Dating : 1300 B.C -900 B.C
Provenance: This artifact was formerly part of the Abelita family collection, held from the 1980s through the 2000s
Condition: Museum condition

This Bronze age weapon belongs to the Type VI in the Khorasani classification system.

Similar Bronze bladed weapons were famously excavated by Professor Negahban in the royal cemetery of Marlik, marking this blade's important historical lineage.

This antique has a remarkably preserved long blade, featuring slightly rounded shoulders and a distinctive square-sectioned mid-rib that runs the entire length to the tip for maximum structural rigidity.

Authentication & Ethical Sourcing

At Darksword Armory, we prioritize the legal and ethical trade of antique weapons.

• INTERPOL Verified: This Bronze Age dagger has been cross-referenced with the INTERPOL Database of Stolen Works of Art. We have confirmed that this artifact is not listed, ensuring a clear and legal title for the buyer.

• Certificate of Authenticity: Your purchase includes a formal certificate attesting to the authenticity, provenance, and estimated age of the piece.

• Display Ready: The set includes a custom-designed museum-quality stand, perfect for showcasing this piece of history in your home or office.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a verified, museum-quality weapon from one of the most significant bronze age eras in human history.

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The Frederick Stibbert Parade Armor: An Exceptional Piece of Provenance

This is a museum-quality harness, a true historical artifact that transcends its function as a mere suit of armor. This Parade Armor was the personal, ceremonial harness of Frederick Stibbert (1838–1906), the renowned Anglo-Italian collector and founder of the legendary Stibbert Museum in Florence, Italy.

• Certificate of Authenticity: The armor will be shipped with a signed certificate attesting to its authenticity and origin.
• Title Verification: A thorough verification was completed against Interpol's database of stolen works of art. The armor has not been reported stolen and does not appear on Interpol's registry.

This suit represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of European collecting history, directly linked to one of the 19th century's most significant figures in the world of arms and armor.

Price: 22,000 US$

The post Exquisite Italian Armor: The Personal Parade Armor of Frederick Stibbert (88135) appeared first on Darksword Armory.

provenance: Private collection,  
previously owned by Patrique Gigues, former curator at the Louvre Museum medieval collection (1962-1984); then acquired by Darksword Armory owner, Eyal Azerad. 

Condition: Very good 

This exquisite piece is a Victorian copy of an earlier Gothic-style arm kit including vambrace, rerebrace, and couter. Like so many Victorian reproductions the original has been replicated in exacting detail right down to the rivets and hinges. 

The vambrace and rerebrace both have the attractive ridges of classical Gothic plate, flowing seamlessly into the lines of the armor. The couter is broad and fluted with a raised point at the elbow, providing not only protection but a potentially dangerous weapon in its own right –someone in Gothic plate is never unarmed. Despite its age the armor has only a light patina in some areas, retaining its luster and sheen – clearly, this piece was well cared for in its life as an antique. An attractive centerpiece for any collection, this Gothic arm armor comes to us from a prestigious collection and is now available for purchase for one fortunate collector.

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provenance: Private collection, London, 1960-2020 

Condition: very good 

South indian Katar (punch dagger), the hilt is finished with traditional koftgari decoration, of southern or Deccan type. Comes with custom stand.

Dimension: 16.4" H 

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provenance: Private collection,  Paris, France 
Condition: good 
Length: 94cm / 37inches
weight: 189g 

Straight double edged blade of hexagonal section. iron hilt with double valve, richly pierced with floral motif at center, chiseled pommel, chiseled guard, and quillions; grip with steel and copper wire binding and moor's head at the top. Inscribed blade on both sides.  

The post 1820 Japanese Smallsword (88134) appeared first on Darksword Armory.

provenance: The Mount St. Alphonsus Seminary in Esopus, NY,
Origin: Printed in Liege, France. 
Language: Latin
Condition: good , Vellum bound  
Dimensions: 7" H x 5" wide

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provenance: Private collection,  Paris, France 
Condition: good 
weight: 4 lbs 10 oz / 2108 grams 
Dimensions: 7" wide x 10" high (without stand)
7" wide x 13" with stand

The 15th-century Italian burbuta was a very versatile helmet used in much of European nations due to its unobstructive design, allowing greater visibility then closed helms, and mobility.  It was worn by foot soldiers, knights, and men-at-arms alike, making it suitable for different types of warfare. 

