An Excellent, Victorian, Zulu War Service Royal Artillery Officers Combat Weight Sword Commissioned From Jones & Company, 6 Regent Street London of 1875 For A RA Officer That Served in The Zulu War Commanding A Gatling Gun Unit In 1879

The officer of this sword apparently served under Major Owen, of the Royal Artillery Gatling Battery.
Good traditional three bar hilt with wire bound sharkskin grip, and a nicely bright combat weight blade, deluxe etched throughout, with Royal VR crest and Honi Soit Qui Mal y Pense, Royal Artillery crest of the canon with motto, Ubique. Plus the Royal Artillery badge of the winged lightning flashes between 'Royal' and 'Artillery'. In superb condition for age. Steel combat weight scabbard.

The British forces of the Royal Artillery used Gatling guns during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. Though relatively few in number, these early hand-cranked rapid-fire machine guns were deployed in key engagements like the Battle of Gingindlovu and the decisive Battle of Ulundi.

A Gatling gun saw early operational land use during the campaign at the Battle of Inyezane in January 1879.
Gatling guns were placed at the corners of defensive infantry squares and wagon laagers.
Issued to support British columns as rapid-fire supplements to standard artillery (such as 7-pounder and 9-pounder guns) and Martini-Henry rifles.

However they were prone to jam with the black powder cartridges of the era and cumbersome to move rapidly across rough Zululand terrain, meaning standard rifles and field cannons still carried the brunt of the combat weight.

Army Gatlings were on carriages similar to those of field guns, and were manned by a Royal Artillery battery under Major J.F. Owen, in the Zulu War. Naval Gatlings were on smaller carriages, but accounts of the war do not mention the calibre of these guns.

Gatlings for British service were destined to take the Boxer cartridge of 1866. These were not suitable, and early trials invariably led to the guns jamming as the empty case stuck in the chamber, and the extractor tore through the rim. Changes were made, but ammunition problems remained.

The nature of the war in Zululand meant that Gatlings were used against massed Zulu charges at close ranges, and they were very effective. Their part in the Battle of Ulundi illustrates this fact.

Combined with heavy 9-pounder field artillery and rapid Martini-Henry rifle fire, the Gatling guns helped break massed Zulu charges by sweeping open ground.

Heavy guns certainly played an important part in the Zulu War, but, as in many colonial wars, their use was one-sided. The Zulus had no artillery, and they made no use of the two guns they captured at Isandlwana.

All the main British columns had their guns, and they played a prominent part in the battles and sieges of the war. Some of the guns were obsolete by British Army standards. Nevertheless, the artillery used in the Zulu War tells an interesting story of the changes then under way from breech to muzzle loading, in the use of rockets, and of rapid fire weapons as illustrated by the Gatling gun used by the officer that owned this sword.

In 1879, the Royal Artillery was divided into horse, field and garrison batteries. Batteries were organised in brigades, and it was possible to identify the type of battery by its letter or number designation, or both.

For example, horse artillery had lettered batteries and brigades. Field artillery batteries were lettered whereas their brigades were numbered. Garrison batteries and brigades were both numbered.
N/5 Battery (or N Battery 5th Brigade) was therefore a field battery. 11/7 Battery (or 11th Battery 7th Brigade) was a garrison battery.

The Royal Artillery manned guns in Zululand but the Naval Brigades were also prominent in this respect.
Apart from the guns, all batteries carried rockets - one 9 pr trough per section of two guns. The Naval rockets were 24 pr tubes. Finally, there were the Gatlings - once again, Army and Naval versions. Isandlwana - 22nd January, 1879
Section N/5 Battery Two 7 prs, Rocket Battery Three rocket troughs
N/5 Battery (less one section) accompanied Lord Chelmsford on his abortive reconnaissance in force, and took no part in the battle. The Rocket Battery, with its equipment carried on mules, then accompanied Col Durnford's force when it also moved out of camp; but the battery was unable to keep up with the remainder.
When firing was heard to their left, the Rocket Battery and its escort turned in that direction, but they were almost immediately engulfed by the Zulus. There was only time to get off one rocket before the enemy was upon them.
Maj Stuart Smith, the Captain (or second in command) of N/5 Battery, returned from Lord Chelmsford's force before the Zulus attacked, and took command of the artillery left behind. This only amounted to one section of two guns-and fifty men left in camp.

The Zulus advanced very rapidly when they attacked. The guns opened fire, but it was soon necessary to change to case shot, which is not normally used at ranges greater than 300 m. The two guns were quite incapable of stopping the Zulu masses. After a round or two, the order was given to retire. Maj Stuart Smith was wounded, and there were other casualties as well. There was no time for the men to take their seats on the guns and limbers when the guns moved off, and they had to run alongside the guns.

