"Constructed with a sword-shaped spike. Remains of decoration, strong medial ridge. Classifying which country a halberd is from is normally difficult; however, it should be noted that Albrecht Dürer used this typology of halberd in his drawings and engravings during this period. The halberd is a multiuse staff weapon of the Medieval and Renaissance periods. It was used with devastating effects throughout Europe. The halberd was developed in Switzerland and was popular throughout Western Europe. The halberd was responsible for changing warfare in Renaissance/ Medieval Europe. It was first called ‚ Hallembart ‚ by the German poet Konrad of Wurzberg (d. 1287), who described a blade attached to a pole utilizing two rings called ‚eyelids in a poem about the Trojan War. It originated between the 6th and 9th centuries in the early Middle Ages. The first halberds were a short sword called a ‚scramasax‚ (see page 313 in my book) attached to a wooden pole. The halberd had reached a more evolved form by the late 13th and 14th centuries. It is mentioned in poetry and contemporary records of the period. In 1348, Franciscan John of Winterthur chronicled the Battle of Morgarten in 1315, in which his father fought....more

"This is a functional modern reproduction of a medieval-style crossbow, modeled after designs used throughout Europe between the 12th and 15th centuries. While largely complete and operational, the foot stirrup is missing, though this can be restored or replaced by a collector or reenactor.
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"This rare and visually imposing Axe of Justice dates to the early 17th century and is a well-preserved example of a ceremonial or punitive weapon used in judicial contexts across Europe. Measuring 22 inches in total length, the axe boasts an 11.4-inch-wide iron head with an 8.5-inch blade. The surface retains a deep, smooth dark patina, consistent with age, and remarkably, it retains its original wooden handle, a feature seldom preserved in such pieces.
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"Research & Description coming soon!...more

This is a rare and elegant Italian stiletto dagger from the 17th or early 18th century, featuring a slender triangular blade with double fullers and deep decorative engraving. The hilt is crafted from silver, with a short crossguard and delicate flaring quillons.

Its slender profile and rigid blade made it ideal for thrusting through gaps in armor or between ribs. The stiletto was a favored weapon in Renaissance and Baroque Italy, especially in urban environments where its concealed carry and precision were prized.

It was associated with nobles, bodyguards, and duelists, and became infamous for its use in assassination and intrigue. Silver-hilted examples like this were not only weapons but also symbols of refinement and fashion....more

This finely crafted Swept-Hilt Rapier features an elaborate chiseled guard and crossguard with beautifully formed sweeping elements, likely of Italian or Spanish design influence. The pommel is richly adorned with sculpted figures, and the grip is wire-wrapped with classic Turk's heads at both ends.

The blade is a stunning Damascus steel example, marked at the ricasso and embellished with a gold inlaid maker's stamp near the forte. While the exact origin remains unclear, the piece is believed to be 90% original and may be a Victorian-era homage to 17th-century originals. Rapiers like this were originally popular during the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods, used primarily by gentlemen for civilian self-defense and dueling.

The sweeping guard offered superior hand protection during thrust-based fencing styles. By the Victorian era, many wealthy collectors commissioned high-quality reproductions of Renaissance arms for decorative or ceremonial use, often retaining the exquisite attention to detail seen in this example. Whether original or reproduction, this sword is a stunning representation of craftsmanship and martial elegance spanning centuries....more

This early 19th-century dagger from continental Europe features a wooden handle housed in its original leather and metal sheath. The piece has been carefully cleaned and oiled (dated 6/29/22) to preserve its patina and structural integrity.

Daggers like this were often privately owned sidearms used by military officers or civilians during the Napoleonic era. The 1810s were a turbulent period across Europe with Napoleon's military campaigns redefining national borders and warfare tactics.

Knives and daggers served not only as weapons but also as status symbols. This piece, with its honest wear and practical design, reflects the transitional craftsmanship between ornate court blades and practical field tools....more

"Research & Description coming soon!...more

This exquisite Renaissance left-hand dagger was designed for use with a rapier, showcasing deeply detailed figural motifs of armored warriors and bound figures. The steel mounts exhibit a bright, silvered finish, while the robust double-edged blade features pierced fullers and a fortified ricasso, suggesting it may have been capable of piercing armor.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, left-hand daggers (or parrying daggers) were essential tools in civilian dueling culture. Noblemen trained in fencing carried these to deflect strikes and counterattack, balancing the long thrusting rapier in the other hand.

