AN UNUSUAL OAK SHIELD MOUNTED WITH MILITARY TROPHIES, CURIOS...

Hammer

£950

AN UNUSUAL OAK SHIELD MOUNTED WITH MILITARY TROPHIES, CURIOSITIES AND OTHER ITEMS. An oak shield 89 cm x 69 cm with chamfered edge, the shield mounted with an array of unusual and diverse objects: What appear to be a pair of 18th century leather false legs 49 and 50 cm long. A pair of Late 18th or early 19th century leather shoes. Two similar throwing spears with leaf shaped blades, the blades 33 and 14 cm, each in the region of 165 cm overall. A long handled spoon with broad bowl. A pair of carved hardwood South seas type tongs or eating implement, perhaps a cannibal fork, with carved handle, 39cm. A fragment of 17th century or earlier armour, an articulated shoulder piece in four parts with signs of leather fastening straps to the reverse, with two additional unattached sections. A section of padded fabric, perhaps to be worn over the shoulder beneath armour, approximately 48 x 23 cm. Two similar woven raffia bracelets. Items no longer attached but formerly part of the display: An 18th/19th century iron key with scrolling handle, 17 cm long. A leather purse with of oval form with draw-string closing, 22 cm x 12 cm. An Eastern bronze 'Costrel' type bell with ring suspension and fluted body, the mount with scrolling foliate decoration.12 x 10cm. A bamboo drinking vessel, the base set with cowrie shells and coral, 11cm high, 7cm wide.A distressed shuttle from a loom, 34cm. A long horn flask, pierced twice for suspension, stamped 'Mer De Glace' (a glacier north of Mt Blanc) 41 cm. A fragment of coconut shell inlaid with mother of pearl, with a paper label to the interior 'From Solomon Islands 1855'.
Provenance: Previously at The Hall Bradford on Avon.

More Information

Many items in poor condition and showing signs of age. An extraordinary collection of items - presumably a collection belonging to a retired or reformed pirate.