A Most Powerful Rare Romano-Frankish Iron Socket Spear 1900 to 1500 Years Old. A Stunning Original Antiquity Of Great Heft & Presence, This Would Make A Fabulous Addition or Any Collection of Ancient Roman Empire Artifacts From The Era Of Emperor Commodus

To the invasions of Rome by the Huns and Visigoths.

Recovered many centuries ago from a Merovingian warrior's excavation 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amalgamated after Christianization, and by the Carolingian period the distinction of Roman vs. Germanic subjects had been replaced by the feudal system of the Three Estates of the Realm. 11.85 inches long 250 grams Almost every iron weapon that has survived today from this era is now in a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 Stunning, Demi-Shabraque Of An Officer Of The British Monarch, Her Late Most Beloved Majesty Queen Elizabeth IInd Mounted Bodyguard of the Household Cavalry The Horse Guards. Post 1953 With 19 Battle Honours Up to 1991

With the regiments Garter Star, the lion surmounted the Queen's Crown {the Imperial State Crown}, with 19 battle honours around and below. All in the finest gold and silver bullion, on a garnet cloth with a wide bullion trim with embossed oak leaves of the mounts fore-quarter shabraque.

A post 1953 shabraque, with battle honours up to 1991.

This shabraque would look amazing bespoke framed

The Household Cavalry is classed as a corps in its own right, and consists of two regiments: The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons). They are the senior regular regiments in the British Army, with traditions dating from 1660, and act as the King's personal bodyguard. They are the cavalry element of the guards regiments and, with the five foot guard regiments, constitute the seven guards regiments of the Household Division.

A shabrack or shabraque is a saddlecloth, formerly used by European light cavalry.

The shabraque was an accoutrement of the hussar cavalry, based on the Hungarian horsemen in Austrian service who were widely imitated in European armies in the 18th and 19th centuries. The shabraque was a large cloth which in its original form, covered the Hungarian-style saddle, and was itself surmounted by a sheep or goat skin.

Made of Sheep or Goat skin, The Shabrack was a common Military article during The Napoleonic Wars, used by both The French, their Allies and by The English and theirs. Traditionally, Royal Regiments bore their Monarch's Signet – often embroidered in Silver or Gold Thread.

By the end of the 19th Century and into the 20th, Shabracks (when found), were used solely by Officers of various Elite Cavalry Units (such as those found today on Great Britain). Variations were used by both American and Confederate Officers during The American Civil War. Today, in The American Army, The Shabrack is most commonly used for Funeral Processions known as The ''Fallen Rider''.

The corners of the shabraque were rounded at the front and elongated into long points at the rear. It could be elaborately decorated with a contrasting border and a royal cypher or regimental crest. It was often discarded while on active service and by the start of the 20th century, was confined to ceremonial use; in the British Army, it is used by the Household Cavalry and by General Staff officers.  read more

Code: 25510

A Fine Cased Pair of 1840's Victorian Rear Admirals Epaulettes.

Overall in jolly good condition for age, in their original Japanned lacquer tin case. Made and used in the days of sail, aboard the great ships-of-the-line and the '100 gunners'. Admirals always served aboard the larger vessels in the fleet [also known now as capital ships] in the Royal Navy, His vessal would be known as the admiral's 'flag ship' and flying his personal rank flag. Rear admiral is a naval commissioned officer rank above that of a commodore (U.S. equivalent of rear admiral lower half) and captain, and below that of a vice admiral. It is generally regarded as the lowest of the "admiral" ranks, which are also sometimes referred to as "flag officers" or "flag ranks".
It originated from the days of naval sailing squadrons and can trace its origins to the Royal Navy. Almost all of the modern traditions of the world's navies can trace there traditional origins back to the British Royal Navy. Each naval squadron would be assigned an admiral as its head, who would command from the centre vessel and direct the activities of the squadron. The admiral would in turn be assisted by a vice admiral, who commanded the lead ships which would bear the brunt of a naval battle. In the rear of the naval squadron, a third admiral would command the remaining ships and, as this section of the squadron was considered to be in the least danger, unless from a surprise attack from the rear. The admiral in command of the rear would typically be the most junior of the squadron admirals. This ranking has survived into the modern age, with the rank of rear admiral the most-junior of the admiralty ranks of many navies. Epaulette is a type of ornamental shoulder piece or decoration used as insignia of rank by armed forces and other organizations. In the French and other armies, epaulettes are also worn by all ranks of elite or ceremonial units when on parade. It may bear rank or other insignia, and should not be confused with a shoulder mark - also called an shoulder board, rank slide, or slip-on - a flat cloth sleeve worn on the shoulder strap of a uniform (although the two terms are often used interchangeably).

