A Superb Original Waterloo Recovered Souvenir '6 Pounder ' Royal Artillery Cannon Ball Fired at La Haye Sainte During The Battle, Recovered From The Farm

Napoleonic Wars cannon ball recovered from a Waterloo excavation well over 190 years ago. One of three we just acquired that were brought back from Waterloo to England over 190 years ago, the first was sold by us recently.

At the Battle of Waterloo, the British Royal Artillery deployed 6-pounder cannons, from which this ball was fired, a relatively light artillery piece that fired a 6-pound (approximately 2.7 kg) solid iron ball. These cannons, introduced in 1793, were crucial for supporting cavalry charges and were easier to manoeuvre than heavier guns.

The 6-pounder was designed to provide lighter, yet still effective, artillery support to the cavalry and infantry.
Ammunition:
They fired various types of ammunition, including round shot (solid iron balls), canister shot (a type of scatter shot), and spherical case shot (a type of shell).
The effective range of the 6-pounder with round shot was around 800-900 yards (732-823 metres), though it could reach up to 1700 yards (1554 metres).
The cannonballs were devastating, capable of inflicting serious injury and damage to both men and horses.

At Waterloo, the 6-pounders were primarily used by the Royal Horse Artillery and some field artillery units, with variations in the types of 6-pounders used.
Captured at Waterloo:
Some French 6-pounder cannons were also captured by the British as trophies of war.
La Haye Sainte:
The strategic farmhouse of La Haye Sainte was a focal point of fighting, where the 6-pounder was used extensively.

We show in the gallery a photo of a Waterloo cannon ball embedded in a cemetery wall, from Waterloo Relics by Bernard & Lechaux

Another identical cannon ball is now in the National Army Museum, see gallery.
NAM Accession Number
NAM. 1999-05-8-1

Every single item from The Lanes Armoury, Britain's famous, favourite, and oldest original Armoury Antique store, is accompanied by our unique Certificate of Authenticity. Part of our continued dedication to maintain the standards forged by us over the past 100 years of our family’s trading, and thus, it is a lifetime guarantee.  read more

Code: 25987

A Superb, Original, Napoleonic Wars, Peninsular Campaign, Siege of Badajoz, 1812, French 8" Explosive Type Howitzer Ball. Used In the Defence of Badajoz. In Fabulous Condition For Age

A large and most impressive hollow iron mortar ball weighing around 30lb. In superb excavated condition, but as it was barely in the usually dry ground {a missfire as it failed to explode} for 15 years or so, it has only basic surface wear. Brought back to England in the 1820's from Badajoz, found during a 'Grand Tour' of Spanish, Napoleonic Wars, Peninsular Campaign battle sites.

The gun crews were composed of 5 men. In 1808, one 6 inch mortar type, with a 3 men crew was added to the list. There was also an 8 inch mortar, outside the Gribeauval system. For these calibres, the bombs could be loaded by one single man and the hooks were not needed.

The 8-inch howitzer was classified as a heavier piece used for siege and fortress artillery.
Consequently, the 8-inch howitzer was primarily deployed during the sieges of strongholds and fortified towns during the Napoleonic Wars, both for defensive, and, offensive barrages.
Specific examples of battles or campaigns where French siege artillery, including 8-inch howitzers, would have been used include:
The Siege of Zaragoza (1809)
The Siege of Badajoz (1812), where grenades (also fired from howitzers) were used as a defensive weapon alongside the large 8" Howitzer balls
The Siege of Tarragona (1811)
The Siege of Cadiz (1810-1812), where 9-inch and 11-inch howitzers (a later innovation) were also used
In the field, Napoleon favored mobility and speed, which led to the extensive use of the lighter 4-, 8-, and 12-pounder cannons and the 6-inch howitzer, often employed in "grand batteries" to concentrate devastating fire on specific points of the enemy line. The 8-inch howitzer, being heavier and less mobile, was not suited for regular mobile field warfare and was usually reserved for more static siege operations.

