Antique Victorian Regimental Other Ranks Helmet {Chapka } Of the 17th Lancers, Motto ‘Or Glory’ Of The 'Charge Of The Light Brigade' Fame. One of the Most Famous & Historical Cavalry Regiments in the World.

Victorian 17th Lancers Helmet {a chapka lance cap} One of the great British cavalry regiments that took part in the Charge of the Light Brigade in the Crimean War.

“When can their glory fade?
O the wild charge they made!”

These words were made famous by Alfred Lord Tennyson in his poem, ‘The Charge of the Light Brigade’, and refer to that fateful day on 25th October 1854 when around six hundred men led by Lord Cardigan rode into the unknown.

The charge against Russian forces was part of the Battle of Balaclava, a conflict making up a much larger series of events known as the Crimean War. The order for the cavalry charge proved catastrophic for the British cavalrymen: a disastrous mistake riddled with misinformation and miscommunication. The calamitous charge was to be remembered for both its bravery and tragedy.

The 17th Lancers (Duke of Cambridge's Own) was a cavalry regiment of the British Army, raised in 1759 and notable for its participation in the Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War. The regiment was amalgamated with the 21st Lancers to form the 17th/21st Lancers in 1922.


In December 1857 the regiment arrived in India to reinforce the effort to suppress the Indian rebellion against British rule. By the time the regiment was prepared for service, the rebellion was effectively over, although it did take part in the pursuit of Tatya Tope, the rebel leader. During the course of the pursuit, Lieutenant Evelyn Wood earned the Victoria Cross for gallantry. The regiment returned to England in 1865. The regiment became the 17th Regiment of Lancers in August 1861. When, in 1876, it gained Prince George, Duke of Cambridge as its colonel-in-chief, the regiment adopted the title of the 17th (The Duke of Cambridge's Own) Lancers.


The regiment was sent to Natal Colony for service in the Anglo-Zulu War and fought at the Battle of Ulundi under Sir Drury Curzon Drury-Lowe in July 1879. The regiment was deployed inside a large British infantry square during the attack by the Zulu Army, which had surrounded the British. When the attack appeared to be wavering, the regiment was ordered to advance: their charge routed the warriors with heavy loss and proved to be decisive. The regiment returned to India the same year, remaining there until about 1890 when they returned to England.


Second Boer War
In February 1900 a contingent from the regiment, comprising Lieutenant-Colonel E. F. Herbert and 500 troops, was deployed to South Africa for service in the Second Boer War, and arrived to Cape Town on the SS Victorian early the next month. The contingent missed the large pitched battles, but still saw action during the war. In 1900, Sergeant Brian Lawrence won the regiment's fifth and final Victoria Cross at Essenbosch Farm. The contingent's most significant action was at the Battle of Elands River (Modderfontein) in September 1901. C Squadron was attacked by a unit of Boers under the command of Jan Smuts; the Lancers mistakenly assumed the unit was friendly because of their attire. The Boers immediately opened fire, attacking from both the front and the rear. The Lancers suffered further casualties at a closed gate that slowed them down. Only Captain Sandeman, the squadron commander, and Lieutenant Lord Vivian survived. The regiment suffered 29 killed and 41 wounded before surrendering, while Boer losses were just one killed and six wounded.


They stayed in South Africa throughout the war, which ended June 1902 with the Peace of Vereeniging. Four months later, 540 officers and men left Cape Town on the SS German in late September 1902, and arrived at Southampton in late October, when they were posted to Edinburgh.

Painting in the gallery of the 17th Lancers in the Charge of the Light Brigade in this case the lancers wear the 'foul weather' covered helmet version. And another painting of the 17th Lancers in India, this time the cap is covered in the dessert cover, and the third painting of the 17th Lancers in the Zulu War wearing the regulation pith helmet

The condition is good for age with average wear to the leather skull and old staining to the yellow striped band, above the helmet plate, helmet plate refitted for battle honour additions.  read more

Code: 26188

An Original, French, Napoleonic Year 13 Modele, & Dated 1811 French Cuirassier Flintlock Line Cavalry Pistol, Manufacture Imperial St Etienne. Manufactured For Napoleon's Grande Armee

One of the flintlocks from a fabulous & large original collection of finest Imperial French swords and pistols we recently acquired this one from the Grande Armee period. Each part of this flintlock pistol bears the poincon stamps plus the date of 1811 on the stock, and 1811 repeated on the barrel. The gun lock shows it was made at the St Etienne Manufacture Imperiale.

A fantastic quality and condition original regulation pattern pistol, Manufacture Imperial St Etienne year 13 pattern, dated 1811. In Revolutionary France the dates were changed to year 1 from 1792. A prime piece for collectors of original Napoleanic scarce original weaponry, from the elite armoured cavalry of Napoleon.

Excellent condition overall with a crisp spring action.Napoleonic St Etienne inspector’s stamps throughout of Hardy, Jean-Baptiste, and Gouilloud

A true museum grade original souvenir from the Napoleonic Wars

This flintlock pistol was made at the French Imperial Arsenal at St Etienne in 1811, during the time of Napoleon's Grande Armee during the Peninsular Campaign, before the Grande Armee's invasion of Russia, and three years before Napoleon's defeat in 1814 and exile to Elba, and later, after his return in 1815. Thus this pistol was made, and issued to the cuirassiers, that then years later transferred their loyalty to the King, then back once more back to their old emperor, Napoleon, upon his return from exile in Elba.

