An Antique Australian Aboriginal Boomerang With an Elaborate, Super Chip Carving and Decoration

Stone carved, with beautiful chip-carving and a good patinated surface. Over decorated snake and symbol design.

The Australian aboriginal peoples boomerang has probably been around for at least 40,000 years. It is an iconic symbol associated with Australia. What most people do not realize is that many antique aboriginal boomerang don’t actually come back. Only a few of the many forms of old boomerang return.
Antique aboriginal boomerangs come in a large variety of sizes, forms, and decoration. Different boomerangs had different functions. This variation reflects the social and cultural diversity of Aboriginal people. Aboriginals were not one group but had over 200 language groups.

As mentioned most old boomerangs were not made to return. The function of most boomerangs is to hit and kill whatever they are thrown at. Some boomerangs were for hunting but others were for fighting. Some huge antique boomerangs were up to 2 metres long and function like clubs. The majority of aboriginal returning boomerangs were for hunting birds

The Aboriginal boomerang has great aerodynamic properties. It is capable of going 200 metres compared to a throwing stick, which will only travel 60 metres.

Aboriginal Boomerangs could have engravings or be painted with ochre for ceremonial purposes. These designs are not decorative. Designs relate to the Dreamtime ancestors and totems. Collectors like boomerangs with designs and simple chip carved examples.
The Aboriginal boomerang is also used as a digging tool, for making fire and as a club.
Collectors like boomerangs that are old, unique, and rare or have elaborate designs.
60cm x 7.8cm  read more

Code: 17519

A Vintage Carved Aboriginal Shield With a Chip Carving Design of Kangaroo and Emu.

Very nice quality & stands as a piece of art as well as an Aboriginal implement.
It is a good size (22" long x 4" at the widest) & handcarved from a heavy solid grain timber, possibly West Australian Mulga It is in very nice condition
Best of all is the quality of the decoration, it has one kangaroo and two emu on the back (handle side) & a wonderful scene with three kangaroos & two emu on the front. Even the background has been carved with a fine textured look which must have taken some time, no doubt the artist really had talent & took pride in the quality of their work.

Australian Aboriginal shield come in many different forms depending on the tribe that made them and their function. Aboriginal shields come in 2 main types, Broad shields, and Parrying shields. Parrying shields parry blows from a club whereas broad shields block spears. Shields for parrying are thick strong and narrow whereas broad shields are wide but thin. Aboriginal shields were made from different materials in different areas, they were made from buttress root, mulga wood and bark.
This shield was probably also used as a ceremonial dance shield  read more

Code: 16780

An Unusual Piece of Original, Airship Aeronautica, 1929 Zeppelin Display Stand, In Oak With Zeppelin Badge And Carved Airship

Ferdinand von Zeppelin served as an official observer with the Union Army during the American Civil War. During the Peninsular Campaign, he visited the balloon camp of Thaddeus S. C. Lowe. Lowe sent the curious von Zeppelin to another balloon camp where the German-born aeronaut John Steiner could be of more help to the young man. His first ascent in a balloon, made at Saint Paul, Minnesota during this visit, is said to have been the inspiration of his later interest in aeronautics.

Zeppelin's ideas for large dirigibles was first expressed in a diary entry dated 25 March 1874. Inspired by a recent lecture given by Heinrich von Stephan on the subject of "World Postal Services and Air Travel", he outlined the basic principle of his later craft: a large rigidly-framed outer envelope continuing a number of separate gasbags. In 1887 the success of Charles Renard and Arthur Krebs' airship La France prompted him to send a letter to the King of W?rttemberg about the military necessity for dirigibles and the lack of German development in this field. He went on to start the Zeppelin Airship Co. and his name lived on in German legend as the great airship pioneer of international travel and airship warfare. 11 inches x 9 inches x 3.5 inches  read more

Code: 17596

A Most Powerful Rare Romano-Frankish Iron Socket Spear 1800 to 1500 Years Old

Recovered many centuries ago from a Merovingian warrior's grave of the 6th century. Roman to Frankish period 2nd to 6th century AD. Diamond form blade which would have incredible penetrative power, strong enough to pierce the strongest armour or breastplate of the time. Romano-Germanic cultural contact begins as early as the first Roman accounts of the Germanic peoples. Roman influence is perceptible beyond the boundaries of the empire, in the Northern European Roman Iron Age of the first centuries AD. The nature of this cultural contact changes with the decline of the Roman Empire and the beginning Migration period in the wake of the crisis of the third century: the "barbarian" peoples of Germania Magna formerly known as mercenaries and traders now came as invaders and eventually as a new ruling elite, even in Italy itself, beginning with Odoacer's rise to the rank of Dux Italiae in 476 AD.

