A Museum Quality Original & Ancient, Crusades Period, King Edward Ist Medieval Knights Sword, 13th century. Used During The Time of Edward Longshanks, William Wallace and Robert The Bruce, Used By Both English & Scottish Knights During That Historic Era

The type known in academic circles as the Oakshott Type XII. What a fabulous original ‘statement piece’ for any collection or decor. In the world of collecting there is so little remaining in the world from this highly significant era in European and British history. And to be able to own and display such an iconic original representation from this time is nothing short of a remarkable privilege.
A wonderful example piece, from the ancient knightly age. Effectively, from this time of almost eight hundred years ago, from a collectors point of view, nothing else significant survives at all, only the odd small coin or very rarely seen, and almost impossible to own, carved statuary.A simply stunning historical original double-edged original knight's crusades period iron longsword of Oakeshott's Type XII (Oakeshott, 1991, p.105). Incredibly, still complete with its iron scabbard mount. Oakeshott is the standard that describes and by which defines Medieval swords, their types, and periods of use. The swords' broad, flat, evenly tapering blade is typical of specimens of its category, with the blade tending to widen below the hilt; incredibly the iron mouth of its original scabbard is also still present decorated with an openwork flower, but now in 2 pieces; the fuller is well defined, extending from below the guard for a little more than half of the blade's length;
This is the dominant style of knightly sword in use during the time of King Edward 1st of England Edward Longshanks such as in the first War with Scotland against Robert the Bruce and Sir William Wallace. The frequent myth is that the Scots mostly used the great sword Claymore, as seen in Braveheart, but the reality is very few of those were used, and even the so called William Wallace Claymore in the Wallace museum display in Stirlingshire, Scotland is iust an amalgam of various mixed sword parts, a Ship of Theseus of sorts.

The 'Great Seal of Robert The Bruce' shows him holding the very same type of sword.
This type was frequently made in Venice, by their great armourers, and many king's around all Europe had this form of sword. King Edward's sword, for example, was very similar to this sword, in its shape and form, but the king's sword would have been thinly coated with gold on the hilt. The Battle of Falkirk, (22 July 1298) was the initial Scottish victory over the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297, but was soon avenged by Edward at the Battle of Falkirk. English rule was thus re-established over Scotland, forcing William Wallace to wage a lengthy guerrilla campaign until he was hunted down, betrayed, and eventually executed for treason in 1305. After the disaster of Stirling Bridge, King Edward I of England determined to crush the Scots once and for all. He headed north to invade the country in 1298, advancing with an army of around 2,500 mounted knights many using swords just as this one and 12,500 infantry, including large numbers of Welsh and English archers armed with longbows. In response, Wallace tried to avoid a pitched battle, because his own forces were smaller than the English, totalling around 1,000 mounted knights and 5,000 infantry. Wallace preferred to conduct guerrilla warfare against the invading army, but was eventually forced into battle at Falkirk.
On the morning of battle, Wallace formed his pikemen up into four schiltrons, hedgehog like circular formations of pikemen standing shoulder to shoulder with their pikes facing outward through an outer row of men in armour. The gaps between the schiltrons were filled with archers. The four schiltrons withstood the initial English cavalry and infantry attacks but then became vulnerable to steady fire from Edward?s longbowmen, the first time significant use had been made of this deadly weapon in battle. As the arrows poured down, supplemented by crossbow and slingshot, the schiltrons were soon broken up by the charging English cavalry. The Scots then fled into the neighbouring woods. Wallace escaped, although he lost many supporters. English losses, too, were high, testimony to the effectiveness of the schiltrons in battle.

Losses: English, 2,000 of 15,000; Scottish, 2,000 of 6,000. This sword's blade's cross-section, being of lenticular design, was originally from thirty to thirty-two inches long; the grip is a little longer than previous Oakshott type XI; the style of guard is short and straight, with a flattened cross-section at the edges; the pommel is a thick spherical piece, slightly flattened at the centre. Nice condition for age.

To see references on this sword see Oakeshott, J, R.E., The Archaeology of the weapons, London, 1960 (Woodbridge, 1999); Oakeshott, E. 'Records of the Medieval Sword', Woodbridge, 1991; Nicolle, D., 'Arms and Armour of the Crusading Era', 1050-1350, vol I,, London, 1999; Scalini, M., 'A bon droyt, spade di uomini liberi, cavalieri e santi', Milano, 2007.

Oakeshott considered this category of sword as one of the most difficult to interpret, because of the affinity of the hilt with the types X and XVI (Oakeshott, 1991, p.65). Characteristics are the noticeable taper blade, with acute point, and the grip quite short, never of hand-and-a-half length. The fuller is usually running for at least half of the length of the blade. The sword was the most typical chivalry weapon diffused in all the Europe, largely attested by archaeological finds and artefacts from historical collections. Among the most famous specimen of such sword we should remember the one of Sancho IV (El Bravo) of Castilla, died in 1295 AD see photo in the gallery, which show a slightly curved hilt, and a cross-guard also expanded at the edges (Nicolle, 1999, cat.391). Our sword finds a good parallel in a Venetian sword preserved in Padova Museum (inv. IG 321119, s. Scalini, 2007, pp.126-127, cat.19), realised by an unknown Italian craftsman. Many of these swords were taken as booty from the Muslims taken from the vanquished crusader knights initially and preserved until recent times in the Arsenal of the Imperial Palace in Istanbul. Such weapons were mainly of Venetian origin, with slightly broader blades than our specimen. Scalini has suggested that such swords could also have been employed during the XIII-XIV century by the Venetian infantry in the operations of the Aegean Sea against Muslims and Eastern Romans. If this is true, the importance of the weapon consists in its functional use, not only reserved to the European and British knights, but also army of the Venetian Republic. The early flat disc pommels appear in the Mediterranean Sea at the beginning of the 12th century (for similar pommels s. Oakeshott, 1991, p.69) and persist in use until the 15th century and even later, although with significant variations. In art and medieval iconography, the best samples of swords of XII types can be seen on the famous Bible of Maciejowski made in approximately 1250 (Nicolle, 1999, 49a-49 as). Many of the swords illustrated therein seem to indicate a full length fuller; this might seem to indicate a Type X. However, most of the illustrations feature far too much profile taper to be a true Type X. Given the period of the Bible's manufacture they are far more likely to indicate swords of Type XII design. There is also an Apocalypse in the library of Trinity College, Cambridge (Nicolle, 1999, 189a-b) that was made around twenty years earlier that features illustrations of the type. Many of the illustrations from the Royal Armouries Manuscript I.33 can be interpreted as being of type XII pattern. More specifically, the typology of our specimen is visible on the sculpture of a warrior in the Church of Saint Justyna in Padua, confirming again the Venetian origin of such swords.