It was used by the cuirassiers in the 100 Days War, culminating in Napoleon's final defeat at Quatre Bras and Waterloo by the Duke of Wellington, and this pistol being taken as war booty.

Used as a regimental issue sidearm, by and the very best French Napoleonic frontline cavalry, the carabineers, cuirassiers, chasseurs, dragoons and lancers, serving in Napoleon Bonaparte's army during the Napoleonic Wars. This is the pattern called the AN 13 {year 13} which represents the 13th year of French Ist Republic of 1792. The French Republican Calendar or French Revolutionary Calendar was a calendar proposed during the French Revolution, and used by the French government for about 12 years from late 1793. This is the pattern of pistol that would have first seen service in the Elite Imperial Guard, cavalry and dragoons, plus the Cuirassiers of Napoleon's great heavy cavalry regiments. The Cuirassiers Heavy Cavalry Regiments used the largest men in France, recruited to serve in the greatest and noblest cavalry France has ever had. They fought with distinction at their last great conflict at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, and most of the Cuirassiers pistols now in England very likely came from that field of conflict, after the battle, as trophies of war. This pistol may well have been taken from a vanquished Cuirassier pistol that was drawn for combat on the field of battle. One can imagine this pistol lying freely, or, maybe, even still clasped in his cold desperate hand, or even under his fallen steed, at the field of conflict at Waterloo. Every warrior that has ever entered service for his country sought trophies. The Mycenae from a fallen Trojan, the Roman from a fallen Gaul, the GI from a fallen Japanese, the tradition stretches back thousands of years, and will continue as long as man serves his country in battle. In the 1st century AD the Roman Poet Decimus Iunius Iuvenalis Juvenal
wrote; "Man thirsts more for glory than virtue. The armour of an enemy, his broken helmet, the flag ripped from a conquered trireme, are treasures valued beyond all human riches. It is to obtain these tokens of glory that Generals, be they Roman, Greek or barbarian, brave a thousand perils
and endure a thousand exertions". A truly super Napoleonic pistol. The cuirassiers were the greatest of all France's cavalry, allowing only the strongest men of over 6 feet in height into it's ranks. The French Cuirassiers were at their very peak in 1815, and never again regained the wonder and glory that they truly deserved at that time. To face a regiment of, say, 600 charging steeds bearing down upon you mounted with armoured giants, brandishing the mightiest of swords that could pierce the strongest breast armour, much have been, quite simply, terrifying. Made in the period that Napoleon was Emperor and ruling most of Europe, it was used through the Napoleonic period from 1813, later in the the Royal restoration period, when Napoleon was imprisoned at Elba, and then during the War of the 100 days, culminating at Waterloo .
All Napoleon's heavy Cavalry Regiments fought at Waterloo, there were no reserve regiments, and all the Cuirassiers, without exception fought with their extraordinary resolve, bravery and determination. The Hundred Days started after Napoleon, separated from his wife and son, who had come under Austrian control, was cut off from the allowance guaranteed to him by the Treaty of Fontainebleau, and aware of rumours he was about to be banished to a remote island in the Atlantic Ocean, Napoleon escaped from Elba on 26 February 1815. He landed at Golfe-Juan on the French mainland, two days later. The French 5th Regiment was sent to intercept him and made contact just south of Grenoble on 7 March 1815. Napoleon approached the regiment alone, dismounted his horse and, when he was within gunshot range, shouted, "Here I am. Kill your
Emperor, if you wish." The soldiers responded with, "Vive L'Empereur!" and marched with Napoleon to Paris; Louis XVIII fled. On 13 March, the powers at the Congress of Vienna declared Napoleon an outlaw and four days later Great Britain, the Netherlands, Russia, Austria and Prussia bound themselves to put 150,000 men into the field to end his rule. Napoleon arrived in Paris on 20 March and governed for a period now called the Hundred Days. By the start of
June the armed forces available to him had reached 200,000 and he decided to go on the offensive to attempt to drive a wedge between the oncoming British and Prussian armies. The French Army of the North crossed the frontier into the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, in modern-day Belgium. Napoleon's forces fought the allies, led by Wellington and Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher, at the Battle of Waterloo on 18 June 1815. Wellington's army withstood repeated attacks by the French and drove them from the field while the Prussians arrived in force and broke through Napoleon's right flank. The French army left the battlefield in disorder, which allowed Coalition forces to enter France and restore Louis XVIII to the French throne. Off the port of Rochefort, Charente-Maritime, after consideration of an escape to the United States, Napoleon formally demanded political asylum from the British Captain Frederick Maitland on HMS Bellerophon on 15 July 1815. The pistol is in very nice condition overall.

