Stephen  L. Flood, whose collection is coming up for auction this month, was a man who made an impact.

Born and raised in Pennsylvania from 1943 onward, Flood was educated at Devon Prep School and Villanova & Wilkes College before heading into the military. He then went into the financial sector and became the owner of a business.

Actually, he was the owner of two businesses: a lobster wholesaler (unsurprisingly in Maine) and an antique military auction house in his home state of Pennsylvania. It was generally items from the latter which he brought home with him.

A selection of Bavarian spiked helmets

A history buff, he was eager to have antiques, relics and Americana around him which related to periods of history.

These were focussed on militaria including weapons such as guns and swords and also war memorabilia such as uniforms and flags.

These were hugely varied, from an 18^th century antique curved sword believed to have belonged to a high-ranking Napoleonic officer to a Spencer repeating carbine Civil War model firearm which was made by the Burnside Rifle Co. Each is listed in the sale at a four figure sum, but could easily sell for more.

A fine Napoleonic sword with gilt decorations

But Flood wasn't just interested in military history. He was a keen collector of antiques in general, and these included fine furniture and porcelain antiques.

Shifting into another country, silk wall hangings from 19^th century Bavaria are extremely striking with bold black double-headed eagles on them. (There's also an impressive set of spiked Bavarian helmets in the militaria section.)

Likewise there is a German bracket clock with an ornate brass dial with silvered chapter which will no doubt catch the fancy of horology collectors.

The Russian silver and enamel icon

The Russian icons form perhaps the most spectacular section of the auction. The selection of 24 is led by a silver & enamel icon of St. Nicholas, bearing an enamelled mitre and corona.

On February 15^th and 16^th a Pennsylvania auction will conduct a sale offering these and many other excellent collectibles from Mr. Flood's estate. The event, offering such an eclectic, yet fascinating range of collectibles is likely to inspire others to take up the hobby.