While the burbuta was not unique to Italy, it became particularly associated with Italian armorers, who excelled in producing finely crafted and beautifully decorated examples. Italian armorers of the 15th century were renowned for their expertise in metalworking and design, and the burbutes often showcased intricate embellishments and artistic flourishes. That said, the design of the Barbute was also made by Armorers in England, Germany, and other European nations. 

The post 15th C. Style Italian Barbuta (88131) appeared first on Darksword Armory.

Antoine Bauderon de Senec Essay

provenance: Paris, 
Condition: Very good  
Dimensions: 7.3" H x 4.5" wide

1717 1ed Epigrams Antoine Senece French Poetry Mythology Dialogues Poems Vellum

Antoine Bauderon de Senece was an early 18th-century French poet and writer. One of his best works was his collection of short verses entitled Epigramsa. This work contains madrigals, introspective poems, dialogues of mythical figures, reflection on love and ethics.  all in poetic verse, this 1st Edition of Senece's Epigrams  was published in Paris by Giffart in 1717. 

The post 1717 Antoine Bauderon de Senec Essay (88130) appeared first on Darksword Armory.

provenance: Private collection,  Paris France 
Condition: Excellent 
Length: 58cm high, 47cm wide/ 23 inches H, 18.5 inches W

A reduction of Baron Charles Marochetti's celebrated equestrian group of Emmanuel-Philibert, Duc de Savoie (1528-1580) created for the Piazza San Carlo in Turin. A triumph of mid-19th-century historical sculpture, it is considered today to be Marochetti's masterpiece. Baron Marochetti lived from January 14th 1805 to December 29th  1867. He was an Italian-born French sculptor who worked in France, Italy and Britain. He completed many highly prized public sculptures, often in a neo-classical style and large equestrian monuments in bronze and marble. Some of his best known public monuments include the bronze equestrian statue of Richard the Lionheart in front of the House of Lords at the Palace of Westminster in London.

Marochetti settled in England, where he received commissions from  Queen Victoria. Marochetti received great recognition during his lifetime, being made a baron in Italy and was awarded the Legion of Honor, the highest French order of Merit, by the French government.

Emmanuel-Philibert (1528-1580) was known for his military prowess and political innovations which strengthened the power of the house of Savoy in Piedmont. The monumental equestrian group cast by Soyer et Ingé was inaugurated in Turin in 1838, following a brief exhibition outside the Louvre in Paris several months before, where it was greeted with great acclaim which furthered Marochetti's reputation in Parisian artistic circles. Marochetti closely oversaw the subsequent production of bronze reductions of this group, authorising a very small number of foundries including De Braux d'Anglure and Susse Frères to create it in various sizes.

Signed Faugard après Marochetti to the upper edge and with indistinct Susse Feres foundry mark to the front, 58cm high, 47cm wide

Price: 10,000$ - contact us at eyal@darksword-armory.com for purchasing details.  

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provenance: Private collection,  Paris, France 
Condition: good 
Length: 94cm / 37inches
weight: 189g 

Straight double edged blade of hexagonal section. iron hilt with double valve, richly pierced with floral motif at center, chiseled pommel, chiseled guard, and quillions; grip with steel and copper wire binding and moor's head at the top. Inscribed blade on both sides.  

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provenance: Private collection,  Rouen France 
Condition: good 
Length: 99cm / 39inches
weight: 338g 

Straight double edged blade of hexagonal section. iron hilt with double valve, richly pierced with floral motifs, chiseled pommel and block, chiseled guard, and quillions; grip with copper wire binding and moor's heads. 

The post 18th C. French Smallsword (88127) appeared first on Darksword Armory.

1743  "Doctrina pandectarum, ex ipsis fontibus legum Romanarum depromta et usui fori accommodate"  by Jakob Friedrich Ludovici,
(translation) "The doctrine of the Pandects, borrowed from the very sources of the Roman laws, and adapted to the use of the market"

Condition: excellent
Language: Latin
dimensions: ~7in X 4.25in (17.5cm x 11cm)

Provenance: originally from the Richard Francois Philippe Brunck collection (1729- 1803), a French classical scholar. He took part in the Seven Years War as military commissary. At the age of thirty he returned to Strasbourg to resume his studies. He spent fortunes to publish editions of the Greek classics. At the outbreak of the French Revolution (1789-1799), in which he took an active part, Brunck was imprisoned at Besancon. Upon his release, Richard Francois Philippe Brunk was forced to sell a large portion of his original library to cover his living expense.  

