* Sabre linked to the Indian Mutiny
* Chinese cannon captured in Boxer Rebellion
* Viking Fighting sword from 10th Century
* Sword of Duke Of Cambridge, Colonel of the Coldstream Guards
A highly unusual Indian silver-mounted sabre relating to the Indian Mutiny of 1857 is one of the many fascinating weapons on offer at Bonhams Sale of Antique Arms and Armour in London on July 23rd.
Its history identifies it as a gift presented to Field Marshal Sir Colin Campbell, 1st Baron Clyde GCB, KCSI (1792-1663), in commemoration of the Relief of the Second Siege of Lucknow in 1855. He was commander in chief of the relief operation to free the city from the control of the mutineers.
The sabre, lot 43, features a curved bright single-edged shamshir blade incised with a heart-shaped mark on one side of the forte above an etched panel containing a laurel wreath and inscribed 'Indian Mutiny'.
The hilt is form is that of a bearded merman wearing a plumed helmet and armed with a shield and falchion held aloft, the former with a sun-in-splendour within a beaded border, his tunic is carved in dark horn with ivory buttons and engraved silver collar. The sabre is sold with its original wooden scabbard covered in blue velvet.
David Williams, Director of Antique Arms and Armour at Bonhams, comments: ”These weapons are all of great historic interest and offer all the value of quality, condition, rarity and provenance which will help them to retain their value. And as ever with such weapons the workmanship shows off the art of their makers to great effect. They are as much decorative works of art as weaponry.”
A Chinese cannon captured during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900 (by the vendor’s father) is another interesting item in this sale. This Chinese bronze cannon carries an inscription which says it was made in the 21st year of the Daoguang Reign which corresponds to 1841. It features seven raised mouldings and incised Chinese characters with the date and details of the quantities of powder and ammunition required for its use. The 65.5 cm. barrel with a 3 cm. bore sits on a wooden carriage with spoked iron-rimmed wheels. It is estimated to sell for £2,000 to £3,000.
A rare sword of Viking type dating from the 10th/11th Century it has a broad pattern-welded double-edged 76.5cm blade, 91 cm. overall length. This classic weapon from the Viking Age is estimated to sell for £6,000 to £9,000. The sword is pitted and the blade nicked and looks to have seen some hard fighting.
A very rare royal ormolu-mounted sword of Prince Adolphus Frederick, Duke Of Cambridge, as Colonel of the Coldstream Guards is estimated to sell for £6,000 to £9,000. It was made in 1805 by Reddell, sword cutler to their Royal Highnesses The Duke Of Sussex and Cambridge. The scabbard is finely engraved with a crowned garter bearing the royal motto, centred on the Prince's monogram 'AF'. Adolphus Frederick (1774-1850), Viceroy of Hanover, was created 1st Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Tipperary and Baron Culloden on 17 November 1801.
His Royal Highness Field Marshal The Prince Adolphus Frederick, KG, PC, GCB, GCMG, GCH, Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Tipperary, and Baron Culloden was born in London. In 1791 he went to Hanover and was trained for the military under the supervision of the Hannoverian commander Field Marshal von Freytag. He subsequently rose to the ranks of Colonel in 1794, to Lieutenant General in 1798, and Field Marshal in 1813. He served as Viceroy of Hanover between 1816 and 1837 on behalf of his elder brothers George IV and later William IV. Following the succession of Queen Victoria in 1837 the Duke of Cumberland became King Ernest I of Hanover and the Duke of Cambridge returned to Britain. He was appointed Colonel of the Coldstream Guards in 1805 and Colonel of the 60th Rifles in 1827, both of which appointments he held until his death in 1850 at Cambridge House, Piccadilly.