A Stunning Original Horseguards, Life Guards and Blues And Royals, Other Ranks Pattern Helmet Plate, Order of the Garter Badge Star

This fabulous quality other ranks badge, in use since the coronation of HM Queen Elizabeth in 1953, was used by a trooper or NCO by both the Blues and Royals or the Life Guards, that combined, make up the Royal Horseguards.

This pattern will now be changed very soon for the design designated for His Majesty King Charles lII. The crown will be changed to the single domed crown of all the kings since Edward VIIth. The domed crown is called either The King’s Crown or the Imperial State Crown. The late Queen’s crown, is known as St Edwards Crown.

The Albert helmet is the current ceremonial headgear of the British Army's Household Cavalry, the Life guards regiment and the Blues and Royals regiment. It was introduced by Prince Albert in 1842 and adopted by the Household Cavalry the following year. In 1847 the helmet was introduced to all heavy cavalry regiments. It remains in use as the full dress headgear of the two remaining Household Cavalry regiments, the Blues and Royals and the Life Guards. The magnificent helmet remains in use with the two current Household Cavalry regiments, the Blues and Royals with red plume and the Life Guards with white plume. These regiments are amalgamations of the four earlier regiments. The Life Guards retain the white plume and the onion from the 2nd Regiment, the Blues and Royals retain the red plume of the Royal Horse Guards. Blues and Royals officers wear a yak hair plume. Farriers in both regiments wear different plumes, the Life Guards farrier wear black and Blues and Royals farrier red.

The regiments also differ in how they wear the helmet's chin strap. The Blues and Royals wear it under the chin while the Life Guards wear it under the lower lip. The helmet is now in white metal for all ranks and the same helmet plate is worn by both regiments (they were different historically).

The Albert helmet is only worn in full dress review order, guard order and front yard order by other ranks and in full dress, levee dress and ceremonial rehearsal dress by officers. Medical and veterinary officers do not wear the helmet, instead wearing a cocked hat.

The other ranks of the Mounted Band of the Household Cavalry wear the helmet in full dress (with the plumes of their parent regiments), except when parading in the presence of the royal family, when they wear state dress with jockey caps. Band officers wear Albert helmets on both occasions.

Its condition is considered by us as near
mint

Temporary gallery photos of another helmet plate, but the same.  read more

Code: 24067

A Stunningly Beautiful, Signed,16th-17th Century Koto-Shinto Aikuchi Tanto, The Kunitsugu School, With Carved Horimono of a Crane and a Minogame Turtle, "Tsuru Wa Sen-nen, Kame Wa Man-nen". Amazing Original Edo Koshirae Of The Tokugawa. With Kamon Crest

All of this Kunitsugu tanto's wonderful original Edo aikuchi koshirae {fittings and mounts} are shakudo, with small lines of pure gold highlights upon the edges, and then decorated throughout with ten 'mon' {clan crest} of Shogun Tokugawa Iyesu. Likely the stunning small aikuchi tanto of a high ranking Tokugawa retainer. There are five large engraved mon, and three of those are the larger version with scrolling vines and ginger roots. There are also five mon cartouche of silver badges, applied to the fuchikashira and sayajiri.

The stunning, small wazamono {very sharp} blade has an incredibly fine detailed horimono (blade carving) of a crane and minogame turtle with speckles of sea spray, and an effusive notare hamon, and the nakago is signed Kunitsugu. Circa 1580's to 1600’s. It is beautifully set off with a gold habaki with raindrop chiselling.
Shakudo is a billon of gold and copper (typically 4-10% gold, 96-90% copper) which can be treated to form an indigo/black patina resembling lacquer. Unpatinated shakudo Visually resembles bronze; the dark colour is induced by applying and heating rokusho, a special patination formula.

Elite Tokugawa weaponry and armour often feature the crest, (mon) but surrounded by leafy tendrils, particularly in elite high rank samurai weaponry and armour (they are scrolling vines and ginger roots).

In Japanese folklore, the crane (tsuru) and turtle (kame) are iconic symbols of longevity, harmony, and good fortune, often paired together to represent a long, blessed life. They are associated with the proverb "Tsuru wa sen-nen, kame wa man-nen" (cranes live 1,000 years, turtles 10,000 years).