The French garrison at the Siege of Badajoz in 1812 did not make significant use of howitzers in an offensive capacity, but, records indicate they possessed and used howitzers considerably in a defensive role, particularly for firing shells and grapeshot from the ramparts and in sorties against the British and Portuguese infantry assaults. The british assaults were performed by the volunteer men known as the 'Folorn Hope'
A forlorn hope is a band of soldiers or other combatants chosen to take the vanguard in a military operation, such as a suicidal assault through the breach of a defended position, or the first men to climb a scaling ladder against a defended fortification, or a rearguard, to be expended to save a retreating army, where the risk of casualties is high. Such men were volunteers motivated by the promise of reward or promotion, or men under punishment offered pardon for their offenses, if they survived.
:
Defensive Use: The French, under the command of General Philippon, were well-equipped with various types of artillery for the city's defense. They used their guns and these howitzers to inflict heavy casualties on the British and Portuguese besiegers during the construction of siege trenches and during the final assault on the breaches.
Eyewitness accounts from earlier sieges (e.g., May 1811) specifically mention the French bringing a "Royal Howitzer" out to the area of the Picurina hill during a sortie to fire shells into the allied camps, demonstrating their use of this type of ordnance.

By the time of the final British assault in April 1812, the French garrison was running short of ammunition for their heavy guns and howitzers, which forced them to be economical with their fire to save what they had for the final resistance. This would have limited the overall use of howitzers during the latter stages of the siege.
Defenses at Breaches: During the final assault, the French used a variety of measures to defend the breaches, including explosives, harrows, and chevaux de frise, alongside heavy musket and artillery fire from the ramparts and retrenchments.
In essence, French howitzers were a component of the city's overall defensive artillery, used for firing explosive shells and other close-range ammunition against the besiegers' lines and attacking columns.

Colin Campbell leading the 'Forlorn Hope' in the assault, a painting by William Barnes Wollen

I9th century painting of the Siege of Badajoz in the gallery showing very clearly the trajectory and explosive power of the Howitzers used by both the British and French forces at the same time during the assault.

French Bronze Howitzer photos By PHGCOM - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5283907

The cast iron ball is empty thus perfectly inert and safe.  read more

Code: 25984

A Beautiful & Impressive Shinto Period Long Samurai Tanto Circa 1650

In all original Edo period fittings, including a pair of dragon menuki underneath original Edo two colour striped tsuka-ito, a flying goose in iron Higo fuchi complimented with a carved buffalo horn kashira, a super tsuba in iron with a takebori dragon around half of the edge to match the menuki. Original Edo lacquer saya in black ishime [stone finish] inset with an original Edo Kogatana utility knife, of a fine Oni demon tokebori kozuka on a nakago ground of patinated copper, the demon has a pure gold decorated sash onlaid. The habaki [blade collar] is finely and deeply chiselled at the botom half with a plain contrasting top half. The hira-zukuri blade is beautifully polished with a very clear and well defined deep notare hamon. The whole tanto is very attractive indeed, and all of the fittings, wrap tsuka and saya have been likely completely untouched or restored in around 150 years. The tanto is commonly referred to as a samurai's knife or dagger. The blade can be single or double edged [this one is single edged] with a length between 15 and 30 cm (6-12 inches, in Japanese 1 shaku). The tanto was designed primarily as a stabbing weapon, but the edge can be used for slashing as well. Tanto are generally forged in hira-zukuri style (without ridgeline), meaning that their sides have no ridge line and are nearly flat, unlike the shinogi-zukuri structure of a katana. Some tanto have particularly thick cross-sections for armour-piercing duty, and are called yoroi toshi. The tanto was invented partway through the Heian period. With the beginning of the Kamakura period, tanto were forged to be more aesthetically pleasing, and hira and uchi-sori tanto becoming the most popular styles. Near the middle of the Kamakura period, more tanto artisans were seen, increasing the abundance of the weapon, and the kanmuri-otoshi style became prevalent in the cities of Kyoto and Yamato. Because of the style introduced by the tachi in the late Kamakura period, tanto began to be forged longer and wider. The introduction of the Hachiman faith became visible in the carvings in the hilts around this time. The hamon (line of temper) is similar to that of the tachi, except for the absence of choji-midare, which is nioi and utsuri. Gunomi-midare and suguha are found to have taken its place.