The intention was to take up another position at the camp, but the Zulus were there first. The guns went straight through the camp, losing more men on the way. Eventually, they became stuck in a ravine, and the drivers, who now alone remained, were pulled off their horses and killed. There was no time to spike* the guns.
{*To spike a gun, a spike (like a nail) was hammered into the vent, thus preventing the firing of the gun.}
N/5 Battery had lost Maj Stuart Smith, 61 NCOs and men, two guns, 24 horses, 30 mules and 534 rounds of ammunition. The Rocket Battery lost Maj Russell, six men and all its equipment. Kambula - 29th March, 1879
11/7 Battery (less one section),Four 7 prs, Rocket Section, Two rocket troughs, Section 7 prs Two 7 prs. Lt Nicolson's 7 pr section was in the redoubt, while the four guns of 11/7 were in action outside. Nicolson was mortally wounded early in the action.
With a muzzle loading gun, it was necessary for one of the men to 'serve the breech' by placing his thumb on the vent during the sponging out after each round was fired. This prevented a draught which could cause the smouldering fragments of the previous cartridge to burst into flame. The Zulu attack at Kambula was so fierce and the guns, as they poured forth shrapnel and case, became so hot that water had to be poured over them to allow the breeches to be served.
After his capture, Cetewayo said that it was only with the greatest difficulty that his men could be forced to face the guns. One round of case killed ten headmen of his own regiment, in addition to wounding others.
Ulundi - 4th July, 1879
N/5 Battery Two 7 prs,
N/6 Battery, Six 9 prs,
Half O/6 Battery. Ammunition Column,
11/7 Battery (less one section), Four 7 prs

This was the artillery of the 2nd Division and the Flying Column, less four guns of N/5 Battery, and two of the Gatlings.
One section of two 7 prs was at Fort Marshall, and the other section was at Fort Evelyn. The Gatlings were left at Fort Newdigate.
For the battle, the guns were placed on all sides of the British square, in order to meet the Zulu attack, from whatever direction it might come. They were in action just outside the infantry line, or in gaps left for them. When the Zulus attacked, the cavalry moved clear, and fire was opened at a range of over 2000m.
Although the action was short, and ammunition expenditure was low, some guns used all their case and had to fall back on reversed shrapnel, which had a similar effect. Later, Zulu dead were counted in groups at less than 30m from N/6 Battery's guns.
The Gatlings achieved considerable success, although they jammed several times. The London Standard reported: 'When all was over and we counted the dead, there lay, within a radius of five hundred yards, 473 Zulus. They lay in groups, in some places, of fourteen to thirty dead, mowed down by the fire of the Gatlings, which tells upon them more than the fire of rifles.'
The battle was over in half an hour. The mounted troops were sent out in pursuit and, when there were signs of a rally, a section of N/6 soon dispersed the gathering.

Overall hilt and scabbard with service grey finish, with superb bright blade. Scabbard bottom section with edge defensive spear cuts, and small denting

A photograph in the gallery is of a Zulu War Gatling battery and one officer bearing his same three bar RA sword held in his left hand.  read more

Code: 26339

A Late 19th Century Most Attractive Hand Carved Japanese Samurai Style Export Sword From the Late Edo to Taisho Period. Decorated Throughout With Takebori Carved Figures of Armoured Samurai & Nobles In Court Dress

A very decorative original antique Japanese sword depicting as a representation the samurai tachi of old. Meiji period, circa late`19th century, fully carved faux ivory {bone} mountings {called koshirae}, with hand carved figures of Japanese armoured samurai with court cap hats and jingasa. Made in the late Meiji to Taisho period as a most decorative and attractive samurai style sword, with a Japanese Hocho Tetsu {cutler's} blade.

Of course this was not a traditional sword mounting for conflict, but when Japan was opening up to the world, after being a closed feudal society for almost 400 years, and the wearing of the samurai sword was forbidden in public, starting with the Haito edict. These swords were made for the newly opening Victorian, British, export market, and Europe's fascination with the ancient samurai warriors of Japan.

Thus samurai style swords and dagger fittings, such as this, were made especially for the early steam ship visitors from Europe, that arrived from the early steamship trade that started in Victorian England, through companies such as Thomas Cook & Co.

The tachi is a Japanese term referring to the traditional weapon, the slung sword, of the samurai.

The Haitōrei was one of a series of steps taken by the government to abolish the traditional privileges of the samurai class. The first Haitōrei of 1870 prohibited farmers or merchants from wearing swords and dressing like samurai. This measure was in part an effort to restore public safety and order during the tumultuous period immediately after the Meiji Restoration and during the
Boshin War.

In 1871, the government issued the Danpatsurei Edict, allowing samurai to cut their top-knots and wear their hair in the Western manner. However, this was not required, simply allowed and encouraged. Universal military conscription was instituted in 1873, and with the creation of the Imperial Japanese Army, the samurai lost their monopoly on military service. The hereditary stipends provided to the samurai by their formal feudal lords (and assumed by the central government in 1871) were likewise abolished in 1873. The prohibition on wearing swords was controversial with the Meiji oligarchy, but the argument that it was an anachronism not in keeping with the westernization of Japan won out.

