Archaic Zhou Dynasty Bronze Halberd or ‘Ge’ Circa 5th Century BC the Period of the Great Military Doctrine 'The Art of War' by General Sun-Tzu

From a collection of ancient Chinese weapons we recently acquired including three 'Ge'. This is the very type of original ancient ceremonial halbard, defined by the ancient Chinese as a dagger axe 'Ge' and exactly the type as used by the warriors serving under the world renowned General Sun Tzu, in the Kingdom of Wu, who is thought by many to be the finest general, philosopher and military tactician who ever lived. His 2500 year old book on the methods of warfare, tactics and psychology are still taught and highly revered in practically every officer training college throughout the world.

In excavated condition, cast in one piece, slightly curved terminal blade of flattened-diamond section, pierced along a basal flange with three slots, and a hole with fabulous areas of crystallized malachite, blue/green patina.

We also show in the gallery a schematic of how this 'Ge' halbard would have been mounted 2500 odd years ago on its long haft, and used by a charioteer warrior, there is also one depicted being carried in a painting that we show in the gallery being used in a chariot charge in the Zhou dynasty.

This is a superb original ancient piece from one of the great eras of Chinese history, it is unsigned but near identical to another that was signed and inscribed with details that have now been fully translated, deciphered and a few years ago shown at Sothebys New York estimated to a sale value of $300,000. Its research details are fully listed below, and it is photographed within our gallery for the viewers comparison. Naturally, our un-inscribed, but still, very rare original version, from the same era and place, is a much more affordable fraction of this price

The signed and named Sotheby's of New York example that we show in the gallery, was formerly made for its original warrior owner, Qu Shutuo of Chu, it is from the same period and in similar condition as ours. We reference it's description below, and it is photographed within the gallery, it is finely cast with the elongated yuan divided by a raised ridge in the middle of each side and extending downward to form the hu, inscribed to one side with eight characters reading Chu Qu Shutuo, Qu X zhisun, all bordered by sharply finished edges, the end pierced with three vertically arranged chuan (apertures), the nei with a further rectangular chuan and decorated with hook motifs, inscribed to one side with seven characters reading Chuwang zhi yuanyou, wang zhong, and the other side with five characters reading yu fou zhi X sheng, the surface patinated to a dark silver tone with light malachite encrustation
An Exhibition of Ancient Chinese Ritual Bronzes. Loaned by C.T. Loo & Co., The Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit, 1940, pl. XXXIII.
New Orleans Museum of Art, New Orleans, March - June 1948.

This inscribed bronze halberd blade, although typical in form, is uniquely important as its inscription serves as a critical primary source that reveals the name of its original owner: Qu Shutuo of Chu. The only known close counterpart to this blade is a damaged bronze halberd blade, missing the yuan, and inscribed on the hu with seven characters, which can be generally translated to ‘for the auspicious use of Qu Shutuo of Chu’. That halberd is now in the collection of the Hunan Provincial Museum, Hunan, and published in Wu Zhenfeng, Shangzhou qingtongqi mingwen ji tuxiang jicheng Compendium of inscriptions and images of bronzes from Shang and Zhou dynasties, vol. 32, Shanghai, 2012, no. 17048

The remaining thirteen inscriptions can be translated as: 'Qu Shutuo of Chu, Qu X's grandson, yuanyou of the King of Chu'. Based on the inscription, the owner of this blade can be identified as such.

See for reference; The Junkunc Collection: Arts of Ancient China / Sotheby's New York
Lot 111

We also show in the gallery a photo of another similar halberd from a museum exhibition, of a Chinese ancient king bodyguard’s halberd gilt pole mounts for his personal charioteer

This is one of a stunning collection of original archaic bronze age weaponry we have just acquired. Many are near identical to other similar examples held in the Metropolitan in New York, the British royal collection, and such as the Hunan Provincial Museum, Hunan, China. As with all our items, every piece is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Approx 8.5 inches across.
 read more