The post 1743 Latin Law doctrines by Jakob Ludovici Justinian Wissenbach (88126) appeared first on Darksword Armory.

dimensions: ~6.25in X 4.25in (16cm x 10.5cm)

1773 Prayer book, by Adam Hermenegild 

dimensions: ~6.25in X 4.25in (16cm x 10.5cm)

A rare 18th-century German devotional prayer book by Adam Hermenegild. Thje volume covers the rules for moral living, devotion, prayers, and protection against evil spirits and magic. Hermenegild, a German priest, instructs the steps of exorcism on Witches (both human and animal) and the use of Holy Water. Exorcism instructions are also given to combat evil spirits within the Church.  

The post 1773 Occult Possessed Holy Water and Witches – German Catholic Way to Heaven (88125) appeared first on Darksword Armory.

Make :Made of heavy iron, Hand hammered and hand chisel.
Hand engraving : Arabic.
Nasal Guard: engraved "Allah".
Skull; Entire surface of skull has hand engraved flower motifs. fitted to with chain mail to sustain blow.
Comes with museum display stand

Height: 24"
Width: 8"

The post 19th C. Indo Persian Helmet (88124) appeared first on Darksword Armory.

Provenance: Germany, . 

Condition: good

Training 1520 styled German Katzbalger, cica 1900.

Straight, double-edged blade with the Passau wolf engraved and maker's stamp.

Stamped "J. Zimbler Wien 7" on the ricasso.

S-shaped curved crossguard with flat finials. Fluted grip, iron pommel. Length 76cm.

The post Victorian 1520 style German Katzbalger (88119) appeared first on Darksword Armory.

Blacksmithing, as a profession, was as much science as it was art. Metallurgy, engineering, chemistry, and physics – all of them went into the proper construction of arms and armor to ensure they would live up to the life-and-death demands placed upon them. As these arts advanced in understanding and complexity the goal turned from not only making functional articles of war but beautiful ones. As a result, those in arms and armor related industries have a strong appreciation for those historical artists whose work we admire and seek to emulate.

Among the tools used by blacksmiths, armorsmiths, and other historical metalworking artists were many common items. Anvils, hammers, and tongs are all recognizable even for someone with little to no knowledge of the field. An anvil hardy, though, would almost certainly confound the casual observer as to its origin and purpose. In fact, it could be mistaken for an axe head until the square feature at the base is recognized for what it is meant to do – to slip into the work hole at the top of an anvil and made fast for its use in shaping and cutting steel along with other, more delicate work.

The post Anvil Hardy (88117) appeared first on Darksword Armory.

dimensions: 30"(H) x 8.5" (W) 

rotating helmet, raiseable visor 

This suit of miniature armor was acquired from a private collection in Milan. The piece is a Victorian reproduction dated to on or around 1820 CE. It stands 30” in height. 

The design of this armor is clearly intended to be Gothic – the couters, gauntlets, and cuisses are all classically Maximillian, and the fluting on the surface of the cuirass and elsewhere are undeniably intended to replicate the patterns of 15th – 16th century armors that would exemplify the Gothic style. A brief chain skirt protects the lower body, and an s-guard longsword (possibly intended to imply Swiss inspiration, perhaps a mercenary) is held in the right hand. While the suit is not fully articulate, the helm can rotate and the visor can be raised if so desired.

The Victorian origins, style of armor reproduced, and non-articulating construction of the piece points to this piece’s likely purpose as a collectible for a wealthy patron. The nineteenth-century “Gothic revival” obsession likely resulted in many such reproductions being created, which is almost certainly the origin of this piece as well. 

The post Small Gothic Armor (88116) appeared first on Darksword Armory.

Victorian period, cast Iron, 1820

This early 19th-century reproduction of a North Italian Breastplate is a stunning display of both Renaissance embossing and Victorian reproduction techniques.

The post Victorian Breatplate (88115) appeared first on Darksword Armory.

provenance: Private collection,  
previously owned by Patrique Gigues, former curator at the Louvre Museum medieval collection (1962-1984); then acquired by Darksword Armory owner, Eyal Azerad. 

Condition: Very good 

This exquisite piece is a Victorian copy of an earlier Gothic-style arm kit including vambrace, rerebrace, and couter. Like so many Victorian reproductions the original has been replicated in exacting detail right down to the rivets and hinges. 

