Antique Arms & Militaria

Historian Uncovers Graves of the Knights Templar in Staffordshire, Believed To Be One of the 'Most Nationally Important Discoveries' of its Kind

Graves belonging to members of the Knights Templar - a somewhat mysterious holy militia that sprang up in the 12th century - have been uncovered at an English village church in one of the 'most nationally important discoveries' of its kind.

The medieval order, which had chapters across Europe, including in Britain, were known for their role in the Crusades and as one of the Middle Ages' most powerful and wealthy religious organisations.

Historian Edward Spencer Dyas made the Da Vinci Code-style discovery of eight Knights Templar graves at St Mary's Church in Enville, Staffordshire.

In Dan Brown's novel, The Da Vinci Code, and the film of the same name starring Tom Hanks, Professor Robert Langdon delves beneath Rosslyn Chapel, in Scotland, in the hunt for Knights Templar treasure.

Mr Dyas now believes St Mary's could be one of the most nationally important Templar churches in the country because of its links to 'England's greatest knight' of the Middle Ages.
Mr Dyas' research led him to establish that St Mary's was built by Roger de Bermingham - a priest whose family owned all Enville land including Morfe, a medieval royal forest in neighbouring Shropshire.

Although records are missing it is clear the de Bermingham family built the Norman church at Enville, using Templar financing,' he added.
'Henry de Morfe, who held land owned by the de Berminghams, sold part of Morfe Forest to the Templars at this time, and the de Berminghams instated Roger de Bermingham as the first priest of St Mary's Church, Enville.'

It is for this reason that Mr Dyas believes the church was 'under the patronage of the Templars'.
William Marshal, the 1st Earl of Pembroke, was a jouster, warrior, diplomat and even twice de facto king who was the inspiration for Lancelot in medieval Arthurian tales and also drafted the Magna Carta.

Marshal died aged 73 in 1219 and was buried in Temple Church in London after being invested into the order of the Knights Templar on his deathbed.
But at St Mary's, the stained glass windows depict an array of coats of arms including one that belonged to Hugh Mortimer of Chelmarsh, who married Marshal's granddaughter.

There is little other explanation why there would be so many Templar graves at the quaint village church, although members of the group are believed to have attached themselves to churches dedicated to St Mary the Virgin. The church on the outskirts of the Black Country was built in the early 12th century at a time when the Templars were creating Preceptories - a type of monastery - around Britain.

Each of the graves he has uncovered features a Templar cross within double circles in a standard Templar design. One also includes a Crusader cross, suggesting the knight was both a Templar and a Crusader of the ancient military order.

At the foot of the same grave there's also a Templar Cross - a variation of the Jerusalem Cross - revealing the unknown knight had once been part of the Templar Order at Temple Mount, Jerusalem.

'I believe these discoveries make Enville one of the most nationally important churches in the country,' Mr Dyas said.

'That's due to its close links with William Marshall, who is considered of the greatest warriors England ever produced.
'But there is a mystery of why an European Templar is buried at Enville and why they were secretly so prominent there.'

The Crusades were a series of religious wars fought between 1095 and 1291, in which Christian invaders tried to claim the near East.

It's known that nobility led the Crusades, but historical records lack details of the ordinary soldiers who travelled to, lived and died in the near East.

The Crusades set the stage for several religious knightly military orders, including the Knights Templar, the Teutonic Knights, and the Hospitallers.

These groups defended the Holy Land and protected pilgrims travelling to and from the region.

We have a few original Templar and Templar period artefacts, which we show, and some are only a few hundred pounds. It represents an incredible opportunity to own a spectacular piece of world history.

