Page 197 - Auction84-Book1

LOT 340
16th Century Swiss Attributed “Morning Star” Flail Polearm - This is a modified version of is what is often called a “peasants flail”, which originally was a farm implement used for separating grains. The flails usually consisted of a long shaft, meant for use with two hands, with a typically cylindrical head attached via a short hinge. The heads of these flails were sometimes studded with metal and pressed into service by peasant soldiers. This example would be a variation of what is often called a “morning star” and has a wooden ball studded with 2 1/2 inch long iron spikes attached to the shaft with a length of chain. Historians tend to disagree on whether or not such weapons ever existed at all, but the general consensus seems to be that if they did they were not used widely and likely only in times of desperate need. This example, which was attributed as 16th century Swiss during a previous sale, consists of a 68 1/4 inch hardwood shaft with a 23 inch squared grip section and a 10 inch chain attaching the ball. CONDITION: Very good, the iron generally showing a dark grey patina and the wood showing some minor dings, dents and cracks scattered throughout. Estimate: 1,000 - 1,800
LOT 341
Two European
Military Style
Halberds - 1)
17th-18th
Century European Military
Officer’s Style Halberd. Halberds such as
this example saw prominent use on the
battlefields of Europe from roughly the 14th century through the 16th century, slowly fading out of prominence with the introduction and adoption of the much longer pike as well as early firearms. Though it fell out of favor as a primary battle weapon, the halberd remained in service in many European armies well into the 19th century as a weapon of officers, particularly sergeants and other NCOs, who could use the polearms to control troop movements and formations. This example is of that more ceremonial purpose with an unsharpened lightweight axe blade and broad leaf shaped spear blade. It is mounted on a hardwood shaft with a cone-shaped iron butt cap. The overall length is 99 1/2 inches with an 18 inch blade. 2) 1841 Dated British Military Sergeant’s Style Halberd. This example is marked with the “GR” royal cypher on the left of the blade over “1841”. This cypher of King George would be incorrect for 1841, as the ruler would have been Queen Victoria, though the cypher and date may have been added at different times. The head of the halberd is otherwise of the standard sergeant’s pattern, and there is decorative gold cord fringe and green cloth near the base where it attaches to the shaft. It is 80 inches long overall with a 14 inch head.
CONDITION: 1) Very good, the iron showing mostly a bright grey patina with some scattered patches of minor pitting and evidence of light cleaning. The shaft shows a heavy warp from age and otherwise mostly minor handling marks overall. 2) Fine, the iron showing mostly grey-brown patina with some minor pitting scattered throughout and clear inscription. The shaft is very good with some minor handling marks scattered throughout.
Estimate: 1,500 - 2,250
LOT 342
Two Antique
European Style Pole
Arms - 1) European Style Partisan/Ox-Tongue Spear. Likely of
17th-18th century manufacture, this wide leaf shaped bladed spear shows characteristics of both partisans and “ox-tongue” spears of the period, both weapons also sharing similarities with spontoons. The blade is four inches wide at the widest point, typical of both weapons in the period; however, it lacks the pronounced lugs as seen on many partisans for use in parrying other bladed weapons. It measures 77 3/4 inches overall including the 15 1/4 inch head and iron butt cap. 2) European “Pilgrim” Style Half Pike/Spontoon. This spontoon, or “half pike”, is made much in the style of examples seen in 17th-18th century early colonial America. Many full sized pikes were brought to the Americas by the first European settlers and were soon after shortened to a 6-8 foot length that was more manageable in the rugged wilderness of the New World. This particular example measures 90 inches overall with a 5 1/2 inch leaf shaped blade supported on the shaft by opposing 8 1/2 inch iron tangs attached with rivets. The somewhat crude craftsmanship suggests it may be of frontier manufacture.
CONDITION: 1) Good, the iron parts showing mostly a smooth grey patina and some mild wear. The shaft is fair with a noticeable warp from age, some visible repairs, and some minor handling marks and insect holes.
2) Good, the iron shows mostly a smooth grey patina with some light pitting and one of the tangs separated at the middle rivet. The wood is fair showing a heavy warp due to age and otherwise mostly scattered
minor handling marks throughout.
Estimate: 1,200 - 1,800
LOT 343
Grouping of Three Antique European Style Daggers - 1) 16th century French style “left hand” parrying dagger, “cross/crown/P” on both ricassos, wire wrapped grip, 16 3/4 inches overall, 11 1/2 inch blade. 2) 16th century Italian style “left hand” parrying dagger, pierced ricasso and fuller, vine motif silver inlaid guard and pommel, side disk guard, wire wrapped grip, 17 inches overall, 12 1/2 inch blade. 3) Dagger with rapid taper blade with copper inlaid “X” on one side, U-shaped guard with bestial head tips, checkered horn grip, 12 3/4 inch overall, 8 7/8 inch blade.
CONDITION: 1) Fine, some light pitting and grey/brown patina overall, loose wire grip wrap. 2) Fair, antique silver and grey patina, tang broken leaving guard, grip, and pommel loose/detached. 3) Good, extensive pitting on blade, antique brass guard, very fine replacement grip, generally attractive aged patina.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,500
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