Both animals are seen as sacred messengers of long life.
Minogame Turtles, particularly the minogame (straw-raincoat turtle), represent wisdom and are said to live so long that algae grows on their shells, resembling a tail.
The Crane (Tsuru): is much revered as a "bird of happiness," the crane symbolizes high-flying grace, fidelity (as they mate for life), and peace.

They are often found together in Japanese fine art, wedding decor, and on New Year's occasions to signify a perfect, balanced partnership and enduring life.

The Crane and the Turtle Friendships: A popular tale tells of a crane and a turtle who become friends, only for a drought to dry up the turtle's lake. To save his friend, the crane lifts the turtle into the sky. Other versions, such as one from Hiroshima, warn that the turtle must not speak while holding onto a crane’s feather, or they will fall.
Urashima Taro: This famous story features a fisherman who saves a turtle and is taken to the Sea Dragon King's palace, later marrying the princess. It incorporates themes of the sea turtle and often connects with the crane's symbolism of enduring, yet sometimes fleeting, time.
Tokugawa Ieyasu (born Matsudaira Takechiyo;January 31, 1543 – June 1, 1616) was a Japanese samurai, daimyo and the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan, which ruled from 1603 until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. He was the third of the three "Great Unifiers" of Japan, along with his former lord Oda Nobunaga and fellow Oda subordinate Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

On March 24, 1603, Tokugawa Ieyasu received the title of shōgun from Emperor Go-Yōzei.

Key Battles and Campaigns:
Battle of Mikatagahara (1573): A significant early defeat against Takeda Shingen, which taught Ieyasu valuable strategic lessons despite his forces being severely outmatched.
Battle of Nagashino (1575): Fought alongside ally Oda Nobunaga to defeat the Takeda clan using early tactical volley fire.
Battle of Komaki and Nagakute (1584): Fought against Toyotomi Hideyoshi, leading to a stalemate that solidified Ieyasu's strength and eventually led to an alliance.
Siege of Odawara (1590): As part of Hideyoshi's army, this campaign helped remove the Hojo clan and secured Ieyasu's dominion over the Kanto region.
Battle of Sekigahara (1600): The largest battle in samurai history and a defining victory against the Western Army (led by Ishida Mitsunari), solidifying Ieyasu’s control over Japan.
Sieges of Osaka (1614–1615): Two major campaigns (Winter and Summer) against the Toyotomi clan that broke all remaining opposition and established over 250 years of peace under the Tokugawa shogunate.

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;

“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.


Overall in superb condition, with just natural age and wear by an esteemed samurai with all due respect and care for its status. The sayajiri {scabbard bottom mount} has an indent at the very base.
Overall just under 10 inches long in saya, blade 6.5 inches long  read more

Code: 26182

A Most Resplendent, Original, Antique and Rare, Victorian, Royal Household, Royal Horse Guards Fanfare Trumpet Banner. Not Only A Wondrous Piece of Pomp & Regalia An Object d’Art of Great History.

Rarely seen or available these wondrous pieces of magnificent, British, Royal Household regalia were never made for use other than for royal service within the bodyguard of the reigning British monarch, they are used on horseback or standing on trumpets and in pairs when they fit on the front of both kettle drums . They were and are always made of the finest quality materials, such as silk, purest gold and silver, by craftsmen and women with superlative skill and dedication. When taken from service these wonderful pieces were more often than not hung in churches or cathedrals to commemorate men or officers of the Household Cavalry lost in battle. This banner is composed of crimson silk damask, embroidered with the 1837 Royal Arms of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, in silks, gold and silver bullion wire. Edged with a gold thread fringe. It is now in faded and worn condition as to be expected for a piece of such age and use. The present royal service trumpet banner conforms to the design type first introduced in the reign of Charles II (1660-1685).
The history of the Band of The Life Guards began when King Charles II entered London accompanied by a throng of 20,000 horse and foot on his birthday, 29th May 1660. On this day, commemorated as Oakapple Day in recognition of his escape when a fugitive by hiding in the Boscobel Oak Tree, it is recorded that, at the public entry into London, he was escorted by three troops of The Life Guards each preceded by it's own kettledrummer and four trumpeters. The origins of the Band you hear today derive from this proud occasion. At this time the use of kettledrums and trumpets was confined to the Army and the nobility and, even among the Kings troops. The Life Guards alone had the privilege of using kettledrums. The musicians held warrants of appointment from the King were paid at the rate of five shillings per day. In 1678 they wore uniforms of velvet, silver laced, and their instruments had richly embroidered and trimmed banners, the whole cost defrayed by the King. This is the origin of the State Dress worn to this day by the Band and Trumpeters. The design was based on that of the King?s racing colours and, when Parliament refused to cover the full cost of the Gold Coats, the Lord Mayor of London met the outstanding debt. In recognition of this he is the only person outside the Royal Family for whom Gold Coats are worn.

