9th Sep, 2026 11:00
Fine Antique Arms and Armour from the Philippe Missillier Collection
9
A SOUTH INDIAN KATAR, 17TH CENTURY, PROBABLY TANJORE OR GOLCONDA
with tapering double-edged blade (some old light pitting) adapted from a European sword-blade and with central fuller along most of its length on both sides, one side with traces of marks including four small dots each in a square, and on the other with two star marks and letter ‘A’ and ‘E’, iron hilt retaining some of the original silvering and comprising arched plate extending over each side of the forte and chiselled with flower-heads and a central cyprus against a recessed ground of pierced trelliswork, tapering side-bars en suite, bound reeded grips each with bud-shaped central swelling, and chequered swivelling bead on either side between, 38.0 cm blade
Provenance
Philippe Missillier Collection, no. 87C
Exhibited
Splendour Des Armes Orientales, Acte-Expo: Galerie ART, Paris, 4 May-31 July 1988, pp. 80 and 179, no. 129
Literature
P. Holstein, Contribution A L’Etude Des Armes Orientales Inde et Archipel Mailais, Tome Second, 1930, pl. XVI, no. 69
European blades, often from Germany or Italy, were fitted to Indian weapons from the sixteenth century onwards in both north and south India as they were not as brittle as Indian steel. An early 20th century photograph of south Indian katars in the Oldman collection shows many with European blades (Elgood 2004, p. 145).
For another example, almost certainly from the same workshop, see Bonhams Knightsbridge, Eastern Arms & Armour From the Richard R. Wagner Jr. Collection, 29 April 2015, lot 93.
Sold for £2,600
with tapering double-edged blade (some old light pitting) adapted from a European sword-blade and with central fuller along most of its length on both sides, one side with traces of marks including four small dots each in a square, and on the other with two star marks and letter ‘A’ and ‘E’, iron hilt retaining some of the original silvering and comprising arched plate extending over each side of the forte and chiselled with flower-heads and a central cyprus against a recessed ground of pierced trelliswork, tapering side-bars en suite, bound reeded grips each with bud-shaped central swelling, and chequered swivelling bead on either side between, 38.0 cm blade
Provenance
Philippe Missillier Collection, no. 87C
Exhibited
Splendour Des Armes Orientales, Acte-Expo: Galerie ART, Paris, 4 May-31 July 1988, pp. 80 and 179, no. 129
Literature
P. Holstein, Contribution A L’Etude Des Armes Orientales Inde et Archipel Mailais, Tome Second, 1930, pl. XVI, no. 69
European blades, often from Germany or Italy, were fitted to Indian weapons from the sixteenth century onwards in both north and south India as they were not as brittle as Indian steel. An early 20th century photograph of south Indian katars in the Oldman collection shows many with European blades (Elgood 2004, p. 145).
For another example, almost certainly from the same workshop, see Bonhams Knightsbridge, Eastern Arms & Armour From the Richard R. Wagner Jr. Collection, 29 April 2015, lot 93.
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
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For further information please contact us | armsandarmour@olympiaauctions.com | + 44 (0) 20 7806 5541
