Antique Arms & Militaria

A Most Fine, Original, 1796 British Heavy Cavalry Trooper's Sword with Ordnance Inspectors Mark, & Maker's Name. As Used in The Charges of the Union and Household Brigades at Waterloo, Wellington's Victory Over Napoleon in 1815

Overall in superb plus condition. Original black leather grip, typical disc guard without langets. Steel disc hilt, with part of the inner guard removed as recommended at the time. The inner edge of the guard has been trimmed to avoid damaging the uniform, equipment, or digging into the wearer’s side, a modification recorded as early as the late 1790s in some units, spear point blade, maker marked by Thomas Bate of Birmingham. 4 Crown ordnance inspector stamped blade.

A few years ago we were delighted to provide for the Tower of London Royal Armouries Collection an identical, original, 1796 H/C troopers sword to be used in Sean Bean’s {he of Sharpe's Rifles fame etc.} documentary on the effective cutting power of both the versions of the 1796 trooper's swords {heavy and light dragoon} at Waterloo.

This is the same form of sword used in the Charge of the Union Brigade, such as by the Scots Greys. Also the Household Brigade, the Ist Life Guards the 2nd Life Guards and the Horse Guards
Both the 1st and 2nd Life Guards were part of Lord Somerset's Household Brigade during the Waterloo campaign and took part in the famous charge of the British Heavy Cavalry against Marshal D'Erlon's infantry corps before being subjected to a severe mauling by French lancers and cuirassiers.

A well-known description of the brutal power of the weapon was made by Sgt. Charles Ewart, 2nd Dragoons (Scots Greys) concerning how he captured an Imperial Eagle at Waterloo:

"It was in the charge I took the eagle off the enemy; he and I had a hard contest for it; he made a thrust at my groin I parried it off and cut him down through the head. After this a lancer came at me; I threw the lance off my right side, and cut him through the chin upwards through the teeth. Next, a foot soldier fired at me, then charged me with his bayonet, which I also had the good luck to parry, and I cut him down through the head; thus ended the contest.

Over 10 years ago we were thrilled to acquire a near identical sword, also lacking scabbard, regimentally marked of an NCO of F Troop who rode right alongside Sgt Ewart of the 2nd Dragoon's, 'the Scots Greys' at Waterloo, when he captured the French Standard. That sword we sold to a private museum collection in Canada

A few years after the dawn of the 19th century, came the culminating battle of the long series of hard fought struggles with the once dominant power of France. In common with the rest of the troops, the Scots Grays suffered all the discomforts of mud, rain, soaked clothing and sodden provisions, before the battle of Waterloo. They took up their position on that eventful day behind the left centre of the line, and they were obliged to wait for a long time in chafing inactivity. A multitude of glittering bayonets and streaming colours came sweeping along in cold phalanxes, preceded by clouds of skirmishers. A division of French infantry outstripping their fellows, charged up into the centre of Wellington's position, and forced the summit of the hill upon which was the Duke. The Greys were moved up to support the infantry who were opposing the French advance. Some of the troops composing the attacking force were Napoleon's Foot Guards, great, big, strapping fellows, hardy old campaigners most of them, who had been with their hitherto invincible leader in numberless battles. The troops that prepared to bar the way were also war-scarred veterans who had fought under the Iron Duke in Spain and Portugal, but who were weaker in numbers than the Frenchmen. To the left of the English regiments was a brigade of German cavalry and light horsemen. When the French Guards came up, they charged these, and made frightful havoc of them, men and horses alike. So shaken were the Prussians that they were broken up and forced to retire. The French then turned their attention to the sturdy English regiments who had formed from square into line in order to receive them.

On came the victorious Guards, flushed with the easy triumph of our allies. This was only one of the many critical moments of the day. Uttering fierce cries of " A bas les Anglais!" they swept along. Our brave fellows were not behind hand in their reply, and a fierce bayonet to bayonet, knee to knee struggle commenced. Sheer weight began to tell - the infantry were shaken- the fight broke up into a series of more or less isolated combats. Suddenly the bugles rang out. Orders were shouted. Some semblance of a line was evolved out of the struggling mass. The psychological moment had arrived. The foot soldiers opened ranks, the squadrons passing through the intervals.

Then their turn came. The gallant Uxbridge gave his orders, which were instantaneously given through the throats of the cavalry trumpets - "Tort! Gallop! Charge!"

Down they charged straight at the face of the opposing columns. The foremost ranks of the enemy were absolutely broken up. Away plunged the Greys into the thickest of the fight. Like a huge grey wave topped with crimson and white, the regiment pierced there way through rank after rank of the French. Load above the roar and din of the battle rose the cry "Scotland for ever!" Along they dashed, encountering masses of the enemy that wellnigh overlapped them. The French infantry broke. The firing ceased; and as the smoke slowly curled away on the damp air, the huge white plumes on the towering bearskins were seen like flashes of foam on a troubled sea of struggling, fighting, ensanguined mobs of men. Numberless deeds of daring and valour during that wonderful ride went unnoticed and unrecorded. A man on foot armed with a rifle and bayonet, is generally accounted a match for any cavalry soldier. But at Waterloo when the big heavy men, knee to knee, on the big heavy grey horses, came tearing down upon the French infantry, they carried all before them. Their opponents, stalwart seasoned old soldiers, scattered and were cut down, ridden over, decimated.

During the fight, Sergeant Charles Ewart performed a glorious feat. As the Greys attacked the 45th regiment of French infantry, Ewart singled out the officer who was carrying the Eagle and rode for him. The Frenchman fought hard. He thrust at Ewart's groin; but the Scotsman parried and cut his opponent through the head. Then a French lancer rode up and attacked him by throwing his lance at him. This too, Ewart parried, and then getting furious, he charged the man, and with a strong sweep of his arm and a dexterous turn of the wrist, cut the lancer from his chin upwards right through his teeth. Another Frenchman then came up, this time a foot soldier, and engaged him with his bayonet. But Ewart soon disposed of him by nearly shearing off his head. After this, the gallant fellow went on, Eagle and all, to follow his comrades, but General Ponsonby stopped him.