Epaulettes are fastened to the shoulder by a shoulder strap or passenten, a small strap parallel to the shoulder seam, and the button near the collar, or by laces on the underside of the epaulette passing through holes in the shoulder of the coat or by a metal slide arrangement. Colloquially, any shoulder straps with marks are also called epaulettes. The placement of the epaulette, its colour and the length and diameter of its bullion fringe are used to signify the wearer's rank. Although originally worn in the field, and they certainly were when these were made, epaulettes are now normally limited to dress or ceremonial military uniforms. A photo in the gallery of Nelson's shot-through epaulette from Trafalgar. He has two stars due to his superior Admirals rank.  read more

Code: 21806

A Superb, English, Late 18th Century Duelling Pistol By One of The Worlds Greatest Gunsmiths, John Manton of Dover St. London

The serial number, 2873, dates the manufacture to circa 1798. Finely engraved steel mounts with spur trigger guard with pineapple finial. Browned twist Damascus barrel, gold inlaid with the name Manton and London. Fine walnut stock with, carved horn forend, chequered grip, and barrel retaining key. Very tight and crisp action, overall in nice condition with natural age and wear and some surface russet marking

Converted to Manton's percussion system by likely Joseph Manton sometime in the early 19th century. The pistol is serial numbered very closely to a pair of cased duelling pistols also by John Manton, freely acknowledged to be possibly the finest English duelling pistols in the world, certainly the finest ever to appear at auction, and they were estimated to be worth, several years ago, up to $180,000. That pair see a photo in the gallery are serial numbered 2837 and dated to 1797. He was supposedly making in his workshop 100 guns per annum and our pistol is numbered just 36 away from the cased pair.

John Manton is regarded as one of the most innovative English gun makers of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His inventive spirit and desire for continued improvement challenged the designs of the old masters. Manton''s patents and new designs changed the gun industry not only from a manufacturing standpoint, but also for his gentlemanly clients.

About John Manton.

John Manton was born in 1752 in Lincolnshire. He first began his career as a foreman to John Twig. At the age of 29, Manton opened his own gun shop at No. 6 Dover Street. His business quickly prospered, and he had many elite patrons, such as the Royal Family. His sons became a part of the business as well, and the firm of John Manton and Son produced a wide range of guns for their most discerning clientele.

About his duelling pistols.

One of the greatest technologies Manton refined was the accuracy of the duelling pistol. The inaccuracy of the duelling pistols as they were led to less wounds and deaths, and were designed for a quick draw. Manton wanted to improve the slow shot of the duelling pistol because of the increasingly popular event of target practise. He produced heavier barreled duelling pistols and Manton's were at a clear advantage if they were to be caught defending their honour. Many gentleman would visit the shooting gallery of Manton to practise their slow shots, and refine their precision so that they could always be ready for a duel. Including such as Lord Byron

John Manton is considered to by one of the greatest London gunmakers of his time. Around the age of 30 he started his own business at 6 Dover Street where he remained for the rest of his career. He died in late 1834, leaving his business to his son George Henry.

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

Code: 24861

A Fabulous Museum Grade Samurai Daimyo's Art-Sword. From The Koto Era. A Samurai Wakizashi Sword By Master Tadamitsu With Rare Gaku-mei Nakago. Blade, Circa 1440-1460. Mino Goto Koshirae, With Deep Red Ishime Lacquer Saya & Black Silk Binding

With very rare gaku-mei framed nakago, where the mei (signature) was moved from this original nakago tang, and inserted into the shortened tang, and framed in order to preserve the important master smith’s signature, upon his museum grade blade. Overall this stunning art-sword is in incredible near flawless condition. The term art-sword refers that highest grade of samurai sword, that was certainly made for all forms of combat use, yet are decorated with such beauty and skill that they are as much works of art as a samurai's combat arm. Likely made for for the highest ranking samurai or daimyo clan lord.

