A Wonderful, Victorian Surgeon’s Royal Army Medical Corps {RAMC} Officer's Sword In Pristine, Museum Grade, & Near Mint Condition. An Example So Fine It that Would Likely Be Literally Impossible to Improve Upon

Used by some of the bravest and selfless men ever to see service in the British Armed Forces. The Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) has been awarded a total of 29 Victoria Crosses {VC} the most highly regarded medal awarded for valour in the world. Only 1358 have been awarded since its inception in 1856, out of the tens of millions of men that have served the Empire and Commonwealth during that time.

The same pattern of sword used by British Infantry officers since 1822. This is the first pattern of sword for officers of the RAMC, with the pierced guard hilt bearing the Royal Cypher of Queen Victoria, used by its earliest serving officers. The second pattern has the similar pierced hilt but the Royal Cypher of King Edward VIIth. This sword was used in medical service with the RAMC in the Boer War, such as at Harts Hill, Colenso, and Tugela Heights, and later in WW1 on the Western Front trench warfare, such as at The Somme,Ypres and Passchendaele.

From the very earliest founding of the Royal Army Medical Corps in the Victorian era, with VR Crown pierced hilt with almost all it original gilt present. With deluxe grade near mint silvered scabbard & a near mint condition, fully etched, bright and frosted fully decorated regimental blade, with the RAMC devices of the Rod of Asclepius and the Latin motto "In Arduis Fidelis" ("Faithful in Adversity"), and with a Crown VR symbol on the opposite side.

As a most interesting point of history of the surgeons and doctors of the RAMC in the Boer War. They were supported by the Natal Volunteer Ambulance Corps. AKA 'The Body-Snatchers'. A most interesting corps that served alongside Indian volunteer bearers under the command of no less an historical figure than Mahatma Gandhi {Monhandas Karamchand Gandhi}, who was normally a barrister in South Africa at the time. And during that time the Natal Volunteer Ambulance Corps recruited from two specific and yet most contrasting groups of SA citizens, lawyers, and vagrants. Gandhi, when asked about his support of Britain in the war, was quoted as saying "I felt that, if I demanded rights as a British citizen, it was also my duty, as such, to participate in the defence of the British Empire,"

The Victoria Cross was awarded to Captain Edgar Thomas Inkson for a humane and devoted act at Hart's Hill, Colenso, February 24, 1900. Lieutenant J. G. Devenish (1st Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers), having been severely wounded and unable to move, was lying exposed to a very heavy fire. Lieutenant Inkson, seeing his danger, carried him for 400 yards through the hail of lead poured upon them, and, in spite of the absence of cover for the entire distance, succeeded in conveying him to a place of safety.
Captain Edgar Thomas Inkson, son of Surgeon-Major-General Inkson, R.A., was born at Nyne Tal, India, on April 5, 1872. After passing through University College Hospital, London, was gazetted Surgeon, July 28, 1899, just ten weeks before the war, and was almost at once sent out to South Africa. He took part in every action for the relief of Ladysmith—from Colenso to the finish, at the end of February, with Fitzroy Hart's, or the Irish Brigade, being twice named in despatches. For his services he has been awarded—in addition to the Victoria Cross—both medals and many clasps. Although daily under fire for weeks together was never once wounded, even though in medical charge with the batteries at Colenso. On return from active service, eighteen months after being gazetted, was presented with the Victoria Cross, at St. James' Palace, by H.M. The King, May 13, 1902.
He later achieved the rank of colonel after serving in the First World War.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Army Medical Services Museum, Mytchett, England.
The Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) played a vital role in caring for British soldiers during World War I. The corps expanded dramatically during the war, providing medical services in all theatres of conflict. RAMC personnel, including doctors, nurses, stretcher bearers, and ambulance drivers, were responsible for treating the sick and wounded.

The RAMC was responsible for the army's medical units and provided medical support to all other military units.
It expanded from 9,000 officers and men at the start of the war to 13,000 officers and 154,000 other ranks by the end of the war.
The corps served in various locations, including France, Belgium, Macedonia, Italy, Palestine, South Russia, and Mesopotamia.
The RAMC worked alongside voluntary organizations like the British Red Cross and St. John's Ambulance.

RAMC personnel provided a range of medical services, from basic first aid to more advanced treatments in hospitals.
They were involved in the development of new medical techniques, including the use of barges for evacuating the seriously wounded.
Preventive medicine was also a priority, with the introduction of anti-typhoid inoculation, which significantly reduced casualties from typhoid fever.
The RAMC also played a role in developing gas protection, such as gas helmets and respirators, after the introduction of chemical warfare.

The large number of casualties from modern weaponry and the global nature of the conflict presented significant challenges to the RAMC.
The RAMC faced difficulties in providing timely and effective care to all the wounded, especially those in forward areas.
Despite the challenges, the RAMC made significant contributions to the war effort, and their work is considered crucial to the well-being of the British Army.
.
Captain Noel Chavasse V.C. & Bar RAMC is one of only three people to be awarded the Victoria Cross twice – and the only VC and Bar of the First World War.
After joining the Royal Army Medical Corps in 1913 he went to France with 1/10th Battalion King’s Regiment, the Liverpool Scottish. Noel was not afraid to criticise his superiors – and got into trouble for complaining about the organisation of field ambulances, the rampant spread of venereal disease and the treatment of shell shock victims, who he believed should be helped, not shot for cowardice.

In June 1915 he won a Military Cross after 12 hours rescuing casualties at Ypres. In August 1916 he was awarded his first Victoria Cross for saving around 20 men while wounded at Guillemont on the Somme.
After two years in France with the Royal Army Medical Corps, his usually optimistic letters home had become more stark and reflective. In July 1917, he wrote to his parents about his wedding, his prospects and his VC:
“I shall get married about Christmas. Gladys wants it very badly. I shall feel rather a fool after the war, a married man without a job. Still, it’s a bit pathetic to have to leave a bronze cross to a cousin twice removed. I don't think I earned it as many men have had to do. I prize it more than I can say.”

