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

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

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 Fine Regimental Victorian 60th Rifles Officer's Sword of the Rifle Brigade Signed Blade by Kemp, Leddell & Co. Armourers, 41 London Wall, London, Used In The Zulu War and in The Boer War As The Later Regiments Name The Kings Royal Rifle Corps

Etched with foliate scrolls, crowned VR cypher, regimental title device of the strung bugle blade in superb bright polish. Regulation grey steel gothic hilt, also incorporating a slung bugle horn, wire bound fish skin covered grip, in its good steel combat weight scabbard with two suspension rings. Sword bespoke commisioned from Kemp, Leddell & Co in London, circa 1870

3rd Battalion, 60th or The King’s Royal Rifle Corps (1755-1958)

The 60th Rifles in 1879 were part of No. 1 Column (the Main Force) under Colonel Glyn and Lord Chelmsford.
Fought in key engagements, including the decisive Battle of Ulundi on July 4, 1879, which effectively broke Zulu military power. After the Zulu war the regiments name was changed to the KRRC, the Kings Royal Rifle Corps.

The 60th Rifles (The King's Royal Rifle Corps) served actively during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, (with individual officers like Major Charles Walter Robinson served on staff).

The 3rd Battalion arrived in South Africa as part of the vital wave of British reinforcements sent after the initial disaster at Isandlwana. Before reaching Ulundi, they took heavy part in relieving the siege of Eshowe and fought at the Battle of Gingindlovu on April 2, 1879.
The British fought in their traditional square formation at the battle of Gingindlovu, with the 60th Rifles taking position on the northern face of the square. According to Castle and Knight, “the main Zulu body split into columns, then crossed the Nyezane (River) at two drifts a mile apart; and, as it advanced up the slopes towards the laager, it fanned out into the traditional chest and horns attack formation. The order to hold fire until the enemy were within 300 yards condemned the troops at the front of the square to the nerve wracking spectacle of the Zulus deploying to attack without a shot being fired to stop them. It was a sight that was to strain the nerves of the untried men of the 60th. The British fought in their traditional square formation at the battle of Gingindlovu, with the 60th Rifles taking position on the northern face of the square. According to Castle and Knight, “the main Zulu body split into columns, then crossed the Nyezane (River) at two drifts a mile apart; and, as it advanced up the slopes towards the laager, it fanned out into the traditional chest and horns attack formation. The order to hold fire until the enemy were within 300 yards condemned the troops at the front of the square to the nerve wracking spectacle of the Zulus deploying to attack without a shot being fired to stop them. It was a sight that was to strain the nerves of the untried men of the 60th.

At Ulundi: The battalion marched into the heart of Zululand with Chelmsford's advancing field force. At the decisive Battle of Ulundi, the British formed a massive, mobile hollow square (or rectangle) out on the Mahlabatini plain to repel an estimated 20,000 Zulu warriors.

During the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902), the King's Royal Rifle Corps (KRRC)—originally the 60th Regiment of Foot—served with distinction in South Africa. Their actions inspired several notable historical paintings, commemorative prints, and portrait commissions.

The Battle of Talana Hill (20 October 1899): The 1st Battalion KRRC played a pivotal role in this early clash, successfully storming the heights alongside the Royal Dublin Fusiliers. Famous period illustrations and paintings capture the intense infantry assault up the boulder-strewn slopes where the KRRC's commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Gunning, was killed.

The Battle of Colenso (15 December 1899): The 3rd Battalion KRRC was deployed just 700 yards behind Colonel Long's exposed artillery batteries to prevent the Boers from capturing the guns. This chaotic scene is immortalised in multiple famous paintings depicting the desperate struggle to rescue the artillery pieces under heavy fire.  read more

Code: 26344

A Fine .36 Calibre Original Antique Colt Navy London Revolver, 1851 Model Navy Manufactured in 1855

All matching serial numbers, 22XXX, good spring action, fully engraved cylinder, but, as usual the roll engraving is very shallow and mostly difficult to see. The scene is an American sea battle between the Texas Navy and the Mexican Navy.. Superb blue-black patination with slight areas of pitting to the surface visible. Hand chequered grips. One of the 42,000 superb revolvers made in the London factory, used in all the major conflicts of the day, from the Crimean War, Indian Mutiny to the American Civil War and beyond in the American Wild West era.

