Exceptional and important ancient Bangwa Janus helmet mask from the "Troh Night Society" of the late 19th or early 20th century almost certainly used in ritual practice. Deeply recessed eyes and twin faced or Janus with a lightly cleaned patinated encrustation which is somewhat darker in natural light and presence. The surface almost exacting in finish, color and condition to the most famous examples in the Musee Barbier-Mueller (Inc. 1018-65) and Metropolitan Museum of Art (Accession Number: 1992.162.2). This example from the Grassfields of Cameroon and as noted in Charles Report as Fontom Village, Bangwa culture composted of a light core wood, pigment, fibers and cord (little remaining on this example although with hoes present).

For additional examples of exceptional Bangwa art see the book (Bangwa Funerary Sculpture) by Robert Brain and Adam Pollock. Strikingly similar and likely related carver as exampled in the Musee Barbier-Mueller (Inv. 1018-65).

Troh Night Society a mysterious and secret group of nine members or inner circle of the Troh so called (The Great Night). Born of the chieftains power and ambivalence the duties of the members among being kingmakers themselves, involved going into the villages at night and enforcing chieftains law. The essence and duties of the society involved enforcement and generally stood for the opposite of the Lefem society which represented the Chieftains beneficial and benevolent forces. Size 20 1/2" H x 12 1/4" W. Condition: Report of value and authenticity from esteemed African Art Expert and former head of International sales Charles D Miller III (Aspects of Africa INC) at a value of $36,000 . Looseness to the base and overall, approximately 5" wedge broken off the bottom. Provenance: Family collection of Ashanti Chieftain and an esteemed diplomat and ambassador amassed during travel and work circa 1960-1990s in the medical field providing charitable advanced medical care throughout the African continent and internationally.. Family collection of an esteemed diplomat and ambassador amassed during travel and work circa 1960-1990s in the medical field providing charitable advanced medical care throughout the African continent and internationally....more

Philippines Archipelago, 19th century or earlier. Comprised of a brass links in several sizes, thick brass plates, iron, and buffalo horn to the interior of the forward chest plates. This heavy and high quality armour has seen minimal restoration and repair with many of the original links remaining. The plates of heavy brass are riveted together throughout with even the lower links that come to a series of upside down triangular peaks are almost all intact. Links are butt end and the larger heavy links affix to the plates while series of smaller links affix to each of the large forming a tightly woven pattern. Size 31 1/4" H x 29 " W, weighs 20lbs & 12.4 ounces

For a similar armour see Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology (OBJECT NUMBER 40-39-70/1523). Condition: Some replaced or missing rivets, cracks to horn interior liner plates, dings and damage from use commensurate with age and condition. Provenance: Southern California Collection of Philippine Arms and Armour...more

European Chain mail shirt of (Hauberk) length composed of riveted steel links, of the period 15th century.

This lot includes an old " Receipt of Sale" circa January 15th 1995. The provenance as listed states (It was purchased from Michael Zomber who got the shirt from Jeff Luber. Jeff Luber bought the shirt from Butterfield's Auction House. The shirt had been consigned from stock held by a Berlin dealer named Anton Flashauer who had gotten it out of a collection from what was then East Germany.)with note; (Accurate to the best info available, WLS.)

Size 48" H x 48" W, weighs 16lbs & 14.6 ounces. Provenance: Estate of Kebre (Exceptional Arms and Armour restorer) 1995 and later, William L. Scollard Sr. 1995, M Zomber, J. Luber, Butterfield's Auction House, Anton Flashauer, East German Collection prior...more

Italian, Milanese probably circa 1500 CE-1525 CE or early 16th century halberd with an etched coat of arms and figural knight in armour. Original shaft probably with a lost section in shortened length. Halberd with a long four sided or so called quadrangular spike. Axe face slightly curved in typical form with the rear spike downturned with a light raised point to the top. The blade is etched all over right side with tulips and floral scrolling and a large crest with a castle and other decorations. There also appears to be an armorers mark of possibly a rampant lion on the base of the axe head or top of the socket. The reverse side depicts a similar scene of scrolling and tulips with a templar knight holding a round shield, dressed in chainmail armour, and with sword in hand. The lower section of the socketed head is four sided with straps that continue down and are pinned to the wood shaft. Size 72 1/2" L, blade 9 1/4", spike 13 3/4" L

See similar example, The Met (Accession Number: 29.156.3). Condition: As-is condition.. Provenance: Private Los Angeles, CA county collection 1960-1990s...more

West Africa, Ghana or Cote d'Ivoire, Akan royal or elder ancestor golden necklace with a large series of pendants including several large circular form pendants. More than a dozen smaller, and several unique examples including unusual geometric forms. The most unusual and high gold content a long slender tube talisman of four rounded sides, a book like pendant, mask with horns next to book, and an embossed triangular pendant.

Nana in Akan language refers to an Elder Ancestor or Grandparent known by an important social or official position of honor.

