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LOT 1283
Silver Mounted Spanish Miquelet Escopeta with Carved “Madrid Stock” - NSN, 16 gauge, 32 3/4 inch part octagon
bbl., brown/bright/silver finish, walnut stock. The two-stage, smoothbore barrel has a silver “spider” base front sight, and
carved “wings” flaking the barrel tang function as a the rear sight. The barrel has turned girdles and
chiseling at transition point and a sunken “crown/MA/CA/MS” marker’s mark along with a sunken gilt
crown marking and brass inlaid designs at the breech. The lock is signed “G. MASPER” (c. 1750 per “Der
Neue Stockel”) behind the cock and has scroll engraving. The carved wood trigger guard has an “RM”
monogram inscribed on a silver oval inlay. The barrel band, heel extension, and reinforcement plates are
silver. The heel plate is iron. The forend cap is horn and has decorative carving that continues along the
edges of the forend. The figured stock also features a panel of checkering on the forend, scroll carving,
molding, and a distinctive “Madrid stock” fluted butt.
CONDITION: Good. This Spanish gun appears to have been used in combat given the deep strike line
on the barrel suggesting it was used to block a blow from a sword or other edged weapon and has period silver
reinforcement to the wrist and breech section, possible to repair damage from when the gun was clubbed. The barrel retains 20% of the original
brown finish, and the balance of the iron has gray and brown patina. The maker’s mark on the barrel is missing its gilt lining. The silver throughout displays
attractive well-aged patina. The stock has very attractive figure, crisp carving, mild scratches and dings, and some cracks and repairs. Mechanically fine. This is
certainly a very interesting Spanish piece that leaves you wondering when and where it was used.
Estimate: 1,500 - 2,250
LOT 1285
Antique Silver Mounted Red Turtle Shell Powder Flask - Flasks made from turtle and tortoise
shells were made in both Europe and Asia for centuries, some dating to the 16th and 17th centuries
in European museum collections. There are no identifying markings on this example. The main body
of the powder flask is tinted red and measures approximately 9 by 6 1/2 inches. The nuchal and
caudal openings are sealed by silver plates fastened with screws. The former has a spout with sprung
cover. The shell appears to be from a pond turtle species and is similar to the shells of the common
painted turtles and red-eared sliders of North America.
CONDITION: Very good with attractive aged patina on the silver, some absent screws, a minor crack in
the front silver plate, bright red tint, a few minor scrapes and dings, and functional spout.
Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 1,000 - 1,500
LOT 1284
Attractive 17th/18th Century Composite Quill Tipped
Saber with Relief Chiseled “Mortuary” Hilt - The hilt of this
saber appears to have been made c. mid to late 17th century
and shows the typical features of what is termed by collectors
as a “mortuary hilt”, with this example showing expert relief
carving and piercing all over the guard. The carving and
piercing features extensive floral scrollwork and multiple men’s
faces (possibly Turks). The guard has three knuckle guards
secured to the scent stopper pommel with screws (typical of a
mortuary hilt). A similarly chiseled mortuary hilt is seen on item
1916.696 in The Cleveland Museum of Art. The blade appears
to have been manufactured c. mid-18th century and bears the same anchor/St.
Clement’s cross type maker’s mark as object IX.233 in The Royal Armouries, which
is attributed as from a Solingen maker in the mid-18th century, on both sides. The
blade has a dramatic curve ending in a quill-tip point. The grip appears to have been
re-wrapped with shagreen when the blade was fitted and is secured with two brass
wire Turk’s head knots. It measures approximately 36 3/4 inches overall.
CONDITION: Very good, the blade is mostly bright with some scattered light
pitting and darker grey speckling, as well as a few minor nicks in the edge.
The hilt has traces of black Japanned finish and otherwise dark brown patina, some
minor dents, and the outside knuckle guard separated from its screw and bent.
The grip shows moderate wear. A unique representative example of the desirable
“mortuary hilt”!
Estimate: 2,500 - 3,750