On March 28, 1876 the Haitō Edict was passed by the Daijō-kan. It prevented former samurai, now known as shizoku, from carrying swords.

These changes in Japanese society and in the social and economic status of the samurai, then part of the four classes, were a major cause of discontent in early Meiji period Japan, and led to a number of samurai-led insurrections, particularly in western Japan and Kyūshū  read more

Code: 26338

Rare & Highly Desirable Prussian M1860-98 Fusilier Sword-Bayonet, Originally Made For the Dreyse Needle Fire Rifle, Used in the Franco Prussian War Service. Then Upgraded By The Prussian Ordnance For A Mauser Gew98 Guard Reserve Fusiliers Regiment For WW1

This rare recognised service pattern issued bayonet is an absolute corker! After a detailed appraisal we have determined it would be near impossible to find a better example, anywhere, including museum collections, of this highly rare bayonet. Especially so as it is stamped and marked with so many details of its past service history in both iconic Imperial Prussian German wars.

In fabulous condition, regimentally marked and German inspection proofed throughout its service life, from 1860 up to 1918. a rare beauty made even rarer still due to its condition. The blade ricasso is first issue date stamped, {61} for 1861 with Prussian inspection stamp. The regimental stamping on the scabbard throat mount is for a WW1 Guards Fusilier regiment, with regiment numbering 3, and sword-bayonet number 146, and above them, the deleted previous 1860’s stampings for its service in the Guard Fusiliers Regt. 2? {now difficult to decipher} in the Franco Prussian War from 1869. The hilt pommel is WW1 inspection stamped. The brass scabbard throat opening is further marked with Franco Prussian War inspection stamps

The Prussian M1860-98 designation refers to the extended service use life of the Model 1860 Fusilier Sword Bayonet, which was originally issued for the Dreyse needle-fire rifle, and later updated through successive rifle eras up to 1898 and World War I.
Initial Adoption and authorized on August 4, 1860, the M1860 sword bayonet was custom-built for the new Dreyse Zündnadel-Füsiliergewehr (Model 1860 Fusilier Needle-Fire Rifle).

During the Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871), the Guards Fusilier Regiment (Garde-Füsilier-Regiment) served as an elite light infantry unit within the Prussian Guards Corps, participating in major campaigns including the battles of Gravelotte and Sedan, as well as the Siege of Paris.

At the Battle of Gravelotte (August 18, 1870): Fusiliers fought fiercely in one of the bloodiest engagements of the war, helping secure a strategic victory against the French.

At the Battle of Sedan (September 1, 1870): They Participated in the encirclement and decisive defeat of the French Imperial Army.

In the Siege of Paris (1870–1871): They Maintained operational lines and containment during the prolonged investment of the French capital.

Their service In WW1
The Guards Fusilier Regiment (Garde-Füsilier-Regiment) and reserve, were an elite infantry unit of the Prussian Army's Guard Corps (Gardekorps), garrisoned in Berlin.
During World War I, it fought as a premier frontline formation on both the Western and Eastern Fronts, suffering heavy casualties as part of the German Imperial elite forces.

1914 (Western & Eastern Fronts): They Fought in the initial invasion of France and Belgium (including the Battle of the Marne), then shifted east to counter Russian offensives (including operations in Poland and East Prussia).
1915–1917: Engaged in intense trench warfare and major defensive/offensive battles on the Western Front, including the Somme and operations in Flanders.
1918: Participated in the German Spring Offensive (Kaiserschlacht) before facing the final Allied Hundred Days Offensive.

It originally featured a distinctive cast-brass hilt with a T-shaped slot, a leaf-spring locking button, a steel crossguard with an "S"-shaped quillon, and a 21mm muzzle ring.

It uses a powerful and robust, roughly 500mm "quill-back" or pipe-backed blade designed to double as both a sidearm and a heavy cutting tool for light elite infantry.
Conversions and the Model 1898 Transition
Mauser 1871 Adaptations: Following the introduction of the single-shot Mauser Model 1871 rifle, surplus M1860 fusilier blades and modified variants were reissued, often resized or repurposed for foot artillery units (Artillerie-Seitengewehr) by altering muzzle ring dimensions.

The 1898 upgrades as the German military transitioned to the bolt-action Gewehr 98 (Model 1898) rifle, older high-quality blades like the M1860 and M1871 were recycled.

By 1913 (culminating in configurations like the 71/98 and related patterns), armourers mated these trusted, long fusilier blades onto modern {at the time} 98-style handles and pommels.

These hybrids allowed artillery, and reserve troops (Landwehr/Landsturm) to maintain effective sidearms well into the First World War.

The blade is near mint, the scabbard also near mint, the hilt is excellent, with the ventilation oiling holes, at the bottom of each wooden grip side, now no longer round but slightly misshapen with light cracking {but still perfectly sound} due to age and service use.  read more

Code: 26336

A Most Rare & Beautiful British Percussion Half Stock Light Rifle By Isaac Riviere. A Very Finely Regarded London, Bespoke, Hand Made Rifle Maker Holding Patent for His Unique Percussion Action Designs

The Riviere gun making family were Huguenots that fled France and settled in London, this rifle likely by Isaac Riviere. A very lovely rifle in a very fine state of condition. It clearly shows this to be an excellent example of British hand made finest gunmaking, at its very best, in the 19th century.

