Wonderful, Original Antique, Japanese Samurai Battle Armour. A Super Pair of Edo Period Samurai Saddle Stirrups, Silver Inlaid & Signed By Yoshihira from Kashu Province. Probably a Daimyo or Seieibushi Samurai of the Maeda Clan, Lords of Kaga

Despite being designed, made and used, for samurai combat and warfare, they can be magnificent works of art in their own right, and created using the finest skills and materials with little or no consideration to the incredible cost involved.
The form of these gorgeous and luxurious stirrups is known traditionally as hato mune (pigeon breast). The stirrups were made in Kashu (now Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture), probably under the patronage of the Maeda clan, lords of Kaga and one of the most powerful families in Japan at the time. This Kaga zougan abumi, is a pair of armoured samurai stirrups, made in iron and of exceptional quality, and bears stunningly beautiful silver inlay of scrolling vines and leaves.

These are truly noteworthy museum grade works of art in their own right. There are a few most similar in the Metropolitan Museum in the USA for example. Absolutely signal examples, perfectly displaying the skill and technical craftsmanship of the highest order, for antique Japanese accoutrements, handmade for a samurai Daimyo clan lord or for a Seieibushi samurai, they were the elite, and the highest ranking of the samurai Made and used as part of his armour saddle fittings, but also for use as much when the samurai was in full armour or in regular daytime wear. The signature, of the maker Yoshihira from Kashu province, is inlaid in pure silver to match the d?cor. Abumi, Japanese stirrups, were used in Japan as early as the 5th century, and were a necessary component along with the Japanese saddle (kura) for the use of horses in warfare. Abumi became the type of stirrup used by the samurai class of feudal Japan Early abumi were flat-bottomed rings of metal-covered wood, similar to European stirrups. The earliest known examples were excavated from tombs. Cup-shaped stirrups (tsubo abumi) that enclosed the front half of the rider's foot eventually replaced the earlier design.

During the Nara period, the base of the stirrup which supported the rider's sole was elongated past the toe cup. This half-tongued style of stirrup (hanshita abumi) remained in use until the late Heian period (794 to 1185) when a new stirrup was developed. The fukuro abumi or musashi abumi had a base that extended the full length of the rider's foot and the right and left sides of the toe cup were removed. The open sides were designed to prevent the rider from catching a foot in the stirrup and being dragged.

The military version of this open-sided stirrup, called the shitanaga abumi, was in use by the middle Heian period. It was thinner, had a deeper toe pocket and an even longer and flatter foot shelf. It is not known why the Japanese developed this unique style of stirrup, but this stirrup stayed in use until European style-stirrups were introduced in the late 19th century. The abumi has a distinctive swan-like shape, curved up and backward at the front so as to bring the loop for the leather strap over the instep and achieve a correct balance. Most of the surviving specimens from this period are made entirely of iron, inlaid with designs of silver or other materials, and covered with lacquer. In some cases, there is an iron rod from the loop to the footplate near the heel to prevent the foot from slipping out. The footplates are occasionally perforated to let out water when crossing rivers, and these types are called suiba abumi. There are also abumi with holes in the front forming sockets for a lance or banner. Seieibushi (Elite Samurai)
Traditionally the highest rank among the samurai, these are highly skilled fully-fledged samurai. Most samurai at the level of Seieibushi take on apprentices or Aonisaibushi-samurai as their disciples.

Kodenbushi (Legendary Samurai)
A highly coveted rank, and often seen as the highest attainable position, with the sole exception of the rank of Shogun. These are samurai of tremendous capability, and are regarded as being of Shogun-level. Kodenbushi are hired to accomplish some of the most dangerous international missions. Samurai of Kodenbushi rank are extremely rare, and there are no more than four in any given country.

Daimyo (Lords)
This title translates to 'Big Name' and is given to the heads of the clan.