The seamen of the Royal Naval Brigade were initially issued with the Colt Pattern 1851 ‘Navy’ revolver. Over 9,600 were acquired by the Royal Navy during the Crimean War. we show in the gallery an identical example that was used in the Crimean War now in a museum collection. another painting in the gallery of a guards officer using his same Colt in battle in the Crimea.

The designation "Colt 1851 Navy" was designated by collectors, though the popular name "Navy Revolver" is of early origin, as the gun was frequently called the "Colt Revolving Belt Pistol of Naval Caliber." The cylinder was often engraved with a scene of the victory of the Second Texas Navy at the Battle of Campeche in May 16, 1843. The Texas Navy had purchased the earlier Colt Paterson Revolver, but this was Colt's first major success in the gun trade; the naval theme of the engraved cylinder of the Colt 1851 Navy revolver was Colt's gesture of appreciation. Despite the "Navy" designation, the revolver was chiefly purchased by civilians and military land forces. Famous "Navy" users included Wild Bill Hickok, William Buffalo Bill Cody, John Henry "Doc" Holliday, Richard Francis Burton, Ned Kelly, Bully Hayes, Richard H. Barter, Robert E. Lee, Nathan B. Forrest, John O'Neill, Frank Gardiner, Quantrill's Raiders, John Coffee "Jack" Hays, "Bigfoot" Wallace, Frederick Townsend Ward, Ben McCulloch, Addison Gillespie, John "Rip" Ford, "Sul" Ross and most Texas Rangers prior to the Civil War. Usage continued long after more modern cartridge revolvers were introduced in 1873. Wild Bill Hickok was a legendary character in the Old West and a great exponent of the Colt Navy 1851. Wild Bill arrived in the West initially as a stage coach driver and later became a Lawman in the territories around Kansas and Nebraska. He fought during the American Civil War on the side of the Union Army and achieved renown afterwards as a scout, gambler and gunfighter. During his time as a Lawman Wild Bill engaged in many shootouts, and with his Colt Navy 1851 he was a very accurate and deadly shot, more so as he always remained calm, cool and collected in a shoot out, whilst the other party was nervous and scared. Hickok's guns were inscribed they also had ivory handles and were quite special pieces. Apparently they were both engraved with the words J.B. Hickok 1869. He was presented the guns in 1869 by Senator Henry Wilson of Massachusetts for his services as scout for a hunting trip. It was said to have been remarked by a Colt Navy owner "A Gentleman would not want to appear armed, but would not be so foolish as to go unarmed.

However, the most famous gunman who favoured the Navy above other arms was James Butler (“Wild Bill”) Hickok. He was fast and deadly, and long before he was murdered in Deadwood, Dakota Territory in 1876, he had acquired the title “Prince of Pistoleers.”
The 1851 Navy is believed to have been Sam Colt’s personal favorite. The evidence is derived from the only image of Colt with a weapon. The revolver that is in that picture is the Navy. Colt’s personal revolvers seemed to have been an engraved pair of Navies with ivory grips displaying a horse head. In addition to the portrait, Colt favored the Navy for presentation to individuals who could help his business. Among the many recipients of these beautifully engraved gifts were President Franklin Pierce, Secretary of War John B. Floyd, Sam Houston, Czar Nicholas, and Colonel Thomas Lally.

42’000 were produced in London, England, with state-of-the-art machines and dedicated production lines; back then the most technologically advanced factories in the world. The designation "Colt 1851 Navy" was designated by collectors, though the popular name "Navy Rev." is of early origin, as the gun was frequently called the "Colt Revolving Belt Pistol of Naval Calibre."

Just returned from the conservation workshop after three days hand conservation.

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

Code: 24752

A Cased Very Fine English Transitional Percussion Rifled Revolver. This Fine Cased Revolver Set is An Absolute Beauty To Behold.