Approx 12mm rifled 10 bore. The barrel shows a nice contrasting plum and darker brown Damascus pattern its full-length. There is a simple silver bladed front sight and folding rear twin site, with the maker name ''Riviere Rifle Gun Maker London'' on the top flat ahead of the breech. The breech shows some nice mottled smoky colour with a platinum blowout plug on the bolster, and hook breech. barrel affixed to the stock with a barrel key. There is nice quality scroll engraving on the tang which shows nicely.

The English walnut stock is highly figured and rates very fine with excellent original varnish and overall light dings and handling marks from the years. It features a checkered pistol grip area. with its original ramrod with screw cap covering the worm screw for extracting missfires.
The stock bears its two original sling swivels.

Fine steel mounts and fittings.
Overall in superb condition for age, with a fine hairline in the stock behind the lock.  read more

Code: 26323

A Magnificent 95th Rifles, 1803 British Light Infantry Officer's Sabre of the Napoleonic Wars, The Peninsular War Campaign, The War of the Hundred Days Culminating in Quatre Bras, and Waterloo. with Engraved 'Britannia' Blade. Bespoke Made by Osborne

Used in the Peninsular War, Waterloo & The War of 1812 by a British Officer of a light infantry such as the famous 95th Rifles, or the flank light company of a Guards regiment. Such as that fought at Hougemont in The Battle of Waterloo. and the 95th Rifles that held "The Sandpit" near La Haie Sainte, Waterloo

A singularly beautiful sword, with near mint mercurial gilt hilt, that was designed for battle but was stunningly serviceable for full dress.

It has a carved slotted hilt with the 95th Rifles bugle, the pierced cypher of King George IIIrd, as the inner design within the knuckle bow, and adorned with a wonderfully detailed lion's head pommel, with fine triple wire binding around the spiral sharkskin grip.
This is the pattern of British Light Infantry and Rifles Officer's sword carried by gentlemen officers who relished the idea of combat, but found the standard 1796 Infantry pattern sword too light for extreme combat.

The light infantry regiments were made up of officers exactly of that mettle. The purpose of the rifles light infantry regiments was to work as skirmishers. The riflemen and officers were trained to work in open order and be able to think for themselves. They were to operate in pairs and make best use of natural cover from which to harass the enemy with accurately aimed shots as opposed to releasing a mass volley, which was the orthodoxy of the day.
The riflemen of the 95th were dressed in distinctive dark green uniforms, as opposed to the bright red coats of the British Line Infantry regiments. However the Light Infantry Companies of the Guards Regiments wore red. This tradition of green uniforms lives on today in the regiment’s modern equivalent, 'The Rifles'.

This sabre has a few hand to hand combat cuts in its edge likely from Quatre Bras or Waterloo, and as it still remains sharp. These impacts are highly respected as indicative of the sword's combat pedigree against Napoleons forces.

The standard British infantry and light infantry regiments fought in all campaigns during the Napoleonic Wars, seeing sea-service at the Battle of Copenhagen, engaging in most major battles during the Peninsular War in Spain, forming the rearguard for the British armies retreat to Corunna, serving as an expeditionary force to America in the War of 1812, With the return of Napoleon from exile, all of the companies in England crossed the channel and landed in Belgium in May 1815, joining with those already present, so that the entire regiment, bar the five companies still in America, became part of Wellington's Anglo-Dutch army. The first battalion went on to fight at the Battle of Quatre Bras on 16 June 1815, while all three battalions would fight at the Battle of Waterloo on 18 June 1815

During the battle of Waterloo the 95th Rifles held "The Sandpit" near La Haie Sainte, near the centre of the fighting. From this covered position they could target the French columns marching to both sides & the attackers on the chateau.

In 'Burke at Waterloo', by Tom Williams, Burke’s sergeant, William Brown, is fighting alongside the riflemen, and the account accords well with real accounts of the battle for the farm.

"At last the drummers started to beat amongst the ranks of blue-uniformed warriors and the columns began to bear down on La Haye Sainte. They advanced at a quick step with loud cries of ‘Vive l’Empereur!’ From the heights behind William came a murderous artillery fire that struck down dozens of the advancing soldiers, but they came on regardless.

Now they had reached the beginning of the slope. As they approached La Haye Sainte, skirmishers broke out from the head of each of the columns. Finally, the 95th had something to shoot at. The sound of their rifles was almost lost in the din of artillery as French and British guns duelled across the battlefield.