"You brave fellow!" said the General. "Take that to the rear. You have done enough until you get quit of it." Ewart obeyed orders, but with the greatest reluctance.

Following up their unprecedented success, the Greys went on, charging everything they came across: Lancers, Cuirassiers, Artillery - little they cared -until they actually penetrated to the rear of the French position. Their glorious valour cost them dear, and it was only by hard, desperate fighting that they regained the British lines and resumed their post only just in time to give their mighty support to their gallant comrades of the 92nd Highlanders. This reckless handful - for there were barely 200 of the 92nd left - charged a column of French about 2,000 strong. With the odds of ten to one against them, these brave fellows never hesitated for a moment. They pierced right into the centre of the French, and when the Greys charged up, the Highlanders broke ranks, and clinging to the horsemen's stirrup leathers, went surging into the mass to the wild skirling of the pipes and the yells of "Scotland for ever!" Infantry and cavalry together destroyed or captured nearly every single man of the opposing force.

Small wonder is it that Napoleon, who was greatly impressed by the excellent maneuvering and swordsmanship of the Greys, exclaimed: "Ces terribles chevaux gris! Comme il travaillent!"Unfortunately, during the big charge, the Union Brigade - the Scots Greys, the Royals and the Inniskillings - encouraged and excited by their success which had attended their gallant efforts, followed up their advantage rather too far. They swept across the plain, making light of the ravine that crossed their path, and captured, but failed to bring off, several batteries. But when they had reached the rear of the enemy's position they were naturally much broken and disorganised. The French, smarting under the havoc caused by the serried ranks of the Heavy Dragoons, regained confidence and fell upon the regiments with a large force of Lancers and Cuirassiers. It was a case of fresh troops against spent ones. Yet our men, breathless and panting from their mighty exertions, with their horses covered with mud, fetlock-deep, proved equal to the occasion. They rallied, like the heroes they were, and though sadly cut up, they fought their way through, literally their path back towards their own lines, but not without heavy losses.

The gallant commander of the brigade, Major-General Sir William Ponsonby, was one of those who rode through the victorious charge, but who never returned. His horse was blown, and on the return hopelessly floundered about in the miry depths in a piece of ploughed land. Despite all the efforts of his men, he was set upon and killed by the French Lancers.

When what remained of the regiment came back in two's and three's in scattered groups, the men resumed their former position, exposed to a heavy fire from the French artillery. Great as the British losses had been, those of Napoleon's splendid army were greater, and the French leader sought to force the issue. Well might Wellington sigh for "Night or Blucher"; for in very truth victory was hanging in the balance. Desperate attempts were continually being made by the enemy's infantry as well as by his cavalry to force the stubborn English foot regiments, stretching across the field in isolated squares, to yield their ground. But with bull-dog tenacity they held on with iron grip. The Greys, in common with the Household Cavalry and the other Heavy Dragoons, were condemned to a time of motionless inactivity, until at length the Duke assumed the offensive. The whole army made a simultaneous advance. The Life Guards and the Blues charged, and then the whole line was ordered to move. The Greys, all that was left of them, with men and horses alike refreshed by the enforced bodily rest, joined in the pursuit. For Napoleon's army gave way; his troops were utterly and entirely broken up and pursued with dreadful effect by the English cavalry, were eventually driven from the field, and the glorious field of Waterloo was won!

For their conspicuous gallantry at Waterloo the Greys were allowed to display the Eagle on their guidons, and "Waterloo" on the plume socket of their bearskin caps. Every officer and man who was present at Waterloo received a silver medal, and was entitled to reckon the action as representing two years toward his pension. Please see two lots of regimental markings. Corporal John Dickson's 1796 HC sword is in the National War Museum and is numbered regimentally the same, but No 57 only six numbers away from the sword we sold numbered 51. There were 51 NCO's and other ranks that served in F troop at Waterloo. This sword has no scabbard.  read more

Code: 25408

A Magnificent Quality Original Royal Naval Officer's Sword, Of An Officer Serving in Admiral Horatio Nelson's Navy, From the Battle of Trafalgar Period of 1805. Made in Charing Cross London

A combat cum dress sword, with around 85% original mercurial gilt remaining, diamond form double edged blade. Finest copper gilt stirrup hilt, with dove's head pommel, with a pair of cast fouled-anchor langets, wire bound sharkskin grip. Fabulous original scabbard with matching mounts of the highest quality, embellished with stunning decor upon the original mercurial gilt.

We show an original painting from the era of a young lieutenant carrying in his arm his identical sword type.

Superb sword of an officer serving in the Royal navy in the Nelson era. Its hilt and scabbard has been stunningly well preserved these past 190 years, considering its age and combat service.

There were numerous officer's, lieutenants, serving on Nelson's flagship, who carried extremely similar swords to this fine sword. One junior officer who wore the same sword was young Festing Horatio Grindall, who served in the navy before, during and subsequent to the battle, until he died one year after his brother in 1812. His father was Captain Grindall of HMS Prince at Trafalgar, later promoted after the battle to Rear Admiral of the Blue.
Thanks to his long and favourable service record, Grindall was made a Rear Admiral of the White on 28 April 1808, of the Red on 25 October 1809 and Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath on 2 January 1815, in the general promotion which followed the action on 9 November. However, this meant the effective end of his
career, as so many admirals were created that not enough posts could be found for them. Grindall was one of the promoted men who never commanded at sea again, taking a shore appointment in late 1805 and retiring with his family soon afterwards as a Vice Admiral of the Blue on 31 July 1810, of the White on 12 August 1812, and of the Red on 4 June 1814. His retirement was a difficult one however, as two of his sons who had joined the navy in their father's footsteps, Edmund and Festing, died in 1811 and 1812 from unconnected illness. When Richard Grindall died in Wickham in 1820 he was interred next to them at St Nicholas Church, Wickham, Hampshire, joined by his wife Katherine in 1831. Katherine before her death had passed on both her son's officer's swords to her last remaining senior family member.