If you wish to read the full story, the link is below;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-12408493/The-real-life-Da-Vinci-Code-Historian-uncovers-graves-belonging-members-Knights-Templar-Staffordshire-one-nationally-important-discoveries-kind.html  read more

Code: 24895

An Original Antique Executioner's Keris Behari, Alang Pehang, From Indonesia Most Likely Sumatra For Hukuman Salang

The kris also known as keris is called a wilah or bilah. Kris blades are usually narrow with a wide, asymmetrical base. The kris is famous for its wavy blade; however, the older types of kris dated from the Majapahit era have straight blades, and they are the types, such as this one that were used for ceremonial executions.The execution by keris is called hukuman salang. Salang is synonymous with keris panjang.The executioner made the victim to squat then drove the keris panjang from certain spot inside his collar bone down to the heart. The number of luk or curves on the serpentine regular keris blade is always odd. Common numbers of luk range from three to thirteen waves, but some blades have up to 29. In contrast to the older straight type, most kris have a wavy blade which is supposed to increase the severity of wounds inflicted upon a victim. During kris stabbing, the wavy blade severs more blood vessels, creating a wider wound which causes the victim to easily bleed to death.

According to traditional Javanese kejawen, kris contain all the intrinsic elements of nature: tirta (water), bayu (wind), agni (fire), bantolo (earth, but also interpreted as metal or wood which both come from the earth), and aku (lit: "I" or "me", meaning that the kris has a spirit or soul). All these elements are present during the forging of kris. Earth is metal forged by fire being blown by pumped wind, and water to cool down the metal. In Bali, the kris is associated with the naga or dragon, which also symbolizes irrigation canals, rivers, springs, wells, spouts, waterfalls and rainbows; thus, the wavy blade symbolizes the movement of the serpent. Some kris have a naga or serpent head carved near the base with the body and tail following the curves of the blade to the tip. A wavy kris is thus a naga in motion, aggressive and alive; a straight blade is one at rest, its power dormant but ready to come into action.

In former times, kris blades were said to be infused with poison during their forging, ensuring that any injury was fatal. The process of doing so was kept secret among smiths. Different types of whetstones, acidic juice of citrus fruits and poisonous arsenic bring out the contrast between the dark black iron and the light coloured silvery nickel layers which together form pamor, damascene patterns on the blade. The distinctive pamor patterns have specific meanings and names which indicate the special magical properties they are believed to impart"The Kris Panjang is worn generally by the Malayan aristocracy, and bridegrooms. I have seen some beautiful specimens of this weapon in Rumbowe, worn by the chiefs of that state. The blades resembled that of a long keen poniard, of Damascus steel; the handles of ebony, covered with flowered gold, and sheaths richly ornamented with the same metal: they are used in the execution of criminals."
Thomas John Newbold, in 1839 wrote

."The last sentence of death passed by Abdul Syed (or Dholl Syed), the ex-Panghúlu, was on a Quedah man, named Sali, in 1805. This Malay had carried off from Malacca two Chinese slaves, a man and a woman; meeting some resistance from the former, he murdered him with his kris, in the forest of Londu, and proceeded with the woman to Pila, in Srimenanti, where he sold her as a slave. "

The present superintendent of Naning, Mr, Westerhout, who was an eye-witness, described to me the ceremony of his trial and execution. The criminal was conducted, bound, to Bukit Penialang, or "Execution Hill," near Tabu. The Panghúlu, the Ampat Suku, the twelve Panglimas, the Bandahara, and the Makdum, were all seated in judgment, under a cluster of Tambuseh trees, on the skirt of the hill.

The witnesses were brought forward, and examined by the Panghulu himself. The evidence against the prisoner being deemed conclusive, according to the forms of the Mohammedan law, he was sentenced, agreeably to the Adat Menángkábowe, to pay one Bhar, equivalent to 24 Sp. drs. 30 cents.) or to suffer (salang) death by the kris.

Being unable to pay the fine, preparations were made for his immediate execution. The grave was dug on the spot, and he was placed, firmly bound in a sitting posture, literally on its brink. For further security, two panglimas sat on each side, while the Panglima Besar Sumun unsheathed the weapon that was to terminate the mortal existence of the trembling wretch.

On the point of the poniard, the kris panjang, the panglima carefully placed a pledget of soft cotton, which he pressed against the man's breast, a little above the right collar-bone. He then slowly passed the weapon's point through the cotton, on which he kept the fingers of his left hand firmly pressed, in a direction obliquely to the left into his body, until the projection of the hilt stopped its farther progress. The weapon was then slowly withdrawn, the panglima still retaining the cotton in its place by the pressure of his fingers, so as to staunch effectually all external effusion of blood.

