.jpg?w=1)
PROBABLY FRENCH, MID-16TH CENTURY
Details
A WHEEL-LOCK AXE-PISTOL
Probably French, mid-16th Century
Of iron, made as a single unit, comprising a crescentic axe-blade with a recessed central panel on each side, balanced by a short fluke formed of four bluntly-pointed spikes on a rectangular plinth, haft carrying a small hinged side-cock and with attachment-holes for the mechanism (missing), and formed as an architectural column (small crack at the top), of flattened oval section with a recessed central strip on each face between reeded sides, the capital chiselled with a conventional dart pattern, small circular hand-guard chiselled in low relief with a pattern of linked ovals, and tubular inner grip made in two longitudinal halves (one half missing), terminating in a threaded projection for securing the outer grip, now rust-patinated throughout but retaining faint traces of gilding
25¾in. (65.5cm.)
Probably French, mid-16th Century
Of iron, made as a single unit, comprising a crescentic axe-blade with a recessed central panel on each side, balanced by a short fluke formed of four bluntly-pointed spikes on a rectangular plinth, haft carrying a small hinged side-cock and with attachment-holes for the mechanism (missing), and formed as an architectural column (small crack at the top), of flattened oval section with a recessed central strip on each face between reeded sides, the capital chiselled with a conventional dart pattern, small circular hand-guard chiselled in low relief with a pattern of linked ovals, and tubular inner grip made in two longitudinal halves (one half missing), terminating in a threaded projection for securing the outer grip, now rust-patinated throughout but retaining faint traces of gilding
25¾in. (65.5cm.)
Provenance
Sir Samuel Rush Meyrick (according to Meyrick it "came from Ireland")
Sir James Mann
E. M. Perry, Graves Son & Pilcher, Hove, 29 September 1997, lot 327
Sir James Mann
E. M. Perry, Graves Son & Pilcher, Hove, 29 September 1997, lot 327
Literature
Joseph Skelton, Engraved Illustrations of Antient Arms and Armour from the collection at Goodrich Court, 1830, vol. II, plate LXXXIII(2)
W. H. Flewett 'Leonardo, the Goldsmith, and the "Playthings of Princes"', J.A.A.S, vol. XVI, no. 1 (September 1998), p. 39
This relates to a rare group of wheel-lock axe-pistols and maces associated with the Court of King Henry II of France (1547-59). Only five other examples are recorded (two axes and three maces), together with four related pistol-swords (two of which were sold in these Rooms, 8 July 1999, lots 74-75). The missing wheel-lock mechanism was contained in a drum-shaped box, of which the hand-guard formed the lid, and was actuated by a helical spring running the full length of the inner grip. The latter was concealed by an outer grip proper which supported the box for the lock and was itself secured by a nut at the bottom. The mechanism was possibly derived from one of those illustrated by Leonardo da Vinci in his Codex Atlanticus
See H. W. Lewerken, Konbinations Waffen, p. 208, no. 4, and Flewett, loc. cit., pp. 34-50
W. H. Flewett 'Leonardo, the Goldsmith, and the "Playthings of Princes"', J.A.A.S, vol. XVI, no. 1 (September 1998), p. 39
This relates to a rare group of wheel-lock axe-pistols and maces associated with the Court of King Henry II of France (1547-59). Only five other examples are recorded (two axes and three maces), together with four related pistol-swords (two of which were sold in these Rooms, 8 July 1999, lots 74-75). The missing wheel-lock mechanism was contained in a drum-shaped box, of which the hand-guard formed the lid, and was actuated by a helical spring running the full length of the inner grip. The latter was concealed by an outer grip proper which supported the box for the lock and was itself secured by a nut at the bottom. The mechanism was possibly derived from one of those illustrated by Leonardo da Vinci in his Codex Atlanticus
See H. W. Lewerken, Konbinations Waffen, p. 208, no. 4, and Flewett, loc. cit., pp. 34-50
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis