Antique Arms & Militaria

A Most Rare 18th-19th Century Nepalese Battle Kora With Highly Unusual Distinctive Flared Gold Inlaid Blade and Inside Cutting Edge and Skull Crusher Pommel

An exceptional example intended for both warfare and sacrifice, the hilt with guard and pommel in the form of flattened spheres, retaining all their original polish. The robust blade of characteristic form, with brass ferrule intact, expanding toward the cusped and obliquely-angled tip and sharpened on the convex edge. Grip retains original velvet fabric covering with silver wire binding applied.

The blade is beautifully engraved, including a sunburst and an armoured arm holding a kora in the hand.
.

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 10 in the gallery is of the Bagbhairab Temple, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal. They are Koras used from the battle of Kirtipur during the 1760`s.  read more

Code: 25517

A Very Fine, 17th Century, King 'William & Queen Mary' Period Hangar Sword Cutlass of Senior Naval Officer's Admirals and Captains of the Royal Navy. Also, Of Notorious Pirates 🏴‍☠️. Armourers Stamped Blade with Crescent Moon and Stars

The sword of choice for senior officer's {Admirals and Captain's} serving in the Royal Navy during the 17th and early 18th century. However, such swords were also the sword of choice of notorious 🏴‍☠️ pirates of the day. We show portraits in the gallery of British admirals of the age each bearing their same swords. Some with straight blades, others curved. This was purely a bespoke option for the original owner of the sword. Another painting in the gallery is of the infamous Blackbeard, Edward Teach notorious privateer. He is depicted using the exact same for of sword as this one.
Overall in superb condition for its age. The blade has just returned from artisan hand polishing and looks amazing. The blade is shown in the gallery pre-polishing, it is now beautifully bright.

Another very similar 'William and Mary period cutlass hangar was recovered {in a very poor state} from the wreck of notorious pirate, Captain Blackbeard's ship, the Queen Anne's Revenge, that was found at Beaufort inlet in 1996, the remains of the vessel have become the property of the people of North Carolina. And another 'William and Mary' period sword-cutlass is in a museum collection in Colonial Williamsburg in America.

William and Mary were the co-regnants over the Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland, namely the Dutch Prince of Orange King William III (& II) and his spouse (and first cousin) Queen Mary II. Their joint reign began in February 1689 after they were offered the throne by the Convention Parliament irregularly summoned by William after his victorious invasion of England in November 1688, the so-called Glorious Revolution. They replaced James II (& VII), Mary's father, who fled the country. Parliament offered William and Mary a co-regency, at the couple's behest. After Mary died in 1694, William ruled alone until his death in 1702. William and Mary were childless and were ultimately succeeded by Mary's younger sister, Anne.
This was the most popular form of sword used by the early British Naval Commanders when at sea. There are numerous great portraits in the National Gallery, and at the National Maritime Museum, of 17th and 18th century Admirals adorned with identical swords. And infamous Pirate captains. Such as Admirals Benbow, Shovel et al. we show a portrait in our gallery, of Admiral Hopsonn,

Vice-Admiral John Benbow (10 March 1653 – 4 November 1702) was an English Royal Navy officer. He joined the Navy in 1678, seeing action against Barbary pirates before leaving to join the Merchant Navy in which Benbow served until the 1688 Glorious Revolution, whereupon he returned to the Royal Navy and was commissioned.

Benbow fought against the French Navy during the Nine Years' War, serving on and later commanding several English warships and taking part in the battles of Beachy Head and Barfleur and La Hogue in 1690 and 1692. He went on to achieve fame during his military accomplishments, which included fighting against Barbary pirates such as the Salé Rovers, besieging Saint-Malo and seeing action in the West Indies against the French during the War of the Spanish Succession.