Shogun (Military Dictator)
The apex of the samurai, the Shogun is the most prestigious rank possible for a samurai. Shoguns are the leaders of their given district, or country, and are regarded as the most powerful samurai.Beautiful and sophisticated patterns in Kaga zougan have an outstanding, keen feel for designs and such fine expression is supported by the minute methods. The craftsman carves the pattern part on the metallic basis material with a burin (tagane in Japanese), making the bottom wider than the surface (this method is called "ari wo kiru" in Japanese) and inserts and drives in a different metal in the part.
Then, the metallic part for the pattern is pressed and spread inside and does not come off itself. This bonding technology was closely employed especially in Kaga to enable to express variously on the metal for expressive work and gained a high reputation as for the solid work.

Of all the techniques, "Abumi" (stirrup) has been a synonym for Kaga zougan and well known for the scrupulous technique making sure that the metallic parts of Kaga zougan never come off, in addition to its excellent novel designs and beauty.  read more

Code: 23043

This Week Had The Privilege To Acquire Another Entire Mansion House Library of a Late Collector & Bibliophile. A Collection of Over 550 Volumes, Antique and Vintage, Accumulated Over 50 Years

We were more than delighted to acquire this most eclectic of libraries, lovingly selected over decades, mostly comprising of historical but also contemporary novels of fiction, 1st Editions and books on military based subjects, both ancient and modern. From a former Radio 4 broadcaster and polymath, his collection was a delight to admire, let alone acquire.

We were once again most happy to sell, on the first day of their arrival here, to one collector, a selection of over 130 of the former bibliophiles book collection.

We have also selected around 175 to add to our own reference library of over 1000 volumes we have accumulated over the past century  read more

Code: 25200

The Lanes Armoury Probably The Largest Online Militaria Website in the World, After Over 100 Years of Brighton Trading, &, The 25th Anniversary of Our Best Antique & Collectables Shop in Britain Award

In this very special anniversary year of 2026

Presented by MILLER'S Antiques Guide, THE BBC, HOMES & ANTIQUES MAGAZINE in 2001.

With around 2000 visitors at our shop every day the most popular question asked, is, “where in earth do you find thousands of such incredible pieces?”
Well, although the answer relatively simple, it is based around over a 100 years of our firmly established reputation. Those that wish to sell, one way or another, find us, because we have been here, located and trading in Brighton for over four generations, and thus well known around the world, and more importantly, throughout the United Kingdom, as one of the most important buyers of ancient, antique and vintage collectables, in Great Britain.
We have been acquiring treasures from history, almost exclusively, from some of the most remarkable private sources for all that time, The family partners have had their specific and utterly remarkable business experience, literally unchallenged, for over fifty years. With the privilege of meeting some of the most incredible individuals imaginable, and all with their own unique story to tell, and their desire to pass on their past heirlooms, to become others heirlooms of the future.

Five years ago we were approached by a most historically enthusiastic young person studying at Sussex University who asked if they could research through our archive to complete a 'paper' based on us as one of the oldest remaining Sussex family business's.
It resulted in some remarkable statistics, that we thought we would share with our regulars, for those that have interest. The research only included the types of items that we regularly buy, sell and export today, with general antiques, furniture, porcelain, clocks, silver and works of art excluded, as we haven't been devoted to that side of the trade since selling our antique export shipping companies in 1992. However, when came to books, it was also another near impossible task to calculate, as it would likely stretch into the hundreds of thousands, {conservatively} if not millions of volumes {actually}.

In over 100 years of shop keeping in Brighton, at the time of his research, 80 of them pre-internet, apparently, we have likely sold over 200,000 books, {vintage and antique books were, and are, our largest selling single item}, 135,000 medals & badges, over 95,000 worldwide swords, knives and bayonets, over 32,000 Japanese samurai swords {for example, around 28 years ago we bought over 150 Japanese WW2 NCO swords in one vast lot, from the grandson of a WW2 British military surplus dealer, who acquired them for scrap in 1946 from the War Dept}. We have sold and exported,, apparently over 28,500 helmets of all origins and types, 27,000 pistols and muskets of all countries, at least 2450 suits of armour, European, British or Japanese, and over 1,500 cannon, both signal and full sized. Believe it or not, apparently, according to their research and calculations, these are potentially conservative figures, and the actual figure could indeed be much higher. However, in 1939 business trailed off a bit {WW2} but old pops, William {Bill} Hawkins went to the Alan West factory on the outskirts of Brighton {due to being too old to serve in the Navy} and engineered Army Tanks for the next 6 years.