During the era of the Northern and Southern Courts, the tanto were forged to be up to forty centimetres as opposed to the normal one shaku (about thirty centimetres) length. The blades became thinner between the uri and the omote, and wider between the ha and mune. At this point in time, two styles of hamon were prevalent: the older style, which was subtle and artistic, and the newer, more popular style. With the beginning of the Muromachi period, constant fighting caused the greater production of blades. Blades that were custom-forged still were of exceptional quality. As the end of the period neared, the average blade narrowed and the curvature shallowed Overall 21.25 inches long, blade 12 inches [1 shaku] long tsuba to tip.  read more

Code: 23041

A Superb, Gendaito, Japanese Traditionally Hand Made Officer's Katana By A Famous Gendaito Sword Maker, & Signed Ichihara Ichiryushi Nagamitsu, With His Kakihan, and Silver Clan Kamon Of the Fujii

In excellent condition overall, the signed blade bearing the smiths signature with his personal kakihan at the bottom of his name. A kakihan is a rarely seen feature that is a personal symbol for the smith, that can either take the form of a chisel engraved kanji on the nakago or a seal stamp, at the base of the tang, beneath the signature, this is a rare and exclusive personal identification mark. One can see it clearly in the photo of the signature on the blade in the gallery, it is the last kanji at the bottom beneath his name. Kakihan can also be found used by tsuba makers. The blade shows a very fine hamon and is in original superb polish, and all the traditional WW2 sword fittings are very good plus. Metal saya covered in combat leather. The tsuka bears a very good silver kanji clan kamon crest, of the Fujii family of traditional samurai.

Nagamitsu is one of the most famous names in the history of Japanese swords. There have been various swordsmiths named Nagamitsu who worked from the mid 1200’s through the 1940’s. The most famous of them worked in Bizen, although swordsmiths by this name are recorded as having worked in Satsuma, Yamato, Yamashiro and other locations.

Ichihara Ichiryushi Nagamitsu worked during the Showa Era in the 1930’s and 1940’s. He was the one of the famous gendaito smiths who was often thought to be the so-called Director of Okayama Prison, and who men under his control to make fine gendaito known as Emura swords. However, some now believe this is not the case.

It has been established that Nagamitsu was a participant in the first Army Shinsakuto Exhibition held in 1944, in which he entered under the name of Ichihara Nagamitsu. Nagamitsu resided in Okayama and is mentioned in the Tosho Zensho by Shimizu which lists him as a Rikugun Jumei Tosho (Army approved swordsmith) and as a member of the Rikugun Gunto Gijutsu Tenrankai. He was awarded the Kaicho-sho prize at a sword competition held by Riku-gun Gunto Sho-rei Kai before the war.

Some Nagamitsu blades will have a small, faint “saka” stamp on the nakago or nakago-mune. This indicates a blade made for the Osaka Rikugun Zoheisho (Osaka Army Arsenal). Several smiths including Ichihara Nagamitsu, Gassan Sadakatsu, Kawano Sadashige and Kosaka Masayoshi made blades for the Osaka Rikugun Zoheisho.

