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Part of a Superb WW1 Machine Gunner's Collection, British and German.  A Superb & Fabulous Set of POW Medals, Plus, a Letter From the King & Two Photographs. 1 Signed, of a Machine Gunner of the Most Collectable WW1 British Machine Gun Corps

Part of a Superb WW1 Machine Gunner's Collection, British and German. A Superb & Fabulous Set of POW Medals, Plus, a Letter From the King & Two Photographs. 1 Signed, of a Machine Gunner of the Most Collectable WW1 British Machine Gun Corps

A British Prisoner of War group. A lovely pair of medals from one of the great services of WW1. Would look spectacular fully framed! With two photos of the recipient and a letter of thanks from King George Vth sent to liberated Prisoners of War. Medals in near mint condition small photo a little worn the original period blow up photo [10 x 12 inches] is very good indeed but with smalll scratches.
On 2 September 1915 a definite proposal was made to the War Office for the formation of a single specialist Machine Gun Company per infantry brigade, by withdrawing the guns and gun teams from the battalions. They would be replaced at battalion level by the light Lewis machine guns and thus the firepower of each brigade would be substantially increased. The Machine Gun Corps was created by Royal Warrant on October 14 followed by an Army Order on 22 October 1915. The companies formed in each brigade would transfer to the new Corps. The MGC would eventually consist of infantry Machine Gun Companies, cavalry Machine Gun Squadrons and Motor Machine Gun Batteries. The pace of reorganisation depended largely on the rate of supply of the Lewis guns but it was completed before the Battle of the Somme in 1916. A Base Depot for the Corps was established at Camiers.There are many instances where a single well-placed and protected machine gun cut great swathes in attacking infantry. Nowhere was this demonstrated with more devastating effect than against the British army's attack on the Somme on 1 July 1916 and against the German attack at Arras on 28 March 1918. It followed that multiple machine guns, with interlocking fields of fire, were an incredibly destructive defensive weapon. The German army developed their Hindenburg Line, to which they withdrew in spring 1917, and relied greatly on machine guns for defence. The British copied this. In addition, both offensively and defensively, the MGC began to fire in co-ordinated barrages. The guns of the 2nd and 47th (London) Divisions fired an indirect barrage over the heads of their advancing infantry, and behind the German trenches (in other words, this was an interdiction barrage, to stop enemy attempts to reinforce or re-supply their front), during the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1915. This was possibly the first time an indirect fire tactic was borrowed from the artillery. Later, and certainly by the Battle of Messines in June 1917, machine gunners were also employing creeping barrages, with fire falling ahead of the artillery barrage to catch enemy troops moving to the rear. They would concentrate fire on specific targets, or sweep the enemy ground behind his front and support positions. Machine guns for these tasks were generally placed about 1000 yards behind the advancing infantry and were moved up as soon as the enemy positions were captured. Machinegun tactics had in fact, become more like those of the artillery than of the infantry. Photo of a Machine Gun crew near the Somme in 1916 wearing gas attack masks, and a Lewis gunner using it in it's anti aircraft capacity, and the London memorial for the Machine Gun Corps. Photos for information only not included. The letter text is as follows;
Buckingham Palace

1918

The Queen joins me in welcoming you on your release from the miseries and hardships, which you have endured with so much patience and courage.

During these many months of trail, the early rescue of our gallant officers and men from the cruelties of their captivity has been uppermost in our thoughts.