So, please enjoy our historical website, and remember, every thing you see that is priced, is available, and for sale, we try to not keep our webstore filled with past 'sold' items.

Being part of the centre of the historic Brighton Lanes, anything up 2,000 to 3,000 people, will visit us here most days {especially on Saturdays} winter and summer, rain or shine.

We issue our unique, certificate of authenticity, with every single item purchased, and in regards to our Japanese items, both weapons and fittings etc. our ability to do this is based on well over a century of experience, as probably the largest military antiques dealers in Europe. We detail within our certificates, their beauty, approximate age, style, either specific or generic history, and the details of their fittings and mounts, and their potential position, use, and status in Japanese samurai history. We will detail the translations, if known, of the kanji (names) chisselled upon the nakago of swords, under their hilt bindings, but purely for information only. Although the myth persists that all Japanese master smiths signed their swords, historically, and factually, it is likely less than 30% of samurai blades were in fact ever signed. This fact is certainly found, and confirmed by us to be the case, due to our family’s 100 plus years experience. For example, it is said one of the greatest master smiths who ever lived, the great Masamune, was, apparently, most reluctant to ever sign his swords. Although this must be relative speculation, as so very few of his swords have been recognised to still exist

Our Certificates of Authenticity are our own unique version of a lifetime guarantee, based on our expertise honed over 100 years, containing a detailed description of any item purchased from our stock. In relation to our samurai weapons, the description with be a combination of our opinion of its style, approximate age and beauty, and for our Japanese samurai swords in particular, that it is an ‘original’, samurai sword, made and used by samurai, both ancient and vintage, within Japan, over the past 700 years, up to the last samurai period in the Meiji era of 1868, as well as up to 1945, if it is a military mounted shingunto sword.

Photos 4 and 5 are part of an editorial in Art and Antiques Weekly Magazine, featuring the story so far {in 1975} of the partner’s former family antiques export company, one of the largest in the world at that time. In 1992 Mark and David retired from the mass wholesale export market and morphed their business into the becoming one of the largest dedicated ‘military antiques’ and specialist book businesses instead, both of the partners true passions.  read more

Code: 22565

An 1886 Japanese Company Grade Type 19 Kyu-Gunto Officer's Sword Used Up To WW2. Used In 4 Wars, Sino Japanese War, The Russo Japanese War, WW1 & WW2

Company Grade Type 19 Kyu-Gunto having a single suspension mount on the nickeled steel scabbard

The blade is plated steel as is common on these Type 8 and Type 19 swords. The black polished horn grip and the hilt decoration on this sword indicating this was a sword for a junior Army Officer.

Company grade army officer’s parade sabre featuring brass hilt with pierced floral pattern
in the guard; knuckle bow joining the pommel with integral backstrap. A chrysanthemum in
relief is on the side and upper rear of the backstrap. Black polished horn grip with triple strands of alternating straight and twisted brass wire wrap.

Chrome-plated single-edged blade. Original
nickel-plate scabbard with single carry ring. Scabbard with some loss to the nickel plating. Guard
excellent with pleasing patina
Patterned after their Western martial counterparts, these kyu gunto swords were used for parade and
dress events by Army officers. Though they are by no means scarce, prices for original
WWII era swords and daggers have been rising steadily as fewer and fewer WWII
veterans survive.

First Sino-Japanese War (1894–1895)
Control over Korea and influence in East Asia. Japan easily beat China's Qing dynasty.

Japan gained Taiwan and the Liaodong Peninsula, proving its new modern military was strong.
Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905)
Competing power over Manchuria and Korea.
Japan shocked the Western world by eventually defeating the Russian Empire on both land and sea.
Japan took control of Korea and railway rights in Manchuria, cementing its status as a global military power.

