Bonhams has sold a pair of cannons bearing the coat of arms and battle cry of the Counts de Gavre as part of its July 31 auction of Antique Arms and Armour in London.
 The Counts de Gavre rose to prominence under the crusader kings of Jerusalem and Cyprus in the 11th century |
The cannons date to the 17th century or later and are in very fine condition, warranting the final sale price of £22,500 ($34,216).
Each of the cannons is cast in relief with raised mouldings, the muzzles decorated with a band of strapwork centred on a lion mask. They both bear the owners' coat of arms - a lion rampant on a shield within the collar of the Golden Fleece.
The chases bear the Counts de Gavre's battle cry "Gavre au Chaplet" along the top, accompanied by foliate dolphin lifting-handles. Both are set on later wooden field carriages.
The Counts de Gavre family originates from Flanders, Belgium, and rose to prominence serving under the crusader kings of Jerusalem and Cyprus in the 11th century.
The first to receive the order of the Golden Fleece was Jacques de Gavre, who was councillor to Emperor Charles V at the time of the Holy Roman Empire. The family were awarded the title of the Princes of the Holy Roman Empire by Charles VI in 1736.
 The duke (later William IV) gifted several such swords to distinguished naval officers, himself a captain of the Royal Navy |
Also featuring in the auction was an 1805 Pattern naval officer's sword, which was presented by the "Sailor Prince", later King William IV, to Admiral William Carnegie. Originally valued at up to £8,000, it sold for £18,750 ($28,513), a 134.3% increase on estimate.
Paul Fraser Collectibles has an array of artefacts from naval hero Lord Nelson for sale.