We are thankful that this longed for day has arrived, and that back in the old Country, you will be able one more to enjoy the happiness of a home and to see good days among those who ansciously look for your return. [signed] GeorgeRI
Written in blue pen on embossed paper, it is considered the first mass communication from a British monarch after it was reproduced and distributed using lithography. The photos of the soldiers in the trenches and the memorial are not included [for information only].  read more

Code: 22858

395.00 GBP

A Scarce Original Imperial German WW1, Elite 'Guards' Regiment Pickelhaub Helmet Cover, In Khaki. An Ideal Addition For a Collector of The Rare Forms of Guards Infantry Pickelhaub

A Scarce Original Imperial German WW1, Elite 'Guards' Regiment Pickelhaub Helmet Cover, In Khaki. An Ideal Addition For a Collector of The Rare Forms of Guards Infantry Pickelhaub

Imperial Prussian guards issue. Photo in the gallery of Imperial German troops wearing covers on their pickelhaubs, with a captured Russian sign. In 1892, a light brown cloth helmet cover, the M1892 uberzug, became standard issue for all Pickelhauben for manoeuvres and active service. The uberzug was intended to protect the helmet from dirt and reduce its combat visibility, as the brass and silver fittings on the Pickelhaube proved to be highly reflective. Regimental numbers were sewn or stencilled in red (green from August 1914) onto the front of the cover, other than in units of the Prussian Guards, which never carried regimental numbers or other adornments on the uberzug. In October 1916 the colour was changed to be feldgrau (field grey), although by that date the plain metal Stahlhelm was standard issue for most troops. All helmets produced for the infantry before and during 1914 were made of leather. As the war progressed, Germany's leather stockpiles dwindled. After extensive imports from South America, particularly Argentina, the German government began producing ersatz Pickelhauben made of other materials. In 1915, some Pickelhauben began to be made from thin sheet steel. However, the German high command needed to produce an even greater number of helmets, leading to the usage of pressurised felt and even paper to construct Pickelhauben. The Pickelhaube was discontinued in 1916.

During the early months of World War I, it was soon discovered that the Pickelhaube did not measure up to the demanding conditions of trench warfare. The leather helmets offered little protection against shell fragments and shrapnel and the conspicuous spike made its wearer a target. These shortcomings, combined with material shortages, led to the introduction of the simplified model 1915 helmet described above, with a detachable spike. In September 1915 it was ordered that the new helmets were to be worn without spikes when in the front line  read more

Code: 21970

395.00 GBP

Original Ancient Roman ‘Cross-bow” Fibula Bronze Toga Pin Military Issue, Fine Piece For Higher Ranking Figures in the Legion, Such As a Centurion or Tribune. Bow Fibula with a Folded Spring Hinge, Early Imperial - Beginning of Anno Domini 2nd Century.

Original Ancient Roman ‘Cross-bow” Fibula Bronze Toga Pin Military Issue, Fine Piece For Higher Ranking Figures in the Legion, Such As a Centurion or Tribune. Bow Fibula with a Folded Spring Hinge, Early Imperial - Beginning of Anno Domini 2nd Century.

We acquired a very small collection of different Roman toga pins, A super, small collection of original, historical, Imperial Roman, Viking, and Crusader's artefacts has just been acquired by us.
Shaped in the form of a roman military crossbow fibula, in bronze.
It became the most popular form of closure for Roman fibulae, and is characteristic of the bow brooches from the early imperial times to the beginning of the AD 2nd century. Original Ancient Roman ‘Cross-bow” Fibula Bronze Toga Pin Military Issue, Fine Piece For Higher Ranking Figures in the Legion, Such As a Centurion or Tribune, c. Early Imperial - Beginning of AD 2nd Century.Arguments abound over what shoulder was exposed, but it seems fairly clear that the garment was fastened loosely enough to move around, The paludamentum was a cloak that was specifically associated with warfare. A general donned one for the ceremonial procession leading an army out of the sacred precinct of the city of Rome and was required to remove it before returning to the city…a sign that he was no longer a general, but a common citizen. The paludamentum or sagum purpura (purple cloak) was the iconic red cloak worn by a Roman general (Legatus) and his staff officers. Originally, it’s distinctive red/purple color clearly delineated between these officers and the rest of the army, which sported the sagum gregale (cloak of the flock). Although the sagum gregale, worn by the rank and file, started out the color of the flock (i.e. undyed wool), it seems likely to have transitioned to a coarser version of the sagum purpura by the imperial period (27BC – AD 476). Outfitting the entire army in red garments would have been a mark of the great wealth of Rome – well, that and the fact that the Romans controlled the source of purple dye by then.The pin is now frozen through two millennia in a fixed position.