The Royal Horse Guards were formed in 1661 from cavalry of the former New Model Army and were given the nickname of the Oxford Blues, in recognition of their first colonel, the Earl of Oxford, and to their blue uniforms. It is recorded that from the outset that the Regiment had kettledrummers and trumpeters. In 1661 the Tangier Horse was raised for service on the Mediterranean coast of Africa. By 1702 the Tangier had changed to a Dragon Regiment and evolved to be The Royal Dragoons (1st Dragoons) and had a band consisting of 8 drummers and 8 hautbois (an early form of oboe). Soon after, in 1710, kettledrummers were added and in 1766 the drummers were converted to trumpeters. The Royal Horse Guards (The Blues) had also acquired trumpeters and drummers and in 1805 King George III personally presented a pair of solid silver kettledrums as testimony to their Honourable and Military conduct on all occasions. These kettledrums continue to be used today and can be seen carried and played by the mounted drummer on the Queen's Birthday Parade on Horse Guards. In 1969 The Royal Horse Guards (The Blues) amalgamated with 1st The Royal Dragoons (The Royals) to become The Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons). This banner would have been used in the eras of; First Opium War 1839-1842
First Anglo Marri War 1840
First Anglo-Sikh War 1845-1846
Second Anglo-Burmese War 1852-1853
Crimean War 1853-1856
Anglo-Persian War 1856-1857
Second Opium War 1856-1860
Indian Rebellion 1857
New Zealand land wars 1845-1872
Second Anglo-Sikh War 1848-1849
Second Ashanti War 1863-1864
Bhutan War 1864-1865
Third Ashanti War 1873-1874
Second Anglo-Afghan War 1878?1880
Anglo-Zulu War 1879
Second Anglo Marri War 1880
First Boer War 1880-1881
Third Anglo-Burmese War 1885
Mahdist War 1891-1899
Fourth Ashanti War 1894
Anglo-Zanzibar War 1896 Shortest war in history lasted 38 minutes
Boxer Rebellion 1899-1901
Second Boer War 1899-1902
Framed and glazed in a simple modern gilt frame. It could be so much complimented by a fine antique Georgian or Victorian frame  read more

Code: 22531

A Pair of late Ming to Early Ching Dynasty 16th-17th Century Cavalry Stirrups. A Delightful Pair Of Early Chinese Military Equestrian Historic Artifacts, And Superb Early Decor Pieces That Would Look Amazing In The Right Location Around 500 Years Old

In antiquity, the earliest foot supports consisted of riders placing their feet under a girth or using a simple toe loop. Later, a single stirrup was used as a mounting aid, and paired stirrups appeared after the invention of the treed saddle. The stirrup was invented in China in the first few centuries AD and spread westward through the nomadic peoples of Central Eurasia. The use of paired stirrups is credited to the Chinese Jin Dynasty and came to Europe during the Middle Ages. Some argue that the stirrup was one of the basic tools used to create and spread modern civilization, possibly as important as the wheel or printing press. The stirrup, which gives greater stability to a rider, has been described as one of the most significant inventions in the history of warfare, prior to gunpowder. As a tool allowing expanded use of horses in warfare, the stirrup is often called the third revolutionary step in equipment, after the chariot and the saddle. The basic tactics of mounted warfare were significantly altered by the stirrup. A rider supported by stirrups was less likely to fall off while fighting, and could deliver a blow with a weapon that more fully employed the weight and momentum of horse and rider. Among other advantages, stirrups provided greater balance and support to the rider, which allowed the knight to use a sword more efficiently without falling, especially against infantry adversaries. The Ming Dynasty ruled China from 1368 to 1644 A.D., during which China’s population would double. Known for its trade expansion to the outside world that established cultural ties with the West, the Ming Dynasty is also remembered for its drama, literature and world-renowned porcelain.