"Most probably our specimen is from a battlefield or, most probably, a river find. Type XII (Oakeshott, 1960 (1999) p.206), is generally dated between about 1180 and 1320, It has a large blade, very similar in shape to the Ulfberht ones but generally with a more acute point, and a well-marked and slightly narrower fuller starting in the tang and running about halfway along the blade; this occasionally is of two or more grooves. The pommel is generally in the form of a thick disc, sometimes with the edges bevelled off, sometimes of the so-called "wheel" form. Its cross is generally straight, circular in section and widening at the ends, but it may be of a square section; or it may be curved or have decorated terminals. Inscriptions on examples of these swords dating after about 1220 are slightly different again; the letters are closer together, often so dose that it is nearly impossible to make them out; and instead of the clearly legible religious phrase there is a jumble of repetitive letters which seems meaningless. Typical of the High Middle Ages, these swords begin to show greater tapering of the blade and a shortened fuller, features which improve thrusting capabilities while maintaining a good cut. The Cawood sword is an exceptionally well preserved type XII specimen, exemplifying a full-length taper and narrow fuller, which terminates two thirds down the blade. A number of Medieval examples of this type survive. It certainly existed in the later 13th century, and perhaps considerably earlier, since the Swiss National Museum in Zurich possesses an example that has a Viking Age-type hilt but clearly a type XII blade." Above quote on this sword from Dr Raffaele D'Amato. Small hole damage to central fuller and extreme tip missing. As with all our items they are accompanied with a Certificate of Authenticity and thus Guaranteed for Life. Just under a kilo in weight, 74.5cm (29 1/4" inches long overall). As usual the wooden handle and scabbard leather perished centuries past. Almost every iron weapon that has survived today from this era is now in a fully russetted condition, as is this one, because only the swords of kings, that have been preserved in national or Royal collections are today still in a good state and condition. This sword will be accompanied by a complimentary wooden display stand. It could also be enhanced by affixing to a rectangular bespoke display panel.


Every single item from The Lanes Armoury is accompanied by our unique Certificate of Authenticity. Part of our continued dedication to maintain the standards forged by us over the past 100 years of trading  read more

Code: 22938

Welcome to The Lanes Armoury, Britain's Truly Magical Place, Where Thousands of Original & Breathtaking Wonders Are For Sale And New Fantastic Original Treasures Added, Every, Single, Day.

Happy Easter, everybody!!

As all our regulars know we close on all bank holidays and Sundays, but, the shop was open on the Saturday, in between Good Friday and Easter Sunday & Monday, and we had over 3,200 visitors!!!, but if you want to pop in after the holiday, then everyone will be very welcome.

During our closure days etc we are contactable by email or calling our mobile 07721 010085. Our resident staff will be able to assist calls as usual

Mark and David, will also be consulting and filming a documentary till the 14th, so that will prove interesting again.

Our third floor resident security staff are available for drop-off deliveries and collection every day though, but by appointment only.

Our beautiful pieces from history are not always just for looking at, some {such as the B3 Pilots Jacket} can still be enjoyed, and even worn, for every one to see.

Recently acquired and added to our web store and also due to be added.

A fabulous quality and very good Napoleonic Wars Brown Bess, an incredible pair of Zulu War knopkerrie clubs, one a fabulous rare chiefs war club, the other a telegraph wire bound impi warriors war club, and one of the best and beautiful regimental pattern Napoleonic Wars swords, for one of the great Scottish regiments that saw incredible action in the Peninsular war and Waterloo. Also a stunning Martini Henry 450-577 rifle {with both optional bayonet patterns} one of the first 1400 ever made. And, one of the rarest Royal Marines pattern swords, 1796, we have ever seen. Trafalgar battle damaged.
We also have two amazing Japanese swords both by high ranked smiths Dewa Daijo Fujiwara Kunimichi circa 1615, and Hamabe Toshizane, 1814, both absolute beauties! they will both be available in around two weeks. Plus another super Brown Bess, (now sold ) and a remarkable WW1 German snipers bullet proof armour shield. Some jolly nice Imperial and Third Reich German swords. Plus, lots, lots more!

Recently we also have some superb, British, Victorian swords from the Crimean War, for a new young officer serving in The Zulu War, and one beauty, regimentally marked to the 1st Battalion The Welsh Regiment, for an officer that served in combat Mahdist War (1888): The 1st Battalion was dispatched to Egypt in 1886, playing a key role in the Mahdist War at the Battle of Gemaizah (Suakin) in December 1888, where they were highly praised for their efficiency by their commander, Col.Kitchener.

Colonel Herbert Kitchener, {later to become known as the great Field Marshal Lord Kitchener} who wrote in his dispatches:

‘The half-Battalion of The Welsh Regiment are seasoned soldiers and whatever I asked of them to do they did well. They’re marksmen at Gemaizah Fort and the remainder of the half-Battalion on the left fired section volleys driving the Dervishes from their right position and inflicting severe punishment upon them when in the open. Significantly the Battalion did not lose a man”

Later, the 1st Battalion was dispatched to South Africa in November 1899 for the Second Boer War: it was engaged in Battle of Paardeberg in February 1900, where they suffered heavy losses, and again at the Battle of Driefontein in March 1900

Also, cannon balls from the English Civil War seige. One ball was recovered {in living memory} almost five feet beneath the surface mud. And an incredibly very rare and historical.

Also, see our latest incredible 'Royal' daggers from the 17th century Pattal-hatara (Four Workshops) of the King of Sri Lanka.

Occasionally, as we are Great Britain’s leading gallery of our kind, we have had had such knives, over the past 30 years, before, but nothing as fine as these museum grade examples, from the small collection we were thrilled to have acquired.