He told how he had turned down the safety of a surgeon’s job to remain in the front line:

“I have written to the base hospital and said that though I valued the offer very much, I thought I had better stay with the lads. I felt rather depressed about it for a quarter of an hour. Always your loving Noel.”

Duty called and called me to obey.
First World War soldier Arthur Roberts
The story of Arthur Roberts
“I saw sights that I never saw before or wish to see again.”
Less than a month later, Noel was composing another letter, this time to his beloved Gladys. Mortally wounded at Casualty Clearing Station No 32 near Ypres, he dictated to a nurse: “Duty called and called me to obey.”

In the first attack of Passchendaele on 31 July 1917, Noel was hit in the head but refused to leave despite a fractured skull, venturing into no man’s land time and again to treat the wounded.

Early on 2 August, Noel’s first-aid post was hit by a shell. With his face unrecognisable and a serious stomach wound, he crawled half a mile for help. He died on 4 August aged 32.

Noel’s grave at Brandhoek New Military Cemetery is unique – the only headstone to have two Victoria Crosses on it. In 2009 his medals were bought by Lord Ashcroft for £1.5 million, the highest price paid for VCs. They are on display at the Imperial War Museum, London.

The Rod of Asclepius is a serpent-entwined staff that is the correct symbol of medicine and healing, associated with the Greek god Asclepius. It is often confused with the Caduceus, which features two snakes and wings and is associated with the god Hermes, the messenger god, and commerce. The Rod of Asclepius, with its single snake, is the more widely recognized and accepted symbol of medicine.

In Greek mythology, Asclepius was the god of healing and medicine. The Rod of Asclepius, a staff with a single snake wrapped around it, is his attribute.

The Rod of Asclepius has been a symbol of medicine and healing for centuries, representing the connection between healing and the natural world, as symbolized by the snake.

The Rod of Asclepius is the symbol used by many healthcare organizations

Captain Edgar Thomas Inkson, V.C. DSO, RAMC BOER WAR

Credit: Material re Captain Edgar Thomas Inkson, V.C., RAMC. Source: Wellcome Collection.  read more

Code: 25822

A Handsome Koto Period, Circa 1500, Samurai Chisa Katana With Amazing Blade, With A Very Beautiful Edo Shoami Sukashi Tsuba Of a Leaping Koi Carp in White Water. Fabulous Fuchi of a Tiger in a Bamboo Grove of Pure Gold Onlaid Shakudo

An original Koto period samurai sword, with a beautiful blade bearing incredibly active and vibrant hamon, with fine quality original Edo period fuchigashira of pure gold onlaid shakudo, of a takebori tiger within a gold leaved bamboo grove, on a hand punched nanako ground, a jumping fish o sukashi Shoami tsuba of delightful quality in iron, with {and matching the fuchi} gold and shakudo takebori tigers in combat menuki. A lightly stippled finish shakudo kashira.

Original antique Edo fittings and nurizaya roiro-nuri (蝋色塗, wax colour coating): glossy, mirror-like finish saya, with kozuka and kogai pockets.
A "Nurizaya" (塗鞘) is a scabbard that has been lacquered. The process of lacquering a scabbard involves applying lacquer, letting it dry, and then polishing it, repeating these steps multiple times.

The lacquering is done by a craftsman known as "Nushi" or "Nurishi" (塗師), and it varies depending on the craftsman. The process starts with applying raw lacquer to solidify the hand carved wooden base, followed by applying an undercoat, thenmany layers of black lacquer {or other colours}, and finally, a top coat to complete the Nurizaya. The entire process in the Edo period and before, to bespoke create this saya, with hand carved buffalo fittings and mounts {such as the kurikata, kojiri, koiguchi kaeshizuno {返し角 hook-shaped fitting used to lock the saya to the obi while drawing the sword from the saya}. And then, lacquer can take a year or more, due to each single layer of urushi lacquer taking a month to dry and cure, and there can be up to 12 layers of lacquer per saya.


A katana was two shaku or longer in length (one shaku = about 11.93 inches). However, the Chisa katana is longer than the wakizashi, which was somewhere in between one and two shaku in length. The most common blade lengths for Chisa katana was approximately eighteen to twenty-four inches. They were most commonly made in the Buke-Zukuri mounting (which is generally what is seen on katana and wakizashi). The chisa katana was able to be used with one or even two hands like a katana. The Chisa Katana is a slightly shorter Katana highly suitable for two handed, or two sword combat, or, combat within enclosed areas such as castles or buildings. As such they were often the sword of choice for the personal Samurai guard of a Daimyo, and generally the only warriors permitted to be armed in his presence. Chisa katana, Chiisagatana or literally "short katana", are shoto mounted as katana.

The chisa katana was also the long sword of choice for the art of twin sword combat, using two at once in unison, a chisa katana and wakazashi, one in each hand, a form used by the great and legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi who reportedly killed 60 men before his 30th birthday.
Miyamoto Musashi 1584 – June 13, 1645), also known as Shinmen Takezo, Miyamoto Bennosuke or, by his Buddhist name, Niten Doraku, was an expert Japanese swordsman and ronin. Musashi, as he was often simply known, became renowned through stories of his excellent, and unique double bladed swordsmanship and undefeated record in his 60 duels. He was the founder of the Hyoho Niten Ichi-ryu or Niten-ryu style of swordsmanship and in his final years authored the The Book of Five Rings, a book on strategy, tactics, and philosophy that is still studied today. inch blade tsuba to tip. 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 antiques and gallery.