French Cuirassier discharging his pistol on a British square at the Battle of Waterloo.  read more

Code: 26197

A Wonderful, Original, Napoleonic Wars, British Hussars and Light Dragoon Officer's Sword Circa 1805. In The Traditional Mameluke Style Adopted from the Mamelukes of the Battle of the Nile Campaign. The Favoured Sword Style of Napoleon and Wellington

In these British made versions of the Mameluke sword were in fact so popular for use by officers of both the British and French in the Napoleonic wars that it was formally adopted as the British generals and field marshals pattern of service sword in 1831,

In overall superb condition, ivory and steel hilted Hussars sword, with steel mounted leather scabbard, from the Napoleonic Wars.

British Hussars in the Napoleonic Wars, converted from light dragoons around 1803–1807, they acted as elite light cavalry for scouting, screening, and shock charges.

Renowned for their stylish uniforms (pelisse, busby) and reckless bravery, regiments like the 7th, 10th, and 15th served with distinction in the Peninsula War and at Waterloo, often at the forefront

The 15th Hussars (King's): Achieved fame at Sahagún (1808) under Sir John Moore, defeating two French cavalry regiments. They played a significant role at Vitoria (1813) and in the final Waterloo charge (1815).

7th Hussars (Queen's Own): Distinguished themselves at Orthez (1814) and conducted a notable rearguard action at Genappe before fighting at Waterloo.

10th Hussars (Prince of Wales's Own): Played a major role in the 1808–09 retreat to Corunna and was prominent in the 1813–14 battles of Morales and Vitoria.

18th Hussars: Heavily involved in the 1813 Vitoria campaign, where they were known for cutting off King Joseph’s retreat.

We show a Portrait of Major Hodge of the 7th Light Dragoons with his same mameluke sword. Before 1815, during the Napoleonic Wars and the Battle of Waterloo, the Mameluke-hilted sword was a fashionable, often personal, choice for British light cavalry officers (such as Hussars) and high-ranking staff officers, rather than a standard 1796 light dragoon officer's sword.

The style was adopted following campaigns in Egypt and India, influenced by Napoleon's Mameluke units and it was the personal preference of edged weapon of the Duke of Wellington.
Pictures in the gallery of paintings of the Duke of Wellington, with his favoured mameluke sword. And another, held upon his shoulder by Charles Vane, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry, a British Hussar general, with his Mameluke sword of Turkish manufacture ( painted in 1812)

All the steel mounts are very good, the hilt ivory is also good with a small north south crack at the pommel area. The leather is good and with a thumb print size bruise to the surface around 2/3rd the way down the scabbard. No scabbard seam stitching present at the reverse side.

Ivory Declaration Submission

IAntique ivory, 'worked' declaration submitted, but we can only sell this sword within the UK, it is not allowed for export. Ivory, however old cannot be imported into the USA.  read more

Code: 26196

An Absolutely Superb & Stunning, Fully Provenanced, Victorian, British Generals Wilkinson Sword Of The Commander of the Grenadier Guards In The Crimean War At Alma, Sevastopol, and The Battle of Inkerman, In the Guards Brigade

The sword is as close to mint for its age that you could possibly get. The fabulous hilt has all its original mercurial fire gilt, and in the centre of the quillon it has the crossed sword and field marshal's baton symbol of a British general. the blade has remarkably beautiful, full, deluxe etching for a general of the army, with royal cypher of Queen Victoria, florid scrolls, and again the crossed swords and field marshal's baton generals symbol. Overall in superb condition. Only the all brass scabbard has signs of its long service use by way of a few dings and dents.

Commissioned from Wilkinson Sword Co. for General Thomas Wood who commanded the 3rd batallion Grenadier Guards In the Crimean War in his capacity as colonel of the regiment.

The 3rd Battalion Grenadier Guards served in the Crimea (1854–1856) as part of the 1st Guards Brigade, participating in major actions including the battles of Alma, Sevastopol, and the Battle of Inkerman, where they famously defended the Sandbag Battery. Four members earned the Victoria Cross during the campaign, and they were noted for carrying their colours into action at Inkerman.

Battle of the Alma (Sept 1854): The battalion was part of Lord Raglan’s army that stormed the heights, marking their entry into the campaign.
Battle of Inkerman (Nov 1854): Known as the "Soldiers' Battle," the 3rd Battalion, along with the Scots Fusilier Guards, held the Sandbag Battery against overwhelming Russian numbers in thick fog, holding their ground despite immense losses.
Siege of Sevastopol (1854–1855): Participated in the long siege of the Russian fortress until its fall in September 1855.
At least four members won the Victoria Cross for bravery, including Major Sir Charles Russell, who led a charge to the Sandbag Battery, and Private Anthony Palmer.

The 3rd Battalion was the only unit in the brigade to carry its colours into the fight at Inkerman, with Ensign and Lieutenant Charles Napier Sturt severely wounded while bearing the regimental colour.
:
The Brigade of Guards lost roughly half its men during the Battle of Inkerman.
Cholera, scurvy, and the extreme cold caused more deaths than direct combat.
When the troops returned and were reviewed by Queen Victoria, she was shocked by their appearance, noting they were "quite broken down".

The 3rd Battalion’s actions at Inkerman are still honored today by The Inkerman Company of the Grenadier Guards.

The sword bears the Wilkinson Sword Co. marks and serial number 8756 relating to him, from Wilkinson's records, as the commissioner and the owner of this fabulous bespoke British General's sword.

