Antique Arms & Militaria

A Magnificent & Fabulous Quality Antique French Rococo Silver Table Lamp

A wonderful example of the finest antique silver plate. Superlative quality of the highest grade, and of the most incredible beauty, from the Rococo Revival period that emerged from the King Louis Phillipe and Second Empire eras in France, and was then adapted in England. Revival of the rococo style was seen all throughout Europe during the 19th century within a variety of artistic modes and expression including decorative objects of art, paintings, art prints, furniture, and interior design. In much of Europe and particularly in France, the original rococo was regarded as a national style, and to many, its re-emergence recalled national tradition. Rococo revival epitomized grandeur and luxury in European style and was another expression of 19th century romanticism and the growing interest and fascination with natural landscape. Louis Philippe (1830-1848)

The rising bourgeoisie in France demanded rococo decorative-art objects as a reflection of status, wealth, and material possession. The bourgeois consumer purchased objects and furnishings from a variety of revival styles, including rococo, for its significance in historicizing opulence and grandeur.

Modern French Rococo furniture and decorative arts were characterized by their opulence elegance and grace. Its ornamentation consisted of delicate foliage and intricate details.13.5 inches x 8 inches. Excluding light fitting. Very heavy quality.  read more

Code: 21266

A 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 intersperced 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

Superb Medieval 12th-13th Century Crusader Knights Iron Flanged Battle Mace & Scorpion Flail Mace Head

A rare example of mace, and, apparently, not many surviving examples of this type of flanged mace are still in existence. An offensive battle mace that would be an amazingly effective piece against armour, helmet or shield. In almost spherical form with multi layered protruding flanges in hollow-cast iron that could be mounted on a haft, or with a chain and haft and used as a battle flail. They were also carried as a symbol of power and rank, as it is so now, for example such as the cosmetically huge parliamentary mace and the Queen's great mace of state being just two examples. In the Crusades era this was, on occasion, also an ecclesiastic weapon [used by Bishops Popes], for an ecclesiastical warrior was not allowed to draw blood in combat [a most novel distinction] but far more usually used by mounted knights in noble combat. a flail mace for extra reach on horseback. Unlike a sword or haft mounted mace, it doesn't transfer vibrations from the impact to the wielder. This is a great advantage to a horseman, who can use his horse's speed to add momentum to and underarmed swing of the ball, but runs less of a risk of being unbalanced from his saddle.
It is difficult to block with a shield or parry with a weapon because it can curve over and round impediments and still strike the target. It also provides defense whilst in motion. However the rigid haft does have the advantage as the flail needs space to swing and can easily endanger the wielder's comrades.
Controlling the flail is much more difficult than rigid weapons.On a Flail it had the name of a Scorpion in England or France, or sometimes a Battle-Whip. It was also wryly known as a 'Holy Water Sprinkler'. King John The Ist of Bohemia used exactly such a weapon, as he was blind, and the act of 'Flailing the Mace' meant lack of site was no huge disadvantage in close combat. Although blind he was a valiant and the bravest of the Warrior Kings, who perished at the Battle of Crecy against the English in 1346. On the day he was slain he instructed his Knights [both friends and companions] to lead him to the very centre of battle, so he may strike at least one blow against his enemies. His Knights tied their horses to his, so the King would not be separated from them in the press, and they rode together into the thick of battle, where King John managed to strike not one but at least four noble blows. The following day of the battle, the horses and the fallen knights were found all about the body of their most noble King, all still tied to his steed. During the Middle Ages metal armour such as mail protected against the blows of edged weapons. Solid metal maces and war hammers proved able to inflict damage on well armoured knights, as the force of a blow from a mace is great enough to cause damage without penetrating the armour. Though iron became increasingly common, copper and bronze were also used. Pictures in the gallery, some medieval, showing them used in combat. The mace head is approximately the size of a slightly flattened tennis ball.  read more

Code: 22686

Another Fabulous ‘Grand Tour’ Piece of History. An Original Transylvanian/Hungarian 14th Cent. Bronze Mace Head, An Iconic Weapon Of War of the Knights of Vlad Dracul, In The War With Sultan Mehmed IInd Ruler of the Ottoman Empire

From the reign of Vlad Dracul, a name that from which derived the Order of the Dragon. Who was ruler and prince of Transylvania. A bronze mace head formed with a series of low pyramidal points, and in patinated condition throughout. This wonderful original artifact, from Eastern European medieval history, was a most popular close combat weapon for mounted knights of the 14th century and 15th century, and as a highly effective close combat knightly weapon they were continually used right through the 15th into the 16th century. They were used by the Hungarian Knights of the Black Army, and the Transylvanian Knights and mercenary knights that served Prince Vlad the IInd and his son Prince Vlad Dracul, [Vlad the IIIrd, the Impaler] and the Szekely . They fought across the whole Empire, in Hungary, Transylvania, Romania, fighting against the encroachment of the expanding Ottoman Empire of Sultan Mehmed IInd.