We have just also just added to the web store; a German colonels sword surrendered at the formal surrender of the German armed forces in May 1945 to Field Marshal Lord Montgomery, and a beautiful and magnificent samurai swords from the 1600's Tokugawa Shogunate period, one of the most fabulous samurai swords you might ever see. Plus, an Ancient Greek short sword or long dagger From The Greco-Persian Wars era, From the time of the Spartans at Thermopylae, to Alexander the Great's conquest of Persia & Egypt {now sold}

We Are Not Just A Webstore, We Are Always Welcoming Thousands Personal Visitors To View or Buy our Museum Pieces in Our Gallery In Brighton, Every Day* {but Sunday}

Thousands of original, historic, ancient, antique and vintage collectables. For example; from Ancient Rome, China and Greece, to Medieval Japan, and Viking Europe. Covering British, European, and in fact, all worldwide eras of historical events from the past 4000 years, with antiquities, weaponry, armour, object d’art, militaria and fabulous books, from the Stone Age, the Bronze Age and the iron age, and right up to WW2.

Where else in the world could you find, under one roof, original artifacts, such as,; a mace and archer’s ring recovered from the site of Battle of Crecy, a sword of a British Admiral or notorious pirate fleet captain of the Golden Age of piracy of 17th century England, a battle mace, possibly once used by of one the personal guards in the service of the most famous Pharoah, Rameses the Great of Egypt, or, a museum quality 500 year old sword of a samurai clan Daimyo lord, and a pair of gold and enamel Art Deco 1920’s Magic Circle medals awarded to a friend of Harry Houdini. And all of the above, with many, many other Museum pieces, have been just been offered upon the site within the past couple of weeks.

Personalised and unique ‘Certificates of Authenticity’ can be supplied for every, single, purchase.

Our family have been personally serving the public in Brighton for several generations, in fact, for over 105 years.

* Opening hours Monday to Saturday 11.00am till 4.00pm, closed Sundays and Bank Holidays.


See in the gallery Will Young wearing one of our fabulous Victorian tunics, plus, James Marshall ‘Jimi’ Hendrix

And Tom pops in again to pick up a few trinkets the other day, and Liz and Richard pop down to visit us in October 1970  read more

Code: 24055

A Very Rare, And Incredibly Beautiful, Regimental British Sword Museum Piece, From The Napoleonic Wars. A 1st Regiment Of Foot Sabre With Battle Honour Crest Of The Sphinx. For The Egyptian Campaign {For the Battles of Aboukir 1801 & Alexandria 1801}

A Beautiful 1803 pattern British combat infantry regimental sword for the Royal Scots, the 1st Regiment of Foot. A glorious museum piece for its combination of beauty and incredible combat history

This wonderous sabre looks as good as anything you will see on display in the Tower of London Armoury museum. This beauty could be the prize 'star' piece of any collection of rare Napoleonic swords

Copper gilt 1803 pattern slotted hilt with lion's head pommel royal crest GR knuckle bow, slotted hilt with four regimental badges of the 1st Regiment of Foot The Royal Scots, with figure of the Sphinx battle honour. Wooden ribbed grip and original copper gilt mounted scabbard with maker engraving of John Salter of 35 the Strand, London. Maker to the Duke of Sussex, and a famed maker of swords for Admiral Lord Nelson, and Lloyds Patriotic Fund.

The overall condition of the sword is very good indeed, yet it has clearly been used, in impressive hand to hand combat, as the sword blade’s cutting edge has numerous attacking and defensive edge-to-edge sword cuts. Very likely acquired during its last combat service use at Quatre Bras and Waterloo, as the cuts would have been removed by the regimental armourer in order to restore a smooth cutting edge ready for the next battle, that never occured of course, thanks to the Duke of Wellington's magnificent victory over Napoleon.

A remarkable regiment of incredible combat history. They fought, with honours awarded, in the Egyptian Campaign against Napoleon, serving in the Mediterranean. This included Toulon (1793), Corsica (1794), Aboukir (1801) and Alexandria (1801). In 1799, the battalion also took part in the unsuccessful Anglo-Russian invasion of Holland. In the Peninsular war, they fought at Corunna (1809), before being evacuated and sent on the Walcheren Expedition. It returned to Iberia, taking part in many engagements, including Fuentes de Onoro (1811), Salamanca (1812), Vitoria (1813) and the Battle of Nive (1813), before advancing into France in 1814. It later fought magnificently at Quatre Bras and Waterloo (1815).

The 1st Regiment of Foot (Royal Scots), 3rd Battalion, played a key role at Waterloo in Kempt’s Brigade (1st Division), positioned along the Ohain Road. They withstood heavy artillery, held their position during intense infantry attacks, and advanced in the late afternoon. They previously fought at Quatre Bras, forming a successful square with the 28th Foot.

Positioned on the left of the allied line, they were heavily involved in defending against French advances.
They held their position, forming lines and squares to combat French infantry and cavalry charges. During lulls, they withdrew to the reverse slope to avoid artillery fire.

Fighting at Quatre Bras on June 16, forming a combined square with the 28th Foot to repel cavalry.

During Waterloo, the regiment was involved in close-quarters fighting against initial French attacks, later supported by the Union Brigade cavalry.
Major Campbell was wounded, with command falling to Captain Robert Macdonald.
The regiment advanced towards the ridge after the fall of La Haye Sainte around 5:00 PM.

The 3rd Battalion was part of Major General Sir James Kempt's 8th British Brigade.

The Royal Scots (1st Regiment of Foot) was the oldest and most senior infantry regiment of the line in the British Army, raised in 1633 and serving until 2006. Known as "Pontius Pilate's Bodyguard," it was formed by Sir John Hepburn for service in France before joining the British establishment in 1678. The regiment was amalgamated into the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Originally raised in 1633 by King Charles I as a Scottish regiment for French service during the Thirty Years War, later known as the Regiment de Douglas or Regiment de Dumbarton.
Precedence: It was recognized as the 1st Regiment of Foot in 1751.
Major Campaigns: Served in the War of Spanish Succession (Blenheim, Ramillies, Oudenarde, Malplaquet), 7 Years War, Napoleonic Wars (including Waterloo).
The Napoleonic Wars: During the Napoleonic Wars, they were heavily involved in the Peninsular War and at Waterloo in 1815
The development of the Pattern 1803 Flank Officer's sword originates with formation of grenadier and light companies in the late 18th century. These were considered the elite of both the Foot Guards and line infantry, and could be detached and deployed separately. The grenadier company was the senior company of any infantry battalion and would typically lead an assault. The light company fulfilled the skirmishing role for the battalion. When a battalion was deployed in line, the grenadier and light companies were deployed on the right and left flanks respectively, and both companies could be could be called upon to operate in looser formations and semi-independently. The added element of risk associated with detached skirmishing in looser formations meant that the officers of these companies needed a more robust fighting sword than the straight 1796 pattern.  read more

Code: 26176

A Very Fine British ‘Brown Bess’ India Pattern Infantry Musket, Of The Napoleonic Wars Period. For Over One Hundred Years The British ‘Brown Bess’ Was The Most Famed and Feared Musket In The World. No Army In The World Failed To Respect Them

You would have to go a long way to find a better untouched example of a regulation ‘3rd Pattern’ ‘Brown Bess’ from the Napoleonic wars, and most importantly used from Quatre Bras and Waterloo

The stock has super patina, very sound, great condition, untouched and devoid of restoration and a great and fabulous feel of quality and heft.
A perfect example of an historic original Napoleonic ‘sleeper’ A musket, that once retired from British Army combat service, was placed in sound and dry storage, and has remained untouched for nigh on 200 years.