The farm ahead of them was now the scene of desperate fighting. The French had the place surrounded on three sides, pouring fire into the farmyard. A French brigade moved towards the north of the farm to complete its encirclement. As they did so, they came within range of the sandpit and the Rifles opened up on them. William fired, reloaded and fired again. There was no careful wrapping of the balls now. He rammed home his ammunition as fast as he could. With the enemy so close, it was speed, not accuracy, that was needed. There were so many that it seemed almost impossible not to hit them. The French dropped by the score, but as fast as the men of the 95th killed them, more blue-coated figures moved to replace the dead. Outnumbered as they were, it could only be a matter of time before the Rifles were overrun.

Then, to William’s amazement, the brigade swung away, as if unwilling to face the men in the sandpit. If they were trying to escape the Green Jackets, though, this manoeuvre went horribly wrong, for their change in direction took them straight towards the company that were hidden in the hedge. Once again, their ranks were decimated by British rifle fire.

For a moment, William thought that their three companies of Rifles might achieve the impossible and beat back the French brigade, but, even as the French hesitated, an outburst of firing and cheers drew everyone’s attention to the east. There, through the chaos of smoke, he could see men in the dark blue of the Belgian infantry breaking back towards the main Allied lines while the lighter blue of the French pursued them.

Their captain saw it too, cursed, briefly but fluently, and then turned to his sergeant. ‘The Belgians have broken. We’re too exposed. We have to withdraw.’

William already had his rifle at his shoulder, so he pulled the trigger and took down one more Frenchman. Then, with the rest of the men of the 95th, he started heading back to their own lines.
and holding their positions against tremendous odds at the Battle of Waterloo."

The 1803 Sabre has frequently described as one of the most beautiful swords ever carried, and it was used, in combat, in some of the greatest and most formidable battles ever fought by the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars in Europe the Peninsular Campaign and Waterloo. This is a very attractive sword indeed and highly desirable, especially for devotees of the earliest era of the British Rifle Regiments, such as the 95th and the 60th. As a footnote, in Bernard Cornwall's books of 'Sharpe of the 95th', this is the Sabre Major Sharpe would and should have carried if he hadn't used the heavy cavalry pattern troopers sword, given to him in the story in the first Bernard Cornwall novel.

Overall this battle cum dress sword is in very good order and quite stunning. Near mint mercurial gilt hilt, and fine sharkskin and original triple wire binding to the grip,the scabbard leather is good with two effective contemporary field service leather repairs and very good scabbard mounts, with twin hanging rings, and a top fitting frog mount. The blade is finely engraved, with gilt within the engraving, of Britannia with her Union Flag shield, the Kings Royal Cypher, scrolls, maker mark of Osborne, and in combat service condition, with all its deluxe engraving, mostly clear, but with numerous areas of old russetting and pitting.  read more

Code: 26335

A Most Interesting and Very Attractive, 1800’s Continental, Napoleonic Wars Period Flintlock Carbine. Based on a French Pattern. Likely A British Officer's Souvenir Of His Combat Service In The Napoleonic Campaigns.

A very handsome small carbine, with a very good tight and crisp action. Likely for cavalry or mounted artillery use.
Fine walnut stock with fine patination, all steel furniture, in very nice order, including the butt plate, side-plate, trigger guard, and three screw fixed barrel bands. Both sling swivels present. Likely a war souvenir, brought back to England by the British officer. The barrels were then re-proofed by the Birmingham proof-house, with the 1813 Birmingham proofs stamps upon the barrel breech, for continued use in Britain.

This fine carbine will make a incredibly attractive display piece, complimenting any decor, and also perfect for a Napoleonic Wars historical artifact collector, as an example of a rarely seen form of original flintlock for an incredibly low price, compared to the regulation pattern French equivalents.

The Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815) were a global series of conflicts pitting the French Empire under Napoleon Bonaparte against shifting European coalitions. Emerging from the French Revolution, the wars gave France temporary control over most of continental Europe before ending in Napoleon's final defeat.
Britain resumed war with France, leading to the Third Coalition. Napoleon secured a masterclass victory at the Battle of Austerlitz (1805), though Britain secured naval dominance at Trafalgar.
Napoleon enforced a trade blockade against Britain called the Continental System. Portugal's refusal led to the costly Peninsular War in Spain and Portugal, draining French resources.Invasion of Russia (1812):
A disastrous winter retreat from Moscow decimated the French Grand Army and inspired a unified Sixth Coalition.
Allied forces captured Paris, forcing Napoleon to abdicate and retreat to Elba.Conclusion of the ConflictThe Hundred Days (1815): Napoleon escaped exile, returned to France, and raised a new army during the War of the Seventh Coalition.Battle of Waterloo (June 18, 1815): Allied forces led by the Duke of Wellington and supported by Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher decisively defeated Napoleon.

Napoleon was exiled once more, but to far more isolated, to the island of Saint Helena, and the Congress of Vienna redrew Europe's political boundaries.