THE LANES ARMOURY, THE PREMIER HOME OF ORIGINAL AND AFFORDABLE ANCIENT ANTIQUITIES , MILITARY ARMOURY ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES IN BRITAIN.

The Lanes Armoury, is world renown as Britain's favourite specialist collectors shop, and also a font of historical and educational information that is detailed with every single item. We detail each piece alongside its historical context, either generic or specific, for those that may wish to read, learn, or be informed, as opposed to simply acquire collectable items. We are probably one of the oldest companies of our kind in the whole of Europe and we have been established through generations, as specialists in military armoury antiques, militaria collectables, and specialist books, since the early 1900’s, and thus we have continued to be one of the largest in the world today. The current partners were set on this path by their great grandfather, who while intrigued by historic antique arms and armour, was woefully under capitalised for his dream profession, so much so that even when starting his very small business, just after the first world war, he still kept up his original working class pre war trade as a scaffolder as his safety net in case his dreams folded. Just as well for his succeeding generations, he didn’t fail. However, true to his very old-fashioned working class ethics, every subsequent generation had to follow their own path, with no financial assistance whatsoever, with his son, grandson and great-grandsons having to make their own way, on their own skill and merits, whatever they may be.
We are also very pleased to know we are also studied and read by academics and students from hundreds of universities around the world, by those that are interested in not only British but worldwide history. Of course we are not perfect and errors can and will be made, but thanks to our viewers and visitors, errors can be corrected, and learnt from.
Our sacred principle is that every single country's history ought to be studied, and passed down, however good, or bad some of it may be. All history is knowledge, good, bad or indifferent.

Everyday we are contacted by historians that wish to make contributions to our detailed information for our pieces, and to thus add to our constant dedication to impart historical knowledge, that may be unknown to many of our millions of viewers.

As once told to us by an esteemed regular visitor to us here in our gallery, in order to view and study our Japanese edged weapons and armour gallery, and the same words that are repeated in his book;

“In these textures lies an extraordinary and unique feature of the sword - the steel itself possesses an intrinsic beauty. The Japanese sword has been appreciated as an art object since its perfection some time during the tenth century AD. Fine swords have been more highly prized than lands or riches, those of superior quality being handed down from generation to generation. In fact, many well-documented swords, whose blades are signed by their makers, survive from nearly a thousand years ago. Recognizable features of the blades of hundreds of schools of sword-making have been punctiliously recorded, and the study of the sword is a guide to the flow of Japanese history.”
Victor Harris
Curator, Assistant Keeper and then Keeper (1998-2003) of the Department of Japanese Antiquities at the British Museum. He studied from 1968-71 under Sato Kenzan, Tokyo National Museum and Society for the Preservation of Japanese Swords

Overall in superb condition. The blade has just returned from cleaning and conservation, it shows the usual very small areas of natural surface thinning, much prevalent and usual in early, koto blades. 20.3 inch blade from tsuba to tip.36 inches long in saya overall.  read more

Code: 25790

Very Rare, 1616 Coryate's Traveller For The English Wits. A "Fraternity of Sireniacal Gentlemen" Member, Tom Coryate's Book Is Believed To Be The Inspiration For The British Phenomenon Of The Grand Tour, And Only The 2nd Traveler To India

An incredible book for the seasoned explorer-traveler. Written by the man who introduced the dinner fork to the English speaking world, and was the first Englishman and Elizabethan to be a traveler, simply for the joy of travelling to unvisited parts, and this book was first published in 1616.
Tom Coryate, fellow writer and friend of Ben Jonson, John Donne and Inigo Jones, is known as only the second Englishman to visit India, and the first ever traveler of the so called Grand Tour. The man, that history accredits, who introduced dinner forks to the English speaking world. This superb tome is entitled 'Greeting from the court of the Great Moghul, and resident in Asmere a town in Eastern India'. By Tom Coliate.
A seemingly small book, composed of numerous letters, sent in the early 1600's to his English friends, from India. They were various gentleman of note and standing, including the Master of the Rolles in Chancery Lane and to the "Fraternity of Sireniacal Gentlemen" at the Mermaid Inn. Coriates 'Traveller for the English Wits; Greetings from the court of the most mighty monarch, the Great Moghul'. Ist Published in London in 1616 and this is a very rare, original, early 18th century copy. It has many border annotations and quotes, made by an owner, some in ancient Greek, and additions affixed on the inside cover including old bookseller advertisements. The original and first 1616 printing is now so rare that we do not know of another coming on to the market in the last fifteen years, and today, if one was to appear it would be not unreasonable to attract a likely price of £25,000. In 1912 another of his published books the earlier Cortyate's Crudities sold for the princely sum of £45, the equivalent today of the paid employment of a household of servants for one year. Thomas Coriate traveller for the English wits, greeting: from the court of the Great Mogul, resident at the Towne of Asmere, in Easterne India (London: 1616), p.27. The remarkable and eccentric Coryate (1577-1617) was only the second Englishman to visit India simply out of curiosity, a journey of some 3,300 miles, most of which he accomplished on foot. In a letter to his mother in England Coryates writes, 'I have rid upon an elephant since I came to this Court, determining one day (by Gods leave) to have my picture expressed in my next Booke, sitting upon an elephant' (p.26). Coryat was born in Crewkerne, Somerset, and lived most of his life in the Somerset village of Odcombe. He was a son of George Coryate (d. 1607). He was educated at Winchester College from 1591, and at Gloucester Hall, Oxford from 1596 to 1599. He was employed by Prince Henry, eldest son of James I as a sort of "court jester" from 1603 to 1607, alongside Ben Jonson, John Donne and Inigo Jones.

