Sword pistol linked to 1689 Siege of Derry sells for £40,000 at auction
By Rebecca Black, PA
A historic sword pistol with links to the Siege of Derry has been sold at auction for £40,000.
It was part of a gun collection that was collected by Antrim man Leslie Martin who died a few years ago.
Duelling pistols, carbines and revolvers were also among the collection, which was sold by Belfast company Bloomfield Auctions for a total of around £750,000.
The fearsome-looking early flintlock sword was one of the oldest lots, having been manufactured in 1650.
It was reputedly used during the Siege of Derry and belonged to the Hart family from the Donegal/Derry area.
Colonel Henry Hart, who died in 1712, is believed to have commanded the Fort of Culmore.
The sword sold for £40,000 at an auction at the Culloden Hotel on Tuesday night.
Other highlights include a military-style percussion musket inscribed with the name of Captain Alan Campbell who died during the 1916 Easter Rising, which sold for £320.
A gun with links to the Irish Famine in the late 1800s manufactured by notable Irish company John Rigby and Sons sold for £39,000.
Karl Bennett, managing director at Bloomfield Auctions, said they had interest locally and internationally from collectors, museums and institutions.
“We are used to handling auctions of this magnitude, but this collection was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to offer something unique and not often seen,” he said.
“Leslie’s passion for Irish history was brought to life by these objects. In researching their provenance, he brought to life both their history and the tumultuous events that they were part of.”
Mr Bennett said many of the lots sold will remain on the island of Ireland, with some going to private collections.
“This collection was unique. One of the finest collections on the island and although it has been sold off, the story of these objects and Leslie Martin’s passion for their history will never be lost,” he said.
“We are already looking for unique and historic items for the next auction.”
