Post Medieval Horseman's Axe

Comprising three weapons: a 'ronca contadina' (peasant scythed staff weapon, known as forest bill) made of trunco-conical tubular gorbia with tapering iron shaft, inclined to the right with respect to the axis of the weapon, ending in a bill; an alabarda-sergentina, iron blade halberd with central rib, two axe-heads, one convex one concave; an alghiero, guisarme with tapering pointed iron shaft of rectangular section, furnished with a side-bill; all three mounted upon wooden velvet-covered shafts. 6.3 kg total, 2.26-2.34 m



Ex Christie's, Holland, circa 2010. East Anglian private collection.

Certainly the most interesting of the three weapons is the peasant roncone. The hooked part of the weapon could be used to hook or cut things, but also for severing a horse's hocks causing both horse and rider to fall.

Curved cutting edge and tongue-shaped mounting blade to the rear. 180 grams, 18.1 cm



English collection, 1990s. Ex North London gallery.

Double-barrelled, single action 9mm calibre smooth bored pistol with 13cm twin 'over-and-under' barrels fitted with twin hammers and triggers with guard, with floriate engraving; fitted with fluted wood stock and iron butt plate; action working. 445 grams, 26 cm



Acquired from Czerny's Auctions, Italy, 2016, lot 15. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by copies of the Czerny's paperwork.

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.