Just Arrived This Week!!. A Stunning Ancient Koto Museum Grade Katana, Circa 1480's Around 550 Years Old, all Original Edo Fittings, Entomological Kachimushi Tsuba and Suzumebachi Menuki
A beautifully impressive and long ancient samurai sword, worthy of a museum quality display, with a stunning Koto blade that has an amazing gunome hamon, has just been photographed 'as is' at present, and it is most grubby, as it was coated in antique protective lacquer around 170 years ago. We are having this removed and in the next few days it will return and look fabulous, as it last did 170 years ago, before it arrived in England from Japan, as a honorary gift from a member of the Japanese nobility. It is fitted with a very fine, large iron kachimushi decorated iron tsuba.
The whole sword has been untouched for over 170 years, yet still looks amazing as an incredible historical artifact of the ancient art of the samurai.
It has a very rare menuki of suzumebachi, giant hornets Vespa madarina Japonica, in pure gold overlay and shakudo, a subspecies of the world's largest hornet, with a wingspan of 2.4 inches. Giant hornets give spiritual protection for the sword. Stunning tsuba of a large tetsu ovoid plate tsuba with takebori dragonfly with gold legs, and crickets with gold antennae. Fuchi kashira in tetsu with silver inlays of vine tendrils.
Fine original Edo lacquer saya with two colour uruchi lacquer, partially ribbed and ishime, with a saya jiri iron mount inlaid with silver tendrils matching the tsuka's fuchi kashira.
Japan was once known as the “Land of the Dragonfly”, as the Emperor Jimmu is said to have once climbed a mountain in Nara, and looking out over the land, claimed that his country was shaped like two Akitsu, the ancient name for the winged insects, mating.
Dragonflies appeared in great numbers in 1274 and again in 1281, when Kublai Khan sent his Mongol forces to conquer Japan. Both times the samurai repelled the attackers, with the aid of huge typhoons, later titled Kamikaze (the Divine Winds), that welled up, destroying the Mongol ships, saving Japan from invasion. For that reason, dragonflies were seen as bringers of divine victory.
Dragonflies never retreat, they will stop, but will always advance, which was seen as an ideal of the samurai. Further, although the modern Japanese word for dragonfly is Tombo, the old (Pre Meiji era) word for dragonfly was Katchimushi. “Katchi” means “To win”, hence dragonflies were seen as auspicious by the samurai.
Insects in general have been celebrated in Japanese culture for centuries. The Lady Who Loved Insects is a classic story of a caterpillar-collecting lady of the 12th century court; the Tamamushi, or Jewel Beetle Shrine, is a seventh century miniature temple, once shingled with 9,000 iridescent beetle forewings. In old Japanese literature, poems upon insects are to be found by thousands, Daisaburo Okumoto is director of the Fabre Insect Museum. An avid insect collector and a scholar of French literature, he has translated many of Fabre's works. He ascribes the popularity of insects in Japan to national character. It seems like Japanese eyes are like macro lenses and Western eyes are wide-angle, he says. A garden in Versailles, it's very wide and symmetrical. But Japanese gardens are continuous from the room and also very small. We feel calm when we look at small things. The medieval Japanese monk Yoshida Kenko put it this way: “If man were never to fade away like the dews of Adashino, never to vanish like the smoke over Toribeyama, how things would lose their power to move us!
The original Edo period urushi lacquer on the saya is in simply beautiful and shows most elegant simplicity, yet a most intricate in the black and brown combination of lacquer. It reveals once more within that simplicity the finest craftsmanship and beauty worthy of a master of the art of urushi decor. Japanese lacquer, or urushi, is a transformative and highly prized material that has been refined for over 7000 years.
Cherished for its infinite versatility, urushi is a distinctive art form that has spread across all facets of Japanese culture from the tea ceremony to the saya scabbards of samurai swords
Japanese artists created their own style and perfected the art of decorated lacquerware during the 8th century. Japanese lacquer skills reached its peak as early as the twelfth century, at the end of the Heian period (794-1185). This skill was passed on from father to son and from master to apprentice.
It has been over one thousand years ago that the art of making swords appeared in Japan. The swordsmiths of the time may not have known it but they were creating a legendary sword. The Samurai sword has seen combat in many battlefields. From the early days of the Samurai warrior to the fierce battles in the South Pacific during WWII.
