Superb Collection of Antique 1840's 19th Cent, American Gamblers Collectors Items. A Fine 'American' Cased Pair of Derringers by Wilson, American Bowie Knives, One Scabbarded and Another Folding Pocket Bowie & A Scarce Scissors Dagger

Full details and photographs to add tomorrow!  read more

Code: 26296

Royal Naval Officer's Sword of Lt. O.S.V. Waterlow D.S.O. M.i.D. A Officer of 'The Mighty Hood', Battlecruiser, HMS Hood. For 20 Years The Largest Warship In the World Tragically Sunk by the German Battleship Bismark May 1941. & The Loss of 1415 Crew

For those of you that are serious maritime collectors, we have the privilege to have acquired a superb and historical 20th century Royal Naval sword, that has just arrived, a stunning 'named' officer’s sword of Lt. O.S.V. Waterlow D.S.O. M.i.D, a former member of the tragic HMS Hood’s ships company.
His brother was also a member of the ship's company, and was KIA in the sinking.
See the memorial plaque in the gallery, for both brothers that served on the Mighty Hood, that were lost at sea, in St Mary's Church, Oatlands, Surrey.
Lt. Oscar Stephen Verity Waterlow, and his brother Signalman A.A.Waterlow are both listed on the crew list by the HMS Hood Association.

HMS Hood, one of the most famous warships in the world, was an Admiral-class battlecruiser and the largest warship in the Royal Navy for 20 years.
Affectionately known as "The Mighty Hood," she served as a potent global symbol of British power.
During World War II, in the Battle of the Denmark Strait a fatal shell from the German battleship Bismarck struck her in May 1941, causing a catastrophic explosion that claimed 1,415 lives.
Probably the most infamous sinking of a British warship in history. A naval tragedy almost beyond comprehension for the people of Britain at the time.
On May 24, 1941, HMS Hood and the battleship HMS Prince of Wales intercepted the German battleship Bismarck and cruiser Prinz Eugen in the Battle of the Denmark Strait. During the engagement, a single shell from the Bismarck pierced Hood's armour and detonated her internal magazines. The ship broke apart and sank in just minutes. Tragically, there were only three survivors from a crew of 1,418

A KIA officer whose brother was also part of the Hood’s crew, and was lost at sea in the Hood's great combat battle and subsequent sinking. Both brothers were lost at sea in WW2, one on the Mighty Hood, the other, Lt. O.S.V. Waterlow D.S.O. M.i.D, R.N.,who had earlier transferred off the Hood, to serve as Lt. of a submariner crew, HMS Talisman, was also lost at sea, in its own tragic sinking off the Italian coast. Lt Waterlow was awarded the D.S.O. in May 1942 for five Mediterranean War Patrols during the period August-December 1941, aboard the submarine Talisman.

When war with Germany was declared, Hood was operating in the area around Iceland, and she spent the next several months hunting for German commerce raiders and blockade runners between Iceland and the Norwegian Sea. After a brief overhaul of her propulsion system, she sailed as the flagship of Force H, and participated in the destruction of the French fleet at Mers-el-Kebir. Transferred to the Home Fleet shortly afterwards, Hood was dispatched to Scapa Flow, and operated in the area as a convoy escort and later as a defence against a potential German invasion fleet. In May 1941, Hood and the battleship Prince of Wales were ordered to intercept the German battleship Bismarck and the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen, which were en route to the Atlantic, where they were to attack convoys. On 24 May 1941, early in the Battle of the Denmark Strait, Hood was struck by several German shells, exploded, and sank with the loss of all but 3 of her crew of 1,418.

The Battle of the Denmark Strait on May 24, 1941, was a pivotal WWII naval clash where the German battleship Bismarck and heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen intercepted the Royal Navy's battlecruiser HMS Hood and battleship HMS Prince of Wales. In a brief eight-minute firefight, a shell from Bismarck detonated Hood's magazine, sinking the pride of the Royal Navy with all but three of her 1,418 crew.
Operating under Operation Rheinübung to break into the Atlantic shipping lanes, the German fleet aimed to bypass heavy Royal Navy surface units. British Vice Admiral Lancelot Holland, aboard HMS Hood, ordered his ships to close the distance to German forces at a rapid pace to shield Hood's notoriously thin deck armour from plunging long-range fire.
At 05:52 AM, the British forces engaged at a distance of about 12.5 miles (23 kilometers). In the subsequent exchange, Bismarck concentrated her fire on the Hood. Shortly after the British turn to port, German salvos struck HMS Hood near her mainmast, resulting in a catastrophic explosion that broke the vessel in two. Despite the total loss of the Hood, the engagement proved strategically detrimental to Germany. HMS Prince of Wales survived the initial clash but sustained heavy damage. Before retreating, she successfully fired three shells into the Bismarck. One of these hits ruptured the German battleship's fuel tanks and disabled a forward boiler, severely limiting her speed and forcing the Bismarck to abandon her Atlantic raiding mission and attempt to head for a French port for repairs.This damage ultimately led to the historic, days-long Royal Navy hunt for the Bismarck, resulting in her sinking just three days later on May 27, 1941

Submarine Talisman, with, as part of the boats compliment, Lt O.S.V. Waterlow, had a relatively short but active career, spending most of her time in the Mediterranean.