From May to October 1608 he undertook a tour of Europe, somewhat less than half of which he walked. He travelled through France and Italy to Venice, and returned via Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands. He published his memoirs of the events in a volume entitled Coryat's Crudities hastily gobbled up in Five Months Travels in France, Italy, &c' (1611). In 1611 he published a second volume of travel writings, this one entitled Coryats Crambe, or his Coleworte twice Sodden. Coryat's letters from this time refer to the famous Mermaid Tavern in London, and mention Ben Jonson, John Donne and other members of a drinking club "Fraternity of Sireniacal Gentlemen" that met there.

Ever restless, he set out once again in 1612, this time on a journey that would ultimately lead to Asia, visiting Greece, the eastern Mediterranean including Constantinople by 1614, and walking through Turkey, Persia and eventually Moghul India by 1615, visiting the Emperor Jahangir's court in Ajmer, Rajasthan. From Agra and elsewhere he sent letters describing his experiences; this very book his Greetings from the Court of the Great Mogul was published in London in 1616, and a similar volume of his letters home appeared posthumously in 1618. In September 1617, at the invitation of Sir Thomas Roe, he visited the imperial court at Mandu, Madhya Pradesh. In November 1617 he left for Surat; he died of dysentery there in December of that year, his demise hastened by the consumption of sack. Though his planned account of the journey was never to be, some of his unorganized travel notes have survived and found their way back to England. These were published in the 1625 edition of Samuel Purchas's Hakluytus Posthumus or Purchas his Pilgrimes, contayning a History of the World in Sea Voyages and Lande Travells, by Englishmen and others.

Coryat's writings were hugely popular at the time. His accounts of inscriptions, many of which are now lost, were valuable; and his accounts of Italian customs and manners including the use of the table fork were influential in England at a time when other aspects of Italian culture, such as the madrigal, had already been in vogue for more than twenty years. He is considered by many to have been the first Briton to do a Grand Tour of Europe; a practice which became a mainstay of the education of upper class Englishmen in the 18th century.  read more

Code: 20700

A Remarkably Beautiful & Elegant Proto Celtic Bronze Age Bracelet Circa 2600 Years Old. That Continued Use Into Era Of The Great Iceni Celtic Queen Boudica. And, The Bracelet That Inspired Gustav Klimt One Of The Greatest Art Nouveau Artists In The World

This is an original Celtic 2600 year old bronze serpentine ringed cuff bracelet, 'object vertu' that was directly copied by one of the greatest Art Nouveau artists in the world, Austrian, Gustav Klimt leader of his Art Nouveau Jugendstil Vienna Secession Movement. Gustav Klimt's painting "Dame Mit Fächer" (Lady with a Fan) sold at Sotheby's in London, in 2023 for $108.4 million. See photo in the gallery of the {circa 1895} Jugendstil Vienna Secession bracelet, an obvious direct copy.

From the 8th to 6th centuries BC, developing out of the Urnfield culture of the 12th century BC (Late Bronze Age) and followed in much of its area by the La Tène culture. It is commonly associated with Proto-Celtic speaking populations.

By the 6th century BC, it had expanded to include wide territories, falling into two zones, east and west, between them covering much of western and central Europe down to the Alps, and extending into northern Italy. Parts of Britain and Iberia are included in the ultimate expansion of the Celtic culture. Where the snake serpentine designs of jewellery and adornments continued into Ancient Britannia, and the realm in Norfolk of the greatest and most famous Iceni Queen, Boudica, scourge and destroyer of the 70,000 to 80,000 Britannia based 9th Legion of Rome and their pro Roman supporters, in 61 A.D. In the Roman towns of Camulodunum, Verulamium, and Londinium.

This bracelet was the direct inspiration, but actually it is clearly an identical copy, for Gustav Klimt's
Art Nouveau Jugendstil Vienna Secession, brass cuff bracelet

See the gallery the stunning Gustav Klimt Jugendstil Vienna Secession brass cuff bracelet, circa 1895, currently offered by exclusive jewellery and object vertu dealers DFS in New York
Sale price $5,500.00.

The history of the evolution of the Celts from their Austrian origins

In German historiography, these seats of power are called fürstensitz. These were large, fortified hill forts situated on easily defendable locations. There were at least 16 such seats of power, while there were probably more just waiting to be discovered. The most important ones were at Hochdorf, Wurzburg, Heuneburg, Hohenasberg, Breisach, Mont Lassois, Vix, and Camp de Chassey, amongst others. These fortified settlements were protected by a complex system of ditches and earthen ramparts.

Most modern scholars and historians associate the culture with the Celts. It is commonly understood that this intriguing culture was the foundation from which emerged the wondrous Celtic world that we all know so well. In many aspects, this was is clearly the earliest, Proto-Celtic stage in Bronze and Iron age Europe.

2,25 inches across, 1 inch high.

Photo 10 in the gallery is a same period Celtic Diadem in the Metropolitan Museum in the USA. One can clearly see the distinct design in this piece reflected in the bracelet. Possibly both forms of these adornments were worn together and simultaneously by the Celtic hi-born {tribal leaders, princes princesses and the like} A diadem is a type of crown, specifically an ornamental headband, often jeweled, worn by monarchs and others to signify royalty or high status. It can also refer to a jeweled ornament in the shape of a half crown worn by women. In a broader sense, "diadem" can be used to describe any emblem of regal power or dignity.

For reference see; Stead, I. M. (1997). Celtic Art. Harvard University Press

https://www.metmuseum.org/

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 trading  read more

Code: 25815

Our Ring Return's To Rome!!! A Beautiful, Original, Roman Empire Bronze Seal Ring With The Engraved Fulminata of Julius Caeser's XIIth Legion & Ancient Greek Script. Around 2000 Years Old

We have just received some fabulous photographs, very kindly sent to us today, from our client who purchased this ring, especially, to wear on his trip to Italy this month, and specifically in the Coliseum, and around other parts of Ancient Rome. Photo 10 in the gallery is Mr B.C. wearing this XIIth Legion centurion's ring this week!

