Rare swords come to auction in Lichfield
A NUMBER of sought-after swords are included in Richard Winterton's Coins, Medals & Militaria sale on Tuesday, October 15. Here's a closer look at four of them.Lot 412, pictured top, is a Japanese WW2-era officer's Samurai sword, fully original in good condition in leather covered scabbard. The tang is signed 'Ishido Teruhide Saku' (made this) - Seiichi Kikuchi Teruhide (1900-1982) was one of the top 10 sword makers in Tokyo during this period. The sword has Shin-Gunto mounts circa 1934-1945 and is a a real collector's sword from a recognised swordsmith.
In the same auction, Lot 408 is a steel sword in the Viking style boasts an 82cm long blade and has a half-sun/moon design stamped into the blade at the ricasso. The crossguard is of an ornate design with extra finger guards on the front and reverse; the handgrip is wired and the pommel has a Viking style skull design.
Lot 409 is in the style of a Medieval long sword. The blade is approximately 105cm long and the grip is shielded by an ornate enclosed cup in a petal design with a traditional crossguard. The wired style grip appears to be one piece in construction, the pommel is a large crown style.
And Lot 410 is a fine example of an 1857 pattern Royal Artillery officer's sword. This one has been subject to a complete and professional restoration by the renowned Crisp & Sons in East Sussex. The blade is etched with the royal cypher and the Royal Artillery Ubique Canon logo; the top edge of the blade is marked 'London Made' and bears the serial number 48997; the riccaso of the blade is marked Henry Wilkinson, Pall Mall, London. This sword is complete with its leather and metal scabbard and there is full provenance in relation to the restoration carried out in 2006.
Elsewhere in the same sale are rare banknotes including some 'error' £20 notes, gold coins, military uniforms and a French Napoleonic bicorne hat.
Click here for all auction details and links to online catalogues on our page of upcoming sales.
Email office@richardwinterton.co.uk or telephone 01543 251081.