Antique Arms & Militaria

Original 18th Century Scottish Fencible Regimental Basket Hilted Broadsword

With distinctive two part centrally welded basket, in sheet iron, with scrolls and thistles there over. Interesting original regimental swords of the 18th century, from Scottish regiments are very much sought after throughout the entire world. Scottish Fencible Regiment's swords are now jolly rare indeed, and they are highly distinctive in their most unique form. Fancy carved replacement grip. Some ironwork separation on the basket by the forte of the blade, but overall in good sound condition. Overall natural age surface pitting. Made for the war with Revolutionary France in the 1790's. The total number of British fencible infantry regiments raised during the Seven Years' War and the American War of Independence was nine, of which six were Scottish, two were English and one was Manx. The regiments were raised during a time of great turbulence in Europe when there was a real fear that the French would either invade Great Britain or Ireland, or that radicals within Britain and Ireland would rebel against the established order. There was little to do in Britain other than garrison duties and some police actions, but in Ireland there was a French supported insurrection in 1798 and British fencible regiments were engaged in some pitched battles. Some regiments served outside Great Britain and Ireland. Several regiments performed garrison duties on the Channel Islands and Gibraltar. A detachment of the Dumbarton Fencibles Regiment escorted prisoners to Prussia, and the Ancient Irish Fencibles were sent to Egypt where they took part in the operations against the French in 1801.

When it became clear that the rebellion in Ireland had been defeated and that there would be peace between France and Britain in 1802 (The preliminaries of peace were signed in London on 1 October 1801) the Fencible regiments were disbanded.
The British cavalry and light dragoon regiments were raised to serve in any part of Great Britain and consisted of a force of between 14,000 and 15,000 men. Along with the two Irish regiments, those British regiments that volunteered for service in Ireland served there. Each regiment consisted of eighteen commissioned officers and troops of eighty privates per troop. The regiments were always fully manned as their terms of service were considered favourable. At the beginning of 1800 all of the regiments were disbanded  read more

Code: 20632

A Most Rare & Beautiful 16th-17th Century Italian Maine Gauche. A Renaissance Period Duellist's Parrying, Shell Guard Dagger

Long single edged blade with part false edge, and fine armourer's mark at the ricasso.
Triple section grip in horn and bone, bronze pommel cap. Beautifully pierced steel shell guard with scalloped edge. A most beautiful example of an early, Renaissance period 'main gauche' [left hand] duellist parrying dagger. When combined with a long swept or cup hilt rapier the pair make two formidable duo offensive and defensive duelling or combat weapons.

The parrying maine gauche dagger falls within the category of small hand-held weapons from the European late Middle Ages and early Renaissance. These weapons were used as off-hand weapons in conjunction with a single-handed sword. As the name implies they were designed to parry, or defend, more effectively than a simple dagger form, typically incorporating a wider guard, and often some other defensive features to better protect the hand, as well. The main-gauche is used mainly to assist in parrying incoming thrusts, while the dominant hand wields a rapier or similar longer weapon also intended for one-handed use.
It may also be used for attack if an opportunity arises. The general category includes two more specific kinds of weapon: sword breakers and trident daggers.

Its beautifully pierced shell guard was designed to be used as either, a hand protector, or, a sword blade catcher when reversed, depending of the swordsman's preference of his combat style.

The use of an off-hand weapon gradually fell out of favour as sword fighting evolved into the modern sport of fencing. The use of progressively lighter primary weapons such as the small sword, epee, and foil allowed for greater speed. Under these circumstances the use of just a primary weapon offered improvements in balance as well as a stance that offered a smaller target.  read more

Code: 22288

A Very Fine & Rare, Signally Beautiful, Anglo-American War of 1812, 'Eagle Head' & Scroll Fretted Hilt, American Officer's Sabre. In Great Condition.

It was quite extraordinary, but we acquired a pair of these fabulous and very rare American eagle head pommel and scroll fretted hilted sabres, that have been together since the war, possibly owned by brothers that served, but naturally, officer's swords were never sold as pairs, or indeed used as such, but, none the less, they have been together for almost 200 years. We are, however, selling them individually.

