The late Peter Parsons’ profession was medicine, but his passion was ancient arms and armor. The European examples he coveted while in medical school were beyond his means, so he began acquiring less expensive Japanese armor. As this collection rose in value he was able to begin accumulating the European items he’d originally wanted. Bonhams will auction his collection on July 20th in London, where the highlight will be a 17th century 3/4 suit of armor designed for a French cavalry soldier (est.$19,250-$24,000).
Update: Every lot sold in the auction, many well above estimates. The French cavalry soldier’s armor brought $82,212, more than three times its highest estimate, and a Danish horse soldier’s armor realized $54,808, more than double its estimate. A 17th century “Spider” helmet also fetched $54,808, almost seven times what Bonhams had anticipated.
Another highlight carrying the same estimate is a suit of blackened 3/4 armor made for a Danish horse soldier. There are a number of valuable accessories, including a 17th century “spider” helmet with a cage of hinged bars to protect the face (est. $6,400-$9,600). A variety of weapons will also be offered, including decorated rapiers and broadswords, and a German executioner’s sword.
Read more at FT.