Before the battle was won, and the French struck their colours, Nelson fell, mortally wounded, shot through the shoulder and spine by a french sniper.
The young junior officer's assisted the crew to carry Nelson below after his fatal wound, also present was great friend Capt. Hardy, and his surgeon William Beatty.

We were incredibly fortunate to acquire this sword the 1805 light pattern, combat-cum-dress sword.

The Battle of Trafalgar (21 October 1805) was a naval engagement fought by the Royal Navy against the combined fleets of the French and Spanish Navies, during the War of the Third Coalition (August?December 1805) of the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815).

Twenty-seven British ships of the line led by Admiral Lord Nelson aboard HMS Victory defeated thirty-three French and Spanish ships of the line under the French Admiral Villeneuve in the Atlantic off the southwest coast of Spain, just west of Cape Trafalgar, in Canos de Meca. The Franco-Spanish fleet lost twenty-two ships, without a single British vessel being lost. It was the most decisive naval battle of the war, conclusively ending French plans to invade England.

The British victory spectacularly confirmed the naval supremacy that Britain had established during the eighteenth century and was achieved in part through Nelson's departure from the prevailing naval tactical orthodoxy. This involved engaging an enemy fleet in a single line of battle parallel to the enemy to facilitate signalling in battle and disengagement, and to maximise fields of fire and target areas. Nelson instead divided his smaller force into two columns directed perpendicularly against the enemy fleet, with decisive results.

Nelson was shot by a French musketeer during the battle and died shortly after, becoming one of Britain's greatest war heroes. Villeneuve was captured along with his ship Bucentaure. Admiral Federico Gravina, the senior Spanish flag officer, escaped with the remnant of the fleet and succumbed months later to wounds sustained during the battle. Villeneuve attended Nelson's funeral while a captive on parole in Britain.
Smaill combat hairline at the rear-side quillon downturn midline {see photo 7}. Very small areas of shrinkage wear on the sharkskin grip at the lower end, fore and aft {see photos 5 and 6}  read more

Code: 25412

A Very Good 1796 Pattern Infantry Officer's Sword, Beautiful Gilt and Solid Silver Grip. Stunningly Hand Engraved with Royal Crest, Crowned Cyphers And A Standing Infantry Officer Holding His 1796 infantry Sword.

Superb gilt hilt with double shell fold down guard and sold silver bound grip, and fully engraved blade with Royal cypher and crest with engraving of an infantry officer, inlaid with gilt, and dark blue blade. From the Napoleonic Wars, the Peninsular war, The War of 1812 in America, then in 1815 at Quatre Bras and Waterloo. A simply stunning sword in wonderful condition. British infantry officer's sword of the Napoleonic Wars. The Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815) were a series of major conflicts pitting the French Empire led by Emperor Napoleon I against an array of European powers formed into various coalitions. They revolutionised European armies and played out on an unprecedented scale, mainly owing to the application of modern mass conscription. The wars are traditionally seen as a continuation of the Revolutionary Wars, which broke out in 1792 during the French Revolution. Initially, French power rose quickly as the armies of Napoleon conquered much of Europe. In his military career, Napoleon fought about 60 battles and lost seven, mostly at the end. The great French dominion collapsed rapidly after the disastrous invasion of Russia in 1812. Napoleon was defeated in 1814, and then once more in 1815 at Waterloo after a brief return to power. The Allies then reversed all French gains since the Revolutionary Wars at the Congress of Vienna.

Before a final victory against Napoleon, five of seven coalitions saw defeat at the hands of France. France defeated the first and second coalitions during the French Revolutionary Wars, the third (notably at Austerlitz), the fourth (notably at Jena, Eylau, and Friedland) and the fifth coalition (notably at Wagram) under the leadership of Napoleon. These great victories gave the French Army a sense of invulnerability, especially when it approached Moscow. But after the retreat from Russia, in spite of incomplete victories, France was defeated by the sixth coalition at Leipzig, in the Peninsular War at Vitoria and at the hands of the seventh coalition at Waterloo.

The wars resulted in the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire and sowed the seeds of nationalism that would lead to the consolidations of Germany and Italy later in the century. Meanwhile, the global Spanish Empire began to unravel as French occupation of Spain weakened Spain's hold over its colonies, providing an opening for nationalist revolutions in Spanish America. As a direct result of the Napoleonic wars, the British Empire became the foremost world power for the next century, thus beginning Pax Britannica.

No consensus exists about when the French Revolutionary Wars ended and the Napoleonic Wars began. An early candidate is 9 November 1799, the date of Bonaparte's coup seizing power in France. However, the most common date is 18 May 1803, when renewed war broke out between Britain and France, ending the one-year-old Peace of Amiens, the only period of general peace in Europe between 1792 and 1814. Most actual fighting ceased following Napoleon's final defeat at Waterloo on 18 June 1815, although skirmishing continued as late as 3 July 1815 at the Battle of Issy. The Second Treaty of Paris officially ended the wars on 20 November 1815. Overall this battle cum dress sword is in fabulous condition, from a large former museum collection of original Napoleonic Battle of Waterloo swords

The last photo in the gallery shows a photograph of one section of the former 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 .

No scabbard.  read more

Code: 25411

A Most Scarce & Excellent Condition, Original Napoleonic Wars Issue Prussian 1811 'Blucher' Pattern Sabre, In Its Original Matching Scabbard, Regimentally Marked For the Magdeburgisches Jäger-Bataillon Made by Napoleonic Maker, S&K

Especially rare, in that 98% of all Prussian 1811 'Blucher' pattern sabres were likely made post Waterloo or even considerably later. Plus, to have the regimental markings matching on the hilt and scabbard, with the Napoleonic maker's mark present, makes this a truly exceptional, earliest made example of these heavy and robust swords of our Prussian allies at Waterloo.

