Antique Arms & Militaria

A Very Fine Rare Gambler's Dirk cum Boot Knife, Carved Horn Grip, Mid 19th Century

A very fine quality dirk, perfect for concealment for the gamblers of the Wild West frontier, and the Mississippi river boat gamblers. Carved horn grip with small hairline cracking. Steel double edged blade of very fine and substantial quality. The strength of a blade that could punch through almost anything, ball end straight quillon in steel. Carved grip with shell form pommel. Original leather covered wooden scabbard with German silver mounts. Whether on a riverboat atop the Mighty Mississippi, or in the smoky dimness of a mining camp saloon, a lucky draw could turn a broken man into a winner. In the days of the frontier west, poker was king with the mustachioed likes of Wild Bill Hickok, Doc Holliday, ?Canada? Bill Jones, Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, and hundreds of others.

In the old west towns of Deadwood, Dodge City, Tombstone, and Virginia City, gamblers played with their back to the wall and their guns at their sides, as dealers dealt games with names such as Chuck-A-Luck, Three Card Monte, High Dice, and Faro, by far the favourite in the wild west saloons. Gambling took many forms on riverboats. Gambling with one's life with the boilers aside, there were sharks around willing to fleece the unsuspecting rube. As cities passed ordinances against gaming houses in town, the cheats moved to the unregulated waters of the Mississippi aboard river steamers.

There was also gambling with the racing of boats up the river. Bets were made on a favourite vessel. Pushing the boilers hard in races would also cause fires to break out on the wooden deck structures. Size 10 inches long overall, blade 5 1/4 inches. A very similar example was sold in Butterfields Auction, San Francisco in 1992 for £1,030. As is usual for these small knives it has no maker markings  read more

Code: 24095

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 Rare 1853 Royal Warwickshire Regt. Historically Significant ‘Jamaican Rebellion’ Enfield Bayonet The Morant Bay Rebellion, From a Defender of Paul Bogle.

Regimentally marked bayonet for the 6th Regiment, the Royal Warwickshire. Maker marked by Deakin and full ordnance inspection stamps. A souvenir from a descendant of a defender of Paul Bogle’s, used with its service issue 1853 Enfield pattern rifle, in the Jamaican Rebellion in Morant Bay of 1864/5. The 1865 Jamaican uprising was put down by 6th Regt, The Royal Warwickshire soldiers. A leader of the Warwickshire Regiment, Colonel J. Francis Hobbs, led the British reprisals against Bogle’s community. Hobbs report to Governor Eyre (19 October) resulted in a commendation for bravery: "I found it most dangerous work crossing over the numerous rivers, which took the men above their waists. There was not a single non-commissioned officer or soldier who was not literally wet through, and every article of their clothing, saddlery, etc., utterly destroyed.

"Added to this, the entire darkness of the night made it a march never to be forgotten in the 6th Regiment. About daylight this morning, in passing through this village of cross roads, where the rebels destroyed everything, I found a number of special constables, who had captured a number of prisoners from the rebel camp. Finding their guilt clear, and being unable to take or leave them, I had them all shot. The constables then hung them up on trees, eleven in number. Their countenances were all very diabolical, and they never flinched the very slightest.

"From this we at once went to Stony Gut After partaking of some biscuits and rum in Bogle’s chapel, sending off his lamps as a trophy to his excellency the governor, and utterly destroying this rebellious settlement, I have returned with my jaded and sore-foot troops to this spot, where we bivouacked for the night in another ecclesiastical building, called the Chigoe-Foot Methodist Chapel.

"I must not forget to tell you that I have got Paul Bogle’s valet for my guide, a little fellow of extraordinary intelligence. A light rope tied to the stirrup, and a revolver now and then to his head cause us to understand each other; and he knows every single rebel in the island by name and face, and has been selecting the captains, colonels and secretaries out of an immense gang of prisoners just come in here, whom I shall have to shoot to-morrow morning."

Hobbs account of this bloody expedition was used as evidence in the Royal Commission of Inquiry which was set up to investigate Eyre’s role. Although it is doubtful whether Hobbs would have received the missive in time, he was certainly acting in the spirit of his commander’s instructions; the Deputy Adjutant-General John Henry Elkington (from a family of military officers with branches in Warwickshire and Leicestershire), had written to him on 18th October: "Colonel, I send you an order to push on at once to Stony Gut but I trust you are there already. Hole is doing splendid service with his men all about Machioneal" Paul Bogle (1822 to 24 October 1865) was a Jamaican Baptist deacon and activist. He is a National Hero of Jamaica. He was a leader of the 1865 Morant Bay protesters, who marched for justice and fair treatment for all the people in Jamaica. After leading the Morant Bay rebellion, Bogle was captured by government troops, tried and convicted by British authorities under martial law, and hanged on 24 October 1865 in the morant bay court house. The "Eyre Controversy" turned into a long and increasingly public issue, dividing well-known figures of the day. It may have contributed to the fall of the government. In 1866 John Stuart Mill set up and chaired the Jamaica Committee to examine the atrocities committed in Jamaica in the course of ending the rebellion. Thomas Carlyle set up a rival committee to defend Eyre. His supporters included John Ruskin, Charles Kingsley, Charles Dickens and Alfred, Lord Tennyson.  read more

Code: 21392

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

Welcome to The Lanes Armoury, The Magical Place Where Wonders Are For Sale

Our beautiful pieces from history are not always just for looking at, some can still be enjoyed and worn for every one to see.

