Page 177 - Auction84-Book2
P. 177

  LOT 1367 Desirable High/Late Middle Ages Style Arming Sword - This sword was likely made sometime in the 12th-14th centuries. Showing characteristics of an evolutionary period between the earlier spatha or Carolingian style swords, as well as features of later swords, it would most likely be categorized as an Oakeshott Type X. These weapons were are very closely associated with the rise of chivalry and knighthood in Western Europe and are generally cruciform one-handed weapons before further evolving to hand-and-a-half and two handed weapons with more complex guards during the later Middle Ages. This example has a fairly narrow blade, 1 1/8 inches just above the guard, and shows a fairly rapid taper to a fairly fine point. The blade has a lenticular cross section with possibly the remnants of a shallow central fuller running a quarter of the length. The guard is made up of simple straight quillions, typical of the period. The tang is wide and flat with the original grip absent and is fitted with a large “wheel” pommel with a recessed center and beveled rectangular tang button. The overall length is 40 1/2 inches, 34 1/8 inch blade, and 4 inch grip area. A previous record of sale notes that this sword was previously part of the collections of the Museum of German History in Berlin. CONDITION: Very good as in excavated condition, showing mostly a grey patina showing some notches and edge loss on the blade, moderate pitting/corrosion overall, and generally solid form for a piece of its age. An excellent addition to any antique arms collection! Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
sometimes studded or spiked, attached via various lengths of chain or leather. 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. This example consists of a 5 foot 6 1/2 inch hardwood shaft which is studded with brass tacks along most of the length, with 31 1/4 inch iron reinforcing tangs towards the top. A hardwood ball with three iron spikes is attached to the shaft with 17 inches of iron chain. Half of the ball is now absent, possibly being broken during a significant strike. CONDITION: Good, the iron showing mostly a dark brown patina and a deep antique patina on the brass. A few of the brass tacks are absent. The wood is also good showing some insect holes and chips near the butt and some hairline age cracks scattered throughout. Estimate: 1,200 - 1,800 LOT 1369 Scarce and Interesting European “Man-Catcher” Spiked Collar Polearm Attachment - These obscure and unusual arms began to see a rise in use during the medieval period and continued in used in Europe until at least the late 18th century. At their most basic level these “man-catchers” were a device that could be attached to a pole, giving them further reach, that was used to ensnare someone. This example no longer includes the pole, but its purpose remains clear. The two longer forked ends are spring loaded, allowing for the weapon to be thrust at someone’s neck, which would slide securely into the collar that is ringed with seven inward facing spikes riveted in place. Spiked “man-catchers” such as this examples were often intended for use against armoured opponents, as the spikes could do significant damage to anyone lacking armour. These were often used during the medieval period to capture enemy nobles and pull them off their horses to later be ransomed, as they were much more valuable alive than dead. Another common use was for the control or recapture of unruly or escaped prisoners, though examples used for such would more commonly have a spike-less collar. Similar polearms were used all over the world, some even into the present day for prisoner and riot control. The overall length is approximately 28 3/4 inches with the diameter of the collar being approximately 7 1/4 inches. It is made entirely of iron with two spring loaded trap doors at the thrusting end. CONDITION: Fine, showing traces of an old black finish with the balance mostly an attractive antique brown patina overall. One of the springs is broken in half but still in place and functioning. A very unusual conversation piece!
derived from a farm implement called a “bill”, which was used for cutting tree limbs. Billhooks sought to combine the attributes of various weapons, the thrust of a spear, pull of a hook, and swing of a halberd, giving levy infantry a readily available weapon to deal with mounted armored cavalry. This piece appears to be a variant of a billhook with a hardwood shaft and a head with a long central spear blade and hooks on either side. The overall length is 77 inches with the head measuring 16 1/2 inches. 2) 16th-17th Century European Style Pike. Pikes such as this example came to dominate European battlefields during the 16th-17th centuries, with massed formations of pikeman supported by matchlock armed infantry and cavalry being the order of the day. The shaft of this example was shortened from its original 14-20 feet long, likely for display purposes. The head has a plain leaf shaped blade with central ridge supported by long tangs riveted to the shaft. The overall length is 88 1/4 inches with a 7 1/4 inch head. CONDITION: 1) Fine, the head showing generally a smooth grey patina, the shaft with some chipping in the butt, some hairline cracks, and minor handling marks scattered throughout. 2) Fine, the iron showing a mottled grey/ brown patina and the shafts showing some cracking and chipping near the head, as well as some chipping near the base which shows evidence of being cut. Estimate: 1,000 - 1,500
LOT 1371
Two Antique European Weapons - 1) 16th Century German Infantry Style Spear. This spear is styled in a pattern similar to many German infantry spears of the late 16th
and early 17th centuries when formations of pike armed infantry were dominating Europe’s battlefields. This particular example may have had its shaft shortened for display purposes or for better use in rugged terrain. Many full size European pikes were shortened for use in the Americas during the early periods of colonization in the 17th century. The head is generally leaf shaped at the wide base that has two downward hooked lugs and trails upward to a diamond shaped needle-like point, perfect for puncturing the plate armour of the period. It measures 90 5/8 inches overall and the head is 17 1/2 inches. 2) Steel 15th Century Style “Morning Star” Flail. This is an example of what is often called a “military flail”. These weapons usually consisted of a short shaft with a heavy ball, sometimes studded or spiked, attached via various lengths of chain or leather. 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 widely used. This example consists of a 16 inch steel shaft with grip swells. Steel ball with three seven spikes is attached to the shaft with a 2 1/4 inch, two-link chain.
CONDITION: 1) Very good, the head showing a mix of grey and brown patinas and a slight bend. The period shortened or modern replacement shaft is very good with a slightly worn black finish and minor handling marks scattered throughout. 2) Fine, showing mostly a grey patina overall with some scattered mild pitting and old filing marks on the shaft. An interesting example of a rarely seen weapon!
Estimate: 1,000 - 1,500
175
  LOT 1368 Long Handled, Studded, European Medieval Style Flail - This unique weapon is an interesting combination of two different weapons that are claimed to have been used during the medieval period. The first 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. The second weapon that shows influence in this piece is often called a “military flail”. These weapons usually consisted of a shorter shaft with a heavy ball,
  Estimate: 1,000 - 1,600
LOT 1370 Two European Style Polearms - 1) European Pattern Billhook Style Polearm. As with many infantry pole arms of the medieval period, the billhook was
    






















































































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