Various bits and pieces collected over time usually odd items in various cases of pistols.
Other Items
Various other collected over time.
Keris – Bali Lombok
A rare Chengkrong example of Keris.
The Dapor [blade] of this example is wavy (luk). The waves can be counted by starting at the first curve nearest the base. The number of waves is always odd, but sometimes difficult to distinguish the last odd curve (this example has 13). The symbolism of luk 13 is most often interpreted as power, and the ability to maintain peace and stability in any situation.
Sculptured or chiselled features found at the bottom half of the blade are called Perabot and they constitute to a complex categorization of the dapor forms. The ganja is another factor in defining the dapor. The features on the ganja help to characterize a keris. The ganja is actually a separate piece of metal, which is attached to the blade by a joint. The longer, sharp end is called the aring, and the degu is the shorter, blunter end. The saw-like serrations act as a guard to catch an opponent’s blade. The features on the ganja of this keris help to classify it possibly as keris Parangsari, which literally means ‘knife essence’. It is meant for someone who is ambitious and on the move.
Overall when in the sheath this example measures 57cms, ligan or out it is 48cms with an outstanding blade being just under 37cms.
The Wrangka or scabbard is in good original condition free from damages or losses. It is of the Gayaman design with interesting engraving or scalloping [seen on occasional images of other wrangka] to the right and left where the wrangka meets the gandar [scabbard]. Looks like made from Pelet wood.
The hilt is a darker wood showing a nice age patina and it shows a clear dark wood knot enhancing the look of the hilt. The hilt style is similar as that from the Palaces of Surakarta in central Java. Before Islam became dominant, hilt forms had been anthropomorphic in nature. Since Islam prohibits the depiction of living things, these hilts became abstracts. The wooden Surakarta hilt is a beautiful example of the elegant simplicity characteristic of the post-Islamic Palace keris.
The blade is stunning. It is 100mm across the base and is 14mm thick at the central point. The base displays exceptional ‘fullers’ that gives this piece a sense of flow with the luk [waves] in the blade.
This piece exhibits stunning subtle pamor pattern work to all surfaces as seen in the photos. As it remains in original untouched condition.
Price: Price on Application +p&p
Swagger sticks
Item
A small collection [13] of swagger sticks and ‘silver’ ends with British Air Force Insignia found in cellar in old house in Birmingham. It is understood that the owner made sticks for sale to officers and men.
Price
A$30 each + p&p………………. Happy to consider a bulk’ price for all items.
Includes one Australian cane stick.
A$30 + p&p
Blunderbuss — CLARKE of DUBLIN
MANUFACTURE
This Spanish Patilla [Miquelet] locked gun was manufactured possibly 1787 (dated by lock manufacture and operation of the gunmaker).
“Probably a project undertaken by Nicholas Clarke for some wealthy client who could see the beauty in this Miquelet lock and decided to make up this unusual blunderbuss”
HISTORY
No history is known about this gun as all records are believed destroyed by fire in the 1922 Rising in Dublin. However it was recorded in the Irish arms census of 1843 as L-H383 [Co Louth], registered in 1844 [along with a Brownbess India Pattern Musket]. The licence number was issued at the local Petty Sessions prior to the local constabulary “branding” the licence number on a weapon.
As it has a brass barrel it was probably manufactured for use as a naval or coaching piece.
DESCRIPTION
The barrel has a bore size of .657″ and is 15.5″ long, 3 stage brass, with octagonal breech, stamped on top flat CLARKE DUBLIN with Irish census No L-H383.
Stamped on bottom flat are GF; 3 and TK. The “GF” mark could be that of George Fullerd? the celebrated London barrel maker. The “TK” could possibly be that of Thomas Ketland? who was one of the major forces behind the forming of the Official Proof House in Birmingham in 1813.
The “V” View and “P” Proof indicate that this barrel was possibly proofed in Birmingham in one of the various “Private Proof Houses” Various Gunmakers would have offered this service including Ketland.
The large Spanish Patilla (Miquelet) lock with heavy scrolled engraving is stamped on the steel with a punzon (lockmakers seal) inlaid with gold [crown above 2 rows of letters VILA DELL]. This punzion belonged to Joan Vilardell a lockmaker of Ripoll (Catalonia-Spain) who was manufacturing locks about 1778 to 1808. The lock was probably forwarded to the Irish gunmaker Nicholas Clarke of Dublin, as a large number of Spanish Patilla locks were delivered to European Gunmakers during this period.
Nicholas Clarke d:1811, traded from 1787-1788 at 9 Swifts Row; 1789-1795 43 Capel Street and finally 1796-1811 35 Capel Street Dublin.
It is fullstocked with dark Walnut, carrying brass furniture including acorn finial; trigger guard; buttplate (stamped with L-H383) and two ramrod pipes. Also a wooden, brass capped ram and cleaning rod with steel worm. Overall length 31″.
REFERENCES
- Proof mark identification by Birmingham Proof House (1991).
- For a similar weapon see “BLUNDERBUSSES” by D R Baxter plate 23 and page 27.
- Lock provenance September 2001, Sala Antiques – Spain.
- Proof and other marks, Sept 2020. D Stroud, Ramrod Antiques – UK
SUMMARY
The gun carries evidence of use, worn steel, lock sear wear; slight barrel bulge. Poor attempt to add a spring bayonet, yet is in excellent condition both in lock movement and finish. Has been well looked after.