punched 'eagle' maker mark to visor projection. 1.54 kg, 24 cm high



with Thomas Del Mar Ltd, 6th December 2017, lot 199. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Thomas Del Mar Ltd catalogue pages and purchase invoice. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11770-203982.

Most original burgonets feature some form of decoration. Rolled and roped edges and pierced cheek-pieces are common, and the finest burgonets were engraved, inlaid and/or selectively coloured and polished. Some were covered in fine cloth in the tradition of sallets. The name seems to be a corrupted form of bourguignotte, the contemporary French term for this helmet type.

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.