RISE OF THE MING DYNASTY

The Ming Dynasty ruled China from 1368 to 1644 A.D., during which China’s population would double. Known for its trade expansion to the outside world that established cultural ties with the West, the Ming Dynasty is also remembered for its drama, literature and world-renowned porcelain.

Ming dynasty founder Emperor Taizu, or Zhu Yuanzhang, was born into poverty, and spent part of his youth wandering the country after his parents died following a series of natural disasters centered around the Yellow River.

The Qing or Ching dynasty, officially the Great Qing, also called the Qing Empire by itself or the Manchu dynasty by foreigners, was the last imperial dynasty of China, established in 1636 and ruling China from 1644 to 1912 with a brief, abortive restoration in 1917. It was preceded by the Ming dynasty and succeeded by the Republic of China. The Qing multi-cultural empire lasted almost three centuries and formed the territorial base for the modern Chinese state. After conquering "China proper", the Manchus identified their state as "China", and referred to it as Dulimbai Gurun in Manchu (Dulimbai means "central" or "middle," gurun means "nation" or "state"). The emperors equated the lands of the Qing state (including present-day Northeast China, Xinjiang, Mongolia, Tibet and other areas) as "China" in both the Chinese and Manchu languages, defining China as a multi-ethnic state, and rejecting the idea that "China" only meant Han areas. The Qing emperors proclaimed that both Han and non-Han peoples were part of "China". They used both "China" and "Qing" to refer to their state in official documents, international treaties (as the Qing was known internationally as "China" or the "Chinese Empire") and foreign affairs, and "Chinese language" (Dulimbai gurun I bithe) included Chinese, Manchu, and Mongol languages, and "Chinese people" referred to all subjects of the empire. In the Chinese-language versions of its treaties and its maps of the world, the Qing government used "Qing" and "China" interchangeably.  read more

Code: 20708

A Very Attractive, Edo Era 17th to 18th Century Samurai's Tetsu Abumi Stirrup, Not Only Functional Equestrian Armour of Great Beauty, They Were Designed To Be Used As Weapons To Kick Out At Foot Samurai While Galloping Past Enemy In Close Combat

This Japanese armour stirrup, is made in the traditional dove's breast (hato mune) shape with an open platform lined with red lacquer, slightly curved forward so that the foot fits in without sliding backwards. In the front extremity the stirrup has a rectangular buckle with several horizontal slots which also serve as a handle.
The whole surface is in ancient russetted iron in the distinctive Higo school style, with a large onlaid most decorative sinchu mount of a bird and various flora.

It has been sent to the workshop for cleaning and conservation and will be photographed again once completed.

It is to be noted as we previously detailed, that these stirrups, due to their weight, were also used as weapons against the enemy infantry samurai and ashigaru. A kick from this by the mounted samurai when riding past a standing samurai at full gallop would smash through even the strongest iron helmet kabuto, resulting in likely instant death. The same effect as hitting any object with a 12 pound steel club hammer at full swing

Abumi, Japanese stirrups, were used in Japan as early as the 5th century, and were a necessary component along with the Japanese saddle (kura) for the use of horses in warfare. Abumi became the type of stirrup used by the samurai class of feudal Japan Early abumi were flat-bottomed rings of metal-covered wood, similar to European stirrups. The earliest known examples were excavated from tombs. Cup-shaped stirrups (tsubo abumi) that enclosed the front half of the rider's foot eventually replaced the earlier design.

During the Nara period, the base of the stirrup which supported the rider's sole was elongated past the toe cup. This half-tongued style of stirrup (hanshita abumi) remained in use until the late Heian period (794 to 1185) when a new stirrup was developed. The fukuro abumi or musashi abumi had a base that extended the full length of the rider's foot and the right and left sides of the toe cup were removed. The open sides were designed to prevent the rider from catching a foot in the stirrup and being dragged.