Eagle head pommel with fully feathered back strap, in brass, with scroll fretted knuckle guard, and carved bone grip. Almost all the deluxe grade American officer’s sabres had the expensive alternative option of a carved bone hilt, as opposed to carved ivory, as enjoyed by their British counterparts, as the new nation of America lost all its access to ivory after its split from being part of the British colonial forces. Another one of the long list of negative consequences resulting from the revolution of 1776. It has an engraved bright polished blade, and its original brass mounted leather scabbard, with both twin ring belt strap supports, and an alternative wear option of a frog mount stud. Overall in excellent condition, with usual aged blade etching surface wear.
Used in the War of 1812 period, and a very nice example of these very fine swords,For Canadians, historically, the War of 1812 was the successful defence of a small colony against attack by a much larger neighbour.
Canadians endured repeated invasions and occasional occupations, but each invasion ultimately ended with an American withdrawal. The Royal Navy and British Army supported by Canadian regulars, Canadian militia, and First Peoples warriors, successfully defended Canada. Isaac Brock, Charles de Salaberry, Laura Secord, and Tecumseh became, and remain, iconic Canadian figures. The successful defence of Canada allowed British North America to evolve into an independent transcontinental country.
The War of 1812 was fought between the United States of America and Great Britain and its colonies, Upper and Lower Canada and Nova Scotia, from 1812 to 1815 on land and sea. The Americans declared war on Britain on June 18, 1812, for a combination of reasons, outrage at the impressment (seizure) of thousands of American sailors, frustration at British restraints on neutral trade while Britain warred with France, and anger at British support for native attacks along the frontier which conflicted with American expansion and settlement into the Old Northwest. The war started poorly for the Americans as their attempts to invade Canada were repeatedly repulsed; later in the war, American land forces proved more effective. The Royal Navy lost some early single-ship battles but eventually their numbers told and the naval blockade of the eastern seaboard ruined American commerce, and led to extreme dissatisfaction in New England. Following the American raid and burning of York (now Toronto), the British raided the Chesapeake Bay area and burned parts of Washington D.C. but were repulsed at Baltimore and withdrew. The Americans gained naval control of Lake Erie and Lake Champlain, preventing the planned British invasion of New York. The Americans destroyed the power of the native people of the Northwest and Southeast. With the defeat of Napoleon in 1814, and the stalemate on the battlefields, both nations agreed to a peace that left the prewar boundaries intact.  read more

Code: 25299

A Hugely Impressive & Beautiful, Gothic, Medieval Form Pole Or Tiller Gun, Light Cannon Size Yet Hand Portable.

1.25 inch bore iron 'cannon form' barrel, with a carved hardwood tiller, probably later, bearing a beautifully carved Tudor rose. Probably a 17th century gun, and during it's later working life it has been stored in the 18th to 19th century in the armoury of the Maharajah of Jaipur and bears the Maharajah’s armoury storage marks stamped thereon.

This type of gun is typical of many surviving from the period 1420 to around 1480. It’s a most sturdy and massive forged iron barrel made by a armoury blacksmith, mounted with a wooden pole or tiller. Some version might have had a hook on the bottom of the barrel as does this, which could be used to hook the barrel over the top of a wall or shield, or as a close-quarters weapon.

The the late medieval term used was arquebus or harkbuss meaning a hand fired gun..

This gun can be fired by a single person if it is hooked over a wall, or more easily by two people, a gunner and a calinator due to it’s weight. The earlier weapons all rely on putting a lighted match into the touch-hole by hand. The matchlock gun represented a real advance. It held the lighted match on a pivoted trigger lever (known as a serpentine). This allowed the gunner to look at his target where aiming.

This style of gun was the highest technology of the medieval era, not widespread until after 1450, and continuing until perhaps 1550, when it grew in length and became the familiar musket of the English civil wars in the 1700’s.

Barrel 31.5 inches long, barrel muzzle 2.5 inches across, tiller 18 inches, and overall 50 inches. As with all our antique guns no license is required as they are all unrestricted antique collectables, barrel bore bears old tamper obstruction.  read more

Code: 20331

A Beautiful & Fine Quality Early Post Medieval to Early 17th Century Renaissance Wrought Iron Chest or Door Lock, German

From a Norman or Gothic carved wooden chest. Superbly crafted and engraved. We show in the gallery the types of chest to which it could have been fitted in order to make them secure. The decoration of Gothic iron locks and keys was often elaborate and of the highest standard of workmanship. The motifs were frequently drawn from Gothic architecture, reproducing on a miniature scale complicated tracery patterns and even tiny statuettes. A number of these tiny locks were compound, with some of the mechanisms concealed from view, and required two or even three keys used in sequence to open them. It has been suggested that the greatly expanded use of locks on doors, or coffrets and other types of storage chests was a result of the increasing urbanization of life and the new emphasis on material wealth and private ownership which developed in the late Middle Ages. From the 15th century on, locksmiths gained a privileged status in society. They had advanced technical skills and were master craftsmen in decoration techniques. Their main clients were town burghers, the clergy, nobility who built castles and other large residences, and the Royal Family. Ever since the Viking era (the 9th to the 11th centuries), chests and small boxes have been important personal storage places in all levels of Swedish society – from the common people to the royal families. Locks made storage more secure. The Oseberg ship was discovered and excavated in the early 1900s in Vestfold, Norway. The ship was built in the first half of the 9th century. Many items were found on board – including storage chests. Chests were generally used by the crews of the Viking ships, who sat on them to row, as well as storing things in them.