All the fittings are very good, a superb regulation length barrel, lock, trigger guard, butt plate, etc, ramrod, sling swivels and brass mounts. With a fine leather strap, good action, good proof marks, good inspection stamps, good dating. Effectively, everything you would want to see in an infantryman’s musket, that was contracted, supplied to the British infantry, and used in the last great battles of Napoleon from 1814 when he was first defeated, and most importantly, in his last Hurrah, the 100 Days War, Napoleonic lady desperate gamble to reclaim his title, his throne and empire, culminating at Quatre Bras and Waterloo, what a historical beauty!

In fact he very nearly succeeded, if it wasn’t for the tactical skill of the iron Duke, and his indomitable army, of fearless English, Scottish, Irish and Welsh infantryman and the great Prussian volunteers of the KGL. With the able last minute assistance from Field Marshal Blucher (*who, interestingly, and allegedly, believed he was pregnant during Waterloo) and his Prussians, direct from their battle and defeat at Ligny.

One of the 142,970 British contract made 'India Pattern' muskets turned over by the East India Co. army to the British Board of Ordnance for the Napoleonic wars, due to the urgent need for arms to counter Napoleon's massive armament reserve.

The lock is stamped by the primary, senior ordnance inspector, Richard Duce {his mark of Crown 2}. Who was also the controller of tempering & hardening of locks, after their arrival from the stores for fitting to the musket, and apparently he inspected all the EIC bess that were handed over to the British Ordnance for the Napoleonic Wars. An account that was confirmed to us by our friend and historic colleague, Howard Blackmore of the Tower of London armoury.

The musket was the standard weapon issued to the British soldier throughout the 18th and early-19th centuries. It would be the 'India', also known as the 'Third Pattern' Brown Bess musket that would play a central and pivotal role in the wars against Revolutionary and Napoleonic France.

By the end of the American Revolutionary War in 1783, the British Army was armed with the Pattern 1777 and Pattern 1779(S) Short Land Pattern musket. This was a musket made to the strict quality guidelines of the Board of Ordnance, and was characterised by its 42 in barrel. After the war the expectation was for a period of peace, a time when the need for Ordnance materials would be low, so the standing contracts for the Pattern 1777 and the Pattern 1779(S) musket were cancelled. Parliament was not prepared to fund equipment it deemed unnecessary, so financial retrenchment was the order of the day. No change there then

The world changed in 1793, a mere 10 years after the loss of the American colonies. Britain found itself once again at war, this time with Revolutionary France. An army now reduced in size to an authorized strength of only 44,432 men had to be expanded rapidly, along with the local militia and volunteer forces. The call for muskets was huge. Indeed, in 1793 the total stock of muskets in armouries around Britain, including the central arsenal at the Tower of London, was around a mere 60,000. The stocks held in French arsenals amounted to over a very sensible 700,000.

Something needed to be done. At first the Board of Ordnance tried to ramp up production of the Short Land Pattern muskets by engaging new contractors. Yet despite producing over 31,000 muskets in 1793 the numbers were still woefully inadequate for the expanding forces.

The Board of Ordnance had to fill the gap. They did this by ordering 10,000 muskets from the Birmingham gun trade and 10,000 from their usual emergency suppliers in Liege, Belgium. However this was still not enough, especially as the private contractors in both Birmingham and London were hard at work fulfilling orders for the private trade and for the East India Company, one of the biggest private purchasers of military arms. To begin to solve this lack of supply the Master General of the Ordnance, the Duke of Richmond, suggested to the government that they persuade the East India Company to sell their stocks of muskets to the government and also to agree not to place any further orders until the Ordnance's requirements were met.

The duke wrote to the Home Secretary, Henry Dundas, on the matter. As Chairman of the Board of Control of the East India Company Dundas had earlier been instrumental in securing parliamentary approval for the renewal of the East India Company's monopoly. The duke stated that he was: 'aware how unpleasant it must be to take such a step, and to deliver out to our troops these East India Company muskets, but ... the least important must give way to the most; and you will be best able to judge whether the East India Company can admit of a delay in respect of theses arms. And altho' they might not be quite so perfect as ours, they undoubtedly must be serviceable ones, and such as the new Raised Corps must put up with on the current Emergency.'

This suggestion was met with agreement, and the idea of introducing the East India Company's arms into British Army service was conceived. By the end of 1794 the East India Company had delivered 29,920 muskets into government stores, all that they could spare. Indeed transactions for East India Company muskets would continue throughout the duration of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. By 1815, the East India Company had sold the Board of Ordnance at least 142,970 small arms.

The musket that the East India Company supplied was one originally designed by General Lawrence for East India Company service, altered and simplified by Lieutenant Colonel Edward Windus in 1771. The musket in Company service became known as the 'Windus' pattern. In 1795, the Board of Ordnance began to order 'India Pattern' muskets on its own account and by 1797 it officially adopted the musket as the Model 1793 and began to place substantial orders for it with the Birmingham gun trade.

The Model 1793 India Pattern musket was standardized by the Board of Ordnance in 1797, taking account of its comparable cheapness, simplicity of design and ease of manufacture. By the end of 1797, the Birmingham gun trade was able to deliver some 72,000 muskets to the government proof house at Bagot Street. The success of this model was self evident, along with its slightly modified successor the Model 1809 India Pattern. They produced at an average price of 18 shillings and 5 pence (roughly £3,000 in today's money).

This fabulous example was one of those desperately required Brown Besses.

The Brown Bess musket was the standard weapon of the British infantry for more than a century. Soldiers on both sides of the War of 1812 employed it in battle, staring down its barrel at opponents across distances of less than a hundred yards.