The criminal, shuddering convulsively, was immediately precipitated into the grave; but on making signs for water, was raised. He had barely time to apply his lips to the cocoa-nut- shell in which it was brought, when he fell back into the grave quite dead. The earth was then hastily thrown over the body, and the assembly dispersed."

-J.B. Westerhout, 1805. Blade 21 inches, overall in scabbard 27 inches  read more

Code: 23769

After Over 50 Years Here I Am Just as Thrilled With Our Latest 5 Star Review as I Was The First Time, When We First Went Online Over 26 Years Ago In The Year 2 BG {Before Google}. Enjoy Your Online Experience

Not only are we extremely grateful for our fabulous reviews, 5 Star or otherwise, we are also extraordinarily delighted that all the people have gone to the effort to create such kind words, as we never, ever, request reviews from our visitors, it is all entirely and simply down to their kindness, and the valuable time and effort they take out of their lives in order to compose such compliments, within their reviews.

Here is just a sample of past 5 Star Reviews.

Brian
113 reviews·582 photos
Wow ,, this is my favourite shop of all time - my partner spent over an hour trying to get me out of the place - it’s a a sword collectors dream ,, you have to see this place to believe it Fantastic - you could spend all day in there and still miss something.

Response from the owner.
We were delighted for your visit, and thrilled you obviously enjoyed your time here, albeit more briefly than you might have liked. We hope you both make it down here to visit once again, many thanks and kindest regards, Mark
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Emma Field
3 reviews·
I’ve purchased several items from this shop, my favourite being a katana. The brothers that own the shop are very informative and patient. I hope to return very soon. Highly recommend.

Response from the owner
Hi Emma, That is very kind of you to go to the bother to make such a nice review, it is much appreciated We very much look forward to your return, no purchase necessary of course, just to say hi! would be great enough. All the very best wishes, Mark
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Richard Dundas
15 reviews·2 photos
Incredible shop with an incredible selection of artefacts. There were so many amazing pieces in such a small space.

Response from the owner
Dear Richard, Thank you so much for your kind review and comments. It is always very much appreciated. see you again hopefully. Kind regards, Mark
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Neil Bolden
17 reviews
Bought a few items over the years. Guaranteed you are buying an authentic item. For my last purchase, Lanes Armoury went out of their way to locate an item l was looking for and l received it within 2 days of payment.

Response from the owner
Many thanks indeed for your most appreciated compliments, and we look forward to assisting you again in the future
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Darcy Lawler
25 reviews·50 photos

Could spend absolutely hours wandering this tiny shop, so much history everytime you looked you saw something new. The two men working there were very friendly and knowledgeable, they were happy to answer any questions and tell stories about the items

Response from the owner
Thank you Darcy for your most kind and complimentary review. It is always a delight to us to know visitors to our shop have enjoyed their visit, it make all our efforts worthwhile. To take the time to review our family business online is also especially kind. Thank you once again.
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John Anthony
Local Guide·77 reviews·53 photos

Great sword shop.

Response from the owner
Dear John, thank you so much for your compliment. It is always very pleasing to know that a local guide enjoyed their visit enough to leave a kind review. Many thanks once more
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Curtis Ramsay

Response from the owner
Dear Curtis, i was delightful to see your Five Star review, it is much appreciated , and many thanks indeed. We are glad you enjoyed your visit
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Chris Corfield
Local Guide·25 reviews
An absolutely amazing shop full of military history! The staff are knowledgeable and friendly. Thanks for your assistance and help with an appraisal.

Response from the owner
What a most kind compliment. we are delighted you enjoyed your visit, and we were most happy to assist you. You will be most welcome back anytime.
Thankyou
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John Anthony
Local Guide·77 reviews·53 photos
Great sword shop.