In 1936, a Viking wooden tool chest was discovered during the plowing of a field at Mästermyr on Gotland. Over two hundred iron objects were found inside and around the chest, which is 90 cm long and 24 cm high. Of particular interest in the present context is the fact that these objects included blacksmith tools as well as two large keys, lock parts, other lock hardware and three small padlocks.

King Louis XVI of France proved to be a man of very few interests and pleasures in the midst of the whirlwind of entertainment that was Versailles. One was the hunt and the other was his amateur blacksmithing.

A small forge was installed above his private library to indulge the King in his pursuit of this particular hobby. Here there were two anvils and every tool that could possibly be needed was available. As it happened, locks were of a particular interest to Louis. The room was filled with all kinds of locks: common locks, hidden locks and elaborately gilded locks. The château's blacksmith by the name of Gamin was employed to teach the King all he knew - probably in all secrecy . When he was not with the King he was in charge of all the locks at Versailles. From him we know that Louis was eager to conceal this hobby from his courtiers and his Queen which resulted in the two coming up with countless stratagems for removing and bringing in the anvils. Sadly, Gamin would eventually betray Louis during the revolution.

The court was not very approving of their King's hobby. It was thought to be a profession for the lower classes - not a a hobby for a King. Even Marie Antoinette had the occasional complain about this hobby but for a far more practical reason: the work left the King's hands blackened and he would often visit her without washing them first much to the damage of her furniture.
Louis XVI seemed to have paid them little mind. Instead, he agreed with Rousseau that every man should know a manual craft. Meanwhile, the pamphleteers had a field day making the King's interest in keys and locks a fitting symbol of his ... marital problems. This would look stunning mounted or framed. Size 22.5 x 20 cm some photos appear to show its colour as greenish, this is a photographic lighting optical illusion it is in fact blackened with age  read more

Code: 23389

Archaic Chinese Warrior's Bronze Sword, Around 2,300 to 2,800 Years Old, From the Zhou Dynasty to the Qin Dynasty, Including the Period of the Great Military Doctrine 'The Art of War' by General Sun-Tzu

Chinese Bronze 'Two Ring' Jian sword used in the era of the Seven Kingdoms period, likely in the Kingdom of Yue up to the latter part of the Eastern Zhou dynasty (circa 475 BC). A specific kingdom, which had been known as the "Yue Guo" (越國) in modern Zhejiang, was not mentioned until it began a series of wars against its northern neighbor Wu during the late 6th century BC. According to the Records of the Grand Historian and Discourses of the States, the Yue are descended from Wuyu, the son of Shao Kang, the sixth king of the Xia dynasty.

With help from Wu's enemy Chu, Yue won after several decades of conflict. The famous Yue King Goujian destroyed and annexed Wu in 473 BC. During the reign of Wuqiang (無彊), six generations after Goujian, Yue was partitioned by Chu and Qi in 306 BC.
During its existence, Yue was famous for the quality of its metalworking, particularly its swords. Examples include the extremely well-preserved Swords of Goujian and Zhougou.

From our wonderful collection of ancient Chinese weaponry we recently acquired, another stunning ancient sword around 2500 years old or more. From the Zhou dynasty, and the area of the King's of Wu, in Chu, or more likely the Kingdom of Yueh. From a collection of antiquities, swords daggers, and rings, many pieces sold for the part benefit of the Westminster Abbey fund, and the Metropolitan Museum fund

Swords of this type are called “two-ring” swords because of the prominent rings located on the hilt. this is the very type of sword 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.
We show a painting in the gallery of a chariot charge by a Zhou dynasty warrior armed with this very form of sword.
The Chinese term for this form of weapon is “Jian” which refers to a double-edged sword. This style of Jian is generally attributed to either the Wu or the Yue state. The sword has straight graduated edges reducing to a pointed tip, which may indicate an earlier period Jian.

The blade is heavy with a midrib and tapered edges
A very impressive original ancient Chinese sword with a long, straight blade with a raised, linear ridge down its centre. It has a very shallow, short guard. The thin handle would have had leather or some other organic material such as leather or hemp cord, wrapped around it to form a grip. At the top is a broad, round, dished pommel.