Each hand-made traditional Samurai sword was unique because it was forged using the finest skills known to man. A tremendous amount of work was dedicated to creating these pieces. They were an instrument of war as much as a beautiful artifact to adorn any decor.
The Samurai sword, from all eras, in all its forms, has grown to be one of the most highly desired and iconic military antiques of all time.
There are many reasons why people enjoy collecting swords. Some people are drawn to the beauty and craftsmanship of swords, while others appreciate their historical and cultural significance. Swords can also be a symbol of power and strength, and some collectors find enjoyment in the challenge of acquiring rare or valuable swords.
One of the greatest joys of sword collecting is the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of different civilisations. Swords have been used by warriors for millennia, and each culture has developed its own unique sword designs and traditions. By studying swords, collectors can gain a deeper understanding of the people who made and used them.
Another joy of sword collecting is the sheer variety of swords that are available. There are swords in our gallery from all over the world and from every period of history. Collectors can choose to specialize in a particular type of sword, such as Japanese katanas or medieval longswords, or they can collect a variety of swords from different cultures and time periods. No matter what your reasons for collecting swords, it is a hobby that can provide many years of enjoyment. Swords are beautiful, fascinating, and historically significant objects.
** Authentic, currently, hand-made nihonto (Japanese sword blades) from top-tier, licensed swordsmiths in Japan typically start around $10,000–$25,000 for a katana, with prices often exceeding $60,000 for renowned masters or customized commissions. These, forged from tamahagane steel, require 12+ months to create due to strict legal limits on production, with some high-end, custom pieces from master smiths such as Yoshindo Yoshihara exceeding $10,000 for smaller tanto blades.
A brand new, katana blade from a reputable but lower ranked smith usually starts around $7,500–$10,000.
Master Smith Pricing, by high-ranking, famous, or award-winning smiths can range from $25,000 to over $60,000. With the added restriction that if the smith created a blade that was ranked high enough to be within the $ 60,000 range, it would be forbidden for it to leave Japan by law.
Production Limitations: Japanese law limits smiths to producing roughly 24 long swords (katana/tachi) per year, significantly driving up demand and cost.
Every item is accompanied with our unique, Certificate of Authenticity. Of course any certificate of authenticity, given by even the best specialist dealers, in any field, all around the world, is simply a piece of paper,…however, ours is backed up with the fact we are the largest dealers of our kind in the world, with over 100 years and four generation’s of professional trading experience behind us. read more
8995.00 GBP
An Original, Inert, WW2 Service Issue British 'Mills Bomb' Grenade. Maker Stamped, I.B.R. by The Maker IBR {Ideal Boilers and Radiators} Ltd. Fitted With Automata Action
A most interesting and intriguing, original, collector's item of British WW2 Ordnance.
Adapted by a WW2 Royal Engineer armourer, to create an extraordinary desk ornament, made from an original grenade 'Mills Bomb'. A WW2 service souvenir, and conversation piece, that now has a spring loaded lever release and return automata action. Empty, inert, deactivated, and safe.
Very nicely marked A super example of these interesting collectables William Mills—a hand grenade designer from Sunderland—patented, developed and manufactured the "Mills bomb" at the Mills Munition Factory in Birmingham, England, in 1915. The Mills bomb was adopted by the British Army as its standard hand grenade in 1915, and designated as the No. 5. It was also used by the Irish Republican Army.
The Mills bomb underwent numerous modifications. The No. 23 was a variant of the No. 5 with a rodded base plug which allowed it to be fired from a rifle. This concept evolved further with the No. 36, a variant with a detachable base plate to allow use with a rifle discharger cup. The final variation of the Mills bomb was the No. 36M, which was specially designed and waterproofed with shellac for use initially in the hot climate of Mesopotamia in 1917, but remained in production for many years. By 1918 the No. 5 and No. 23 were declared obsolete and the No. 36 (but not the 36M) followed in 1932.
The Mills was a classic design; a grooved cast iron "pineapple" with a central striker held by a close hand lever and secured with a pin. Although the segmented body helps to create fragments when the grenade explodes, according to Mills' notes the casing was grooved to make it easier to grip and not as an aid to fragmentation. The Mills was a defensive grenade: after throwing the user had to take cover immediately. A competent thrower could manage 30 metres (98 feet) with reasonable accuracy, but the grenade could throw lethal fragments further than this. It could be fitted with a flat base and fired with a blank cartridge from a rifle with a "cup" attachment, giving it a range of around 150 m.