Code: 24341

Wonderful, Original Antique, Japanese Samurai Battle Armour. A Super Pair of Edo Period Samurai Saddle Stirrups, Silver Inlaid & Signed By Yoshihira from Kashu Province. Probably a Daimyo or Seieibushi Samurai of the Maeda Clan, Lords of Kaga

Despite being designed, made and used, for samurai combat and warfare, they can be magnificent works of art in their own right, and created using the finest skills and materials with little or no consideration to the incredible cost involved.
The form of these gorgeous and luxurious stirrups is known traditionally as hato mune (pigeon breast). The stirrups were made in Kashu (now Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture), probably under the patronage of the Maeda clan, lords of Kaga and one of the most powerful families in Japan at the time. This Kaga zougan abumi, is a pair of armoured samurai stirrups, made in iron and of exceptional quality, and bears stunningly beautiful silver inlay of scrolling vines and leaves.

These are truly noteworthy museum grade works of art in their own right. There are a few most similar in the Metropolitan Museum in the USA for example. Absolutely signal examples, perfectly displaying the skill and technical craftsmanship of the highest order, for antique Japanese accoutrements, handmade for a samurai Daimyo clan lord or for a Seieibushi samurai, they were the elite, and the highest ranking of the samurai Made and used as part of his armour saddle fittings, but also for use as much when the samurai was in full armour or in regular daytime wear. The signature, of the maker Yoshihira from Kashu province, is inlaid in pure silver to match the d?cor. 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.Beautiful and sophisticated patterns in Kaga zougan have an outstanding, keen feel for designs and such fine expression is supported by the minute methods. The craftsman carves the pattern part on the metallic basis material with a burin (tagane in Japanese), making the bottom wider than the surface (this method is called "ari wo kiru" in Japanese) and inserts and drives in a different metal in the part.
Then, the metallic part for the pattern is pressed and spread inside and does not come off itself. This bonding technology was closely employed especially in Kaga to enable to express variously on the metal for expressive work and gained a high reputation as for the solid work.

Of all the techniques, "Abumi" (stirrup) has been a synonym for Kaga zougan and well known for the scrupulous technique making sure that the metallic parts of Kaga zougan never come off, in addition to its excellent novel designs and beauty.  read more

Code: 23043

This Week Had The Privilege To Acquire Another Entire Mansion House Library of a Late Collector & Bibliophile. A Collection of Over 550 Volumes, Antique and Vintage, Accumulated Over 50 Years

We were more than delighted to acquire this most eclectic of libraries, lovingly selected over decades, mostly comprising of historical but also contemporary novels of fiction, 1st Editions and books on military based subjects, both ancient and modern. From a former Radio 4 broadcaster and polymath, his collection was a delight to admire, let alone acquire.

We were once again most happy to sell, on the first day of their arrival here, to one collector, a selection of over 130 of the former bibliophiles book collection.

We have also selected around 175 to add to our own reference library of over 1000 volumes we have accumulated over the past century  read more

Code: 25200

An 1886 Japanese Company Grade Type 19 Kyu-Gunto Officer's Sword Used Up To WW2. Used In 4 Wars, Sino Japanese War, The Russo Japanese War, WW1 & WW2

Company Grade Type 19 Kyu-Gunto having a single suspension mount on the nickeled steel scabbard

The blade is plated steel as is common on these Type 8 and Type 19 swords. The black polished horn grip and the hilt decoration on this sword indicating this was a sword for a junior Army Officer.

Company grade army officer’s parade sabre featuring brass hilt with pierced floral pattern
in the guard; knuckle bow joining the pommel with integral backstrap. A chrysanthemum in
relief is on the side and upper rear of the backstrap. Black polished horn grip with triple strands of alternating straight and twisted brass wire wrap.

Chrome-plated single-edged blade. Original
nickel-plate scabbard with single carry ring. Scabbard with some loss to the nickel plating. Guard
excellent with pleasing patina
Patterned after their Western martial counterparts, these kyu gunto swords were used for parade and
dress events by Army officers. Though they are by no means scarce, prices for original
WWII era swords and daggers have been rising steadily as fewer and fewer WWII
veterans survive.