Decorative engraving to the side plate, bar hammer and butt-cap. Finely chequered grips. Complete in it's original wooden carrying case containing a copper powder flask, steel bullet mold. Cap box and brass tipped wooden clearing rod. Overall length of the pistol inches. The blue baize lined case measures inches with a brass plaque to the lid. The action in very good working order and in excellent condition retaining some of it's original blued finish. A development from the pepper-box was the transitional revolver. This weapon uses the same action but with one barrel attached to the front of a pepper-box cylinder. James Ewell Brown “Jeb” Stuart (1833-1864) was a U.S. Army officer and later a Major General and cavalry commander for the Confederate States of America during the Civil War (1861-65). In 1857 he was shot in the chest at point blank range with a pepper-box by a Cheyenne warrior, Stuart survived probably due rumour has it, to a very weak powder charge. Guns of this type also saw use in the Mexican War as an alternative to the Colt revolver, most notably by General Winfield Scott. During the Mexican-American War (April 25, 1846 – February 3, 1848) U.S. forces under General Winfield Scott entered Mexico City and raise the American flag over the Hall of Montezuma, concluding a devastating advance that began with an amphibious landing at Vera Cruz six months earlier.

A most fine example of an English percussion transitional revolver in its original case retaining much of its original finish.

Every single item from The Lanes Armoury, Britain's most famous, favourite, and oldest original Armoury Antique store, 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 our family’s trading, and thus, it is a lifetime guarantee.  read more

Code: 25205

A Very Good 5 Shot Revolver of The United States Civil War, By E.Whitney of New Haven Connecticut

A scarce American Civil War era 5 shot Percussion revolver made by E. Whitney. Circa 1860. The 6 inch barrel marked on top E. WHITNEY N. HAVEN. Two piece walnut grips and brass trigger guard. With nice overall aged patination, serial numbered under the grip 26941. Good tight spring action and rotation of the cylinder.

Eli Whitney Sr. established his Whitneyville Armory in 1798 and produced firearms (among other things) by contract for the United states government. Just prior to this in 1793, Whitney invented the mechanical cotton gin, which dramatically changed the economic landscape in the United States, namely in the South. His labour saving device made the processing of harvested cotton extremely efficient and requiring fewer labourer's. This machine caused the market for cotton to explode and more labourer's were needed to plant, grow and harvest the crop. This resulted in a corresponding boom in the Southern slave trade. Great fortunes were created, and the population of the South became such that one in three Southerners were slaves. All this provided the fuel that would become the American Civil War. Eli Whitney died in 1825, and his son, Eli Whitney Jr began running the family business in 1841. In 1847 Whitney Jr. began to manufacture 1,000 of Samuel Colt’s latest revolver the Colt Walker revolver. Production of this revolver helped both parties immensely as it kept Colt in business and it allowed Whitney Jr. to gain experience making revolvers. With the expiration of Colt’s patents in 1857, Whitney began production of percussion revolvers based on Colt’s patents, some of them very closely copied. The Whitney Revolver were produced at the Whitneyville Armory manufacturing centre in the Whitneyville section of New Haven, Connecticut from the late 1850's through to the early 1860's. Many of these were purchased by individual soldiers for use when they were going off to the American Civil War.

Every single item from The Lanes Armoury, Britain's most famous, favourite, and oldest original Armoury Antique store, 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 our family’s trading, and thus, it is a lifetime guarantee.

Overall length 11 inches. In good overall condition, showing commensurate signs of use and wear. A super Civil War era percussion revolver.  read more

Code: 25256

The Lanes Armoury, World Renown As Britain’s Best Antique Museum-Shop and Gallery, Is Closed, As Usual, This Bank Holiday Monday 31st August. We Re-open Tuesday Ist Sept As Normal

Last Saturday, we had pass through our doors somewhere between 2,600 to 3,200 visitors, and, as usual, just about every one most kindly expressed we were probably the most interesting and incredible shop they had ever seen. And so many continually remarked we are not really a regular shop, we are far more like a museum and gallery, that happens to be a shop as well!. As literally, every single thing we show and offer for sale, is an incredible piece of history, and many pieces they have never before even seen, let alone offered for sale, anywhere else in the country.

One very polite young man said to us earlier, one afternoon;
“ where else in the world can you buy an arrowhead, fired by Alexander the Great’s army, for £65, sitting next to a gold fob chain, in the shape of a Zeppelin, given by the former captain and survivor, of doomed Luftschiffer airship, The Hindenburg, to a colleague in the RAF.”