At first the grenade was fitted with a seven-second fuse to accommodate both hand and rifle launch, but during combat in the Battle of France in 1940 this delay proved too long—giving defenders time to escape the explosion, or even to throw the grenade back—and was reduced to four seconds.
The heavy, segmented bodies of "pineapple" type grenades result in an unpredictable pattern of fragmentation. After the Second World War Britain and the US adopted grenades that contained segmented coiled wire in smooth metal casings. The No. 36M Mk.I remained the standard grenade of the British Armed Forces and was manufactured in the UK until 1972, when it was completely replaced by the L2 series. The 36M remained in service in some parts of the world such as India and Pakistan where it was manufactured until the early 1980s. That the Mills bomb remained in use for so many years says much about its effectiveness.
Not suitable for export. read more
A Most Interesting & Rare, Antique, 19th Century, American Presentation Boy's Sword. Presented to George Mellor in 1890. Made to The Standard Fully Functional Sword Specification Grade and Quality of an Adult's Sword At The Time
Made by Thurkle of Soho London. A most intriguing and interesting original antique curiosity and collector's item.
The hilt design is based on an officer's sword of the American Civil war, with a straight blade, but around two thirds the regular size, suitable for a boy of, say, 4 to 8 years of age.
We show the very same kind of sword held by a young boy dressed in a uniform in front of a patriotic portrait photograph of president William McKinley, in 1896.
Cast brass hilt with wire bound leather grip over wood. Tempered blad fully etched with patterning and presentation name and date, George Mellor 1890 . Maker marked by Thurkle of Soho.
Overall in very good condition.
Photo of child held in the Library of Congress {copyright free}
No scabbard
21 inches long overall, hilt, 5 inches read more
295.00 GBP
A Simply Beautiful Shinto Era, Edo Period Samurai Wakazashi Sword, Circa 1700, With A Very Fine Midare Hamon Blade, With A Fabulously Beautiful, Hand Polished, Samegawa Saya { Giant Rayskin Covered Scabbard}. And a Wonderful Hilt Bound In Golden Silk
The tsuka-ito binding, is wrapped over gold and shakudo menuki {hilt ornaments}. One menuki is shakudo with pure gilt speckled overlay of fur dappling, of a resting fawn. The other is a takebori gold flower head. Both menuki are fitted traditionally over unpolished giant rayskin under the binding. The fuchi kashira {hilt collar and pommel} are Hizen school, of copper inlaid long necked chrysanthemum flower stems over a course iron surface. The habaki is a deluxe grade hand made, 'two piece habaki' overlaid in light gold.
The Hand Polished Giant Rayskin {Samegawa} Saya {Scabbard} is a unique feature of some of the finest antique Japanese swords. The saya was hand made and bespoke fitted to the blade, and it was then covered in the preserved skin of the giant ray, which was extremely hard and course, made up of thousands of nodules. This surface was then hand polished to create a very hard, highly polished, flat, but uneven surface, that was then over lacquered, within the separate gaps between each nodule, with purest black urushi lacquer, and then polished once more, to create a perfectly flat hardened surface of extraordinary beauty. This remarkable hand finished work, unmatched throughout the world, could take over a year of supreme expert artisan skill, in order to create.
It has been over one thousand years ago that the art of making swords appeared in Japan. The swordsmiths of the time may not have known it but they were creating a legendary sword. The Samurai sword has seen combat in many battlefields. From the early days of the Samurai warrior to the fierce battles in the South Pacific during WWII.
Each hand-made traditional Samurai sword was unique because it was forged using the finest skills known to man. A tremendous amount of work was dedicated to creating these pieces. They were an instrument of war as much as a beautiful artifact to adorn any decor.
The Samurai sword, from all eras, in all its forms, has grown to be one of the most highly desired and iconic military antiques of all time.
There are many reasons why people enjoy collecting swords. Some people are drawn to the beauty and craftsmanship of swords, while others appreciate their historical and cultural significance. Swords can also be a symbol of power and strength, and some collectors find enjoyment in the challenge of acquiring rare or valuable swords.
One of the greatest joys of sword collecting is the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of different civilisations. Swords have been used by warriors for millennia, and each culture has developed its own unique sword designs and traditions. By studying swords, collectors can gain a deeper understanding of the people who made and used them.