The vambrace and rerebrace both have the attractive ridges of classical Gothic plate, flowing seamlessly into the lines of the armor. The couter is broad and fluted with a raised point at the elbow, providing not only protection but a potentially dangerous weapon in its own right –someone in Gothic plate is never unarmed. Despite its age the armor has only a light patina in some areas, retaining its luster and sheen – clearly, this piece was well cared for in its life as an antique. An attractive centerpiece for any collection, this Gothic arm armor comes to us from a prestigious collection and is now available for purchase for one fortunate collector.

The post Victorian Gothic Vambrace (88114) appeared first on Darksword Armory.

---SOLD----

provenance: Private collection, Florence Italy 

Condition: good 

Length: 102 cm 

Straight double edged blade of hexagonal section. Short fuller at the forte of the blade with inscriptions; iron hilt with double valve, richly pierced with floral motifs, pierced pommel and block, engraved guard, and quillions; grip with copper wire binding and moor's heads. 

The post 18th C. Italian Smallsword (88113) appeared first on Darksword Armory.

provenance: Germany, estate sale 

Condition: good

specs: 38" x 5"   616 grams 

Procured from an estate sale in Germany, this remnant of a suit of armor is forged in a child’s size, showcasing the skill of the armorer involved.

What remains of this suit of armor is the arm harness, consisting of the rerebrace, couter, and vambrace. The rerebrace is the shortest piece and would cover the upper arm and would be overlapped by the pauldron. While none of the leather strapping survived on the rerebrace, the buckle remains and would be in working condition if a strap were attached. The hinges on the vambrace (which would cover the child’s forearm) are functional and will allow for the vambrace to be opened. All rivets remain as intended. The wear of this antique is even and mild on the exterior, though the interior has more significant rusting.

The design and etching of the piece is partially obscured by the deep and even patina, but is visible in places. The edges of both the rerebrace and the vambrace are “roped” in the style of many Maximilian pieces, though the couter lacks the associated fluting. Slight etching, ringing the forearm in two places, is visible on the vambrace. The décor and aging of the piece make a 15th century origin most likely. The entire piece is 38″ in length when extended, and may have belonged to a child as young as 7 years old. The weight of this piece is 616 grams.

The child armor piece comes with a stand and would be an attractive conversation piece on a side table or in an entry hall.

The post 15th C. Child Armor (88111) appeared first on Darksword Armory.

Provenance

A Victorian copy of an original residing in the State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg. 

John Wigington, sold Parke-Bernet Galleries Inc., New York, 4 October 1951, 

Provenance Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum, London, inv no. 2922 John Wigington, sold Parke-Bernet Galleries Inc., New York, 4 October 1951,

Available for the discerning collector is this North Italian burgonet (parade helm). The electrotype was made by Elkington and Co Ltd of Birmingham from an original helmet that was at that time in the imperial collections of the Tsarkoe Selo near St Petersburg and is now in the State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg, Acc. No, 3. 3420 (Gille & Rockstuhl 1835-53, pt. 7, pl. XXXIV; and Godoy 2003, No. 16, pp. 100-1 & 421). The piece has been dated to approximately 1880 CE.

The inspiration of the original appears to have been the slightly earlier work of the celebrated Negroli family armor makers. The helm itself is formed in one piece rising at its rear to a medial crest formed as a recumbent sphinx with a tubular plume-holder straddling its tail, projecting forwards to a slightly down-turned, obtusely-pointed integral peak at its rear to an outward-

flanged neck-guard, also obtusely pointed, and formed around its main edge with a boldly roped turn. Its surfaces are embossed in high relief with scrolling acanthus foliage and fruits involving at the front a classical warrior and a Medusa’s head (a classic image in every sense of the word and proof of the Negroli inspiriation). At each side are embossed male nudes and putti, and at the rear, herons grasping snakes in their beaks and a lion’s mask (worn in parts). Fitted internally over the left ear is the oval seal of the Elkington company bearing at its Center the royal cipher VR.

This burgonet stands 11 ½” high and would be best displayed on a stand as a conversation piece in a foyer or sitting room.

The post Victorian Parade helmet (88110) appeared first on Darksword Armory.

Provenance
book of poetry by Francisco Berni of Italy, procured from a private collection in Florence, Italy. A second edition in remarkable condition, it is sure to impress students of the Bernesque poetry era. 

