Solid Silver Hallmarked L.Z.127 Graf Zeppelin Airship Aerospace Medal 1928 Issue

Zeppelin Aerospace medal in solid siver.
Silver medal 1928 (J. Bernhart) Airship LZ 127 "Graf Zeppelin". Half-length portraits of Zeppelin and Eckener side by side to the left / Airship over ocean. Edge stamped hallmark: PREUSS. STATE COIN. SILVER 900 FINE. 36 mm, 24.37 g Fine patina,

L.Z.127 Graf Zeppelin airship medals, one awarded in 1928 the other 1929. Sold separately, acquired with the Ortsgruppenleiter's armband taken as war souvenirs in 1945, sadly the name of the NSDAP Ortsgruppenleiter and his medals was not noted at the time.

LZ127 it was originally owned and run by Deutsche Luftschiffahrts-Aktiengesellschaft German Airship Transportation Corporation Ltd But in 1935 Reich Minister of Aviation, Hermann Göring insisted that a new agency be created to extend Party control over LZ Group. A personal rivalry between Göring and Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels also played a role.Deutsche Zeppelin-Reederei was therefore incorporated on 22 March 1935 as a joint venture between Zeppelin Luftschiffbau, the Ministry of Aviation, and Deutsche Luft Hansa.

LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin was a German passenger-carrying, hydrogen-filled rigid airship which flew from 1928 to 1937. It was designed and built to show that intercontinental airship travel was practicable. Its operational history included several long flights, such as a polar exploration mission, a round-the-world trip, trips to the Middle East and the Americas (operating five years of regular passenger and mail flights from Germany to Brazil), and latterly being used as a propaganda vehicle for the ruling Nazi Party. The airship was withdrawn from service following the Hindenburg disaster.

Photo in the gallery of the medals with the armband of the Ortsgruppenleiter, from whom the medals came from all sold seperately

Although to most this piece looks like a coin, in Germany and also in France, medals could come in the table medal variety, not ever meant to be worn but for display in a table cabinet or mounted and framed. Awarded for the same reason as a medal made to be only worn on the person, as all British medals are.  read more

Code: 24904

Original Third Reich NSDAP, German 1930's National Socialist WW2 German Greatcoat or Tunic Armband of an Ortsgruppenleiter, Only 4 ranks Below Hitler In The Order of Seniority & Authority

Thanks to a very similar example, also of another Ortsgruppenleiter, that we had around four months ago, it was viewed and noticed by a regular of ours, we were offered by him this fine example, also with the German NSDAP man's two Zeppelin silver medals, but unfortunately we know not from which region or district in Berlin as Operational Regional Office Leader, who wore this arm band and owned the medals, was in control of. The medals are offered for sale separately.

Our other past example, complete with his collar tabs, was for a Group Leader of Berlin. This piece came with two solid silver L.Z.127 Graf Zeppelin airship medals, one awarded in 1928 the other 1929.

The Zeppelin Airship company was originally owned and run by Deutsche Luftschiffahrts-Aktiengesellschaft the German Airship Transportation Corporation Ltd But in 1935 Reich Minister of Aviation, Hermann Göring insisted that a new agency be created to extend Party control over LZ Group. A personal rivalry between Göring and Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels also played a role.Deutsche Zeppelin-Reederei was therefore incorporated on 22 March 1935 as a joint venture between Zeppelin Luftschiffbau, the Ministry of Aviation, and Deutsche Luft Hansa.

In exceptional almost mint condition. Ortsgruppenleiter (Operational Regional Office Group Leader) was a Nazi Party political rank and title which existed between 1930 and 1945. The term first came into being during the German elections of 1930, and was held by the head Nazi of a town or city, or in larger cities, of a neighbourhood, for the purposes of election district organization. After 1933, through the process of Gleichschaltung, the position of Ortsgruppenleiter evolved into the Nazi leader of a large town or city or of a city district. The rank of Ortsgruppenleiter was originally the fourth tier in the Nazi Party hierarchy after the Führer, Reichsleiter, Gauleiter, and Kriesleiter

As with Gauleiters and Kriesleiter they were appointed by Hitler personally.