Admiral of the Fleet Sir Cloudesley Shovell (c. November 1650 – 22 or 23 October 1707) was an English naval officer. As a junior officer he saw action at the Battle of Solebay and then at the Battle of Texel during the Third Anglo-Dutch War. As a captain he fought at the Battle of Bantry Bay during the Williamite War in Ireland.

As a flag officer Shovell commanded a division at the Battle of Barfleur during the Nine Years' War, and during the battle distinguished himself by being the first to break through the enemy's line. Along with Admiral Henry Killigrew and Admiral Ralph Delaval, Shovell was put in joint command of the fleet shortly afterwards.

During the War of the Spanish Succession, Shovell commanded a squadron which served under Admiral George Rooke at the capture of Gibraltar and the Battle of Málaga. Working in conjunction with a landing force under the Earl of Peterborough, his forces undertook the siege and capture of Barcelona. He was appointed commander-in-chief of the Navy while at Lisbon the following year. He also commanded the naval element of a combined attack on Toulon, base of the main French fleet, in coordination with the Austrian army under Prince Eugene of Savoy in the summer of 1707. Later that year, on the return voyage to England, Shovell and more than 1,400 others perished in a disastrous shipwreck off the Isles of Scilly.

Thomas Hopsonn enjoyed a naval command on 18 May 1688, when James II appointed him to the Bonaventure. This ship was part of the fleet sent to The Nore under Strickland to prevent the Dutch invasion. However, Hopsonn was one of the conspirators within the fleet who supported William of Orange in the Glorious Revolution.

Following the revolution, Hopsonn retained command of the Bonaventure and was part of the squadron that relieved the siege of Derry in June 1689. On 28 October 1689, he was posted to the York, and commanded that vessel during the battle of Beachy Head the following year. Hopsonn's immediate commander in the battle was Sir George Rooke, who formed a high opinion of his gallantry and was afterwards much associated with him. He commanded Royal Katherine for two months starting in August 1690, before moving to command the St Michael. It was aboard the latter that he followed Rooke in the battle of Barfleur on 19 May 1692. In the same year, he was promoted to become a captain in the foot guards on the recommendation of admiral Edward Russell.

Blackbeard or Edward Teach (c.1680-1718) is one of the most infamous pirates to have ever lived.
Known for his fearsome image and daring acts on land and sea throughout the West Indies and along the North American East coast, his legacy has been the inspiration for many depictions of pirates throughout history. In possibly his most brazen act, Teach used his flotilla to blockade the port of Charlestown in the province of South Carolina. Over the course of a week, nine vessels were stopped and plundered as they attempted to sail out of the harbour, where Teach's fleet was moored.
Teach informed some of his prisoners that his fleet required medical supplies from the colonial government of South Carolina and that if none were provided, all would be beheaded and their ships burned.
Two pirates and a prisoner were sent to the town but when they did not return he moved eight ships into the harbour, causing panic and looting within the town. Shortly after his supplies were delivered and the prisoners released, after reportedly being robbed of all worthy possessions.
This siege represents the height of Teach’s notoriety, not just as a skilled captain but a fierce leader who was not confined to the sea and would maraud where he pleased. Exploits such as these made Teach was one of the most commonly reported pirates in the news and in the print of his age.

28.5 inches long overall, 23.5 inch long blade, quillon and guard shell removed.

Every item is accompanied with our unique, Certificate of Authenticity. Of course any certificate of authenticity, given by even the best specialist dealers, in any field, all around the world, is simply a piece of paper,…however, ours is backed up with the fact we are the largest dealers of our kind in the world, with over 100 years and four generation’s of professional trading experience behind us  read more

Code: 25525

A Wonderful Collection of Napoleonic War 'Grande Armee' Cuirassier & Officer's Pistols, & Cuirassier Dragoon Musket, Crimean War General's Sword, Waterloo Hussar's Sword. Antique 17th Lancers Helmet {Death} ‘Or Glory’ Arriving This Week

