July 12-14, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/12/2022
33 - 1/2" blade with 2 fullers that run nearly the full length of the blade. Right side of the blade marked "(Star) SANAIS (Star) / (Star) ISINEE (Star)", while left side is marked "(Star) AFNAR (Star) / (Star) RANRA", with some letters reversed, and so-called "twig" marks. Flat backed blade becomes double edged for approximately the last 1/4 of the length, with spine a false edge. Blued basket hilt in the Stirling thin rounded bar fashion, with designs after the so-called mortuary swords, with 3 vignettes of a human head and 2 panels, chiseled in low relief, depicting a green man figure. Vestigial quillon curls very slightly towards spine of blade. Grip with interlacing braided and straight silver wire, with terminals decorated with sheet silver florals. Ovoid pommel with 8 pointed floral. The level of decoration indicates that the sword was made for someone of some stature, such as a senior wealthy cavalry officer. PROVENANCE: Peter Finer, 1995 Catalogue, Item 187; Earlshall Castle, Scotland. CONDITION: Overall very good. Blade has been cleaned in the European style with some scattered darkness, with some white infill used to accentuate legends. Grip rewrapped and slightly loose but visually attractive. Basket hilt very good, a smooth chocolate patina but with clear details. Sword is tight with exception to grip wire. A lovely example. EMW