We Are Not Just A Webstore, We Are Always Welcoming Personal Visitors To Our Gallery In Brighton Every Day*

Thousands of original pieces of history, for example, from Ancient Rome and Greece to Medieval Japan, and Viking Europe. Covering British, European, and in fact, all worldwide eras of historical events from the past 4000 years, with antiquities, weaponry, armour, object d’art, militaria and books from the bronze age to WW2.

Personalised Certificates of Authenticity supplied with every purchase.

Our family have been personally serving the public in Brighton for generations, in fact, for over 100 years.

* Opening hours Monday to Saturday 11.00am till 4.00pm  read more

Code: 24055

An 18th Century Flintlock Long Barrel Sporting Musket

Absolutely perfect as an original decorative display piece for the right location. Nice stock, flintlock action [not actionable] 52.5 inches long overall. This would make a delightful original display piece for any suitable location. Under barrel brass plate strengthening supports.The royal forest was an area of land designated to the king for hunting and forestry; it included woodland, heathland, and agricultural land. As of the 12th century nearly a third of England's territory was assigned as royal forest. Only the king and other permitted members of the nobility were allowed to hunt game in the assigned area. To maintain this restriction, forest law was introduced to enforce the boundaries. Special officials known as foresters were in charge of overseeing forest law. The foresters were among the most hated of royal officials as they were often corrupt, having a reputation for making illegal side profits on royal forest property by farming, extracting natural resources, and poaching game. They exacted many punishments for poaching game, farming, and other illegal activities on the royal forest. Heavy fines and imprisonment were the common discipline. While foresters were in charge of the upkeep of forest law, sometimes the king would employ the local sheriff to get involved. Hunting, however, was not the only function for the royal forest. Kings would also use these territories for cattle upbringing, farming, and extracting the land's resources. They also notably served as reserves for all kinds of wildlife. King Henry I of England was known for having a fascination with pet animals. His parks included wild animals like lions and leopards. Forest laws in regards to hunting created class distinctions. King Richard II of England issued the first game law in 1390. It constituted a property requirement of certain value to have hunting dogs or other hunting equipment. During the Regency period, game birds were shot in different ways, though Driven Game shooting was popular on larger estates. Here, where beaters are employed to drive game towards a line of standing guns through woods and over moors or fields, dependent on the quarry and time of year. The total bag (number of birds shot) will be anywhere between 80 and 300, again dependent on quarry etc. The day will be very formal, and gamekeepers or a shoot captain will oversee proceedings. Pickers-up are also employed to make sure all shot game is collected. On such estates, large numbers of pheasants, partridge and duck, but not grouse, may be released to maintain numbers. Shotguns (also known as a fowling piece or scattergun) were improved during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and game shooting became more popular. To protect the pheasants for the shooters, gamekeepers culled vermin such as foxes, magpies and birds of prey almost to extirpation in popular areas, and landowners improved their coverts and other habitats for game. Game Laws were relaxed in 1831 which meant anyone could obtain a permit to take rabbits, hares and gamebirds.  read more

Code: 23478

A Napoleonic Wars Exploded Solid Shot 12 Pounder Cannon Ball

Battle field recovery. With less than 50% remaining, the ball has hit its target, and split asunder. Within the ball is an air pocket which may explain its split in two on impact. Thomas Blomefield, as Inspector-General of Artillery, introduced a new system of Ordnance from 1784 onwards. His system of gun tubes was based around two standard lengths: that of 17 calibres and that of 13. Seventeen calibre tubes were used for the 'heavy' or 'long' pieces with the 'light' and siege/garrison guns having tubes of 13 calibres. The calibre of all 12-pounders was 4.623 inches.

Blomefield designed three types of 12-pounder, each being specialised towards a particular function. The heavy 12-pounder was used in garrison and siege work; the medium was used in the field and the light for the horse artillery. As the Napoleonic wars progressed, however, the medium 12-pounder became the sole weapon of its class.