This second edition is estimated to have been printed in 1650, and for its age is in outstanding condition. The cover lacks both significant identifiers and the damage one would anticipate from an article of this age - many books would have water damage beyond repair, yet this piece has only surface aging at most. All pages are intact and legible with none of the degradation that modern books, with acid-pulp paper), would develop. It goes without saying that scent of this book is as antique as its appearance – for purveyors of rare or antique books, this is a remarkable piece for a remarkable price.

The post Antique Poetry book (88109) appeared first on Darksword Armory.

Provenance: Private Collection, Florence Italy

Condition: fair 

Straight blade of triangular section, with flattened baluster-shaped knot with square blade; small iron quillons with segmented sections and flattened globe shaped quillon. Twisted iron grip with spirals; flattened pommel with button.  

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Provenance: Private Collection, Florence Italy

Condition: fair 

Straight blade of triangular section, with flattened baluster-shaped knot with square blade; small iron quillons with flattened disk quillons. Twisted iron grip with spirals; flattened pommel with button.  

The post Stiletto (88107) appeared first on Darksword Armory.

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provenance: Private collection, Germany  

Condition: good 

Length: 102 cm 

This Victorian replica is modelled after a single-handed late Medieval 15th century Italian arming sword. In terms of typology, this sword is nearly identical to one currently present in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, identified by Ewart Oakeshott in his seminal work The Sword in the Ages of Chivalry as a unique version of a Type XV (see Plate 24 in The Sword in the Ages of Chivalry, 1997 edition). Both the museum version and this Victorian copy share characteristics of the Type XV (such as the stiff, cut-and-thrust blade), however, both have handles that are a touch too long for the proportions of the blade to be a standard Type XV. In addition, both the museum piece and the Victorian copy are paired with a J type pommel and uniquely curved guard, as well as sharing unique blade characteristics which will be discussed shortly.

The pommel of this particular piece is aged brass with no visible peen block, and a brass fillet at the base of the handle. The curved guard with furled ends is of brightly polished steel with relatively light touches of older corrosion, prevented at some earlier date from progressing further, also with a fillet at the

handle. The handle is of polished wood and is in excellent condition. The blade itself has been given the acid-wash treatment common to Victorian reproductions of this type, resulting in an even and attractive patina free from the pitting that might otherwise mar a sword of this age. However, it is the blade geometry that sets this sword apart. The upper third of this Victorian-forged blade has been flattened, creating a level section that terminates sharply as the spine of the diamond-shaped blade resumes. As a mid-19th century replica, this antique is a unique representation of a Type XV. As Type XV swords have among the broadest possible origins, potentially originating anywhere from late 13th to 15th centuries the creator of the replica could have drawn inspiration from many sources; however, as the identical sword in Oakeshott’s work is identified as being from the 15th century (and that of Italian origin) it is likely that this copy was intended to be representing this derivation as well.

The post English 15th Century Sword – Victorian copy (88105) appeared first on Darksword Armory.

Provenance: Italy, 

Condition: fair 

----SOLD----

This French court sword was recovered from a private collection. The hilt furniture depicts a broadly floral pattern in bronze with the French Imperial Eagle in flight at the folded shell. The knuckle guard continues the floral motif into the short, curved quillions.

The blade has surface rust and some areas of deeper corrosion, yet the gilded floral patterns that run the length of the blade are still broadly visible. Initials are visible at the base of the blade – S.M.F. – which could be initials of its bearer or its maker. 

The post French Court Sword, 18th c (88105) appeared first on Darksword Armory.

Holland, mid-17th Century 

Provenance: Private Collection, Florence, Italy

Condition: very good

Straight, double-edged blade of hexagonal section, a fuller at the forte;

Iron hilt with circular, slightly convex cup festooned at the border, decorated with engraved spirals over circles and pierced four-pointed stars;

twisted quillons ending in buds, smooth arms of the hilt, twisted guard ending in a curl;

pommel with bas-relieved floral decorations and relieved button;

twisted wooden grip with remains of leather covering. 

Length: 117 cm 

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Condition: very good

Provenance:  Germany

Specs: total length: 35"  Blade: 29"

The post German Katzbalger (88102) appeared first on Darksword Armory.

Victorian period, 1820

This North Italian parade shield comes to our collection as a electrotype of the original. Like many electrotypes of this vintage it was produced via a electro-chemical process to produce an exact copy of the original. The original itself held a likely origin in the 16th or 17th century, and this copy (like so many surviving antiques) would have been produced later in the Victoria period.

The post Victorian Parade Shield (88100) appeared first on Darksword Armory.