Response from the owner
Dear John, thank you so much for your compliment. It is always very pleasing to know that a local guide enjoyed their visit enough to leave a kind review. Many thanks once more
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steven gibson
1 review
We made our annual pilgrimage to this amazing shop this week, if we lived closer it would certainly be more often! The welcome we always receive from Mark + David is amazing, they are so passionate and knowledgeable about their stock and they will spend as much time as you need explaining the history and relevance of any item you wish to look at, so you know exactly what you are buying. You will be treated in the same way if you are browsing or buying. There have been comments previously about the high prices but when you are buying such a work of art you get what you pay for, and some of these items are museum quality. A well deserved 5*

Response from the owner
Dear Steven, it was delightful to see you both once more, and it was especially nice of you to take the time to make such a wonderful review. it is really very much appreciated. Looking forward to seeing you both next year, take care and many thanks indeed. Mark + David.

Post script, To be fair not everyone goes as high as 5*, as we simply cannot always be all things to all people, however hard we try, but be assured, every effort will be made by us to improve your rating on your next visit. For example we gained just 1 star from one of our oldest and most revered customers, because two years ago he simply he couldn’t get to grips with our ‘new and improved’’ website. So sorry Fred, we are trying our best to improve it for you!  read more

Code: 24884

A Pair Of French, Chassepot Rifle Sword Bayonets. 1870's

Very Good Chassepot Rifle Sword Bayonets. Stunning examples, with very good steel and brass, They could look super displayed just as we show them. The hilts have been polished as could the blades.
Its inventor was, Antoine Alphonse Chassepot, and it became the French service weapon in 1866. It was first used at the battlefield at Mentana, November 1867, where it inflicted severe losses on Garibaldi's troops. The event was reported at the French Parliament: "Les Chassepots ont fait merveille!", {The Chassepots did marvelous execution !} In the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) it proved greatly superior to the German Dreyse needle gun, outranging it by 2 to 1. Although it was a smaller caliber but the chassepot ammunition had more gunpowder and thus faster muzzle velocity. The Chassepots were responsible for most of the Prussian and other German casualties during the conflict. This is the most widely copied of all the sword bayonets. Many countries - including the United States, Egypt, Belgium, and Argentina - have manufactured or used very similar bayonets. The French model was designed to fit on the French Model 1866 Chassepot Rifled Infantry Musket (the musket was revolutionary in itself). It was manufactured from 1866 to about 1874 and was replaced by the French Model 1874 "Gras" Bayonet.
The bayonets are brass-hilted The crossguard is iron (steel) and has a screw-type tightening arrangement on the muzzle-ring. The lower quillon is a hooked "blade-breaker" type.
The blade is steel, single-edged, fullered (both sides), with a re-curved or "yataghan-shape." The blades marked on the back-edge (opposite the cutting edge) with the arsenal, month, and year of manufacture; this is done in engraved cursive fashion
Arsenals encountered may be such as Chatellerault, Mutzig, St. Etienne, Paris-Oudry, Tulle, and perhaps Steyr (not confirmed on the 1866). The French wars during the life-span of this bayonet were: French Intervention in Mexico (1861-1867);
Franco-Prussian War (July 19, 1870 - May 10, 1871)
French Indo-China (1873-1874, 1882-1883);
Sino-French War (1883-1885);
Madagascar Wars (1883-1885, 1895);
1st Mandingo-French War (1883-1886);
1st Dahomeyan-French War (1889-1990);
2nd Dahomeyan-French War (1892-1894);
Franco-Siamese War of (1893)
2nd Mandingo-French War (1894-1895);
Conquest of Chad (1897-1914);
3rd Mandingo-French War (1898);
Moroccan War (1907-1912);
The Wadai War (1909-1911);
World War I (early).

