WW1 / WW2 / 20th Century

A Rare and Very Fine WW1 German Sniper's Scharfschutzengewehr Optical Scope. Some Of The Best & Most Desirable Sniper Scopes Are 20th Century Fine German Examples Such As This

WW1 German Sniper Optical Scope, steel body scope with bracket fittings to the lower section. Top focusing mount is maker marked “Rudiger & Bischoff Braunschweig”. Remains of the blued finish. Optics remain clear. Photo in the gallery of German snipers in WW1 and a cabinet of original snipers kit, including the rifle and sniper site, in the Imperial War Museum. During World War I, snipers appeared as deadly sharpshooters in the trenches. At the start of the war, only Imperial Germany had troops that were issued scoped sniper rifles. Although sharpshooters existed on all sides, the Germans specially equipped some of their soldiers with scoped rifles that could pick off enemy soldiers showing their heads out of their trench. At first the French and British believed such hits to be coincidental hits, until the German scoped rifles were discovered. During World War I, the German army received a reputation for the deadliness and efficiency of its snipers, partly because of the high-quality lenses that German industry could manufacture.

During the First World War, the static movement of trench warfare and a need for protection from snipers created a requirement for loopholes both for discharging firearms and for observation. Often a steel plate was used with a "key hole", which had a rotating piece to cover the loophole when not in use.Imperial German Scharfschutzengewehr (Sharpshooters rifle in German) Model 1898 sniper rifle in 7.92x57 or more commonly known as 8mm Mauser. At the beginning of World War 1 no country had a "sniper program" as we know it today. Germany in 1915 outfitted the most experienced marksmen (typically pre-war game wardens and poachers) with specially selected factory rifles and equiped them with optical hunting sights. These early telescopic sights usually consisted of 2.5x, 3x and 4x power, produced by manufactures like Görtz, Gérard, Oige, Zeiss, Hensoldt, Voigtländer Rudiger & Bischoff and various civilian models from manufacturers like Bock, Busch and Füss. These rifles were standard 1898 Military Model which held exceptionaly high accuracy at the factory. They were fitted with a Model 1898AZ carbine bolt and optic and issued to an individual Soldier (Soldat) instead of a unit. Due to the very high usage of steel armor piercing ammunition the barrels were rapidly erroded and the life span for accuracy was between 1000-2500 rounds, often less, before having to be replaced. Soon the British army began to train their own snipers in specialized sniper schools. Major Hesketh Hesketh-Prichard was given formal permission to begin sniper training in 1915, and founded the First Army School of Sniping, Observation, and Scouting at Linghem in France in 1916. Starting with a first class of only six, in time he was able to lecture to large numbers of soldiers from different Allied nations, proudly proclaiming in a letter that his school was turning out snipers at three times the rate of any such other school in the world.

He also devised a metal-armoured double loophole that would protect the sniper observer from enemy fire. The front loophole was fixed, but the rear was housed in a metal shutter sliding in grooves. Only when the two loopholes were lined up—a one-to-twenty chance—could an enemy shoot between them. Another innovation was the use of a dummy head to find the location of an enemy sniper. The papier-mâché figures were painted to resemble soldiers to draw sniper fire. Some were equipped with rubber surgical tubing so the dummy could "smoke" a cigarette and thus appear realistic. Holes punched in the dummy by enemy sniper bullets then could be used for triangulation purposes to determine the position of the enemy sniper, who could then be attacked with artillery fire. He developed many of the modern techniques in sniping, including the use of spotting scopes and working in pairs, and using Kim's Game to train observational skills. An original complete Imperial German Scharfschutzengewehr (Sharpshooters rifle in German) Model 1898 GEW98 rifle, with its scope, just as this one, can now fetch over $11,000.  read more

Code: 23342

A Rare Early 'Long Eared' German WW1 'Butcher' Bayonet S98/05 o.S. (ohne Sage} with Leather and Steel Scabbard and Frog Belt Mount. By Simson & Co. Suhl.

WW1 issue date and Imperial German inspection stamped and dated 1915. Made by Simson & Co.of Suhl. Original brown leather frog {small split at the frog button opening}

Designed to fit the Mauser Gew 98 rifle. The Seitengewehr 98/05 was introduced into the the Prussian army in late 1905, as a replacement for the 98/02 for engineers and pioneer troops, as the 98/02 was deemed to long and heavy for it's intended purpose. Initial production was in two versions, the first plain backed, and the second with 29 double teeth. The earliest scabbard was leather with steel throat and chape mounts, later changed to all steel that was better for trench warfare combat. The bayonet as typical of German blades did not have more than a vestigial muzzle ring, relying on the length of the hilt mounting to fix the blade to its rifle. The plain back version was identified as the S98/05 or S98/05 o.S. (ohne Sage - without saw) and the saw back as the S98/05 S or m.S. (mit Sage - with saw).