The military version of this open-sided stirrup, called the shitanaga abumi, was in use by the middle Heian period. It was thinner, had a deeper toe pocket and an even longer and flatter foot shelf. It is not known why the Japanese developed this unique style of stirrup, but this stirrup stayed in use until European style-stirrups were introduced in the late 19th century. The abumi has a distinctive swan-like shape, curved up and backward at the front so as to bring the loop for the leather strap over the instep and achieve a correct balance. Most of the surviving specimens from this period are made entirely of iron, inlaid with designs of silver or other materials, and covered with lacquer. In some cases, there is an iron rod from the loop to the footplate near the heel to prevent the foot from slipping out. The footplates are occasionally perforated to let out water when crossing rivers, and these types are called suiba abumi. There are also abumi with holes in the front forming sockets for a lance or banner. Seieibushi (Elite Samurai)
Traditionally the highest rank among the samurai, these are highly skilled fully-fledged samurai. Most samurai at the level of Seieibushi take on apprentices or Aonisaibushi-samurai as their disciples.

Kodenbushi (Legendary Samurai)
A highly coveted rank, and often seen as the highest attainable position, with the sole exception of the rank of Shogun. These are samurai of tremendous capability, and are regarded as being of Shogun-level. Kodenbushi are hired to accomplish some of the most dangerous international missions. Samurai of Kodenbushi rank are extremely rare, and there are no more than four in any given country.

Daimyo (Lords)
This title translates to 'Big Name' and is given to the heads of the clan.

Shogun (Military Dictator)
The apex of the samurai, the Shogun is the most prestigious rank possible for a samurai. Shoguns are the leaders of their given district, or country, and are regarded as the most powerful samurai.  read more

Code: 23147

Most Scarce French Marine Flintlock M.1786 / An.IX 1800's Carbine. A French Sea Service Carbine of the Napoleonic Ships of the Line. Battle of Trafalgar Service Period. Made Circa 1803-4 Inspected by Joseph Guichard Napoleonic Inpector of Arms St Etienne

A most scarce sea service gun, made by the French imperial arsenals in Belgium. The main difference between this and the standard French Army An IX {year 9} carbine is that the Navy carbine’s centre band was brass and the Army’s was iron, brass not rusting at sea. These carbines were usually issued to sharpshooters manning the upper platforms of French warships, and it might well have been a carbine of this pattern that was used to shoot Admiral Nelson.

This is a version of French M.1786 carbine musket, which was shorter and lighter than the earlier issued pattern.
After some slight modifications, the weapon was distributed to various ships of the line in the Navy, with two brass barrel bands, and to hussar/ cavalry units, the cavalry versions would be supplied with a large sling swivel bar fitted to the near side of the carbine, combined with one steel, and one brass barrel slide. Barrel underside stamped G* by French inspector, Joseph Guichard, his An IX inspector stamp M1786/ Marine garnitures, 1803-5. Guichard was usually based at St. Etienne.

Napoleonic Belgium 1799-1814

Liège was the home of the fourth largest arms manufacturer in Napoleons period known as the 1st Empire. Between 1798 and 1813, the Belgian departments furnished over 200,000 troops and sailors, about 6 percent of the population, for Napoleon's armed forces.

The Battle of Trafalgar, (October 21, 1805), was a naval engagement of the Napoleonic Wars, which established British naval supremacy for more than 100 years; it was fought west of Cape Trafalgar, Spain, between Cádiz and the Strait of Gibraltar. A fleet of 33 ships (18 French and 15 Spanish) under Admiral Pierre de Villeneuve fought a British fleet of 27 ships under Admiral Horatio Nelson.

Nelson was outnumbered, with 27 British ships of the line to 33 allied ships including the largest warship in either fleet, the Spanish Santísima Trinidad. To address this imbalance, Nelson sailed his fleet directly at the allied battle line's flank, hoping to break the line into pieces. Villeneuve had worried that Nelson might attempt this tactic but, for various reasons, had made no plans for this eventuality. The plan worked almost perfectly; Nelson's columns split the Franco-Spanish fleet in three, isolating the rear half from Villeneuve's flag aboard Bucentaure. The allied vanguard sailed off while it attempted to turn around, giving the British temporary superiority over the remainder of their fleet. In the ensuing fierce battle 20 allied ships were lost, while the British lost none.