Flintlock musket
The Brown Bess musket was the standard weapon of the British for more than a century.
British foot soldiers marched into battle with this musket—nicknamed “Brown Bess”—for more than 100 years. British redcoats used the Brown Bess to fight the War of Independence in the colonies, and many of their opponents in the Americans’ Continental army used it as well. British soldiers fighting in the Napoleonic wars carried it into battle, and it was the principal firearm used by the infantrymen who fought the War of 1812.

The Brown Bess had several distinctive features. It was a large-calibre weapon: the bullet it fired was a lead ball up to three-quarters of an inch in diameter, three times the diameter of a modern .22-caliber rifle round. The inside of its barrel was smooth: unlike more accurate “rifled” muskets used by the famous rifle regiments, the Brown Bess had a smooth bore with no grooves to make its fire more accurate. Soldiers loaded the musket through the muzzle, which meant that each bullet had to be forced down a longer than three foot barrel before firing. Even trained soldiers could only launch two or three shots per minute.

Because the weapon was slow to load and relatively inaccurate (experienced soldiers generally estimated its range between 50 and 100 yards), armies developed tactics that helped compensate for its shortcomings. The limitations of smoothbore muskets like the Brown Bess forced units employ “linear tactics,” in which a hundreds of soldiers stood in neat lines, shoulder-to-shoulder and out in the open. While such tactics appear decidedly unstealthy to twenty-first century eyes, they proved essential on the battlefields of all the conflicts which Britain was involved.
There, stealth was a low priority. Packing the men into blocs allowed officers to coordinate their troops’ fire into synchronized volleys. Firing a hundred guns in the same direction at once helped ensure that at least some, often most of the inaccurate musket balls found their targets. And grouping the men into neat lines out in the open helped commanders ensure that few of their troops gave in to the natural instinct to flee.

Of course, packing troops into blocks and fighting in the open required tremendous discipline from the individual soldiers. Infantrymen had to stand exposed to enemy fire as they loaded and fired their own muskets. And in some situations, soldiers learned the grisly dangers of fighting in lines—as at the Battle of New Orleans in the 1812 war, where American artillery attacked the exposed British formations with devastating effect.

The last photo in the gallery shows a photograph of one section of the collection in the museum of Waterloo, taken in around 1900, showing all the weapons of Waterloo en situ, including all the protagonists {British, French, Prussian and Belgian muskets, swords, pistols, armour uniforms, etc}. The museum was founded and owned by a veteran of the 7th Hussars that fought at Waterloo

*While Blucher’s "pregnancy" was a metaphor, it was widely joked about by contemporary figures as a sign of his mental exhaustion and stress following the war.  read more

Code: 26181

Singularly Fine & Superb 1870's Zulu War Souvenir. A Zulu Chief's 'Knobkerrie' War Club. In Fabulous Used Condition, Bearing Superb Colour and Patination. & Incredibly Effective as Both a Weapon and Symbol of Power And Status Within The Zulu Kingdom

Of impressive size, and a heavy example, as to be expected, for a Zulu chief, and, highly effective it truly was in its day. In superb condition piece with magnificent patination. It would have very likely used by one of the Zulu chiefs listed below;

During the 1879 Anglo-Zulu War, the Zulu nation was led by King Cetshwayo kaMpande. The army was commanded by various high-ranking chiefs and princes, including Ntshingwayo Khoza, Mavumengwana kaNdlela, Dabulamanzi kaMpande, and Mnyamana Buthelezi. Following defeat, the British split the kingdom into 13 "kinglets" or chiefs.

Key military commanders and leaders (Amakhosi) included:
Ntshingwayo Khoza: Led the Zulu army to victory at the Battle of Isandlwana.
Mavumengwana kaNdlela: Co-commander of the main Zulu force.
Dabulamanzi kaMpande: Cetshwayo's half-brother, who led forces at the Battle of Rorke's Drift.
Mnyamana kaNgqengelele Buthelezi: Chief minister and commander.
Zibhebhu kaMaphitha: Commander who later became one of the 13 appointed "kinglets".

While many regional chiefs fought, these commanders were also instrumental in the strategy and execution of the war against British forces.

An 1870's original souvenir of the Zulu War of 1879. A mighty and magnificent large example. Less than one in five hundred made were of this great size. Carved from a traditional, huge size, hardwood root, the Knobkerrie was one of the main arms of the Zulu warrior, used alongside his assegai spear. Interestingly the war club was frequently more effective in battle than the spear. In one to one combat, the Zulu Impi warrior was expertly trained to aim his club blow at an opponents head, which often gave a more catastrophic and urgently needed instant and debilitating result, whereas a spear stab, which may indeed give a mortal wound, might leave an opponent that could still effectively fight back for some considerable time. David Smith a former Royal Marine, was an assiduous collector of Zulu War artefacts that became the preeminent collection in the country. We were very privileged to know him and on occasion supply him with a choice artefact for his collection. Upon his sad death his collection was sold and achieved some world record breaking prices. This has helped to stimulate even more the ever growing collectors market in fine Zulu War period artefacts. During the 1879 Zulu War, two of most famous pair of engagements in the British army's history, during the last quarter of the 19th century, happened over two consecutive days. Curiously, it is fair to say that these two engagements, by the 24th Foot, against the mighty Zulu Impi, are iconic examples of how successful or unsuccessful leadership can result, in either the very best conclusion, or the very worst. And amazingly, within only one day of each other. The 1879 Zulu War, for the 24th Foot, will, for many, only mean two significant events, Isandlhwana and Rorke's Drift. This is the brief story of the 24th Foot in South Africa; In 1875 the 1st Battalion arrived in Southern Africa and subsequently saw service, along with the 2nd Battalion, in the 9th Xhosa War in 1878. In 1879 both battalions took part in the Zulu War, begun after a British invasion of Zululand, ruled by Cetshwayo. The 24th Foot took part in the crossing of the Buffalo River on 11 January, entering Zululand. The first engagement (and the most disastrous for the British) came at Isandhlwana. The British had pitched camp at Isandhlwana and not established any fortifications due to the sheer size of the force, the hard ground and a shortage of entrenching tools. The 24th Foot provided most of the British force and when the overall commander, Lord Chelmsford, split his forces on 22 January to search for the Zulus, the 1st Battalion (5 companies) and a company of the 2nd Battalion were left behind to guard the camp, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Pulleine (CO of the 1/24th Foot).