42 inches long overall. Replaced wooden rammer.  read more

Code: 26328

A Very Good Original 1930's Japanese WW2 Rising Sun Battle Flag Kyokujitsu-ki. Excellent Size For Display Purposes For Collectors of The Pacific Theatre War From 1936 -1945

Made from likely cotton-muslin, with a left side flag pole sleeve, double stitched for added strength. The flag is darker through its service at the bottom third, than the top 2/3rds, as it was carried on a flag pole in service, by a Japanese soldier, and the bottom section would be closer to the ground and the jungle and or river crossings. It could likely clean, but we would recommend to leave it 'as is' to demonstrate its in-built historic context.

The Japanese Rising Sun Flag (Kyokujitsu-ki) features a red central sun disc with 16 radiating red rays on a white field. Symbolizing the sun, the design dates back to the Edo period as a feudal warlord banner, and became the official Japanese military flag in the late 19th century.

The artistic motif of a sun with radiating beams was used by regional lords (daimyo) in Japan during the Edo period (1603–1868) to decorate banners and equipment.

On May 15, 1870, the Meiji government adopted a 16-ray design as the war flag for the Imperial Japanese Army.
On October 7, 1889, a variation with an off-centre sun was adopted as the naval ensign for the Imperial Japanese Navy. Troops carried these banners into battle during the First Sino-Japanese War, the Russo-Japanese War, and World War II.

A WW2 Pacific Theatre, Burma combat souvenir, originally wrapped around a surrendered Japanese officer's sword, and stored accordingly since the war.

The World War II Burma Campaign (1941–1945) was a brutal, multi-year struggle where Allied forces—primarily the British Indian Army, British units, and Chinese troops—fought to recapture Burma from the invading Empire of Japan. Fought through punishing jungles, monsoon rains, and disease, the campaign aimed to reopen supply lines to China and protect India.

The Japanese Invasion (1942).
Japanese forces swiftly overran Burma, forcing a disastrous, long-range retreat of British and Chinese troops back toward the borders of India.
Under leaders like General William Slim, the Allies reformed the British Fourteenth Army, mastering jungle warfare, logistics, and airborne resupply.

Japanese offensives at Imphal and Kohima failed catastrophically when Allied defenders held their ground using air drops for food and ammunition, decimating the Japanese forces.
The Allied Reconquest (of 1944–1945) where the Allies counter-attacked, swept through central Burma, reopened overland routes to China, and recaptured Rangoon, securing total victory before the war ended.

Overall in very nice survived condition, with just a few moth holes at the outer edges.

70cm {27.5 inches} high, 129cm wide {51 inches}  read more

Code: 26333

An Original & Historical 1796 Pattern Napoleonic Wars British Light Dragoon Trooper's Sword. A Regiment of the Line Issue Combat Sabre, For An NCO Or Other Rank Trooper Used In The Peninsular War and Battle of Waterloo era.

All steel scabbard, with steel P hilt and wooden grip. The blade is in excellent plus condition, and superbly bright overall, made circa 1802 to 1803. Average condition for age, obviously seen combat service .
Maker stamped by Osborne, ordnance contract maker of 1796 pattern light and heavy dragoon trooper's swords, a maker in Birmingham, 1797 to 1803, & ordnance inspector stamped on the blade face, Crown over 1.

This sword would have been used by a Light Dragoon trooper in any of the light cavalry regiments of the line, of the Napoleonic Wars, such as one who served, just for example, in the 11th Light Dragoons.

The 11th Light Dragoons later became the 11th Hussars. The 11th fought at both the Peninsular War and at the Battle of Waterloo, and were awarded almost 500 medals for Waterloo. After a spell in Ireland the 11th were sent to Spain and Portugal to reinforce Wellington's army. Their strength, normally around 300 in peacetime was raised to 725. They arrived in June 1811 and, as in Egypt, they had a bad start. A dawn attack by the French in woods between Elvas and the Guadiana forced the 11th to retire on to what they thought were friendly Portugese lines. When they realised they were French, their commander Capt Lutyens ordered the charge. The shock tactic worked and they were able to drive their way through, but a second line of enemy troops was able to resist them. They lost 8 killed, 22 wounded and 77 taken prisoner.
The regiment had more success at El Bodon near Cuidad Rodrigo on 25th September. By this time they were commanded by Lt Col Cumming, a brave and efficient cavalry officer. A large force of French cavalry was threatening Allied infantry and artillery on the plain in front of the 11th and a squadron of the King's German Legion who were well placed on high ground. Although they were vastly outnumbered the 11th and KGL charged at the enemy again and again, 20 times in all.

The 11th were part of Wellington's great victory over Marmont at Salamanca on 22nd July 1812 but by 3rd April 1813 they had to give up their horses and embark for England much to the regret of Sir Stapleton Cotton who was in command of the cavalry in the Peninsula. It had been a hard two years for them having lost 417 men and 555 horses.