The cultural syncretism was most pronounced in Francia. In West Francia, the nucleus of what was to become France, the Frankish language was eventually extinct, but not without leaving significant traces in the emerging Romance language. In East Francia on the other hand, the nucleus of what was to become the kingdom of Germany and ultimately German-speaking Europe, the syncretism was less pronounced since only its southernmost portion had ever been part of the Roman Empire, as Germania Superior: all territories on the right hand side of the Rhine remain Germanic-speaking. Those parts of the Germanic sphere extends along the left of the Rhine, including the Swiss plateau, the Alsace, the Rhineland and Flanders, are the parts where Romano-Germanic cultural contact remains most evident.

Early Germanic law reflects the coexistence of Roman and Germanic cultures during the Migration period in applying separate laws to Roman and Germanic individuals, notably the Lex Romana Visigothorum (506), the Lex Romana Curiensis and the Lex Romana Burgundionum. The separate cultures amalgamated after Christianization, and by the Carolingian period the distinction of Roman vs. Germanic subjects had been replaced by the feudal system of the Three Estates of the Realm. 11.85 inches long 250 grams Almost every iron weapon that has survived today from this era is now in a fully russetted condition, as is this one, because only the swords of kings, that have been preserved in national or Royal collections are today still in a good state and condition.  read more

Code: 21964

A Heavy Grade Imperial Roman Legionary Cavalry Officer's Iron Prick Spur 1st - 4th Century A.D

In very nicely preserved condition. A good heavy grade quality and rare piece from Imperial Rome. When the Republic transitioned into the Empire, Augustus made a regular Auxilia corp of non-citizen soldiers. These professional Roman soldiers, like the Legions, were subjects recruited from the non-citizens in provinces controlled by Rome that had strong native cavalry traditions. These men, unlike the Allied Foederetii cavalry, were a regular part of the Roman army and were paid and trained by the Roman State. Arrian describes them as well-equipped and performing well-executed manoeuvres. A typical cavalrymen of the Ala would be paid 20 percent more than a typical citizen legionary.

Roman Auxilia cavalry were usually heavily armoured in mail and armed with a short lance, javelins, the Spatha long sword, and sometimes bows for specialist Horse archer units. These men primarily served as Medium missile cavalry for flanking, scouting, skirmish, and pursuit. As opposed to more modern cavalry units where the horses were kept in stables separate from the riders, Roman cavalry housed the riders and horses in the same barracks.

By the time of the 3rd century, the Constitutio Antoniniana granted all peoples citizenship rights, and citizen cavalry was in use technically. Gallienus in 260 created a mobile reserve cavalry corps to respond to the empire's threats. By the 4th century, large numbers of heavily armoured cavalry units such as cataphractarii, clibinarii, started to appear. These units were armed with a large spear, a sword and a bow. However, the primary strength of the Roman army remained the infantry.

Although Augustus created regular Auxiliaries, irregular allied forces were still used. For example, Marcus Aurelius recruited Sarmatian allied cavalry to be stationed in Britain. By the 4th century, Romans relied heavily on irregular allies from the migrating Germanic tribes and the Huns.

Roman cavalry did not have a stirrup. The device was introduced to Europe by invading tribes after the collapse of the western Roman Empire. 4 inches x 3.5 inches, 2 inch long spike .  read more

Code: 21916

British Royal Crest General Service Helmet Plate in Gilt Brass

The Royal Coat of Arms for the British monarchy. The coat features both the motto of English monarchs, Dieu et mon droit (God and my right), and the motto of the Order of the Garter, Honi soit qui mal y pense (shame upon him who thinks evil of it) on a representation of the Garter behind the shield. It measures 83mm x 64mm  read more

Code: 23818

A Joseph Rodgers & Sons 6 Norfolk St. Sheffield Ltd Bowie Knife

A famous firm of cutlers and silversmiths founded in Sheffield in 1682. It was converted under the style of Joseph Rodgers & Sons Ltd in 1871.
The factory was at 6 Norfolk Street, Sheffield and a showroom at 60 Holborn Viaduct, London.

With Joseph Rodgers GR Crown stamp with the 1891 England mark. on the reverse ricasso is the star and Maltese cross stamp

The star and Malta cross marks was originally that of Benjamin Rich. Rogers registered the same mark in 1764.

Overall used but a very nice example of these famed Bowies from one of the great early Sheffield Bowie makers. Private purchase knives such as this were very popular by British [and American] special forces in WW2 before the FS knife was produced in good numbers in 1941.