One of her first actions was the capture of the French fishing vessel Le Clipper, which was then used to observe U-boat movements off the Gironde estuary before being brought into Falmouth, Cornwall. She later attacked HMS Otus by mistake, but was unsuccessful. She went on to sink two sailing vessels with its deck gun, the Vichy-French passenger ship Théophile Gautier and the Italian merchant Calitea, as well as destroying the grounded wreck of the German merchant Yalova. She also unsuccessfully attacked the German merchant Salzburg and an Italian convoy, missing the Italian merchant Lauretta, and being heavily depth charged by the escorting Italian torpedo boat Libra.

Talisman left Gibraltar on 10 September 1942 carrying supplies to Malta, where she was due no later than 18 September. She reported sighting a U-boat off Philippeville, Algeria on 15 September; a Gibraltar-based Sunderland of 202 Squadron was sent out and caught the Italian submarine, probably the Alabastro, on the surface and sank her.

Nothing was heard from Talisman again and she failed to arrive at Malta. She is presumed either to have hit an Italian mine off Sicily or to have been destroyed by Italian surface forces on 17 September. She was declared overdue on 18 September 1942.

This historical sword, commissioned for Lt. Waterlow from Silver & Co. sword smiths, and has been specialist artisan cleaned and conserved for two full days, and returned its original gilding, upon the hilt and scabbard, and it frosted and mirror bright polished blade to its former as new condition.

Naturally, as such, it is perfectly suitable for current service use  read more

Code: 26294

A Simply Stunning Quality 18th Century Pair of Double Barrelled Side By Side Flintlock Pistols, Most Often The Preserve of Generals During The American Revolutionary War in the 1770’s, and Generals Into the Napoleonic Period

They are truly magnificent, in superb condition for age. Made and used from the revolutionary period right through the Napoleonic Wars.

The ideal way to be armed with the firepower of a pair of pistols, in a single hand. However, with a pair of double barrelled pistols, one in each hand, one was the most formidably armed combatant, in hand to hand combat, for both attack, or defence.

The most famous historical military commander in history, Napoleon Bonaparte carried such a pair of double barrelled flintlocks, and was renowned for presenting such pairs to his great marshals and allies.

Very similar to the double barrel pistol once belonging to General Richard Montgomery, hero of the American Revolution. Similarly commissioned and created by a finest gunmaker.

There are several very fine, early, similar quality pairs of double pistols in the Metropolitan Museum, Les Invalides Napoleonic War Museum in Paris, and the Royal Collection

A most fine quality pair of pistols, with a fabulous carved walnut stock and brass mounts. The juglans Regis walnet had superb hand carved florid touches at the barrel breech, in the wondrous Chinoiserie style, made most famous in England by its finest cabinetmaker and designer, Thomas Chippendale.
The wonderful Chinoisserie style influenced everything from architecture, to furniture, to paintings, gun fittings, silver, and clocks.

Twin individual steel barrels. Finest flintlock actions in the most crisp and tight order. Finest scroll Chinoiserie engraving, to match the stock embellishing the steel breech mounts.

This is a stunning pair of double barrelled pistols was a form that were often chosen by the most senior or high status officers, such as the wealthiest and most influential figures, of distinguished families of the 18th century, in both England, France and America.

Such as, for example, General Sir John Cope who had similar such pistols, but decades before. He was one of the commanders of British forces fighting Charles Stuart the so-called Pretender, Bonnie Prince Charlie in Scotland. General Cope was defeated at the Battle of Prestonpans, with a force of around 2500 men, by the army of Prince Charles.

The famed possessor of a pair of double barrel flintlocks, was the aforementioned General, Richard Montgomery, who was a hero of the American Revolutionary War of 1775.
He was a gentleman of Anglo Irish descent who first served in the British Army in the Americas, but through his Whig ideals went on to become one of Washington's loyal Generals. He was on the committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence and led the army into the Invasion of Canada. He died at the Battle of Quebec, in December 1775, after capturing Montreal.

Yet another historic pair, in the fine Queen Anne style, were presented by Captain Hardy to no less a world renowned hero, Admiral Nelson, and they are in the National Maritime Collection (exhibit number E857).
They are inscribed on the silver escutcheon ‘
To Adm. Nelson from his Friend Cpt. Hardy, June 1801.’

Fine quality good size,18th century twin barrel pistols are the most highly collectable of all pistols, and highly scarce.

Chinoiserie, from 'chinois' the French for Chinese, was a style inspired by art and design from China, Japan and other Asian countries in the 18th century. At its height in Britain from 1750 to 1765, this fanciful style relied more on the designer's and craftsman's imagination than on accurately portraying oriental motifs and ornament. Chinoiserie entered European art and decoration in the mid-to-late 17th century; the work of Athanasius Kircher influenced the study of orientalism. The popularity of chinoiserie peaked around the middle of the 18th century when it was associated with the rococo style and with works by Francois Boucher, Thomas Chippendale, and Jean-Baptist Pillement. It was also popularized by the influx of Chinese and Indian goods brought annually to Europe aboard English, Dutch, French, and Swedish East India Companies.Though chinoiserie never fully went out of fashion, it declined in Europe by the 1760s when the neoclassical style gained popularity, though remained popular in the newly formed United States through the early 19th century.