First Sino-Japanese War (1894–1895)
Control over Korea and influence in East Asia. Japan easily beat China's Qing dynasty.

Japan gained Taiwan and the Liaodong Peninsula, proving its new modern military was strong.
Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905)
Competing power over Manchuria and Korea.
Japan shocked the Western world by eventually defeating the Russian Empire on both land and sea.
Japan took control of Korea and railway rights in Manchuria, cementing its status as a global military power.

Imperial Japan entered World War I on August 23, 1914, joining the Allied Powers against Germany under the Anglo-Japanese Alliance. Japan seized German territories in China and the Pacific, sent a naval squadron to the Mediterranean, and emerged at the Paris Peace Conference as one of the world's major military powers

Second Sino-Japanese War leading to WW2 (1937–1945) Total economic and territorial control of China.
Full-scale invasion following the 1931 seizure of Manchuria. It led to brutal campaigns, massive casualties, and large-scale occupation. This conflict merged directly into World War II and dragged on until Japan's final defeat

The blade has numerous areas of old pitting
Overall in scabbard around 33.5 inches long.  read more

Code: 26340

A Late 19th Century Most Attractive Hand Carved Japanese Samurai Style Export Sword From the Late Edo to Taisho Period. Decorated Throughout With Takebori Carved Figures of Armoured Samurai & Nobles In Court Dress

A very decorative original antique Japanese sword depicting as a representation the samurai tachi of old. Meiji period, circa late`19th century, fully carved faux ivory {bone} mountings {called koshirae}, with hand carved figures of Japanese armoured samurai with court cap hats and jingasa. Made in the late Meiji to Taisho period as a most decorative and attractive samurai style sword, with a Japanese Hocho Tetsu {cutler's} blade.

Of course this was not a traditional sword mounting for conflict, but when Japan was opening up to the world, after being a closed feudal society for almost 400 years, and the wearing of the samurai sword was forbidden in public, starting with the Haito edict. These swords were made for the newly opening Victorian, British, export market, and Europe's fascination with the ancient samurai warriors of Japan.

Thus samurai style swords and dagger fittings, such as this, were made especially for the early steam ship visitors from Europe, that arrived from the early steamship trade that started in Victorian England, through companies such as Thomas Cook & Co.

The tachi is a Japanese term referring to the traditional weapon, the slung sword, of the samurai.

The Haitōrei was one of a series of steps taken by the government to abolish the traditional privileges of the samurai class. The first Haitōrei of 1870 prohibited farmers or merchants from wearing swords and dressing like samurai. This measure was in part an effort to restore public safety and order during the tumultuous period immediately after the Meiji Restoration and during the
Boshin War.

In 1871, the government issued the Danpatsurei Edict, allowing samurai to cut their top-knots and wear their hair in the Western manner. However, this was not required, simply allowed and encouraged. Universal military conscription was instituted in 1873, and with the creation of the Imperial Japanese Army, the samurai lost their monopoly on military service. The hereditary stipends provided to the samurai by their formal feudal lords (and assumed by the central government in 1871) were likewise abolished in 1873. The prohibition on wearing swords was controversial with the Meiji oligarchy, but the argument that it was an anachronism not in keeping with the westernization of Japan won out.

On March 28, 1876 the Haitō Edict was passed by the Daijō-kan. It prevented former samurai, now known as shizoku, from carrying swords.

These changes in Japanese society and in the social and economic status of the samurai, then part of the four classes, were a major cause of discontent in early Meiji period Japan, and led to a number of samurai-led insurrections, particularly in western Japan and Kyūshū  read more

Code: 26338

A Most Rare & Beautiful British Percussion Half Stock Light Rifle By Isaac Riviere. A Very Finely Regarded London, Bespoke, Hand Made Rifle Maker Holding Patent for His Unique Percussion Action Designs

The Riviere gun making family were Huguenots that fled France and settled in London, this rifle likely by Isaac Riviere. A very lovely rifle in a very fine state of condition. It clearly shows this to be an excellent example of British hand made finest gunmaking, at its very best, in the 19th century.

