On 20 April, it's time for Probus Auktioner's long-awaited sale. The catalogue is filled with exciting objects, such as antique weapons and uniforms. Among the 432 lots, we have selected nine favourites:
This German wheel lock rifle is signed Paulus Weller in 1657 and is decorated with various animals that appear to be wild boar and deer. The wheel lock was invented around 1510 in Germany. The catalogue contains six different wheel lock rifles, including one from 1580 and an Austrian one from the 18th century.
There is also a Persian dagger from the 19th century. The handle is made in bone and has designs depicting people. The dagger's sheath has been adorned in gold.
Wakizashi is a smaller sword from Japan that a samurai used. The sword could be used for harakiri, a traditional suicide method in Japan. The variant sold at Probus Auktioner is from the 16th or 17th century and was previously owned by the Swedish art collector Hjalmar Gabrielson (1876-1949).
The catalogue contains a Caroline ward from the 1690s. It was made for Duke Fredrik by the Holstein-Gottorp, a Swedish duchy. In 1713, the Holstein-Gottorpian army surrendered and the Danes with swords like this. Examples have been exhibited at the Töjhusmuseet in Copenhagen.
The North Star Order is a Swedish royal order that is distributed to members of the Swedish royal house and citizens who have made personal contributions for Sweden. Now you can bid on an order chain in gold-plated gold and enamelled brass.
Another award presented is the Lenin Order, which was the highest award in the Soviet Union. It was created in 1930 and named after Vladimir Lenin. Like the North Star Order, it was given to people who made efforts for the country.
A Swedish carton box from the 19th century, used by an officer of the Skåne owner's regiment, can be found among the hundreds of objects. A cartridge is a box of metal or leather that is worn on a uniform. In the past, it was used to store ammunition, but today has only a decorative purpose.
One of the more exciting objects presented is this 19th-century Japanese armour. It includes a kabuto, a type of helmet used by Japanese warriors but that later became an important part of the traditional Japanese armour used by the samurai. The armour is made of iron and lacquered leather.
The last item is a Caroline breastplate from the 1680s. The model was made for the cavalry and has the original lining.
In addition to these treasures you will also find bayonets, helmets, uniforms and revolvers. The auction will be held on 20 April and you can only bid online, starting at 11 am.
Probus Auktioner was founded in 2003 by Max Sjöberg and Jörgen Martinson. Twice a year they hold auctions specialising in antique weapons, orders, uniforms and other handicrafts from a number of eras.