Antique Arms & Militaria

A Good Victorian Fifth Royal Irish Lancers Tchapka Helmet Plate

In superb condition, fabulous bronze patina and two helmet screw posts.Queen Victoria's crown. The regiment was originally formed in 1689 as James Wynne's Regiment of Dragoons. They fought in the Battle of the Boyne and at the Battle of Aughrim under William of Orange. Renamed the Royal Dragoons of Ireland, they went on to serve with the Duke of Marlborough during the Spanish War of Succession and earned three battle honours there.In 1751, they were retitled 5th Regiment of Dragoons and in 1756 the 5th (or Royal Irish) Regiment of Dragoons. As such, they served in Ireland and were active during the Irish Rebellion of 1798. However, they were accused of treachery; their accusers claimed their ranks had been infiltrated by rebels. (According to Continental Magazine, April 1863, the unit refused to attack a group of rebels.) This accusation appears to have been false, but nevertheless they were disbanded at Chatham in 1799. The regiment was reformed in 1858, keeping its old number and title, but losing precedence, being ranked after the 17th Lancers. It was immediately converted into a lancer regiment and titled 5th (or Royal Irish) Regiment of Dragoons (Lancers). In 1861, it was renamed the 5th (or Royal Irish) Lancers and then the 5th (Royal Irish) Lancers. The regiment served in India and a section served in Egypt in 1885, taking part in the battles at Suakin. It served with distinction in the Second Boer War from 1899 to 1902, gaining battle honours at Battle of Elandslaagte and The Defence of Ladysmith.

The regiment then returned to England where it stayed until the outbreak of World War I, when it became part of the British Expeditionary Force and saw action continually from 1914 to 1918 in some of the war's bloodiest battles. During the battle of Bourlon Wood George William Burdett Clare received the Victoria Cross posthumously. The 5th (Royal Irish) Lancers won a total of 20 battle honours during the Great War.

The 5th (Royal Irish) Lancers also has the grim honour of being the regiment of the last British soldier to die in the Great War. This was Private George Edwin Ellison from Leeds, who was killed by a sniper as the regiment advanced into Mons a short time before the armistice came into effect.

The regiment was renamed 5th Royal Irish Lancers and disbanded in 1921, but a squadron was reconstituted in 1922 and immediately amalgamated with the 16th The Queen's Lancers to become the 16th/5th Lancers The Royal Irish Lancers were in Mons at the time of retreat in 1914 but escaped and returned on Armistice Day. The last cavalry regiment out and the first back!. The memorial panel we show in the gallery records the return welcomed by the Maire and the Cur?. The scene is taken from a painting, ?5th Lancers, Re-entry into Mons?, last heard of in the private collection of a Belgian citizen. This in turn is almost a mirror image of a painting ?5th Lancers, Retreat from Mons? (whereabouts unknown). In the former, the troopers are heading in the opposite direction to the ?Retreat?, and a middle-aged priest and a pregnant woman watching the departure of the regiment among a worried-looking crowd of Belgian citizens have subtly changed: the priest is now white-haired and the mother holds up her four-year-old child, having lived through the occupation of the German forces in Mons for four years. The Great War 1914

The 5 Lancers, as part of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, were heavily involved and played a major role in the initial mobile actions fought by the BEF. They gained the distinction of being the last cavalry regiment to withdraw from Mons during the retreat; they also had the privilege to be the first British regiment to re-enter Mons after the pursuit in November 1918. Generally the First World War is described as a war of trench deadlock primarily fought by the infantry, gunners and engineers, this assessment is correct. It must however be remembered that cavalry regiments were expected to take their place in the line from time to time and did share the privations of trench warfare suffered by the infantry. On a number of occasions 5 L particularly distinguished themselves: in the defence of Guillemont Farm, June 1917, 3 MCs, and 4 MMs were won and during the defence of Bourlon Wood in 1918 Private George Clare won a posthumous VC. While the main focus of the First World War remained with the armies fighting on the western front it was by no means the only theatre of war. In 1918 Allenby, a 5th Lancer and later a Field Marshal, reorganised British forces in the Middle East pushing his lines forward into northern Palestine. Allenby's Army broke through at Megiddo resulting in the collapse of Turkish resistance. 8.25 inches x 5 inches approx.  read more