The Seven Kingdom or Warring States period in Chinese history was one of instability and conflict between many smaller Kingdom-states. The period officially ended when China was unified under the first Emperor of China, Qin pronounced Chin Shi Huang Di in 221 BC. It is from him that China gained its name.

The Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BCE) was among the most culturally significant of the early Chinese dynasties and the longest lasting of any in China's history, divided into two periods: Western Zhou (1046-771 BCE) and Eastern Zhou (771-256 BCE). It followed the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600-1046 BCE), and preceded the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE, pronounced “chin”) which gave China its name.

In the early years of the Spring and Autumn Period, (770-476 BC) chivalry in battle was still observed and all seven states used the same tactics resulting in a series of stalemates since, whenever one engaged with another in battle, neither could gain an advantage. In time, this repetition of seemingly endless, and completely futile, warfare became simply the way of life for the people of China during the era now referred to as the Warring States Period. The famous work The Art of War by Sun-Tzu (l. c. 500 BCE) was written during this time, recording precepts and tactics one could use to gain advantage over an opponent, win the war, and establish peace.

Sun Tzu was a Chinese general, military strategist, writer, and philosopher who lived in the Eastern Zhou period of ancient China. Sun Tzu is traditionally credited as the author of The Art of War, an influential work of military strategy that has affected both Western and East Asian philosophy and military thinking. His works focus much more on alternatives to battle, such as stratagem, delay, the use of spies and alternatives to war itself, the making and keeping of alliances, the uses of deceit, and a willingness to submit, at least temporarily, to more powerful foes. Sun Tzu is revered in Chinese and East Asian culture as a legendary historical and military figure. His birth name was Sun Wu and he was known outside of his family by his courtesy name Changqing The name Sun Tzu by which he is more popularly known is an honorific which means "Master Sun".

Sun Tzu's historicity is uncertain. The Han dynasty historian Sima Qian and other traditional Chinese historians placed him as a minister to King Helü of Wu and dated his lifetime to 544–496 BC. Modern scholars accepting his historicity place the extant text of The Art of War in the later Warring States period based on its style of composition and its descriptions of warfare. Traditional accounts state that the general's descendant Sun Bin wrote a treatise on military tactics, also titled The Art of War. Since Sun Wu and Sun Bin were referred to as Sun Tzu in classical Chinese texts, some historians believed them identical, prior to the rediscovery of Sun Bin's treatise in 1972.

Sun Tzu's work has been praised and employed in East Asian warfare since its composition. During the twentieth century, The Art of War grew in popularity and saw practical use in Western society as well. It continues to influence many competitive endeavours in the world, including culture, politics, business and sports.

The ancient Chinese people worshipped the bronze and iron swords, where they reached a point of magic and myth, regarding the swords as “ancient holy items”. Because they were easy to carry, elegant to wear and quick to use, bronze swords were considered a status symbol and an honour for kings, emperors, scholars, chivalrous experts, merchants, as well as common people during ancient dynasties. For example, Confucius claimed himself to be a knight, not a scholar, and carried a sword when he went out. The most famous ancient bronze sword is called the “Sword of Gou Jian”.

This is one of a stunning collection of original archaic bronze age weaponry we have just acquired and has now arrived. 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.

21 inches long overall 17 inch blade

Ref; SOME OBSERVATIONS ON EARLY CHINESE BRONZE SWORDS
By
Anthony Dove and Alan Williams The Wallace Collection} 65 publications  read more

Code: 24388

Scarce, Victorian, 3rd City of London Silvered Shako Helmet Plate

An extremely fine example in silver plate being a crowned eight pointed star with overlays of oak sprays and central strap 'Domine Dirige Nos' enclosing a number 3
bearing the arms of the City, over a shield and London. A rare and most collectable piece of Victorian militaria. Two loop fasteners very good condition. 4.75 inches x 3.85 inches  read more

Code: 18441

An Absolutely Stunning Napoleon IIIrd, French Bronze. The Woman Reading, ‘La Liseuse’ by World Renown Sculptor, Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, Mentor to His Apprentice Auguste Rodin Who Became One of The Worlds Most Famous and Valued Sculptors

One of three versions he sculpted titled 'the Reader' by Carrier-Belleuse, and the rarest. One other, was the same model but she was wearing full Renaissance dress, including head-covering, another, of the same model was a woman reading with two small companions, and this scuplture, the erotic version, was of his favourite female model of a woman in a classical robe, semi naked reading a small book.