Vlad Dracul of Transylvania inspired the tales of the vampire of legend, named "Dracula". That evolution of Dracul, recalls only the character from the 1897 novel by Bram Stoker, dramatically and memorably realised by Bella Lugosi, in the eponymous 1931 Hollywood horror film, and then followed by all too numerous actors since, including one of the very best, Gary Oldman. However, behind the popular myth lies the genuine historic ruler Vlad III Dracula "the Impaler" (1431-76), Prince of Wallachia in what is now Romania, a vassal of the Hungarian kings. Voivode is the medieval Romanian term for a regional commander, which position Vlad held intermittently in addition to his princedom (1448, 1456-62 and 1476), and the name "Dracula" is a diminutive derived from the Imperial Order of the Dragon, the order of knights to which Vlad and his father, Vlad II (1390-1447) commanded. He ruled his military kingdom of Wallachia southern Romania with a heavy and blood-soaked fist. To not only the Turks but also to many of his own countrymen he was Vlad The Impaler, Vlad Die Tepes (pronounced Tee-pish). Determined not to be overtaken by the intrigue of an intriguing political underhandedness, in a world in which princes fell daily to smiling, hypocritical "allies," paranoia among the aristocracy was, and probably needed to be, utmost in a sovereign's disposition. Dracula built a defence around him that dared not open kindness nor trust to anyone. During his tenure, he killed by the droves, impaling on a forest of spikes around his castle thousands of subjects who he saw as either traitors, would-be traitors or enemies to the security of Romania and the Roman Catholic Church. Sometimes, he slew merely to show other possible insurgents and criminals just what their fate would be if they became troublesome.
A pamphlet published in Nuremburg, Germany, immediately following his death in 1476, tells of his burning beggars after allowing them free food at his court. "He felt they were eating the people's food for nothing, and could not repay it," the broadside explains. And there are countless of other tales of Dracula's wickedness written down ages ago, many of which will be related in this article. This Mace is without haft,and in it's present state it would make a superb cabinet piece, or desk display. However if required we could commission our master cabinet maker to create a replacement haft to replicate how it once would have looked complete. Original paintings in the gallery of Vlad IIIrd and a Knight of the Black Army with mace, and finally an original medeivil portriat of Stephen Lackfi, holding an identical Hungarian mace, he was a knight horseman, and note the Dragon Order shield.
[for information only] The Szekely are of uncertain origins, subject to much debate among themselves and among scholars. A widespread theory asserts that they descend from the warrior tribes settled by the Hungarians in the border mountains to defend against invasions from Tatars and other menacing people from the east. Szekely people adhere proudly to a Hungarian identity. They have a slightly distinct Hungarian dialect, but most of the differences from modern Hungarian consist of archaic words and phrase constructions, as well as a particular intonation.

In medieval times, the Szekely were part of the Unio Trium Nationum ("Union of Three Nations") a coalition of the three Transylvanian Estates, the other two nations being the (predominantly Hungarian) nobility and the Saxon (ie ethnic German) burghers. These three nations ruled Transylvania, usually in harmony though sometimes in conflict with one another. The Romanian inhabitants, who largely belonged to the class of serfs (which also included many Hungarians), were Orthodox and were not allowed political representation. The Szekely were considered the best warriors of medieval Transylvania. Regular size mace of the period 2 inches at the widest  read more

Code: 22566

Original Victorian 7th Dragoon Guards Silver Cap Badge, 1898 1906

A superb example in pristine condition, not hallmarked silver. Crisp and sharp and superb quality. Part of a small collection of original rare Victorian badges we have just been most pleased to acquire. At Dettingen, Cornet Richardson of the 7th received thirty-seven wounds whilst defending the Regimental Standard. This standard is the oldest surviving in the British Army.
7th Dragoon horsemen carried out the last cavalry charge of World War 1 when they galloped for 10 miles to capture LESSINES in BELGIUM and the crossings there over the RIVER DENDRE suffering no casualties themselves, but taking 4 German officers and 167 men prisoners. As was required by higher command this action was completed as the clocks were striking 11 o?clock when hostilities had to stop in accordance with the terms of the Armistice.  read more

Code: 15968

A Queen's South Africa Medal to South African Constabulary Cavalryman.