Another joy of sword collecting is the sheer variety of swords that are available. There are swords in our gallery from all over the world and from every period of history. Collectors can choose to specialize in a particular type of sword, such as Japanese katanas or medieval longswords, or they can collect a variety of swords from different cultures and time periods. No matter what your reasons for collecting swords, it is a hobby that can provide many years of enjoyment. Swords are beautiful, fascinating, and historically significant objects.
Collecting antique swords, arms and armour is not merely an acquisition of objects; it’s an engagement with the historical and cultural significance that these pieces embody. As collectors, we become custodians of history, preserving these heritage symbols for future generations to study and appreciate.
We are now, likely the oldest, and still thriving, arms armour and militaria stores in the UK, Europe and probably the rest of the world too. We know of no other store of our kind that is still operating under the control its fourth successive generation of family traders
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 read more
3950.00 GBP
A Most Impressive and Beautiful Wakizashi Circa 1580 with Representations of the Two of the Japanese Seven Lucky Gods
Signed Izumi kami Kanesada original edo period fittings and saya. The saya has a light application of crushed abilone shell and pockets for the kodzuka and kogai. The fushigashira are iron inlaid with tendrils in gold and silver, with dragon menuki in patinated copper, a circular tsuba with kodzuka ana and kogai ana. the kodzuka has decor of takebori war fans, two open and one closed. the blade is signed. The kogai has has a takebori sinchu scroll and staff of Jurojin, and the blade is superb with a nice suguha hamon and a gold covered habaki with engraved raindrop pattern. The saya has a pair of very fine quality matching fittings, both gold and shakudo, a kurigata engraved with Hotei and the sayajiri, with engraved Jurojin. In Japan, Hotei and Jurojin are two of the Seven Gods of Fortune or Shichifukujin, according to Taoist beliefs.Jurojin is the god of longevity. Jurojin originated from the Chinese Taoist god, the Old Man of the South Pole. He is known as the immortal of the Northern Song dynasty (960–1127), and may have been a historical figure of the period. Jurojin is identified as the personification of the Southern Polar Star. While paintings and statues of Jurojin are considered auspicious, he never developed a following independent of the other deities Seven Gods of Fortune.
Jurojin is often identified with Fukurokuju, another of the Several Gods of Fortune. In some accounts, the two are said to inhabit the same body. As such, the two are often confused.
Jurojin walks with a staff and a fan. He is depicted as an old man of slight stature, and by tradition, less than 3 shaku (approximately 90 centimetres (35 in) He is depicted with a long white beard and often a very tall, bald head. He has a scroll tied to his staff, on which is written the lifespan of all living things. The scroll is sometimes identified as a Buddhist sutra. The deer, a symbol of longevity, usually (but not always) accompanies him as a messenger, as do other long-lived animals such as the crane and the tortoise. Hotei is the god of fortune, guardian of children, patron of diviners and barmen, and also the god of popularity. He is depicted as a fat, smiling, bald man with a curly moustache. He always appears half-naked, as his clothes are not wide enough to cover his enormous belly. He blessed the Chinese, and they nicknamed him "Cho-Tei-Shi" or "Ho-Tei-Shi", which means ‘bag of old clothes’.
Hotei was a Zen priest, but his appearance and some of his actions were against their moral code: his appearance made him look like quite a mischievous person and he had no fixed place to sleep.
He carries a bag on his shoulders which is loaded with fortunes for those who believe in his virtues. Hotei's traits and virtue are contentment, magnanimous and happiness.
Hotei's original Chinese name was Kaishi, and according to legend, he died in March 916.