Richard Lassels, an expatriate Roman Catholic priest, first used the phrase “Grand Tour” in his 1670 book Voyage to Italy, published posthumously in Paris in 1670. In its introduction, Lassels listed four areas in which travel furnished "an accomplished, consummate traveler" with opportunities to experience first hand the intellectual, the social, the ethical, and the political life of the Continent.

The English gentry of the 17th century believed that what a person knew came from the physical stimuli to which he or she has been exposed. Thus, being on-site and seeing famous works of art and history was an all important part of the Grand Tour. So most Grand Tourists spent the majority of their time visiting museums and historic sites.

Once young men began embarking on these journeys, additional guidebooks and tour guides began to appear to meet the needs of the 20-something male and female travelers and their tutors traveling a standard European itinerary. They carried letters of reference and introduction with them as they departed from southern England, enabling them to access money and invitations along the way.

With nearly unlimited funds, aristocratic connections and months or years to roam, these wealthy young tourists commissioned paintings, perfected their language skills and mingled with the upper crust of the Continent.

The wealthy believed the primary value of the Grand Tour lay in the exposure both to classical antiquity and the Renaissance, and to the aristocratic and fashionably polite society of the European continent. In addition, it provided the only opportunity to view specific works of art, and possibly the only chance to hear certain music. A Grand Tour could last from several months to several years. The youthful Grand Tourists usually traveled in the company of a Cicerone, a knowledgeable guide or tutor.

The ‘Grand Tour’ era of classical acquisitions from history existed up to around the 1850’s, and extended around the whole of Europe, Egypt, the Ottoman Empire, and the Holy Land.

Fibula 54mm long

Every single item from The Lanes Armoury is accompanied by our unique Certificate of Authenticity. Part of our continued dedication to maintain the standards forged by us over the past 100 years of our family’s trading, as Britain’s oldest established, and favourite, armoury and gallery  read more

Code: 23986

245.00 GBP

A Superb Excavated & Fragmented Bronze Age Sword 3200+ Years Old. Seige of Troy Period

A Superb Excavated & Fragmented Bronze Age Sword 3200+ Years Old. Seige of Troy Period

A very inexpensive pre-history period antiquity of immense beauty and age. A short sword or long dagger traded between the Eastern Mediterranean Scythians, Persians and Greeks during the the Ist millennium B.C. around 2700 to 3200 years ago. Made in bronze in the Western Asiatic region.

Western Asiatic bronzes refer to items dating from roughly 1500-500 BC that have been excavated since the late 1920's in the Harsin, Khorramabad and Alishtar valleys of the Zagros Mountains especially at the site of Tepe Sialk. Scholars believe they were created by either the Cimmerians or by such related Indo-European peoples as the early Medes and Persians.
Weapons from this region were highly sought after by warriors of many cultures because of their quality, balance and durability. Graduating blade with integral hilt, with open panels for organic inserts of wood, bone, or ivory, fabulous areas of crystallized malachite naturally aged blue/green patination.

The acinaces, also spelled akinakes or akinaka is a type of short sword used mainly in the first millennium BC in the eastern Mediterranean region, especially by the Medes, Scythians and Persians, then by the Greeks.
The akinakes was worn at the hip in an elaborate scabbard. The chape, generally a rounded triangle, could be made of bronze, chased gold or carved ivory, and probably lots of other materials. Just above the chape, a cord was tied around the scabbard, passed around the thigh and then through a slipknot next to the chape. The throat had a large tab, which at its own upper corner was tied through a hole in the weapon belt.

We show another most similar Bronze Age short sword or long dagger, in a similar state, excavated near Stonehenge, in the U.K. now in a museum collection. This piece is 17 1/2 inches long overall.