Code: 19688

A Good & Scarce, Victorian, 12th Lancers Helmet Plate With Battle Honours

In patinated brass. With two screw posts. With it's Victorian, pre Boer War battle honours; Egypt, Salamanca, Peninsula, Waterloo, South Africa 1851-2-3, Sevastopol, Central India. The regiment of dragoons that was to become the 12th Royal Lancers was raised by Brigadier-General Phineas Bowles in Berkshire in July 1715 against the threat of the Jacobite rebellion. In 1718 the regiment was placed on the Irish establishment and posted to Ireland, where it remained for seventy-five years.

In 1751 the regiment was officially styled the 12th Dragoons. In 1768 King George III bestowed the title of The 12th (Prince of Wales's) Regiment of (Light) Dragoons, the regiment was given the badge of the three ostrich feathers, and the motto "Ich Dien". The 12th Dragoons, led by General Sir John Doyle won their first battle honour in Egypt in 1801 against the French Dromedary corps.[3] They had previously had a young Duke of Wellington serve with them as a subaltern between 1789?91. 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 re-titled 12th (The Prince of Wales's) Regiment of (Light) Dragoons (Lancers). In 1855 they reinforced the Light Cavalry Brigade in the Crimea after the Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava. In 1861, they were renamed 12th (The Prince of Wales's) Royal Regiment of Lancers. Between 1899 - 1902 they fought in the South African War, taking part in the Relief of Kimberley and Diamond Hill, the last battle of the war.  read more

Code: 18669

Original Fossil of a Trilobite, in Matrix, Circa 490 Million Years Old with Iron Oxide Deposits in the Mineralisation From the River Bed

Negative impression. Upper cambrian Trilobite
Size: trilobite size approx. 45 x 28 mm; approx. matrix size 86 x 68 mm, weight 148 gram.
Likely locality: Russia, Siberia, Arctic Ocean and Lena River basin, Haraulah mountains.
Age: Upper Cambrian, Furongian Serie, Ogon’or Formation (495-490 million year ago).

This would make a superb conversation piece paperweight

Trilobites meaning "three lobes") are a group of extinct marine arachnomorph arthropods that form the class Trilobita. Trilobites form one of the earliest-known groups of arthropods. The first appearance of trilobites in the fossil record defines the base of the Atdabanian stage of the Early Cambrian period (521 million years ago), and they flourished throughout the lower Paleozoic era before beginning a drawn-out decline to extinction when, during the Devonian, all trilobite orders except the Proetids died out. Trilobites disappeared in the mass extinction at the end of the Permian about 252 million years ago. The trilobites were among the most successful of all early animals, existing in oceans for over 300 million years.

By the time trilobites first appeared in the fossil record, they were already highly diversified and geographically dispersed. Because trilobites had wide diversity and an easily fossilized exoskeleton, they left an extensive fossil record, with some 50,000 known species spanning Paleozoic time. The study of these fossils has facilitated important contributions to biostratigraphy, paleontology, evolutionary biology, and plate tectonics. Trilobites are often placed within the arthropod subphylum Schizoramia within the superclass Arachnomorpha (equivalent to the Arachnata), although several alternative taxonomies are found in the literature.

