9th Sep, 2026 11:00
Fine Antique Arms and Armour from the Philippe Missillier Collection
15
A RARE OTTOMAN ESTOC, 17TH/18TH CENTURY
of russet iron and of tapering stiff diamond section over half its length to the point, central block-shaped feature formed with hollowed holes above cusping, the tapering upper half of octagonal and circular section incised with waved lines and scaling, the grip between a pair of swelling cross-hatched mouldings each with roped borders, and large compressed faceted globular pommel surmounted by a pierced button, 123.7 cm long
Provenance
Philippe Missillier Collection, no. 35C
The Ottoman meç (estoc) is characterised by a long straight thrusting blade of square or lozenge shaped cross-section (described in Stone 1961, pp. 222-3 ‘Estoc’).
On this example, the blade is divided into sections. A related long-bladed weapon is in the Wallace Collection, described as a stiletto and dated to 1167/1753-54 with Montenegro as the suggested place of manufacture. (Wallace Collection, London, inv. no. OA 1909, Richardson and Turner 2026, p. 407). Another example of this rare form from the Missillier Collection was sold at Sotheby’s on 29 April 2025, lot 104.
Sold for £1,600
of russet iron and of tapering stiff diamond section over half its length to the point, central block-shaped feature formed with hollowed holes above cusping, the tapering upper half of octagonal and circular section incised with waved lines and scaling, the grip between a pair of swelling cross-hatched mouldings each with roped borders, and large compressed faceted globular pommel surmounted by a pierced button, 123.7 cm long
Provenance
Philippe Missillier Collection, no. 35C
The Ottoman meç (estoc) is characterised by a long straight thrusting blade of square or lozenge shaped cross-section (described in Stone 1961, pp. 222-3 ‘Estoc’).
On this example, the blade is divided into sections. A related long-bladed weapon is in the Wallace Collection, described as a stiletto and dated to 1167/1753-54 with Montenegro as the suggested place of manufacture. (Wallace Collection, London, inv. no. OA 1909, Richardson and Turner 2026, p. 407). Another example of this rare form from the Missillier Collection was sold at Sotheby’s on 29 April 2025, lot 104.
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