Every single item from The Lanes Armoury is accompanied by our unique Certificate of Authenticity. Part of our continued dedication to maintain the standards forged by us over the past 100 years of our family’s trading, as Britain’s oldest established, and favourite, armoury and gallery  read more

Code: 23012

845.00 GBP

A Rare Victorian Bengal Native Light Infantry Badge in Silver

A Rare Victorian Bengal Native Light Infantry Badge in Silver

They were a rifles infantry regiment of the Bengal Army, later of the united British Indian Army. They could trace their origins to 1803, when they were the 1st Battalion, 22nd Bengal Native Infantry. Over the years they were known by a number of different names the 43rd Bengal Native Infantry 1824?1842, the 43rd Bengal Native (Light) Infantry 1842?1861, the 6th Bengal Native (Light) Infantry 1861?1897 and finally after the Kitchener reforms of the Indian Army the 6th Jat Bengal (Light) Infantry. The regiment was involved in the First Anglo-Afghan War, the First Anglo-Sikh War, the Second Anglo-Afghan War, the Boxer Rebellion and World War I. After World War I the Indian Government reformed the army moving from single battalion regiments to multi battalion regiments. The 6th Jat Light Infantry became the new 1st Battalion, 9th Jat Regiment. After India gained independence they were one of the regiments allocated to the Indian Army.  read more

Code: 20971

245.00 GBP

A Delightful Edo Period 1600 Japanese Noh Mask, Possibly Amazakuro Akujo

A Delightful Edo Period 1600 Japanese Noh Mask, Possibly Amazakuro Akujo

From the ancient Japanese tradition of mask drama that can trace its origins to the Bugaku Imperial Court dancing of the 9th century. Noh is the classical theatre of Japan which was codified in the 14th century under the father and son actors Kan'ami and Zeami under the patronage of the Shogun (supreme military leader) Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. The performances utilise masks and elaborate costume. This is a substantial though small size mask, robustly carved from a thick piece of hinoki, with the carving confidently executed. The original colour of the mask appears to be of a predominantly a pinkish skin colour over a very thin layer of gofun, with details of the lips painted in red. The whites of the deep-set eyes are with details. The high domed forehead and the raised eyebrows together with the delicately carved wrinkles add to the overall image of a benevolent deity. It is significant that the mask is called Omote, which means the front surface facing the audience. But there is a reverse side, too, called Ura, behind which the actor conceals himself. Unlike the smooth finished outer surface of a Noh mask, the Ura is a roughly finished indented shell with just two tiny holes, more rudimentary than what we might call eyes. By including himself in this primitive space, the Noh actor transforms himself into a person of another world and attempts to draw the audience after him, by radiating a sense of the existence and non existence of an inhabitant of that other world. This mask is of symbolic size, not a wearing type.

The Ayakashi mask expresses god or ghost possessed of mysterious powers. It is also used for a vindictive warrior. Okina (Old man masks) This type of mask originated from sarugaku, the predecessor of noh, in the latter part of the Heian period. This is the oldest type of noh mask.

The surface still has a large proportion of fleshy skin tones remaining, with areas of loses overall. This intriguing piece would make a superb display piece of famous Japanese traditional art.

6 inches x 4.25 inches.  read more

Code: 20901

895.00 GBP

A Japanese Edo Period Processional or Ceremonial Pole Arm Yari

A Japanese Edo Period Processional or Ceremonial Pole Arm Yari

Set on a very good mother o'pearl decorated haft. With a over lacquered blade cover. A yari on it's pole can range in length from one metre to upwards of six metres (almost 20 feet). The longer hafted versions were called omi no yari while shorter ones were known as mochi yari or tae yari. The longest hafted versions were carried by foot troops (ashigaru), while samurai usually carried a shorter hafted yari. Yari are believed to have been derived from Chinese spears, and while they were present in early Japan's history they did not become popular until the thirteenth century. The original warfare of the bushi was not a thing for "commoners"; it was a ritualized combat usually between two warriors who may challenge each other via horseback archery and sword duels. However, the attempted Mongol invasions of Japan in 1274 and 1281 changed Japanese weaponry and warfare. The Mongol-employed Chinese and Korean footmen wielded long pikes, fought in tight formation, and moved in large units to stave off cavalry. Polearms (including naginata and yari) were of much greater military use than swords, due to their much greater range, their lesser weight per unit length (though overall a polearm would be fairly hefty), and their great piercing ability. Swords in a full battle situation were therefore relegated to emergency sidearm status from the Heian through the Muromachi periods. Ceremonial yari were used for parades of Daimyo travelling through regions or traditional public ceremonies in the Edo era. MOP losses to haft.  read more