The Japanese began to believe in Hotei during the Edo era. The reason why the Japanese have such great respect for this god comes from a legend that says that, before the Zen Buddhism arrived to Japan, an alternative Buddhist thought was extended by a priest of dubious aesthetic, who actually was a manifestation of Miroku. Miroku was the patron of those who could not be saved by the beliefs of Buddha, and Hotei was later perceived and accepted by the Japanese as a second Miroku.A Good Edo Period Noda Maru Gata Oval Iron Wakazashi Tsuba
With a simulated stone finish surface. The Tsuba can be solid, semi pierced of fully pierced, with an overall perforated design, but it always a central opening which narrows at its peak for the blade to fit within. It often can have openings for the kozuka and kogai to pass through, and these openings can also often be filled with metal to seal them closed. For the Samurai, it also functioned as an article of distinction, as his sole personal ornament. Tsuba are usually finely decorated, and are highly desirable collectors' items in their own right. Tsuba were made by whole dynasties of craftsmen whose only craft was making tsuba. read more
5500.00 GBP
Magnificent Near Mint Gendaito, WW2 Officer's Sword By A Jo-Jo Saku (Above-Superior Work) Highly Ranked Traditional Sword Maker in The Tosho Banzuke 刀匠番附 That Was Published for 1941. Signed: Chikuzen Fukuoka Ju Moritsugu Norisada Saku Kore
Whoever is the lucky person to next acquire this sword will be extraordinarily fortunate, in that traditionally made swords from WW2, of this highest ranked quality, and not to mention in near mint condition, very rarely surface for sale. He was also an esteemed maker for swords presented to Shinto shrines in Japan. An equivalent, bespoke, traditionally hand made blade, commissioned from a higher ranked current smith today, would be within the $ 25,000 to $ 60,000 dollar range or even more. {** see below for reference} and that would be for the blade alone, without fittings. With the added feature, that if the smith created a blade that was ranked high enough to be within the $ 60,000 range, it would be forbidden for it to leave Japan by law.
The blade is further dated when it was completed on A Lucky Day In June 1941.
In 1942, Kurihara Hikosaburo, the man who revived the tradition of the Japanese Sword twice, reported the gunto tosho's ranking at Tosho Banzuke (刀匠番附). Effectively, the equivalent to Olympic Medal Winners, in the world of traditional sword making, for the best traditional sword makers list, and their ranking status within that list. Jo-Jo Saku being among the best in Japan. **See the comparative information below for the cost of similar quality traditional blades made today in Japan.
Above excellent, bespoke, traditional hand made blade by the great WW2 smith Norisada. Absolutely mint and beautiful blade made by the famous Chikuzen smith Moritsugu Norisada, He is of the lineage of the famous Chikuzen Fukuoka line that was famous from its makers Koretsugu and Moritsugu.
This blade {and all its fittings} is really exceptional, a blade with an amazing choji midare hamon, with tons of activity (ashi, kinsuji are seen all throughout the hamon), and the blade overall is spectacular.
The pictures do the sword no justice as compared with in hand. His swords often had large amounts of chikei, inazuma and ji nie that can appear all over the ji.
The blade is effectively flawless, in a full Japanese polish which shows all the details very clearly. Also the size of the sword is very strong, long and wide it resembles a top Shinshinto blade! His teacher was the famous Sakurai Manji Masatsugu who was a top smith during the early gendai period. Usually swords made for a special order are of better quality than average for sword makers. Well, it is rare that you can have a chance to acquire such absolutely magnificent sword, a stunningly, traditionally made officers sword from WW2. This blade was obviously well kept by the IJA officer until it was taken by US occupation forces at the end of the war.
Norisada (Moritsugu Norisada) was a highly respected and highly rated Jo Jo Saku Japanese swordsmith during the Showa period who produced the finest gendaito (traditionally made swords) for military use. He is very well-regarded for his work, often signing his blades with his location in Fukuoka.
He was based in Fukuoka (Chikuzen) and often signed his work "Chikuzen Fukuoka Ju Moritsugu Norisada Saku Kore".
His active period for military swords was during WWII, with specific examples dated to 1941 and 1942.
Norisada's work is described as having a "flamboyant hamon" (tempering line) and "detailed activity," often featuring special order, highest-quality blades.
He is noted in references such as the Gendai Toko Meikan (Index of Modern Smiths).
A 1941 blade signed by him was recognized at a special exhibition, during the war, highlighting his reputation.
In 1941, the Japanese swordsmith Moritsugu Norisada was granted a special seat 特別名譽席鍛刀總匠 ( very high ranking) in the Nihon Kendo Oyobi Token (Japan Kendo and Sword) rankings, specifically listed in the Tosho Banzuke (swordsmith ranking list) for that year.
Key details regarding this event include that Norisada was rated at jo-jo saku (above-superior work) in the Tosho Banzuke published in 1941.
The 1941 Tosho Banzuke, published by Nihon Kendo Oyobi, is a crucial reference for identifying highest and high-ranking gendaito (modern swords) smiths during the wartime period.
This period was during World War II when the Dai Nihon Butokukai was heavily involved in organizing and evaluating sword manufacturing.
Norisada's work during this time is recognized for its highest quality, and blades from this period are often considered most valuable examples of wartime gendaito.