This sabre was made in circa 1811, this is because of the S K (Schnitzler & Kirschbaum) maker's mark to the blade. The sabre was stamped sabre number 6 of squadron 2 of the 5th Magdeburgisches Jäger-Bataillon, the markings to the cross guard and scabbard are "J. M. V. 2. 6". The sabre stayed in service with the Prussian army after Waterloo, with its original, matching regimental numbered scabbard. Wilhelm Bernhard Samuel Kirschbaum and Phillip Jacob Wilhelm Schnitzler set up "Schnitzler & Kirschbaum" in 1797, and supplied swords to both the Consular, Imperial French and Prussia from 1808. Although official registration of the partnership for their French sabre supplies, was, apparently, in 1808. It is also certainly feasible that they were in the business of sword making a few years before they were registered. Picture in the gallery of the Jagers of the (Magdeburgisches) Jager Battalion, in 1815.
After losing to Napoleon in 1806 the Treaty of Tilsit neutered the Prussian army, allowing the once proud country only a tiny standing army. Despite ingenious efforts to circumvent the wording of the treaty, the Prussian army that mustered to fight in the Hundred Days campaign was mostly made from volunteer Landwehr militia (literally, country defenders).

Ill-equipped and poorly trained, the Landwehr infantry and cavalry regiments made up for this deficit with sheer numbers and fierce determination. Regardless of the Landwehr quality, the elite jäger (hunter) units still skirmish ahead, protecting them and harrying the enemy.

In the War of the Sixth Coalition that followed, the Jäger of the various armies performed well against Napoleon's forces, and Prussian Jäger played a significant role in the battles of the Waterloo campaign, holding off Grouchy's corps at the Battle of Wavre.

After Napoleon entered Paris and started the Hundred Days campaign, King William II of Prussia recalled Blücher from his retirement in Silesia and set him the task of facing down the upstart Frenchman. He was placed in command of the Army of the Lower Rhine and quickly marched west to join the Anglo-Dutch allies, hoping to consolidate their forces.

Unfortunately, the Prussian army was hastily assembled and pressed into the field ill-equipped. Over a third of the force was Landwehr (militia), some of which marched barefoot to war. At the Battle of Ligny, the Prussian army faced Napoleon directly and was roundly beaten, Blücher himself being trapped and injured under his dead horse for hours. The Battle of Waterloo provided a chance at redemption.
Smartly dressed in sombre dark uniforms the ranked columns of Prussian infantry marched steadily to face Napoleon. Even after suffering a bitter defeat Ligny, in the midst of retreat, the disciplined professional soldiers were still able to muster their resolve and turn to England’s aid, falling on Napoleon’s flank at the pivotal moment during the Battle of Waterloo.

Hundreds of men marched and fought in formation, led by able commanders, and supported by the furious roar of 12-pounder artillery batteries. The timing of Prussia’s arrival at Waterloo proved impeccable.
The Allied garrison at the farm at Papelotte was instrumental to delaying Napoleon’s forces during the Battle of Waterloo. Napoleon committed large numbers of troops to the capture or elimination of the site. Though they eventually achieved its capture, the Prussian arrival and the French troops’ general exhaustion prevented any further advance, and around an hour later the site (and La Haye Sainte) were in Prussian hands.

A considerable amount of praise must be heaped upon the Prussians at Waterloo. Blücher kept his promise to Wellington and through sheer determination ensured that Prussian forces arrived to swing the balance in the favour of Britain and her allies.

Thousands of cavalry rode with the Prussian army, forming intimidating walls of charging horse flesh. The Dragoons formed the shock heavy cavalry, pounding the enemy, while the more numerous Hussars acted as the eyes and ears of the divisions. It was brave lance-armed Uhlans that charged to Blücher’s rescue at Ligny. Following behind, ahead of the main army, were the skirmishing Jäger (hunter) light infantry.

While the cavalry ranged, searching for the enemy and attacking targets of opportunity, the 6-pounder horse artillery rapidly moved to a position to lay down fire.

The village of Plancenoit saw bitter hand-to-hand fighting and close-quarters carnage as von Bülow’s Prussian IV Korps entered the fray at Waterloo. This area of the battle is the subject of one of the scenarios in the Epic Battles  read more

Code: 25410

A Superb, Victorian, 12th 'Prince of Wales' Royal Lancers Czapka

This Victorian helmet, built of hard leather, features a large brass helmet plate showing the multiple Battle honours of the 12th Lancers. It features a horse hair plume and comes with brass interlocking ring chin scales backed by leather overall in really nice condition for age and use. Traditionally this Regiment of Lancers all had bright Red Horse Hair plumes


In 1816, the 12th Light Dragoons were armed with lances after the cavalry of Napoleon's Army had shown their effectiveness at Waterloo and were thus re-titled the 12th (The Prince of Wales's) Regiment of (Light) Dragoons (Lancers). In 1855, it reinforced the Light Cavalry Brigade in the Crimea after the Charge of the Light Brigade at the Battle of Balaclava. The Regiment was to take part in the Indian Mutiny Regiments where they formed part of the Saugur Field Force which helped to pacify Central India. For their services in the Mutiny the 12th received the Battle Honour ‘Central India’. In 1861, the regiment was renamed 12th (The Prince of Wales's) Royal Regiment of Lancers. It was stationed in India between 1857 and 1860 in response to the Indian Rebellion and in Ireland from 1865 to 1870, before fighting in the Second Anglo-Afghan War in the late 1870s.

Boer War

The 11th Earl of Airlie, who was killed while commanding the regiment at the Battle of Diamond Hill in the Second Boer War
The regiment was deployed to South Africa for service in the Second Boer War in October 1899, and took part in the relief of Kimberley and the ensuing Battle of Paardeberg in February 1900. The commanding officer of the regiment, the 11th Earl of Airlie, was killed at the Battle of Diamond Hill in June 1900. Following the end of the war in 1902 they went to India. Almost 530 officers and men left Cape Town aboard SS Lake Manitoba in September 1902, arriving at Bombay the following month and was then stationed at Ambala in Punjab.

