December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2024
The sword is marked "SHIRBURN CASTLE" in white letters on the front of the left side of clamshell guard as well at "III". Blade marked in white towards top "B-117-165", the collection mark of Erik Goldstein. This British dragoon broadsword or saber features a tapered, straight, convex-faced double edged blade with short fullers in centers at top on both sides. Fuller engraved with "I N I N" on one side with a kris maker's mark and "I N I V I" on the other side with same maker's mark below. Brass double clamshell guard with forward turned quillon. two scroll-shaped bars support the knucklebow. Large ball-shaped pommel with integral capstan. Wood grip wrapped with twisted brass wire, Turk's head ferrules at both ends. The sword was one of 20 acquired by Joseph Gage for a troop of dragoons he raised during the Scottish Uprising of 1715--all part of 20 stands of arms purchased for said troop. It bears an issue or rack mark of 3 upon it, shows that it was originally part of the same stand as the bayoneted carbine and pistol by London gunmaker Henry Delany that follow in consecutive lots after this sword. The arms were photographed together in the castle armory early in the 20th century. Much of the contents of the castle were sold between 2004 and 2006, including these swords, carbines and pistols. CONDITION: Blade very good and retaining a light grey patina, tight to hilt. Brass retains a pleasing dark mustard patina. Some losses to grip wrap. A rare opportunity to acquire a complete stand of dragoon arms from Gage troop of dragoons, all formerly part of the Shirburn Castle armoury.