5th November 1854

On this day, amidst the fog and chaos of the Crimean War, The 3rd Battalion stood resolute at the Battle of Inkerman. Facing overwhelming Russian forces in brutal close-quarters combat, the Guards held their ground on Kit Spur and at the Sand-Bag Battery, demonstrating unmatched courage, discipline, and brotherhood.

It was during this “Soldiers’ Battle” that three Grenadiers earned the Victoria Cross for extraordinary bravery:

Picture in the gallery of General Woods full portrait painting in his uniform in his capacity as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards prior to the Crimean War.
Ivory Declaration Submission

Antique ivory, 'worked' declaration submitted, but we can only sell this sword within the commonwealth it is not allowed for export to America. Ivory, however old cannot be imported into the USA.  read more

Code: 26195

A Sublime 'Queen Anne', Circa 1720, Cannon Barrel Flintlock Holster Pistol of Sidelock Action, With Solid Silver Mounts Including a Silver, Maned Lion Head Butt Cap, and Silver Dragon Sideplate

with silver leaf shaped escutcheon. Three stage steel cannon barrel with chisseled octagonal breech, conical second stage and flared long blunderbuss third stage. Fine jugland regia walnut stock. Horn tipped wood ramrod with octagonal rear ramrod pipe and typical barrel type forend ramrod pipe. English Proof stamp on the underside of the barrel at the breech.

These pistols originated in England, but also spread to France, Switzerland etc. Several of them were used by Americans during the American Revolution. It is thought that most of these came into American hands after the Siege of Boston.

The nice thing about such pistols was that most of them were made in sizes that could be easily stowed in a coat pocket, or like this example, the larger versions would be tucked into a belt, thereby allowing them to be easily concealed. This is why they became popular among civilians as a self-defense weapon. Many were owned by the rich and nobility, therefore, some examples such as this beauty are highly decorated with pure silver, fancy embellishments and engravings.

These pistols were also popular with pirates, The infamous pirate, Edward Teach, better known to the world as "Blackbeard", has been depicted in several portraits, carrying a number of these pistols around his body.

The character, Jack Sparrow, in the Pirates of the Caribbean series of movies, also carries a Queen Anne type pistol and hands it to Angelica in the movie, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

Photo 10 in the gallery was an artifact from a 1782 British Loyalist wreck found just off St. Augustine’s coast, Florida. It is a 'Queen Anne' cannon barrel flintlock, covered in seabed concretions, and the photo also shows, in the bottom half, its X-ray that clearly reveals how it has survived beneath 240 years of immersion in the coastal waters.

The ship was part of a fleet fleeing Charleston, South Carolina, and sank on December 31, 1782, while trying to enter the British-controlled St. Augustine harbour.

Here are some of the specific reasons why people enjoy collecting such fine antique pistols:

Historical significance: Antique pistols are stunning relics of a bygone era, and they can provide insights into the history of warfare, technology, and culture. For example, a collector might be interested in owning a type of pistol that was used in a famous battle or that was carried by a famous historical figure.
Craftsmanship: Antique pistols are often works of art in their own right. Many early gunsmiths were highly skilled artisans, and their creations can be extraordinarily beautiful. Collectors might appreciate the intricate engraving, fine inlays, and other decorative elements that are found on many antique pistols.
Aesthetic beauty: Antique pistols can be simply stunning. Their elegant lines and graceful curves can be a thing of beauty. Collectors might enjoy admiring the form and function of these antique weapons.
Rarity and uniqueness: Some antique pistols are quite rare, and collectors might enjoy the challenge of finding and acquiring them. Others might be interested in owning a pistol that is unique in some way, such as a prototype or a custom-made piece.
Investment value: Antique pistols can also be valuable long term investments. The value of some antique pistols has appreciated significantly over the years. Collectors might enjoy the potential for profit, in addition to the other pleasures of collecting, but that should never be the ultimate goal, enjoyment must always be the leading factor of collecting.
No matter what their reasons, collectors of antique pistols find enjoyment in their hobby. They appreciate the history, craftsmanship, beauty, and rarity of these unique pieces.

In addition to the above, here is yet another reason why people enjoy collecting antique pistols:

Education: Learning about the history and technology of antique pistols can be a thoroughly rewarding experience. Collectors can learn about the different types of pistols that have been made over the centuries, how they worked, and how they were used.

Overall in super condition.  read more

Code: 25007

A Grenadier Guards Officer's Sword From The Lanes Armoury Sold, and Raised £2,465 For The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity, Photographed With H.M. King Charles formerly HRH P.O.W

Swords, over the eons, have been part of the journey of civilised mankind since the days of pre-history, before 1200 bc. And over 3200 years later, even ‘retired’ historic swords can be put to a fine use that they were certainly not entirely designed to perform.
We were absolutely delighted that a sword, from us, once sold at their special charity ball auction. The auction raised in total, £56,000, a most handsome sum.
Mike Hammond, the Chief Executive, wrote to us to say;
"We’ve already had hundreds more of people staying at the house since we opened our doors to military patients and their families, and the sword has helped in funding another 99 days of accommodation for the families".