It has been over one thousand years ago that the art of making swords appeared in Japan. The swordsmiths of the time may not have known it but they were creating a legendary sword. The Samurai sword has seen combat in many battlefields. From the early days of the Samurai warrior to the fierce battles in the South Pacific during WWII.
Each hand-made traditional Samurai sword was unique because it was forged using the finest skills known to man. A tremendous amount of work was dedicated to creating these pieces. They were an instrument of war as much as a beautiful artifact to adorn any decor.
The Samurai sword, from all eras, in all its forms, has grown to be one of the most highly desired and iconic military antiques of all time.
There are many reasons why people enjoy collecting swords. Some people are drawn to the beauty and craftsmanship of swords, while others appreciate their historical and cultural significance. Swords can also be a symbol of power and strength, and some collectors find enjoyment in the challenge of acquiring rare or valuable swords.
One of the greatest joys of sword collecting is the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of different civilisations. Swords have been used by warriors for millennia, and each culture has developed its own unique sword designs and traditions. By studying swords, collectors can gain a deeper understanding of the people who made and used them.
Another joy of sword collecting is the sheer variety of swords that are available. There are swords in our gallery from all over the world and from every period of history. Collectors can choose to specialize in a particular type of sword, such as Japanese katanas or medieval longswords, or they can collect a variety of swords from different cultures and time periods. No matter what your reasons for collecting swords, it is a hobby that can provide many years of enjoyment. Swords are beautiful, fascinating, and historically significant objects.
** Authentic, currently, hand-made nihonto (Japanese sword blades) from top-tier, licensed swordsmiths in Japan typically start around $10,000–$25,000 for a katana, with prices often exceeding $60,000 for renowned masters or customized commissions. These, forged from tamahagane steel, require 12+ months to create due to strict legal limits on production, with some high-end, custom pieces from master smiths such as Yoshindo Yoshihara exceeding $10,000 for smaller tanto blades.
A brand new, katana blade from a reputable but lower ranked smith usually starts around $7,500–$10,000.
Master Smith Pricing, such as this gendaito blade would rank, by high-ranking, famous, or award-winning smiths can range from $25,000 to over $60,000. With the added restriction that if the smith created a blade that was ranked high enough to be within the $ 60,000 range, it would be forbidden for it to leave Japan by law.
Production Limitations: Japanese law limits smiths to producing roughly 24 long swords (katana/tachi) per year, significantly driving up demand and cost.
Every item is accompanied with our unique, Certificate of Authenticity. Of course any certificate of authenticity, given by even the best specialist dealers, in any field, all around the world, is simply a piece of paper,…however, ours is backed up with the fact we are the largest dealers of our kind in the world, with over 100 years and four generation’s of professional trading experience behind us. read more
3950.00 GBP
A Nice Quality Antique Arabian Jambiya Traditional Omani Dagger. Partial Silver Mounts.
Very similar to Lawrence of Arabia's jambiya when he was serving in WW1 in the Turkish Campaign in Arabia. The word jambiya actually means “something worn at one’s right side” (from the triliteral root j-n-b). Lawrence of Arabia had several very similar ones presented to him, they were his favourite dagger, and he was frequently photographed wearing them. One picture is a portrait of Lawrence with his Jambiya, most similar to this example. photo for historical context information only and not included It is made from silver metal, but usually, more often than not, coin silver, certainly not English hallmarked silver. The jambia, a curved Islamic dagger, is the main customary accessory to the clothing worn by Arabian men. For centuries the people of South Arabia have inherited the their jambiahs from generation to generation. There are several theories about the origin of the Jambia. There are historical facts, concerning the existence of the Jambia revealing that it used to be worn at Sheban times, in the Himiarite kingdom. They take the statue of the Sheban king (Madi Karb 500 bc ) as proof. This statue, which was discovered by an American mission in Marib in the 1950s, was found to be wearing a Jambia.
Overall in super condition. No scabbard read more
345.00 GBP
Absolutely Superb & Rare Japanese Fujiwara Ancestral Clan, Blade Signed Echizen Kuni Musashi Daijo Fujiwara Yasuhiro 肥前国武蔵大掾藤原康広 WW2 Pilot's Sword. Used By The Pilot's Samurai Ancestors in The 1600's Last Used In WW2
A short Crew Gunto mounted sword, with an early Shinto period signed ancestral blade by Echizen kuni Musashi Daijo fujiwara Yasuhiro, c 1660, of the Fujiwara clan, in full and beautiful Edo polish, showing a simply fabulous hamon. The first, and likely subsequent samurai, that carried this blade in combat would likely be a warrior serving the Nabeshima Clan, who were the successors of the Fujiwara clan.