Code: 19524

1150.00 GBP

A Beautiful, Victorian, Scottish Artillery Service Helmet of the First Renfrew and Dumbarton Artillery. Blue Cloth with Silver Badge, Fittings, Ball Top, & Rose Head Curb Chain Mounts and Chin Chain

A Beautiful, Victorian, Scottish Artillery Service Helmet of the First Renfrew and Dumbarton Artillery. Blue Cloth with Silver Badge, Fittings, Ball Top, & Rose Head Curb Chain Mounts and Chin Chain

Overall in superb condition, just the usual wear to the blue cloth surface The 1st Renfrew and Dumbarton Artillery Volunteers was a part-time unit of the British Army's Royal Artillery founded in Scotland in 1860.
The Artillery Volunteers were formed in response to perceived threats of invasion, particularly from France during the mid-19th century. By 1881, these units were well established as part of Britain’s auxiliary forces, providing coastal and homeland defense. The First Renfrew and Dumbarton unit operated in Scotland, drawing recruits from these regions, and contributed to local and national defense efforts.

Officers' helmets like this are prized by collectors for their craftsmanship and historical significance, offering a glimpse into the organization, pride, and traditions of Scottish Victorian-era volunteer forces.

The helmet plate is crafted with intricate detailing. Such plates were worn on the helmets of officers as a part of their formal uniform.

Central Emblem: The plate features a central badge, often incorporating a cannon or artillery piece, symbolizing the artillery unit, surrounded by wreaths of laurel and oak to represent victory and strength.

Crown: It is topped by a Victorian Crown (Queen Victoria's reign), indicating the era of service.

Unit Designation: The name "First Renfrew and Dumbarton Artillery Volunteers" is prominently displayed.

The enthusiasm for the Volunteer movement following an invasion scare in 1859 saw the creation of many Rifle and Artillery Volunteer Corps composed of part-time soldiers eager to supplement the Regular British Army in time of need.Three Artillery Volunteer Corps (AVCs) were formed in Renfrewshire and three more in neighbouring Dumbartonshire in 1860, and on 22 August 1863 all six were included in the 1st Administrative Brigade, Renfrewshire Artillery Volunteers, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel John Scott, with its headquarters (HQ) at Greenock:

1st (Greenock) Renfrewshire AVC formed 20 January 1860, four batteries by 1867
2nd (Greenock) Renfrewshire AVC formed 20 January 1860, absorbed into 1st in 1864
3rd (Greenock) Renfrewshire AVC formed 20 January 1860, absorbed into 1st in 1864
1st (Helensburgh) Dumbartonshire AVC formed 9 February 1860
2nd (Rosneath) Dumbartonshire AVC formed March 1860, moved to Kilcreggan 1866, disbanded in 1872
3rd (Dumbarton) Dumbartonshire AVC formed 24 December 1860, increased to two batteries 22 March 1869
When the AVCs were consolidated in May 1880, the administrative brigade became the 1st Renfrewshire (Renfrew and Dumbarton) Artillery Volunteers, shortly afterwards adopting the title of 1st Renfrew and Dumbarton Artillery Volunteers with the following organisation
HQ, Greenock
Nos 1–4 Batteries, Greenock
No 5 Battery, Helensburgh
No 6–7 Batteries, Dumbarton