Circa 1st Century. A good still wearable large size, in bronze copper ally, engraved with a traditional seal in Greco-Roman, and the symbol of the 12th legion 'Fulminata' The Lighting Twelfth. It was another Roman legion established by Julius Caesar. Named after the unit’s symbol, the thunderbolt, the Twelfth could trace its origins to 58 BCE. The legion served in some of Caesar’s most famous battles in Gaul, including the Siege of Alesia. It also saw a fair share of fighting in the civil war against Pompey, participating in the decisive showdown at Pharsalus. Following victory in the war, Caesar changed the legion’s name to Victrix (“winner”). Another cognomen was later added by Mark Antony—Antiqua—meaning the “old one” (as in “reliable one”).

During Caesar's war against his fellow-triumvir and rival Pompey the Great, which broke out in January 49, the Twelfth participated in the invasion of Italy, and a year later, it was with Caesar during the battle of Pharsalus (9 August 48). After Caesar's victory, the men were pensioned off and received land in the neighborhood of Parma .

We know that it was called Victrix ("winner") after the civil war, which is a bit confusing because later, there was another legion called XII Victrix.

Mark Antony brought the Lighting Twelfth to the East to join his war against Parthia. While the campaign ended in defeat, the legion remained in the East during the imperial period, continuing the fight against the Parthian and the Sassanid Empires. The unit still guarded the Euphrates crossing next to its base—Melitene—at the beginning of the fifth century. This longevity makes Legio XII Fulminata another one of the longest-standing Roman legions on record.

Likely the ring of a serving centurion of the 12th, with a traditional motto somewhat similar to 'good soul'. It bears KAAH {in reverse, as it was the centurion's seal} which, depending on context can be mean to represent good, faithful or beautiful.  read more

Code: 24761

A Stunning Ancient Koto Period Katana Circa 1400, Muromachi Era., Around 600 Years Old & Used From The The Warring States Period Sengoku jidai, From 1467 to 1567

Originally tachi or uchigatana mounted this fabulous and ancient sword was remounted likely 400 years ago as a katana. Signed tsuba decorated with a figure on a water buffalo and small pure gold inlaid dots. Gilt decorated fushi kashira, the fushi with depicting jungle fauna and the kashira with a takebori tiger. Gold silk bound tsuka over bronze shishi on black samegawa. Set off with a dark red stone finish lacquer saya. The blade has an incredibly beautiful and complex hamon pattern, with just a couple of thin, natural openings due to it's great age. The uchigatana was the predecessor to the katana as the battle-blade of feudal Japan's bushi (warrior class), and as it evolved into the later design, the two were often differentiated from each other only by how they were worn and by the fittings for the blades.
It was during the Mongol invasions that it was shown there were some weaknesses in the tachi sword which led to the development of the Katana.

The Warring States period (Sengoku jidai) lasted for the century from 1467 to 1567 although the wars and confusion of the age were not finally ended until the creation of the Tokugawa shogunate in 1603. The name is drawn from a similar period of civil war in China. It saw the breakdown of central authority, and an extended period of wars between hundreds of local, independent strongmen. The end saw the emergence of new methods of authority which were finally able to achieve a moderate degree of political centralization (there still remained 250 local rulers, the daimyo) and, to everyone’s relief and satisfaction, relative peace.

In later Japanese feudal history, during the Sengoku and Edo periods, certain high-ranking warriors daimyo of what became the ruling class would wear their swords tachi mounted This sword would very likely have been used in the Onin War (1467-1477) which led to serious political fragmentation and obliteration of domains: a great struggle for land and power ensued among bushi chieftains and lasted until the mid-sixteenth century. Peasants rose against their landlords and samurai against their overlords, as central control virtually disappeared. An early Japanese print in the gallery shows a samurai receiving his reward of a fine tachi such as this one from his shugo daimyo lord.

The shugo daimyo were the first group of men to hold the title "daimyo". They arose from among the shugo during the Muromachi period. The shugo daimyo held not only military and police powers, but also economic power within a province. They accumulated these powers throughout the first decades of the Muromachi period.
The Onin War was a major uprising in which shugo daimyo fought each other. During this and other wars of the time, kuni ikki, or provincial uprisings, took place as locally powerful warriors sought independence from the shugo daimyo. The deputies of the shugo daimyo, living in the provinces, seized the opportunity to strengthen their position. At the end of the fifteenth century, those shugo daimyo who succeeded remained in power. Those who had failed to exert control over their deputies fell from power and were replaced by a new class, the "sengoku daimyo", who arose from the ranks of the shugodai'K and Ji-samurai.

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
28 inch blade length from tsuba to tip, 39 inches full length complete katana in saya, 9.65 inch Tsuka  read more

Code: 19532

A Beautiful Quality & Original, Viking Warrior's Bronze Torc Arm Ring Circa 800's in Viking Twisted Wirework Design.

A fabulous Viking twisted wire bronze alloy arm ring bracelet. A most attractive and impressive, original, Viking warrior's adornment, around 1200 years old, with very fine original age patination.

Knowledge about the arms and armour and body adornments such as bracelets, torcs, rings and pendants, of the Viking age is based on archaeological finds, pictorial representation, and to some extent on the accounts in the Norse sagas and Norse laws recorded in the 13th century. According to custom, all free Norse men were required to own weapons and were permitted to carry them all the time, and body adornments were a way to set one apart, the more successful in combat a warrior was was the greater his share of the looted booty, and this success could only be best shown by him in his body adornment, such as rings, torcs, wrist and arm bracelets, or pendants, and finally topped off with a wolf fur cloak. The arms he bore and his jewellery were indicative of a Viking's social status: a wealthy Viking had a complete ensemble of a helmet, shield, mail shirt, sword if his status was the highest otherwise spear or axe, and his body adornments. However, swords were rarely used in battle in the same quantity as axes, as few Vikings were of the status to own or carry a sword, A typical bondi (freeman) was more likely to fight with a spear and shield, and axe, and most also carried a seax as a utility knife and side-arm. Bows were used in the opening stages of land battles and at sea, but they tended to be considered less "honourable" than a melee weapon.