The Zulus, 22,000 strong, attacked the camp and their sheer numbers overwhelmed the British. As the officers paced their men far too far apart to face the coming onslaught. During the battle Lieutenant-Colonel Pulleine ordered Lieutenants Coghill and Melvill to save the Queen's Colour?the Regimental Colour was located at Helpmakaar with G Company. The two Lieutenants attempted to escape by crossing the Buffalo River where the Colour fell and was lost downstream, later being recovered. Both officers were killed. At this time the Victoria Cross (VC) was not awarded posthumously. This changed in the early 1900s when both Lieutenants were awarded posthumous Victoria Crosses for their bravery.

37 inches long, head 3.1 inches across, and 1.6 pounds weight.
The regular Impi warrior's war club would have a head around 2.5 inches across, and a regular it would be around 3/4 of a pound in weight.  read more

Code: 26180

A Wondrous Quality 18th Century Gilt Bronze Hilted Royal Naval Officers Sword of Hunting Hanger Form

Due to its superlative quality it was likely formerly the the property of a duke, prince, or an aristocrat of the highest status. It is also very similar to the the Walpole-Suckling Hunting Hanger Sword believed Carried by Capt. Horatio Nelson, sold by Sotheby's special treasures sale in 2003, see photo 10 in the gallery.

Originally intended for use in the boar or stag hunt, but most usually used in the early part of the 18th century by British senior officers in the Royal Navy. There are many portraits of Queen Anne period Naval admirals and the like carrying their hunting swords while in service aboard ship, as it was the perfect size for close combat use, aboard a well and profusely rigged man o’ war.
In the gallery is a portrait of Admiral Benbow holding his very similar hunting sword, another of Admiral George Churchill with his same sword, and once again with his same hunting sword Admiral Sir Cloudsley Shovell.

In the seminal works, 'Swords for Sea Service' by May and Annis, shown in photographed plates 80 and 81, are two other 18th century hunting swords used by noted naval officer's, one by Galfridus Walpole, said to have been used by Nelson and the other sword of Admiral Don Francisco Xavier Winthuysen, that was surrendered to Commodore Nelson at the Battle of St Vincent in 1797

Finest gilt bronze hilt engraved and cast throughout of scenes of hunts. With sharkskin grip, cast repousse decorated shell guard, knuckle bow and pommel, decorated with full relief very finely engraved blade with hunting scenes of wild boar. The wild boar is the ancestral species of the domestic pig. It is native across much of Central Europe
Unlike the Romans for whom hunting boar was considered a simple pastime, the hunting of boars in Medieval Europe was mostly done by nobles for the purpose of honing martial skill. It was traditional for the noble to dismount his horse once the boar was cornered and to finish it with a dagger. To increase the challenge, some hunters would commence their sport at the boars mating season, when the animals were more aggressive. Records show that wild boar were abundant in medieval Europe. A charging boar is considered exceptionally dangerous quarry, due to its thick hide and dense bones, making anything less than a kill shot a potentially deadly mistake. Hunting dogs have been used to hunt boar since ancient times. Boar hunting dogs are loosely divided into two categories, bay dogs, and catch dogs.
Bay dogs harass and harry the boar, keeping it cornered in one place and barking loudly. This behaviour is known as "baying" or keeping the boar "at bay". The bay dogs' barking alerts the hunters to the bay, so that the hunter may catch up and kill the boar.the clergy demanding tribute from commoners in the form of boar carcasses or body parts. In 1015 for example, the doge Ottone Orseolo demanded for himself and his successors the head and feet of every boar killed in his area of influence.

In this period, because of the lack of efficient weapons such as guns, the hunting of boars required a high amount of courage, and even the French king Philip IV died from falling off his horse when charged by a boar.

The sword is in fine condition for its age. It lacks the small quillon end  read more

Code: 21041

A Superb 17th Century Kora of the Gurkhas of Nepal

The blade has an unusual shaped tip, inlaid with brass cross devices within fine engraved borders and bands, twin disc guards, iron grip, stupa-shaped pommel. The Kora is possibly the oldest form of sword of the Gurkhas and it may well be that their phenomenal military success was largely due to their possession of such a terribly effective weapon." 'Kora,' has an inner cutting edge, with which those who use it skilfully are enabled to cut a foe in two at a single blow." Its appearance reminds of the European Sabre but instead of curving upwards (back) it has a wide tip, a forward curved blade, single edged on its concave side, the latter two characteristic sit shares with the Kukri knife. When used correctly the forward curved blade concentrates the power/energy of the strike to the curved area thus allowing more force to be utilised at the point of contact in each blow. It is designed with its practical application in mind, to chop/slash and not for Classical fencing, yet its usually light enough if the need arises. Like Nepal, the Kora & Kukri are strongly associated with the Gurkhas and was firstly illustrated in Col. William Kirkpatrick's work "An Account of the kingdom of Nepal?" published in London, 1811 based on his travels in 1793 to Nepal. There both the Kukri and Kora is for the first time illustrated to the wider worlds public. The Kora was traditionally used warfare and personal protection, but also played and still plays a function in the religious sphere where it is used to behead sacrificial animals in one blow, otherwise believed to bring bad fortune and the sacrifice is considered useless. Thus both a skilled man and a formidable blade is needed, the Kora certainly passes the criteria!.

Photo 9 in the gallery of the Bagbhairab Temple, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal. they are Koras used from the battle of Kirtipur during the 1760`s.

Blade 55cms, overall 70.5cms. Jolly nice condition for age.  read more

Code: 21790

A Superb Ancient Greek Bronze Scholar’s Tablet Ring From The Time of Alexander the Great Circa 340 BC. Engraved With Symbolic Crosshatching Of Stylized Pre-Euclidean Geometry, And In The Proportions of A Greek Stele. From the Greek στήλη

Another collection of fine antiquities will be added soon, including this most rare scholar’s tablet ring from the time of Alexander the Great. A ring as could be worn by such as one of the greatest philosophers in history, Aristoteles. Very fine naturally aged bronze ring, in rectangular tablet form, with crosshatch engraving of stylized pre-Euclidean geometry

The great philosopher Aristoteles taught Alexander the Great in Naoussa
In the year 342 bc King Philip II of Macedonia invited. in the area of Naoussa, the great philosopher Aristoteles to educate his 13 year old son Alexander, who will be later known throughout the world as Alexander the Great.
Aristoteles accepted to undertake the education of Alexander and the children of Macedonian nobles in the Temple of the Nymphs near Naoussa. Many of these students would become Alexander’s friends and future generals. Aristotle taught Alexander and his friends about medicine, philosophy, morals, religion, logic, and art. Under Aristotle’s tutelage, Alexander developed a passion for the works of Homer. Aristotle gave him an annotated copy, which Alexander later carried on his campaigns.
This location of the Temple of the Nymphs near Naoussa is rounded with nature, trees, a river and a small swamps. Walking through the nature the philosopher Aristoteles taught Alexander using the epic poems of Homer.
The location is an incredible area that has more than 2300 years of history.