"The 12th Lancers at Moy, France, on 28 August 1914" by George Wright
The regiment, which had been based in Norwich at the start of the war, landed in France as part of the 5th Cavalry Brigade in the 2nd Cavalry Division in August 1914 for service on the Western Front. On 28 August 1914, 'C' Squadron of the 12th Lancers, led by Lieutenant-Colonel Frank Wormald, made a successful charge against a dismounted squadron of Prussian Dragoons at Moÿ-de-l'Aisne in the Great Retreat. The 9th/12th Royal Lancers celebrated Mons/Moy Day annually, which commemorated the last occasions on which each predecessor regiment charged with lances.

The regiment's battle honours up to the end of WW1 were as follows:

Early Wars: Egypt, Salamanca, Peninsula, Waterloo, South Africa 1851-2-3, Sevastopol, Central India, Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, South Africa 1899–1902
The Great War: Mons, Retreat from Mons, Marne 1914, Aisne 1914, Messines 1914, Ypres 1914 '15, Neuve Chapelle, St. Julien, Bellewaarde, Arras 1917, Scarpe 1917, Cambrai 1917 '18, Somme 1918, St. Quentin, Lys, Hazebrouck, Amiens, Albert 1918, Hindenburg Line, St. Quentin Canal, Beaurevoir, Sambre, France and Flanders 1914–18

This headdress developed initially as a square-topped variant of a shako. In its early, compact form from 1784 onwards the czapka was introduced by Austrian uhlans, during the time Galicia was under Habsburg rule. Its use was spread from eastern Europe by the Polish Legion, fighting for the French in the Napoleonic Wars, and became popular not only among Napoleon's French and allied forces, such as Westphalia, Bavaria, Saxony, and Naples, but also among the armies of his enemies. The Duchy of Warsaw used them for infantry and artillery units, but otherwise they were only ever used for uhlan units.

After the Polish lancers proved their effectiveness during the Napoleonic Wars, armies across Europe quickly adopted the concept of the lancer regiments, complete with the czapka as their headdresses.

Several versions of lancer caps were used by the British regiments of lancers from throughout the 1830s and 1840s. The 1846 dress British Army regulations included the following description: “Cap-cloth; colour of the facings, eight inches and three quarters deep in front, nine inches and a half at back, and the top nine inches and a half square; gold cord across the top and down the angles; on left side a gold bullion rosette, with embroidered V.R., on blue velvet; round the waist a band, two inches wide, of gold lace, with a blue stripe; in front a gilt ray plate, with silver Queen’s arms and regimental badges; peak and fall of black patent leather, braided with gold; gilt chain, fastening to lion’s heads at the sides.”This was the cap that was used by the lancer regiments in the famous Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War, but it was not the most commonly encountered version. This was the 1856 pattern of lancer cap and subsequent versions. As with the German models, over time the height of the British lancer cap was reduced, until it was just six and half inches high in the front and eight and a half inches at the top. From 1856 onward, feathers were generally worn on officers’ helmets, while other ranks wore a horsehair plume; the colour of each was determined by the regiment. And while the British lancers took part in combat in many campaigns after the Crimean War, none of these were in Europe,



Lancer regiments in the British Army continued to wear czapkas (described as "lance caps") for full dress until 1939 and the modern Royal Lancers still retains this historic headdress for its Lancer Honour Guard. Along with the traditional double-breasted plastron-fronted lancer jacket, it is also still worn by the band of the Royal Yeomanry.  read more

Code: 25409

A Wonderful, Original, Antique Victorian Officer's Helmet of the Inniskilling Dragoon's. One of the Great Irish Cavalry Regiments in the British Army & One of The Most Desirable of All The Victorian Regimental Helmets. As Worn By Capt. "Titus" Oates

Hero of the 'Terra Nova' Antarctic Expedition of Captain Scott to find and plant the flag on the South Pole. A memorial was placed on the probable location of his demise in Antarctica “Hereabouts died a very gallant gentleman, Captain L. E. G. Oates, of the Inniskilling Dragoons. In March 1912, returning from the Pole, he walked willingly to his death in a blizzard, to try and save his comrades, beset by hardships."

One of the best surviving examples one can see, in or out of a museum. Silver plated skull, copper gilt trim mounts and plume spike, and officer's garter star badge, with oval garter bearing Inniskilling Dragoons, around a central VR cypher over a silver plate. Long white horsehair plume. In superb condition, but only considerable wear to the inner liner.

This is a very scarce totally original British cavalry officers deluxe quality helmet, complete with its original chin scales, which are often lost. The 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons was a cavalry regiment in the British Army, first raised in 1689 as Sir Albert Cunningham's Regiment of Dragoons. During the Victorian era, it was known as the 6th (Inniskilling) Regiment of Dragoons until 1861, after which it was known as the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons.

Exactly the same form of helmet that was used by Victoria Cross nominee and world famous polar explorer, Captain Lawrence "Titus" Oates, a 6th Inniskilling Dragoons officer, from May 1900 as a Lt. It is even possible this might have been his helmet. However, if not, it was unequivocally worn by one of his brother officers. Although made numerous decades before Capt. Oates’ service, these helmets were handed down to future officers for service in the regiment until WW1

In 1898, Oates was commissioned into the 3rd (Militia) Battalion of the West Yorkshire Regiment. He saw active service during the Second Boer War as a junior officer in the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons, having been transferred to that cavalry regiment as a second lieutenant in May 1900. He took part in operations in the Transvaal, the Orange River Colony, and Cape Colony. In March 1901 a gunshot wound shattered his left thigh bone, leaving it an inch shorter than the right. Twice called upon to surrender in that engagement, he replied, "We came to fight, not to surrender." He was recommended for the Victoria Cross for his actions and was brought to public attention.