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham is home to the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, which treats UK military patients injured or wounded anywhere around the world.
The hospital charity built Fisher House, a home away from home for military patients and their families to stay whilst they are having medical treatment.

You can see more about Fisher House at their website www.fisherhouseuk.org All donations will be most gratefully received.

A photo in the gallery is of HM King Charles when as HRH Prince Charles, opening Fisher House.  read more

Code: 17336

A Fine Renaissance Heraldic ‘Grand Tour’ Antique Armour. Armour Breastplate Stunningly Etched With Heraldic Beasts, The Form of Armour Worn by Renaissance Noblemen From The Era Of the Borgias. Such as Cesare Borgia.

A beautiful piece of chest parade armour, with an etched crest of nobility comprising three winged Griffins and a central Lion rampant within a shield. The Griffin (or Gryphon) is a legendary creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. Combining the attributes of the "King of the Beasts" and the "King of the Air", it was thought to be especially powerful and majestic.

A fabulous object d’art from the early ‘Grand Tour’ era, when young members of the nobility travelled around Europe and acquired classical art, original antiquities and all form of stunning ‘Grand Tour’ pieces. The were representations ‘after’ the original classical antiques, from Ancient Rome, Greece and the Italian Renaissance.

In the right location this stunning breastplate armour will look magnificent. One could create a 'stand of arms' with a pair of crossed swords mounted behind the armour

It was in this era that great Continental tourists and travelers such as Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley, his wife, Mary, and John William Polidori, travelled Europe and took up residence in palatial villas on the Swiss and Italian lakes. It was during such a tour, by those just mentioned, who were in their ‘Grand Tour’ years, while in their villa on Lake Geneva, in the Year Without Summer’ in 1816, wrote, one stormy night, The Vampyre {by Polidori} and Frankenstein, The Modern Prometheus, {by Mary Shelley}. Bearing in mind this was merely by means of a distraction from the poor weather. Can you imagine, the stratospheric talent of such like, that two of the greatest origin stories of horror, ever written, and still as read and performed in the performing arts, as much today as they were 200 years ago, were created in the same house, by two English travellers, at the very same time, and as a mere ‘distraction’ due to boredom.


A light armour breastplate, 16th century style in the manner of the 1550's, with old restoration, 19th century and earlier.

Parade armour became an elaborate and ornate Renaissance art form intended to both glorify war, and flatter the military prowess of the royal subject. Surviving examples include decorated shields, helmets, and full suits of armour. Delaune was an important contributor to the form, and Henry II of France commissioned a number of similar works, including a panel for his horse, and some bucklers (shields) now in the Louvre, both by Delaune. In addition surviving works for Henry include a full suit at the Museum of Ethnology,

In the ‘Grand Tour’ era of 19th century France such pieces of fine art were created for the highly classical ‘after the antique’ market. Such as gilt bronze miniature copies of ‘Napoleons’ column in Place Vendome, and small yellow simulated marble versions of Ancient Greek and Roman columns and arches, and architectural features, and sometimes whole structures, such as Cleopatra’s Needle. Bronzes and marbles ‘after the antique’ of busts of Roman Emperor’s, and elegant statuary. Companies such as Granger of Paris, that worked in the 1840's, created wonderful miniature suits of armour, mounted on horse armour or free standing, and they are of incredibly detailed quality. Such pieces by Granger are in such incredible demand, by collectors or interior decorators, that can they achieve values in the tens of thousands of pounds, even approaching six figures today, and for most that are no more than two feet or around 50 cms high complete. Wondrous full size armour was also created, such as extravagant armour helmets from the Renaissance, the designs made fore the kings of France in the 16th century. Also shields, gauntlets, and gorgets exactly as this fabulous piece. That were ideal for classical art displays and interior décor of the finest Georgian country estates, and the glorious Palladian terraced mansion houses in the cities, such as London, Edinburgh, Bath and Brighton.


Last picture in the gallery is a painting by
Madeleine Boulogne (French, 1648–1710)
Titled;
Pieces of parade armour, a plumed helmet, a pistol in a case, a gilt ewer, a silver perfume burner, a jewellery box, a trumpet and a flag on a partly-draped cassone. 18.5 inches x 14.5 inches  read more

Code: 21569

A Most Rare Large Aviation Medal For the Acceptance Run of the 'LZ 4'.Zeppelin

Medal 1908, by A. Galambos. On the acceptance run of the 'LZ 4'. Germania with sword in the right wreath medallion of Count Zeppelin under oak, right a crowd of faces in an auditorium and an airship above / winged male figure with torn chain over globe and cloud. Kaiser 292.3, Gutt 14
Obverse — Goddess Germania with Sword in right hand. 60 mm. They made a smaller 33 mm silver version, and a small undated bronze version 33mm but this is the very rare, large gilt bronze version, of 60mm
Dir/ Danken/ Deine/ Deutschen.
A. Galambos on bottom
inscription — 4. 5. August 1908 on the left. A. Galambos. The Zeppelin LZ 4 was a German experimental airship constructed under the direction of Ferdinand von Zeppelin. First flown on 20 June 1908, it made a series of successful flights including a 12-hour flight over Switzerland. It was destroyed when it caught fire after landing to carry out engine repairs during a projected 24-hour endurance trial.This disaster proved fortunate for Zeppelin: donations by the German public raised 6.5 million marks, so guaranteeing the future of his development of airships. . At Westfälische Auktionsgesellschaft
Auction 71, 29-30 April 2014, a much smaller silver more common version of this medal sold for 480 euro.  read more

