EUROPEAN BROADSWORD C.1620-40

Popular Collectibles: Militaria: Edged Weapons Pre 1700: item #822970
84-933

THE THIRTY YEARS WAR From 1618 to 1648, northern Europe was engulfed in a war which resulted in staggering death and destruction. In Germany, half of males and a third of the total population died. Thousands of villages and castles were razed to the ground Militarily, it was the period of the decline in armor resulting from more effective and wider spread use of firearms. Items #933-935 - are swords of the Thirty Years War. ... Click for details

A GERMAN MORION C.1580-1600

Popular Collectibles: Militaria: Uniforms Pre 1700: item #822967
84-932

This is a good example of a type of helmet which gained popularity in the late 16th century. It is a morion, made in two pieces, of large proportions to accommodate a padded lining cap which gave additional protection. Each side is finely embossed with a fleur de lis motif which provided a decorative flare and added strength. That motif was the most popular and even adopted as the official regulation by many guard units including the Bern Town Guard. In this example, the form of the flower i... Click for details

AN ITALIAN RUNKA C.1525

Popular Collectibles: Militaria: Edged Weapons Pre 1700: item #822965
84-931

In the first half of the 16th century, the Italian runka retained the simple elegance of its Gothic roots. Its large uniformly tapered fore spike is of virtually indistinguishable form and proportions from the broadsword blades of the day and it could be used in much the same way but at length. The large crescent base lugs, sharpened on both edges, were equally menacing and capable of unseating a mounted adversary. If he should be downed, the lugs could easily cut the leather which joined h... Click for details

A VENETIAN SCHIAVONA C.1650-80

Popular Collectibles: Militaria: Edged Weapons Pre 1700: item #822944
84-930

With an iron basket hilt and bronze pommel with high relief contorted face motif. The typology of the Schiavona is best set forth by Oakeshott who identifies this form as Type 2. Historically, the schiavona is the sword of Hungarian mercenaries, displaced from their homeland by Ottoman Turks. They served most notably as the guards of the Doges of Venice in flamboyant Turkish costume rivaling the winged hussars of Poland for flair and ferocity. This example is among the largest for its type,... Click for details

AN ITALIAN OR SPANISH PART ARMOR C.1600

Popular Collectibles: Militaria: Uniforms Pre 1700: item #822941
84-929

This part armor is typical of that used by foot troops of the Spanish empire which included the North of Italy, which at the time, was under Spanish Habsburg rule. The breastplate of typically rounded profile, has simple line decoration. It is of substantial weight but not shot proof as was common in northern Europe. The tassets are embossed to simulate 5 lames but provide more protection in their one piece form than if articulated. ... Click for details

AN ENGLISH SMALLSWORD C.1720-40

Popular Collectibles: Militaria: Edged Weapons Pre 1800: item #822936
84-928

A further, larger, English example with a large fighting blade of colichemarde form. Its size is a reflection of the stature of the owner. The iron hilt has a black Japanned finish. The grip incorporates iron ferrules, a feature which gained popularity about 1680. Blade length: 31 3/4”

Provenance: Warwick Castle, Warwickshire, Engl... Click for details

AN ENGLISH SMALLSWORD C.1740-50

Popular Collectibles: Militaria: Edged Weapons Pre 1800: item #822934
84-927

Correlating with GE.088 above for form and period of use, this example shows distinctive English features including the vase form pommel. The hilt is chemically blackened similar to gun “blue”. The back of the blade is inlaid with brass in an intricate repeated “eye” motif often found on these examples. Blade length: 27 7/8”

Provena... Click for details

A FRENCH STEEL HILT SMALLSWORD C.1740

Popular Collectibles: Militaria: Edged Weapons Pre 1800: item #822920
84-926

This sword shows distinct Mediterranean styling in its flattened base pommel and expanded base quillon block. The large loop arms of the guard and thickened edge double shell guard are typical of the period. Dating to the period of the Scottish Rebellion, its French origin suggests that it may have been imported for use by a Scott and its inclusion in a historic collection noted for its rich Scottish content support that conclusion. The hilt with black Japanned finish. Originally worn while... Click for details

A FINE VICTORIAN COPY OF AN AUSTRIAN VISORED SALADE C.

Popular Collectibles: Militaria: Uniforms Pre 1700: item #822916
84-925

Elegant form with sweeping rolled edge tail, strong medial and scalloped terminal pivoting visor with button activated spring catch. Heavy weight, 3 pounds 8 1/2 ounces. Very skillfully made by an experienced armorer as evidenced by the hammer work inside which includes lineal blunt chisel blows to expand the metal forming the flare, exactly as found on period armor. In the past decade, about six related examples have come to market. While it is possible that they are from the famed Schmidt ... Click for details

JAPANESE SWORD STICK SHIKOME-ZUE

Popular Collectibles: Militaria: Edged Weapons Pre 1900: item #822652
84-913

35 1/2" o.a., wood shaft and grip, wrapped in segments of natural cherry bark to simulate a cherry branch. Brass locking ferrule, concealed 16 3/4" s.e. wedge section blade. Blade bright in heavy original preservative. Mount with surface oxidation. Grip with some wear from use, the bark flaked off in few small sections, but substantially complete with fine glossy patina.