Albert-Ernest Carrier de Belleuse as known as Carrier-Belleuse (1824 - 1887) is one of the the most famous sculptors of the Second Empire, who touched all areas of sculpture, from porcelain of Sevres to monumental sculpture of marble, by way of a production of terracotta and bronze statuettes. He also trained one of the worlds greatest sculptors Auguste Rodin, who impressed his mentor to such a degree they even later collaborated on sculptures together.

Until 1872 Rodin's principal employer was Albert Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, the renowned decorative sculptor whose work cites those of the 18th century Rococo master Clodion. Rodin conceived of L'innocence tourmentée par l'amour, and, per his agreement with his teacher, Carrier-Belleuse signed the younger artist's works that were made at his studio. Rodin revisited this theme of cupids encouraging the sexual flourishing of a young woman in his later works, such as in Toilette de Vénus. Compagnie des Bronzes de Bruxelles produced editions of L'innocence tourmentée par l'amour for Carrier-Belleuse in terracotta, marble, biscuit de Sèvres and bronze until 1910.

Rodin created what is said to be the world's most famous sculpture. 'The Kiss' for Boston Millionaire E.P. WARREN, for £1,000 in around 1900 and it was delivered in 1904, and it lived in Warren House in Lewes East Sussex, then Lewes Town Hall in 1914. Then to a stable block in 1917, due to its unacceptable erotic nature, It lived in Lewes for a total of around 30 years.

12 years ago a pair of bronzes by Carrier-Belleuse, of the same age, quality and styl, titled, Spring and Summer, 2 works of gilt and patinated bronze and onyx circa 1850-1875, height 35.4 inches. They were sold at Christie's London April 29, 2010 lot 100 for $366,529.

Beginning at the age of thirteen at chiseler Beauchery’s workshop, Carrier-Belleuse learned from different goldsmiths, and was marked by the importance of the decorative arts. He worked quickly with Ferdinand Barbedienne and Deniere, the greatest bronze craftsmen of the century, in the realization of decorative objects, such as candelabra and fireplace garniture.

Fatherless orphan and protege of the Arago family, he obtained an official commission in 1848, a statue of the muse Rachel in gilded plaster. In 1863, his Bacchant in marble shown at the Salon is bought by Napoleon III, confirming his importance in the Second Empire. It was placed in the garden of the Tuileries from 1872 until 1984. He hence made the decoration of several prestigious buildings, in the Louvre, the Theatre of the Renaissance, on the pediment of the Bank of France, or at the Opera House of Palais Garnier, of which he supplied the two torches of the grand staircase.

As early as 1855, Carrier-Belleuse opened a workshop at the rue de la Tour d'Auvergne, 15, which welcomed many pupils, including Jospeh Cheret, Jules Dalou, and especially the great Auguste Rodin, who greatly benefited from this apprenticeship, and made his portrait in bust.

Carrier-Belleuse was probably best known for his production of statuettes and busts, as he realized many portraits of the personalities of his time, such as Theophile Gautier, Honore Daumier and Eugene Delacroix. He also sculpts portraits of some official figures with several busts of Napoleon III, and an important statue of the Countess of Castiglione. On the day following the ball of the 9th of February 1863 at the Tuileries, she wanted to make a portrait of her in her costume of Queen of Etruria, in a dignified pose, in order to counteract the slanders she had been the target of.

Carrier-Belleuse is also a great admirer of the Renaissance and the 18th century, from which he sculpts portraits of Shakespeare or Jean-Jacques Rousseau. He is inspired in his works by Renaissance art, especially the art from Fontainebleau. But he is also often considered as a new Clodion, 18th century sculptor of terracotta statuettes, for many gallant subjects and elegant busts of young women, such as the Bust of a young woman wearing a diadem, preserved in the Orsay Museum.

Thus, the monumental mirror exhibited by Barbedienne at the World’s Fair of 1867 , the true centerpiece of the stand, which emphasizes the pre-eminence of French skills in ornamental bronze, is decorated with characters by Carrier-Belleuse, in a Benvenuto Cellini manner.

Being one of the founding members of the Central Union of Fine Arts applied to Industry, now the Decorative Arts, his work is in keeping with the motto of this institute: "Beautiful in Useful". At the end of his career, he became art director of the Manufacture de Sevres, where he invented many designs with small sculptures, such as the Buire de Blois, at which Rodin worked. Finally, at the end of his life, a collection of drawings by Carrier-Belleuse was published, showing his involvement in the diffusion of beauty by the objects of everyday life: Application of the human figure to industrial decoration and ornamentation, 1884.