These bayonets were widely copied and used by many countries - including the United States, Belgium, and Germany. Many of the actual French-marked bayonets can be found with German manufactured blades. It is believed some of these were used during the American Civil War when many European arsenals were emptied of their surplus arms.
These bayonets are the French Model 1866 "Chassepot" Bayonet.
The crossguard are iron (steel) and with a "cock's comb" muzzle-ring finial. The lower quillon is a hooked "blade-breaker" type.
The blade is steel, single-edged, fullered (both sides), with a re-curved or "yataghan-shape." One blade is marked on the back-edge (opposite the cutting edge) with the arsenal, month, and year of manufacture; this is done in engraved cursive fashion. No scabbards  read more

Code: 24843

Another Original Collection of Ancient Weapons of Antiquity Arrives This Week! Once More, All Manner of Singularly Fine & The Rarest of Intriguing Historical Pieces Recently Added, and To Be Added, Every Day

Recently we have acquired and added all manner of interesting artefacts, both ancient and vintage: Including, an ancient Imperial roman Gladiator's ring 1st century AD, an Imperial Roman Equestris Legion Centurion's seal ring engraved with horse mounted combat. A gold and bronze ancient Chinese crossbow mount, an antique Aztec form sacrificial knife, a stunning Baker Rifle, an Ancient Greek or Spartan senior ranked warrior's ‘stooping horse’ seal ring, around 2600 years old, Ancient Roman Kingdom period {500 bc} centurion armilla, from the earliest era just after Romulus and Remus, a 1700 to 1800 year old Roman Gladiators ring, realistically engraved with a lion attacking a horse in the arena, a superb 1798 ‘Baker’ British rifle’s officer’s rifle, several US Civil War revolvers including Colt Army and Remingtons, a Roman Republic Period status rings and seal rings, Viking warriors bronze pieces, one of the most beautiful American frontier Plains Rifle we have seen now sold, a Native American Chiefs rifle, the same as was used by Chief Sitting Bull at the Little Big Horn, a Remington Rifle captured by a Coldstream Guard at Tel el Kabir {also now sold} a Trafalgar period Royal Naval incendiary cannon ball, an incredibly rare Draken head form Viking ‘magic, staff pommel, A Seiðstafr, The Staff of Power, used by a Viking shaman, plus one of the most amazing Viking Berserker warriors neck torc’s we have ever seen, still wearable condition and a great size, several wondrous Japanese katanas, a very rare type of Zulu War period, assegai spear-knopkerrie combination weapon, a type we have only seen twice before in over 50 years, also, lots, lots more.

Also just recently added, a set of ancient Viking prisoner and slave shackles with lock casing, a fabulous US army contract musket used from the Alamo, through the Mexican American War and also the US Civil War, a crossbow bolt recovered from Agincourt, and a light dragoon pistol of Waterloo.. Also, recently added; a Napoleonic Wars era 60th Rifle Regt. Jäger Rifle, Circa 1800, used by the German rifle volunteers of the British Army. Fine antiquities, as we mentioned last week, have arrived on Monday, including a very fine Viking warriors sword from the siege of Paris era, a 15th century iron handgonne, the very earliest form of hand held gun powder gun from the 1400’s. A ‘ballock dagger’ from the period of King Richard IIIrd, and the Wars of the Roses. A pure gold ancient Roman intaglio carved garnet gemstone seal ring, depicting a profile carving, possibly of Emperor Antoninus Pius, the fourth of the five good emperors, or a similar highest ranking Patrician of Rome, plus, a masterpiece of 23 carat hammered sheet gold, a now assembled ‘Wreath of Conquest’, the head adornment worn by the ancient victors of the games, conquerors and their queens of Greece & Macedon, in the later first millennium B.C. and thus emulated by all the ceasers and emperors of Rome, their laurel wreath of victory, the ultimate symbol of Roman republican and imperial victory, rule and power. This was originally acquired for a famous British ‘Barrister at the Temple’ and antiquities collector in the 1960’s. Plus, numerous other wonders of antiquity, including a silver Roman patrician or legates gemstone seal ring of a Roman intaglio of the Roman mythical beast, a Gryllos. The hybrid being is composed of Silenus head, an equine protome, a ram head chewing an ear, rooster legs and tail.. 1st-2nd century A.D. A gryllos, or composite of human and animal parts,
Grylloi, derived from the Italic word grillo ("freak") and the Latin gryllus ("caricature"), were popular subjects for the ancient Romans. Artists reportedly enjoyed creating these fantastic creatures with all combinations of parts, although certain combinations seemed to be more popular than others. While undoubtedly extremely amusing to the Romans, grylloi served a more serious purpose as well; they were thought to be talismans that acted as protection against the evil eye. Their strangeness was said to "attract the evil eye and thus lessens its force against its victims."

