Western Asiatic Bronze Arrowhead Group

Featuring a prominently curved guard extending out from the ricasso of the blade and partly framing the hilt, thick midrib extending slightly above the ricasso. 346 grams, 43.5 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

The hilt of such swords was made separately, and unfortunately is nearly always missing from the archaeological records. Similar excavated examples have been recorded from the South Caspian area from Tomadjan and Ghalekuti.

Comprising a broad, double-edged blade with rounded tip, shallow central fuller to the upper third of both sides; flat guard with stepped central panel, D-section arms formed in a horizontal S-curve, 'cat's head' truncated type pommel with an integral central boss to both faces; the tang with a sword-shaped stamp, the blade with an inlaid three-armed workshop mark and another stamp, including a V surmounted by a cross. 1.37 kg, 1.18 m

Restored and protected with a possible vertical suspension in acid solution, on the blade traces of delamination and flaking along the pattern-welds, some corrosion damages but in general very good condition.

From an English collection, acquired 1990s. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11771-203963.

The Schiavonesca sword was used by Dalmatian mercenaries serving in the Venetian state armies, and were produced by the workshops of the Serenissima to which the marks probably belong. Many of these swords were produced in Dubrovnik, a Croatian city under the Venetian rule. Dr Aleksić mentions the swordsmith Radonja Vukotić, who made an agreement with blacksmith Andrija Miletin at the beginning of September 1436, to produce swords together in the following year.

Over and under turnover rifle with 82cm (32¼") barrel with brass insert inscribed 'D Kornman' to top, double set trigger, fitted with one (of two) ramrod in brass ferrules at side and characteristically curved wood stock with brass butt and side plates, trigger guard and patch container with hinged lid; left of stock with inset silver(?) of a fish or whale which might suggest that this was carried on a whaling ship; action working. 4.10 kg, 124 cm



Acquired from Andrew Spencer Bottomley, UK, 2016. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by copies of the purchase invoice and listing.

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.