The son of Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, Louis-Robert Carrier-Belleuse, also became a renowned artist of decorative arts. Trained as a painter, and also a sculptor like his father, he mainly worked in ceramics, becoming art director of the Choisy

Famed works of art he created;

Monument to André Masséna
Nice, 1869
Hebe asleep, 1869
Paris, Musée d'Orsay
Pediment sculpture of Abundance, Pavillon de Flore, South façade of the Great Galerie, Louvre palace, Paris, circa 1863
Caryatids themed on the four seasons, Vichy Opera, for architect Charles Badger, 1865
Architectural sculpture for the Tribunal de commerce de Paris (Commercial Court of Paris), on the Île de la Cité, for architect Antoine-Nicolas Bailly, completed 1865
A silvered bronze chimney-piece for the Hôtel de la Païva, Paris, 1866
Monument to André Masséna, Nice, 1869
Architectural work at the Brussels Stock Exchange, Brussels, circa 1870
Mary Queen of Scots, Private Collection, ca. 1870
Two elaborate multifigure torchères for the base of grand staircase, Palais Garnier (Paris Opera), Pairs, 1873
Tomb of Belgian photographer Louis Ghémar, Laeken Cemetery, Brussels, 1873
Architectural work for the Théâtre de la Renaissance, Paris, for architect Charles de Lalande, 1873
Sea Nymph for the fountain at the Place du Theâtre-Français, Paris, for architect Gabriel Davioud, 1874
Bust of Aimée-Olympe Desclée for her tomb, 1874
Four Seasons fountain, Hotel de Ville, Fleurance
Mausoleum of José de San Martín, Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral, Buenos Aires
Equestrian statue of Mihai Viteazul, University Square, Bucharest, Romania
Equestrian statue of Manuel Belgrano, Plaza de Mayo Square, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Equestrian statue of Bernardo O'Higgins, Alameda, Santiago de Chile, Chile
Statue for the victims of the La Compañía fire, originally at the place of the fire, today in front of the General Cemetery in Santiago de Chile, Chile

41cm height x 13cm depth x 15cm width

The much less rare 'fully clothed' version of The Woman Reading is shown in photo 10 in the gallery  read more

Code: 24454

More Fabulous & Rare Pieces Added Every Day, & Some to Be Added This Coming Week On To The Lanes Armoury Website, Fresh From Our Conservation Workshop & Another Collection From the Workshop Early Next week

Early next week we have arriving a fantastic, large collection of original French Ist Empire Napoleonic sabres, from a very rare General's sword, an Imperial Garde Light Cavalry officer's sword, a very rare Grenadier a Cheval De La Garde Imperial sword, a General Staff of Light Cavalry officer's Sword,, Cuirassier officer's swords, an incredibly rare French Naval, Sabre D'Officier De Marine Model Prairelle An XII {1804 Trafalger } Officer's sword, Light Cavalry officer's sabres {some blue and gilt blades}, a rare Sabre D'Officier De Cavalrie Legere, with the Marengo pattern hilt, and a really very rare officer of the Carabiniers shell guard sword, plus several others. All are in superb condition for age. We also have a very rare 1940 MK1 'dove site' Bren gun, one of only 2,300 Bren guns left to defend England after the Dunkirk debacle. 27,700 MK 1 Bren guns were either left to the mercy of The Third Reich as captured booty, or, were destroyed on the beaches of Dunkirk. Thus this gun is either one of 2,300 remaining examples, or even rarer, { judged by survival rates} it one of the ones used by 'Jerry' against us!. This very rare earliest Bren Gun is now ‘Sold’
However, the good news is we have another good Bren {but manufactured later, post Dunkirk} arriving next week!

Just last week, for those with in interest in British Spycraft original collectables, we have some incredibly rare, original SOE WW2 items, including, probably, the best a rarest complete SOE Agents suitcase transceiver available, if not the best and most untouched ‘barn find’ of its type in the world!!. Just as would have been used by the one of history’s greatest heroines, Violette Szabo G.C. SOE espionage agent & radio operator. Plus, an SOE clamshell mine, and a SOE suitcase radio bicycle generator.
Also, American Civil War revolvers, such as by Remington, Manhattan, Starr, & Whitney, and very, very rare, US Civil War General’s sabre and knot complete, that is identical to General’s W.T.Sherman, J.E.B.Stuart, & John Bell Hood’s generals pattern swords. Plus, a Confederate British contract Tranter revolver. Also, a simply stunning collection of amazing sword sticks, all first division, some with full silver handles, others in very fine and beautiful woods, and all in incredible condition, plus, Samurai Ninja Shikome-zue sword sticks that are due in in a couple of weeks. Also an incredibly rare Qing Dynasty Chinese matchlock musket, one of the first we have seen in decades, a stunning WW2 RAF fighter scramble bell. An amazing 16th century ‘Holy Water Sprinkler’ a particularly gruesome looking pole arm of the rarest kind. A 1st Empire Napoleonic, French Cuirassiers sword, and a French Light Cavalry sabre by Nicolas Noel Boutet, a 17th to 18th century Royal Naval Admiral’s saw back cutlass, an Ancient Greek pure gold and carved scarab and intaglio swivel seal ring, around 2600 year old, and an ancient Roman noble’s silver & carved gemstone seal ring. A rare German 1930’s NSFK flyer’s summer helmet, some wonderful ancient samurai swords, a stunning pair of English, by one of the finest maker’s, original, cased, duelling pistols with tools, and an amazing antique samurai menpo face armour, and a really rare 1790’s French naval officers sea service pistol. Plus lots more as usual.