Trilobites had many lifestyles; some moved over the sea bed as predators, scavengers, or filter feeders, and some swam, feeding on plankton. Most lifestyles expected of modern marine arthropods are seen in trilobites, with the possible exception of parasitism (where scientific debate continues). Some trilobites (particularly the family Olenidae) are even thought to have evolved a symbiotic relationship with sulfur-eating bacteria from which they derived food  read more

Code: 24089

A Superb Victorian Hampshire Regt. Officers Full Dress Belt and Belt Plate One of the Best Examples We Have Ever Seen

A most scarce pattern of Victorian Hampshire regimental waist belt In 24 carat gilt and gold bullion, over red Morocco leather. Very few of these beautiful quality belts survive complete, and this is a truly exceptional one. Manufactured by Potter of London. Known as the Hampshire Tigers, the buckle bears the symbols of the Indian Tiger, and the Rose plucked from the Battle of Minden. The Hampshire Regiment was formed on 1st July 1881 when The 37th (North Hampshire) Regiment of Foot and The 67th (South Hampshire) Regiment of Foot were merged as part of the Childers reforms. Portrait miniature of an officer of the 37th or North Hampshire Regiment of Foot in the gallery for reference not included

The 37th Regiment of Foot was first formed in 1702 and as was the tradition at the time named ?Meredith?s Regiment? after Thomas Meredith, the Colonel of the Regiment who raised it in Dublin. The Regiment then served in various campaigns including The War of Spanish Succession (1704-1710) and The War of the Austrian Succession (1740?1748). In 1745 The Regiment returned to England when Bonnie Prince Charlie (the grandson of the deposed James II) landed in Scotland, attempting to regain the crown lost to the Stuart family in 1688 and incited the Jacobite Rising. The Regiment fought for the Hanoverian King George II at the Battles of Falkirk and Culloden. In 1751 the Regiment became The 37th Regiment of Foot as part of a scheme to simplify the naming system of British Army Regiments. The Regiment was once again involved in foreign campaigns including, The Seven Years War (1756?1763) and The American War of Independence (1775-1783). In 1783 The 37th became The 37th North Hampshire Regiment in order to aid recruitment. The Regiment was involved in various campaigns including The Peninsular War and The First War of Indian Independence.
The 67th Regiment of Foot was initially the 2nd Battalion of the 20th Foot but detached in 1758 and became the 67th of Foot. The Regiment saw its first action on the aborted expedition to capture St. Malo in 1758. It was part of the force sent to capture Belle Isle during the Seven Years War, also served in The Spanish invasion of Portugal 1762 and was stationed in India from 1805 after the Second Anglo-Maratha War and participated in The Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817?1818), remaining in India for 21 years. In 1783 The 67th became The 67th South Hampshire Regiment in order to aid recruitment. The Regiment was further involved in foreign campaigns including The Second and Third China Wars (1857-1865) and The Japan Expedition (1862?1864).The 67th return to England after 21 years and authorisation to carry the Royal Bengal Tiger on the Regimental Colours
In February 1826, after spells in Sholapore and Poona, the regiment was sent to Rangoon to reinforce British troops engaged in the Burmese war.
Both Regiments were amalgamated in 1881 as part of the Childers Reforms and became the Hampshire Regiment. The Childers Reforms restructured the British army infantry Regiments. The newly formed Regiment engaged in various foreign campaigns including; Secunderabad (1886-1888), Burma (1888?1891), South African War (1899?1902), and two World Wars.  read more

Code: 21180

A Battle Worn Original Early 17th Century Italian Partizan Polearm Head

Steel three prong partizan decorated with birds on a floral background from the 1620's. Battle damaged and a fabulous artifact of 17th century warfare. With later haft [not shown] A partizan (also partisan) is a type of polearm that was used in Europe in the Middle Ages. It consisted of a spearhead mounted on a long shaft, usually wooden, with protrusions on the sides which aided in parrying sword thrusts. From the era of the Italian Wars of Castro. They were a series of conflicts during the mid-17th century revolving around the ancient city of Castro (located in present-day Lazio, Italy), which eventually resulted in the city's destruction on 2 September 1649. The conflict was a result of a power struggle between the papacy ? represented by members of two deeply entrenched Roman families and their popes, the Barberini and Pope Urban VIII and the Pamphili and Pope Innocent X ? and the Farnese dukes of Parma, who controlled Castro and its surrounding territories as the Duchy of Castro. We do have its polearm 70 inches long overall, 12.5 head incl. side straps  read more