The warfare and violence of the Vikings were often motivated and fuelled by their beliefs in Norse religion, focusing on Thor and Odin, the gods of war and death. In combat, it is believed that the Vikings sometimes engaged in a disordered style of frenetic, furious fighting known as berserkergang, leading them to be termed berserkers. Such tactics may have been deployed intentionally by shock troops, and the berserk-state may have been induced through ingestion of materials with psychoactive properties, such as the hallucinogenic mushrooms, Amanita muscaria, or large amounts of alcohol. Perhaps the most common hand weapon among Vikings was the axe, swords were far more expensive to make, and only wealthy warriors could possibly afford them.

Vikings and Norse people wore arm rings (also known as Torcs) as a sign of their wealth and status, and as a sign of loyalty. An arm ring is a type of heavy jewellry that is worn around the upper or lower arm. Arm rings might made of precious metals such as gold or silver, but for combat bronze was more sustainable

Norse arm rings were usually given as gifts to mark special occasions such as births, weddings, or military victories. They were also sometimes used as currency. In some cases, arm rings were passed down from generation to generation as family heirlooms. Viking arm rings have been found at many old Viking locations.

The meaning of a Viking arm ring could vary depending on its owner. For some people, it may have been a symbol of their power and wealth. For others, it may have represented their family history or heritage.

Whatever the meaning of a Viking arm ring may have been, it is clear that these pieces of jewellery were important to the Norse people. Arm rings were more than just fashion accessories; they held significant value both socially and economically.

In its wearing life arm rings wether for wrist or upper arm could be expanded easily by hand in order to increase its size to fit the wrist or arm of the wearer at the time, but not today of course.

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

for reference see; Shetelig, H. (ed), Viking
Antiquities in Great Britain & Ireland, Part VI, Oslo, 1954, figs.84-85 (hoards from Croydon and Cuerdale).  read more

Code: 25816

An Original, Rare Incredible & Historical Piece. Silver Imperial Roman Centurion or Tribune's Military Ring of Victory, 2nd Century AD Engraved with the Intaglio of Winged Victory, wearing her helmet and holding the laurel wreath of Victory

The rings surface shows combat service wear, yet has survived remarkably well considering it is near 2000 years old.

The laurel wreath was worn symbolically by the Imperial Roman Emperors. Military Roman bronze rings were allowed to be worn by the Legionary or Centurion, but silver grade was only for the ranks of such as the Centurion, Tribune or Legate.

Victoria, in Roman religion, personification of victory, the equivalent of the Greek goddess Nike. She was often associated with Jupiter, Mars, and other deities and was especially worshipped by the army. In later times she had three or four sanctuaries at Rome, including a temple on the Palatine Hill and an altar in the Senate House.

After the Marian reforms of 107 BC (subsequently further formalised by the emperor Claudius) created a professionalised military system, legions were commanded by a legionary legate (legatus). Six tribunes were still posted to a legion, but their duties and responsibilities had changed, becoming more a political position than a military rank. The second-in-command to the legate was the tribunus laticlavius or 'broad-stripe' tribune (named after the width of the stripe used to demarcate him on his tunic and toga),6 usually a young man of senatorial rank. He was given this position to learn and watch the actions of the legate. They often found themselves leading their unit in the absence of a legate, and some legions were permanently commanded by a broad-stripe tribune, such as those stationed in Egypt, as an Augustan law required that no member of the Senatorial Order ever enter Egypt.

A Centurion was a position in the Roman army during classical antiquity, nominally the commander of a century, a military unit originally consisting of 100 legionaries. The size of the century changed over time, and from the first century BC through most of the imperial era was reduced to 80 men.

In a Roman legion, centuries were grouped into cohorts and commanded by their senior-most centurion. The prestigious first cohort was led by the primus pilus, the most senior centurion in the legion and its fourth-in-command who was next in line for promotion to Praefectus Castrorum, and the primi ordines who were the centurions of the first cohort.

This fine ring was worn by higher ranked military officer's from the era of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, 161 to 180 ad, the last part of his reign was dramatically represented in the blockbuster film 'Gladiator', starring Richard Harris as the Emperor. He acceded to the throne of Emperor alongside his adoptive brother, who reigned under the name Lucius Verus. Under his rule the Roman Empire witnessed heavy military conflict. In the East, the Romans fought successfully with a revitalised Parthian Empire and the rebel Kingdom of Armenia. Marcus defeated the Marcomanni, Quadi, and Sarmatian Iazyges in the Marcomannic Wars; however, these and other Germanic peoples began to represent a troubling reality for the Empire.

Commodus. the successor and son of Marcus Aurelias, was the Roman emperor who ruled from 177 to 192. He served jointly with his father Marcus Aurelius from 177 until the latter's death in 180, and thereafter he reigned alone until his assassination. His reign is commonly thought of as marking the end of a golden period of peace in the history of the Roman Empire, known as the Pax Romana.
Commodus became the youngest emperor and consul up to that point, at the age of 16. Throughout his reign, Commodus entrusted the management of affairs to his palace chamberlain and praetorian prefects, named Saoterus, Perennis and Cleander.

Commodus's assassination in 192, by a wrestler in the bath, marked the end of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty. He was succeeded by Pertinax, the first emperor in the tumultuous Year of the Five Emperors.