With its spectacular suite of beautiful, original, Edo period Mino-Goto fittings, with tsuba, in shakudo, and uttori of pure gold decor of flowers, cricket, catydid and praying mantis. Deep red ishime urushi stone finish lacquered saya, with carved buffalo horn fittings and a Mino-Goto throat mount.
Superb black silk tsuka-ito over fine pure gold decorated menuki.

A wonderful Muromachi era blade almost 600 years old, with a superb, incredibly active hamon, in a beautiful polish with gold foil habaki and blade smith shortened tang with its original preserved ‘folded over’ signature inlaid and inserted within the tang.

The hamon forms a delightful gunome pattern, mixing with clove (Choji) outline which is slanted generally. The founder of the sword maker school, Tadamitsu in Bizen, is referred in the Shouou period (1288-93) and the oldest existent Tanto by him has the date year, Teiji 3,1364) during the Nanbokucho period, then later generations shows the records of Ouei to Bunmei era (1394-1486) in Muromachi period. The preserved 'folded over' system, that can be seen beautifully done on this blade, in order to preserve the blade smith's signature, was only reserved for the best and most highly revered blades, often of historical significance to the samurai's family. The ancient province of Kibi (of which Bizen was the easternmost region; now Okayama prefecture) possessed excellent ironmaking technology, which helped make Kibi into a powerful state. The region is blessed with all the vital ingredients needed for Japanese sword making: iron sand, water, and charcoal of Japanese red pine, which has excellent thermal efficiency. Research on Japanese swords since the Meiji period has revealed five different features or styles based on the regions in which they were made: Yamashiro (Kyoto prefecture), Yamato (Nara prefecture), Bizen (Okayama prefecture), Sagami (Kanagawa prefecture), and Mino (Gifu prefecture. The characteristic styles of these five regions were passed down from master to disciple and from one region to the next. These are collectively known as Gokaden (five traditions of swordmaking). The province of Bizen was located far from Japan's political center throughout its history, allowing it to prosper regardless of the political state of sovereignty of the day. The most typical Bizen blade has a steel surface grain called itamehada (wooden board grained) with a unique pattern called chōji (clove-shaped) on the blade. This pattern is a feature of Bizen swords and it is what makes Bizen swords special.

The Gotō School of sword-fittings makers was founded in the fifteenth century by Gotō Yūjō, who is said to have been patronized by the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa (1435–1490). The work of the Gotō masters is characterized by painterly designs carved in high relief on a ground of shakudō (an alloy of copper and gold chemically treated to turn a rich blue-black), finished in nanako (tiny circles punched regularly over the surface to give it a granular appearance) with colorful accents in gold and silver. The succeeding generations of Gotō masters continued to work in these soft metals and concentrated on the smaller sword fittings, such as kozuka (the handle of the small utility knife fitted into a slot on some swords, on the the back of a sword’s saya or scabbard), kōgai (a skewer-like hairdressing tool carried in the front of the scabbard), and menuki (a pair of grip ornaments secured by the handle wrappings). The production of the stouter sword guards, or tsuba, was left to other masters. While earlier generations had not signed their work, some Gotō masters in about 1600 began to authenticate the work of their predecessors; the attributions usually were engraved on the backs of the pieces themselves. These attributions bear testimony to the keen interest in early sword fittings as status symbols for high-ranking samurai.
Fuchi kashira,menuki and tsuba from the Mino School. Sometimes known as an offshoot from the Goto School, the Mino tradition of kinko have their roots from the Koto period, Known as Ko-Mino, that style led to the Edo Mino tradition which used the difficult technique of Uttori, or gold foiling. The gold on these stunning pieces are not plated, but rather have generous hammered gold foil applied in a very difficult technique not seen today except in habaki work. Because it was so time consuming and difficult, there are relatively few works by this school. Design is very traditional of kiku (chrysanthemums) and flowering blossoms and leaves, with catydids and praying mantis etc. and is executed very well indeed.