He was promoted to lieutenant in 1902, and left Cape Town for England after peace was signed in South Africa. He was mentioned in dispatches by Lord Kitchener in his final dispatch dated 23 June 1902. He was promoted to captain in 1906, and served in Ireland, Egypt, and India. He was often referred to by the nickname "Titus Oates", after the historical figure, famous for his statement to his friend and expedition leader Scott of the Antarctic,

According to Scott's diary entry of 16 or 17 March (Scott was unsure of the date but thought 17 March correct), Oates had walked out of the tent the previous day into a −40 °F (−40 °C) blizzard to his death. Scott wrote in his diary: "We knew that poor Oates was walking to his death, but though we tried to dissuade him, we knew it was the act of a brave man and an English gentleman." According to Scott's diary, as Oates left the tent he said,

"I am just going outside and may be some time."

Scott, Wilson and Bowers continued onwards for a further 20 miles (32 km) towards the One Ton food depot that could save them but were halted at latitude 79° 40' S by a fierce blizzard on 20 March. Trapped in their tent and too weak and cold to continue, they died nine days later, eleven miles (18 km) short of their objective. Their frozen bodies were discovered by a search party on 12 November; Oates's body was never found. Near where he was presumed to have died, the search party erected a cairn and cross bearing the inscription: "Hereabouts died a very gallant gentleman, Captain L. E. G. Oates, of the Inniskilling Dragoons. In March 1912, returning from the Pole, he walked willingly to his death in a blizzard, to try and save his comrades, beset by hardships."

The regiment also fought with distinction in the Charge of the Union Brigade at the Battle of Waterloo and again as part of the successful Charge of the Heavy Brigade against superior numbers at the Battle of Balaclava during the Crimean War. Unfortunately by WW1, cavalry was very much obsolete, and the many of the legendary cavalry Regiments of Britain were eventually reduced and amalgamated, eventually becoming a single regiment, the Royal Dragoon Guards.

This lovely silver finished helmet dates from the Victorian period, and has the VR royal cypher in the centre of the INNISKILLING DRAGOONS helmet plate on the front of the helmet. The lack of an "I" indicates that this helmet is from before 1876, when Victoria became Empress of India.

They served in the Crimea in 1854, losing all its horses en route in a fire on board its troop ship, but still managing to take part in the charge of the Heavy Brigade at Balaklava.

The regiment was deployed to the Crimea in April 1854 but during the voyage the regiment's transport ship Europa sank with the loss of the commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Willoughby Moore, and 17 of his men. Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Dalrymple White took over command of the regiment and led it in action at the Battle of Balaclava in October 1854.

The first assault line consisted of the Scots Greys and one squadron of the Inniskillings, a total of less than 250 sabres. Only when the RSMs declared themselves happy with the alignment did Scarlett order his bugler to sound the 'Charge'. The idea of a charge conjures up images of the Light Brigade dashing forward at speed but Dragoons were larger men with much heavier equipment so their charge was more of a trot. Floundering at obstacles such as ditches or coppices they headed towards the massed ranks of Russian cavalry, pressing on inexorably at a mere 8 miles an hour. Slow they may have been but the effect of these heavy cavalrymen slamming into the much lighter Russian cavalry stunned their enemy. A letter from a Captain of the Inniskillings illustrates the mellee which followed:

"Forward - dash - bang - clank, and there we were in the midst of such smoke, cheer, and clatter, as never before stunned a mortal's ear. it was glorious! Down, one by one, aye, two by two fell the thick skulled and over-numerous Cossacks.....Down too alas! fell many a hero with a warm Celtic heart, and more than one fell screaming loud for victory. I could not pause. It was all push, wheel, frenzy, strike and down, down, down they went. Twice I was unhorsed, and more than once I had to grip my sword tighter, the blood of foes streaming down over the hilt, and running up my very sleeve....now we were lost in their ranks - now in little bands battling - now in good order together, now in and out."
In the words of Colonel Paget of the Light Brigade "It was a mighty affair, and considering the difficulties under which the Heavy Brigade laboured, and the disparity of numbers, a feat of arms which, if it ever had its equal, was certainly never surpassed in the annals of cavalry warfare, and the importance of which in its results can never be known.
It then took on peacekeeping roles in India in 1857 after the Mutiny and in South Africa in 1880 after the Zulu War.

It fought as mounted infantry in the Boer War. After the outbreak of the Second Boer War in October 1899, the regiment was sent to South Africa. It formed part of General French′s force in the operations around Colesberg, and afterwards one squadron took part in the relief of Kimberley in February 1900. The squadrons of the regiment then rejoined, and formed part of the cavalry brigade which served in all the engagements in the general advance on Pretoria, one of the Boer capitals, which was captured on 5 June 1900. They took part in the battles of Diamond Hill (June 1900) and Belfast (August 1900), and in the following cavalry advance on Barberton in the Eastern Transvaal. The regiment subsequently joined a column under the command of Colonel Michael Rimington in the Orange River Colony, taking part in miscellaneous raids and drives there throughout the last year of the war, which ended with the Peace of Vereeniging on 31 May 1902. Following the end of the war, 257 officers and men of the regiment left Cape Town on the SS Orissa, which arrived at Southampton in late October 1902, and another 138 men arrived at Queenstown the following month on the SS Orient.After their return, the regiment was stationed at Curragh. One of its lieutenants, Lawrence Oates, was recommended for the Victoria Cross and is best known for his last words - 'I am going out, I may be some time' - shortly before his death on Scott’s expedition to the South Pole in 1912.

The unit served mainly as infantry on the Western Front during the First World War, suffering heavy casualties on the rare occasions it charged as cavalry.

Officer of the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons painted in 1918 by G. Gatehouse

The painting is now housed in the The Military Museum of the Royal Dragoon Guards  read more

Code: 25405

An Original, Victorian, Regimental British Army Leopard Skin Apron & Guards Bandsman’s Tunic for The Ornately Uniformed Regimental Bass Drummer

Overall in very nice condition, full jaguar pelt including head, legs and tail. The apron is trimmed, exactly as it should for original examples, in traditional British Army Piccadills in red, and full inner red cloth lining.