Plus, a Napoleonic Wars officers sword of a British Light Dragoon regiment, plus 19th century British swords, helmets and Japanese swords. Including, the sword of the Colonel of the 3rd Battalion Grenadier Guards in the Crimean War, {see pictures 8 and 9} later Major General, {see portrait picture 6}.
We show a Portrait of Major Hodge of the 7th Light Dragoons with his same mameluke sword {see portrait picture 7} Before 1815, during the Napoleonic Wars and the Battle of Waterloo, the Mameluke-hilted sword was a fashionable, often personal, choice for British light cavalry officers (such as Hussars) and high-ranking staff officers, rather than a standard infantry rifle officer's weapon.
The style was adopted following campaigns in Egypt and India, influenced by Napoleon's Mameluke units and the personal preference of the Duke of Wellington

Also due in, a good and rare Victorian 17th Lancers Helmet { a tchapka lance cap } One of the great British cavalry regiments that took part in the Charge of the Light Brigade in the Crimean War.

“When can their glory fade?
O the wild charge they made!”

These words were made famous by Alfred Lord Tennyson in his poem, ‘The Charge of the Light Brigade’, and refer to that fateful day on 25th October 1854 when around six hundred men led by Lord Cardigan rode into the unknown.

The charge against Russian forces was part of the Battle of Balaclava, a conflict making up a much larger series of events known as the Crimean War. The order for the cavalry charge proved catastrophic for the British cavalrymen: a disastrous mistake riddled with misinformation and miscommunication. The calamitous charge was to be remembered for both its bravery and tragedy.

The Grande Armée was formed in 1804 from the L'Armée des côtes de l'Océan (Army of the Ocean Coasts), a force of over 100,000 men that Napoleon had assembled for the proposed invasion of Britain. Napoleon later deployed the army in Central Europe to eliminate the combined threat of Austria and Russia, which were part of the Third Coalition formed against France. Thereafter, the Grande Armée was the principal military force deployed in the campaigns of 1806/7, the French invasion of Spain, and 1809, where it earned its prestige, and in the conflicts of 1812, 1813–14, and 1815. In practice, however, the term Grande Armée is used in English to refer to all the multinational forces gathered by Napoleon in his campaigns.

Upon its formation, the Grande Armée consisted of six corps under the command of Napoleon's marshals and senior generals. When the Austrian and Russian armies began preparations to invade France in late 1805, the Grande Armée was quickly ordered across the Rhine into southern Germany, leading to Napoleon's victories at Ulm and Austerlitz. The French Army grew as Napoleon seized power across Europe, recruiting troops from occupied and allied nations; it reached its peak of one million men at the start of the Russian campaign in 1812,3 with the Grande Armée reaching its height of 413,000 French soldiers and over 600,000 men overall when including foreign recruits.4

In summer of 1812, the Grande Armée marched slowly east, and the Russians fell back with its approach. After the capture of Smolensk and victory at Borodino, the French reached Moscow on 14 September 1812. However, the army was already drastically reduced by skirmishes with the Russians, disease (principally typhus), desertion, heat, exhaustion, and long communication lines. The army spent a month in Moscow but was ultimately forced to march back westward. Cold, starvation, and disease, as well as constant harassment by Cossacks and Russian partisans, resulted in the Grande Armée's utter destruction as a fighting force. Only 120,000 men survived to leave Russia (excluding early deserters); of these, 50,000 were Austrians, Prussians, and other Germans, 20,000 were Poles, and just 35,000 were French. As many as 380,000 died in the campaign.

Did you know, we now have five times as many traffic wardens in the UK than combat ready soldiers { 82000 traffic wardens compared to 18000 ‘combat ready’ soldiers.} When Hitler invaded, and occupied Norway, it was achieved with just 10,000 troops and barely 1,500 falshirmjager took Oslo, the capitol city. But it is very comforting to know London is a ‘perfectly safe’ city, as quoted by the mayor, who, interestingly has 15 permanent, fully armed 24/7 bodyguards. Goodness knows how many he would need if it wasn’t safe ?