Imperial Japan entered World War I on August 23, 1914, joining the Allied Powers against Germany under the Anglo-Japanese Alliance. Japan seized German territories in China and the Pacific, sent a naval squadron to the Mediterranean, and emerged at the Paris Peace Conference as one of the world's major military powers

Second Sino-Japanese War leading to WW2 (1937–1945) Total economic and territorial control of China.
Full-scale invasion following the 1931 seizure of Manchuria. It led to brutal campaigns, massive casualties, and large-scale occupation. This conflict merged directly into World War II and dragged on until Japan's final defeat

The blade has numerous areas of old pitting
Overall in scabbard around 33.5 inches long.  read more

Code: 26340

A Late 19th Century Most Attractive Hand Carved Japanese Samurai Style Export Sword From the Late Edo to Taisho Period. Decorated Throughout With Takebori Carved Figures of Armoured Samurai & Nobles In Court Dress

A very decorative original antique Japanese sword depicting as a representation the samurai tachi of old. Meiji period, circa late`19th century, fully carved faux ivory {bone} mountings {called koshirae}, with hand carved figures of Japanese armoured samurai with court cap hats and jingasa. Made in the late Meiji to Taisho period as a most decorative and attractive samurai style sword, with a Japanese Hocho Tetsu {cutler's} blade.

Of course this was not a traditional sword mounting for conflict, but when Japan was opening up to the world, after being a closed feudal society for almost 400 years, and the wearing of the samurai sword was forbidden in public, starting with the Haito edict. These swords were made for the newly opening Victorian, British, export market, and Europe's fascination with the ancient samurai warriors of Japan.

Thus samurai style swords and dagger fittings, such as this, were made especially for the early steam ship visitors from Europe, that arrived from the early steamship trade that started in Victorian England, through companies such as Thomas Cook & Co.

The tachi is a Japanese term referring to the traditional weapon, the slung sword, of the samurai.

The Haitōrei was one of a series of steps taken by the government to abolish the traditional privileges of the samurai class. The first Haitōrei of 1870 prohibited farmers or merchants from wearing swords and dressing like samurai. This measure was in part an effort to restore public safety and order during the tumultuous period immediately after the Meiji Restoration and during the
Boshin War.

In 1871, the government issued the Danpatsurei Edict, allowing samurai to cut their top-knots and wear their hair in the Western manner. However, this was not required, simply allowed and encouraged. Universal military conscription was instituted in 1873, and with the creation of the Imperial Japanese Army, the samurai lost their monopoly on military service. The hereditary stipends provided to the samurai by their formal feudal lords (and assumed by the central government in 1871) were likewise abolished in 1873. The prohibition on wearing swords was controversial with the Meiji oligarchy, but the argument that it was an anachronism not in keeping with the westernization of Japan won out.

On March 28, 1876 the Haitō Edict was passed by the Daijō-kan. It prevented former samurai, now known as shizoku, from carrying swords.

These changes in Japanese society and in the social and economic status of the samurai, then part of the four classes, were a major cause of discontent in early Meiji period Japan, and led to a number of samurai-led insurrections, particularly in western Japan and Kyūshū  read more

Code: 26338

A Most Rare & Beautiful British Percussion Half Stock Light Rifle By Isaac Riviere. A Very Finely Regarded London, Bespoke, Hand Made Rifle Maker Holding Patent for His Unique Percussion Action Designs

The Riviere gun making family were Huguenots that fled France and settled in London, this rifle likely by Isaac Riviere. A very lovely rifle in a very fine state of condition. It clearly shows this to be an excellent example of British hand made finest gunmaking, at its very best, in the 19th century.

Approx 12mm rifled 10 bore. The barrel shows a nice contrasting plum and darker brown Damascus pattern its full-length. There is a simple silver bladed front sight and folding rear twin site, with the maker name ''Riviere Rifle Gun Maker London'' on the top flat ahead of the breech. The breech shows some nice mottled smoky colour with a platinum blowout plug on the bolster, and hook breech. barrel affixed to the stock with a barrel key. There is nice quality scroll engraving on the tang which shows nicely.

The English walnut stock is highly figured and rates very fine with excellent original varnish and overall light dings and handling marks from the years. It features a checkered pistol grip area. with its original ramrod with screw cap covering the worm screw for extracting missfires.
The stock bears its two original sling swivels.