Code: 20976

A Most Rare Victorian, Anglo Indian, British Raj, Silver 105th (Madras Light Infantry) Officer Glengarry Badge

From the British Raj, one of the most desirable eras of collectable militaria of Anglo Indian history. Pre 1881 Silver coiled bugle horn couched within crowned sprays of laurel and palm, the horn with central floreate numerals 105, on the curl of the horn Madras Light Infty.. A scroll on the junction of the leaf sprays Cede Nullis. Sealed in 1876. Became the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry in 1881 The 105th Regiment of Foot (Madras Light Infantry) was an infantry regiment of the British Army from 1862 to 1881, when it was amalgamated into The King's Own Light Infantry (South Yorkshire Regiment).

The regiment was originally raised by the Honourable East India Company in 1839 as the 2nd Madras (European) Regiment, redesignated the 2nd Madras (European) Light Infantry in 1842, and served in the Indian Mutiny of 1857. As with all other "European" units of the Company, they were placed under the command of the Crown in 1858, and formally moved into the British Army in 1862, ranked as the 105th Foot.

As part of the Childers Reforms in 1881, the regiment was amalgamated with the 51st (the 2nd Yorkshire West Riding) or King's Own Light Infantry Regiment to form The King's Own Light Infantry (South Yorkshire Regiment).  read more

Code: 19050

A Large 19th century European, Imperial, Crowned, Twin Headed Royal Eagle Crest Mount

In hard metal, probably solid nickel. A most attractive piece that could beautifully embellish either a fine box, door, cabinet, case, or maybe a bespoke wooden plaque. 225 grams, 3.5 inches x 4.5 inches  read more

Code: 23826

An Exception Adams Pattern Antique 120 Bore Double Bullet Mould

A singularly fine piece in stunning original patina and it's original bluing to the steel sprue-cutter. This would be absolutely perfect for a cased 120 bore Adams revolver lacking it's mould. Also superb piece for collectors of fine English antique revolver accessories. You simply couldn't find a better example.  read more

Code: 17390

A Good Original Antique Nickel G &JW Hawksley Gun Case Oil Bottle

19th century Ideal for all kinds of cased pistols or long guns. Excellent condition. 3cm across [at widest] 5.5cm inches high  read more

Code: 17402

A Beautiful Antique African Tribal Art Carved Paddle-Spear Possiblt From The Itsekiri PeopleOr Even Benin

In carved native wood with geometric carving and piercing. This is a dance paddle of the kind used in ceremonies by the Itsekiri people of the Niger delta. The river was at the centre of tribal society and economy – it provided food and transport for the communities who lived in the area. Canoes were an extremely important part of traditional society and so the paddle was an important symbol for prosperity. Local people relied on the river for their quality of life and believed in water spirits. This paddle is decorated with intricate carving and may have been used in ceremonial dances. Alternatively, it may have been made for trading with Europeans as ethnic objects became fashionable possessions. Although African, like Oceanic art it is often infused with ancestral spirits, as well as spirits of water, air and land. These spirits are contacted in ceremonies to ensure fertility, or invoke protection from famine, disease or enemies.

Sometimes these invocations serve extremely practical purposes. There was a ceremony in Papua New Guinea where ancestral spirits were activated in a carved wooden crocodile. Men carrying the crocodile were then led, like people holding a divining rod are led, to the home of a local murderer.
African and Oceanic art is not only made for decoration. It is made to be used as a tool in the culture. In the 20th century, Cubist painters, and especially Surrealists, were moved by the power of Oceanic abstractions, as they were by traditional African art. This wonderful piece would make a stunning additional display of object d’art in any setting, albeit traditional or contemporary  read more

Code: 17934