During their time in the Peninsula many changes had been made to the uniforms of the British Army. The Prince Regent had a keen eye for dress and with his newly acquired position of supreme power was determined to push through his ideas based on continental military trends. The 11th exchanged it's light dragoon Tarleton helmet for a shako. The new jacket was still dark blue but had a buff plastron covering the chest, and white epaulettes, silver for officers. With the return of Napoleon in March 1815 the war with France resumed and the 11th arrived at Ostend on 2nd April. They were in Vandeleur's brigade with the 12th and 16th and had an unprecedented strength of 947 men. They came under heavy attack at Quatre Bras but did not suffer badly. On the 18th June 1815 the Battle of Waterloo began after a terrible night of torrential rain. It was a frustrating morning for the British cavalry who had to stand and watch an infantry battle. Against Wellington's wishes, the heavy cavalry made a brilliant charge that was spoiled by it's failure to re-form. The 11th under the command of Lt Col Money were sent into action when it looked as if the enemy were breaking up. They broke a French infantry square and carried on with the pursuit of Napoleon’s fleeing soldiers.
Wellington entered Paris in triumph on 7th July escorted by the 11th and others. The regiment bivouacked on the Champs Elysees and became part of the army of occupation in France and Belgium. On 20th November they eventually arrived home after 3 years on the continent

The mounted swordsmanship training of the British emphasised the cut, at the face for maiming or killing, or at the arms to disable. This left masses of mutilated or disabled troops; the French, in contrast, favoured the thrust, which gave cleaner kills. A cut with the 1796 LC sabre was, however, perfectly capable of killing outright, as was recorded by George Farmer of the 11th Regiment of Light Dragoons, who was involved in a skirmish on the Guadiana River in 1811, during the Peninsular War:
"Just then a French officer stooping over the body of one of his countrymen, who dropped the instant on his horse's neck, delivered a thrust at poor Harry Wilson's body; and delivered it effectually. I firmly believe that Wilson died on the instant yet, though he felt the sword in its progress, he, with characteristic self-command, kept his eye on the enemy in his front; and, raising himself in his stirrups, let fall upon the Frenchman's head such a blow, that brass and skull parted before it, and the man's head was cloven asunder to the chin. It was the most tremendous blow I ever beheld struck; and both he who gave, and his opponent who received it, dropped dead together. The brass helmet was afterwards examined by order of a French officer, who, as well as myself, was astonished at the exploit; and the cut was found to be as clean as if the sword had gone through a turnip, not so much as a dint being left on either side of it" The blade is remembered today as one of the best of its time and has been described as the finest cutting sword ever manufactured in quantity.

The steel hilt and scabbard has overall ols russetting, bright polished and with no denting.

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: 26331

A Singularly Beautiful & Magnificent Presentation Grade 1796-1803 {15th Hussars} British Officer's Sword, Of The Napoleonic Wars. Used In The Peninsular Campaign, & The War of 100 Days Culminating at Quatre Bras & Waterloo. Museum Quality Example

In stunning condition, near mint mercurial gilding, with bright polish blade bearing traces of GR cypher and Royal motto.
The 15th Hussars was converted into a Hussar Regiment, from a Light Dragoon regt. in 1807, before being sent to Spain for the Peninsular War (1808-14) a year later.


After joining up with Sir John Moore’s force, it successfully charged uphill through snow against French chasseurs and dragoons at Sahagun on 21 December 1808. It was evacuated from Corunna in January 1809.

After a spell of policing duties in the north of England, it returned to the Peninsula in 1813, fighting at Morales and Vitoria that year, and at Orthes and Toulouse in 1814. It also fought at Waterloo in 1815.

In May 1815 the Regiment, under command of Lt. Col. Leighton Dalrymple, returned to France to meet the threat raised by the resurrected Napoleon. In France, the Regiment was brigaded with the 7th Hussars and the 2nd German Hussars. Napoleon's rapid advance in June took Wellington by surprise, and the British cavalry were ordered to march at short notice, reaching Quartre Bras on the evening of 16th June. On 17th, the British, with the cavalry covering, fell back towards the village of Waterloo and spent a night bivouacked in the open in torrential rain. On the fateful morning of the 18th, the 15th Hussars formed a section of the British front line near Hugomont Farm, astride the Nivelle Road.

" . . a large body of Cuirassiers and other cavalry were seen carrying all before them on the open ground between Hugomont and La Haye Saint, and their Lancers were shouting in triumph. The brigade instantly moved towards its former post, and the 13th and the 15th charged and drove back the Cuirassiers, with the most distinguished gallantry, for some distance."

Based, primarily, on Wellington's own comments, some historians have expressed admiration of British cavalry actions at Waterloo - in the mud, blood and heat of battle, the contribution to victory made by both the heavy cavalry, such as the Scots Greys and the Inniskillens, and the light cavalry, such as the hussar regiments, is remarkable.

At Waterloo, the 15th Hussars lost 3 officers and 25 other ranks killed, together with 42 horses, and 7 officers (including Col. Dalrymple) and 43 other ranks wounded, together with 52 horses. After the battle, the Regiment pursued the French to Cambray and then to Paris, returning to England (Hounslow) in May 1816.