“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
As once told to us by an esteemed regular visitor to us here in our gallery, and the same words that are repeated in his book;

Overall blade length from base of habaki to tip 21.5 inches long.  read more

Code: 23519

A Very Fine, 1917 US Bayonet, The *U.S. Model 1913 ‘1917’ Dated Remington Bayonet and Scabbard.

Excellent plus, and an exceptional example. The American U.S. Model 1913 , dated 1917 Bayonet in leather and steel scabbard with frog button mount. Known as a 'sleeper', in the collecting market, in that it was put into storage in 1946 and hasn't seen the light of day since, we have just acquired a super collection of bayonets all in stored or mint condition.

This is a superb 1913- 1917 pattern bayonet marked to the blade with 1917 over Remington in a circle on one side and U.S. on the other with the grenade stamp. These bayonets were originally manufactured by the U.S. in WWI and acquired by the British in WWII for use mainly by the Home Guard.

Pattern 1913/17. In excellent order. Made by Remington. The pattern of bayonet that was continually used in WW2 by the British Home Guard. With twin cuts in the wood grip added to differentiate for British forces that it was the American bayonet and not a British 1907 Wilkinson.

Originally the bayonet design was made for the British in September 1917 (the 9 17 mark) by Remington in the US as the 1913 Pattern intended to be issued with the P14 Rifle in .303 inch calibre. However, when America entered the war they changed production of the P14 rifle over to .30 inch calibre, at which point it became their M17 rifle. As the calibre change meant no alteration to the bayonet was required they basically took the unfinished/unshipped bayonets and made them American property by over-stamping the British marks with American marks, thus becoming M1917 bayonets.

This bayonet beautifully original with all original blue and parkerised blade.

Generic photos in the gallery, this bayonet is actually better that the one photographed  read more

Code: 25111

A Very Rare Scots Fusilier Guards Officer's Bearskin Cap 1854. Used at Alma. Of Major Sir Charles J. J. Hamilton, 3rd Baronet Hamilton, Commander Of The Battalion Of Scots Fusilier Guards, Hero of Alma. Cousin of Capt. E.A.Hamilton Coldstream Guards

He commanded a battalion of the Scots Fusilier Guards at the Battle of Alma, and had his horse shot under him.

Acquired with a pair of books presented to his cousin, his heir, the 4th & 2nd baronet Hamilton, Edward A. Hamilton, Coldstream Guards in 1858. They are interred in the same family crypt at Brompton cemetery.

A person can be both the 4th baronet of one line and the 2nd baronet of another by inheriting two separate, distinct baronetcy titles from different branches of their family.
This scenario typically arises through a combination of inheritance, a lack of direct male heirs in one branch, and the merger of family lines.

In overall very good condition, the interior is lined with a leather cap, stitched to the skin, as could be usual for the Crimean bearskin, so the caps could be transported flat one supposes, and it also has the officer's velvet band partially intact. It has no hackle mount externally, which is correct for the Scots Fusilier Guards bearskins, as they wore no hackle, unlike the Grenadiers, and Coldstream Guards. This is only the second 1850's example used in the Crimea we have seen outside of the Guards Museum
.
This is the bearskin headdress of an 1850's officer of the Scots Fusilier Guards, one of the most famous regiments of infantry in the British Army. This celebrated item, still worn by the Guards Division on ceremonial duties, has its origins in the Battle of Waterloo, where the 1st Foot Guards of Wellington's army fought against the French Imperial Guard, who wore bearskin caps. It was during the reign of King George IV that the Guard uniforms were changed, along with the Guard Regiments themselves. The scarlet coatee was introduced, with gray or white trousers and in 1832 the bearskin cap became the official headdress of all three guards regiments, thus creating the ceremonial uniform that essentially remains in use today.

In the Crimean war the bearskin was reduced in height and the cap's pelt could be attached to a leather cap, as is this one, and not mounted on a frame of willow or rattan, one such bearskin mounted is in the Guards Museum London

In the Crimean war they were still a combat helmet, classified as a bearskin cap. Sometime after the Crimea the bearskin was only in use by the guards, and fusiliers as a dress cap, as it still is today.

The guards combat details follow below {in a brief resume} at the Battle of Alma, during the retreat and second attack.