The Nazi Party, officially the National Socialist German Workers' Party (German: Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterparte or NSDAP), was an extreme socialist political party in Germany active between 1920 and 1945 that created and supported the ideology of Nazism. Its precursor, the German Workers' Party (Deutsche Arbeiterpartei; DAP), existed from 1919 to 1920. The Nazi Party emerged from the extremist German nationalist, racist and populist Freikorps paramilitary culture, which fought against the communist uprisings in post–World War I Germany. The party was created to draw workers away from communism and into völkisch nationalism. Initially, Nazi political strategy focused on anti–big business, anti-bourgeois, and anti-capitalist rhetoric, which was later downplayed to gain the support of business leaders. By the 1930s, the party's main focus shifted to antisemitic and anti-Marxist themes. The party had little popular support until the Great Depression, where worsening living standards and vast unemployment drove Germans into political extremism.

The NSDAP had supporters and branches throughout other European countries, for example in Ireland They operated like a normal political party, collected subscriptions, kept membership files and reported regularly to party headquarters. The difference with the German Nazi Party (NSDAP) in 1930s Ireland, however, was that its headquarters was not in Dublin but in Berlin. The party’s membership—numbering from 50 to 100, depending on whether visitors are included—owed their loyalty to Adolf Hitler. Their Christmas parties were held at the Gresham Hotel, while other social events took place at the Red Bank restaurant in D’Olier Street and at the Kilmacurragh Park Hotel in County Wicklow.

Fritz Brase, was the first Ortsgruppenleiter of Ireland
But who were these Germans and Austrians who rallied to the Nazi Party colours in pre-war Ireland? The first Ortsgruppenleiter, or branch leader, in Dublin was a Prussian bandsman called Fritz Brase, who in 1923 became director of the new Irish army’s school of music, with the rank of colonel. Brase—who rearranged many traditional Irish jigs and reels to sound like thundering Prussian martial pieces—got into hot water in the early 1930s when he wrote to the army’s chief of staff, Maj.-Gen. Michael Brennan, seeking permission to set up a branch of the Nazi Party in Dublin. Brase was either unaware of or chose to ignore the obvious conflict of interest that his request implied—an Irish army colonel swearing loyalty to the Third Reich—but Brennan got the point. He told the German to choose the party or the army, but Brase wanted the best of both worlds. Records held in Berlin show that he joined the Nazis in April 1932, just a month before his 57th birthday. Brase appears to have tried to keep his party membership a secret from the Irish army, but pressure from the military’s top brass is the most likely reason why he relinquished his post as local Nazi leader in 1934.

The latter report was likely written by the editor of the Irish times, Robert Smylie, a German speaker, also an attendee of the funeral of the German diplomat, Robert Wenzel.

"Christian Sauerzweig, mentioned some of Brase's activities to his superior, who in turn informed the head of Office of the Directorate of Intelligence, than named "G2", that at least twice in early September 1939 Brase burned papers in the boiler house of the school of music, and that, in April 1940, on the occasion of the funeral of the German diplomat, Robert Wenzel, that he and Brase wore their military uniforms and Brase gave the Nazi salute at the graveside. Besides these reports, a military intelligence file was kept on Brase also notes that he sent Adolf Hitler birthday greetings in 1939 by telegraph to the Reich Chancellery

Shown in the gallery a full uniform for illustration and context purposes only, we just offer the armband for sale.  read more

Code: 24903

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Code: 24895

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Code: 23769

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

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

Here is just a sample of past 5 Star Reviews.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Great sword shop.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Code: 24884

A Most Rare Original WW2 German Hertz Horn MineTrigger

Made in lead alloy a tube that was filled with glass liners containing bio chromatic chemicals in order to break upon contact and ignite the mine in order to sink the allied ship.

Used on such as the German Type GZ (the German designation was UMA). It had a small charge of only 66 pounds of high explosive because it was intended as an anti-submarine mine. Anti-shipping mines had much larger charges.

Inert and completely safe.  read more

Code: 18303

An Ancient Archaic Chinese Dagger, From the Warring States Period to Han Dynasty circa 520 to 225 BC.

All bronze, graduating double edged blade, with central rib and slightly swollen tip. Cylindrical grip and flared disc pommel, showing the aperture to the grip. The blade bears two curlique stamps, one an inverted version of the other, that may be caligraphy kanji or symbolic, stylised decor

This is one of a stunning collection of original archaic bronze age weaponry we have just acquired and has now arrived. Many are near identical to other similar examples held in the Metropolitan in New York, the British royal collection, and such as the Hunan Provincial Museum, Hunan, China. Many pieces we acquired were sold for the part benefit of the Westminster Abbey fund, and the Metropolitan Museum fund

The Warring States Period lasted 254 years it started from 475 BC and ended in 221 BC. It was the last period of the Zhou Dynasty (1046–221 BC). The Zhou Dynasty era consisted of three periods: Western Zhou (1046–771 BC), the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BC), and the Warring States Period.

