9th Sep, 2026 11:00
Fine Antique Arms and Armour from the Philippe Missillier Collection
29
◉ AN OTTOMAN SILVER-MOUNTED TRAVELLING CUTLERY SET OR TROUSSE, 19TH CENTURY, BALKAN OR TURKEY
comprising a knife and fork, the former with tapering single-edged blade (some old pitting) incised along the back on both sides with small ‘crow’s feet’ marks, some retaining the silver inlay, silver hilt nielloed with flower-heads on the basal mount and with running berries on the grip-strap, and rounded ‘eared’ ivory grips secured by three transverse rivets, the latter with two tines on a turned neck pierced with a diamond between two dots, and with grip en suite with the knife, in their leather-covered wooden scabbard with deep silver locket and chape embossed and chased along both sides with flowering foliage between borders of diaper pattern, the former with a band of simulated plaiting between borders of beadwork and linked trefoils, and foliated suspension loop with ring, the latter with bud-shaped terminal, 18.0 cm blade
Provenance
Philippe Missillier Collection, no. 169C
Exhibited
Splendour Des Armes Orientales, Acte-Expo: Galerie ART, Paris, 4 May -31 July 1988, pp. 43 and 165, no. 57
Literature
David Sulzberger, Islamic Military Heritage: Nine Centuries of Islamic Arms and Armour, Riyadh 1991, p. 31, no. 141
Both knife and fork have ‘eared’ handles in the manner of a yataghan.
A trousse in the Wallace Collection with two knives, both with ivory handles, has a silver scabbard with niello decoration and a Greek inscription with the date 1729 (inv. no. OA1968, Richardson and Turner 2026, p. 422). The repoussé silver fittings on the scabbard of this set date it later than the Wallace Collection trousse. A similar knife is in the same collection (inv. no. OA1975, ibid, p. 393).
The absence of a tughra mark on the silver scabbard suggests it was made outside the influence of the assayers in Istanbul (although their control was not absolute).
Ivory registration: 49APM5MK
Sold for £1,500
comprising a knife and fork, the former with tapering single-edged blade (some old pitting) incised along the back on both sides with small ‘crow’s feet’ marks, some retaining the silver inlay, silver hilt nielloed with flower-heads on the basal mount and with running berries on the grip-strap, and rounded ‘eared’ ivory grips secured by three transverse rivets, the latter with two tines on a turned neck pierced with a diamond between two dots, and with grip en suite with the knife, in their leather-covered wooden scabbard with deep silver locket and chape embossed and chased along both sides with flowering foliage between borders of diaper pattern, the former with a band of simulated plaiting between borders of beadwork and linked trefoils, and foliated suspension loop with ring, the latter with bud-shaped terminal, 18.0 cm blade
Provenance
Philippe Missillier Collection, no. 169C
Exhibited
Splendour Des Armes Orientales, Acte-Expo: Galerie ART, Paris, 4 May -31 July 1988, pp. 43 and 165, no. 57
Literature
David Sulzberger, Islamic Military Heritage: Nine Centuries of Islamic Arms and Armour, Riyadh 1991, p. 31, no. 141
Both knife and fork have ‘eared’ handles in the manner of a yataghan.
A trousse in the Wallace Collection with two knives, both with ivory handles, has a silver scabbard with niello decoration and a Greek inscription with the date 1729 (inv. no. OA1968, Richardson and Turner 2026, p. 422). The repoussé silver fittings on the scabbard of this set date it later than the Wallace Collection trousse. A similar knife is in the same collection (inv. no. OA1975, ibid, p. 393).
The absence of a tughra mark on the silver scabbard suggests it was made outside the influence of the assayers in Istanbul (although their control was not absolute).
Ivory registration: 49APM5MK
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