In 1882 all the AVCs were affiliated to one of the territorial garrison divisions of the Royal Artillery (RA) and the 1st Renfrew & Dumbarton AV became part of the Scottish Division. In 1889 the structure was altered, and the corps joined the Southern Division. In 1899 the RA was divided into separate field and garrison branches, and the artillery volunteers were all assigned to the Royal Garrison Artillery (RGA). When the divisional structure was abolished their titles were changed, the unit becoming the 1st Renfrew and Dumbarton Royal Garrison Artillery (Volunteers) on 1 January 1902

During the First World War, it served with 51st (Highland) Division at the Battle of the Somme before being broken up. In the Second World War, the regiment saw action in the Battle of France, in the campaigns in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, the Greek Civil War and in North West Europe.  read more

Code: 25641

895.00 GBP

To Find Antique Arms, Armour & Specialist Books in the UK There is Only one place you need to visit. We Trust You Will All Enjoy Your Visit & Viewing Experience of Our Online Site, Frequently Described As The Best Militaria Collectables Site in the World

To Find Antique Arms, Armour & Specialist Books in the UK There is Only one place you need to visit. We Trust You Will All Enjoy Your Visit & Viewing Experience of Our Online Site, Frequently Described As The Best Militaria Collectables Site in the World

This week we be showing our usual intriguing and amazing selection of our latest rare and fascinating pieces, including some fabulous and most beautiful and historical collectables offered on our site over the past few days, including a stunning, ancient and exceptional 1700 to 1600 Year Old Spartha Sword of A Warrior of the Roman Empire's Invasions by the Huns and Visigoths. A 10th century ceramic 'Greek Fire' grenade, very rare example incised with overal flame decor and a flaming ball spout.
A Hun or Visigoth Horseman's Sword Spartha With Its Lifstein, the Magical Life-Stone, and Original Crossguard Plus stunning ancient Roman rings, one a Gladiator’s ring, also, Greek arrow heads, spears, lead sling bullets, antiquities and rings from an 1820 Grand Tour Collection. A Stunning Pair of Antique, Signed, French Rococo Patinated Bronze and Gilt Bronze Satyr & Bacchus Candelabra, Louis XVI, Signed Clodion. On Griotte Rouge Marble, Fluted & Truncated Columns, A Fabulous Museum Grade Samurai Daimyo's Art-Sword. From The Koto Era. A Samurai Wakizashi Sword By Master Tadamitsu With Rare Gaku-mei Nakago. Blade, Circa 1440-1460. Mino Goto Koshirae, With Deep Red Ishime Lacquer Saya & Black Silk Binding, plus we have added another rare, original Archaic Chinese Warrior's 'Bronze & Tinned' Jian Sword, 2300+ years old, from a collection we acquired, from one of the most respected and academically admired experts in ancient Chinese swords the UK,.... and so, so much more.

We Are Also Europe's Leading Original Samurai Sword Specialists.
We were listed by the world famous New York Times as one of the ‘must see’ places for Americans to visit when in Europe!! and regularly, as one of the very best shops in the whole of Great Britain. And bearing in mind, in the UK, recorded in 2019, there were 306,655 retail outlets,..apparently, so as you can imagine, the competition was pretty stiff.

Last year we were consultants on three seperate docu/dramas based around original historical warfare

For us it is vitally important that every customer, old and new, has confidence to deal with a well established, generations old company that believes every customer must have an enjoyable, successful and satisfactory experience, and you can know that you can also enjoy a personal one to one contact with our partners during any visit to our permanent gallery in Brighton, which for us is a priority.

Here are just two of our clients comments we received in the past few days.
‘Today the armour arrived. It was of the highest quality as always and I am more than satisfied. Kindest regards C.C.’ From New York

‘The swords arrived and are simply lovely. In fact, the Light Company sabre is especially striking, and it's out of this world. You take very fine photos but they simply didn't do this piece justice. The French sword has tremendous presence. It's hard to find French Napoleonic pieces over here, especially ones with little or no wear. Many thanks again”
A.G. From Australia

Enjoy our site, it has been over 100 years in the making!.