Some drummers in the British Army wear leopard skins as part of their ceremonial uniforms. This tradition dates back to the 18th century, when certain regiments were granted the privilege of wearing leopard skin caps or aprons as a mark of distinction and honour.

The use of leopard skin in British Army uniforms is closely tied to the history of the Grenadier Guards regiment. In the early 1700s, King George II presented the Grenadier Guards with a pair of captured leopard skins, which the regiment then incorporated into their ceremonial dress. Over time, this became an established tradition for certain drumming and piping roles within the British Army.

The leopard skin is seen as a symbol of bravery and prowess in battle, as leopards were viewed as fierce and formidable animals. Wearing the leopard skin was meant to imbue the drummers with a sense of martial pride and warrior spirit when performing ceremonial duties.

Today, the practice continues, though the leopard skins used are now typically replicas made from synthetic materials rather than actual animal pelts. The distinctive leopard skin uniforms remain an iconic part of British Army ceremonial traditions.

Leopard skin first appeared in the C18th worn occasionally as decorative ‘turbans’ on leather helmets worn by light cavalry or light infantry, sometimes a painted emulation rather than the real thing. It was about this time that military bands with exotic elements became a fashionable accessory- black African personnel, ‘Turkish Crescent’ (or Chinese Hat) percussion devices, ornately uniformed Drum Majors etc.

The European military began using bass drums in the third quarter of the 18th century. These large barrel drums had been popular with Turkish armies for many years, and British, German and French soldiers who fought in the American Revolution were familiar with their sound. The musical taste of both enemies and allies influenced American musicians. As the war continued, Americans began adopting the use of the bass drums. By the early 19th-century, the bass drum was a standard part of America's military music.
The tunic is a great 20th century, completely original Household Division bandsman's issue, with bullion epaulettes {covered by the skin}, it is not the original one for the apron, but it does set it off superbly.

Cities approved made prior to 1947. A percentage of the proceeds from this skin will be for the benefit of ‘Help for Heroes’ charity.  read more

Code: 25403

A Most Fine Victorian Scottish Military Horsehair Sporran with Silver Cantle and Tassels

A Scottish Victorian military horsehair sporran, with ball finials, and the shaped arched silver cantle and conical tassel mounts are finely engraved with scrolls and dragon, 45cm long overall, maker's mark only, Forsyth Glasgow,19th century .
Since the traditional kilt does not have pockets, the sporran serves as a wallet and container for any other necessary personal items. It is essentially a survival of the common European medieval belt-pouch, superseded elsewhere as clothing came to have pockets, but continuing in the Scottish Highlands because of the lack of these accessories in traditional dress. The sporran hangs below the belt buckle; and much effort is made to match their style and design. The kilt belt buckle can be very ornate, and contain similar motifs to the sporran cantle and the Sgian Dubh. Early sporrans would have been worn suspended from the belt on one or other of the hips, rather than hung from a separate strap in front of the wearer.

When driving a carriage, dancing, playing drums, or engaging in any activity where a heavy pouch might encumber the wearer, the sporran can be turned around the waist to let it hang on the hip in a more casual position. One ball finial lacking  read more

Code: 21453

Fabulous Solid Silver & Enamel, Cigarette Case of Rudyard Kipling’s, Richard Caton Woodville’s and Sir Arthur Sullivan’s Boer War Soldier’s Relief Fund. ‘The Absent Minded Beggar, A Gentleman in Kharki. By Victorian Silversmiths Saunders & Shepherd

This is a unique, stunning and exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver and enamel cigarette case. Made for one of the principles, possibly one of the main instigators of the Boer War Relief Fund Charity, Kipling, Woodville or Sullivan, or Lord Northcliffe or his brother Lord Rothermere, the publishers of the Daily Mail, a fund raised by an appeal started by The Daily Mail.
It has a rectangular form with rounded corners. Just regular Victorian solid silver and fine enamel cigarette cases are very highly prized, and have been incredibly collectable over the past hundred years, and can achieve incredible prices, but this is one of the rarest and most historical examples, made for one of the most successful charitable causes of the Victorian age, that one can find. This fabulous Victorian case has a subtly curved form proffering a comfortable fit in the majority of pockets. The anterior cover of this Victorian case is embellished with an impressive painted enamel panel depicting a British soldier holding a rifle and standing on a rocky hillside, with a blooded bandage around his head and a helmet to his feet.
The enamel decoration is accented with the quote
A Gentleman in Kharki
Importantly, with the engraved word ‘copyright’ to the lower edge. This was a stipulation that only items made specifically for the relief fund could display, to ensure all receive monies went to the fund.
The posterior surface and rounded sides of this cigarette case are plain.
This silver Victorian cigarette case is fitted with a push fit catch, which when released reveals two hinged compartments.This impressive case retains the original gilded interior and two retaining straps.
It was crafted by the Birmingham silversmiths Cornelius Desormeaux Saunders & James Francis Hollings (Frank) Shepherd.
This notable illustration in enamel on the case front, is a representation of Richard Caton Woodville's ‘A Gentleman in Kharki’. This design accompanied the song/poem The Absent-Minded Beggar by Rudyard Kipling, with music composed by Gilbert & Sullivan’s, Sir Arthur Sullivan, and was used in a press release to raise funds for the British soldier in the Boer

"The Absent-Minded Beggar" is an 1899 poem by Rudyard Kipling, set to music by Sir Arthur Sullivan and often accompanied by an illustration of a wounded but defiant British soldier, "A Gentleman in Kharki", by Richard Caton Woodville. The song was written as part of an appeal by the Daily Mail to raise money for soldiers fighting in the Second Boer War and their families. The fund was the first ever such charitable effort for a war.

The chorus of the song exhorted its audience to "pass the hat for your credit's sake, and pay– pay– pay!" The patriotic poem and song caused a sensation and were constantly performed throughout the war and beyond. Kipling was offered a knighthood shortly after publication of the poem but declined the honour. Vast numbers of copies of the poem and sheet music were published, and large quantities of related merchandise were sold to aid the charity. The "Absent-Minded Beggar Fund" was an unprecedented success and raised a total of more than £250,000.