For a related example of an ancient Roman Gryllo ring, see accession number 41.160.655 in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection of Greek and Roman Art. Also, Ref: Richter, Gisela M.A., Catalogue of Engraved Gems: Greek, Etruscan, Roman, New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art (1956), p. 114.  read more

Code: 24771

A Beautiful Harlequin Pair Chinese Ching Dynasty 18th Cent. 'Shoe' Stirrups

Shaped like chinese shoes and worn as protective armour for the feet when a mandarin or officer travelled around the Ching empire on horseback. The more regular type we are used to seeing today were used, but this most scarce high quality bronze 'shoe-form' type is very rarely seen to survive. Peasants in Qing China were not permitted to travel and certainly never on horseback. The stirrup was invented in China in the first few centuries AD and spread westward through the nomadic peoples of Central Eurasia. The use of paired stirrups is credited to the Chinese Jin Dynasty and came to Europe during the Middle Ages. Some argue that the stirrup was one of the basic tools used to create and spread modern civilization, possibly as important as the wheel or printing press. The stirrup, which gives greater stability to a rider, has been described as one of the most significant inventions in the history of warfare, prior to gunpowder. As a tool allowing expanded use of horses in warfare, the stirrup is often called the third revolutionary step in equipment, after the chariot and the saddle. The basic tactics of mounted warfare were significantly altered by the stirrup. A rider supported by stirrups was less likely to fall off while fighting, and could deliver a blow with a weapon that more fully employed the weight and momentum of horse and rider. Among other advantages, stirrups provided greater balance and support to the rider, which allowed the knight to use a sword more efficiently without falling, especially against infantry adversaries. The Qing [or Ching] dynasty, officially the Great Qing, also called the Qing Empire by itself or the Manchu dynasty by foreigners, was the last imperial dynasty of China, established in 1636 and ruling China from 1644 to 1912 with a brief, abortive restoration in 1917. It was preceded by the Ming dynasty and succeeded by the Republic of China. The Qing multi-cultural empire lasted almost three centuries and formed the territorial base for the modern Chinese state. After conquering "China proper", the Manchus identified their state as "China", and referred to it as Dulimbai Gurun in Manchu (Dulimbai means "central" or "middle," gurun means "nation" or "state"). The emperors equated the lands of the Qing state (including present-day Northeast China, Xinjiang, Mongolia, Tibet and other areas) as "China" in both the Chinese and Manchu languages, defining China as a multi-ethnic state, and rejecting the idea that "China" only meant Han areas. The Qing emperors proclaimed that both Han and non-Han peoples were part of "China". They used both "China" and "Qing" to refer to their state in official documents, international treaties (as the Qing was known internationally as "China" or the "Chinese Empire") and foreign affairs, and "Chinese language" (Dulimbai gurun I bithe) included Chinese, Manchu, and Mongol languages, and "Chinese people" referred to all subjects of the empire. In the Chinese-language versions of its treaties and its maps of the world, the Qing government used "Qing" and "China" interchangeably.  read more

Code: 20698

An Early 19th Century French Monarchy Period Silver and Gilt Cavalry Officer's Belt Buckle

Bourbon restoration
Main article: Bourbon Restoration in France

This period of time is called the Bourbon Restoration and was marked by conflicts between reactionary Ultra-royalists, who wanted to restore the pre-1789 system of absolute monarchy, and liberals, who wanted to strengthen constitutional monarchy. Louis XVIII was the younger brother of Louis XVI, and reigned from 1814 to 1824. On becoming king, Louis issued a constitution known as the Charter which preserved many of the liberties won during the French Revolution and provided for a parliament composed of an elected Chamber of Deputies and a Chamber of Peers that was nominated by the king
The rooster played an important role as the revolutionary symbol, but it would become an official emblem under the July Monarchy and the Second Republic when it was seen on the pole of regiments’ flags. In 1830, the "Gallic Rooster" replaced the fleur-de-lis as the national emblem, and it was again discarded by Napoleon III.