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 trading  read more

Code: 24629

SOLD; Originally Worn By A Legendary, Notorious & Terrifying 'Elite' Viking Mercenary Warrior, A Spectacular, Original & Ancient Viking 'Berserker's' Status Neck Torc in Bronze. Even the Fierce-Some Viking's Were in Fear Of Them. 1200 Years old

This fabulous piece is now sold and awaiting delivery to its new, very fortunate owner. If any former collector of original Viking warfare bronze adornments has similar pieces they may wish to sell, please consider contacting us, we are always incredibly keen to acquire additional rare Viking antiquities for our gallery’s collection. As the largest specialist dealers in Europe in military antiques and antiquities we are always keen to be contacted by current or former collectors.

A very large bronze Torc in traditional Viking twisted wirework, heavy grade copper bronze. Berserkers were among the most feared of the Norse Viking bare-skinned warriors of their age, ingesting hallucinogens to induce a trance-like fury that carried them through battle.

It is believed they fought hand to hand, naked, and bearing nothing but their weapons, a shield and wearing only their status neck torc

It’s around an amazing 24 cm across, weighing 460 grams

The Lewis Chessmen, discovered in Scotland but believed to be Norwegian, date to the 12th century and include a number of pieces showing wild-eyed berserkers biting their shields.

In the fierce warrior culture of the Vikings, there was one type of elite, almost possessed, norse warrior that stood out for their battle fury and violence: the Viking Berserker.
They were careless in their fury, leading many historians to think that they used mind-altering substances to hype themselves up for battle. Berserkers may have felt as though nothing could hurt them. And the English phrase “berserk,” usually describing a frenzied state of anger, comes from these Norse warriors.

Viking berserkers existed as mercenaries for hundreds of years during the Scandinavian Middle Ages, traveling in bands to fight wherever they could get paid. But they also worshiped Odin and were associated with mythological shapeshifters.
And eventually, Norse berserkers became so fearsome that they were entirely outlawed by the 11th century
The Torslunda Plates, which were discovered in Sweden and date to the 6th century, likely depict how berserkers would have dressed in battle.

Most of what comprised the life of a Viking berserker is a mystery because their practices weren’t recorded in detail until the using mind-altered states in battle had been outlawed by the Christian church.
At this time, Christian writers on a mission to condemn any sort of pagan traditions often gave biased, altered accounts.
We do know that berserkers were inhabitants of Scandinavia. It’s written that they guarded Norway’s king Harald I Fairhair as he reigned from 872 to 930 A.D.

They also fought for other kings and royal causes. Archaeological findings from the time when a Viking berserker would have reigned supreme show that they were among elite warriors who were wild and reckless when fighting battles.

A detail of one of the 6th-century Torslunda Plates found in Sweden. It is believed to depict Odin wearing a horned helmet and a berserker wearing the mask of either a wolf or bear.

According to Anatoly Liberman in Berserks in History and Legend, the berserkers roared and otherwise made a lot of noise when in battle. One artistic depiction of the berserkers found in Tissø, West Zealand, showed them wearing a horned helmet.

The word “berserker” itself is derived from the Old Norse serkr, meaning “shirt,” and ber, the word for “bear,” suggesting that a Viking berserker would have worn the hide of a bear, or possibly wolves and wild boars, to battle.

But, rather than wearing the skins animals, the stories told of the Norse warriors who would be so enraged for war that they would literally become wolves and bears to win the battles before them.


In the National Museum of Denmark is the Golden Horn
Imagery of berserkers often depicted them semi-nude, like on this 5th-century golden horn discovered in Møgeltønder, Denmark with naked berserkers wearing neck torcs

Berserkers were originally thought to be named after a hero in Norse mythology who fought without any protective gear or “bare skinned.”

“The nakedness of the berserkers was in itself a good psychological weapon, because such men were naturally feared, when they showed such disregard for their own personal safety,” according to the National Museum of Denmark.
“The naked body may have symbolized invulnerability and was perhaps displayed to honour a war god. The berserkers were thus dedicating their lives and bodies to the battle.”

Although this imagery is fascinating, experts now think that the term comes from wearing bear skins instead of “bare skin”. So, it’s likely that they got their name from wearing animal skin in battle.

Artistic depictions of a Viking berserker showed Norse warriors wearing the skins of animals in battle. They may have felt like wearing the skins of perceived wild animals like wolves and bears helped increase their strength.

They might have also thought that it helped them channel the aggression and brutality that hunting animals have when going after their prey.

In 872 AD, Thórbiörn Hornklofi described how Norse warriors that were bear-like and wolf-like fought for King Harald Fairhair of Norway. Nearly a thousand years later, in 1870, four cast-bronze dies depicting Berserkers were discovered by Anders Petter Nilsson and Erik Gustaf Pettersson in Öland, Sweden.

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 trading  read more

Code: 24807

British Early Victorian Jacob Pattern Pierced Scroll Hilted Cavalry Sword, With Quill Back Blade. Also Known As The Rare Scinde Horse Pattern. A Most Beautiful and Exceptionally Elegant British Cavalry Sabre From the Earliest Raj Period of India

Complete with its original red cloth lined original buff hide hilt liner.
Just returned from our conservation workshop, to clean, conserve and hand polish the sword throughout, that enquired over 40 hours specialist attention

An absolute beauty of a most rare British officers cavalry sabre of the 1850’s. A rare pre-Indian Mutiny ‘Jacob pattern’ Scind horse officers sword, it is a type of British cavalry officer's sword design that originated with John Jacob of the Scinde Irregular Horse. Bespoke commissioned from James Fisher of 37 Duke St, St James', London, in its earliest form with the quill pattern mounted combat blade.

John Jacob’s Scind Horse was a regiment of the highest honour and legend during the British Raj. The other ranks volunteers list was so long few of the eager volunteers manage to join the regiment. Despite having the criteria that every native volunteer accepted must provide his own steed and kit at their own expense. The men were the most skilled, loyal and devoted to be found anywhere in India, and their service included some of the most dangerous combat circumstances known to history.