XRF Report # 2779 (14.45Kt)multiple scans reveal some 14k and 18th gold pendants others gilt heavily 99grams total. Condition: 49 Individual pieces in total, 99grams total. Provenance: Family collection of an esteemed diplomat and ambassador amassed during travel and work circa 1960-1990s in the medical field providing charitable advanced medical care throughout the African continent and internationally....more

Western Yemen, exceptional example of a swordlike large dagger in scabbard called Joulba, first half of the 20th century or earlier. All silver handle, scabbard, and heav...moreily decorated in details of filigree all over. The curved double edged blade with a graceful taper, of lenticular section, showing lamellar construction, with light engraving along center at the forte. Mounted in silver throughout, the flaring pommel with radiused top and the scabbard following the moderate curve of the blade with an elongated bulbous finial and a raised transverse band at midpoint of grip. The decorative work of high quality on a substantial base of sheet silver (the whole in a very fine state of preservation with a few missing applied studs). Size 25 1/2" L, blade 16 1/2" L. Condition: Soiling and patina throughout.. Provenance: Collection of a Museum Conservator and Collector

Medieval style long sword complete with leather scabbard and later belt with brass buckle. The sword with a long double edged blade, double fuller and crowned head hammer...more mark to the ricasso. Turned iron grip with heavy turned iron finials to the quillon and a tapered top half terminating in a flat disc pommel. The scabbard with leather and brass caps to the top and base connected to a chain link attachment for belt and buckle. Size 46 1/2" L, blade 37" L

Europe, likely in the German style of the 13th-15th century style knightly Oakeshott XII style sword with a wide double edged blade, shallow wide fuller, and flat downturned crossguard. The handle with a folded wrapped leather grip stamped with fleur de lis and disk pommel. Size overall 35 1/4" L, blade 25 3/4" L

The knightly sword was a symbol of the chivalric code and the knight's noble status. It was believed that the sword could be used to spread God's power and will. During the crusades and later the single-handed weapon was the single most important component to a knight.. Condition: As-is condition with pitting to blade as shown....more

Old Italian style Victorian Oakeshott type XVII sword of the Northwestern European 15th century. Double edge blade, straight quillon crossguard with bulbous ends, leather...more grip, and fish-tail pommel. Size overall 37 1/4" L, blade 30 1/2" L. Condition: Wear to grip, and some marks to blade indicative of use.

Austrian sword with leather scabbard probably a variation of the cavalry regulation saber with D shaped guard and leather grip. Including gold piping strap with black and...more gold zig zag patterns. Size 32 1/2" L

Italian pierced cup hilt rapier with long slender double edged blade, shallow thin fuller with linear border, and heavily pierced large cup hilt bowl. Quillion twisted st...moreeel with flared ends, twisted wire grip, and pierced matching pommel. Size 46" L, blade 38" L. Provenance: Southern California arms and armour collection

Early Austrian bayonet probably M1867/73 with storied patina and wear consistent with use and wear from battle. The original scabbard included, short single edged blade w...moreith shallow fuller, and guard for attachment to rifle. Size 24" L, blade 20" L

Fine old Mexican bowie knife circa early 1900's marked Savula with bone carved handle, with wire wrap detail. Includes finely crafted leather scabbard. 15 3/4" L, blade 1...more0 3/4" L. Condition: Soiling and wear throughout commensurate with age.. Provenance: Southern California Arms and Armour Collection

Exceptional example of British Royal Navy reserve midshipman's dagger with scabbard. Featuring hefty blade, measures 1” W at the ricasso. Obverse is acid etched marked ...morewith the “Star of Damascus” quality mark and is stamped Proved. Acid etched marked on reverse of the ricasso Batson/London. Exquisitely etched scrolled leaf motif, lion and unicorn flanked coat of arms and crown over anchor with overlaid letters RNR. Sewn seam leather scabbard with correct brass mounts but with the release latch removed. Oversized grip has intact twisted retaining wire around the ray skin covered wood grip. The gilt lion head pommel, crossguard and ferrule retain much of the original gilding. The scabbard is also of larger proportion than most examples. Size 26 1/4" L, blade 17 1/2" L. Provenance: Ex-San Diego arms and armour collection

Large British RNR (Royal Navy Reserve) midshipman’s dagger with scabbard and hefty blade, measures 1” W at the ricasso. Obverse is acid etched marked with the “Star...more of Damascus” quality mark and is stamped Proved. Acid etched marked on reverse of the ricasso Batson /London. Exquisitely etched scrolled leaf motif, lion and unicorn flanked coat of arms, and crown over anchor with overlaid letters RNR. Sewn seam leather scabbard with correct brass mounts, but with the release latch removed. Oversized grip has intact twisted retaining wire around the ray skin covered wood grip. The gilt lion head pommel, crossguard and ferrule retain much of the original gilding. The scabbard is also of larger proportion than most examples. Size 23" L, blade 17 1/2" L. Provenance: ex-San Diego private collection

Iberian Peninsula, Spanish Cup Guard Broadsword, 18th century or earlier inscribed “VIVA EL REY DE ESPANNA” to the blade. The blade a long double edged blade with the...more inscription to both sides. Cup hilt engraved to the underside with floral pattern, guard with a L shaped down turned quillion that has a brass end. The remaining bars as a hand guard with additional brass decoration, grip twisted brass wire exposed in panels, and with round pommel. Size 35" L, blade 29" L. Condition: Patina and wear throughout commensurate with age.