Code: 23707

A Very Fine British ‘Brown Bess’ India Pattern Infantry Musket, Of The Napoleonic Wars Period. For Over One Hundred Years The British ‘Brown Bess’ Was The Most Famed and Feared Musket In The World. No Army In The World Failed To Respect Them

You would have to go a long way to find a better untouched example of a regulation ‘3rd Pattern’ ‘Brown Bess’ from the Napoleonic wars, and most importantly used from Quatre Bras and Waterloo

The stock has super patina, very sound, great condition, untouched and devoid of restoration and a great and fabulous feel of quality and heft.
A perfect example of an historic original Napoleonic ‘sleeper’ A musket, that once retired from British Army combat service, was placed in sound and dry storage, and has remained untouched for nigh on 200 years.

All the fittings are very good, a superb regulation length barrel, fine lock, trigger guard, butt plate, etc, ramrod, sling swivels and brass mounts, new land pattern flush fitting side plate with central screw to avoid recoil damage to the side nails. With a fine leather strap, good action, good proof marks, good inspection stamps, good dating. Effectively, everything you would want to see in an infantryman’s musket, that was contracted, supplied to the British infantry, and used in the last great battles of Napoleon from 1814 when he was first defeated, and most importantly, in his last Hurrah, the 100 Days War, the final Napoleonic War, a desperate gamble to reclaim his title, his throne and empire, culminating at Quatre Bras and Waterloo, and what a historical beauty!

In fact he very nearly succeeded, if it wasn’t for the tactical skill of the iron Duke, and his indomitable army, of fearless English, Scottish, Irish and Welsh infantryman and the great Prussian volunteers of the KGL. With the able last minute assistance from Field Marshal Blucher (*who, interestingly, and allegedly, believed he was pregnant during Waterloo) and his Prussians, direct from their battle and defeat at Ligny.

One of the 142,970 British contract made 'India Pattern' muskets turned over by the East India Co. army to the British Board of Ordnance for the Napoleonic wars, due to the urgent need for arms to counter Napoleon's massive armament reserve.

The lock is stamped by the primary, senior ordnance inspector, Richard Duce {his mark of Crown 2}. Who was also the controller of tempering & hardening of locks, after their arrival from the stores for fitting to the musket, and apparently he inspected all the EIC bess that were handed over to the British Ordnance for the Napoleonic Wars. An account that was confirmed to us by our friend and historic colleague, Howard Blackmore of the Tower of London armoury.

The musket was the standard weapon issued to the British soldier throughout the 18th and early-19th centuries. It would be the 'India', also known as the 'Third Pattern' Brown Bess musket that would play a central and pivotal role in the wars against Revolutionary and Napoleonic France.

By the end of the American Revolutionary War in 1783, the British Army was armed with the Pattern 1777 and Pattern 1779(S) Short Land Pattern musket. This was a musket made to the strict quality guidelines of the Board of Ordnance, and was characterised by its 42 in barrel. After the war the expectation was for a period of peace, a time when the need for Ordnance materials would be low, so the standing contracts for the Pattern 1777 and the Pattern 1779(S) musket were cancelled. Parliament was not prepared to fund equipment it deemed unnecessary, so financial retrenchment was the order of the day. No change there then

The world changed in 1793, a mere 10 years after the loss of the American colonies. Britain found itself once again at war, this time with Revolutionary France. An army now reduced in size to an authorized strength of only 44,432 men had to be expanded rapidly, along with the local militia and volunteer forces. The call for muskets was huge. Indeed, in 1793 the total stock of muskets in armouries around Britain, including the central arsenal at the Tower of London, was around a mere 60,000. The stocks held in French arsenals amounted to over a very sensible 700,000.

Something needed to be done. At first the Board of Ordnance tried to ramp up production of the Short Land Pattern muskets by engaging new contractors. Yet despite producing over 31,000 muskets in 1793 the numbers were still woefully inadequate for the expanding forces.

The Board of Ordnance had to fill the gap. They did this by ordering 10,000 muskets from the Birmingham gun trade and 10,000 from their usual emergency suppliers in Liege, Belgium. However this was still not enough, especially as the private contractors in both Birmingham and London were hard at work fulfilling orders for the private trade and for the East India Company, one of the biggest private purchasers of military arms. To begin to solve this lack of supply the Master General of the Ordnance, the Duke of Richmond, suggested to the government that they persuade the East India Company to sell their stocks of muskets to the government and also to agree not to place any further orders until the Ordnance's requirements were met.

The duke wrote to the Home Secretary, Henry Dundas, on the matter. As Chairman of the Board of Control of the East India Company Dundas had earlier been instrumental in securing parliamentary approval for the renewal of the East India Company's monopoly. The duke stated that he was: 'aware how unpleasant it must be to take such a step, and to deliver out to our troops these East India Company muskets, but ... the least important must give way to the most; and you will be best able to judge whether the East India Company can admit of a delay in respect of theses arms. And altho' they might not be quite so perfect as ours, they undoubtedly must be serviceable ones, and such as the new Raised Corps must put up with on the current Emergency.'