Fine steel mounts and fittings.
Overall in superb condition for age, with a fine hairline in the stock behind the lock.  read more

Code: 26323

An Original & Historical 1796 Pattern Napoleonic Wars British Light Dragoon Trooper's Sword. A Regiment of the Line Issue Combat Sabre, For An NCO Or Other Rank Trooper Used In The Peninsular War and Battle of Waterloo era.

All steel scabbard, with steel P hilt and wooden grip. The blade is in excellent plus condition, and superbly bright overall, made circa 1802 to 1803. Average condition for age, obviously seen combat service .
Maker stamped by Osborne, ordnance contract maker of 1796 pattern light and heavy dragoon trooper's swords, a maker in Birmingham, 1797 to 1803, & ordnance inspector stamped on the blade face, Crown over 1.

This sword would have been used by a Light Dragoon trooper in any of the light cavalry regiments of the line, of the Napoleonic Wars, such as one who served, just for example, in the 11th Light Dragoons.

The 11th Light Dragoons later became the 11th Hussars. The 11th fought at both the Peninsular War and at the Battle of Waterloo, and were awarded almost 500 medals for Waterloo. After a spell in Ireland the 11th were sent to Spain and Portugal to reinforce Wellington's army. Their strength, normally around 300 in peacetime was raised to 725. They arrived in June 1811 and, as in Egypt, they had a bad start. A dawn attack by the French in woods between Elvas and the Guadiana forced the 11th to retire on to what they thought were friendly Portugese lines. When they realised they were French, their commander Capt Lutyens ordered the charge. The shock tactic worked and they were able to drive their way through, but a second line of enemy troops was able to resist them. They lost 8 killed, 22 wounded and 77 taken prisoner.
The regiment had more success at El Bodon near Cuidad Rodrigo on 25th September. By this time they were commanded by Lt Col Cumming, a brave and efficient cavalry officer. A large force of French cavalry was threatening Allied infantry and artillery on the plain in front of the 11th and a squadron of the King's German Legion who were well placed on high ground. Although they were vastly outnumbered the 11th and KGL charged at the enemy again and again, 20 times in all.

The 11th were part of Wellington's great victory over Marmont at Salamanca on 22nd July 1812 but by 3rd April 1813 they had to give up their horses and embark for England much to the regret of Sir Stapleton Cotton who was in command of the cavalry in the Peninsula. It had been a hard two years for them having lost 417 men and 555 horses.

During their time in the Peninsula many changes had been made to the uniforms of the British Army. The Prince Regent had a keen eye for dress and with his newly acquired position of supreme power was determined to push through his ideas based on continental military trends. The 11th exchanged it's light dragoon Tarleton helmet for a shako. The new jacket was still dark blue but had a buff plastron covering the chest, and white epaulettes, silver for officers. With the return of Napoleon in March 1815 the war with France resumed and the 11th arrived at Ostend on 2nd April. They were in Vandeleur's brigade with the 12th and 16th and had an unprecedented strength of 947 men. They came under heavy attack at Quatre Bras but did not suffer badly. On the 18th June 1815 the Battle of Waterloo began after a terrible night of torrential rain. It was a frustrating morning for the British cavalry who had to stand and watch an infantry battle. Against Wellington's wishes, the heavy cavalry made a brilliant charge that was spoiled by it's failure to re-form. The 11th under the command of Lt Col Money were sent into action when it looked as if the enemy were breaking up. They broke a French infantry square and carried on with the pursuit of Napoleon’s fleeing soldiers.
Wellington entered Paris in triumph on 7th July escorted by the 11th and others. The regiment bivouacked on the Champs Elysees and became part of the army of occupation in France and Belgium. On 20th November they eventually arrived home after 3 years on the continent