Before WW1 the British Army stood at 700,000 men in 1914, which increased in total in the armed forces to 8.7 Million, and alongside the French, The Canadians, Australians, and The Indians, {another 11 million } thus, with an allied armed forces total of around 20 million, it still took 4 years of bloody conflict to beat the Germans. This was when Britain’s population was around half what is is today.  read more

Code: 26183

A Most Desirable Original Souvenir, A Collector's Item From The Zulu War of 1879, a War Club, Iwisa, Of A High Ranked Zulu 'isiKhulu', A Warrior's Long Knopkerrie, With a Telegraph Wire Geometric Wirework Bound Haft. In Fantastic Condition

The longer, or the larger the head, denotes the rank of the impi, that bears the rank name of 'isiKhulu'. The larger the head for the elite chiefs or 'kinglets' the longer length for the veteran warriors, the Zulu generals or 'isiKhulu' equivalent

One of two original 1879 Zulu War souvenirs of a serving soldier we acquired last week. This one was from a high ranking Zulu 'isiKhulu' warrior. A simply superb quality example, in stunning condition, bearing two geometrically patterns wire bound bands of scavenged, Victorian, early British telegraph wire. The other one was a rare Zulu Chiefs war club that was sold to a collector last weekend

The Zulus would frequently cut down the British military telegraph wires, strip them, and create wirework decorative patterns on their spear and knopkerrie hafts. That is a most desirable and specifically historical feature of quality, when bound upon the spears and clubs, of the Zulu War period Zulu warriors

The wirework is still beautifully intact and the native hardwood has a impeccable natural age patina.

Ceremonial and Functional Distinctions: While a standard knobkerrie was an indispensable, everyday accessory for a Zulu man, it was also used in ceremonial roles. For example, some were finely decorated with copper or iron wire for elite,

During the period of this knopkerries use, 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. The 2nd Battalion lost both its Colours at Isandhlwana though parts of the Colours—the crown, the pike and a colour case—were retrieved and trooped when the battalion was presented with new Colours in 1880.

The 24th had performed with distinction during the battle. The last survivors made their way to the foot of a mountain where they fought until they expended all their ammunition and were killed. The 24th Foot suffered 540 dead, including the 1st Battalion's commanding officer.

After the battle, some 4,000 to 5,000 Zulus headed for Rorke's Drift, a small missionary post garrisoned by a company of the 2/24th Foot, native levies and others under the command of Lieutenant Chard, Royal Engineers, the most senior officer of the 24th present being Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead. Two Boer cavalry officers, Lieutenants Adendorff and Vane, arrived to inform the garrison of the defeat at Isandhlwana. The Acting Assistant Commissary James Langley Dalton persuaded Bromhead and Chard to stay and the small garrison frantically prepared rudimentary fortifications.

The Zulus first attacked at 4:30 pm. Throughout the day the garrison was attacked from all sides, including rifle fire from the heights above the garrison, and bitter hand-to-hand fighting often ensued. At one point the Zulus entered the hospital, which was stoutly defended by the wounded inside until it was set alight and eventually burnt down. The battle raged on into the early hours of 23 January but by dawn the Zulu Army had withdrawn. Lord Chelmsford and a column of British troops arrived soon afterwards. The garrison had suffered 15 killed during the battle (two died later) and 11 defenders were awarded the Victoria Cross for their distinguished defense of the post, 7 going to soldiers of the 24th Foot.

Each Impi was made up of several ibutho, each approximately 1,000 warriors strong plus the young boys acting as servants and scouts for the army. Each had its own shield colours, and other emblems such as head dresses. The amount of black and white on a shield allowed the Zulu commanders to know exactly what regiment was where on the battlefield, much like the colours of the regiments did for the European armies. Shaka needed a fast mobile army, as early in his campaigns he was outnumbered and needed to manoeuvre quickly, so to ensure this the warriors were made to run bare foot so the loss of a sandal wouldn’t disable them and their feet were hardened, by frequent runs over the hot stony ground and by stamping thorns into the ground so that scar tissue would form.