Just last Saturday we were simply delighted by an unexpected return visit from an old dear customer, a much respected London University professor and academic of numerous decades, who, amongst so many other things, lectures around the world on oriental studies, and was an advisor to Margaret Thatcher. He paid us the enormous compliment of declaring that despite travelling all over the globe, he has still never seen a shop so full of original antique pieces that are amazingly diverse, fascinating and historically eclectic anywhere else in the world. We thank you Professor P for your kindest of compliments. Another regular visitor on Saturday, a retired US Congressman, stated “ I know of no other shop in the world where you can buy a 300,000 year old Stone Age hand axe, and an ancient Egyptian mummy’s face mask and a 1st Gulf War Scud missile launching optical site, all under the same roof!”

We added last week the rarest of the rare. A wonderful selection of Flintlocks, Scottish, British Crimean War Sea Service Pistol, and a War Dept. Colt Navy, Crimean contract purchase, and as per the HMS Warrior armoury contract. Napoleonic, French, and British Swords, and American Civil War Swords. Antique Japanese Samurai Katanas, and WW2 Japanese Shin Gunto officer's swords, several 1st Editions of P.G.Wodehouse's, Bertie Wooster, ( the books have yet to be added) plus, lots more as usual

The Lanes Armoury is many things, including, but not exclusively, Europe’s Leading Original Samurai Sword & Armoury Antiques Gallery.

After over 53 years personal experience as a partner and director by Mark, since 1971, and over 43 years by David, we are Europe’s leading original samurai sword gallery, with hundreds of swords to view and buy online 24/7, or in our gallery in Brighton on a personal visit, 6 days a week.

It has been said that the Hawkins family have, in their sword dealing history, handled, bought and sold more original Japanese swords than any other sword dealers outside of Japan since World War I, numbering well into the tens of thousands of samurai weapons. In fact we still know of no better and varied original samurai sword selection, for sale under one roof, anywhere in the world today outside of Japan, or possibly, even within it. Hundreds of antique pieces for sale to choose from, and some up to 800 years old. We have had personal dealings {both buying and selling} with curators, experts and collectors from numerous leading museums around the world, {including Japan}. Such as The Tower of London, and the Metropolitan Museum in New York. Mark’s personal antiques mentor in the 1970’s was Edward ‘Ted’ Dale, when he was Managing Director and chief auctioneer of one of the worlds leading auction houses, Bonhams of Knightsbridge, London.

Both Mark and David can usually be found here at the gallery and shop, most days, often buried under a pile of swords, pistols, books and bayonets. It is always the case of ‘take us as you find us’ as they say, but they are both always delighted to chat about everything swords, guns, books and history, with no purchase necessary!

In memoriam
For over 30 years we had the enjoyment of the company of the late Christopher Fox as our consultant on Nihonto. A great friend to us all, and one of the most modest and knowledgable experts on Japanese swords in England. Also he was a member of the leading European sword appreciation society for several decades, and a student and instructor of the martial art of Iaido for four decades. The second in command so to speak of sensei Roald Knutsen, one of the worlds greatest experts and author on samurai polearms. {Chris was also a whizz on all things of a military nature from 20th century Germany.}


Did you know? the most valuable sword in the world today is a samurai sword, it belongs to an investment fund and has appeared illustrated in the Forbes 400 magazine. It is valued by them at $100 million, it is a tachi from the late Koto period 16th century and unsigned. Its blade is grey and now has no original polish remaining.  read more

Code: 25201

A Superb Quality, Antique, Edwardian Hallmarked Repoussé Silver Handled Sword-Stick. A Most Elegant & Sophisticated Beauty In Near Mint Condition.

A wonderful repoussé silver long handle in super condition, a long bamboo haft with superb patination and a quatrefoil four sided edged blade.