Silver French crest centre, applied a gilt plate and belt loop, with very unusually its original leather uniform protecter intact.  read more

Code: 24758

A Superb & Most Gruesome Collectors & Conversation Piece, A King George IIIrd “Man Trap’ Only The Second Original Example We Have Had in 10 years

Scarce Wrought Iron Man Trap, probably 18th or very early 19th century, comprising 2 large sprung iron ‘jaws’ each lined with a row of interlocking teeth and released by a trip plate.
Here's a nice gory object to attract interest and conversation.
In the 18th and early 19th centuries common land and shared fields were being enclosed in pursuit of more efficient and productive farming, as well as for fashionable parkland. William Cobbett (born in Farnham in 1763) wrote passionately about the resulting loss of livelihood for the rural poor and there were other protests. In 1721 a masked gang, led by 'King John' killed 11 deer at the Bishop's Park at Farnham and then rode through the market place in triumph.
In 1723 the 'Black Act' authorised the death penalty for more than 50 poaching offences. It remained law for nearly a century and when it was repealed poachers were transported instead. Landowners also used man traps, as well as spring guns and dog spears operated by trip wire, to deter poachers. Man traps were made illegal in 1826 but in 1830 a new law was passed enabling landowners to apply for a licence to use them. They were finally banned in 1861, although Gertrude Jekyll, famous ornamental garden designer writing in 1904, observed that "notices of such dangers were posted on the outsides of properties to within a comparatively recent date."
Our man trap probably dates to the late 18th to 19th century. To set it, the metal jaws were forced apart and held down by a finely balanced catch. The slightest movement of the central plate would release the catch, causing the jaws to slam shut. It is hard to imagine that the poacher would not lose his foot. The hooks on the plate were to hold down the leaves and grass used to camouflage the trap.
Gertrude Jekyll includes a photograph of a man trap in Old West Surrey, along with the story of how this "curious relic of cruel old days" was found - "it was discovered in a wood on a beautiful property owned by a lady who had four then unmarried daughters. Luckily no one enjoyed the obvious joke more than these dear ladies themselves." Maximum length 113cms, jaws 37cms diameter. Fair condition, some old damage, now covered with old black preserving paint. Used to deter trespassers and poachers and therefore left outside. Spring 'Trap Spring' not functioning for safety.  read more

Code: 23563

A 19th Century Indian Percussion Howdah Pistol, Double Over and Under Barrelled

With steel barrels and engraved decorative brass frame, and of overall utility quality. Tight mainspring action. Large .6 inch bore

A Formidable and singularly impressive double barrel large bore pistol, for use when seated in the Howdah, when riding on an Elephant, for protection against Tiger attack. The name "Howdah pistol" comes from the sedan chair- known as a Howdah which is mounted on the back of an elephant. Hunters, and officers, especially during the period of the British Raj in India, used howdahs as a platform for hunting wild animals and needed large-calibre side-arms to protect themselves, the elephant, and their passengers from animal attacks at close range. Even though Howdah pistols were designed for use in the “gravest extreme” against dangerous game (such as tigers), they were used in combat by some officers, for both offence and defence, as their effectiveness was simply unrivalled in close quarter action. Demand for these potent weapons outstripped supply, and many seen still surviving today are in fact converted shotguns, with shortened barrels and pistol grip restocking, and in later years gunmakers responded with revolvers, in calibres as large as .500, in order to fill the need. Firearms like these were one source of inspiration for the overtly powerful .44 magnum revolver. A 1996 movie, called 'The Ghost and the Darkness', starring Michael Douglas, featured the Douglas character, Charles Remington, using a near identical "howdah" pistol in several scenes.