The Western Front became so fixed primarily because of a lopsided revolution in military tactics and technology. Simply put, advances in offensive warfare had not developed at the same rate as those in defensive warfare. In the early years of World War I, a force could protect itself with barbed wire, stationary machine guns, and rapid-fire artillery, but it could attack only with infantry armed with bolt-action rifles. This lack of parity between an attacker and a defender meant that new offensives rarely succeeded and almost always resulted in enormous casualties. The war in the west therefore settled into a prolonged stretch of trench warfare in which neither side could gain a clear advantage.

The overall condition is very good Overall 20.5 inches long, blade length 14.5 inches.

The bayonet release button, works , but it is very stiff.  read more

Code: 25990

A Most Scarce German, 'Extra Long' Mauser WW1 Regimental Issue Pattern 1898, "Neuer Art" Sword Bayonet used From the Invasion of Belgium & France in August 1914 181st Royal Saxon Infantry. By Simson & Co. Suhl.

The term "181st Royal Saxon Infantry" Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 181, an Imperial German Army regiment that existed from 1900 to 1919 and fought in World War I, particularly on the Western Front. Its battles are a part of the larger conflict, rather than being associated with a distinct historical regiment of that number in earlier Saxon armies. The regiment was part of the XIX (2nd Royal Saxon) Army Corps, which saw action in the Battle of the Frontiers.
World War I (1914–1918)
Battle of the Frontiers: The XIX (2nd Royal Saxon) Army Corps, which included Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 181, was involved in the early stages of the war, fighting in the Battles of the Frontiers.
Western Front: The regiment's service was primarily on the Western Front, operating as part of the 88th Infantry Brigade within the XIX Corps.

Battle of the Frontiers, collective name for the first great clashes on the Western Front of World War I, which occurred from August 4 to September 6, 1914. The term Battle of the Frontiers encompasses the initial battles fought along the eastern frontier of France and in southern Belgium shortly after the beginning of the war that resulted in a series of stunning German victories and Allied retreats. The advance continued until the First Battle of the Marne (September 6–12), when a successful French and British counteroffensive along the Marne River near Paris, aided by 600 Parisian taxis that carried additional French troops to the front, finally halted the massive German advance, thwarting German plans for a quick and total victory on the Western Front and setting the stage for the years of trench warfare to come. These collective clashes can been seen as the largest battle in human history up to that time, with a total of more than two million troops involved in the fighting.

Losses: Allied, more than 200,000 casualties of 1,500,000; German, unknown of 1,450,000.

The Western Front became so fixed primarily because of a lopsided revolution in military tactics and technology. Simply put, advances in offensive warfare had not developed at the same rate as those in defensive warfare. In the early years of World War I, a force could protect itself with barbed wire, stationary machine guns, and rapid-fire artillery, but it could attack only with infantry armed with bolt-action rifles. This lack of parity between an attacker and a defender meant that new offensives rarely succeeded and almost always resulted in enormous casualties. The war in the west therefore settled into a prolonged stretch of trench warfare in which neither side could gain a clear advantage.  read more

Code: 25991

A Superb WW2 Ghurkha's Kukri Combat Knife "Ayo Gorkali" The Gurkha Battle Call "The Gurkhas Are Coming!" Field Marshall Manekshaw once said, " If someone says he does not fear death, then he is either telling a lie or he is a Gurkha".

The Gukhas are the finest and bravest, combat soldiers in the world, with legendary loyalty to the British Crown. In military type black leather over wood scabbard, however, the scabbard has separated in to two, as was originally made, and now in a poor state of preservation {but an amateur wood worker might well restore it nicely}.

When worn in combat it would normally be in a khaki canvas cover. Superb tempered steel blade, with numerous defensive combat cuts on the back edge, and carved buffalo horn grip and brass ovoid pommel capped hilt with brass banding. Overall the kukri is in nice used in combat condition.