As with all our antique guns no license is required as they are all unrestricted antique collectables  read more

Code: 26292

Outstanding, Huge Shogunate Antique Bunkyu Period 幕藩体制 Samurai's Tachi, Horseman's Sword, In Superb Condition. Signed 伯耆国住吉. Hoki no Kuni ju Yoshiyuki . A 'Statement' Piece, Par Excellance. A Late Edo Representation of The Ancient Ōdachi Great Sword

This sword has immense presence and stature, and my goodness, what a truly elegant shape and curvature, a magnificent centrepiece for any stylish decor. Shinshinto bladed tachi {slung mounted sword} from the late Edo bakuhan taisei 幕藩体制 period, signed Hoki no Kuni ju Yoshiyuki and dated 1857, decorated with traces of red, the tsuka with iron fuchi-kashira decorated with figures, its Nanban, earlier Edo mokko shaped iron tsuba, depicting the butterfly, signed, Umetada school "Cho" tsuba, signed Yamashiro Ju Shigeyoshi.(山城住重吉) It represents the Ikeda Family Mon (Mukai Cho Ka-mon, and interestingly the signature is also decorated with red within the chiselling of each kanji, an old Japanese tradition to indicate it is an item of reverence. It is mounted in a rich mid brown ishime, stone finish lacquer, tachi mounted saya, beautifully bound with contrasting sageo of stunning gold and black. the tsuka is black silk bound over samegawa {giant ray-skin} with a pair of menuki {beneath the silk binding} depicting war arrows combined with samurai armour.

The Umetada school was founded in the late 16th century by Umetada Myōju (埋忠明寿). He was a leading figure in the Shintō sword movement, making blades and fittings in Kyoto. Second in this line was Umetada Tachibana Shigeyoshi, who moved to Nishijin in the north of Kyoto, where he got inspired by European designs and technology. He made several forms of tsuba

Old Japanese kanji on blades, often the maker's signature (mei), can be decorated red because red ink (shuniku) symbolizes good luck, protection, vitality, and authority, while also ensuring the inscription (brushed in red) is visible and permanent before being chiseled into the tang. Red (aka) wards off evil, signifies the sun, and is used for celebrations, making it a powerful colour for important markings on samurai swords, connecting to national identity and spiritual strength.

As this superb tsuba bears an Umetada school "Cho" tsuba signed Yamashiro Ju Shigeyoshi.(山城住重吉) It represents the Ikeda Family Mon (Mukai Cho Ka-mon. Thus as it is its original mon tsuba it likely represents this sword was made for the Ikeda family clan.

To qualify as an ōdachi, the sword in question would normally have a blade length of around 3 shaku (90.9 cm (35.8 in)). However, as with most terms in Japanese sword arts, there is no exact definition of the size of an ōdachi.

Signed "Hoki no Kuni ju Yoshiyuki. swordsmith named Yoshiyuki (吉幸), worked in Hōki Province (伯耆国), modern-day Tottori Prefecture, during the late Edo period (around the 1860s). He signed his work with variations like "Hoki no Kuni ju Yoshiyuki," was known as Shimizu Tōshirō, and produced blades exhibiting detailed jihada (grain) and hamon (temper lines) with ko-nie (small bright particles).
Yoshiyuki (real name Shimizu Tōshirō).
Hōki Province (now Tottori, Japan).
Period: Late Edo (Bunkyū era, 1861-1864) through the Meiji Restoration.
Signature: "Hoki no Kuni ju Yoshiyuki" (伯耆国住吉幸).
Often features itame (wood grain) mixed with mokume ( burl grain), ji-nie, chikei, and utsuri, with a hamon of midare (irregular) with ko-notare (small drops) and ko-gunome (small arcs).
Yoshiyuki was a recognized smith from Hōki Province, noted for his work in the late Shintō period, even creating swords during the ban on wearing swords in 1876.
Blades from him often considered significant examples from that era, showcasing traditional craftsmanship even as Japan modernized.

This wonderful sword is photographed in the gallery not only displayed on a traditional katana stand {horizontal}, but also on a black lacquer, old, traditional tachi stand { tachi-kake, more vertical}. The sword with come complete with a complimentary katana stand. The tachi stand is sold separately.

The tachi style of swords preceded the development of the katana the first use of the word katana to indicate a blade different from tachi appears toward the end of the twelfth century. In later Japanese feudal history, during the Sengoku and Edo periods, certain high-ranking warriors of what became the ruling class would wear their sword tachi-style (edge-downward), rather than with the saya (scabbard) thrust through the belt with the edge upward. The bakuhan taisei was the feudal political system in the Edo period of Japan. Baku, or "tent," is an abbreviation of bakufu, meaning "military government" that is, the shogunate. The han were the domains headed by daimyo. The number of han (roughly 250) fluctuated throughout the Edo period. They were ranked by size, which was measured as the number of koku that the domain produced each year. One koku was the amount of rice necessary to feed one adult male for one year. The minimum number for a daimyo was ten thousand koku; the largest, apart from the shogun, was a million.