The Warring States Period began because the nobles stopped supporting the Zhou Dynasty, and Zhou's vassal states declared themselves independent from Zhou and fought for territory, becoming kingdoms or warring states.

The independence of vassal states was caused by the Zhou Dynasty’s system of enfeoffment: in order to strengthen the Zhou king’s power, nobles who contributed to the dynasty were awarded land.
Then vassal states formed. Vassal states could manage their own lands and raise their own armies. Once a vassal state became strong enough, its ambition went beyond being a small state.
The Warring States Period was dominated by 7 warring states.
Powerful vassal states constantly annexed smaller vassal states, and by the middle of the Warring States period, there were seven vassal states: Qin, Chu, Zhao, Wei, Han, Yan, and Qi.

Qin was in the far west, occupying today's Shaanxi Guanzhong, Hanzhong, southeast Gansu, central and eastern Sichuan.
Chu enjoyed the largest area. It dominated the south, with its core territory around the Yangtze River, controlling today’s Hubei, and part of Henan, Anhui, Hunan, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang.
Zhao was in the north, roughly most of today's Shanxi and Hebei and part of Inner Mongolia.
Wei was located in the middle, roughly part of today's Henan.
Han was situated in the middle too, occupying part of Henan and Shanxi.
Yan, in the northeast, controlled today’s Beijing, Liaoning, and Jilin.
Qi controlled the east, centred on the Shandong Peninsula.

315 mm long overall.

As with all our items it comes complete with our certificate of authenticity  read more

Code: 24885

An Imposing & Elegant ‘Morituri’ Walking Cane, Cast Bronze Skull With & Ebony Stick & Carved Bone Ferrule

Likely 20th century. A gentleman’s walking out cane of the most distinct esoteric style of a weighted cast skull set upon an elegant, earlier, Victorian ebony cane with a carved bone ferrule.
Skull mounted canes for gentlemen have been most popular in all forms since the 18th century, and one of the most famed was the cane made for, and used by, Charles Darwin.
Darwin called his skull stick his ‘morituri’, a type of ‘memento mori’. These objects remind their owners of the short time people live on earth. Charles Darwin (1809-82) is famous for his theory of evolution outlined in The Origin of Species, first published in 1859. Darwin’s walking stick was collected by Henry Wellcome as a relic of someone Wellcome considered a ‘great man.’ Darwin's carved whalebone Morituri cane is shown in the gallery on a black ground.

Walking canes have been in use for centuries and have come to represent both elegance and practicality. An elegant walking cane, in particular, is more than just a tool to aid in walking. It is a statement of style, sophistication, and grace. In this article, we will delve deeper into the concept of an elegant walking cane, its history, and its contemporary significance

A brief history of walking canes
Walking canes have been in use since ancient times, with evidence of their use found in several civilizations around the world. The Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all used walking sticks for both functional and ceremonial purposes. In medieval times, walking canes were an accessory of the wealthy and powerful, often adorned with precious metals and jewels.

By the 17th century, walking canes had become an essential part of men's fashion. They were not only used as a symbol of wealth and status but also as a practical tool to aid in walking. During the 18th century, walking canes became even more ornate, with intricate designs and carvings, and the addition of handles made from exotic materials such as ivory and tortoiseshell.

In the 19th century, walking canes became more utilitarian in nature, with the introduction of collapsible canes and adjustable handles. They continued to be popular among the wealthy, with some canes serving as a form of self-defense, fitted with sword or dagger blades. And a weighted cane often made a most effective 'club' stick


90cm long  read more

Code: 24855

Antique 17th-18th century Sinhalese Nobleman's Dagger Piha Kaetta, With Fabulous Carved Black Coral Grip, and Very Unually With its Original Scabbard.