This piece exemplifies the period's artistry and martial elegance, an extraordinary museum-grade artifact....more

"This is a fine example of German Maximilian-style knight's body armor, modeled after the iconic fluted designs popular in the early 16th century. The breastplate features deeply ribbed and fluted relief patterns across the chest and a matching articulated tasset skirt for enhanced mobility.
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"This 17th-century lobster-tail burgonet helmet, also known as a zischägge, was worn by English cavalry during the Cromwellian Civil Wars. Crafted around 1630-1660, the helmet features its original cheek pieces (with surviving leather), a riveted neck guard, and a ridged comb along the crown.
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"An incredibly rare and historically rich French Model 1767 Briquet cutlass from the pre-revolutionary monarchy, this sword bears the engraved signature "E. Nordhausen 1794" on the guard and a blade maker's mark from "Deselsars Marchand fourbisseur … la Tête Noire Rue Merciere … Lyon."
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"An exceptional 18th century French nobleman's hunting sword-dagger, featuring a highly polished agate handle and fine silver mounts, indicative of high craftsmanship and aristocratic ownership. The blade is richly adorned with etched designs on both faces and along the spine, showcasing the detailed metalwork associated with elite hunting weapons of the period.
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"A haunting and historically resonant fragment of a crucifixion sculpture, this carved wooden figure of Jesus, missing both arms, is likely 17th or 18th century. Despite its fragmentary state, the emotional power of the carving remains undiminished, especially in the facial expression and torso posture.
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This large, striking altar statue of Saint Francis dates to the 1600s and was likely created for a church interior or mission altar in Southern Europe or colonial Latin America. Despite the missing arms, a common loss in early wooden religious statuary, the work radiates a quiet strength through its posture and simplicity.

Saint Francis was often portrayed in a robe with a tonsured head, reflecting humility and connection to nature.

This example, part of the Samuel Presley Nesmith Jr. Texas Museum of Military History Collection, is a compelling artifact of Catholic devotional life in the early modern era....more

A powerful devotional artifact dating to the 17th century, this medium-sized hand-carved wooden altar statue likely represents Saint Francis of Assisi, identifiable by his simple monastic robe and serene expression. Though the arms are missing, common in centuries-old devotional statuary, the figure retains great reverence and presence.

Such ecclesiastical carvings were created for use in churches, chapels, or home altars, often in colonial Latin America or Southern Europe. Their wear and losses are part of their journey, tokens of centuries of veneration.

This piece hails from the Samuel Presley Nesmith Jr. Texas Museum of Military History Collection (2020) and embodies the spiritual and artistic legacy of early Christian craftsmanship....more

This rare Irish blunderbuss is a brass-barreled flintlock weapon from the 17th or early 18th century, beautifully engraved with the maker's mark "DUBLIN" on the breech and bearing early nitro proof marks including the distinctive "V" and "P" (Viewer and Proof). Additional stamps include the initials "S.W." and an embedded silver plate on the stock engraved "I. Bedell," likely denoting its original owner.

The stock itself is richly grained, with a silver shield inset into the wood, though a small section is missing near the ramrod channel. Blunderbusses were short-barreled, muzzle-loading firearms designed for close-quarters defense, commonly used aboard ships, by carriage guards, and in urban warfare. Their wide mouth made them ideal for scattershot loads.

Irish-made examples are especially desirable due to their craftsmanship and limited production. The engraved maker's marks and embedded silver nameplate suggest this piece may have belonged to a merchant-guard, officer, or well-connected civilian. This is a standout example of early Irish arms manufacture, blending rare provincial proofing with fine decorative embellishment. Its survival with such unique personalization makes it an incredibly rare collector's arm....more

"An exceptional and complete example of the Model 1794 French School of Mars (or March) sword, featuring a straight grip with 12 brass scale segments, a square quillon crossguard, and original saber belt harness and scabbard. Designed in line with military training academies of Revolutionary France, this type was standardized for officer instruction and parade use.
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"A rare and complete 19th-century gambler's traveling set, believed to be of English or American origin. Includes a 4-barrel C. Sharps & Co. derringer, a Bowie knife marked Brookes & Crookes, Sheffield with a silver-mounted bone or ivory grip, and a dagger in a leather sheath with stamped playing card motifs.
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"This diminutive 18th-century wooden religious figure, possibly depicting Saint Francis, is a touching relic of popular piety. Though modest in size and missing its arms, it carries all the hallmarks of handmade devotional art, humble, worn, and cherished through generations.
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"An unusual and intriguing Victorian-era personal kit reputedly used by a courtesan. Includes a Victor 2 1/2" spur trigger revolver with pearl grips, a Tiffany-style knife with mother-of-pearl handle and sheath, a silver cigarette holder, a pillbox, mother-of-pearl garter box, and various curiosities.
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This is a well-preserved early 20th-century sailmaker's hand tool, featuring original leather hand guard and metal spike/awl component intact. Likely used for heavy-duty stitching, canvas repair, or grommet setting aboard sailing vessels, the design is both utilitarian and ergonomic, built to endure the rigors of shipboard maintenance.

Sailmakers were critical members of maritime crews, especially during the age of sail and into the early industrialized period. Their tools were specialized and often handmade or customized to the user's grip and workflow. This tool dates to a time when canvas sails were still common in merchant and naval fleets worldwide....more

"An antique mid-19th century Belgian pinfire revolver (approx. 9mm, 3" barrel) paired with a Lund Fleet Street London dagger featuring a repousse sterling bolster and ivory handle. The revolver bears Liege proof marks, a folding trigger, and fluted cylinder; condition includes finish wear and light pitting.
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"Attributed to the fabled Professor Ernst Blomberg, this 19th-century vampire killing kit includes a percussion-cap pistol, crucifix, wooden stake, and glass vials labeled for garlic powder, various potions, and a "New Serum" (now empty).
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