On 15 November, Probus Auktioner is bringing together its prestigious auction in Stockholm. The catalogue comprises exciting historical treasures, such as ancient weapons and medals. Among the 400 lots in the selection, we have spotted three highlights not to be missed.
Commander Karoliner's Sword, Sweden, 1710s
The first must-have lot is none other than this Karoliner army commander sword, dating from the 1710s. The Karoliner army was the Swedish army who served under the orders of Kings Charles XI and Charles XII at the time, when Sweden was a great power. This 118-centimetre-long rapier features a gilded brass handle and a blade with the engraved inscriptions ‘Carl XII’ and ‘SOL DEO GLORIA’ (Only to the glory of God ).
Russian naval officer's sabre
The catalogue also includes a Russian naval officer's sabre with its golden scabbard. The weapon has a damask blade with engraved and gilded patterns. It bears the date of 29 June 1910 and a Russian name on the blade. Towards the end of the 16th century, the sabre was the most common weapon in Central Europe and ‘national versions’ were created in several countries.
Bolt-action rifle, probably German, c. 1670
The last highlight is a bolt action rifle, dating to around 1670. Marked ‘CK’, this weapon, decorated with plant and animal motifs, comes from Germany. It is believed that the bolt mechanism, like that of this rifle, was invented in Germany around 1510 and was replaced at the end of the 17th century by a flintlock mechanism, which was cheaper to produce.