This suggestion was met with agreement, and the idea of introducing the East India Company's arms into British Army service was conceived. By the end of 1794 the East India Company had delivered 29,920 muskets into government stores, all that they could spare. Indeed transactions for East India Company muskets would continue throughout the duration of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. By 1815, the East India Company had sold the Board of Ordnance at least 142,970 small arms.

The musket that the East India Company supplied was one originally designed by General Lawrence for East India Company service, altered and simplified by Lieutenant Colonel Edward Windus in 1771. The musket in Company service became known as the 'Windus' pattern. In 1795, the Board of Ordnance began to order 'India Pattern' muskets on its own account and by 1797 it officially adopted the musket as the Model 1793 and began to place substantial orders for it with the Birmingham gun trade.

The Model 1793 India Pattern musket was standardized by the Board of Ordnance in 1797, taking account of its comparable cheapness, simplicity of design and ease of manufacture. By the end of 1797, the Birmingham gun trade was able to deliver some 72,000 muskets to the government proof house at Bagot Street. The success of this model was self evident, along with its slightly modified successor the Model 1809 India Pattern. They produced at an average price of 18 shillings and 5 pence (roughly £3,000 in today's money).

This fabulous example was one of those desperately required Brown Besses.

The Brown Bess musket was the standard weapon of the British infantry for more than a century. Soldiers on both sides of the War of 1812 employed it in battle, staring down its barrel at opponents across distances of less than a hundred yards.

Flintlock musket
The Brown Bess musket was the standard weapon of the British for more than a century.
British foot soldiers marched into battle with this musket—nicknamed “Brown Bess”—for more than 100 years. British redcoats used the Brown Bess to fight the War of Independence in the colonies, and many of their opponents in the Americans’ Continental army used it as well. British soldiers fighting in the Napoleonic wars carried it into battle, and it was the principal firearm used by the infantrymen who fought the War of 1812.

The Brown Bess had several distinctive features. It was a large-calibre weapon: the bullet it fired was a lead ball up to three-quarters of an inch in diameter, three times the diameter of a modern .22-caliber rifle round. The inside of its barrel was smooth: unlike more accurate “rifled” muskets used by the famous rifle regiments, the Brown Bess had a smooth bore with no grooves to make its fire more accurate. Soldiers loaded the musket through the muzzle, which meant that each bullet had to be forced down a longer than three foot barrel before firing. Even trained soldiers could only launch two or three shots per minute.

Because the weapon was slow to load and relatively inaccurate (experienced soldiers generally estimated its range between 50 and 100 yards), armies developed tactics that helped compensate for its shortcomings. The limitations of smoothbore muskets like the Brown Bess forced units employ “linear tactics,” in which a hundreds of soldiers stood in neat lines, shoulder-to-shoulder and out in the open. While such tactics appear decidedly unstealthy to twenty-first century eyes, they proved essential on the battlefields of all the conflicts which Britain was involved.
There, stealth was a low priority. Packing the men into blocs allowed officers to coordinate their troops’ fire into synchronized volleys. Firing a hundred guns in the same direction at once helped ensure that at least some, often most of the inaccurate musket balls found their targets. And grouping the men into neat lines out in the open helped commanders ensure that few of their troops gave in to the natural instinct to flee.

Of course, packing troops into blocks and fighting in the open required tremendous discipline from the individual soldiers. Infantrymen had to stand exposed to enemy fire as they loaded and fired their own muskets. And in some situations, soldiers learned the grisly dangers of fighting in lines—as at the Battle of New Orleans in the 1812 war, where American artillery attacked the exposed British formations with devastating effect.

The last photo in the gallery shows a photograph of one section of the collection in the museum of Waterloo, taken in around 1900, showing all the weapons of Waterloo en situ, including all the protagonists {British, French, Prussian and Belgian muskets, swords, pistols, armour uniforms, etc}. The museum was founded and owned by a veteran of the 7th Hussars that fought at Waterloo

*While Blucher’s "pregnancy" was a metaphor, it was widely joked about by contemporary figures as a sign of his mental exhaustion and stress following the war.  read more

Code: 26181

Stunning & Very Rare Kings Royal Rifles Corps Officer's 'Battle Honour Blade' Presentation, Wilkinson Sword Co. Combined Combat and Dress Sword, Used In WW2. A Deluxe Grade Bespoke Beauty. Ideal For Current Service Use In ‘The Rifles’

This is likely the finest British battle honour bladed sword we have ever had the privilege to acquire and possess. In near mint condition and better than any we have ever seen in the numerous museum collections, such as the National Army Museum and the Imperial War Museum.

The next owner of this sword would be likely the bearer of the finest, historical issue, KRRC {now known as The Rifles} officer’s sword still in existence today. Yet it is ‘parade ground’ ready for any currently serving, or yet due to serve, officer of The Rifles today.