Swordsman Saruta Mitsuhiro, head of the Musashi Dojo Ryuseika of Osaka, used a blade made by Ishiryushi Nagamitsu to perform kabutowari (helmet cutting). The blade successfully cut several centimeters into the iron plate helmet without sustaining significant damage, thus demonstrating the excellent quality and resilience of Nagamitsu’s swords.
This hand forged katana is a finest quality Gendaito, made by a Kaicho-sho prize winning swordsmith  read more

Code: 25370

A Rare and Very Fine WW1 German Sniper's Scharfschutzengewehr Optical Scope. Some Of The Best & Most Desirable Sniper Scopes Are 20th Century Fine German Examples Such As This

WW1 German Sniper Optical Scope, steel body scope with bracket fittings to the lower section. Top focusing mount is maker marked “Rudiger & Bischoff Braunschweig”. Remains of the blued finish. Optics remain clear. Photo in the gallery of German snipers in WW1 and a cabinet of original snipers kit, including the rifle and sniper site, in the Imperial War Museum. During World War I, snipers appeared as deadly sharpshooters in the trenches. At the start of the war, only Imperial Germany had troops that were issued scoped sniper rifles. Although sharpshooters existed on all sides, the Germans specially equipped some of their soldiers with scoped rifles that could pick off enemy soldiers showing their heads out of their trench. At first the French and British believed such hits to be coincidental hits, until the German scoped rifles were discovered. During World War I, the German army received a reputation for the deadliness and efficiency of its snipers, partly because of the high-quality lenses that German industry could manufacture.

During the First World War, the static movement of trench warfare and a need for protection from snipers created a requirement for loopholes both for discharging firearms and for observation. Often a steel plate was used with a "key hole", which had a rotating piece to cover the loophole when not in use.Imperial German Scharfschutzengewehr (Sharpshooters rifle in German) Model 1898 sniper rifle in 7.92x57 or more commonly known as 8mm Mauser. At the beginning of World War 1 no country had a "sniper program" as we know it today. Germany in 1915 outfitted the most experienced marksmen (typically pre-war game wardens and poachers) with specially selected factory rifles and equiped them with optical hunting sights. These early telescopic sights usually consisted of 2.5x, 3x and 4x power, produced by manufactures like Görtz, Gérard, Oige, Zeiss, Hensoldt, Voigtländer Rudiger & Bischoff and various civilian models from manufacturers like Bock, Busch and Füss. These rifles were standard 1898 Military Model which held exceptionaly high accuracy at the factory. They were fitted with a Model 1898AZ carbine bolt and optic and issued to an individual Soldier (Soldat) instead of a unit. Due to the very high usage of steel armor piercing ammunition the barrels were rapidly erroded and the life span for accuracy was between 1000-2500 rounds, often less, before having to be replaced. Soon the British army began to train their own snipers in specialized sniper schools. Major Hesketh Hesketh-Prichard was given formal permission to begin sniper training in 1915, and founded the First Army School of Sniping, Observation, and Scouting at Linghem in France in 1916. Starting with a first class of only six, in time he was able to lecture to large numbers of soldiers from different Allied nations, proudly proclaiming in a letter that his school was turning out snipers at three times the rate of any such other school in the world.

He also devised a metal-armoured double loophole that would protect the sniper observer from enemy fire. The front loophole was fixed, but the rear was housed in a metal shutter sliding in grooves. Only when the two loopholes were lined up—a one-to-twenty chance—could an enemy shoot between them. Another innovation was the use of a dummy head to find the location of an enemy sniper. The papier-mâché figures were painted to resemble soldiers to draw sniper fire. Some were equipped with rubber surgical tubing so the dummy could "smoke" a cigarette and thus appear realistic. Holes punched in the dummy by enemy sniper bullets then could be used for triangulation purposes to determine the position of the enemy sniper, who could then be attacked with artillery fire. He developed many of the modern techniques in sniping, including the use of spotting scopes and working in pairs, and using Kim's Game to train observational skills. An original complete Imperial German Scharfschutzengewehr (Sharpshooters rifle in German) Model 1898 GEW98 rifle, with its scope, just as this one, can now fetch over $11,000.  read more

Code: 23342

A Scarce Infanterie Seitengewehr Model 1871 Mauser Rifle Bayonet With Full Regimental Markings to Sword and Scabbard

The Mauser Model 1871 adopted as the Gewehr 71 or Infanterie-Gewehr 71, or "Infantry Rifle 71" ("I.G.Mod.71" was stamped on the rifles themselves) was the first rifle model in a distinguished line designed and manufactured by Paul Mauser and Wilhelm Mauser of the Mauser company and later mass-produced at Spandau arsenal.