In battle the troops were lightly equipped apart from a shield - any armour would have been impractical and useless anyway when facing European armies with guns. The elaborate dress seen in many films is a misconception and mainly ceremonial. Standard weapons were a short broad bladed stabbing spear and a heavy club, Shaka introduced the short stabbing spear and warriors did not carry spares so did not throw them in battle. Some regiments re-introduced throwing spears when facing the European and Boer armies but by this time they were also using looted firearms and primitive muskets traded to them by Arab traders. Although lacking the fire power of the modern armies European armies they later faced the Zulus were well disciplined and brave and once they closed with the enemy their greater training in close combat and the advantage of having a shield made them lethal. They were also know for the ritual of “washing of the spears” - a tradition of cutting open fallen enemies’ bellies so that their ghost/ spirit would be free and not haunt the person who killed him. This was seized upon by the media to help portray the Zulus as blood thirsty savages. Discipline was harsh but not exceptionally so if compared to contemporary European armies, cowards were shamed and normally executed and the brave honoured, basic battlefield medicine was practised but the Zulus had surprisingly good causality recovery rates.

Not only a superb historical collectors item, but also, a perfect walking stick!

33 inches long, knob, 2.4 inches across, weight 14.5 ounces {almost a pound}  read more

Code: 26186

An Early 17th Century ‘Pillow’ Sword, Around 420 Years Old, by Arnoldt Brach of Solingen. The Simplest of Sword Types Made, From The Era Of King James Ist, But None The Less Effective For That. Short Rapier Form Blade, Walnut Hilt

Arnoldt Brach (1573-1640): A bladesmith active in the late 16th and early 17th century in Solingen, sometimes associated with the "crowned T" mark. Armourer stamped Arnoldt Rot. Bras {Brach} Me Fecit { translation from the 17th century Latin; ‘Arnoldt Brach I Made This’ } On the obverse blade side, Arnoldt Rot. Bras {Brach} Salingen {sic} plus armourer’s stamps of cross symbols to both sides.

A pillow sword is a small, light 17th-century European sword, often featuring a straight double-edged blade, designed as a compact personal weapon. Popularly believed to be kept under a pillow for bedroom protection—hence the name—it was more likely a practical, stylish "town sword" worn daily, often associated with a waist sash. 17th century status symbols and for personal defence, particularly in busy cities like Amsterdam, London, Seville, or Rome where long rapiers were impractical.

There has been a long held belief that the naming of the sword type was due to a flat sword that could be kept under the nobles pillow in order to make a rapid defence, during a nighttime’s slumber, against an assassin’s nefarious attack. There is no specific evidence to confirm this likely myth, however, as the saying goes ‘alls fair in love and war’, thus, if needs must, a flat ‘pillow’ sword would be the only form of sword that could be concealed at close quarter, and at instant reach, within the bedchamber, by a fearful potential victim.

17th-Century Dueling: Noblemen of this period, such as those in France or Naples, frequently engaged in duels of honour, often using rapiers, daggers, or sabres to settle disputes, sometimes over trivial matters

These weapons featured smaller hilts, sometimes with a single side-ring, or none at all, making them far less cumbersome than full-sized rapiers. Many examples may or may not include cross-guards and plain wooden or wire-bound wooden grips. Often the simpler the better, and one couldn’t get more simple than this example. The blade is very fine with superb and clear named armourer maker stamps of Arnold’s Brach of Solingen

33.5 inches long overall. Blade in good condition for age, old pitting at the bottom quarter, wooden hilt good with small losses at the ricasso.  read more

Code: 26184

A Very Inexpensive Original Scarce English Transitional Revolver Circa 1840 By Cook of London

The stepping stone between the 1830's pepperbox revolver, and the later first double action revolver patented by London's Robert Adams in 1851. Some of the most ground breaking work in the early design and manufacture of revolvers was undertaken in England long before the world famous American revolver makers, such as Colt and Remington, became famous for their fine pistols. This most interesting piece is fully, and most finely engraved, on the frame and grip, with a highly detailed micro chequered walnut butt.