Approx 12mm rifled 10 bore. The barrel shows a nice contrasting plum and darker brown Damascus pattern its full-length. There is a simple silver bladed front sight and folding rear twin site, with the maker name ''Riviere Rifle Gun Maker London'' on the top flat ahead of the breech. The breech shows some nice mottled smoky colour with a platinum blowout plug on the bolster, and hook breech. barrel affixed to the stock with a barrel key. There is nice quality scroll engraving on the tang which shows nicely.

The English walnut stock is highly figured and rates very fine with excellent original varnish and overall light dings and handling marks from the years. It features a checkered pistol grip area. with its original ramrod with screw cap covering the worm screw for extracting missfires.
The stock bears its two original sling swivels.

Fine steel mounts and fittings.
Overall in superb condition for age, with a fine hairline in the stock behind the lock.  read more

Code: 26323

A Singularly Beautiful & Magnificent Presentation Grade 1796-1803 {15th Hussars} British Officer's Sword, Of The Napoleonic Wars. Used In The Peninsular Campaign, & The War of 100 Days Culminating at Quatre Bras & Waterloo. Museum Quality Example

In stunning condition, near mint mercurial gilding, with bright polish blade bearing traces of GR cypher and Royal motto.
The 15th Hussars was converted into a Hussar Regiment, from a Light Dragoon regt. in 1807, before being sent to Spain for the Peninsular War (1808-14) a year later.


After joining up with Sir John Moore’s force, it successfully charged uphill through snow against French chasseurs and dragoons at Sahagun on 21 December 1808. It was evacuated from Corunna in January 1809.

After a spell of policing duties in the north of England, it returned to the Peninsula in 1813, fighting at Morales and Vitoria that year, and at Orthes and Toulouse in 1814. It also fought at Waterloo in 1815.

In May 1815 the Regiment, under command of Lt. Col. Leighton Dalrymple, returned to France to meet the threat raised by the resurrected Napoleon. In France, the Regiment was brigaded with the 7th Hussars and the 2nd German Hussars. Napoleon's rapid advance in June took Wellington by surprise, and the British cavalry were ordered to march at short notice, reaching Quartre Bras on the evening of 16th June. On 17th, the British, with the cavalry covering, fell back towards the village of Waterloo and spent a night bivouacked in the open in torrential rain. On the fateful morning of the 18th, the 15th Hussars formed a section of the British front line near Hugomont Farm, astride the Nivelle Road.

" . . a large body of Cuirassiers and other cavalry were seen carrying all before them on the open ground between Hugomont and La Haye Saint, and their Lancers were shouting in triumph. The brigade instantly moved towards its former post, and the 13th and the 15th charged and drove back the Cuirassiers, with the most distinguished gallantry, for some distance."

Based, primarily, on Wellington's own comments, some historians have expressed admiration of British cavalry actions at Waterloo - in the mud, blood and heat of battle, the contribution to victory made by both the heavy cavalry, such as the Scots Greys and the Inniskillens, and the light cavalry, such as the hussar regiments, is remarkable.

At Waterloo, the 15th Hussars lost 3 officers and 25 other ranks killed, together with 42 horses, and 7 officers (including Col. Dalrymple) and 43 other ranks wounded, together with 52 horses. After the battle, the Regiment pursued the French to Cambray and then to Paris, returning to England (Hounslow) in May 1816.