Irish Republicans imported some 1,500 single-shot 1871 Mausers in the Howth gun-running for the nationalist militia called the Irish Volunteers in 1914. They were used in action by the Volunteers in the Easter Rising of 1916, the rebellion aimed at ending British rule in Ireland which began the Irish War of Independence. The 1871 Mauser became known in Ireland as the "Howth Mauser"  read more

Code: 24977

A Fine 1802 Tower of London New Land Pattern ‘G.R.Crown’ Lock Napoleonic Wars Light Dragoon Trooper's Flintlock Pistol. Used From The Peninsular War To The Battle of Waterloo Period.

Excellent walnut stock with original patina, numerous Board of Ordnance inspection stamps and crown stamps, crown G inspection stamp to stock. Traces of large GR crown stamp to lock face plus inspection stamp. Stock stamp as well. All fine brass fittings and captive ramrod. In original flintlock with rolling frizzen, and made at the Tower of London and used by the front line British Cavalry regiments during the Peninsular War, War of 1812, and the Hundred Days War, culminating at Waterloo. One would have to go a long way and for a considerable time to find another example in as good condition and as good quality as this one. Introduced in the 1796 and in production by 1802, the New land Cavalry Pistol provided one model of pistol for all of Britain's light cavalry and horse artillery. Another new element was the swivel ramrod which greatly improved the process of loading the pistol on horseback.
The service of British Cavalry regiments, particularly the Light Dragoons, proved essential in the mastery of the Indian Subcontinent. The Duke of Wellington, then Arthur Wellesley, was primarily recognized for his military genius by his battles in India. Of particular note was the Battle of Assaye in 1803 where the 6000 British faced a Mahratta Army of at least 40,000. During the engagement the 19th Light Dragoons saved the 74th Regiment by charging the enemy guns 'like a torrent that had burst its banks'. Pistols firing and sabre slashing, the 19th broke the enemy's position and the day was won. 19th Light Dragoons gained "Assaye" as a battle honour, and the nickname "Terrors of the East". The 19th Light Dragoons eventually served in North America during the War of 1812 and so did this form of pistol. Cavalry was the 'shock' arm, with lance and saber the principal hand weapons. The division between 'heavy' and light was very marked during Wellington's time: 'heavy' cavalry were huge men on big horses, 'light' cavalry were more agile troopers on smaller mounts who could harass as well as shock.

During the Napoleonic Wars, French cavalry was unexcelled. Later as casualties and the passage of years took their toll, Napoleon found it difficult to maintain the same high standards of cavalry performance. At the same time, the British and their allies steadily improved on their cavalry, mainly by devoting more attention to its organization and training as well as by copying many of the French tactics, organization and methods. During the Peninsular War, Wellington paid little heed to the employment of cavalry in operations, using it mainly for covering retreats and chasing routed French forces. But by the time of Waterloo it was the English cavalry that smashed the final attack of Napoleon's Old Guard. As with all our antique guns no license is required as they are all unrestricted antique collectables  read more

Code: 23349

A Rare Early 'Long Eared' German WW1 'Butcher' Bayonet S98/05 o.S. (ohne Sage} with Leather and Steel Scabbard and Frog Belt Mount. By Simson & Co. Suhl.