Being of utility functional design this is not a fine quality English made equivalent from the same era, however, due to this, it is priced accordingly, and approximately less than a quarter of the price we sold our last two fine English made examples for. One nipple is only partially present

As with all our antique guns no license is required as they are all unrestricted antique collectables  read more

Code: 24753

A Stunning Indian Mutiny Period Elite 2nd Dragoon Guards Officer's Silver Pouch

Hallmarked silver and dated to 1855. This was acquired from a museum grade collector of Waterloo artefacts and also 2nd Dragoon Guards artefacts, from the 19th century, see also the regimentally marked 2nd QDG 1796 Napoleonic Wars pistol code number 22648. Full dress officers silver pouch, in absolute pristine condition. Quite simply a wonderful artefact of British elite cavalry uniform regalia that is also an 'object d'art' from one of the most beautiful and finest quality military uniforms ever worn. Hallmarked London silver, dated 1855. Picture 10 in the gallery shows the pre 1885 2nd QDG full dress badge, when worn on their helmet the garter belt motto would change to the words Queen's Dragoon Guards, on the 1855 pouch it has "Honi Soit Qui Mal y Pense" as with the full dress badge but surmounted by a crown. Rectangular curved box with silver lid, with cast silver supports and rings and lined with silver wire bullion bands. Box covered in tooled black leather lining with morocco red leather trim. The silver cover bears an engraved acanthus leaf border, bearing at its centre the elite royal cavalry badge, of a gold, crowned garter star, emblazoned with royal motto "Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense", and the central relief VR cypher of Queen Victoria.
In 1857 the 2nd the Queen's Bays, were sent to India for the Indian Mutiny, and this pouch would have been worn in this conflict by its officer owner.
After the recapture of Delhi the focus of the conflict was on Lucknow, 150 miles northeast of Allahabad. Sir Colin Campbell had already rescued the beleaguered garrison there but had not prevented the rebels from capturing the city and holding it with 130,000 men. Campbell now had a force of 20,000 to march on Lucknow. The rebels made several sorties out of the town to engage with them. On 6 March two squadrons of the Bays made a charge under the command of Major Percy Smith. This got out of control over broken ground and three men were killed, including Major Smith. They were unable to retrieve his body. One corporal was unhorsed and unable to remount, so was cut to pieces. Six other men were wounded and many of the horses suffered terrible wounds from the mutineers' swords and bayonets. Lucknow was recaptured by 16 Mar 1858, but 20,000 rebels escaped. The cavalry units were already scattered around the countryside chasing small parties of rebels so were not in position to block the mass exodus on 16 Mar. "We came on bodies of Cavalry and Infantry of the enemy. Bays where ordered to the front to charge and pursue! Away we went as hard as possible, Major Smith and I leading. We did not stop for three miles, cutting down and pursuing the mutineers right up to Lucknow, and across the river. We are told the most gallant. Smartest, though somewhat rash thing that was done before Lucknow".

In a battle at Nawabganj, east of Lucknow, 2 squadrons under Major Seymour were part of the cavalry element of Hope Grant's 3,500-strong column that attacked a force of 15,000 mutineers entrenched at a river crossing. They made a 12 mile night march to surprise the rebels. There was a three hour battle during which the British were surrounded but they turned the tables and drove the enemy off, having killed 600 and captured 9 guns. The British lost 67 killed or wounded in action, but 33 died of sunstroke and 250 ended up in hospital. All members of the regiment had suffered from fever or sunstroke, both proving fatal in many cases. The CO, William Campbell died on 6 July 1858, after being promoted to brigadier. The second lieutenant-colonel, Hylton Brisco had suffered with fever and retired in September. Because of the fatalities and sickness, officers were gaining promotion without purchase. Captain William Henry Seymour, whose letters home provide valuable information on the Bays in India, attained his majority and lieutenant-colonelcy so that within 8 months he had gone from captain to CO of the regiment.
7.5 inches x 3.5 inches x 1.75 inches deep at the curve. 8.75 ounces weight total.  read more

Code: 22333