Nelson's own HMS Victory led the front column and was almost knocked out of action. Nelson was shot by a French musketeer during the battle, and died shortly before it ended. Villeneuve was captured along with his flagship Bucentaure. He attended Nelson's funeral while a captive on parole in Britain. The senior Spanish fleet officer, Admiral Federico Gravina, escaped with the remnant of the Franco-Spanish fleet (a third of the original number of ships); he died five months later of wounds sustained during the battle.

The victory confirmed the naval supremacy Britain had established during the course of the eighteenth century, and was achieved in part through Nelson's departure from prevailing naval tactical orthodoxy.  read more

Code: 25206

A Good And Most Scarce Napoleonic Wars Regimentally Marked East Prussian Life Grenadier 'Guard' Regt. Rifle Musket

Marked on the butt tang a weapon number, or possibly a company number,12, then L.St B., likely the Lieb Stabawache Bat. {Life {Grenadier} Guard Staff Battalion}.

Regulation 133 cm long overall, with a rifled barrel and three steel barrel bands in 1809 the barrel bands were often made from steel instead of brass to save costs. Good flintlock action, superb patination overall and good stock.

Life Grenadier Battalion (Leib-Grenadier-Bataillon)
fought in over 21 battles during the Napoleonic Wars including: in 1807 -
Verteidg,
Colberg,
Sellnow,
Ausfallgefechte and
Wolfsburg.
1813 - Groß-Görschen,
Bautzen,
Katzbach,
Naumburg,
Hochkirch,
Reichenbach,
Bischofswerda,
Hänichen,
Möckern,
Freiburg and Hörselberg,
1814 - Montmirail,
Château Thierry,
Laon,
Trilport and Paris.

And an army of 50,000 Prussians fought at Waterloo under Blucher, and this musket’s user was thus likely attached to this army, possibly one of the 8,000 Prussians that were lost on the field of combat.

Historically, the Prussian army went through a radical reorganisation following Napoleon’s downfall in 1814. In October of that year the six existing grenadier battalions became two regiments and, as a mark of respect, the King of Prussia named these regiments after his allies, Czar Alexander of Russia and Emperor Francis of Austria. The Kaiser Alexander Grenadier Regiment was formed of the 1st and 2nd East Prussian battalions and the Life; the Kaiser Franz regiment was formed of men from the Pomeranian, West Prussian and Silesian battalions.

Prussia's catastrophic defeat at the hands of Napoleon in 1806-07 reduced the once-proud kingdom to an abject vassal of the Emperor of the French. The Prussian Army had been practically destroyed: At the twin battles of Jena and Auerstedt alone (14 October 1806) 38,000 Prussian troops were killed, wounded or captured, and more than 300 colors and standards were lost. Thus when the work of military reconstruction began in 1807 many regiments had to be rebuilt from scratch. The military reformers under General Gerhard von Scharnhorst consolidated the remaining units, renumbering many regiments in the process. A Prussian infantry regiment was now to be composed of two musketeer battalions, one fusilier battalion and two grenadier companies. The latter, however, were detached to form composite grenadier battalions, each four companies strong. Later these independent battalions were consolidated into two grenadier regiments, titled in honor of the Austrian and Russian Emperors. The line infantry regiments acquired territorial titles reflective of their recruiting areas. Infantry Regiment Nr. 1, for example, became Infantry Regiment Nr. 1 (East Prussian Nr. 1). The infantry of the Royal Guard, in 1806 consisting of the Liebgarde Regiment (Nr. 15, two battalions) and the Lieb Grenadier Battalion (Nr. 6), was also reconstituted, at first as a single regiment of Foot Guards. By 1815 there were two, along with a Guard light infantry battalion and a Guard rifle battalion. The 2nd Foot Guards Regiment was formed by amalgamating the Guard Grenadier Battalion with two battalions drafted in from the line; the latter continued to carry the colours of their old regiments. The two Guard regiments were organised like the line infantry, with two musketeer battalions, a fusilier battalion and two grenadier companies. The latter were detached to form the Lieb Grenadier Battalion. The last photo in the gallery shows a photograph of one section of the collection in the museum of Waterloo, taken in around 1900, showing all the weapons of Waterloo en situ, including all the protagonists {British, French, Prussian and Belgian muskets, swords, pistols, armour uniforms, etc}. The museum was founded and owned by a veteran of the 7th Hussars that fought at Waterloo.  read more