The hilt retains almost all its original finest mercurial gold covering, and a stunning line engraved grip, and ivory grip. The scabbard similarly draws the eye to the importance of the entire piece. Its highly distinctive appearance brings us very much to mind a strong possibility it was presented to an officer of the 15th Light Dragoons, likely for conspicuous service in the Peninsular campaign. In the early 1800’s the regiment commissioned a specific design of highest quality mameluke hilted dress swords, without knuckle bow, and a carved marine Ivory hilt, for officers of the regiment, and with this highly distinctive rare scabbard pattern, a rare scabbard pattern is so similar that we feel this sword was the alternative dress-cum-combat version. We therefore judge this very sword's design may well have influenced by the pattern of the 15th Hussars regiments officer's deluxe quality mameluke made during the Georgian period, but the 1796 p hilt was far more effective as a combat sabre for a secure grip in the charge.
This sword's blade slides neatly into the amazingly decorated sheath, of engraved mercurial gold copper-gilt panels, with a black leather base, and twin fine ring mounts. This wondrous sword is somewhat similar quality to the Lloyds Patriotic Fund swords, and other highest grade presentation quality swords awarded to officers during wars with France, during the reign of King George IIIrd, in the early 19th century. It would have been commissioned from by one the finest London makers, such as R. Teed of Lancaster Court, or Thomas Gill of St James's, as there are certainly elements of workmanship similar to both Gill and Teed's finest craftsmanship. The blade is polished with areas of age staining and once bore fine engravings and the king's cypher and motto. Lloyd's Patriotic Fund was founded on 28 July 1803 at Lloyd's Coffee House, and continues to the present day. Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund now works closely with armed forces charities to identify the individuals and their families who are in urgent need of support.

The contributors created the fund to give grants to those wounded in service to the Crown and to set up annuities to the dependents of those killed in action. The Fund also awarded prizes to those British combatants who went beyond the call of duty. The rewards could be a sum of money, a sword or a piece of plate. The Fund issued 15 swords worth £30 each, to midshipmen, masters' mates and Royal Marine lieutenants. Also, 91 swords worth 50 pounds each went to naval lieutenants and Royal Marine captains. It issued 35 swords worth £100 each to commanders and naval captains. In addition, it issued 23 swords, worth £100 each, to naval captains who fought at Trafalgar. Some 60 officers requested a piece of plate of equal value instead of a sword. Lastly, a number of officers opted for cash instead, either for themselves or to distribute to their crew.

One engagement might result in multiple awards. When a cutting-out party from HMS Franchise captured Raposa in 1806, naval lieutenants John Fleming and Peter Douglas, and Lieutenant of Marines Mend, each received a sword worth £50, while Midshipman Lamb received one worth £30.

Not all the officers who received swords or other merit awards were naval officers or Royal Marines. Some were captains of privateers or East Indiamen. The Fund awarded Mr. Thomas Musgrave, captain of the private man of war Kitty an honour-sabre worth £30 for the action in which Kitty captured the Spanish ship Felicity (or Felicidad). After the Battle of Pulo Aura, Lloyd's Patriotic Fund gave each captain a sword worth £50, and one to Lieutenant Robert Merrick Fowler (RN), who had distinguished himself in a variety of capacities during the engagement, and one worth £100 to Captain Nathaniel Dance, who had been the commodore of the fleet.

Napoleonic period original painting in the gallery of Capt. George William Manby, with his near identical Prize Presentation Sword, painted in 1818, by Samuel Lane..

This sword has its ivory restriction exemption certificate no; RDW66NZ9
It cannot be exported from the UK.  read more

Code: 21774

A Simply Glorious Bladed 'Katateuchi' 500 Year Old Katana Signed Katsumitsu 勝光. The Bizen Osafune Smiths Renown For Some of The Finest And Most Beautiful Blades To Ever Behold. The Very Form of Katana Used By Musashi, The Greatest Samurai Warrior

The blade on this is katana is truly breathtaking and one of the most beautiful we have had the privilege to own and display for sale amongst our collection.

If the greatest samurai who ever lived, Musashi, had used this sword, it would already have been over 100 years old.

Made and used by samurai, who was an expert in the combat form of two sword combat, that Musashi made famous a century later, and detailed in his iconic biography, The Five Rings

We hope that the photographs truly do this breathtaking sword blade justice.

The blade is not only extraordinarily fine, and with a spectacular hamon, but in superb effectively flawless condition. The fuchi kashira and all the mounts are original Edo period with the Takeda clan kamon, the diamond form flower head of the Hanabishi, made of silvered copper-gold alloy. The hammered iron tsuba is very early, and most rare, made of tamehagane steel by an armourerer and swordsmith, and also in superb condition. The menuki, under the tsuka-ito, on the original samegawa giant rayskin, are shakudo and gold decorated plants.

