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LOT 312
Desirable, Ornately Engraved, and Gilt Late-17th/Early-18th Century German Executioner’s Sword - This morbid piece of art is a German executioner’s sword from the late-17th to early-18th century, near the end of the use of swords for beheading. These swords were specially adapted
for their purpose and often ornately decorated in honor of their sinister task. Executioner’s held an interesting place in European society throughout the medieval ages and through the renaissance, in part being societal pariahs, while also being highly respected for their grim work. The ornate embellishment of this particular sword certainly implies that respect. It measures 42 3/4 inches overall with blunted/squared at the tip, typical of this type of sword that was only intended to ever make decisive cuts. The blade is very wide, approximately 2 1/2 inches wide at the ricassos and tapers slightly to approximately 2 1/4 inches at the tip, which is also typical for these swords. It weighs approximately 3.12 lbs. (1.725 kg). The blade is extensively engraved on the lower third on both sides, much of which shows traces of having gilt accents/fills. At the forte on both side is a flourish of floral scroll and motifs centered around Germanic knotwork over “I.N.R.I.”, which is gilt filled. These markings invoking deep Christian connotations, being the inscription posted above Jesus’ head upon his crucifixion, standing for “Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum” or “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”. Below that on each side are bordered rectangular panels, each featuring more Germanic knotwork and floral motifs on a striated background, and each with a different inscription. One of the inscriptions reads, “Die Herren Steüren dem únheil, Ich Exequire Ihr End-urtheil.” which is loosely translated to “Gentlemen control the evil, I execute your final judgment.” The inscription on the other side is, “Wan dem jünder abgejprochen wird das leben, So Wird er mir únter meine hánd gegeben.” which loosely translates to “When life is denied to the sinner, he will be given under my hand.” These eerie inscriptions are certainly fitting with the grim task undertaken by this sword and its owner. The gilt brass guard is of a simple cross type with spiral roped quillions ending in acorn-like finials. The grip is tightly wrapped with brass wire with gold colored decorative tassels at the top and bottom. The pommel is of a fluted scent stopper type, also of gilt brass, and has a small spherical finial at the base. CONDITION: Fine, the blade mostly a bright grey patina with some scattered darker patches and small patches of light pitting. There are a few scattered small nicks in each of the edges. The engraving on the fine blade remains crisp with strong traces of the original gilt finish. The hilt retains 40% of the original gilt finish with the balance showing an attractively aged brass, mostly tight wire wrap on the grip, and much of the decorative tassels remaining. An incredible sword that certainly stirs one’s morbid curiosity! Provenance: The Collection of Joe M. Wanenmacher Jr. Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
LOT 313
Attractive Etched Victorian Era Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders 1828 Highland Pattern Basket Hilted Officer’s Broadsword with Scabbard - Manufactured c. 1880s, this sword is etched for the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, which were formed in 1881. It was manufactured by S.J. Pillin of London, identified by the proved slug on the right ricasso and retailed by Blackmore & Co. of London, whose mark is on the left ricasso. The double edged blade (unsharpened) measures 32 7/8 inches long and 1 3/16 inches wide at the ricassos, with two deep fullers running roughly half the length. The blade is extensively etched on both sides with floral patterns, royal cyphers of Princess Louise, the motto of the regiment split between both sides, and a tiger on the left and a boars head on the right. The royal coat of arms is on the left above the retailer’s mark. The guard is of the typical “advanced” 1828 Highland Pattern pierced with mostly hearts and the pommel is a fluted dome with a finial pierced for a tassel. The grip is wire wrapped shagreen. Includes a nickeled iron scabbard. CONDITION: Very good, showing mostly a bright grey patina on the blade with most of the etching crisp. The hilt shows a mix of bright lightly cleaned grey patina and some light surface oxidation/ brown patina in sheltered areas. The grip shows some light wear and slightly loose wire wrap. The scabbard is fine with some scattered mild flaking of the nickel plating. Provenance: The Collection of Joe M. Wanenmacher Jr. Estimate: 2,500 - 3,500
LOT 314 Mid-18th Century Samuel Harvey North British Basket Hilted Cavalry Backsword - Manufactured in the mid-1700s by Samuel Harvey of Birmingham, this sword follows the typical pattern of basket hilted swords that were issued to some British heavy cavalry regiments of the period. The blade measures 34 1/8 inches with one full edge and approximately half of the spine forming a false edge. There is one wide fuller running nearly the full length and a shorter narrower fuller just under the spine. There are “crown/GR” cyphers engraved on each ricasso, with “HARVEY” engraved below the one on the left. It measures approximately 41 1/2 inches overall. It has a somewhat typical “Glasgow hilt”, the basket pierced with triangles and small circles, and a fluted bun style pommel with a visibly peened tang. The grip is a wire wrapped shagreen type material. CONDITION: Fine, the iron showing primarily a grey patina with some scattered mild pitting and surface oxidation, some traces of a Japanned finish on the hilt, and mostly legible markings. Provenance: The Collection of Joe M. Wanenmacher Jr.
a 32 1/2 inch blade that is
LOT 316
Decorative German Two-Hand Processional Sword with Display Plinth - This large decorative sword in German 16th century style
Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
226
LOT 315 Fine 16th Century Saxon “Left Hand” Parrying Dagger - During the late 15th and into the 16th century a specialized dagger began to appear, like this example, intended to be wielded in the off hand (usually left) alongside a rapier or estoc. The daggers main purpose was for parrying the strikes of the opponent so that the sword wielding hand was free to make counter attacks, hence one of the common names for these types of daggers, the “left hand” dagger. This fine example was likely made in Saxony in the early to mid- 16th century. It measures 17 inches overall with a 10 7/8 inch triangular blade that has a flattened diamond cross-section and long (approximately 2 inch) ricassos. The simple iron guard is made up of two large curved quillions ending in bulbous finials that are bent slightly outward, along with a side ring that rests above the knuckles when held in the left had. There may be some faint markings on the upper edge of the thumb side of the guard which are now illegible, but appear to have been five characters. The grip is wrapped with iron wire and the pommel is of a scent stopper or barrel shape with a similarly shaped finial on the base. CONDITION: Good, showing mostly a grey patina overall with some scattered mild pitting and the blade retaining a nicely defined shape. The wire wrap of the grip has mostly oxidized together and remains tight. Provenance: The Collection of Joe M. Wanenmacher Jr. Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250
features a broad flat blade which widens towards the tip, is stuck on one face of the blade with a crescent moon mark, has the characteristic black leather covered ricasso with two pointed downturned side lugs, the leather covering with impressed cross mark, elaborate iron guard with long quillions with scrolled tips, long spirally fluted grip covered with black leather with domed iron pins, and long shaped pommel. The sword comes with a custom wood wall mountable display plinth shaped to mimic the outline of the sword.
CONDITION: Fine. The blade and guard have some age discoloration and surface corrosion marking. Some age wear to the leather ricasso covering and to the grip covering. Display plinth is in excellent condition and of recent manufacture. Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000