9th Sep, 2026 11:00
Fine Antique Arms and Armour from the Philippe Missillier Collection
12
A VERY RARE CASED INDIAN ALL-METAL MACE, 18TH/19TH CENTURY, SOUTH INDIA, POSSIBLY MYSORE OR TANJORE
the head of eight steel flanges each of dolphin-shaped outline, on a turned baluster copper alloy collar and surmounted by a turned copper alloy button finial, slender steel haft in two sections divided by a turned and moulded girdle, the upper of octagonal section, and the lower of circular section to the copper alloy hilt, the latter cast and chased in relief with a human mask on both sides between makara-head quillon terminals, disc-shaped pommel on a shaped octagonal mount, the former with petalled outer border pierced with circular holes and with lion-head finial in the round on a dome with petalled border en suite, and swelling grip of ovoidal section incised with a dotted chevron on both sides: in its contoured hardwood case with copper alloy hinges (securing pin missing), 64.0 cm overall (2)
Provenance
Philippe Missillier Collection, no. 85C
It is exceptionally unusual for any Indian object to retain its wooden case.
A similar flanged mace is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, but the hilt differs, with the Metropolitan example having a basket hilt. (inv. no. 36.25.1903; Stone 1961, p. 422, fig, 533.28; Elgood 2004, p. 188, no. 18.6). Here the unusual hilt form has quillons terminating in makara heads.
the head of eight steel flanges each of dolphin-shaped outline, on a turned baluster copper alloy collar and surmounted by a turned copper alloy button finial, slender steel haft in two sections divided by a turned and moulded girdle, the upper of octagonal section, and the lower of circular section to the copper alloy hilt, the latter cast and chased in relief with a human mask on both sides between makara-head quillon terminals, disc-shaped pommel on a shaped octagonal mount, the former with petalled outer border pierced with circular holes and with lion-head finial in the round on a dome with petalled border en suite, and swelling grip of ovoidal section incised with a dotted chevron on both sides: in its contoured hardwood case with copper alloy hinges (securing pin missing), 64.0 cm overall (2)
Provenance
Philippe Missillier Collection, no. 85C
It is exceptionally unusual for any Indian object to retain its wooden case.
A similar flanged mace is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, but the hilt differs, with the Metropolitan example having a basket hilt. (inv. no. 36.25.1903; Stone 1961, p. 422, fig, 533.28; Elgood 2004, p. 188, no. 18.6). Here the unusual hilt form has quillons terminating in makara heads.
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