WW1 issue date and Imperial German inspection stamped and dated 1915. Made by Simson & Co.of Suhl. Original brown leather frog {small split at the frog button opening}

Designed to fit the Mauser Gew 98 rifle. The Seitengewehr 98/05 was introduced into the the Prussian army in late 1905, as a replacement for the 98/02 for engineers and pioneer troops, as the 98/02 was deemed to long and heavy for it's intended purpose. Initial production was in two versions, the first plain backed, and the second with 29 double teeth. The earliest scabbard was leather with steel throat and chape mounts, later changed to all steel that was better for trench warfare combat. The bayonet as typical of German blades did not have more than a vestigial muzzle ring, relying on the length of the hilt mounting to fix the blade to its rifle. The plain back version was identified as the S98/05 or S98/05 o.S. (ohne Sage - without saw) and the saw back as the S98/05 S or m.S. (mit Sage - with saw).

The Western Front became so fixed primarily because of a lopsided revolution in military tactics and technology. Simply put, advances in offensive warfare had not developed at the same rate as those in defensive warfare. In the early years of World War I, a force could protect itself with barbed wire, stationary machine guns, and rapid-fire artillery, but it could attack only with infantry armed with bolt-action rifles. This lack of parity between an attacker and a defender meant that new offensives rarely succeeded and almost always resulted in enormous casualties. The war in the west therefore settled into a prolonged stretch of trench warfare in which neither side could gain a clear advantage.

The overall condition is very good Overall 20.5 inches long, blade length 14.5 inches.

The bayonet release button, works , but it is very stiff.  read more

Code: 25990

A Most Scarce German, 'Extra Long' Mauser WW1 Regimental Issue Pattern 1898, "Neuer Art" Sword Bayonet used From the Invasion of Belgium & France in August 1914 181st Royal Saxon Infantry. By Simson & Co. Suhl.

The term "181st Royal Saxon Infantry" Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 181, an Imperial German Army regiment that existed from 1900 to 1919 and fought in World War I, particularly on the Western Front. Its battles are a part of the larger conflict, rather than being associated with a distinct historical regiment of that number in earlier Saxon armies. The regiment was part of the XIX (2nd Royal Saxon) Army Corps, which saw action in the Battle of the Frontiers.
World War I (1914–1918)
Battle of the Frontiers: The XIX (2nd Royal Saxon) Army Corps, which included Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 181, was involved in the early stages of the war, fighting in the Battles of the Frontiers.
Western Front: The regiment's service was primarily on the Western Front, operating as part of the 88th Infantry Brigade within the XIX Corps.

Battle of the Frontiers, collective name for the first great clashes on the Western Front of World War I, which occurred from August 4 to September 6, 1914. The term Battle of the Frontiers encompasses the initial battles fought along the eastern frontier of France and in southern Belgium shortly after the beginning of the war that resulted in a series of stunning German victories and Allied retreats. The advance continued until the First Battle of the Marne (September 6–12), when a successful French and British counteroffensive along the Marne River near Paris, aided by 600 Parisian taxis that carried additional French troops to the front, finally halted the massive German advance, thwarting German plans for a quick and total victory on the Western Front and setting the stage for the years of trench warfare to come. These collective clashes can been seen as the largest battle in human history up to that time, with a total of more than two million troops involved in the fighting.

Losses: Allied, more than 200,000 casualties of 1,500,000; German, unknown of 1,450,000.

The Western Front became so fixed primarily because of a lopsided revolution in military tactics and technology. Simply put, advances in offensive warfare had not developed at the same rate as those in defensive warfare. In the early years of World War I, a force could protect itself with barbed wire, stationary machine guns, and rapid-fire artillery, but it could attack only with infantry armed with bolt-action rifles. This lack of parity between an attacker and a defender meant that new offensives rarely succeeded and almost always resulted in enormous casualties. The war in the west therefore settled into a prolonged stretch of trench warfare in which neither side could gain a clear advantage.  read more

Code: 25991

A Superb WW2 Ghurkha's Kukri Combat Knife "Ayo Gorkali" The Gurkha Battle Call "The Gurkhas Are Coming!" Field Marshall Manekshaw once said, " If someone says he does not fear death, then he is either telling a lie or he is a Gurkha".