By now, the 1st Division had finally crossed the river and the Russians in the greater redoubt saw approaching them the Guards' Brigade, with the Grenadier Guards on the right, the Scots Fusilier Guards in the centre, and the Coldstream Guards on the left. Out of sight on the far left was the Highland Brigade, commanded by Sir Colin Campbell. Campbell was irritated by the Guards' delay and ordered an immediate advance. A firm believer in the charge with bayonets, Campbell told his men not to fire their rifles until they were "within a yard of the Russians".

The Scots Fusiliers, by then ahead of the rest of the division, started to move uphill immediately, repeating the Light Division's mistake, which at that moment was running down from the redoubt, pursued by Russian infantry. The Light Division crashed into the advancing Scots Fusiliers with such force that the line was broken in many places. The Scots faltered, but emerged on the other side with only half their numbers and continued towards the great redoubt in a chaotic state. When they were 37 m (40 yd) from the redoubt, the Russians mounted a massive volley. The Scots Fusiliers were forced to retreat, stopping only when they reached the river.

The two other guards regiments filled the gap left by the Scots Fusiliers, but refused orders to charge with bayonets up the hill. Instead, the Grenadiers and the Coldstream formed into lines and started firing Minié volleys into the Russian advance parties. This stopped the Russians, and the Grenadiers and the Coldstream were soon able to close the gap between them; the Russians were again forced back into the redoubt. Vintage, replaced chinscales

Photos in the gallery of Hand-coloured photograph of three soldiers of the Scots Fusiliers Guards who served in the Crimean War. From right to left are Corporal Judd, Edward Temple and William Reynolds. They are all seated with Judd resting his bearskin on his lap and Temple holding one of the three rifles joint together pointing upwards.

Sir Charles John James Hamilton, 3rd Baronet, of Marlborough House, Hampshire, was the only son of Admiral Sir Charles Hamilton, K.C.B., 2nd Baronet, and Henrietta Martha, only daughter of George Drummond, of Stanmore in Middlesex. Educated at the Charterhouse, he was a career soldier, and appointed a Major in the Royal Scots Fusiliers. He succeeded his father in 1849, and was promoted a Colonel in the Army in 1854 in which year he retired. He commanded a battalion of the Scots Fusilier Guards at the Battle of Alma, and had his horse shot under him. He was awarded the Crimean Medal and Clasp, and the Turkish War Medal and was nominated a Companion of the Order of the Bath by special statute. He married, 14 December 1833, Catherine Emily, daughter of William Wynne of Dublin, but they had no children, and when he died in 1892 he was succeeded by his cousin, Sir Edward Archibald Hamilton, 2nd Baronet of Trebinshun House, Breconshire.

"Sir Charles John James Hamilton, Baronet, 1776, of Iping, succeeded. to the Baronetcy, 14 Sep. 1849 (1854) Major Scots Fusilier Guards, distinguished himself at the battle of the Alma, Sep. 1854, but retired in 1855 as Lieut.-Colonel ; C.B., 1855.

Throughout the war Queen Victoria had taken an active interest in the welfare of the troops and on their return from the Crimea she met a number of the veterans at Buckingham Palace, Chatham Military Hospital and Aldershot Garrison. Following these meetings she commissioned a series of photographs of the veterans from the photographers Joseph Cundall and Robert Howlett.

The other coloured photograph is of Colour Sergeant William McGregor of the Scots Fusilier Guards.  read more

Code: 24947

Origin and Services of the Coldstream Guards, Presented to 4th & 2nd Baronet Hamilton, Edward A. Hamilton, {later Capt.} Coldstream Guards in 1858. Heir to Major Sir Charles J.J. Hamilton, 3rd Baronet Hamilton, Hero of Alma, Scots Fusilier Guards

1st editions printed in by A.J.Valpy Red Lion Court Fleet St. in 1833. 2 vols., 8vo., First Edition, with 17 engraved plates of medals, view of Hugomont and plan of Waterloo.The first dedicated history of the regiment.

It was one of the books selected by the Royal Librarian Richard Rivington Holmes in 1893 as a fine example of bookbinding in the Royal Library at Windsor Castle.