The hilt retains almost all its original finest mercurial gold covering, and a stunning line engraved grip, and ivory grip. The scabbard similarly draws the eye to the importance of the entire piece. Its highly distinctive appearance brings us very much to mind a strong possibility it was presented to an officer of the 15th Light Dragoons, likely for conspicuous service in the Peninsular campaign. In the early 1800’s the regiment commissioned a specific design of highest quality mameluke hilted dress swords, without knuckle bow, and a carved marine Ivory hilt, for officers of the regiment, and with this highly distinctive rare scabbard pattern, a rare scabbard pattern is so similar that we feel this sword was the alternative dress-cum-combat version. We therefore judge this very sword's design may well have influenced by the pattern of the 15th Hussars regiments officer's deluxe quality mameluke made during the Georgian period, but the 1796 p hilt was far more effective as a combat sabre for a secure grip in the charge.
This sword's blade slides neatly into the amazingly decorated sheath, of engraved mercurial gold copper-gilt panels, with a black leather base, and twin fine ring mounts. This wondrous sword is somewhat similar quality to the Lloyds Patriotic Fund swords, and other highest grade presentation quality swords awarded to officers during wars with France, during the reign of King George IIIrd, in the early 19th century. It would have been commissioned from by one the finest London makers, such as R. Teed of Lancaster Court, or Thomas Gill of St James's, as there are certainly elements of workmanship similar to both Gill and Teed's finest craftsmanship. The blade is polished with areas of age staining and once bore fine engravings and the king's cypher and motto. Lloyd's Patriotic Fund was founded on 28 July 1803 at Lloyd's Coffee House, and continues to the present day. Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund now works closely with armed forces charities to identify the individuals and their families who are in urgent need of support.

The contributors created the fund to give grants to those wounded in service to the Crown and to set up annuities to the dependents of those killed in action. The Fund also awarded prizes to those British combatants who went beyond the call of duty. The rewards could be a sum of money, a sword or a piece of plate. The Fund issued 15 swords worth £30 each, to midshipmen, masters' mates and Royal Marine lieutenants. Also, 91 swords worth 50 pounds each went to naval lieutenants and Royal Marine captains. It issued 35 swords worth £100 each to commanders and naval captains. In addition, it issued 23 swords, worth £100 each, to naval captains who fought at Trafalgar. Some 60 officers requested a piece of plate of equal value instead of a sword. Lastly, a number of officers opted for cash instead, either for themselves or to distribute to their crew.

One engagement might result in multiple awards. When a cutting-out party from HMS Franchise captured Raposa in 1806, naval lieutenants John Fleming and Peter Douglas, and Lieutenant of Marines Mend, each received a sword worth £50, while Midshipman Lamb received one worth £30.

Not all the officers who received swords or other merit awards were naval officers or Royal Marines. Some were captains of privateers or East Indiamen. The Fund awarded Mr. Thomas Musgrave, captain of the private man of war Kitty an honour-sabre worth £30 for the action in which Kitty captured the Spanish ship Felicity (or Felicidad). After the Battle of Pulo Aura, Lloyd's Patriotic Fund gave each captain a sword worth £50, and one to Lieutenant Robert Merrick Fowler (RN), who had distinguished himself in a variety of capacities during the engagement, and one worth £100 to Captain Nathaniel Dance, who had been the commodore of the fleet.

Napoleonic period original painting in the gallery of Capt. George William Manby, with his near identical Prize Presentation Sword, painted in 1818, by Samuel Lane..

This sword has its ivory restriction exemption certificate no; RDW66NZ9
It cannot be exported from the UK.  read more

Code: 21774

A Most Rare Third Reich Period Deutche Luftfahrt/DLV Officer's Visor Cap Insignia, German Flyers Associoation

DLV (German Flyers Association). The German Air Sports Association (Deutscher Luftsportverband, or DLV e. V.) was an organisation set up by the Nazi Party in March 1933 to establish a uniform basis for the training of military pilots. Its chairman was Hermann Göring and its vice-chairman Ernst Röhm. Since the Treaty of Versailles officially forbade Germany from building fighter planes of any sort, the German Air Sports Association used gliders to train men still officially civilians for the future Luftwaffe. The first steps towards the Luftwaffe's formation were undertaken just months after Adolf Hitler came to power. Hermann Göring, a World War I ace with 22 victories and the holder of the Orden Pour le Mérite, became National Kommissar for aviation with former Deutsche Luft Hansa director Erhard Milch as his deputy. On 25 March 1933 the German Air Sports Association absorbed all private and national organizations, whilst retaining its 'sports' title. In April 1933 the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM – Reich Air Ministry) was established. The RLM was in charge of development and production of aircraft, and soon afterwards the test site or Erprobungsstelle at Rechlin became its testing ground, a military airfield that had been first established in August 1918. Göring's control over all aspects of aviation became absolute.

The German Air Sports Association was dissolved in 1937 and replaced with the National Socialist Flyers Corps, a corporation under public law and subordinate to Reichsluftfahrtminister Göring.  read more

Code: 23870