Swords, Bayonets & Pistols

In this month’s Works of Art, Furniture, Medals & Militaria auction (12 August), we at McTear’s will be offering an unrivalled selection of weaponry spanning the centuries. From dirks to swords, and pistols to rifles, this comprehensive listing will be sure to garner attention from collectors and historians alike.

Indeed, our earliest examples come in the form of archaeological artefacts, including a Bronze Age dagger dating from 1200 – 600 BC (lot 1381), two Luristan Bronze Age arrowheads from 1100 – 600 BC (lot 1386), and a Viking axe head from 793 – 1066 AD. Presented with certificates of authenticity, and with modest estimates ranging from £70-200, these three items appear the perfect means for budding enthusiasts looking to begin their own collection of antiquities.

If contemporary military history is more your thing, a total of eleven bayonets will be coming under the hammer. This rich and varied selection spans a number of wars and countries, from the American Revolution (lot 1440), to the French Third Republic (lot 1437), and of course WWI and WWII (lot 1435 and 1433). Perhaps one of the more unusual pieces however, is the seemingly gruesome Swiss pioneer bayonet (lot 1436). With its terrifying saw-back blade one would be forgiven for thinking this was intended for grisly close combat. In reality, such blades were intended for quotidian purposes such as sawing wood, though this doesn’t stop them from being prized amongst collectors.

When it comes to pistols, again a diverse offering will be featured, and with estimates ranging from £30-800 there is something to suit collectors of every level. One that will have far reaching appeal is the rare six-shot ‘Pepperbox’ revolver (lot 1319). Named due to its resemblance to the household pepper shaker, such firearms were popular in North America from the 1830s up until the American Civil War, when the more common type of revolver took its place.

So, whether you are a novice looking to begin your collection, or a seasoned veteran looking for that rare acquisition, be sure to join us for what promises to be a very special sale.

Click here to view the full auction catalogue. >>

James Bruce

The next Works of Art, Medals, Militaria & Furniture Auction takes place on 12 August and entries are invited. Advice on selling is free and without obligation. To discuss consigning to a McTear's auction, make an appointment to visit our Glasgow Galleries or contact a specialist by clicking this link and completing the short form.