Acquired with a very, very rare Scots Fusilier Guards Officer's Bearskin Cap 1854. Used at Sebastopol and Alma, by his cousin, Major Sir Charles John James Hamilton, the 3rd Baronet Hamilton, Hero of Alma.
This pair of books were presented to his heir, the later 4th & 2nd Baronet Hamilton, Edward A. Hamilton, {later} Captain of the Coldstream Guards, in 1858.

Both Sir Charles John James Hamilton, 3rd Baronet Hamilton, and 4th & 2nd Baronet Hamilton, Edward A. Hamilton, are interred in the same family crypt at Brompton cemetery.

A person can be both the 4th baronet of one line and the 2nd baronet of another by inheriting two separate, distinct baronetcy titles from different branches of their family.
This scenario typically arises through a combination of inheritance, a lack of direct male heirs in one branch, and the merger of family lines.


Founded in 1650, the Coldstream Guards is the oldest Guards regiment in the British Army and serves an important role in protecting the monarch. This history of the regiment was written by Colonel Daniel MacKinnon, who had distinguished himself at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. During the battle, MacKinnon had three horses shot from under him and despite being severely wounded, led the manoeuvres of the Coldstream and Grenadier guards that led to the vital occupation of Hougoumont, defending it against countless French onslaughts. In 1826, he became the commander of the Coldstream Guards and began writing this history.

MacKinnon dedicated his history to William IV and the books in the Royal Collection is were likely the volumes presented to the king on its publication in 1833. It was one of the books selected by the Royal Librarian Richard Rivington Holmes in 1893 as a fine example of bookbinding in the Royal Library at Windsor Castle.

The Coldstream Guards - now part of the Household Division - has the unique distinction of being the oldest Regiment of the British Army. It traces its origins to 1650 when it was founded at Coldstream on the English-Scottish border by George Monck, the Cromwellian General who ten years later was instrumental in restoring the monarchy of Charles II. This two volume history of the early years of the Regiment was written by Col. Daniel Mackinnon in 1833. Mackinnon (1791-1836) was a particularly gallant officer, who had three horses shot under him at Waterloo. The first volume narrates the fascinating story of Moncks' foundation of the Regiment, and its first battle honours in 1650 at Cromwell's great victory over the Scots at Dunbar. It also narrates the Regiment's proud part in the Anglo-Dutch wars of the 17th century and the 18th Century wars against Spain and France - including Marlborough's victory at Oudenarde; and the battle of Dettingen against France - the last battle at which a British monarch (George II) fought. Volume II, which takes the story down to the battle of Waterloo in which the author himself fought, is dominated by the American War of Independence; and the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. These are books to treasure for anyone interested in his fine old regiment and in the early history of the British Army.

They were at some time in the possession of the Wauchope clan in Scotland, with ex libris label.

In the gallery we show the crest of Colonel Hamilton of the Scots Guards, his cousin and the 3nd Baronet Hamilton. A crest that would have been passed down to Capt. Edward A. Hamilton 4th Baronet  read more

Code: 26077

A Crimean & Zulu War Original 1821/45 Pattern Victorian Wilkinson Infantry Officer’s Deluxe Grade Combat Sword. Traditional Gothic Style Pierced Half Basket Hilt With Queen Victoria’s Cypher. Exactly As Worn By Lt Bromhead. Of a 57th Regt. Of Foot Officer

Commissioned from Wilkinson sword in late 1854, delivered in early 1855, for an officer of the 57th Foot, the West Middlesex Regiment, Lt. Alexander F. A. Slade, while serving in the Crimean War, at Sebastopol, then, much later it was further used in the regiment in the Zulu War, in the Battle of Gingindlovu. Lt Slade later became a Captain {by purchase} in 1859, while then serving in India. We acquired the sword with a complete set of Kinglake, A.W., “The Invasion of the Crimea: Its Origin, and an Account of its Progress to the Death of Lord Raglan”. Including Ist Editions.

Exactly the same form of sword used by Lt Bromhead in the Zulu war, as was portrayed and carried in the film 'Zulu' by Sir Michael Caine. A fully etched blade, bearing the cypher and crest of H.M. Queen Victoria, traditional Gothic pieced half basket hilt, combined combat-dress steel scabbard. Combat weight, fully etched VR Crown blade. Monogrammed hilt

In the gallery is photograph of a group of five officers from the 57th Regiment. The officers are arranged in a line, with one man seated and the rest standing. All are wearing military uniform and are carrying the very same swords. A dog lies on the ground in front of them and there is a tent behind. It is perfectly possible Lt. Slade is one of the officer's within the photo.