A katateuchi by the Bizen smith Katsumitsu (late Muromachi period, around the late 15th to early 16th century) is a historical one-handed Japanese fighting sword (uchigatana) often measuring roughly 55 to 66 cm in length, featuring a distinctive short tang (nakago) designed for single-handed grip during the Sengoku period. This sword blade is 68cm.
Defining Features of Katsumitsu Katateuchi Crafted by the Osafune school smiths in Bizen Province (frequently associated with master smiths like Jirozaemonnojo Katsumitsu).

Miyamoto Musashi used and advocated for single-handed striking techniques, and the term katate-uchi (片手打ち, meaning "one-handed strike") describes both a functional sword style and a shorter type of uchigatana designed for one-handed use.

Musashi famously founded the two-sword strategy known as Niten Ichi-ryū, around 100 years after this sword was created, where he wielded a long sword (katana or daitō) and a companion short sword (wakizashi or shōtō) at the same time.
One- Wielding a long sword simultaneously with a short sword forces the practitioner to use the main katana with only one hand. Musashi noted in The Book of Five Rings (Go Rin No Sho) that training to use a long sword with one hand is essential because situations arise—such as being on a horse or in narrow spaces—where you cannot use both hands.

Late Muromachi / Sengoku era (circa 1490–1529), was an era of intense warfare. This sword is a most fine example of katana originally built strictly for one hand rather than the two-handed grip of a standard katana.
Typically a katana form that was, optimized for rapid drawing and close-quarters combat.

The Katsumitsu of Kashu Province resided in this province, This province was ruled by Maeda clan when Katsumitsu was alive. Maeda clan was originally a retainer of Oda family, who ruled Owari province. (today’s Nagoya area in Aichi prefecture) The first head of the Maeda clan was Toshie Maeda. He became the feudal lord of Kaga Province . It is said that he had a vast rice fief which is called Hyakuman Goku.
The Maeda clan was one of the most powerful lines in Samurai history. Toshie Maeda had a close tie with Oda Nobunaga and Hideyoshi Toyotomi.

The sword is mounted with a most fine Ko-Tōshō Sukashi Tsuba likely Kamakura period, ca. 1185–1333.

The Ko-Tōshō sukashi tsuba is solid iron plate tsuba, an early Japanese sword guard (tsuba) made by swordsmiths (Tōshō) during the pre Muromachi period (1336–1573). These pieces feature simple openwork (sukashi) cut from robust iron plates, blending utilitarian defense pierced with austere Zen-Buddhist symbolism. Made by early swordsmiths and armourers often using tamahagane sword steel

The saya needs a kurigata {sageo cord horn mount that is damaged} restored, a small task but we will attend to it. The saya is black ishime {stone finish in matt black}

Blade 68 cm long, 97 cm long overall in saya  read more

Code: 26326

A Beautiful Victorian Hidden Gadget System Cane, Known As the Toulouse-Lautrec Cane. In Carved Mallacca Wood. A Fabulous Original Converstion Piece of Victorian Hidden Gadgetry.

Of all systems canes, the Toulouse-Lautrec walking stick is certainly the most unique. This stick is named after the famed 19th-century artist whose personal reputation rested largely upon his frequent visits to cabarets and dance hall bars within the mystical underbelly of Montmartre in Paris, France.

This intriguing type of cane, also known as a tippling stick, conceals the necessary apparatus related to travelling alcohol consumption: a tubular glass flask fixed within the haft, and in the separate top section, a hollow empty receptacle for either using as a drinking cup or to hold small 'tipple' glasses. Both sections are connected by screw threaded silver plated copper metal mounts

Notably, it is often said that Toulouse-Lautrec himself personally commissioned a wooden-shaft cane with a secret compartment in which he could hide a small glass vial for liquor, mostly absinthe, known as the 'green fairy'.