Alexander the Great himself famously wore jewelry that was full of imagery and symbolism. He frequently commissioned and wore jewelry, of bronze, silver and gold, with themes that celebrated his divinity, his victories, and his idea of a unified universe. He expressed his divine background and goals by using mythical creatures. Additionally, to emphasize his status as a monarch.

Steles have also been used to publish laws and decrees, to record a ruler's exploits and honours, to mark sacred territories, generally taller than it is wide, erected in the ancient world as a monument. The surface of the stele often has text, ornamentation, or both.

Picture in the gallery of Stele of Arniadas.

Every single item from The Lanes Armoury is accompanied by our unique Certificate of Authenticity. Part of our continued dedication to maintain the standards forged by us over the past 100 years of our family’s trading, as Britain’s oldest established, and favourite, armoury and gallery  read more

Code: 25437

A Fabulous Knight’s Seal Ring, From Agincourt to the Wars of the Roses Period. A 15th Century Ring with an Intaglio Stylized Engraving of An Armoured Knight on Horseback Holding Aloft His Knightly Sword, a Fabulous and Beautiful Piece.

This is a really rare original piece, and it has been many decades since we last even saw an intaglio seal ring, made for a knight of the realm, that is actually depicting an engraved armoured knight as the body of the seal itself, but as one that is holding his sword aloft for combat, this must be the rarest of all.
Overall it is in fabulous condition with a stunning naturally aged bronze patination. Around 600 years old probably worn for a 100 years, or possibly much more. The intaglio seal engraving is superb. Armour-protected knights charged on horseback wielding their knightly swords and lances ten to eleven feet long (cut down to as short as five feet by both the French and English at the Battle of Agincourt). The age of the lance ended with the rise of the bowmen in the fourteenth century. While the devastating volleys of English longbow men had initiated the change at Crecy on August 26, 1346, it was massed bodies of pikemen that really thwarted cavalry charges, as they did at the Battle of Pavia in 1525. Large quantities of lances would also have been used at Agincourt by men-at-arms, the sword by knights and some men-at-arms. The small mounted French force at the battle tasked with driving off the English archers would have been equipped with this lance type weapon. The vast majority of the French men-at-arms, and all of the English, were dismounted but still used lances at Agincourt. The English had an advantage over the French at the battle however, because the latter had decided to shorten their lances to give them greater control over their weapons prior to the battle. This proved to be a mistake during the melee as the longer English lances meant that they had a greater reach and were able to push over the French. One account of the lance used at Agincourt involved an assault on King Henry himself." under the banner of the Lord of Croy, eighteen gentlemen banded themselves together of their own choice, and swore that when the two parties should come to meet they would strive with all their might to get so near the King of England that they would beat down the crown from his head, or they would die, as they did; but before this they got so near the said King that one of them with the lance which he held struck him such a blow on his helmet that he knocked off one of the ornaments of his crown. But not long afterwards it only remained that the eighteen gentlemen were all dead and cut to pieces; which was a great pity; for if every one of the French had been willing thus to exert himself, it is to be believed that their affairs would have gone better on this day. And the leaders of these gentlemen were Louvelet de Massinguehem and Garnot de Bornouille" King Henry V of England led his troops into battle and participated in hand-to-hand fighting, sword in hand. The French king of the time, Charles VI, did not command the French army himself, as he suffered from severe psychotic illnesses with moderate mental incapacitation. Instead, the French were commanded by Constable Charles d'Albret and various prominent French noblemen of the Armagnac party.

This battle is notable for the use of the English longbow in very large numbers, with the English and Welsh archers forming up to 80 percent of Henry's army. The decimation of the French cavalry at their hands is regarded as an indicator of the decline of cavalry and the beginning of the dominance of ranged weapons on the battlefield.

Agincourt is one of England's most celebrated victories. The battle is the centrepiece of the play Henry V by Shakespeare. Juliet Barker in her book Agincourt: The King, the Campaign, the Battle ( published in 2005) argues the English and Welsh were outnumbered "at least four to one and possibly as much as six to one". She suggests figures of about 6,000 for the English and 36,000 for the French, based on the Gesta Henrici's figures of 5,000 archers and 900 men-at-arms for the English, and Jean de Wavrin's statement "that the French were six times more numerous than the English". The 2009 Encyclopeadia Britannica uses the figures of about 6,000 for the English and 20,000 to 30,000 for the French.

The Wars of the Roses were a series of dynastic wars for the throne of England. They were fought between supporters of two rival branches of the royal House of Plantagenet, the Houses of Lancaster and York. They were fought in several sporadic episodes between 1455 and 1487, although there was related fighting before and after this period. The conflict resulted from social and financial troubles that followed the Hundred Years' War, combined with the mental infirmity and weak rule of Henry VI, which revived interest in the alternative claim to the throne of Richard, Duke of York.

The final victory went to a claimant of the Lancastrian party, Henry Tudor, who defeated the last Yorkist king, Richard III, at the Battle of Bosworth Field. After assuming the throne as Henry VII, he married Elizabeth of York, the eldest daughter and heiress of Edward IV, thereby uniting the two claims. The House of Tudor ruled England and Wales until 1603. Queen Margaret and her son had fled to north Wales, parts of which were still in Lancastrian hands. They later travelled by sea to Scotland to negotiate for Scottish assistance. Mary of Gueldres, Queen Consort to James II of Scotland, agreed to give Margaret an army on condition that she cede the town of Berwick to Scotland and Mary's daughter be betrothed to Prince Edward. Margaret agreed, although she had no funds to pay her army and could only promise booty from the riches of southern England, as long as no looting took place north of the River Trent.