The 57th Regiment served during the Crimean War, and whilst there were photographed on a number of occasions by Roger Fenton {see photo}.

The 57th (West Middlesex) Regiment of Foot: Participated in major Crimean battles (Alma, Inkerman, Sevastopol) and also served in the Zulu War.

Arrival: The 57th landed in Natal in March 1879, joining the effort to relieve the besieged garrison at Eshowe.
Battle of Gingindlovu (April 2, 1879): They formed part of the relief force, holding the laager's right flank and repelling attacks, earning commendation from Lord Chelmsford for their steadiness under intense fire.
Second Invasion: Afterward, they marched with Crealock's Division, advancing along the coast, burning Zulu homesteads, and forming part of the force that occupied Ulundi.

Traditional gilt hilt of Gothic form, pierced with Queen Victoria's cypher

Photo in the gallery from the film "Zulu" and Michael Caine as Bromhead with his sword for information only not included.
The 1822/45 pattern of sword has a Gothic hilt and Queen Victoria's cypher within the pierced oval centre. This sabre would have seen service by an officer at the very cusp of England's Glory of Empire. A sabre fit to represent the age and used throughout the Zulu War and numerous other great and famous conflicts of the Victorian era. The 1822 pattern infantry with it's elegant pierced Gothic style hilt, and the graceful monogram of Queen Victoria make it one of the most attractive patterns of sword ever used by British Army officers, and it was a pattern that saw service for almost 80 years. The blade is by Henry Wilkinson, who developed in 1845 pattern blade. Many swords of British officers were continually used for many decades, until the 1890's in fact, as swords were quite often passed on from father to son, down the generations, in many military families. During the period of this sword's use, two of most famous pair of engagements in the British army's history, during the last quarter of the 19th century, happened over two consecutive days. Curiously, it is fair to say that these two engagements, by the 24th Foot, against the mighty Zulu Impi, are iconic examples of how successful or unsuccessful leadership can result, in either the very best conclusion, or the very worst. And amazingly, within only one day of each other. The 1879 Zulu War, for the 24th Foot, will, for many, only mean two significant events, Isandlhwana and Rorke's Drift. This is the brief story of the 24th Foot in South Africa; In 1875 the 1st Battalion arrived in Southern Africa and subsequently saw service, along with the 2nd Battalion, in the 9th Xhosa War in 1878. In 1879 both battalions took part in the Zulu War, begun after a British invasion of Zululand, ruled by Cetshwayo. The 24th Foot took part in the crossing of the Buffalo River on 11 January, entering Zululand. The first engagement (and the most disastrous for the British) came at Isandhlwana. The British had pitched camp at Isandhlwana and not established any fortifications due to the sheer size of the force, the hard ground and a shortage of entrenching tools. The 24th Foot provided most of the British force and when the overall commander, Lord Chelmsford, split his forces on 22 January to search for the Zulus, the 1st Battalion (5 companies) and a company of the 2nd Battalion were left behind to guard the camp, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Pulleine (CO of the 1/24th Foot).

The Zulus, 22,000 strong, attacked the camp and their sheer numbers overwhelmed the British. As the officers paced their men far too far apart to face the coming onslaught. During the battle Lieutenant-Colonel Pulleine ordered Lieutenants Coghill and Melvill to save the Queen's Colour—the Regimental Colour was located at Helpmakaar with G Company. The two Lieutenants attempted to escape by crossing the Buffalo River where the Colour fell and was lost downstream, later being recovered. Both officers were killed. At this time the Victoria Cross (VC) was not awarded posthumously. This changed in the early 1900s when both Lieutenants were awarded posthumous Victoria Crosses for their bravery. The 2nd Battalion lost both its Colours at Isandhlwana though parts of the Colours—the crown, the pike and a colour case—were retrieved and trooped when the battalion was presented with new Colours in 1880.