The whole historical sword is simply in wonderful condition for it's age. The blade is set with it's late Edo period two piece silvered habaki {blade collar} all it's traditional WW2 Showa brass fittings, and a fine 1936 pattern pierced gunto tsuba.
It is known as a crew-gunto and carried by a Japanese fighter pilot from 1936 until 1945. The short leather covered wooden saya has it's original leather combat cover. The shorter military mounted sword was made during WW2 for those that fought, during combat, in a small and restricted area that was most unsuitable for the standard long sword, such as the Zero fighter plane.
Photo in the gallery shows a Kamikaze pilot being issued his Kaiten in a ritual ceremony, please note on his belt he is wearing his 'Aircrew' Short Gunto sword, another photo shows a pilot captain of Special-Attack Party Hakkō-Second Party Ichiu-Unit, holding his short crew gunto, that he carried in his plane when on combat missions. for information only photos not included. Collectors frequently seek Shin Gunto swords that have an original handed down 'Ancestral samurai' blade, as it is said less than one in a hundred Japanese swords, surrendered in WW2, were swords such as this. This form of sword was often the prerogative of an eldest born son, that went to fight for his Emperor in WW2, with his ancestor's blade set in traditional military mounts. This sword is an exceptional piece of WW2 Japanese historical interest, very early ancestral swords are scarce in themselves, outnumbered at least 20 to 1 by gendaito swords, but the short 'crew gunto' are much rarer than even that, in our experience, so this makes it potentially, in theory, well over a 100 to 200 times scarcer than a regular Japanese WW2 officers sword in our opinion. Apart from information on it's 1945 source, sadly, we do not know the name of it's WW2 officer owner that document was lost.
Hizen Yasuhiro school, who often used titles like Musashi Daijo or Ise Daijo.
Hizen Province (modern-day Saga Prefecture), which was renowned for its high-quality steel (naminokuni).
While several Yasuhiro smiths worked in this school, they often worked under the patronage of the Nabeshima clan, similar to the famous Hizen Tadayoshi school.
Hizen swords from this period are characterized by very fine ko-nie (fine glittering particles) in the hada (forging pattern) and high-quality, sharp cutting edges.
Echizen kuni (肥前国): Hizen Province.
Musashi Daijo (武蔵大掾): An honourary title awarded to the smith for the consistant high quality of his craftmanship.
Fujiwara (藤原): The family clan name.
Yasuhiro (康広): The smith's name.
The Nabeshima clan was a cadet branch of the Shoni clan and was descended from the Fujiwara clan. In the late 12th century, Fujiwara no Sukeyori, a descendant of Fujiwara no Hidesato in the 9th generation, received the title of Dazai Shoni (equivalent to that of vice-governor of the military government of Kyushu) from Shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo, and the title became the family name.
The clan played an important role in the region as early as the Muromachi period, when it helped suppress opposition to the Ashikaga shogunate's control of Kyushu. It did not take the name Nabeshima, however, until the late 15th century, when Shoni Shigenao established himself at Nabeshima in Hizen province (today part of Saga City, Saga prefecture). Later, in the Sengoku period (1467-1603), the Nabeshima were one of a number of clans which clashed over the island. The Nabeshima sided with the Ryuzoji clan against the Otomo clan, though this ultimately ended in failure and the death of Ryuzoji Takanobu at the 1584 battle of Okita Nawate. Several years later, however, the Nabeshima recovered power and prominence by aiding Toyotomi Hideyoshi in his 1587 invasion of Kyushu; Nabeshima Naoshige was granted the region of Saga as his fief, as a reward for his efforts. Naoshige also contributed to Hideyoshi's invasions of Korea in the 1590s.
The clan initially aided Ishida Mitsunari against Tokugawa Ieyasu in the Sekigahara Campaign in 1600. However, they switched sides to support the Tokugawa, who were ultimately victorious, before the campaign had ended, battling and occupying the forces of Tachibana Muneshige, who was thus prevented from contributing directly to the battle of Sekigahara. Though regarded as tozama daimyo ("outside" lords), and assigned particularly heavy corvee duties, the Nabeshima were allowed to keep their territory in Saga, and in fact had their kokudaka increased. The clan's forces served the new Tokugawa shogunate loyally in the years which followed; they remained in Kyushu during the 1615 Osaka Campaign as a check against a possible rebellion or uprising by the Shimazu clan, and aided in the suppression of the Shimabara Rebellion of 1637. In recognition of their service, members of the clan were granted the prestigious family honourific name of Matsudaira in 1648, Matsudaira being the original Tokugawa family name, the ruling Shogun of Japan for almost 300 years.