The Gukhas are the finest and bravest, combat soldiers in the world, with legendary loyalty to the British Crown. In military type black leather over wood scabbard, however, the scabbard has separated in to two, as was originally made, and now in a poor state of preservation {but an amateur wood worker might well restore it nicely}.

When worn in combat it would normally be in a khaki canvas cover. Superb tempered steel blade, with numerous defensive combat cuts on the back edge, and carved buffalo horn grip and brass ovoid pommel capped hilt with brass banding. Overall the kukri is in nice used in combat condition.

Field Marshall Sam Manekshaw once said, " If someone says he does not fear death, then he is either telling a lie or he is a Gurkha". On 12/13 May 1945 at Taungdaw, Burma now Myanmar, Rifleman Lachhiman Gurung VC was manning the most forward post of his platoon which bore the brunt of an attack by at least 200 of the Japanese enemy. Twice he hurled back grenades which had fallen on his trench, but the third exploded in his right hand, blowing off his fingers, shattering his arm and severely wounding him in the face, body and right leg. His two comrades were also badly wounded but the rifleman, now alone and disregarding his wounds, loaded and fired his rifle with his left hand for four hours, calmly waiting for each attack which he met with fire at point blank range. Afterwards, when the casualties were counted, it is reported that there were 31 dead Japanese around his position which he had killed, with only one arm.In the Falklands War in 1982 the Argentinians abandoned Mount William without a fight simply because the enemy forces advancing towards them were the 2nd Battalion, 7th Ghurka Rifles. The blade shape descended from the classic Greek sword of Kopis, which is about 2500 years old. The Kukri is the renown and famous weapon of the Nepalese Gurkha. Probably the most respected and feared warriors in the world, the Gurkhas of Nepal have fought in the Gurkha regiments of the British Army for around two centuries. With a degree of loyalty and dedication that is legendary, there is no greater soldier to be at one's side when in battle than the noble Gurkha. With a Kukri in his hand and the battle cry called, "Ayo Gorkhali!" "the Gurkhas are coming!", no foe's head was safe on his shoulders. Battle hardened German Infantry in WW1, or in WW2, the notorious Japanese Shock Troops, have both been known to tremble in their boots at the knowledge that they would be facing the Gurkhas in battle. Some of the most amazing feats of heroism have resulted in the most revered medal, the British Victoria Cross the world's greatest and most difficult to qualify for gallantry medal being awarded to Ghurkas.
Some say it originated from a form of knife first used by the Mallas who came to power in Nepal in the 13th Century. There are some Khukuris displaying on the walls of National Museum at Chhauni in Kathmandu which are 500 years old or even older, among them, one that once belonged to Drabya Shah, the founder king of the kingdom of Gorkha, in 1627 AD. But, some say that the Khukuri's history is possibly centuries older this. It is suggested that the Khukuri was first used by Kiratis who came to power in Nepal before Lichchhavi age, in about the 7th Century. In the hands of an experienced wielder Khukuri or Kukri is about as formidable a weapon as can be conceived. Like all really good weapons, Khukuri's or Kukri's efficiency depends much more upon skill than the strength of the wielder. And thus so that it happens, that a diminutive Gurkha, a mere boy in regards to his stature, could easily cut to pieces a gigantic adversary, who simply does not understand the little Gurkha's mode of attack and fearsome skill. The Gurkha generally strikes upwards with his Kukri, possibly in order to avoid wounding himself should his blow fail, and possibly because an upward cut is just the one that can be least guarded against however strong his opponent. Standard military length of approx 17 inches long overall, in scabbard, blade 12 inches

Formerly the property of a Burma campaign 'Chindit' veteran's family  read more

Code: 25989