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LOT 1325
Extraordinary Relief Chiseled Late 16th/Early 17th Century German Swept Hilt
Broadsword/Sword of War by Peter Munsten the Elder of Solingen - Made by Peter
Munsten the Elder (1552-1628) in Solingen, Germany, which at the time was arguably the
blade manufacturing capital of the world, producing many of the most talented blade
smiths as well as some of the most sought after blades. Munsten was an active sword smith
in Solingen from at least 1591 until his death in 1628. Some sources indicate that Munsten emigrated to London in the early 17th century to work at the Hounslow manufactory, possibly only working their for a brief period due to the upheaval of the 30 Years’ War before returning to Solingen, accounting for a small number of Munsten blades marked London. His son, Peter Munsten the Younger (1580-1629), also became a respected swordsmith, being noted as using the “Moor’s
head” mark on his blades as well as spelling his name as “PETHER”. This example is an
incredibly crafted and ornately embellished example of a late 16th/early 17th century
“sword of war”, having a detailed, deeply relief chiseled swept hilt along with a broad,
sturdy blade. Swords such as this example remained popular through the 30 Years’ War
due to their durability, and an ornate example such as this in easy to imagine belonging to a wealthy military man of some
standing. The writer believes this the blade of this example was forged and finished in the late 16th century, while the hilt may be an early 17th century addition, possibly
by Peter Munsten the Elder himself. It measures approximately 42 1/8 inches overall with a 34 1/2 inch blade that measures approximately 2 inches wide at the forte. There are
two deep fullers on each side starting at the quillion block and extending 10 1/2 inches. Within the fullers on each side is marked “PETER [Passau/Solingen wolf ] MVNSTEN” and
“MEFECIT [Passau/Solingen wolf ] SOLINGEN”. The Passau/Solingen wolf markings are of the style attributed to the late 16th century. At the termination of the fullers on both sides are
three deeply stamp “wildmen”, a mark strongly associated with the elder Munsten. The hilt itself is masterfully relief chiseled showing floral motifs as well as various scenes of knights/
men-at-arms on the guard, quillion block, and pommel, a reichsadler and classical bust on the pommel, and lion’s busts on the knuckle guard. The guard itself is in the iconic “swept
hilt” style with large side ring and loop-guard, large dual finger rings, treble counterguard, swept rear quillion flowing into the knuckle guard, and an egg-shaped pommel. The grip is wrapped with iron wire with nicely executed Turk’s head knots at the top and bottom. Examples of other blades by Peter Munsten the Elder can be found in the Art Institute of Chicago (Reference Number 1982.3354), the Philadelphia Museum of Art (Accession Number 1977- 167-576), and the Swedish Statens Historiska Museer (Item Number 5073_LRK).
CONDITION: Fine overall, the blade showing primarily a bright grey patina with some scattered patches of mild pitting, concentrated towards the point, and almost all of the markings remaining crisp. The guard shows an attractive grey patina, with one arm of the counterguard absent, and the chisel work remaining incredibly crisp. The grip is fine retaining almost all of the wire wrap which is slightly loose. This piece of 16th/17th century arms art created by Solingen master blade smith Peter Munsten would be a fantastic addition to
any public or private collection!
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
256
LOT 1326
Attractive Engraved 1662 Dated and Johann Zeller Signed Wheellock Target Rifle - NSN, 62 cal., 28 1/4 inch octagon bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. The Zeller/Zellner family of Austria are known makers of wheel locks in the 17th and 18th centuries and are represented in royal and museum collections. All wheel locks are comparably rare firearms. The wheel lock mechanism was too complex for widespread use and was mainly used on firearms owned by the elite. The barrel has fixed sights and is marked “*JOHANN*ZELLER*16*62*” on the top flat and a band of engraving at the breech. The lock features broad scroll engraving inhabited by a lion and fish heads and is tripped by double set triggers enclosed by an iron finger groove trigger guard with some scroll engraving. The right side of the buttstock has a compartment for the included spanner. The lid of this compartment is a combination of wood and horn. The full length stock has horn and pearl inlays, horn fittings, and scroll carving on the front of the cheek piece. The rifle has a wooden ramrod. CONDITION: Very good. The rifle has a bright metal with the balance mottled gray patina with some fine pin point pitting. The stock is very good and has several repairs and general minor marks and scratches. The ramrod pipes are missing some material. Most of the inlays remain. The engraving is crisp. Mechanically untested. Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500