The Duke of York left London later that year with the Earl of Salisbury to consolidate his position in the north against the Lancastrians who were reported to be massing near the city of York. He took up a defensive position at Sandal Castle near Wakefield over Christmas 1460. Then on 30 December, his forces left the castle and attacked the Lancastrians in the open, although outnumbered. The ensuing Battle of Wakefield was a complete Lancastrian victory. Richard of York was slain in the battle, and both Salisbury and York's 17-year-old second son, Edmund, Earl of Rutland, were captured and executed. Margaret ordered the heads of all three placed on the gates of York.

A fine, ancient, but even wearable ring size N1/2  read more

Code: 25457

Original Antique MK I - II Short Lever Martini Henry Rifle, Dated 1875, By Enfield, Early Model Long Cocking Indicator, With Original Victorian Leather Sling. Rare Brass Muzzle Dust Cover & In Fabulous Condition. One Of Only 1400 Early MK1 Models Made

Original Antique MK I-II Antique Short Lever Martini Henry Rifle, with Victorian leather sling & fabulous stock patina, and great steel condition with barely negligible traces of corrosion anywhere. Numerous inspection stamps throughout the rifle, upon the barrel, action, trigger guard, dust cover etc. With Superb Steel Patination & Stock Patina

Only about 1400 MK I’s were made and in 1877 they were replaced by the MK II which incorporated several design improvements learned from the MK I. At this time the surviving MK I’s were factory
converted to the MK II. When converted to the MK II an additional “I” was added to the
receiver markings, which resulted in the marking being skewed to the right of centre, whereas rifles made originally as a MK II would have this marking centered.

The stock looks as good as the very best quality walnut stock can be, after it was used by a front rank regiment for several decades.

In our opinion this conservation has revealed this wonderful rifle to be one of the best and beautiful ‘used’ examples outside of the National Army Museum

Returning from professional hand conservation Fully actionable and a superbly tight mechanism.

The most desirable Martini Henry are the MK I's and the MKI-II's, The very types of Martini short Lever rifle as were used by the 24th Foot at Ishandwhana and Rorke's Drift, and then later in the Afghan War and several conflicts against the Mahdi in the Sudan. They were even also used up to WW1 by some colonial regiments. This is a very fine early original ordnance contract example, best line regiment issue, and made by Enfield with VR Crown mark stamped 'sx' on the breech for upgraded hardened steel pin.

This rifle was made at the Enfield arms workshop and is a truly exceptional and beautiful example, maker marked, and in very good operational order indeed with an excellent action, but clearly combat used.

The Martini Henry, .450 577 rifle was most famous British Infantry breech loading rifle of the 19th century. This rifle is just as were used in the film ZULU, and the exact model type as was used during the Zulu War, a much superior condition stunning example.

The Martini-Henry breech-loading rifle, firing
cartridges, was the primary British infantry weapon during the 1879 Anglo-Zulu War, crucial at battles like Rorke's Drift. While capable of 12–20 rounds per minute, it suffered from overheating and jamming due to gunpowder residue, leading to severe recoil and performance issues in sustained, close-range combat.
Key Aspects of the Martini-Henry in the Zulu War
Weapon Specifications: The Mark II was the most common model used alongside with the earlier issue, rare, MK I-II, featuring a short lever-action breech block and often a 25-inch socket bayonet essential for melee.The rifle was accurate and long-ranged, but produced heavy smoke. Continuous firing caused excessive heating and fouling, forcing soldiers to use cleaning rods to dislodge stuck, fired cartridges.

At Rorke's Drift, disciplined volleys from the Martini-Henry enabled a small force to hold off large Zulu numbers. However, ammunition shortages and jamming issues contributed to the disaster at Isandlwana.
Soldiers were often only issued 70 rounds, which was insufficient during sustained Zulu attacks.
Bayonet Use: The long bayonet was crucial, as the rifle was 4ft 9in long, giving soldiers a vital range advantage in close-quarters fighting.

The weapon was well-regarded for its power but required careful maintenance, which was difficult during the heat of the conflict

This Martini-Henry dated 1875, was the breech-loading lever-actuated rifle adopted by the British, combining an action worked on by Friedrich von Martini (based on the Peabody rifle developed by Henry Peabody), with the rifled barrel designed by Scotsman, Alexander Henry. It first entered service in 1871 replacing the Snider-Enfield, and variants were used throughout the British Empire for 30 years. It was the first British service rifle that was a true breech-loading rifle using metallic cartridges.
During the Martini-Henry period in service, the British army were involved in a large number of colonial wars, most notably the Anglo-Zulu War. The Martini Henry, 450-577, Short Lever, MK I converted MK II or the regular MK II rifle was the type used by the company of the 2nd Battalion, 24th Regiment of Foot present at Rorke's Drift during the eponymous battle. The MK I originally had a small design fault in that the actions hinge pin was initially made of brass, which was too soft for continual use. The rare and early MKI's were thus converted by removing this pin, replacing it with a steel pin, and then redesignated the MKI-II, and the breech stamped ‘six’ as this beauty is.

The Martini Henry were later used throughout the British Empire, as this one clearly was as well. In fact the Martini henry was such a good rifle many survived to be used in WW1 by some colonial regiments.

This absolute beauty was originally acquired by our dear friend and business colleague, around twenty years ago, direct from storage in a former military arsenal, after around 100 years in greased dry storage. It was initially then passed on to a collector, and from there, to us, only yesterday.

We have both types of original Martini Henry socket bayonets, available, the British Pattern 1853/72, bushed bayonet for Martini Henry rifle, and used by the 2nd battalion 24th foot at Rorkes drift.

The pattern 1853/ 72 was called a bushed model as they were modified from 20mm diameter to 18.1 mm diameter by a process then called bushed to fit the new Martini Henry rifle.

The 2nd battalion 24th foot had been in South Africa longer and still had the older pattern 1872 bayonet.

Also;

We have the newer, 1876 pattern Martini Henry socket bayonet, with 21.5 inch blade, {aka the Long Lunger} that was issued to the 1st battalion, the 24th Foot, and used by them at Isandlwana.

The two bayonets are to be sold separately, at £150 GBP each, but, with first option going to the next owner of the rifle, who may wish, neither bayonet, one, or both. Once the rifle's next owner chooses, we will then offer the bayonets for sale {but obviously, only, if one or both remain}

As with all our original antique arms, no licence is required to own, purchase or to collect anything of that description we sell. They, and all of these rifles, are entirely unrestricted to own, collect, and display just as they are, however, we only permitted to sell to those who are over 18 of age with suitable I.d.  read more

Code: 26175