Several decades ago back in the 1970s Mark used to have conversations on a fairly regular basis with President Ronald Reagan when he was still governor of California.

In one conversation President Reagan remarked “it’s a shame the whole world doesn’t know you exist. I know you’re really famous in the antique world, but most people in America will simply have not have heard of you, which is a great shame. I hope one day this will change.”

Well it did change, thanks to Tim Berners-Lee and the Internet, and various articles, from such as the New York Times, declaring we were the one of the most interesting places to visit in the whole of Europe, we have now expanded our presence, to literally, the entire world, with visitors every day from every possible continent and country you can imagine.

Once Mr. Reagan was elected president he mentioned in one call that he was going to visit Her Late Majesty at Windsor Castle, and he hoped very much to be able to visit again.

Sadly, after a visit from the Secret Service to Brighton, they decided that any visit to the town would be impossible due to the narrowness of the streets, and the size of the cortège that President Reagan had to be accompanied by, including up to three of the bespoke armoured limousines the president used, nicknamed by the Secret Service, ‘the beast’. In the 1970s and 80s these vehicles were simply huge , and they would never be able to negotiate the lanes of Brighton, or most of the streets of Brighton to be fair, in any way whatsoever.

However, we were graced and honoured to a passing visit by Her Majesty and Prince Philip, in March 2007, but of most of her entourage were in Range Rovers!

However, although closed Monday, we will re-open for our thousands of personal visitors and customers, this Tuesday as usual, but we are always contactable by email, or on 07721 010085 during our closing hours this Bank Holiday..

All website activity carries on 24-7 as usual .

Why not choose an ancient or antique original collectable for your loved one, or even you! Every day we try our utmost to supply all our customers with that something really special and unique, and as usual we believe have some simply amazing offerings, thousands of them from all over the world, from ancient to vintage, and every one a little part of history.
All our items supplied with our unique lifetime guarantee of authenticity, detailing its full history as known. The Lanes Armoury is proud to be known, as declared by many of our thousands of daily visitors, as their most favourite shop in all Great Britain!

Enjoy The Lanes Armoury Website, it Has Been Over 105 Years in the Making.

Probably the only shop in Europe where you can view, and buy, original collectables from over 300,000 years of human history, from almost every major civilisation

"Gloria Antika" { translated, from the Latin, ‘Glory of the Ancient’} our old family motto, and it has been for generations, are words we live buy every, single, day.  read more

Code: 24909

A Fabulous, Original, Museum Piece, A Medieval Knight's 13th to 15th Century Long Dagger From the Time of the Plantagenet & Lancastrian Kings, From Henry IIIrd, Edwards I/II/III, Richard IInd to King Henry IVth, & King Henry Vth's Battle of Agincourt

Worthy of a world class collection of fine and early arms and armour, or a single statement piece as a compliment to any form of home decor from traditional to ultra contemporary. A piece that would be the centre of conversation and attraction in any location. A most rarely seen, original, complete, & intact, long dagger or short sword of the medieval period, used from the reigns of King Henry IIIrd to King Henry Vth, from the era of the Crusades and the Templar Knights, right through to the Anglo French Battles, the Victories of England against France, at the Battle of Crecy, in 1346, by King Edward IInd and His son the Black Prince, and later at the Battle of Poitiers, in 1356, the victory of King Edward IInd's son, the Black Prince, and King Henry Vth's victory at Agincourt, in 1415.