Samurai horsemen began as aristocratic mounted archers in Japan's Heian period (794-1185), serving nobles, evolving into powerful warriors controlling the state by the Kamakura era (1185-1333) with the rise of the Shogunate, mastering bows, swords, and later polearms, forming the iconic image of armoured, skilled riders who defended Japan and defined its military culture for centuries before their eventual abolition in the 19th century.
Origins and Early Development (Heian Period, 794-1185)
Early Protectors: The term "samurai" (meaning "one who serves") emerged as provincial warriors, often landowners, serving aristocratic families as guards.
Mounted Archery: Their initial primary skill was horseback archery, using asymmetrical bows, with horses and armour often signifying wealth.
Decentralized Power: Central government weakness led to reliance on these regional warrior clans (Uji), shifting power from the court to local strongmen.
Rise to Power (Kamakura Period, 1185-1333)
Feudal System: Clan rivalries culminated in the Genpei War, leading to the rise of the first Shogunate (military government) and establishing the samurai as Japan's dominant political and military force.
Bushido: The samurai code of honour, Bushido, became firmly established during this time.
Mongol Invasions (1270s): Samurai horsemen, skilled in archery and swordsmanship, successfully defended Japan against Mongol invasions.
Evolution of Tactics (14th - 16th Centuries)
Swords & Polearms: While archery remained important, swordsmanship (especially with the katana) grew, and later, the introduction of lance-armed cavalry charges became a feared tactic, notably by the Takeda clan.
Infantry Integration: By the late 16th century, powerful samurai leaders like Oda Nobunaga began integrating firearms and massed infantry, leading to significant tactical shifts, as seen at the Battle of Nagashino (1275).
Decline & Legacy (Late Edo Period to Meiji Restoration)
Abolition: The samurai class was officially abolished during the Meiji Restoration in the late 1870s, ending their military and social dominance but solidifying their legendary status in Japanese history and culture. However the presentation of samurai swords did not stop {after the samurai class were removed from power} as their status, was, for ever more indelibly linked entirely to both the history and the future of Japan, for without the sword there would have been no legendary samurai, and without the samurai there would have been no Japan.

Approx 32 inch blade tsuba to tip, tsuka 11.5 inches long, overall 45.5 inches long

Traditional tachi sword stands (tachi-kake) serve to display the sword's beauty, honour its spiritual status
Swords were symbols of honour; the stand showcased the owner's rank and the blade's importance, often with ornate designs.
Stands support the tachi's distinct curve, preventing stress and damage, especially when displayed edge-up, which highlights the blade. They secure the sword, keeping it safe from accidental falls or damage to the delicate fittings and scabbard (saya).
The orientation (edge up/down, handle left/right) could signify peace or war, or readiness for drawing, showing the sword's transition from weapon to art.
Unlike katana stands, tachi stands cradle the blade's natural curve, holding it at an angle or horizontally.
Often made from fine woods like cypress, they were built to be stable and aesthetically pleasing, sometimes featuring clan crests.
Tachi were worn edge-down for cavalry; displaying them this way mirrors that original function, while edge-up is for peacetime aesthetics,
In essence, the tachi stand {tachi-lake} transforms a formidable weapon into a revered art object, reflecting its historical importance and cultural significance in samurai society

Picture in the gallery is of Magara Naotaka, a retainer of the Asakura clan in the Battle of Anegawa. He was famous as a master of a ōdachi named Taro tachi (太郎太刀). One might presume the size of his Odachi may have been exaggerated somewhat for the sake of artistry.  read more

Code: 26006

The Lanes Armoury, View Europe’s Leading Original Samurai Sword Gallery. Plus, 1000’s of Other Magical & Rare To Find Ancient and Vintage Wonders. Another Historic Collection Acquired This Week, Including Amazing, Historical, Royal Naval Collectables

View online and in our gallery, hundreds and hundreds of original antique and ancient samurai swords, armour, and spears.

For those of you that are serious maritime collectors, we have the privilege to have acquired a superb and historical 20th century Royal Naval sword, that has just arrived, a stunning named officer’s sword of former member of the tragic HMS Hood’s ships company. HMS Hood was an Admiral-class battlecruiser and the largest warship in the Royal Navy for 20 years. Affectionately known as "The Mighty Hood," she served as a potent global symbol of British power. During World War II, a fatal shell from the German battleship Bismarck struck her in May 1941, causing a catastrophic explosion that claimed 1,415 lives. Probably the most infamous sinking of a British warship in history. A naval tragedy almost beyond comprehension for the people of Britain at the time. On May 24, 1941, HMS Hood and the battleship HMS Prince of Wales intercepted the German battleship Bismarck and cruiser Prinz Eugen in the Battle of the Denmark Strait. During the engagement, a single shell from the Bismarck pierced Hood's armour and detonated her internal magazines. The ship broke apart and sank in just minutes. Tragically, there were only three survivors from a crew of 1,418

A KIA officer whose brother was also part of the Hood’s crew, who was lost at sea in its last great combat sinking. Both brothers were lost at sea in WW2, one on the Mighty Hood, the other, who had earlier transferred off the Hood, to serve as Lt. of a submariner crew, was also lost at sea, in its own tragic sinking off the Italian coast.

At the moment it is being no expense spared cleaned and conserved for future posterity. We are considering adding this sword to be a part of our family collection.

Including lots of other unique treasures, such as, a fabulous, early, and large, polished rock crystal quartz witch ball, with breathtaking internal clarity and patterns.

Our weekly emailer was due out this weekend, however, we were absorbed in the arrival of another collection that consumed all our time sadly, so it will be sent out early this coming week {with some fabulous new pieces}

This week a stunning collection of many superb pairs of 18th century flintlock pistols, and brass barrelled blunderbusses, they will be added to the site over the next week or so after cleaning and museum grade conservation.