No scabbard  read more

Code: 24485

A Good Antique Meiji Period Japanese Sword Stick 'Shikome Zue' In Bamboo

This is an antique Japanese sword stick called a shikomi-zue [hidden sword]. In the 1870's the Meiji Emperor disbanded the fuedal samurai order and banned the wearing of the sword. This created much unrest between the samurai and the government and some samurai moved to carrying shikome-zue hidden sword. Therefore, via a circuitous route, they still remain armed, but with their sword hidden from view. But by that way they felt, least in part, their honour remained intact. With a long and powerful blade. In ninjutsu shikomizue became quite popular, as it provided the night warriors with what they needed most – versatility, secrecy and mortality. The walking sticks were popular among all the classes and carrying it caused no suspicion. Combined with the impersonation skills, shikomizue was really a dangerous weapon attacking the enemy most suddenly. most effective tactical move by a man using a shikome-sue, would be to point or poke an assailant with the stick in its usual guise, the poked would then grab the haft and pull the stick in order disarm the stick from the owner, but the haft would pull away sharply, unsheathing the blade in the process for the holder, and the holder could then simply thrust forward into the assailants body, no doubt much to his shock and amazement and the entire mortal action would take under a second in skilled hands.

This is a fine antique Edo Japanese sword stick called a shikomi-zue hidden sword. Although used for centuries before they most came into popularity amongst disarmed samurai in the 1870's, when the Meiji Emperor disbanded the fuedal samurai by order, and disarmed the samurai class by banning the wearing of the sword.
This heinous event created much unrest between the samurai and the government and some samurai moved to carrying such shikome-zue hidden sword. Therefore, via a circuitous route, they still remain armed, but with their sword hidden from view. But by that way they felt, least in part, their honour remained intact, by still carrying a concealed long and powerful blade.

In ninjutsu, centuries before, shikomizue became quite popular, as it provided the night warriors with what they needed most – versatility, secrecy and mortality. By carrying a shikome-zue and wearing all black peasant like apparel the ninja could go about his craft in daylight apparently quite innocently and thus ignored. He could wander amongst the peasantry in a town village or city freely, making his task of surveillance or intelligence gathering far easier, yet still be armed with deadly intent. Innocent appearing regular and simple walking sticks were popular among all classes and thus by carrying it caused no suspicion at all. Combined with the impersonation skills, shikomizue was really a dangerous weapon giving the ninja the ability of attacking the enemy or assigned victim most suddenly, and incredibly effectively, with the ninja able to disappear as quickly as he had appeared.

The origin of the so-called ninjutsu;
Spying in Japan dates as far back as Prince Shotoku (572–622). According to Shoninki, the first open usage of ninjutsu during a military campaign was in the Genpei War, when Minamoto no Kuro Yoshitsune chose warriors to serve as shinobi during a battle. This manuscript goes on to say that during the Kenmu era, Kusunoki Masashige frequently used ninjutsu. According to footnotes in this manuscript, the Genpei War lasted from 1180 to 1185, and the Kenmu Restoration occurred between 1333 and 1336. Ninjutsu was developed by the samurai of the Nanboku-cho period, and further refined by groups of samurai mainly from Koka and the Iga Province of Japan in later periods.

Throughout history, the shinobi were assassins, scouts, and spies who were hired mostly by territorial lords known as daimyo. Despite being able to assassinate in stealth, the primary role was as spies and scouts. Shinobi are mainly noted for their use of stealth and deception. They would use this to avoid direct confrontation if possible, which enabled them to escape large groups of opposition.

Many different schools (ryū) have taught their unique versions of ninjutsu. An example of these is the Togakure-ryū, which claims to have been developed after a defeated samurai warrior called Daisuke Togakure escaped to the region of Iga. He later came in contact with the warrior-monk Kain Doshi, who taught him a new way of viewing life and the means of survival (ninjutsu).

Ninjutsu was developed as a collection of fundamental survivalist techniques in the warring state of feudal Japan. The ninja used their art to ensure their survival in a time of violent political turmoil. Ninjutsu included methods of gathering information and techniques of non-detection, avoidance, and misdirection. Ninjutsu involved training in what is called freerunning today, disguise, escape, concealment, archery, and medicine. Skills relating to espionage and assassination were highly useful to warring factions in feudal Japan. At some point, the skills of espionage became known collectively as ninjutsu, and the people who specialized in these tasks were called shinobi no mono.
There were no female ninja, however, the late 17th century the ninja handbook Bansenshukai describes a technique called kunoichi-no-jutsu (くノ一の術, "the ninjutsu of a woman") in which a woman is used for infiltration and information gathering, which Seiko Fujita considers evidence of female ninja activity
This is a good robust example, and would have been highly effective in its day. The blade is a long thrusting and parrying blade, without a dominant edge. The stick is fully bamboo with a bamboo root-ball handle. We show an 1817 Japanese print by Hokusai of his depiction of an all black clad warrior [so called ninja] climbing a rope, with what appears to be his shikome-zue hidden sword stick. Some shikome-zue have early smith made antique adapted blades from swords, this is a standard sword blade that was custom made for this cane when it was created, possibly in the 19th century or earlier. Overall grey steel with areas of pitting. 34.75 inches long overall, blade 28.25 inches  read more