Systems canes are the most highly collected types of canes and there are literally thousands of types from which to choose. A system cane is one that has a dual purpose or hidden meaning or function. These canes were used in much the same way as we use a wallet or a purse today and wealthy gentlemen or ladies would have owned several canes to be used for different outings and purposes.

An original antiques collectors item for display purposes only.  read more

Code: 26299

A Fabulous, Original, High Middle Ages, Museum Piece. A 13th Century Medieval Knightly Sword of the Henry IIIrd and Simon de Montfort Period, Made And Used By a Knight of The IInd Baron's War Era, the Battle of Lewes in 1264. Oakshott Typology Type XII

What a fabulous, original, High Middle Ages Medieval ‘statement piece’ for any collection or decor. In the world of collecting there is so little remaining in the world from this highly significant era in European and British history. And to be able to own and display such an iconic original representation from this time is nothing short of a remarkable privilege.
A wonderful example piece, from the ancient knightly age, of the IInd Baron’s War era between Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, and King Henry IIIrd.

The battle site is still not completely agreed upon, but part of the conflict was recorded at Offham hill, and this is was just 4 miles south of our farm, Thousands of the protagonists soldiers were supposedly camped within our grounds, but at present it is not certain for which side they fought. Our farm was originally part of Earl Godwin’s estate, later more famously known as King Harold, who also supposedly camped here on our land immediately before his disastrous Battle of Hastings in 1066 {actually fought inland in the town, that is now called Battle, and not at Hastings at all}. A Canadian funded documentary was filmed here recently.

Effectively, from this time of around eight hundred years ago, from a collectors point of view, nothing else significant survives at all, only the odd small coin or very rarely seen, and almost impossible to own, carved statuary. Medieval 'Oakeshott type XII' Single-Handed Sword
13th century. Oakeshott is the standard that describes and by which defines Medieval swords, their types, and periods of use. A superb original knightly double-edged iron sword with broad, flat, evenly tapering blade, the blade tending to widen perceptibly below the hilt, and the fullers are well defined, extending from below the guard for more than half of the blade's length, the blade's cross-section is of of straight lenticular design, the style of guard one of the most common of the category, i.e. a not exaggeratedly long and straight, with flattened cross-section, the pommel is a handsome thick rhomboid piece, fitted with fastening central rivet. The blade has been broken in combat and lost around quarter of its original length.
See Oakeshott, E., The Sword in the Age of the Chivalry, London,1964 (1994).

A fine example piece, from the ancient knightly age, from almost 800 years past. Although this sword is now in an obvious ancient, and historical, russetted condition, with some elements lacking, every item made of iron from this era, such as the rarest of swords and daggers, even in the Royal Collection, are in this very same state of preservation.

Henry III (1 October 1207 - 16 November 1272), also known as Henry of Winchester, was King of England, Lord of Ireland, and Duke of Aquitaine from 1216 until his death. He was the fourth king of the House of Plantagenet. The son of King John and Isabella of Angouleme, Henry assumed the throne when he was only nine in the middle of the First Barons' War. Cardinal Guala declared the war against the rebel barons to be a religious crusade and Henry's forces, led by William Marshal, defeated the rebels at the battles of Lincoln and Sandwich in 1217. Henry promised to abide by the Great Charter of 1225, which limited royal power and protected the rights of the major barons. His early rule was dominated first by Hubert de Burgh and then Peter des Roches, who re-established royal authority after the war. In 1230, the King attempted to reconquer the provinces of France that had once belonged to his father, but the invasion was a debacle. A revolt led by William Marshal's son, Richard Marshal, broke out in 1232, ending in a peace settlement negotiated by the Church.
Later on the Henry's reign came The Second Barons' War (1264-1267) it was a civil war in England between the forces of a number of barons led by Simon de Montfort against the royalist forces of King Henry III, led initially by the king himself and later by his son, the future King Edward I. The war featured a series of massacres of Jews by Montfort's supporters including his sons Henry and Simon, in attacks aimed at seizing and destroying evidence of Baronial debts.

