9th Sep, 2026 11:00
Fine Antique Arms and Armour from the Philippe Missillier Collection
50
AN EXTREMELY RARE EAST EUROPEAN HORSEMAN’S BROADSWORD, 17TH OR EARLY 18TH CENTURY
HUNGARIAN OR POLISH
with slightly tapering double-edged blade (minor edge nicks and some old patination) of flattened hexagonal section, the forte on one side inlaid in latten (some losses) with a cross potent in a circle, gilt-copper hilt comprising recurved knuckle-guard and down bent rear quillon of flattened diamond section and each widening at the ‘fish-tail’ terminal, slender langets of triangular section, the upper ones extending into the grip and with a thumb-ring en suite on the inner side, flat ovoidal pommel engraved with foliage, and grip formed in imitation of wire binding, in its wooden scabbard covered in plum velvet (plush worn and minor old damage) with deep locket, chape and suspension mount all engraved with scrolling foliage over both sides and inhabited respectively by an ostrich-like bird with a serpent in its beak, a parrot and a griffin, a fantastical cockerel and an eagle, a squirrel between a bird in flight and a leaping lion, a further bird and lion, and a unicorn, two fluted brackets for suspension rings (one missing), and retaining much of its gilding (some old wear), 86.5 cm blade
Provenance
Philippe Missillier Collection, no. 41C
This form of hilt is classified by Norman as type 5, dated from circa 1430 to the end of the 16th century. Its adoption on the present sword suggests revival in the earlier taste, reinforced by the broad blade and the grip which emulates those of earlier estocs.
Sold for £20,000
HUNGARIAN OR POLISH
with slightly tapering double-edged blade (minor edge nicks and some old patination) of flattened hexagonal section, the forte on one side inlaid in latten (some losses) with a cross potent in a circle, gilt-copper hilt comprising recurved knuckle-guard and down bent rear quillon of flattened diamond section and each widening at the ‘fish-tail’ terminal, slender langets of triangular section, the upper ones extending into the grip and with a thumb-ring en suite on the inner side, flat ovoidal pommel engraved with foliage, and grip formed in imitation of wire binding, in its wooden scabbard covered in plum velvet (plush worn and minor old damage) with deep locket, chape and suspension mount all engraved with scrolling foliage over both sides and inhabited respectively by an ostrich-like bird with a serpent in its beak, a parrot and a griffin, a fantastical cockerel and an eagle, a squirrel between a bird in flight and a leaping lion, a further bird and lion, and a unicorn, two fluted brackets for suspension rings (one missing), and retaining much of its gilding (some old wear), 86.5 cm blade
Provenance
Philippe Missillier Collection, no. 41C
This form of hilt is classified by Norman as type 5, dated from circa 1430 to the end of the 16th century. Its adoption on the present sword suggests revival in the earlier taste, reinforced by the broad blade and the grip which emulates those of earlier estocs.
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
