Ending 26th Apr, 2026 16:00
Olympia Timed: The Robert E. Brooker Jr. Collection of Rare Antique Military Arms, Part IV
2
‡ AN ENGLISH BASKET-HILTED BACKSWORD, LATE 17TH CENTURY
with tapering blade fullered along the back over most of its length on both sides, hilt of flattened bars (both rear ones replaced) framing two saltires and decorated with incised foliate decoration retaining traces of encrusted silver, globular pommel with flattened button, and grip bound with two thicknesses of twisted copper alloy wire between Turk’s heads (old rust patination), 84.0 cm blade
Provenance
Devine, November 2001
Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S-762
Literature
Robert E. Brooker, British Military Pistols and Associated Edged Weapons, 2016, p. 28, fig. 32
Sold for £800
with tapering blade fullered along the back over most of its length on both sides, hilt of flattened bars (both rear ones replaced) framing two saltires and decorated with incised foliate decoration retaining traces of encrusted silver, globular pommel with flattened button, and grip bound with two thicknesses of twisted copper alloy wire between Turk’s heads (old rust patination), 84.0 cm blade
Provenance
Devine, November 2001
Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S-762
Literature
Robert E. Brooker, British Military Pistols and Associated Edged Weapons, 2016, p. 28, fig. 32
Auction: Olympia Timed: The Robert E. Brooker Jr. Collection of Rare Antique Military Arms, Part IV, ending 26th Apr, 2026
The Robert E. Brooker Jr. Collection represents one of the most significant collections of its type assembled in the modern era. Spanning more than three centuries, it comprises a remarkable and highly coherent group of munition firearms, edged weapons and associated objects, distinguished by its breadth, quality and consistency of focus.
The present sale concentrates on edged weapons and firearms of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, a period shaped by near-continuous conflict, evolving from dynastic and cavalry-dominated warfare to mass, increasingly industrialised armies defined by discipline, standardisation and the growing power of the state. The evolution of weapon design during this period saw the emergence of distinct patterns and regulated models, driven by the changing requirements of the battlefield and, in turn, advances in manufacture.
This group offers collectors an exceptional opportunity to acquire a number of rare and representative pieces from this significant collection.
Viewing
PUBLIC EXHIBITION:
Sunday 19th April: 12pm to 4pm
Monday 20th April: 10am to 7pm
Tuesday 21st April: 10am to 5pm
Wednesday 22nd April: 10am to 5pm
AUCTION:
Closing from: 4pm 26th April, 2026
