Ending 26th Apr, 2026 16:00
Olympia Timed: The Robert E. Brooker Jr. Collection of Rare Antique Military Arms, Part IV
5
‡ AN ENGLISH BASKET-HILTED CAVALRY BACKSWORD, MID-18TH CENTURY
with fullered blade double-edged over half its length to the point, the rectangular ricasso etched with indistinct crowned cypher on one side, and with crowned ‘E S’ or ‘8’ on the other, guard of rounded bars framing panels pierced with triangles and circles, one side left open for reins, fire-guards and scrolled wrist-guard, bun-shaped pommel with tang button, and spirally-grooved wooden grip (some old wear and pitting), 97.5 cm blade
Provenance
Herbert Ratner, 2003
Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S-846
Sold for £1,000
with fullered blade double-edged over half its length to the point, the rectangular ricasso etched with indistinct crowned cypher on one side, and with crowned ‘E S’ or ‘8’ on the other, guard of rounded bars framing panels pierced with triangles and circles, one side left open for reins, fire-guards and scrolled wrist-guard, bun-shaped pommel with tang button, and spirally-grooved wooden grip (some old wear and pitting), 97.5 cm blade
Provenance
Herbert Ratner, 2003
Robert Brooker Collection inv. no. S-846
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