The history of the ‘Grand Tour’

Richard Lassels, an expatriate Roman Catholic priest, first used the phrase “Grand Tour” in his 1670 book Voyage to Italy, published posthumously in Paris in 1670. In its introduction, Lassels listed four areas in which travel furnished "an accomplished, consummate traveler" with opportunities to experience first hand the intellectual, the social, the ethical, and the political life of the Continent.

The English gentry of the 17th century believed that what a person knew came from the physical stimuli to which he or she has been exposed. Thus, being on-site and seeing famous works of art and history was an all important part of the Grand Tour. So most Grand Tourists spent the majority of their time visiting museums and historic sites.

Once young men and women began embarking on these journeys, additional guidebooks and tour guides began to appear to meet the needs of the 20-something male and female travelers and their tutors traveling a standard European itinerary. They carried letters of reference and introduction with them as they departed from southern England, enabling them to access money and invitations along the way.

With nearly unlimited funds, aristocratic connections and months or years to roam, these wealthy young tourists commissioned paintings, perfected their language skills and mingled with the upper crust of the Continent.

The wealthy believed the primary value of the Grand Tour lay in the exposure both to classical antiquity and the Renaissance, and to the aristocratic and fashionably polite society of the European continent. In addition, it provided the only opportunity to view specific works of art, and possibly the only chance to hear certain music. A Grand Tour could last from several months to several years. The youthful Grand Tourists usually traveled in the company of a Cicerone, a knowledgeable guide or tutor.

The ‘Grand Tour’ era of classical acquisitions from history existed up to around the 1850’s, and extended around the whole of Europe, Egypt, the Ottoman Empire, and the Holy Land.
As with all our items, they come complete with our certificate of authenticity  read more

Code: 23801

Price
on
Request

A King George IIIrd Royal Naval Fire Bucket Issued by the Board of Ordnance Circa 1790's. As Used on HMS Victory and The British Ship's-of-the-Line

A King George IIIrd Royal Naval Fire Bucket Issued by the Board of Ordnance Circa 1790's. As Used on HMS Victory and The British Ship's-of-the-Line

Hardened leather with all riveted seams in excellent condition, and part leather handle. Bears the remainder of an applied royal crest. Broad arrow & Board of Ordnance stamp to the base. Fire aboard a wooden ship was a constant peril, from such as burning powder shot or cannon fire, or even from an enemy fire ship, and could be the destruction of a vessel and crew in a very short time, if not subdued as quickly as possible. Thus good and sturdy leather fire buckets were an essential piece of Royal Naval equipment aboard every vessel. We show a row of Royal Naval issue fire buckets {reproductions} aboard Nelson's flagship, HMS Victory, now in permanent dock at Portsmouth. It is still the flagship of the Royal Navy in honour of Nelsons famous victory at Trafalgar. Fire buckets have been popular with collectors and owners of period homes for a very long time, but especially the board of ordnance issue examples for naval warships. They represent a time long before most towns had established and well-equipped fire departments ready to respond at a moment’s notice to a house or shop fire, when people relied on their neighbours to come to their aid. The risk for catastrophe from fire was great. A single stand-alone house could be consumed in minutes. In towns, fire in densely populated neighbourhoods could quickly result in the destruction of dozens of buildings.

Between 1630 and 1700 Boston experienced at least six major fires that destroyed well over 200 buildings. Most fire buckets were likely purchased from merchant craftsmen who specialised in leather goods, or wholesalers who imported wares from England. The earliest reference for the sale of fire buckets in Boston comes from a 1743 newspaper where an advertisement from an unnamed merchant simply states, “A Parcel of Choice Fire Buckets to be sold.” it is very rare to find a mark or signature on a fire bucket that identifies its maker.

At Christies auction house on the 17th December 2015 a fire bucket of the same form and type, from HMS Victory, Nelson's flagship, sold for £6875. The ones currently shown in the photograph on the Victory are modern reproductions.
Leather handle split in two parts remaining  read more

Code: 24830

750.00 GBP