The mounted swordsmanship training of the British emphasised the cut, at the face for maiming or killing, or at the arms to disable. This left masses of mutilated or disabled troops; the French, in contrast, favoured the thrust, which gave cleaner kills. A cut with the 1796 LC sabre was, however, perfectly capable of killing outright, as was recorded by George Farmer of the 11th Regiment of Light Dragoons, who was involved in a skirmish on the Guadiana River in 1811, during the Peninsular War:
"Just then a French officer stooping over the body of one of his countrymen, who dropped the instant on his horse's neck, delivered a thrust at poor Harry Wilson's body; and delivered it effectually. I firmly believe that Wilson died on the instant yet, though he felt the sword in its progress, he, with characteristic self-command, kept his eye on the enemy in his front; and, raising himself in his stirrups, let fall upon the Frenchman's head such a blow, that brass and skull parted before it, and the man's head was cloven asunder to the chin. It was the most tremendous blow I ever beheld struck; and both he who gave, and his opponent who received it, dropped dead together. The brass helmet was afterwards examined by order of a French officer, who, as well as myself, was astonished at the exploit; and the cut was found to be as clean as if the sword had gone through a turnip, not so much as a dint being left on either side of it" The blade is remembered today as one of the best of its time and has been described as the finest cutting sword ever manufactured in quantity.

The steel hilt and scabbard has overall ols russetting, bright polished and with no denting.

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: 26331

A Singularly Beautiful & Magnificent Presentation Grade 1796-1803 {15th Hussars} British Officer's Sword, Of The Napoleonic Wars. Used In The Peninsular Campaign, & The War of 100 Days Culminating at Quatre Bras & Waterloo. Museum Quality Example

In stunning condition, near mint mercurial gilding, with bright polish blade bearing traces of GR cypher and Royal motto.
The 15th Hussars was converted into a Hussar Regiment, from a Light Dragoon regt. in 1807, before being sent to Spain for the Peninsular War (1808-14) a year later.


After joining up with Sir John Moore’s force, it successfully charged uphill through snow against French chasseurs and dragoons at Sahagun on 21 December 1808. It was evacuated from Corunna in January 1809.

After a spell of policing duties in the north of England, it returned to the Peninsula in 1813, fighting at Morales and Vitoria that year, and at Orthes and Toulouse in 1814. It also fought at Waterloo in 1815.

In May 1815 the Regiment, under command of Lt. Col. Leighton Dalrymple, returned to France to meet the threat raised by the resurrected Napoleon. In France, the Regiment was brigaded with the 7th Hussars and the 2nd German Hussars. Napoleon's rapid advance in June took Wellington by surprise, and the British cavalry were ordered to march at short notice, reaching Quartre Bras on the evening of 16th June. On 17th, the British, with the cavalry covering, fell back towards the village of Waterloo and spent a night bivouacked in the open in torrential rain. On the fateful morning of the 18th, the 15th Hussars formed a section of the British front line near Hugomont Farm, astride the Nivelle Road.

" . . a large body of Cuirassiers and other cavalry were seen carrying all before them on the open ground between Hugomont and La Haye Saint, and their Lancers were shouting in triumph. The brigade instantly moved towards its former post, and the 13th and the 15th charged and drove back the Cuirassiers, with the most distinguished gallantry, for some distance."

Based, primarily, on Wellington's own comments, some historians have expressed admiration of British cavalry actions at Waterloo - in the mud, blood and heat of battle, the contribution to victory made by both the heavy cavalry, such as the Scots Greys and the Inniskillens, and the light cavalry, such as the hussar regiments, is remarkable.

At Waterloo, the 15th Hussars lost 3 officers and 25 other ranks killed, together with 42 horses, and 7 officers (including Col. Dalrymple) and 43 other ranks wounded, together with 52 horses. After the battle, the Regiment pursued the French to Cambray and then to Paris, returning to England (Hounslow) in May 1816.