Also, to be added this coming week, an 18th century naval midshipman’s dirk, a naval brass barrelled blunderbuss with spring bayonet, a Royal Naval Trafalgar sea service flintlock, a Crimean War sea service percussion pistol, and pair of naval ships captains brass barrelled flintlock pistols, plus, another small collection of original James Bond, Ian Fleming, 1960's Ist editions, added recently, and numerous original WW2 German combat awards, taken as war booty by one of Lt Commander Ian Fleming's 'Red Indians', the 30 Assault Commando's, operation in 'behind the lines' clandestine ops in occupied France. Also, a fabulous Napoleonic 1st Empire library clock designed on the bookcases in Napoleon's palace the Palais Des Tuileries. {This beauty was just sold after one day online}. And, an incredible 500 plus year old samurai sword from one of the great swordsmith lines of the Mino-Den, with an incredibly rare 'Summer Lightning' hamon, only created by the great master swordsmiths. {Also sold the same day it was put online}
Just the other day we further acquired a fabulous, and rare, SOE secret agent's WW2 suitcase transceiver. As used by the legendary, clandestine operatives and heroines of WW2, Odette Churchill and Violette Szabo.

Just the other week one visiting couple from the States, a retired Yale professor and his wife, very kindly remarked:

" We have just spent five weeks travelling the UK, visiting all the great tourist sites, museums and castles, but, nothing, simply nothing, was as amazing and fascinating as the collection your store, congratulations, well done, and keep up the good work"


Thanks to us being so long established here in Brighton we are contacted or visited every day by private families interested in selling their long past collected antiques and antiquities.
Artefacts of all kinds, from all eras and all nations are offered to us every single day. Some collected by their ancestors hundreds of years ago. And this week has been particularly fascinating for the diversity and beauty of our finds.

After more than 55 years personal experience by Mark, the elder partner, in our galleries, since 1971, and David’s 45 years since 1981, we are also regarded by many as Europe’s leading original samurai sword gallery, and probably the leading samurai sword specialists in the world, outside of Japan.
With hundreds of original ancient and antique samurai swords to view and buy online, or, to journey to our world famous gallery in Brighton on a personal visit, 6 days a week.

By train we are just under an hour from Victoria Train Station in London.

It has been said that the Hawkins family, have, in their sword dealing history, handled, bought and sold more original Japanese swords than any other sword dealers outside of Japan since World War I, trading over 100 years, numbering well into the tens or even hundreds of thousands of samurai weapons and artefacts. In one single acquisition alone, in the early 1960’s, David senior {the current partner’s father} purchased, in one collection, over 500 original antique and vintage Japanese swords, and Mark helped to disassemble each and every one of them, and was in charge of stringing together the tsuba sword guards into string mounted loops, 20 at a time. In those days tsuba were more collectable than swords. It was one of Mark’s very first introductions to the workings of the wonderful works of art that make up a complete samurai sword.

He can still remember listening to the very first hit of the Beatles ‘Love me do’ on the radiogram, in late 1963, while stringing together 25 loops of 20 tsuba, before he started school that early morning.

Our close family association with the legendary samurai sword continues unabated. In fact we still know of no better and varied original samurai sword selection, for sale under one roof, anywhere in the world today, outside of Japan, or possibly, even within it. Hundreds of antique pieces for sale to choose from, and some up to an incredible 800 years old.

Why is The Lanes Armoury probably the worlds most popular, original Japanese samurai gallery?
Well, we believe that not only are we the oldest still thriving store of our kind outside of Japan, but we have an entirely historical view of all our samurai artefacts, be they armour, helmets, swords, spears or accoutrements,

We place each piece within its historical context, a unique, holistic view if you like, never concentrating on such as simply the minutiae of blade detail alone {that has never been our forte} but of the entire sword as a work of art, and an example of the worlds highest craftsmanship, and thus it’s potential place within all of over 1000 years of samurai history.

Can they be expensive?
Well, they certainly can appear so, however up to 70% of our completely fitted swords may still be half the price of just a newly made sword blade alone, commissioned from one of the few still remaining fine sword smiths in Japan, and ours could well be up to 500 years old, completely and stunningly fitted in fabulous quality original antique mounts, and potentially used in the past by up to 30 samurai within their own working life and history. And yet, they can still look as good as new.

A samurai sword for example, is in many respects, more the sum of its parts, although always dated by its blade’s vintage, each sword can have amazing koshirae mountings of equal beauty to the blade, displaying the skill of likely the most talented artisans in sword making history, and representing the most intriguing and certainly one of the most popular forms of ancient hand to hand combat in the world today.

For example one of the greatest films ever made in the history of cinema is Akira Kurosawa’s 1954 “Seven Samurai”. A groundbreaking epic of such influence on modern cinemas it is said to inspired more films in its genre than any other film ever made. A well deserved masterpiece of cinema, based entire on a simple single event of legendary samurai combat.

Still today, more incredible films in the genre are made involving the legendary samurai sword than any other, such as some of the billion dollar epics made by the Marvel Universe, that still enthral the worlds movie watching audiences.

There is no other country in the world that continually used the very same form of weaponry, in hand to hand combat, for over 800 years. A samurai sword of around 800 years of age, would be just as recognisable and as usable to any 19th century samurai, or even current exponent of samurai martial arts, if he were alive today.

