9th Sep, 2026 11:00
Fine Antique Arms and Armour from the Philippe Missillier Collection
11
A FINE INDIAN LANCE HEAD, 19TH CENTURY
of steel, with ovoidal pointed head on flattened diamond section damascened in two-colour gold with flowering foliage at the base on each side and along both shoulders, integral socket of tapering circular section damascened in two-colour gold around the neck and base with bands of repeated foliage, wriggle work and lines (some old rust staining), 20.5 cm
Provenance
Philippe Missillier Collection, no. 91C
The koftgari gold decoration of this lance head is Indian. However, the form differs from others in published royal treasuries: for spears in the Jaipur Royal Collection, see Elgood 2015, pp. 156-7, nos 107-109. The shape here may be strongly influenced by European forms or possibly be of European manufacture with Indian decoration.
of steel, with ovoidal pointed head on flattened diamond section damascened in two-colour gold with flowering foliage at the base on each side and along both shoulders, integral socket of tapering circular section damascened in two-colour gold around the neck and base with bands of repeated foliage, wriggle work and lines (some old rust staining), 20.5 cm
Provenance
Philippe Missillier Collection, no. 91C
The koftgari gold decoration of this lance head is Indian. However, the form differs from others in published royal treasuries: for spears in the Jaipur Royal Collection, see Elgood 2015, pp. 156-7, nos 107-109. The shape here may be strongly influenced by European forms or possibly be of European manufacture with Indian decoration.
Auction: Fine Antique Arms and Armour from the Philippe Missillier Collection, 9th Sep, 2026
Over a period of half a century, Philippe became one of the leading connoisseurs and independent scholars in the field of antique arms and armour from Europe, India and the Islamic world. Consulted by the world’s leading museums and collectors, Philippe possessed a remarkable eye for quality and rarity which is reflected in the objects offered in this sale.
His company was enjoyed at countless exhibitions and sales around the world, where he would greet colleagues with a hummed fanfare, invariably followed by a profound observation imbued with wit and scholarship in equal measure. Philippe belonged to a generation that truly mastered its subject, visiting every museum and attending as many auctions as he could while simultaneously assembling an important library.
A number of the pieces offered here were published in ‘Splendeur des Armes Orientales’, a landmark exhibition catalogue co-authored in collaboration with Howard Ricketts in 1988, and remains a standard reference today. Philippe wore his immense knowledge lightly, balancing academic rigour with good humour, listening generously to the opinions of colleagues, and invariably raising a smile.
Viewing
PUBLIC EXHIBITION:
Sunday 6th September June: 12pm - 4pm
Monday 7th September: 10am - 7pm (Drinks 6-7pm)
Tuesday 8th September: 10am - 5pm
CONTACT:
For further information please contact us | armsandarmour@olympiaauctions.com | + 44 (0) 20 7806 5541