The Battle of Lewes was one of two main battles of the conflict known as the Second Barons' War. It took place at Lewes in Sussex, on 14 May 1264, just around fourteen miles from our Brighton shop, and four miles south of our farm North of Lewes. It marked the high point of the career of Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester, and made him the "uncrowned King of England". Henry III left the safety of Lewes Castle and St. Pancras Priory to engage the Barons in battle and was initially successful, his son Prince Edward routing part of the baronial army with a cavalry charge. However Edward pursued his quarry off the battlefield and left Henry's men exposed. Henry was forced to launch an infantry attack up Offham Hill where he was defeated by the barons' men defending the hilltop. The royalists fled back to the castle and priory and the King was forced to sign the Mise of Lewes, ceding many of his powers to Montfort. After a rule of just over a year, Montfort was killed by forces loyal to the King in the Battle of Evesham.

The swords of this era have the following characteristics. The fuller is well-marked and occupies two-thirds to three-quarters of the blade-length. It often starts on the tang within the hilt, and may be double or treble. The grip is a little longer than in the preceding types XI, X etc, averaging about 11.5cm. The tang is generally flat with almost parallel sides, or swelling a little in the middle. The cross can be of almost any style, though a short, straight one is most common, like in this case. The pommel, too, can be of any type though the thick disc with strongly bevelled edges (Type I) predominates. Here however the specimen shows similarity with a sword represented in a sculpture from the cathedral of Bamberg, dated at 1250 AD Douce Apocalypse, c. 1265-70. The dragon, who is Satan, comes forth again (Rev. 20:7). One contemporary painting in the gallery is of the rebel Earl of Gloucester, depicted with his alleged ally, Satan. Among the flags of the host of Satan is that of Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester, who had opposed Henry III. Usually the type XII presents a broad, flat, evenly tapering blade, generally with a good sharp point and tending to widen perceptibly below the hilt.(Oakeshott, 1964 (1994), p.42). Weight 1.2 kg, 73cm (28 3/4" inches long overall).

The Oakeshott typology is a way to define and catalogue the medieval sword based on physical form. It categorises the swords of the European Middle Ages (roughly 11th to 16th centuries1) into 13 main types, labelled X through XXII. The historian and illustrator Ewart Oakeshott introduced it in his 1960 treatise The Archaeology of Weapons: Arms and Armour from Prehistory to the Age of Chivalry.

The system is a continuation of Jan Petersen's typology of the Viking sword, which Petersen introduced in De Norske Vikingsverd ("The Norwegian Viking Swords") in 1919. In 1927, the system was simplified by R. E. M. Wheeler to only seven types, labelled I through VII. Oakeshott slightly expanded the system with two transitional types, VIII and IX, and then he started work on his own typology.

Among the many reasons for his typology, Oakeshott found date classification unreliable during his research. He wrote that the weapons' dates of manufacture, use, and retirement have been greatly obscured by trade, warfare, and other various exchanges combined with the weapons' own longevity.

The High Middle Ages, or High Medieval Period, was the period of European history between c. 1000 and c. 1300; it was preceded by the Early Middle Ages and followed by the Late Middle Ages, which ended c. 1500 according to historiographical convention. Key historical trends of the High Middle Ages include the rapidly increasing population of Europe, which brought about great social and political change from the preceding era, and the Renaissance of the 12th century, including the first developments of rural exodus and urbanization. By 1350, the robust population increase had greatly benefited the European economy, which had reached levels that would not be seen again in some areas until the 19th century. That trend faltered in the early 14th century, as the result of numerous events which together comprised the crisis of the late Middle Ages—most notable among them being the Black Death, in addition to various regional wars and economic stagnation.

Every single item from The Lanes Armoury 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.
As is always usual, the wooden grip section perished centuries past. As almost every iron weapon that has survived today from this era is now in a similar russetted condition, just as this one, because only the swords of kings, that have been preserved in national or Royal collections are today still in a relatively good state and condition. We will include for the new owner a complimentary wooden display stand, but this amazing ancient artefact of antiquity would also look spectacular mounted within a bespoke case frame, or, on a fine cabinet maker constructed display panel. Our artisans can accomplish this if required.  read more

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