Code: 24731

Recently Arrived And You May Never See Another Like it! An Incredibly Rare And Immensely Desirable Original Collectors Item For Machine Gun Collectors. A 1938 Dated Mauser, WW2 German MG 34 Machine Gunners Tool Kit. Complete and Mint

Naturally, an unfamiliar reader may find it incredible that a tool kit could be so valuable, but this, is for very, very, dedicated collectors of rare German WW2 militaria, and it is a once in a lifetime opportunity in the UK. Fortunately there are still some German WW2 collectables that are are still readily affordable, but some pieces, of great rarity, are prized beyond pearls

A Near mint MG-34 machine gun armourer’s kit with can dated "1938" and in original camouflage paint. Kit includes handles, files, pliers, calipers, spanner for MG-34, and adjustable wrench as manufactured by Mauser, as well as punches, portable vice and broken shell extractor. Some of the original paper packaging remains. These kits occasionally surface but are seldom if ever found in as complete and near mint a condition as this fantastic specimen.

Exceptional conditional throughout with little or no apparent use. Metal tools retain a light coating of preservative oil with original paint flaking at some of the high points. Just about as nice as can be possibly found. This is an absolutely tremendous find for the German WWII machine gun enthusiast. This is a museum piece of a rarity that cannot be over stated

We have only ever seen one near like it, and that sold at Murphy’s Auction in the States for $7,800 last year, after an astonishing bidding war.

It also includes a rare debris protection cover, in rubber, to put over the end of the muzzle of the MG34, and, two pretty rare original SS issue Frostschutzsalbe tin (anti-frostbite ointment), finished in red with impressed white lettering. The lid reads: “Frostschutzsalbe / Wehrkreissanitätspark VII / München / SS-Packung”; translates as “Anti-frostbite ointment / Army District Medical Depot VII / Munich / SS-Package.”
The ointment was supplied to frontline SS and Wehrmacht troops operating in extreme winter conditions, particularly on the Eastern Front, where frostbite was a major cause of casualties. These tins were distributed as part of cold-weather kits and personal medical issue. however, they were also used as a lubricant for the gun in minus 30 degrees and below.
One tin is large the other small. They remain sealed and cannot be opened, so it is not possible to confirm whether any of the original salve remains inside.

Frostbite was a critical threat to German forces during the harsh winters of the Eastern Front campaign. The German medical service issued frostbite salves and protective creams in small tins such as this, designed to fit easily into pockets or pouches. The reference to Wehrkreissanitätspark VII (Munich) identifies the regional medical supply depot responsible for production and distribution.
SS-marked examples are notably scarcer than standard Wehrmacht issue, reflecting both their restricted distribution and the relatively low survival rate of consumable medical supplies after the war.


Tool kit case dimensions: 14 - 1/2" X 3 - 1/2" X 7"  read more

Code: 26164

A Good Imperial German Artillery Officer's Sabre With Deluxe Lion Head Pommel Hilt, Lioness Quillon End and Embossed Oak Leaf & Acorn Pattern Design Throughout With Crossed Cannon Quillon.

Designed for use in WW1 but used into WW2 by senior officers that served in both wars, and were thus reluctant to use the later 'Nazified' sword patterns of WW2. Old school German officers {especially Naval Officers} were far more reluctant to display an affiliation to their Third Reich masters, than the new breed of younger officers.

In the gallery we show a 1940 photograph of German general (later field marshal) Ewald von Kleist (1881-1954). Kleist notably commanded a panzer division in Operation Barbarossa in the Second World War (1939-45). In the photo he is holding his exact same Imperial German WW1 sword version.

The blade in its working life has had a blade repair in the mid section.