Daggers surviving from this ancient era are most rare, substantially more rare in fact than the swords themselves. Items such as this were oft acquired in the 18th century by British noblemen touring Northern France and Italy on their Grand Tour. Originally placed on display in the family 'cabinet of curiosities', within his country house upon his return home. A popular pastime in the 18th and 19th century, comprised of English ladies and gentlemen traveling for many months, or even years, througout classical Europe, acquiring antiquities and antiques for their private collections. This dagger's history travels from the English Plantagenet Kings Henry IIIrd, Edward 1st, Edward IInd, Edward IIIrd, & Richard IInd, to the Lancastrian Kings Henry IVth & Henry Vth including use at The Battle of Agincourt, where King Henry carried a near identical dagger and his longer version matched sword that are part of his achievements, hanging above his tomb at Westminster Abbey.
A very fine and very rare museum grade medieval knight's long dagger, with large segmented circular pommel, used for a period of around three centuries from the 13th to 15th century.
An iron double edged dagger with lentoid section tapering blade, curved quillon crossguard and scrolled ends, with narrow tang and with an impressive large segmented wheel pommel.
The Battle of Agincourt was a major English victory in the Hundred Years' War. The battle took place on 25 October 1415 (Saint Crispin's Day) in the County of Saint-Pol, Artois, some 40 km south of Calais. Along with the battles of Crecy (1346) and Poitiers (1356), it was one of the most important English triumphs in the conflict. England's victory at Agincourt against a numerically superior French army crippled France, and started a new period in the war during which the English began enjoying great military successes.

After several decades of relative peace, the English had renewed their war effort in 1415 amid the failure of negotiations with the French. In the ensuing campaign, many soldiers perished due to disease and the English numbers dwindled, but as they tried to withdraw to English-held Calais they found their path blocked by a considerably larger French army. Despite the disadvantage, the following battle ended in an overwhelming tactical victory for the English.

King Henry V of England led his troops into battle and participated in hand-to-hand fighting. The French king of the time, Charles VI, did not command the French army himself, as he suffered from severe psychotic illnesses with moderate mental incapacitation. Instead, the French were commanded by Constable Charles d'Albret and various prominent French noblemen of the Armagnac party.

This battle is notable for the use of the English longbow in very large numbers, with the English and Welsh archers forming up to 80 percent of Henry's army. The decimation of the French cavalry at their hands is regarded as an indicator of the decline of cavalry and the beginning of the dominance of ranged weapons on the battlefield.

Agincourt is one of England's most celebrated victories. The battle is the centre-piece of the play Henry V by William Shakespeare. Juliet Barker in her book Agincourt: The King, the Campaign, the Battle ( published in 2005) argues the English and Welsh were outnumbered "at least four to one and possibly as much as six to one". She suggests figures of about 6,000 for the English and 36,000 for the French, based on the Gesta Henrici's figures of 5,000 archers and 900 men-at-arms for the English, and Jean de Wavrin's statement "that the French were six times more numerous than the English". The 2009 Encyclopaedia Britannica uses the figures of about 6,000 for the English and 20,000 to 30,000 for the French. Overall 20.5 inches long in very sound and nice condition for age. There are very few such surviving long daggers from this era, and just a few are part of the Royal Collection. As with almost all surviving daggers and swords of this age, none have their wooden grips remaining, and as such the surviving crossguards are somewhat mobile.

A fine example piece, from the ancient knightly age, from almost a thousand years past. Although this dagger is now in an obvious ancient, and historical, russetted condition, every item made of iron from this era, such as the rarest of swords and daggers, even in the Royal Collection, are in this very same state of preservation.

This piece will come with a complimentary display stand, but could also look spectacular suitably framed. We are delighted to offer such a service if required.  read more

Code: 23016

A Most Rare Airship Parseval Tag 8 Postcard Booklet Set, Chemnitz, Dated 2nd October 1910. a Wonderful Piece of early Airship Aeronautica & Postal Service Ephemera

Parseval day 2nd October 1910, 8 postcard booklet erinnerung an den parseval-tag. Chemnitz

The Parsevals were 22 airships built between 1909 and 1919 by the Luft-Fahrzeug-Gesellschaft (LFG) following the design of August von Parseval. In the 1920s and 1930s, three more airships were built following the Parseval-Naatz (PN) design.

As with the rival Zeppelins, the airships were, in both English and German, referred to by the name of the inventor. (In German, the nouns were masculine, that is, "der Parseval", "der Zeppelin".)

In contrast to the Zeppelins, the Parsevals were non-rigid or semi-rigid airships, with little or no stiffening structure inside the fabric envelope. The Zeppelins had a rigid internal framework made of duralumin. Both types relied on hydrogen gas to provide lift.

Original early Parseval airship postcards are very collectable indeed, and can fetch from £30 to £40 each, but a near complete book of 8 unused cards is really rare to find and a great aeronautical gem, plus with early air post connections  read more

Code: 24519