A rare medal of the Boer War with three bars. Issued to 3rd Class Trooper R.G,Phillips.. 12 squadrons of the SAC were raised in Canada by General Baden-Powell. Many Canadians stayed on to live there after the war's end. One photo in the gallery of a group of SAC probably outside the HQ at Koffiefontein  read more

Code: 21866

A Super & Rare US Civil War Souvenir, An Original US Cavalry Gallagher Carbine Stock.

Ideal for the collector of rare Civil War arms that is not necessarily inclined to buy a full rifle for the several thousands of pounds it would cost, or, for an owner of a Gallagher that needs a replacement stock. If needed as such, it would normally be simply impossible to find an original example, in such wonderful condition, ever available on the collector market.

Fine walnut stock, with all steel furniture including the steel hinged patchbox, steel butt plate and side screw mounts. In superb condition and three figure serial number, 257 [repeated], stamped on the inner steel patch box lid. On the underside are several crudely carved notches, traditionally, are supposed to represent enemy soldiers that have been successfully 'introduced' to the horse soldier's shooting prowess.

The Gallager Carbine was conceived in 1860 by Mahlon J. Gallager. Receiving his patent on the 17th of July 1860, Gallager submitted his design to military trials. The design was approved and Federal forces issued a contract for Richardson and Overman of Philadelphia to produce the carbine. This contract resulted in 22,728 Gallagers to be produced before the end of the American Civil War, which was more than some other breechloading rifles (such as the Joslyn Rifle or Starr Carbine) but no where near as many as the Springfield Model 1861 rifled musket (whose production passed over 1,000,000 during the conflict).

The Gallager Carbine had a rather unusual breechloading design, using a modified version of the more typical lever-action mechanism to open the breech. As was the trend at the time, the lever effectively formed the trigger guard , and when pulled downwards slid the barrel forwards, before tiliting downwards. This then allowed the user to remove the spent cartridge (most commonly with a knife) and insert the new cartridge. The barrel was then pushed back into place, then locked when the lever was put into its upwards position, ready for firing.

Initially the Gallager was manufactured utilising a percussion lock mechanism, largely due to the fact that the quickest (and cheapest) cartridges to produce at the time were made of paper. This mechanism was not modified on later models, despite the use of metallic cartridges. Other features of the Gallager included iron fittings (ie the buttplate of the stock and patchbox) and a lack of a forestock.

The lack of a forestock is not that much of a suprise, however, as the shorter stock meant that the barrel could tilt once it had moved forwards (otherwise the barrel would have to have been allowed to move further to allow the user to load the new cartridge). Furthermore, because there was a lack of a forestock, the Gallager also lacked any form of barrel bands and also lacked the ability to have a bayonet mounted to it. The barrel itself had six grooves forming the rifling pattern and measured 22.25in (0.57m) in length.

Photo in the gallery of a US Civil War Horse Soldier with his carbine, sabre and revolver, also a photo of the complete Civil War Gallaghar Carbine in the Smithsonian  read more

Code: 24592

A Very Interesting Antique Civil War Period Belgian 1850's Colt Navy Copy Patent Infringement Revolver

An Antique Engraved Period Belgian copy Civil War Colt, Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver circa, 1850's, SN#.3568 , 6 1/8", .35 cal. octagon steel barrel stamped with (2) inspection/proof marks, a small "CROWN" over "R" and a small on the right side of the barrel just in front of the barrel wedge, with barrel stamped 'Cap System by Americain' and twin cross keys on the top flat with light to moderate pitting
Frame marked; sic "PATEND SYSTEM" on the right side. 5-Shot round cylinder with approx. 20% of the scene remaining possibly of Native American teepees. Two piece grip scales, main steel components are serial numbered and match, the cylinder, trigger, and cylinder ratchet pawl are all numbered 26. The action needs mechanical attention in that the trigger, and cylinder ratchet pawl, are not fitted in place. Several screws [around 5] are missing in order to fully assemble it. A jolly decent example of one of the many gun-makers attempting to infringe on Samuel Colt's Navy revolver of 1851.
Just some rudimentary engineering skills required to fully re-assemble and make good.