As once told to us by an esteemed regular visitor to us here in our gallery, Victor Harris, in order to study and discuss our extensive collection, and he used the same words that are repeated in his book below;

“In these textures lies an extraordinary and unique feature of the sword - the steel itself possesses an intrinsic beauty. The Japanese sword has been appreciated as an art object since its perfection some time during the tenth century AD. Fine swords have been more highly prized than lands or riches, those of superior quality being handed down from generation to generation. In fact, many well-documented swords, whose blades are signed by their makers, survive from nearly a thousand years ago. Recognizable features of the blades of hundreds of schools of sword-making have been punctiliously recorded, and the study of the sword is a guide to the flow of Japanese history.”
Victor Harris
Curator, Assistant Keeper and then Keeper (1998-2003) of the Department of Japanese Antiquities at the British Museum. He studied from 1968-71 under Sato Kenzan, Tokyo National Museum and Society for the Preservation of Japanese Swords

Finally, a visit to The Lanes Armoury is considered and remarked upon, by near every single visitor to our store, numbering thousands of people every day, that is is an unforgettable experiance, and every samurai sword buyer is afforded the best possible attention, not just for the time that they may view, choose, and buy a sword, but for as long as they own the sword. We are available for every aspect of ownership to its new owner, essentially, forever. Our world renown 5 Star service knows no time limit.

And be assured, every single item, from a cap badge to a 800 year old ancient samurai sword, to an Ancient Greek solid gold crown, will be accompanied with our unique Certificate of Authenticity. Based on over 100 years and four generations of experience.  read more

Code: 24230

A Rare Crimean War Issue, P1839 Tower of London Royal Naval Sea Service Pistol, In Spectacular, As issued Condition, With Original Finish, Blue and Stock Varnish. Positively and Profusely Stamped & Ordnance Marked, With Numerous Inspection Marks

VR Crown Tower lock with date 1855, stock maker marked by the ordnance contractor.
The new Pattern 1839 Sea Service Pistol, was a single shot percussion action sidearm with a captive ramrod, and was adopted for use by the Royal Navy from 1839. This pistol was nearly identical to the Pattern 1839 British Naval Coast Guard Pistol, but with two significant exceptions. First, the calibre was reduced to 26-Bore (about .57 caliber) and secondly, the pistol was mounted with an additional conventional belt hook rather than just the butt swivel. One other change was the elimination of the bolted safety behind the cock.

The list below was of the ships of the Royal Navy, issued with this pistol for use in the Crimean war, alongside their launch dates.
Arrow-class gunvessel
HMS Agamemnon (1852)
HMS Ajax (1809)
HMS Amphion (1846)
HMS Arrogant (1848)
HMS Ardent (1841)
HMS Basilisk (1848)
HMS Beagle (1854)
HMS Belleisle (1819)
HMS Blenheim (1813)
HMS Boscawen (1844)
HMS Britannia (1820)
HMS Calcutta (1831)
HMS Cornwallis (1813)
HMS Cossack (1854)
HMS Cruizer (1852)
HMS Cumberland (1842)
HMS Cyclops (1839)
HMS Dauntless (1847)
HMS Driver (1840)
HMS Duke of Wellington (1852)
HMS Edinburgh (1811)
HMS Euryalus (1853)
HMS Eurydice (1843)
HMS Exmouth (1854)
HMS Gorgon (1837)
HMS Hornet (1854)
HMS Imperieuse (1852)
HMS James Watt
HMS La Hogue
HMS Leander (1848)
HMS London (1840)
HMS Majestic (1853)
HMS Merlin (1838)
HMS Miranda (1851)
HMS Monarch (1832)
HMS Neptune (1832)
HMS Nile (1839)
HMS Odin (1846)
HMS Orion (1854)
HMS Pique (1834)
HMS Prince Regent (1823)
HMS Princess Royal (1853)
HMS Queen (1839)
HMS Rodney (1833)
HMS Royal George (1827)
HMS Sans Pareil (1851)
HMS St Jean d'Acre
HMS Tartar (1854)
HMS Tiger (1849)
HMS Valorous (1851)
HMS Virago (1842)
HMS Vulture (1843)

The 1839 Sea Service pistols, and WD contract Colt Navy revolvers, were also used in service by the Navy and Marines in the Second Opium War in China.The Colt revolvers for use by the officers, and the sailors and Marines, the single shot sea service pistols.
The Second Opium War, which brought English Camp's Royal Marines to Guangzhou, started after the Chinese seized a suspected pirate ship that was registered as a British merchant vessel, and the murder by the Chinese of a French priest. In retaliation, Britain made an alliance with France began destroying Chinese forts and eventually gathered an international force that would include British, French, and American combatants. This war would last for four years and climaxed with the burning and looting of the Summer Palace in Beijing, shortly after the Royal Marines arrived at English Camp. The Americans joined as allied combatants in the war, but didn’t make a formal alliance with the Anglo French force.  read more

Code: 26291

A Most Beautiful Late Edo Japanese Gilt Lacquer Wooden Samurai Sword and Samurai Armour Folding Display Stand. Decorated with A Hand Painted White Crane Flying Over A Bamboo Grove. For Ancestral Display of Samurai and Bushido Artifacts.

A folding wood and hand painted lacquer sword rack display stand, for the display of three samurai swords and for the area beneath for the decoration of samurai artefacts such as sword fittngs, mempo, abumi, war fans, or, such as beautiful Japanese tea ceremony pieces, early iron water vessels, and tea bowls etc.

See a selection of items shown for illustrative purposes. It may once have also displayed hand painted small portraits of ancestral samurai to honour their past samurai family.

