Antique Arms & Militaria

A Most Scarce and Beautiful African Congo Tribal Warrior's Shield, of the Mongo Tribe.

Long ovoid form shield with stunning geometric pattern decoration. Carved wood with rattan bound edging.

The Mongo are one of the Bantu groups of Central Africa, forming the second largest ethnic group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They are a diverse collection of peoples living in the equatorial forest, south of the main Congo River bend and north of the Kasai and Sankuru Rivers. This area is in the south of the province of Equateur and the north of Bandundu Province.

The Mongo speak either the Mongo language (also called Nkundo) or one of the related languages in the Bantu Mongo family. The Lingala language, however, often replaces Mongo in urban centers. Along with the Luba and the Kongo, they are the three largest ethnic groups in the country.

The Mongo ethnic group is divided into several tribes including Bolia, Bokote, Bongandu, Iyaelima, Konda, Mbole, Nkutu, Ntomba, Sengele, Songomeno, Dengese and Tetela-Kusu, Bakutu, Boyela.

Antique & Vintage original African tribal art is now some of the most desirable and sophisticated decor for national and international interior decorators.

Fine tribal artefacts have always been highly popular and in regards to interior decor, the height of sophistication, but recently it has become absolutely 'the' collectable art of the moment. As to be seen from far afield interiors such as in the 8th Arrondissement, in Paris particularly Avenue Montaigne, to Park Avenue New York, to Kensington Palace Gardens in London or the Piazza di Spagna, Via Condotti and Via del Babuino in Rome. All of the above we have had clients for such African tribal art and weaponry, as a statement focal point for their interior decor.

Super colour contrasts and design incorporating red ochre, cobalt blue, black and white. Red ochre is one of the very earliest pigments used by man, dating back to prehistoric times where it’s use is the basis of many Stone Age cave paintings

Overall in very good condition for age.

16 inches x 35 inches  read more

Code: 18653

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

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

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

An Original 18th Century, Royal Naval, Board of Ordnance Issued Fire Bucket. Bearing BO Broad Arrow Stamp and Makers Stamp

Hardened leather with all stitched seams in excellent condition, and leather handle. Bears the remainder of an applied royal crest. Broad arrow & Board of Ordnance stamp to the base.
Fire aboard a wooden ship was a constant peril, from such as burning powder shot or cannon fire, or even from an enemy fire ship, and could be the destruction of a vessel and crew in a very short time, if not subdued as quickly as possible. Thus good and sturdy leather fire buckets were an essential piece of Royal Naval equipment aboard every vessel. We show a row of Royal Naval issue fire buckets reproductions aboard Nelson's flagship, HMS Victory, now in permanent dock at Portsmouth. It is still the flagship of the Royal Navy in honour of Nelsons famous victory at Trafalgar. Fire buckets have been popular with collectors and owners of period homes for a very long time. They represent a time long before most towns had established and well-equipped fire departments ready to respond at a moment’s notice to a house or shop fire, when people relied on their neighbours to come to their aid. The risk for catastrophe from fire was great. A single stand-alone house could be consumed in minutes. In towns, fire in densely populated neighbourhoods could quickly result in the destruction of dozens of buildings.

Between 1630 and 1700 Boston experienced at least six major fires that destroyed well over 200 buildings. Most fire buckets were likely purchased from merchant craftsmen who specialised in leather goods, or wholesalers who imported wares from England. The earliest reference for the sale of fire buckets in Boston comes from a 1743 newspaper where an advertisement from an unnamed merchant simply states, “A Parcel of Choice Fire Buckets to be sold.” it is very rare to find a mark or signature on a fire bucket that identifies its maker.

At Christies auction house on the 17th December 2015 a fire bucket from HMS Victory, Nelson's flagship, sold for £6875
Leather handle likely replaced  read more

Code: 24005