The Daily Chronicle wrote that "It has not been often that the greatest of English writers and the greatest of English musicians have joined inspiring words and stirring melody in a song which expresses the heart feelings of the entire nation". Sullivan's manuscript was later auctioned for £500 towards the fund.

The popularity of the poem was such that allusions to it were common. Mark Twain wrote that "The clarion-peal of its lines thrilled the world". By 18 November, less than a month after publication of the poem, "a new patriotic play" was advertised to open the next week, titled The Absent Minded Beggar, or, For Queen and Country. The same month, the Charity Organisation Society called "The Absent-Minded Beggar" the "most prominent figure on the charitable horizon at present." Even a critical book on the conduct of the war, published in 1900, was titled An Absent-Minded War. Kipling was offered a knighthood within a few weeks of publication of the song but declined, as he declined all offers of State honours. Historian Stephen M. Miller wrote in 2007, "Kipling almost single-handedly restored the strong ties between civilians and soldiers and put Britain and its army back together again."

A performance of "The Absent-Minded Beggar March" on 21 July 1900 at The Crystal Palace was Sullivan's last public appearance, and the composer died four months later. "The Absent-Minded Beggar" remained popular throughout the three-year war and for years after the war ended. It became a part of popular culture of the time, with its title becoming a popular phrase and cartoons, postcards and other humorous representations of the character of the absent-minded beggar becoming popular. The song is performed in John Osborne's 1957 play The Entertainer. T. S. Eliot included the poem in his 1941 collection A Choice of Kipling's Verse.

The picture in the gallery is of Rudyard Kipling in his study. Recognised my millions of people around the world as the English composer of the greatest poem ever written, certainly one of the most popular of all poems. ‘If’

Copy and paste below Sir Micheal Caine reading his favourite poem. ‘If’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqOgyNfHl1U

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too:
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;
If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same:
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
⁠And never breathe a word about your loss:
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
⁠Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much:
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
⁠And—which is more—you'll be a Man, my son!

Made by Cornelius Saunders & Francis Shepherd
Hallmarked 1899 made in Birmingham, England. 83mm long, 99.5 grams  read more

Code: 21734

A Wonderful, Original, Antique Victorian Helmet of the 6th Dragoons the Inniskillins. One of the Great Irish Cavalry Regiments in the British Army & One of The Most Desirable of All The Victorian Regimental Helmets

One of the best surviving examples one can see in or out of a museum

They served in the Crimea in 1854, losing all its horses en route in a fire on board its troop ship, but still managing to take part in the charge of the Heavy Brigade at Balaklava.

The regiment was deployed to the Crimea in April 1854 but during the voyage the regiment's transport ship Europa sank with the loss of the commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Willoughby Moore, and 17 of his men. Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Dalrymple White took over command of the regiment and led it in action at the Battle of Balaclava in October 1854.

The first assault line consisted of the Scots Greys and one squadron of the Inniskillings, a total of less than 250 sabres. Only when the RSMs declared themselves happy with the alignment did Scarlett order his bugler to sound the 'Charge'. The idea of a charge conjures up images of the Light Brigade dashing forward at speed but Dragoons were larger men with much heavier equipment so their charge was more of a trot. Floundering at obstacles such as ditches or coppices they headed towards the massed ranks of Russian cavalry, pressing on inexorably at a mere 8 miles an hour. Slow they may have been but the effect of these heavy cavalrymen slamming into the much lighter Russian cavalry stunned their enemy. A letter from a Captain of the Inniskillings illustrates the mellee which followed:

"Forward - dash - bang - clank, and there we were in the midst of such smoke, cheer, and clatter, as never before stunned a mortal's ear. it was glorious! Down, one by one, aye, two by two fell the thick skulled and over-numerous Cossacks.....Down too alas! fell many a hero with a warm Celtic heart, and more than one fell screaming loud for victory. I could not pause. It was all push, wheel, frenzy, strike and down, down, down they went. Twice I was unhorsed, and more than once I had to grip my sword tighter, the blood of foes streaming down over the hilt, and running up my very sleeve....now we were lost in their ranks - now in little bands battling - now in good order together, now in and out."
In the words of Colonel Paget of the Light Brigade "It was a mighty affair, and considering the difficulties under which the Heavy Brigade laboured, and the disparity of numbers, a feat of arms which, if it ever had its equal, was certainly never surpassed in the annals of cavalry warfare, and the importance of which in its results can never be known.
It then took on peacekeeping roles in India in 1857 after the Mutiny and in South Africa in 1880 after the Zulu War.

It fought as mounted infantry in the Boer War. After the outbreak of the Second Boer War in October 1899, the regiment was sent to South Africa. It formed part of General French′s force in the operations around Colesberg, and afterwards one squadron took part in the relief of Kimberley in February 1900.22 The squadrons of the regiment then rejoined, and formed part of the cavalry brigade which served in all the engagements in the general advance on Pretoria, one of the Boer capitals, which was captured on 5 June 1900. They took part in the battles of Diamond Hill (June 1900) and Belfast (August 1900), and in the following cavalry advance on Barberton in the Eastern Transvaal. The regiment subsequently joined a column under the command of Colonel Michael Rimington in the Orange River Colony, taking part in miscellaneous raids and drives there throughout the last year of the war, which ended with the Peace of Vereeniging on 31 May 1902. Following the end of the war, 257 officers and men of the regiment left Cape Town on the SS Orissa, which arrived at Southampton in late October 1902,23 and another 138 men arrived at Queenstown the following month on the SS Orient.After their return, the regiment was stationed at Curragh. One of its lieutenants, Lawrence Oates, was recommended for the Victoria Cross and is best known for his last words - 'I am going out, I may be some time' - shortly before his death on Scott’s expedition to the South Pole in 1912.

The unit served mainly as infantry on the Western Front during the First World War, suffering heavy casualties on the rare occasions it charged as cavalry.  read more

Code: 25325