Field Marshall Sam Manekshaw once said, " If someone says he does not fear death, then he is either telling a lie or he is a Gurkha". On 12/13 May 1945 at Taungdaw, Burma now Myanmar, Rifleman Lachhiman Gurung VC was manning the most forward post of his platoon which bore the brunt of an attack by at least 200 of the Japanese enemy. Twice he hurled back grenades which had fallen on his trench, but the third exploded in his right hand, blowing off his fingers, shattering his arm and severely wounding him in the face, body and right leg. His two comrades were also badly wounded but the rifleman, now alone and disregarding his wounds, loaded and fired his rifle with his left hand for four hours, calmly waiting for each attack which he met with fire at point blank range. Afterwards, when the casualties were counted, it is reported that there were 31 dead Japanese around his position which he had killed, with only one arm.In the Falklands War in 1982 the Argentinians abandoned Mount William without a fight simply because the enemy forces advancing towards them were the 2nd Battalion, 7th Ghurka Rifles. The blade shape descended from the classic Greek sword of Kopis, which is about 2500 years old. The Kukri is the renown and famous weapon of the Nepalese Gurkha. Probably the most respected and feared warriors in the world, the Gurkhas of Nepal have fought in the Gurkha regiments of the British Army for around two centuries. With a degree of loyalty and dedication that is legendary, there is no greater soldier to be at one's side when in battle than the noble Gurkha. With a Kukri in his hand and the battle cry called, "Ayo Gorkhali!" "the Gurkhas are coming!", no foe's head was safe on his shoulders. Battle hardened German Infantry in WW1, or in WW2, the notorious Japanese Shock Troops, have both been known to tremble in their boots at the knowledge that they would be facing the Gurkhas in battle. Some of the most amazing feats of heroism have resulted in the most revered medal, the British Victoria Cross the world's greatest and most difficult to qualify for gallantry medal being awarded to Ghurkas.
Some say it originated from a form of knife first used by the Mallas who came to power in Nepal in the 13th Century. There are some Khukuris displaying on the walls of National Museum at Chhauni in Kathmandu which are 500 years old or even older, among them, one that once belonged to Drabya Shah, the founder king of the kingdom of Gorkha, in 1627 AD. But, some say that the Khukuri's history is possibly centuries older this. It is suggested that the Khukuri was first used by Kiratis who came to power in Nepal before Lichchhavi age, in about the 7th Century. In the hands of an experienced wielder Khukuri or Kukri is about as formidable a weapon as can be conceived. Like all really good weapons, Khukuri's or Kukri's efficiency depends much more upon skill than the strength of the wielder. And thus so that it happens, that a diminutive Gurkha, a mere boy in regards to his stature, could easily cut to pieces a gigantic adversary, who simply does not understand the little Gurkha's mode of attack and fearsome skill. The Gurkha generally strikes upwards with his Kukri, possibly in order to avoid wounding himself should his blow fail, and possibly because an upward cut is just the one that can be least guarded against however strong his opponent. Standard military length of approx 17 inches long overall, in scabbard, blade 12 inches

Formerly the property of a Burma campaign 'Chindit' veteran's family  read more

Code: 25989

A Superb 19th-20th Century French M1886/93/16 Pattern Lebel Rifle Epee Sword Bayonet. WW1 French Foreign Legion Issue, Without Quillon Pattern. With Frog Hook Scabbard

Without quillon and in extra fine condition. Used by the French Foreign Legion into WW1, a very good example of these long and impressive sword bayonets.65.5cm long overall. {25.75 inches}. Cross section epee blade nickle hilt. The scabbard has a frog hook fitting that fixes to the belt with a strap instead of the past and common frog button

Our current just arrived selection of bayonets ranges from a collection just acquired of really great and rare bayonets, from a collector who wanted the very best he could find over the past 40 years. Rare French examples from the Russian contract during WW1, uncovered in Ukraine in the late 90's, French Foreign Legion bayonets, acquired from a French Foreign Legion reserve armoury depot clear-out in the 70's,

The bayonet was made famous as the bayonet used by the French Foreign Legion from 1916, used in WWI and WWII, albeit with several modifications. The bayonet was produced with a long cruciform blade on a white alloy hilt. The crossguard originally had a downswept quillon {removed in 1916} and had a press button rifle locking mechanism. This is quillon removed version.

The Lebel bayonet type with the quillon removed is the M1886/93/16 (Model 1886/93/16).
The original M1886 bayonet featured a prominent hooked quillon, intended for parrying or trapping enemy bayonets. This design was updated in 1893 with a new press button mechanism (M1886/93), and then altered again in 1916 (M1886/93/16) to eliminate the quillon.
The quillon was removed for several practical reasons during World War I:
Ease of manufacture: Removing the quillon simplified and sped up the production process to meet the demands of the war effort.
Field functionality: The hooked quillon was found to be impractical in close combat, as it could get tangled in equipment or other objects.
Material conservation: Around the same time, the original nickel-silver (cupro-nickel-zinc alloy) handles were replaced with brass or steel to conserve nickel for other war uses.
Bayonets produced with the quillon (pre-1915 models) were often officially modified later by having the quillon cut off while in service. Bayonets manufactured after 1916 were made without the quillon from the start.

French Model 1886/93/16 Epee Lebel Bayonet

The model M1886/93/16 Bayonet was standard issue to French soldiers fighting in the second half of WW1 after 1916 who were issued the Lebel rifle.