The 24th had performed with distinction during the battle. The last survivors made their way to the foot of a mountain where they fought until they expended all their ammunition and were killed. The 24th Foot suffered 540 dead, including the 1st Battalion's commanding officer.

After the battle, some 4,000 to 5,000 Zulus headed for Rorke's Drift, a small missionary post garrisoned by a company of the 2/24th Foot, native levies and others under the command of Lieutenant Chard, Royal Engineers, the most senior officer of the 24th present being Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead. Two Boer cavalry officers, Lieutenants Adendorff and Vane, arrived to inform the garrison of the defeat at Isandhlwana. The Acting Assistant Commissary James Langley Dalton persuaded Bromhead and Chard to stay and the small garrison frantically prepared rudimentary fortifications.

The Zulus first attacked at 4:30 pm. Throughout the day the garrison was attacked from all sides, including rifle fire from the heights above the garrison, and bitter hand-to-hand fighting often ensued. At one point the Zulus entered the hospital, which was stoutly defended by the wounded inside until it was set alight and eventually burnt down. The battle raged on into the early hours of 23 January but by dawn the Zulu Army had withdrawn. Lord Chelmsford and a column of British troops arrived soon afterwards. The garrison had suffered 15 killed during the battle (two died later) and 11 defenders were awarded the Victoria Cross for their distinguished defense of the post, 7 going to soldiers of the 24th Foot.

The stand at Rorke's Drift was immortalised in the 1964 movie Zulu, and Michael Caine is carrying this very same pattern of sword.

Overall in nice condition, triple wire bound sharkskin grip, steel combat scabbard with light surface old russetting and two small combat dents at the bottom near the shoe. Blade nicely royal etched with old polished out bright surface russetting.  read more

Code: 26087

A Superb Pocket Sized 'Pepperbox' Derringer Revolver Six Shot Pistol Circa 1840, With Most Rare Sliding Hammer Safety Mechanism

Good condition for age, all over blue-black finish, all barrels are numbered 1 through 6 and all individually proofed. Chequered original wooden grips, frame scroll hand engraved, hammer leaf engraved, trigger guard scroll engraved

The 'pepperbox' 6 shot revolver was an amazing progression from the single shot percussion pistol, that worked on the rotating multi barrelled principle before the concept of a revolving cylinder and a single barrel system was invented. the style of the pistol created its nickname of the pepperbox as it looked somewhat like a peppermill, but they most often were large belt or holster pistol sized, whereas the pocket Derringer sized type, being the scarcest of all, is most rarely seen to survive today.

The pepperbox revolver was still being used in the American Civil War, especially by Southern soldiers due to the lack of arms, a photo in the gallery shows a Confederate corporal holding his larger holster or belt size pepperbox revolver, and he looks barely 13 years of age.

In the 1850s, the extreme popularity of antique derringer pistols swept the nation like wildfire. Henry Deringer, the man who made the first Philadelphia Deringer, created a small and concealable pistol for people to carry for protection. When searching for an antique derringer pistol for sale, one will notice that derringers are made by a number of different brands and manufacturers. Many people wanted to make their design number one and stick out among the rigorous competition. One man that took the idea into his own hands and became a favorite in the Old West for pocket sized guns was Christian Sharps

Sharp had been in the business of rifle making before he endeavored into pocket pistol designs. He started his career in Harpers Ferry, Virginia with John Halls Rifle Works. He patented his own Sharps rifle in 1848 and, interestingly enough, a year later in December 1849, he patented his first design for the antique derringer pistol he desired to create. Unfortunately, it was a poorly constructed and fragile design in need of some work before it could be sold commercially.

The antique derringer sized pistols became known as the ‘hideout pistol’ to westerners. The prominence of these small multi shot pocket pistols as a gambler’s gun arose in the the Old Wild West. The gun was very commonly used by gamblers and tavern frequenters since they could slide it up their sleeve or in their pocket without the people around the being any the wiser. Western outlaws loved the conceal ability and carried the gun as an extra side arm. The gun is sometimes referred to as the perfect concealable pistol.

Tight and crisp spring, action rotates with occassional missfires, and one nipple is lacking.

No licence is required to own and collect this antique pistol

Six inches long overall with six two inch long barrells  read more

Code: 24967