Vietnam M1 Helmet

Comprising a cross-shaped hand guard, the blade with a slight curvature widening towards the point; mounted on a custom-made wall mount. 1.35 kg total, 95 cm including stand

Still-homogenous blade structure, pitting and traces of surface material losses due to the permanence in water; presence of many battle nicks on the cutting part of the blade.

Private collection, Munich, Germany, 1970s. Private collection, London, UK, 2014, acquired from the above.

The Turkish sabres from 15th century, had hilts similar to Omayyad and Abbasid's swords. The blades were long and heavy and were most probably used for swinging cuts, and were particularly convenient for point-thrusts when fighting on foot.

Consisting of two sections joined with bronze rivets; above a domed section with row of rivets; below, a folded band with rolled rim, with rivets to the rear holding two halves; line of holes to the base for securing an inner lining. 2.2 kg total, 31.5 cm high including stand



Acquired in the 1970s. Ex private Austrian collection. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. Accompanied by a metal analysis and appraisal by Dr Brian Gilmour. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11764-203980.

The upper part of the helmet was probably modified in antiquity, the lower part of the eye holes and the cheek pieces have been cut away, and replacement cheek pieces, now lacking, were once crudely rivetted to the sides.

Comprising five rectangular-section doubled links with curved fetter and two loops to one end, barrel lock and hasp to the other. 2.2 kg, 87 cm

Fine condition; lock mechanism absent.

Acquired in the 1990s. From an important English collection.