SOME COLT HISTORY: Samuel Colt had a difficult time when he patented the PATTERSON revolver in the late 1830's and did not really achieve success until he received a purchase order of 1000 newly designed massive .44 caliber "Walker" revolvers to arm Texas Ranger Captain Samuel Hamilton Walker for the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). The "Walker" Colts were delivered in 1847 which Captain Walker carried a pair into battle and was killed in action by a sniper's bullet while leading a cavalry charge at the Battle of Huamantla on October 9th, 1847.

Samuel Colts business started to flourish attracting world recognition upon the creation of the .31 caliber model 1849 "Pocket" revolver but then skyrocketed when the .36 caliber model 1851 "Navy" revolver took the scene. Colt had the proper patents both domestic and foreign to protect his designs but that did not stop competitors from copying his patterns. Colt was able to establish several license agreement's which includes having a representative at the Belgium proof house to monitor and charge the competitors a fee to have their copies inspected and approved. If approved, the top of the barrel was stamped "COLT BREVETE" indicating that the copy was of good quality and could be sold. However, many foreign gun makers would avoid the proof house and inspection and made their own fake proof marks and Colt Brevete stamps.  read more

Code: 24590

A Late 1600’s Very Fine Black Coral Handled Sinhalese King’s or Noble’s Knife. A Piha-Kaetta (Pihiya)

A Fine Sinhalese Knife Piha-Kaetta (Pihiya) from Sri Lanka, Late 17th early 18th Century
This Pihiya is a very well known form of early Ceylonese royal knife, with a straight-backed blade and a curved cutting edge.
The Pihiya Handle and part of the blade are beautifully and finely engraved and decorated with delicate tendrils, the powerful hilt is made out of different combinations of materials such as Gold, Silver, Brass, Copper, Rock Crystal, Ivory, Horn, Black Coral Steel and Wood. Sometimes the Gold or Silver mounts extend down halfway the blade.
Handles were made in a certain and very distinctive form, occasionally they were made in the form of serpentines or a mythical creature’s head, most similar to this stunning piece.
The Kaetta means a beak or billhook, it is a similar but larger knife to the Pihiya, it has a blade with a carved back and a straight cutting edge that curves only towards the tip.
The finest examples were made at the four workshop (Pattal-Hatara), where a selected group of craftsmen worked exclusively for the King and his court, and were bestowed to nobles and officials together with the kasthan? and a cane as a sign of rank and / or office. Others were presented as diplomatic gifts. Many of the best knives were doubtless made in the Four Workshops, such as is this example, the blades being supplied to the silversmith by the blacksmiths.
"The best of the higher craftsmen (gold and silversmiths, painters, and ivory carvers, etc.) working immediately for the king formed a close, largely hereditary, corporation of craftsmen called the Pattal-hatara (Four Workshops). They were named as follows; The Ran Kadu [Golden Arms], the Abarana [Regalia], the Sinhasana [Lion Throne], and the Otunu [Crown] these men worked only for the King, unless by his express permission (though, of course, their sons or pupils might do otherwise); they were liable to be continually engaged in Kandy, while the Kottal-badda men were divided into relays, serving by turns in Kandy for periods of two months. The Kottal-badda men in each district were under a foreman (mul-acariya) belonging to the Pattal-hatara. Four other foremen, one from each pattala, were in constant attendance at the palace. Prince Vijaya was a legendary king of Sri Lanka, mentioned in the Pali chronicles, including Mahavamsa. He is the first recorded King of Sri Lanka. His reign is traditionally dated to 543?505 bce. According to the legends, he and several hundred of his followers came to Lanka after being expelled from an Indian kingdom. In Lanka, they displaced the island's original inhabitants (Yakkhas), established a kingdom and became ancestors of the modern Sinhalese people. 13 inches long overall  read more

Code: 22534

A Very Good Fur Cap Plume Badge Of The Royal Welch Fusiliers

An original metal, other ranks Fur Cap Grenade of The Royal Welch Fusiliers worn 1888 - 1908. In excellent condition and complete with its 2 long rear loops. In the nineteenth century, the regiment took part in the Crimean War, the Second Opium War, the Indian Mutiny and the Third Anglo-Burmese War. The regiment was not fundamentally affected by the Cardwell Reforms of the 1870s, which gave it a depot at Hightown Barracks in Wrexham from 1873, or by the Childers reforms of 1881 ? as it already possessed two battalions, there was no need for it to amalgamate with another regiment. Under the reforms, the regiment became The Royal Welch Fusiliers on 1 July 1881. The regiment went on to serve in the Second Boer War of 1899-1902.  read more

Code: 20603