Repoussé silver came into popularity during the rococo revival period in decorative arts. Silversmiths nationwide used the technique, but Baltimore was its greatest champion. The silversmiths there created a regional style featuring masses of repoussé flowers with chased details. (Chasing is opposite to repoussé, as it refines the front of the piece, and the two techniques are often used together). Known today as “Baltimore repoussé,” Samuel Kirk introduced this type of decoration in 1828. It was thoroughly copied soon after, but unlike his competitors, Kirk’s iconic pattern, simply called Repoussé, is still made today under the name Kirk Stieff.

And while America fell under the spell of neoclassicism, art nouveau, and other decorative styles, repoussé silver—outfitted in its rococo glory—has never fallen out of favour. When accounting for the style’s longevity, writer Jack Tanis noted the following in an article for Silver magazine: “What you see is what you get, and what you get is an eyeful of pretty—drippingly saturated pretty.”

Lord Byron's was a most exponent of the use and carrying of the gentleman’s sword stick. His was exhibited in King's College London, bearing a mercurial gilt collar bearing his name, coronet and adopted surname Noel. Upon the death of Byron's mother-in-law Judith Noel, the Hon. Lady Milbanke, in 1822, her will required that he change his surname to "Noel" so as to inherit

An interesting 19th century conversation and collector's piece, and one can ponder over of the kind of gentleman who would have sought and required such a piece of personal defence paraphernalia. Although one likes to think that jolly old England had a London full of cheerful cockneys and laddish chimney sweeps, it was also plagued with political intrigue, nefarious characters and caddish swine prowling the endless foggy thoroughfares and dimly lit passageways. The swordstick was a popular fashion accessory for the wealthy during the 18th and 19th centuries. While the weapon's origins are unknown, it is apparent that the cane-sword's popularity peaked when decorative swords were steadily being replaced by canes as a result of the rising popularity of firearms, and the lessening influence of swords and other small arms.

The first sword canes were made for nobility by leading sword cutlers. Sixteenth century sword canes were often bequeathed in wills. Sword canes became more popular as the streets became less safe. Society dictated it mandatory that gentlemen of the 18th and especially 19th centuries would wear a cane when out and about, and it was common for the well-dressed gentleman to own and sport canes in a variety of styles, including a good and sound sword cane. Although Byron was proficient in the use of pistols, his lameness and his need to defend himself in some potentially dangerous situations made a swordstick doubly useful to him. He received lessons in London from the fencing master Henry Angelo and owned a number of swordsticks, some of which were supplied by his boxing instructor Gentleman John Jackson.

On Byron’s sword cane was the name NOEL BYRON, upon the ferrule of his one indicated that it was used after 1822, when Byron added the surname Noel after the death of his mother-in-law.

There are several references to sword sticks in the correspondence of Byron and his circle. Byron wrote to Hobhouse from Switzerland on 23 June 1816 asking him to Bring with you also for me some bottles of Calcined Magnesia a new Sword cane procured by Jackson he alone knows the sort (my last tumbled into this lake ) some of Waite's red tooth-powder & tooth-brushes a Taylor's Pawrsanias Pausanias and I forget the other things. Hobhouse responded on 9 July: Your commissions shall be punctually fulfilled whether as to muniments for the mind or body pistol brushes, cundums, potash Prafsanias Pausanias tooth powder and sword stick.

In the entry for 22 September 1816 in Byron's Alpine Journal he describes how, at the foot of the Jungfrau,
"Storm came on , thunder, lightning, hail, all in perfection and beautiful, I was on horseback the Guide wanted to carry my cane I was going to give it him when I recollected it was a Sword stick and I thought that the lightning might be attracted towards him kept it myself a good deal encumbered with it & my cloak as it was too heavy for a whip and the horse was stupid & stood still every other peal."

In a letter to Maria Gisborne of 6-10 April 1822, Mary Shelley described the "Pisan affray" of 24 March, in which Sergeant-Major Masi was pitch-forked by one of Byron's servants. She recounted how Byron rode to his own house, and got a sword stick from one of his servants.

Sword sticks came in all qualities, and for numerous purposes, from the simplest bamboo sword cane personal defender to stout customs officer’s ‘prod’, to offensive close quarter stiletto dagger canes and even to the other side of the world in the form of Japanese samurai’s shikome-sue, hidden swords.

We show two famous sword sticks in the gallery, one that belonged to Lord Byron, and another in a Presidential Centre Library collection, a historic sword stick is part of the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Centre Library collection in Fremont, Ohio from the Waggoner family, the sword-cane was said to have been presented to Mr Waggoner by General George Washington in honour of Waggoner's service in Washington's Life Guard during the American Revolutionary War.  read more

Code: 25262