The medium 12-pounder had a gun-tube that was 6 feet 6.66 inches in length and it weighed 18.0 cwt; an example cast by John and Henry King in 1795 at the Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds, has a length of 6 feet 3 inches and a weight of 18 cwt 9lb. A medium 12-pounder also survives with its original block-trail carriage in Montreal. The Royal Artillery used 12-pounder field guns in almost all of their major operations and furthermore it was used by the Royal Horse Artillery. See; Wellington's Big Bang: the British 12-pounders By Anthony Leslie Dawson  read more

Code: 21295

A Very Good French 19th Century Crimean War and Franco Prussian War Pouch

Artillery officers pounch with a leather ground and gilt bronze borders and large gilt bronze mountings with wide cross belt hangers. Red morocco leather The cross belt was predominantly used from the 1700s (American Revolutionary War) to the 1840s they were not part of a soldier's equipment in the American Civil War and Anglo-Zulu War/First Boer War.

For most line infantry, skirmishers, light infantry, grenadiers and guard regiments during much of Europe's Age of Gunpowder, either a cross belt or two shoulder belts were worn.[citation needed] One configuration for the belts would be the cartridge box on the right hip and sword scabbard on the left. Such equipment would be attached to the belt at its lowest point, where it rests on the hip. Officers almost never carried muskets or rifles, so they typically wore only one shoulder belt, such as for the pistol cartridge box or for a sabre scabbard. As officers were often aristocratic and used many independent symbols for their family, rank, and command, their uniforms and gear organisation could be highly variable.

For British infantry, the cross belt had a metal belt plate with the regiment of the soldier inscribed on it. We show in the gallery an old print of officers of another regiment but it shows how this pouch was worn  read more

Code: 18644

Victorian First Lanarkshire Artillery Volunteers Helmet Plate

Victorian other ranks helmet plate of the 1st Lanarkshire Artillery Volunteers.
A fine scarce white metal example of a home service helmet plate, being of a Victoria crowned royal arms with a scroll below inscribed First over a gun which is resting resting over another scroll inscribed Lanarkshire Artillery Volunteers
There are three fixing loops to the reverse. The 1st Lanarkshire Artillery Volunteers were formed in 1859 as a response to a French invasion threat. Its units fought at Gallipoli and in Palestine during World War I, and in Normandy and North West Europe during World War II.
C1878-1900 Excellent Condition.  read more

Code: 18563

Very Rare Company Of Watermen, River Thames, 'Tudor' Barge Fork Circa 1530

Large 'Y' shaped head and old oak haft. It bears two large letters stamped in the iron ' T & M'. These are likely for a Barge Company of Waterman mark. We had another about 10 years ago bearing the same company mark and these historical artifacts are now really rare. Recovered from the Thames near London Bridge. In the 16th Century the Company of Watermen were the equivalent to today’s cabbies. Created by an Act of Parliament in 1556 and their trade was carefully licensed. They would ply for hire from designated locations along the Thames, with the cry of ‘Oars! Oars!’

When the watermen were not transporting people they would turn their hand to salvage and found a brisk trade in finding bodies, either suicides or those who?d accidentally drowned or been murdered. By a curious quirk of history, the origins of which are now lost, bodies were almost always landed on the south side of the river because the authorities would pay a shilling for a body landed in Southwark but only sixpence for one landed on the north bank. Clearly waterborne cabbies were not averse to ‘going south of the river’ in those days.

One on the best trips for the Watermen was from the City to as far up river as Hampton Court.The trade was not without its dangers; if you wanted to travel downstream below London Bridge you risked life and limb. A major feature of London Bridge was the effect it had on the Thames. The location of the bridge?s 19 timber pier supports (called starlings) was determined by riverbed conditions and this meant that they were varied in spacing across the river. Consequently, the arch spans varied in size too and boats navigating the arches encountered different currents and river conditions at each one. Some were more dangerous than others. Over the years, boatmen christened the arches with various names, such as Gut, Lock and Long Entry. Navigating through these arches in a boat could be very dangerous because the closeness and number of starlings backed up the river water, creating rapids. In some places the drop in water height from one side of the bridge to the other was more than the height of a man. Many people lost their lives ‘shooting’ the bridge and ‘Drowned at the bridge’ became a common entry in the registers at nearby graveyards, but most Londoners took Cardinal Wolsey's example. On his frequent visits to Greenwich to see Henry VIII, he would have his barge stopped above the bridge and get out and travel to Billingsgate by mule, where he would rejoin his barge, providing it had successfully negotiated the rapids. The barge fork was used to push a barge away from an obstruction, or for pushing off from the river bank or jetty. The last picture is of a statue of the Martyr John Roche a Thames Waterman, Martyred at Tyburn in 1588, who is mounted St Etheldreda’s Church in Ely Place, London, along the North and South walls, alongside his fellow 7 Martyrs. Fork head 13.1 inches long by 6.25 inches across. Total length around 5+ foot.  read more

Code: 21232