The M1886 bayonet is an usual design which has a long thin cruciform Blade with a peculiar locking device just behind the muzzle ring and an all metal grip

M1886/93/16 bayonet

Cast brass smooth handle
No hooked Qullion
Square cut press stud
Cruciform blade
Black steel tube scabbard with frog hook.
Overall length 67cms
Blade length 51.5cms
Originally the bayonets had a nickel-silver handle and a hooked quillion. By 1916, with the need to conserve nickel for the war effort, some of the handles were made of brass. About the same time they were manufactured without the quillion  read more

Code: 25981

A Very Good, WW1 & WW2 Original Horseguards, Life Guards and Blues And Royals, Other Ranks Pattern Helmet Plate, Order of the Garter Badge Star. For The Mounted Bodyguard of The King

Ideal for a collector that has a helmet lacking its badge. This badge could add a thousand pounds of value to a helmet missing its original badge.

Original, early King's Crown type. This fabulous quality WW1 and WW2 other ranks badge, was in use since 1901, used by a trooper or NCO of the Blues and Royals or the Life Guards, that combined, make up the Royal Horseguards, until the pattern was changed with the queen's crown in 1953. The Albert helmet is the current ceremonial headgear of the British Army's Household Cavalry, the Life guards regiment and the Blues and Royals regiment. It was introduced by Prince Albert in 1842 and adopted by the Household Cavalry the following year. In 1847 the helmet was introduced to all heavy cavalry regiments. It remains in use as the full dress headgear of the two remaining Household Cavalry regiments, the Blues and Royals and the Life Guards. The magnificent helmet remains in use with the two current Household Cavalry regiments, the Blues and Royals with red plume and the Life Guards with white plume. These regiments are amalgamations of the four earlier regiments. The Life Guards retain the white plume and the onion from the 2nd Regiment, the Blues and Royals retain the red plume of the Royal Horse Guards. Blues and Royals officers wear a yak hair plume. Farriers in both regiments wear different plumes, the Life Guards farrier wear black and Blues and Royals farrier red.

The regiments also differ in how they wear the helmet's chin strap. The Blues and Royals wear it under the chin while the Life Guards wear it under the lower lip. The helmet is now in white metal for all ranks and the same helmet plate is worn by both regiments (they were different historically).

The Albert helmet is only worn in full dress review order, guard order and front yard order by other ranks and in full dress, levee dress and ceremonial rehearsal dress by officers. Medical and veterinary officers do not wear the helmet, instead wearing a cocked hat.

The other ranks of the Mounted Band of the Household Cavalry wear the helmet in full dress (with the plumes of their parent regiments), except when parading in the presence of the royal family, when they wear state dress with jockey caps. Band officers wear Albert helmets on both occasions.
one threaded affixing bolt remaining and one fold out helmet affixing stem  read more

Code: 24072

A Superb Near Mint French Gras Rifle Sword Bayonet. 450,000 Rifles and These Bayonets Were Sold To Russia For WW1 Eastern Front and Used In The Russian Revolution By The Bolshevik Red Guards & the Imperial White Russians From 1918-1921

The French Gras rifle was primarily used by France from its adoption in 1874 until it was replaced by the Lebel rifle in 1886. While it was the primary service rifle during this period, it also saw use in later conflicts, including World War I, primarily by the Imperial Russians and then both revolutionary armies, the royalist White Russians and Bolshevick Red Guards in the Russian Civil War. Matching serial numbers to scabbard and sword, and all the surviving Russian export Gras bayonets we have had in the past had matching numbers like this superb example, but the French service examples are usually 99/100 miss-matched.

Fully conserved by hand in our workshop.

The Russian Civil War (1918-21) was fought for control of Russia after the October Revolution. A conglomerate of anti-Bolshevik groups, loosely dubbed the Whites, sought to remove the Bolsheviks from power and restore at least some elements of the old order. Other groups not directly aligned with either the Bolsheviks or Whites fought for control or independence in their own regions. The Russian Civil War was a pervasive conflict that involved disparate political and military groups, nationalist movements and all classes of Russian society. Foreign nations opposed to the Bolshevik regime also contributed troops, weapons, supplies and intelligence. Like other internecine conflicts, the Russian Civil War would produce confusion, division, attack and retaliation, intense propaganda, war crimes and human suffering on catastrophic levels.



1874-1886: The Gras was the standard French infantry rifle, replacing the Chassepot and being the first French service rifle to use metallic cartridges.
Post-1886: The Lebel rifle began to replace it as the primary service weapon, but the Gras remained in use for training purposes.
World War I: The Gras was still in service in 1914 and was used for training in the early stages of the war. Some were even converted to fire the new 8mm Lebel cartridge.

Other uses: While not a primary combat weapon for France after the Lebel's introduction, the Gras rifle was also used by other nations, including the Greek army during World War II, and especially by the Russian Empire and Bolsheviks after France supplied them with 450,000 rifles in 1915 due to Russian arms shortages

We acquired two, but each will be offered separately after full hand conservation.

We show two Russian Civil war propaganda posters in the gallery for historical perspective only. One Red Russian, one White Russian  read more

Code: 25974