Later on the pattern inspired the 1857 Royal Engineers Officer's sword, but by then to be mounted with the later, regular, Wilkinson sword pattern blade.

The Pierced Scroll {acanthus} Hilted Cavalry Sword with a Quill Back Blade is a unique and historically significant sword design, prized for its distinctive hilt and blade construction, optimized for mounted combat. The design is attributed to John Jacob, who raised the Scinde Irregular Horse.
The Scinde Horse, originally known as the 14th Horse, was an irregular cavalry regiment in British India. John Jacob, a prominent figure in the regiment, was instrumental in developing the sword pattern. The sword was popular during a period when swords were still in active use by cavalry, even as firearms were becoming more prevalent.

The Scinde Horse Pattern officer’s sword is distinct from other British cavalry swords, such as the Pattern 1821 Officers Undress Sword and the much later Pattern 1908 cavalry sword. The Pattern 1821 had a pipe-backed, double-edged blade, while the Pattern 1908 was the last service sword issued to the British cavalry and is considered by some to be the most effective.

The Scinde Horse Pattern sword is specifically recognized for its distinctive hilt and its association with the Scinde Horse regiment and John Jacob

The Quill Back Blade: First designed and used during the late Napoleonic wars
The blade's spine is hollowed out, creating a lighter blade with a distinctive profile. This design allows for a good balance between cutting and thrusting.

The Scinde Horse was raised to protect the British Caravans traversing the Spice Route - from the Bolan Pass in Afghanistan, to the Indus at Sukkur and then via Fort Abbas to Bikaner, Hissar and Delhi. The route through the Thar Desert via Jaisalmer was too difficult and dangerous. Since this involved corridor protection along the route, laying in ambush and also accompanying the caravans, they travelled mostly in civilian dress with weapons hidden to look inconspicuous. As a result, they were popularly called "The Scinde Irregular Horse". The term Irregulars is carried with pride amongst Scinde horsemen to this day as they have consistently surprised the adversary both in times of war and in competitions during peace to gain an upper hand. The Irregulars have always thought "out of the box" and accomplished the seemingly impossible.

The Regimental War Cry: The Scinde Horse Spirit is epitomised in its unique War Cry which spurs the Scinde Horse soldiers to decimate the enemy – Jai Mata Ki! Jai Chhatrapati Ki! Har Har Mahadev! Bole So Nihal – Sat Sri Akal! Hat Ja ___ Here I Come!!!

Battle of Meeanee

The Battle of Meeanee in The Illustrated History of the British Empire, as part of Sir Charles Napier's advance guard of his expeditionary force to conquer the province of Scinde, the Scinde Horse came across the forward elements of the combined forces of the Waziri tribals of Sind, led by Mir Nuseer Khan, entrenched in the Fulaillee Nala, near Meeanee, 23 miles ahead of Hyderabad, the capital town of Sind. Along with the Scinde Horse, there were amongst others, 5 Raj Rif (Napiers Rifles), the Cheshire Regiment and the Poona Horse, bringing up the rear, with the Madras Engineers providing engineering support. Not to be deterred, the regiment reconnoitred the area and made an outflanking move through dense forest and broken country, most unsuitable for horses. In an unparalleled outflanking manoeuvre in which over 70 horses died of fatigue, the Scinde Horse surprised the enemy by appearing at their rear and routed them in a cavalry charge, capturing the principal standard of Mir Nuseer Khan in the process. Seeing their Standard captured, the enemy capitulated and Sind was conquered. Sir Charles Napier cryptically signalled back "Pecavi" (I have Sinned (Sind)).

As a reward for this cavalry charge, unsurpassed in the annals of warfare, the regiment was presented eight cavalry standards (one per troop) and also allowed to retain Mir Nuseer Khan's principal standard, with the ‘Hand of Allah’ atop it, as its main Standard. This hand of Allah has played a major role in looking after the Regiment in times of need, ever since. The Scinde Horse has had the unique privilege of carrying Nine Standards on parade.

The Scinde Horse was tasked as the rear guard for the forces returning from the First Afghan Campaign. On 26 Feb 1878, it was at Khushk-e-Nakhud near the Afghan border that the regiment had taken an administrative halt and was carrying out saddlery inspection, that the early warning elements reported a large body of Afghan tribesmen approaching the camp. The men hastily gathered their weapons and mounted their horses, without saddles to engage the approaching enemy. The regiment, led by Maj Reynolds, charged the enemy before it could form up near the camp and routed them, killing many times their own numbers. Unfortunately, Maj Reynolds was martyred in this charge. Maj Douglas Giles, who was there, reduced an eyewitness account in a famous painting, 10' x 6', completing it in 1883. This painting was popularly displayed in the Louvre in Paris, from 1913 to 1921, till it found its final place in the Officers' Mess. It is unique in that it has every eye-catching detail. The colours used are from natural pigments and regain their brightness when exposed to the sun. In the Officers' Mess Ante Room, this painting is faced by a lone Horseman's Silver Trophy, representing Maj Reynolds. Ever after this Battle, The Scinde horseman never removes his sword from his person. "Taiyar-bar-Taiyar" they call it. That is why, in the Officer's Mess, now-a-days, where normally, the Belt is removed on entry, symbolising removal of the Sword, Scinde horsemen continue to wear their belt at all times

The antique militaria objects of British Raj Period are extremely scarce, and highly collectable throughout the entire world of militaria collectors, especially swords and headdress.

The sword is bright steel with highly attractive finish snd and a near mint VR cypher etched panelled blade with maker mark. The hilt is the pierced scroll ancanthus leaf pattern ceasing with its original wire bound sharkskin grip. It also has its very very rare, original red cloth lined original buff hide inner liner . The external steel does have traces of old surface age pitting.  read more

Code: 25818