The hilt retains almost all its original finest mercurial gold covering, and a stunning line engraved grip, and ivory grip. The scabbard similarly draws the eye to the importance of the entire piece. Its highly distinctive appearance brings us very much to mind a strong possibility it was presented to an officer of the 15th Light Dragoons, likely for conspicuous service in the Peninsular campaign. In the early 1800’s the regiment commissioned a specific design of highest quality mameluke hilted dress swords, without knuckle bow, and a carved marine Ivory hilt, for officers of the regiment, and with this highly distinctive rare scabbard pattern, a rare scabbard pattern is so similar that we feel this sword was the alternative dress-cum-combat version. We therefore judge this very sword's design may well have influenced by the pattern of the 15th Hussars regiments officer's deluxe quality mameluke made during the Georgian period, but the 1796 p hilt was far more effective as a combat sabre for a secure grip in the charge.
This sword's blade slides neatly into the amazingly decorated sheath, of engraved mercurial gold copper-gilt panels, with a black leather base, and twin fine ring mounts. This wondrous sword is somewhat similar quality to the Lloyds Patriotic Fund swords, and other highest grade presentation quality swords awarded to officers during wars with France, during the reign of King George IIIrd, in the early 19th century. It would have been commissioned from by one the finest London makers, such as R. Teed of Lancaster Court, or Thomas Gill of St James's, as there are certainly elements of workmanship similar to both Gill and Teed's finest craftsmanship. The blade is polished with areas of age staining and once bore fine engravings and the king's cypher and motto. Lloyd's Patriotic Fund was founded on 28 July 1803 at Lloyd's Coffee House, and continues to the present day. Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund now works closely with armed forces charities to identify the individuals and their families who are in urgent need of support.

The contributors created the fund to give grants to those wounded in service to the Crown and to set up annuities to the dependents of those killed in action. The Fund also awarded prizes to those British combatants who went beyond the call of duty. The rewards could be a sum of money, a sword or a piece of plate. The Fund issued 15 swords worth £30 each, to midshipmen, masters' mates and Royal Marine lieutenants. Also, 91 swords worth 50 pounds each went to naval lieutenants and Royal Marine captains. It issued 35 swords worth £100 each to commanders and naval captains. In addition, it issued 23 swords, worth £100 each, to naval captains who fought at Trafalgar. Some 60 officers requested a piece of plate of equal value instead of a sword. Lastly, a number of officers opted for cash instead, either for themselves or to distribute to their crew.

One engagement might result in multiple awards. When a cutting-out party from HMS Franchise captured Raposa in 1806, naval lieutenants John Fleming and Peter Douglas, and Lieutenant of Marines Mend, each received a sword worth £50, while Midshipman Lamb received one worth £30.

Not all the officers who received swords or other merit awards were naval officers or Royal Marines. Some were captains of privateers or East Indiamen. The Fund awarded Mr. Thomas Musgrave, captain of the private man of war Kitty an honour-sabre worth £30 for the action in which Kitty captured the Spanish ship Felicity (or Felicidad). After the Battle of Pulo Aura, Lloyd's Patriotic Fund gave each captain a sword worth £50, and one to Lieutenant Robert Merrick Fowler (RN), who had distinguished himself in a variety of capacities during the engagement, and one worth £100 to Captain Nathaniel Dance, who had been the commodore of the fleet.

Napoleonic period original painting in the gallery of Capt. George William Manby, with his near identical Prize Presentation Sword, painted in 1818, by Samuel Lane..

This sword has its ivory restriction exemption certificate no; RDW66NZ9
It cannot be exported from the UK.  read more

Code: 21774

A Simply Glorious Bladed 'Katateuchi' 500 Year Old Katana Signed Katsumitsu 勝光. The Bizen Osafune Smiths Renown For Some of The Finest And Most Beautiful Blades To Ever Behold. The Very Form of Katana Used By Musashi, The Greatest Samurai Warrior

The blade on this is katana is truly breathtaking and one of the most beautiful we have had the privilege to own and display for sale amongst our collection.

If the greatest samurai who ever lived, Musashi, had used this sword, it would already have been over 100 years old.

Made and used by samurai, who was an expert in the combat form of two sword combat, that Musashi made famous a century later, and detailed in his iconic biography, The Five Rings

We hope that the photographs truly do this breathtaking sword blade justice.

The blade is not only extraordinarily fine, and with a spectacular hamon, but in superb effectively flawless condition. The fuchi kashira and all the mounts are original Edo period with the Takeda clan kamon, the diamond form flower head of the Hanabishi, made of silvered copper-gold alloy. The hammered iron tsuba is very early, and most rare, made of tamehagane steel by an armourerer and swordsmith, and also in superb condition. The menuki, under the tsuka-ito, on the original samegawa giant rayskin, are shakudo and gold decorated plants.