Good operating action, several areas of old surface pitting interspersed with areas of no pitting at all.
Trapdoor percussion cap container in the butt.
Made by one of England's 19th century makers and innovators of fine revolver pistols, of London. A classic example of one of the earliest English cylinder revolvers that was favoured by gentleman wishing to arm themselves with the latest technology and improvement ever designed by English master gunsmiths. They were most popular with officers that could afford them in the Crimean War and Indian Mutiny. A picture in the gallery is of Robert Adams himself, loading his patent revolver for HRH Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's Consort. He was also manager for the London Armoury and he made many of the 19,000 pistols that were bought by the Confederate States for the Civil War. The US government also bought Adams revolvers from the London Armoury, at $18 each, which was $4.00 more than it was paying Colt for his, and $6.00 more than Remington.The action on this beautiful gun is good very nice, and tight, but the surface has areas of old corrosion. As with all our antique guns no license is required as they are all unrestricted antique collectables  read more

Code: 22364

A Wonderful 18th Century French Small-Sword of Parcel Gilt and Blued Steel A Simply Stunning Museum Grade Piece. A Stunning Example of This French Master Craftsman’s Artistry and Skill in Service in The Royal Court of King Louis XVth

A sword that is certainly worthy of a finest collection of all forms of object d'art, antiquities, antiques and militaria.

Likely made at Versailles, at the royal workshops, by a royal swordsmith of King Louis XVIth, such as the master swordsmiths of the king, Lecourt, Liger or Guilman. A very finest grade sword of the form as was made for the king to present to favoured nobles and friends. He presented a similar sword to John Paul Jones see painting in the gallery now in the US Naval Academy Museum.

Three near identical swords to this now reside in the Metropolitan

A simply superb small-sword, with stunningly engraved chiselled steel hilt, overlaid with pure gold over a fish-roe background, decorated with hand chiselled scenes in the rococo Italianate renaissance style depicting various hunting scenes, of hunting hounds and game birds.
The multi wire spiral bound grip is finest silver, in with Turks head finials. The blade is in the typical trefoil form, ideal for the gentleman's art of duelling.

The degree of craftsmanship of this spectacular sword is simply astounding, worthy of significant admiration, it reveals an incredible attention to detail and the skill of it's execution is second to none.
Other similar swords are in also in the British Royal Collection and in Les Invalides in Paris. Trefoil bladed swords had a special popularity with the officers of the French and Indian War period. Even George Washington had a very fine one just as this example. For example of the workmanship in creating this sword for such as the King and Marie Antoinette we show the keys for the Louis XVI Secretary Desk (Circa 1783) made for Marie-Antoinette by Jean Henri Riesener, one of the worlds finest cabinetmakers, and whose works of furniture are the most valuable in the world.

The steel and gold metalwork key for Marie Antoinette's desk, is attributed to Pierre Gouthoire (1732-1813), the most famous Parisian bronzeworker of the late eighteenth century who became gilder to the king in 1767. This sword bears identical workmanship and style to that magnificent key. This is the quality of sword one might have expected find inscribed upon the blade 'Ex Dono Regis' given by the King.

Very good condition overall, with natural aged patination throughout.

The painting in the gallery is titled John Paul Jones and Louis XVI, by the American artist Jean Leon Gerome Ferris depicts John Paul Jones and Benjamin Franklin at the court of Louis XVIth and being presented a similar sword now in US Naval Academy Museum.
39.1/4 inches long overall.  read more

Code: 23138

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

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 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