The weapons were previously published, complete with ivory parts, as part of the collection of Richard Wagner Jnr in 2014. But, last year, when this important collection of Eastern guns and blades assembled by the Chicago collector/dealer was moved from the US to the UK for sale, more than a dozen items with ivory elements were shipped in error.
Following consultation with Border Force, a practical approach was taken whereby the worked elements – hilts from 18th and 19th century Indian kards and Caucasian kindjals and pommels from niello decorated pistols – were voluntarily surrendered.
The incomplete weapons could then be sold.
Having missed Bonhams’ 293-lot sale Eastern Arms & Armour from the Richard R Wagner Jr Collection in April 2015, they were offered – with some success – on May 11.
Pistol’s Pommel
Included in the sale was a Caucasian 35-bore miquelet-lock pistol with nielloed silver mounts dated 1262 AH corresponding to 1845AD. With the ivory pommel now missing, it sold for £2800 against an estimate of £1000-1500.
Two 19th century Persian (Qajar) jambiyas with double-edged blade of finely watered wootz steel, one with a gold pommel-cap set with sapphires, a cabochon ruby and turquoise beads, sold at £3000 (estimate £500-700).
When published in 2014 they had elaborate figural carved ivory hilts.
The Bonhams catalogue pointed to Oliver S Pincho’s Arms of the Paladins, the Richard R. Wagner Jr. Collection where the two lots were published, complete with ivory elements, in 2014.
The buyer's premium was 25/20/12%