A single edged robust steel blade with fuller along the back edge. The forte and spine of the blade are heavily encrusted in silver with scrolling foliage, encased on each side with chased silver alloy bolster panels, over the base, decorated with finely chased floral and vine scrolling foliage, with finely carved black coral grip.The hilt is finely carved and detailed with a

liya-pata pattern hilt. The end is encased in a broad rounding of metal that has been chased in high relief with particularly fine Ceylonese scrolling foliage and flower motifs. From this is emitted a rounded tang button. In its wood scabbard with fluted finish and small wood part lacking.

These elaborately decorated knives are usually the product of the Pattal-hatara (four workshops), the blades being supplied by smiths. This was a mainly hereditary corporation of the best craftsmen who worked exclusively for the king in Kandy. Originally there was only one pattala but this was subsequently divided into sections which included a Randaku pattala (golden sword armoury or workshop). As well as being worn by courtiers, these knives were given by the king to nobles and to the temples. "The best of the higher craftsmen (gold and silversmiths, painters, and ivory carvers, etc.) working immediately for the king formed a close, largely hereditary, corporation of craftsmen called the Pattal-hatara (Four Workshops). They were named as follows; The Ran Kadu [Golden Arms], the Abarana [Regalia], the Sinhasana [Lion Throne], and the Otunu [Crown] these men worked only for the King, unless by his express permission (though, of course, their sons or pupils might do otherwise); they were liable to be continually engaged in Kandy, while the Kottal-badda men were divided into relays, serving by turns in Kandy for periods of two months.
A related but less ornate example but without a scabbard currently is on display in London’s Victoria & Albert Museum. Another example is in the Clive Collection (see Archer, 1987, p. 45 for an illustration.). The Clive example was first mentioned in inventories in 1775.
References
Caravana, J. et al, Rites of Power: Oriental Weapons: Collection of Jorge Caravana, Caleidoscopio, 2010.
Hales, R.,
Islamic and Oriental Arms and Armour: A Lifetime’s Passion, Robert Hale CI Ltd, 2013.

De Silva, P.H.D.H & S. Wickramasinghe,
Ancient Swords, Daggers & Knives in Sri Lankan Museums, Sri Lanka National Museums, 2006.

Weereratne, N.,
Visions of an Island: Rare works from Sri Lanka in the Christopher Ondaatje Collection, Harper Collins, 1999.  read more

Code: 20007

A Very Good German 1900's & WW1 Porcelain Zeppelin Plate Warmer

Items made in Germany with representations of the pre war and WW1 Zeppelin airships are scarce and much sought after. This is a most unusual very early piece of very nice quality, but also a funtional piece of finest German porcelain. The best-known German strategic bombing campaign during World War I was the campaign against England, although strategic bombing raids were carried out or attempted on other fronts. The main campaign against England started in January 1915 using airships. From then until the end of World War I the German Navy and Army Air Services mounted over 50 bombing raids on the United Kingdom. These were generally referred to as "Zeppelin raids": although both Zeppelin and Sch?tte-Lanz airships were used, the Zeppelin company was much better known and was responsible for producing the vast majority of the airships used. Weather conditions and night flying conditions made airship navigation and therefore bombing accuracy difficult. Bombs were often dropped miles off target (one raid on London actually bombed Hull) and accurate targeting of military installations was impossible. The civilian casualties made the Zeppelins an object of hatred, and they were widely dubbed ?baby-killers?. With the development of effective defensive measures the airship raids became increasingly hazardous, and in 1917 the airships were largely replaced by aeroplanes.

Although the direct military effect of the raids was small, they caused widespread alarm, leading to the diversion of substantial resources from the Western Front and some disruption to industrial production. Concern about the conduct of defence against the raids, the responsibility for which was divided between the Admiralty and the Army, led to a parliamentary inquiry under Jan Smuts, whose report was to lead to the creation of the Royal Air Force on 1 April 1918. The defence organisation developed by the British was an important precursor of the fighter direction system that would prove vital in winning the Battle of Britain. The raids were also influential because they led to an overestimation of both the material and psychological effects of the bombing of cities.

Airships made about 51 bombing raids on England during the war. These killed 557 and injured another 1,358 people. More than 5,000 bombs were dropped on towns across Britain, causing ?1.5 million in damage. 84 airships took part, of which 30 were lost, either shot down or lost in accidents. Aeroplanes carried out 27 raids, dropping 246,774 lb (111,935 kg) of bombs for the loss of 62 aircraft, resulting in 835 deaths, 1972 injured  read more

Code: 21165