The German artillery was categorized either as field artillery (Feldartillerie) – which also included the horse artillery (Reitende Artillerie) – or as foot artillery (Fußartillerie), which manned the army’s heavy artillery, howitzers and mortars. The horse artillery was intended for employment with cavalry divisions and the field artillery with infantry divisions. In 1913, the field artillery’s peacetime establishment consisted of 3,523 officers, 325 medical officers, 315 veterinary officers, 529 paymasters and assistant paymasters, 101 bandmasters, 214 artificers, 14,181 NCOs and 72,180 other ranks, with 57,327 horses. These personnel manned 3,732 guns and light field howitzers, with a further 54 guns designated for training use. All field artillery training and development was the responsibility of an inspector of field artillery.

The second category of artillery was the foot artillery, and in 1913 its peacetime establishment included 1,332 officers, 82 medical officers, 35 veterinary officers, 129 paymasters and assistant paymasters, 25 bandmasters, 50 artificers, 5,322 NCOs and 28,002 other ranks, with 3,391 horses. Training and development for all of the Prussian foot artillery regiments was the responsibility of an inspector of foot artillery, his inspectorate being organized as three sub-inspectorates. However, in peacetime the Bavarian ministry of war retained a measure of responsibility for the efficiency and preparation of the Bavarian artillery regiments for war.

One glass eye lacking.  read more

Code: 26179

Openwork Iron Tsuba With A Pair of Dragons and Golden Nunome-Zogan Decor. Japanese Early 17th Century

Japanese sword hilt (tsuba) in cut iron and damascened with gold (nunome-zogan). The metal is finely carved with dragons chasing the sacred pearl in the Namban style. The pearl is pierced and contains a small mobile ball which today comes out of its housing (see photos). Japanese work from the early 17th century Edo period.

Nanban tsuba (Southern Barbarian sword guards) are 16th to 19th-century Japanese sword fittings characterized by foreign, non-traditional designs, primarily featuring intricate iron openwork (sukashi), beaded rims, and Chinese or European motifs. Originating from trade with foreign ships, these often-lavish guards were produced in China or by the Dutch East India Company and adapted for Japanese swords.
"Nanban" means "Southern Barbarian," a term used during the Edo period to describe foreigners—specifically Portuguese, Spanish, and Dutch traders—who arrived by sea.
While the name implies Western influence, most designs actually show strong Chinese influence.

They are usually made of iron, featuring complex openwork (carved in relief or pierced), undercutting, and often feature "small balls" trapped in small compartments that can move. Common motifs include dragons chasing flaming pearls, foreign letters (like "VOC" for the Dutch East India Company), and arabesque designs.
Initial pieces were likely imported from China or Southeast Asia through Nagasaki from the late 16th century onwards.
Japanese craftsmen began copying these styles. They often added specific features for Japanese swords, such as the hitsu-ana (holes for the utility knife/hairpin) and modifying the nakago-ana (tang hole).
The Yagami School: Based in Nagasaki, this school specialized in this style during the 18th century, famous for intricate ironwork featuring Chinese-style dragons and, notably, "1000 monkey" designs.
Although foreign-influenced, they were popular among samurai as fashionable, often heavily gilded or inlaid with gold/silver. They were sometimes used to subtly showcase hidden religious preferences (e.g., small crosses) during the prohibition of Christianity

Nanban-style carvers in Yamashiro (modern-day Kyoto) refers to 18th-century Japanese metalworkers, specifically tsuba (sword guard) makers, who adopted foreign design elements—primarily Chinese, but also Portuguese and Dutch influences—into their craft.

These artisans are known for producing Nanban Tsuba (Southern Barbarian sword guards), which often feature intricate, openwork (sukashi) designs, such as dragons, vines, and lion-like figures, usually on an iron ground.
They utilized gold or silver nunome-zōgan (inlay) to highlight designs, frequently carving on a cross-hatched background to create a textured, luxurious, or exotic look.
While Nanban-style items were often associated with Nagasaki, Kyoto-based makers (Yamashiro) were known for producing higher-quality, more sophisticated, and detailed versions, often with better-finished carvings.
Connection to Heianjo School: Some of these designs are categorized alongside Heianjo-style Tsuba, which were established in Yamashiro and known for combining iron with brass inlays.

These carvers operated during the Edo period (1603–1868), with peak production of these refined, domestically made Nanban pieces occurring around the 18th century.


Size 72x5mm Good condition.  read more

Code: 26169