9th Sep, 2026 11:00
Fine Antique Arms and Armour from the Philippe Missillier Collection
17
A FINE FRENCH SILVER-MOUNTED SABRE IN THE OTTOMAN BALKAN MANNER BY MANCEAUX A PARIS
MID-19TH CENTURY
with curved fullered blade finely etched overall with a fine damascus pattern, double-edged at the point and signed along the back at the forte, the hilt embossed and chased overall with elaborate flowering scrolling foliage against finely dotted grounds and comprising straight quillons each with bud-shaped terminal (one dented), and grip of circular section rising to an ‘eared’ pommel, the flat grip-strap with diamond-shaped studs against fine scrolls, in its wooden scabbard encased in silver embossed and chased en suite with the hilt and involving three martial trophies along both sides between simulated bands of plaiting and lines of pellets, the locket incised on one side with the date 1243 AH corresponding to 1827 AD, chape formed as the head of a marine monster, and two rings for suspension, 83.0 cm blade
Provenance
Philippe Missillier Collection, no. 122C
Exhibited
Splendeur Des Armes Orientales, Acte-Expo: Galerie ART, Paris, 4 May-31 July 1988, pp. 52-53 and 168, no. 75
The maker is Joseph-Francois Manceaux or his son Francois Jules who were awarded various patents relating to arms and militaria. From 1806 they had a shop in Paris and operated a depot for the factory at Klingenthal. Between 1838 and 1872 Francois Jules worked at the Royal arms manufactory in Tulle. Various presentation pieces by Manceaux exist including a cased pair of pistols presented by King Louis-Philippe to the British naval hero Lord Thomas Cochrane in 1843, and another cased pair of flintlock pistols presented by Prince Napoleon to Mohammed bei Heidie on 16 May 1852 and exhibited in Splendeur Des Armes Orientales in 1988 (no. 73).
MID-19TH CENTURY
with curved fullered blade finely etched overall with a fine damascus pattern, double-edged at the point and signed along the back at the forte, the hilt embossed and chased overall with elaborate flowering scrolling foliage against finely dotted grounds and comprising straight quillons each with bud-shaped terminal (one dented), and grip of circular section rising to an ‘eared’ pommel, the flat grip-strap with diamond-shaped studs against fine scrolls, in its wooden scabbard encased in silver embossed and chased en suite with the hilt and involving three martial trophies along both sides between simulated bands of plaiting and lines of pellets, the locket incised on one side with the date 1243 AH corresponding to 1827 AD, chape formed as the head of a marine monster, and two rings for suspension, 83.0 cm blade
Provenance
Philippe Missillier Collection, no. 122C
Exhibited
Splendeur Des Armes Orientales, Acte-Expo: Galerie ART, Paris, 4 May-31 July 1988, pp. 52-53 and 168, no. 75
The maker is Joseph-Francois Manceaux or his son Francois Jules who were awarded various patents relating to arms and militaria. From 1806 they had a shop in Paris and operated a depot for the factory at Klingenthal. Between 1838 and 1872 Francois Jules worked at the Royal arms manufactory in Tulle. Various presentation pieces by Manceaux exist including a cased pair of pistols presented by King Louis-Philippe to the British naval hero Lord Thomas Cochrane in 1843, and another cased pair of flintlock pistols presented by Prince Napoleon to Mohammed bei Heidie on 16 May 1852 and exhibited in Splendeur Des Armes Orientales in 1988 (no. 73).
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