Code: 23479

A Very Good WW1 Essex Regiment Sterling Silver & Polychrome Enamel Sweetheart Brooch

These brooches are miniature replicas of the badges of military regiments, naval units, the Royal Flying Corps and the RAF, generally known as sweetheart brooches because they were often given as romantic keepsakes by members of the armed forces to their wives and girlfriends before they left for the front.

During the First World War, the Essex Regiment provided 30 infantry battalions to the British Army. The 3rd (Special Reserve) (formerly Militia) battalion was mobilised to supply drafts to the two Regular battalions. On the outbreak of war, the Territorial battalions (4th-7th, and 8th (Cyclist) Battalions), all formed second line (2/4-2/8th) and eventually third line (3/4th-3/8th) battalions. Three service battalions (9th, 10th and 11th) and one reserve battalion (12th), were formed from volunteers in 1914 as part of Kitchener's Army. A further service battalion (13th (West Ham)), was raised by the Mayor and Borough of West Ham. Reserve battalions were created as the war progressed, including the 14th (from the depot companies of the 13th), the 15th, 16th and 17th (from provisional battalions), the 18th (Home Service) and 1st and 2nd Garrison Battalions. The regiment's battle honours for the First World War include Le Cateau, Ypres, Loos, Somme, Cambrai, Gallipoli and Gaza. The 1st Battalion took part in the first day of the Battle of the Somme on 1 July 1916. The battalion, which comprised W, X, Y, and Z companies, took up position in the British trenches at 3:30 am. At 8:40 am, the battalion received orders to advance and clear the German first-line trenches. It was delayed by heavy enemy fire and congestion in the communication trenches. The Newfoundland Regiment advancing to the left of the Essex battalion was almost entirely wiped out as it advanced towards the German lines. At 10:50 am, the Essex companies were in position and received orders to go "over the top". The companies came under heavy artillery and machine gun fire almost as soon as they appeared over the parapet, causing heavy losses. The attack became bogged down in no man's land. The battalion received orders from 88th Brigade headquarters to recommence the attack at 12:30 pm, but at 12:20 pm the battalion commander advised brigade HQ that "owing to casualties and disorganisation", it was impossible to renew the attack. The survivors of the battalion received orders to hold their position along the line of 'Mary Redan' 'New Trench' 'Regent Street'  read more

Code: 24481

An Original Ancient Medieval 13th Century, Knight's, Iron Battle Mace & Scorpion Flail MaceHead

A pineapple shaped iron head, with large centre mounting hole, for a leaded chain or a haft. The wooden haft as usual has rotted away, but could be replaced one day for display purposes. This is the type of War Mace that were also used as a Flail Mace, with the centre mount being filled with lead and a foot to a foot and a half long chain mounted within in, and then it was attached to a wooden haft, so it could be flailed around the head. Flattened pyramidical protuberances, most possibly English. Made for a mounted Knight to use as an Armour and Helmet Crusher in mortal combat. It would have been continually used up to the 15th to even 16th century. On a Flail it had the name of a Scorpion in England or France, or sometimes a Battle-Whip. It was also wryly known as a 'Holy Water Sprinkler'. King John The Ist of Bohemia used exactly such a weapon at the Battle of Crecy, for as he was blind, and the act of 'Flailing the Mace' meant that his lack of site was no huge disadvantage in close combat. Although blind he was a valiant and the bravest of the Warrior Kings, who perished at the Battle of Crecy against the English in 1346. On the day he was slain he instructed his Knights [both friends and companions] to lead him to the very centre of battle, so he may strike at least one blow against his enemies. His Knights tied their horses to his, so the King would not be separated from them in the press, and they rode together into the thick of battle, where King John managed to strike not one but at least four noble blows. The following day of the battle, the horses and the fallen knights were found all about the body of their most noble King, all still tied to his steed. It was his personal banner of the triple feathers that was adopted following this battle by the Prince of Wales as his standard, and still used by Prince William the current Prince of Wales today.  read more

Code: 22991