A knight in shining armor introduces the next auction, on October 4th, at Gray’s Auctioneers. Several lots of armor from a private collector display an armory from centuries past and from many different cultures. Not to be outshone, a huge collection of American decorative, stretch and pressed glass makes their mark in the auction, lots 111 to 299. Features notable manufacturers like Fenton, Imperial and Cambridge.  

Perched on an antique oak pedestal base, lot 1, is a three quarter suit of English armor, circa 1630. The helmet is comprised of a four part bowl with hinged, pierced vents and a pivoting rim visor having opened sights. Also, the rear and crown of the helmet has a plume holder and a two part bevor - a chin and neck cover – riveted to the helmet.  The broad gorget, or throat cover, is attached by leather straps to the breast plate which has a central ridge all attached by leather straps. Covering the shoulders are pauldrons, which have four lames with upper cannons above articulated couter elbow guards.  The gauntlets have an articulated wrist and fingers. The thighs are protected with a cuisse composed of 15 articulated lames including the knee cops. The rear is comprised of a five lame culet that is attached to the backplate with leather straps.

Complementing the armor is a collection of international swords, muskets and pistols. Lot 9 is a circa 1580, German swept hilt rapier with a double-sided, beveled blade. Counter swept quillions and an open scrolling guard reside above a wire bound grip. A 15th century, Gothic pole axe is lot 6. Having a pierced cutout, convex axe blade and a fluted rear back spike, surmounted by a fluted spike. 

Lot 11 is an elegant pair of French dueling foils from the Napoleonic period. The hilts are wrapped in shagreen and twisted wire ending in an etched, beveled pommel.  The 34 inch, triangular fluted, blued and gilt etched blades have matching padded cups which are engraved 'Coulaux & Cie, Klingenthal' with the hallmarks 'CB'.  Both foils have the original leather and metal engraved sheaths. 

Three Fleur de Lis adorn the 18mm barrel of the French officer’s flintlock pistol in lot 33. The 19th century Italian made pistol has elaborately engraved brass mounts and inlaid Napoleonic eagle motifs. An elegant hammered and heavily carved hardwood stock with checkered butt comes complete with an iron ramrod.

A 1808 Afghan Jezail flintlock with an elaborate mother of pearl and brass inlay hilt is lot 24. This British East India Company musket is engraved with crowns, a lion, and a marked post 1808 lock plate.  The rifle barrel is signed with brass engraved banding, and comes with a leather sling and ramrod.  Action and hammer are not in full working order.  Along with Khabul Museum deaccession papers from the 1980's.

Lot 78 is a six piece continental 800 sterling silver tea service with tray, with a gilt wash interior and weighs 168.91 ozt. A hand wrought pattern adorns the two teapots, and the sugar and creamers. An elegant, electrified gaslight chandelier hangs at lot 105. The four light American patinated metal fixture can be attributed to Hollingsworth in Boston.

Sparkling in this auction is a large collection of American pattern glass and numerous, well-known manufacturers of carnival, stretch and pressed glass pieces. Included, but not limited to, are Fenton, Imperial, Westmoreland, St. Clair. Degenhart, Dugan and Boyd’s. There is a variety of styles and figures, from open salts to paperweights and figurines to decorative ware.

The auction also includes fine art, furniture and decorative arts.

Gray’s is open for in-person preview September 28-30 and October 2-3; Wednesday – Friday 10am – 5pm, and Saturday 12noon – 4pm. Closed on Sunday. The auction starts at 11am EST on Wednesday, October 4th with live bidding provided by GraysAuctioneers.com. The fully illustrated catalog is now online at GraysAuctioneers.com.

ABOUT GRAY’S AUCTIONEERS & APPRAISERS

Gray’s Auctioneers & Appraisers are Northern Ohio’s leading licensed auctioneers & appraisers of fine art, antiques, decorative arts, rare books, fine jewelry and antique rugs. A boutique auction house with over two decades of experience in the art business, the experts at Gray’s now offer traditional real estate services.  The specialists at Gray’s have worked with museums, educational institutions, corporations and private collectors to achieve the full value of their collections at auction. Gray’s auctioneers are licensed, insured and bonded in favor of the State of Ohio. Learn more at www.graysauctioneers.com

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