Overall 34 inches long in saya, 21.75 inch blade. read more
3850.00 GBP
A Good 19th-20th Century French 1886 Pattern Lebel Rifle Sword Bayonet & Frog Hook Scabbard. WW1 French Foreign Legion Issue. No Hook Quillon
With official removed quillon, complete, and in nice condition. Used by the French Foreign Legion into WW1, a very good example of these long and impressive sword bayonets. 65.5cm long overall. {25.75 inches}. Cross section epee blade nickle hilt. The scabbard has a frog hook fitting that fixes to the belt with a strap instead of the past and common frog button
Our current just arrived selection of bayonets ranges from a collection just acquired of really great and rare bayonets, from a collector who wanted the very best he could find over the past 40 years. Rare French examples from the Russian contract during WW1, uncovered in Ukraine in the late 90's, French Foreign Legion bayonets, acquired from a French Foreign Legion reserve armoury depot clear-out in the 70's,
The bayonet was made famous as the bayonet used by the French Foreign Legion used in WWI and WWII, albeit with several modifications. The bayonet was produced with a long cruciform blade on a white alloy hilt. The crossguard originally had a downswept quillon like this one {was removed in 1916} and had a press button rifle locking mechanism.
The French Foreign Legion fought in the trenches during WWI on the Western Front, alongside other European theaters of war like the Balkans. This was a shift from their traditional role as they were deployed to fight in Europe instead of just colonial territories. The Legion's units were made up of both veteran mercenaries and wartime volunteers who joined to fight for France, with the latter often finding themselves in the Legion due to circumstances rather than choice.
Deployment: The Legion was not only on the Western Front but also fought in other theaters, such as in the Balkans in engagements in Greece, Serbia, and Macedonia.
Composition: While the traditional "mercenary" legionnaires were part of the force, a large number of new volunteers also joined specifically to fight in the war for France.
Trench warfare: Legion units, like other French army units, were involved in the brutal trench warfare that characterized the war on the Western Front.
Combined forces: The Legion fought alongside other Allied forces, such as the British army in some theaters.
The Lebel bayonet type with the quillon removed is the M1886/93/16 (Model 1886/93/16).
The original M1886 bayonet featured a prominent hooked quillon, intended for parrying or trapping enemy bayonets. This design was updated in 1893 with a new press button mechanism (M1886/93), and then altered again in 1916 (M1886/93/16) to eliminate the quillon.
The quillon was removed for several practical reasons during World War I:
Ease of manufacture: Removing the quillon simplified and sped up the production process to meet the demands of the war effort.
Field functionality: The hooked quillon was found to be impractical in close combat, as it could get tangled in equipment or other objects.
Material conservation: Around the same time, the original nickel-silver (cupro-nickel-zinc alloy) handles were replaced with brass or steel to conserve nickel for other war uses.
Bayonets produced with the quillon (pre-1915 models) were often officially modified later by having the quillon cut off while in service. Bayonets manufactured after 1916 were made without the quillon from the start.
French Model 1886/93/16 Epee Lebel Bayonet
The model M1886/93/16 Bayonet was standard issue to French Foreign Legion soldiers fighting in the second half of WW1 after 1916 who were issued the Lebel rifle.
The M1886 bayonet is an usual design which has a long thin cruciform Blade with a peculiar locking device just behind the muzzle ring and an all metal grip
The later model was the same but with adjustments, see below, and re designated the M1886/93/16 bayonet
Cast smooth handle
No hooked Qullion
Square cut press stud
Cruciform blade
Black steel tube scabbard with frog hook.
Overall length 67cms
Blade length 51.5cms
Originally the bayonets had a nickel-silver handle and a hooked quillion, just as this example. By 1916, with the need to conserve nickel for the war effort, some of the handles were made of brass. About the same time they were manufactured without the quillion.
The steel quillon and scabbard has old age russetting, the quatrefoil blade and nickel are excellent.
Delivery cost shown as for UK mainland only. Non UK delivery is now considerably upgraded for safety issues read more
190.00 GBP