A katateuchi by the Bizen smith Katsumitsu (late Muromachi period, around the late 15th to early 16th century) is a historical one-handed Japanese fighting sword (uchigatana) often measuring roughly 55 to 66 cm in length, featuring a distinctive short tang (nakago) designed for single-handed grip during the Sengoku period. This sword blade is 68cm.
Defining Features of Katsumitsu Katateuchi Crafted by the Osafune school smiths in Bizen Province (frequently associated with master smiths like Jirozaemonnojo Katsumitsu).

Miyamoto Musashi used and advocated for single-handed striking techniques, and the term katate-uchi (片手打ち, meaning "one-handed strike") describes both a functional sword style and a shorter type of uchigatana designed for one-handed use.

Musashi famously founded the two-sword strategy known as Niten Ichi-ryū, around 100 years after this sword was created, where he wielded a long sword (katana or daitō) and a companion short sword (wakizashi or shōtō) at the same time.
One- Wielding a long sword simultaneously with a short sword forces the practitioner to use the main katana with only one hand. Musashi noted in The Book of Five Rings (Go Rin No Sho) that training to use a long sword with one hand is essential because situations arise—such as being on a horse or in narrow spaces—where you cannot use both hands.

Late Muromachi / Sengoku era (circa 1490–1529), was an era of intense warfare. This sword is a most fine example of katana originally built strictly for one hand rather than the two-handed grip of a standard katana.
Typically a katana form that was, optimized for rapid drawing and close-quarters combat.

The Katsumitsu of Kashu Province resided in this province, This province was ruled by Maeda clan when Katsumitsu was alive. Maeda clan was originally a retainer of Oda family, who ruled Owari province. (today’s Nagoya area in Aichi prefecture) The first head of the Maeda clan was Toshie Maeda. He became the feudal lord of Kaga Province . It is said that he had a vast rice fief which is called Hyakuman Goku.
The Maeda clan was one of the most powerful lines in Samurai history. Toshie Maeda had a close tie with Oda Nobunaga and Hideyoshi Toyotomi.

The sword is mounted with a most fine Ko-Tōshō Sukashi Tsuba likely Kamakura period, ca. 1185–1333.

The Ko-Tōshō sukashi tsuba is solid iron plate tsuba, an early Japanese sword guard (tsuba) made by swordsmiths (Tōshō) during the pre Muromachi period (1336–1573). These pieces feature simple openwork (sukashi) cut from robust iron plates, blending utilitarian defense pierced with austere Zen-Buddhist symbolism. Made by early swordsmiths and armourers often using tamahagane sword steel

The saya needs a kurigata {sageo cord horn mount that is damaged} restored, a small task but we will attend to it. The saya is black ishime {stone finish in matt black}

Blade 68 cm long, 97 cm long overall in saya  read more

Code: 26326

A Beautiful Victorian Hidden Gadget System Cane, Known As the Toulouse-Lautrec Cane. In Carved Mallacca Wood. A Fabulous Original Converstion Piece of Victorian Hidden Gadgetry.

Of all systems canes, the Toulouse-Lautrec walking stick is certainly the most unique. This stick is named after the famed 19th-century artist whose personal reputation rested largely upon his frequent visits to cabarets and dance hall bars within the mystical underbelly of Montmartre in Paris, France.

This intriguing type of cane, also known as a tippling stick, conceals the necessary apparatus related to travelling alcohol consumption: a tubular glass flask fixed within the haft, and in the separate top section, a hollow empty receptacle for either using as a drinking cup or to hold small 'tipple' glasses. Both sections are connected by screw threaded silver plated copper metal mounts

Notably, it is often said that Toulouse-Lautrec himself personally commissioned a wooden-shaft cane with a secret compartment in which he could hide a small glass vial for liquor, mostly absinthe, known as the 'green fairy'.

Systems canes are the most highly collected types of canes and there are literally thousands of types from which to choose. A system cane is one that has a dual purpose or hidden meaning or function. These canes were used in much the same way as we use a wallet or a purse today and wealthy gentlemen or ladies would have owned several canes to be used for different outings and purposes.

An original antiques collectors item for display purposes only.  read more

Code: 26299