Signed by the artist on both the obverse and reverse side. The hand painted cranes and bamboo are on fine gold leaf covered panels, and show considerable age wear, but this enhances its air of contrived antiquity for the display of early samurai swords, weaponry and artefacts

It has long been the tradition of areas of Japanese art to make for display late Edo pieces, in the much earlier ancient forms and styles. Such as, for example, russetted Higo style iron sword mounts. Actually made in the 18th century, but made to appear as they were ancient iron pieces from many centuries before. In many respects as an homage to much revered ancient Japanese art forms

Naturally it has natural age wear, yet it adds to its overall impression of a function yet beautiful interior display temple for all the elements of Bushido and the samurai arts.

The Crane and Bamboo in Japanese Art. While the crane features heavily in stories of gratitude and supernatural love, the bamboo grove serves as the sacred, serene backdrop in both folklore and classical painting.In traditional Japanese art, the crane and bamboo often appear together to represent resilience, purity, and longevity. Because both bamboo and cranes can endure harsh winter conditions while maintaining their grace, they are considered symbols of perseverance. The bamboo's flexibility and the crane's nobility form a perfect pairing in classical hanging scrolls, such as the famous Edo-period painting Pair of Cranes in Bamboo Grove by Tanomura Chikuden

One very rarely ever see them outside of Japan as their transportation back to England, in the 19th century, using sailing and early steamships may well have been cumbersome and not to mention expensive.  read more

Code: 24455

A Very Good Victorian 92nd Gordon Highlanders Silver Cross Belt Badge

92nd Regiment (Gordon) officer's crossbelt badge, silver plated 4 pointed star with St Andrew cross with battle honours, Sphinx below XCII Highlanders, with three threaded screw mounts.

In December 1878, the regiment was ordered to Afghanistan where it was engaged in various security operations following the outbreak of the Second Anglo-Afghan War. In October 1879, it took part in the Battle of Charasiab, where the regiment captured three hills, thereby turning the enemy's flank. Major George White received the Victoria Cross for his part in this action. A further Victoria Cross was won by Lieutenant William Dick-Cunyngham at the Siege of the Sherpur Cantonment on 13 December 1879. At the end of August 1880, the regiment formed part of the force which marched under General Frederick Roberts from Kabul to Kandahar, and at the Battle of Kandahar on 1 September 1880, formed part of the 1st Brigade, which led the advance in sweeping the enemy out of the closely wooded enclosures along the western slopes of the hill on which the village of Gundi Mullah Sahibdad stood.

Instead of returning to the United Kingdom in 1881, the regiment was diverted to Natal to serve in the First Boer War. The regiment participated in the disastrous Battle of Majuba Hill on 27 February 1881. After capturing the hilltop in order to dominate the Boer line, the force of 350 British soldiers of the 58th and 92nd Regiments including a number of Royal Navy gunners, found themselves exposed to heavy and accurate fire early on the following day. This was followed by an assault by 2,000 Boers; despite a desperate last stand, the survivors were swept from the summit.  read more

Code: 16705

A Superb Victorian Hampshire Regt. Officers Full Dress Belt and Belt Plate One of the Best Examples We Have Ever Seen

A most scarce pattern of Victorian Hampshire regimental waist belt In 24 carat gilt and gold bullion, over red Morocco leather. Very few of these beautiful quality belts survive complete, and this is a truly exceptional one. Manufactured by Potter of London. Known as the Hampshire Tigers, the buckle bears the symbols of the Indian Tiger, and the Rose plucked from the Battle of Minden. The Hampshire Regiment was formed on 1st July 1881 when The 37th (North Hampshire) Regiment of Foot and The 67th (South Hampshire) Regiment of Foot were merged as part of the Childers reforms. Portrait miniature of an officer of the 37th or North Hampshire Regiment of Foot in the gallery for reference not included

The 37th Regiment of Foot was first formed in 1702 and as was the tradition at the time named ?Meredith?s Regiment? after Thomas Meredith, the Colonel of the Regiment who raised it in Dublin. The Regiment then served in various campaigns including The War of Spanish Succession (1704-1710) and The War of the Austrian Succession (1740?1748). In 1745 The Regiment returned to England when Bonnie Prince Charlie (the grandson of the deposed James II) landed in Scotland, attempting to regain the crown lost to the Stuart family in 1688 and incited the Jacobite Rising. The Regiment fought for the Hanoverian King George II at the Battles of Falkirk and Culloden. In 1751 the Regiment became The 37th Regiment of Foot as part of a scheme to simplify the naming system of British Army Regiments. The Regiment was once again involved in foreign campaigns including, The Seven Years War (1756?1763) and The American War of Independence (1775-1783). In 1783 The 37th became The 37th North Hampshire Regiment in order to aid recruitment. The Regiment was involved in various campaigns including The Peninsular War and The First War of Indian Independence.
The 67th Regiment of Foot was initially the 2nd Battalion of the 20th Foot but detached in 1758 and became the 67th of Foot. The Regiment saw its first action on the aborted expedition to capture St. Malo in 1758. It was part of the force sent to capture Belle Isle during the Seven Years War, also served in The Spanish invasion of Portugal 1762 and was stationed in India from 1805 after the Second Anglo-Maratha War and participated in The Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817?1818), remaining in India for 21 years. In 1783 The 67th became The 67th South Hampshire Regiment in order to aid recruitment. The Regiment was further involved in foreign campaigns including The Second and Third China Wars (1857-1865) and The Japan Expedition (1862?1864).The 67th return to England after 21 years and authorisation to carry the Royal Bengal Tiger on the Regimental Colours
In February 1826, after spells in Sholapore and Poona, the regiment was sent to Rangoon to reinforce British troops engaged in the Burmese war.
Both Regiments were amalgamated in 1881 as part of the Childers Reforms and became the Hampshire Regiment. The Childers Reforms restructured the British army infantry Regiments. The newly formed Regiment engaged in various foreign campaigns including; Secunderabad (1886-1888), Burma (1888?1891), South African War (1899?1902), and two World Wars.  read more