European probably English cavalry sword, 18th century long sword with slightly curved single edged blade, raised off center ridge, and large shallow fuller above with thi...morenner fuller below. Brass guard with hand guard over grip to pommel, grip in ray skin with some remaining gilt brass wire, and pommel round squatted form. Size 40 1/2" L, blade 34 1/4" L. Condition: Pitting wear and corrosion commensurate with age and use. Provenance: Southern California Private Collection

European, Austria, Model 1848. Sword with superb gilt-brass lion head pommel, cross-guard, and scabbard fittings. Triple-etched blade with Austrian crown, Franz Joseph I ...morecypher, panoplies of flags and arms, and scrolled leaf motifs. Excellent mother of pearl grip plaques. Size 35 1/2" L, blade 29" L. Condition: Wear to scabbard and blade as shown, commensurate with age.. Provenance: Private Collection of a Southern California Arms and Armour Collection

Europe, Spain (Manufacture of Origin), imported by conquistadors during Spanish Conquest into North American and recovered in the frontier region. The rapier has been use...mored for a significant period of time and shows signs of rewrapping fitting and use in the period. The blade is a double edge wide blade with double fuller that terminates at the half section of the blade. The cup is a plain bowl original to the blade and crossguard with features straight quillion and a hand guard with carved ends. The grip replaced later, probably in the 19th century or earlier and the pommel with a turned steel matching other components and has a hammered tang. Spanish conquest in Mexico occurred during the 16th century and later with the Spanish conquistadors who were led by Hernan Cortes against the Aztec Empire which fell in 1521. The swords which were imported from Spain continued to see the heaviest use throughout the period due to their ease of use and availability. During the later conflicts into the American frontier Spanish explorers ventured in the couthwestern United States and as far north as Kansas in search of the "Seven Cities of Gold". In New Mexico beginning in the early 17th century small towns like Santa Fe became the early settlements of missions to convert the local indigenous populations. Size 37 1/2" L, blade 30" L. Condition: fine quality steel aged with time and use to an overall patina of darkened steel with a red hue. Provenance: New Mexico arms and armour collection

Triple etched blade with blued panels on each side accenting regimental cavalry scene on one side and lettering on the other. Sharply acid etched gardes star, gardes helm...moreet and cuirass, and mounted gardes cavalryman with pennant. Four-branch knuckle bow, sharkskin wrapped wood grip with brass retaining wires intact. The flat faced pommel cap is inscribed with initials. Overall 44 1/4" L, blade 37" L. Provenance: San Diego Arms and Armour historian

One of the earliest examples of bull fighting swords and with characteristic slight bend to the blade. Seldom do true bull fighting sword come to market and this example ...moreused in the grotesque tournaments is a solemn memento to the distorted celebration. Size 34 1/2" L, blade 31" L, scabbard missing threads, deteriorating

English basket-hilt broadsword 16th century blade with pronounced medial ridge that measures. The blade is an extremely wide and heavy style with raised central ridge and...more double-edged to a sharp tapering point for thrusting and cutting. The composed basket hilt is likely English in origin and 18th century, the composition was assembled in the 19th century as evidenced by the pommel with has a hand hammered tang which has not been disturbed. 30" L. x 3-1/4"W.

Fantastic Bolivian officers sword/Sabre in superb condition with original scabbard all bright polished and gilt brass and steel. Bright polished slightly tapering upward ...moreSabre with a single edge and pointed tip, the blade is etched throughout to both sides and the spine in the triple etched fashion and features the Bolivian crest and inscription to one side. Handle is comprised of two protective plates over fuller and downturned animal head quillon to top side, hand guard is intact and connects to pommel of a ruby eyed lion, grip is brass wire wrapped and ray skin. Blade is 27 1/2" L, overall is 37" L (triple etched)

British model 1803 infantry officer's sword with replacement scabbard, bright polished blade with inscribed crown over GR, order of the Red Garter and various military mo...moretifs. Heavily gilt hilt with openwork. Sharkskin wrapped wood grip with brass retaining wires. Size 37 1/2" L, blade 32" L

Excellent full lion head pommel with ruby red (maybe glass) eyes. Sharkskin wrapped wood grip with brass retaining wires intact. Quill-back Damascus blade with heavily gi...morelt panels with Imperial German Eagle and with EISENHAUER / DAMASCUS. Size overall 37 3/4" L, blade 30" L