Code: 21180

A Rare, Antique, Kamakura, {鎌倉時代}, Kamakura Jidai, 1185–1333 Style, Ageha 'V' Shaped 'Swallow Tail' Arrow Of Yadake Bamboo, With Sea Eagle Flights and Steel Head

The ageha swallow tail arrows of this type appear mostly in the Kamakura period, the head may indeed be from that period, and the early eagle feathers are now considerably worn. Experienced Kamakura archers were allowed to use arrows with the V-shaped swallowtail prong {ageha}. If armour is struck, it will splinter, so, the optimum target for a lethal blow on any opponent, wearing full traditional samurai armour (O-Yoroi), is the space just beneath the helmet visor that is often bare. It was once told to us by a very aged and respected Japanese sensei visitor, who was a master of Yabusame mounted archery, that to hit a samurai at the bridge of the nose, beneath his kabuto helmet peak, with the swallowtail ageha ya, it would penetrate both eyes at once. It may not be instantly lethal but the samurai would be immediately blinded, and thus have no function in combat. The samurai’s Ya could also be made with tamehagane steel, the same as used for swords, with similar tempering, despite potentially being a ‘fire and forget’ weapon, used only once for barely a minute of combat for each arrow.

In the post Kamakura era, in the Edo period, the swallow tail arrow was changed slightly and used with two interior sharpened edges, and its use was changed to cut the retaining straps of cuirass armour and the like.

The arrows are made using yadake bamboo (Pseudosasa Japonica), a tough and narrow bamboo long considered the choice material for Japanese arrow shafts. The black {now faded to brown} and white feather flights {hane} are likely Steller's sea eagle feather. Period 1599 -1863.Kyu Jutsu is the art of Japanese archery.The beginning of archery in Japan is pre-historical. The first images picturing the distinct Japanese asymmetrical longbow are from the Yayoi period (c. 500 BC – 300 AD).
The changing of society and the military class (samurai) taking power at the end of the first millennium created a requirement for education in archery. This led to the birth of the first kyujutsu ryūha (style), the Henmi-ryū, founded by Henmi Kiyomitsu in the 12th century. The Takeda-ryū and the mounted archery school Ogasawara-ryū were later founded by his descendants. The need for archers grew dramatically during the Genpei War (1180–1185) and as a result the founder of the Ogasawara-ryū (Ogasawara Nagakiyo), began teaching yabusame (mounted archery) In the twelfth and thirteenth century a bow was the primary weapon of a warrior on the battlefield. Bow on the battlefield stopped dominating only after the appearance of firearm.The beginning of archery in Japan is pre-historical. The first images picturing the distinct Japanese asymmetrical longbow are from the Yayoi period (c. 500 BC – 300 AD).
The changing of society and the military class (samurai) taking power at the end of the first millennium created a requirement for education in archery. This led to the birth of the first kyujutsu ryūha (style), the Henmi-ryū, founded by Henmi Kiyomitsu in the 12th century. The Takeda-ryū and the mounted archery school Ogasawara-ryū were later founded by his descendants. The need for archers grew dramatically during the Genpei War (1180–1185) and as a result the founder of the Ogasawara-ryū (Ogasawara Nagakiyo), began teaching yabusame (mounted archery) Warriors practiced several types of archery, according to changes in weaponry and the role of the military in different periods. Mounted archery, also known as military archery, was the most prized of warrior skills and was practiced consistently by professional soldiers from the outset in Japan. Different procedures were followed that distinguished archery intended as warrior training from contests or religious practices in which form and formality were of primary importance. Civil archery entailed shooting from a standing position, and emphasis was placed upon form rather than meeting a target accurately. By far the most common type of archery in Japan, civil or civilian archery contests did not provide sufficient preparation for battle, and remained largely ceremonial. By contrast, military training entailed mounted maneuvers in which infantry troops with bow and arrow supported equestrian archers. Mock battles were staged, sometimes as a show of force to dissuade enemy forces from attacking. While early medieval warfare often began with a formalized archery contest between commanders, deployment of firearms and the constant warfare of the 15th and 16th centuries ultimately led to the decline of some archery in battle. In the Edo period archery was also considered an art, and members of the warrior classes participated in archery contests that venerated this technique as the most favoured weapon of the samurai.

Picture 8 in the gallery shows a different arrow head, but the same form of elongated tang, similar to yari, is used to hold the arrow head firmly in place. Some are signed by the smith. Naturally this ageha head cannot be removed to show this.

THE LANES ARMOURY, THE PREMIER HOME OF ORIGINAL AND AFFORDABLE ANCIENT ANTIQUITIES , MILITARY ARMOURY ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES IN BRITAIN  read more

Code: 25808