With KRRC battle honour embellished blade, etched with the regiments battle honours awarded to the regiment up to the close of WW1 in 1918. Made in 1931 by Wilkinson Sword Co. and used by an officer in the KRRC through WW2. It is very rare to find a KRRC ‘Battle Honour’ presentation pattern sword, in fact this is the first we have seen in over 20 years.

Despite being almost 100 years old it is still the current service pattern of sword for a Rifles officer today. Especially as it now has the same pattern of hilt currently in use bearing King Charles’ crown { the same crown symbolising his late beloved grandfather King George VIth.}

The King's Royal Rifle Corps was an infantry rifle regiment of the British Army that was originally raised in British North America as the Royal American Regiment during the phase of the Seven Years' War in North America known as 'The French and Indian War.' Subsequently numbered the 60th Regiment of Foot, the regiment served for more than 200 years throughout the British Empire.

The King's Royal Rifle Corps (KRRC) served extensively in World War II as a motorized infantry regiment, fighting in France (1940), North Africa, Greece, Italy, and Northwest Europe (1944–45). Key actions included the defense of Calais, the battle of Sidi Rezegh, and operations with armored divisions, winning 41 battle honors.Key Theatres and Battalions:1940 (France): The 2nd Battalion was captured at Dunkirk after fighting in the defense of Calais, while other territorial battalions (Queen Victoria's Rifles, The Rangers, Queen's Westminsters) also served.North Africa (1940–43): The 1st Battalion served with the 7th Armoured Division, and later the 2nd Battalion joined the campaign. They were heavily involved in the motorized, fast-moving, and intense tank battles.Italy (1943–45): 1st and 2nd Battalions fought throughout the Italian campaign, protecting tanks and conducting operations in close, mountainous country.North-West Europe (1944–45): The 2nd Battalion landed in Normandy, fighting in the Battle of Normandy and Operation Market Garden.

In the First World War the 1st Battalion landed at Rouen as part of the 6th Brigade in the 2nd Division in August 1914 for service on the Western Front. It saw action at the Battle of Mons in August 1914, the First Battle of the Marne and the First Battle of the Aisne in September 1914 and First Battle of Ypres in October 1914. It fought at the Battle of Festubert in May 1915, the Battle of Loos in September 1915 and the Battle of the Somme in Autumn 1916 before taking part in the advance to the Hindenburg Line, the Battle of Arras in November 1917, the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917, the Second Battle of the Somme in Autumn 1918 and the Battle of the Selle in October 1918.
The 2nd Battalion landed at Le Havre as part of the 2nd Brigade in the 1st Division in August 1914 for service on the Western Front and saw action at the Battle of Aubers Ridge in May 1915.
The 3rd Battalion landed at Le Havre as part of the 80th Brigade in the 27th Division in December 1914 for service on the Western Front and saw action at the Second Battle of Ypres in April 1915.

The 4th Battalion landed at Le Havre as part of the 80th Brigade in the 27th Division in December 1914 for service on the Western Front and saw action at the Second Battle of Ypres in April 1915 but moved to Salonika in November 1915 before returning to France in June 1918.
New armies
The 7th (Service) Battalion landed at Boulogne-sur-Mer as part of the 41st Brigade in the 14th (Light) Division in August 1914 for service on the Western Front and saw action the Second Battle of Ypres in May 1915, the Battle of Delville Wood in July 1916 and the Battle of Flers Courcelette in September 1916 as well as the advance to the Hindenburg Line, the Battle of Arras in April 1917, the Battle of Langemark in August 1917, the First Battle of Passchendaele in October 1917 and the Second Battle of Passchendaele in November 1917 before taking part in the Battle of St Quentin in March 1918 and the Battle of the Avre in April 1918.

The 8th (Service) Battalion landed at Boulogne-sur-Mer as part of the 41st Brigade in the 14th (Light) Division in May 1915 for service on the Western Front and saw action most of the same battles as the 7th Battalion. The 9th (Service) Battalion landed at Boulogne-sur-Mer as part of the 42nd Brigade in the 14th (Light) Division in May 1915 for service on the Western Front and saw action most of the same battles as the 7th and 8th battalions.

The 10th (Service) Battalion and 11th (Service) Battalion landed at Boulogne-sur-Mer as part of the 59th Brigade in the 20th (Light) Division in July 1915 for service on the Western Front and saw action at the Battle of Mont Sorrel in June 1916, the Battle of Delville Wood in July 1916 and the Battle of Guillemont in September 1916 as well as the Battle of Flers Courcelette in September 1916, the Battle of Morval in September 1916 and the Battle of Le Transloy in October 1916 before taking part in the advance to the Hindenburg Line, the Battle of Langemarck in August 1917, the Battle of the Menin Road Ridge in September 1917, the Battle of Polygon Wood in September 1917 and the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917.

The 12th (Service) Battalion landed at Boulogne-sur-Mer as part of the 60th Brigade in the 20th (Light) Division in July 1915 for service on the Western Front and saw action most of the same battles as the 10th and 11th Battalions. The 13th (Service) Battalion landed at Boulogne-sur-Mer as part of the 111th Brigade in the 37th Division in July 1915 for service on the Western Front and saw action at the Battle of Morval in September 1916, the advance to the Hindenburg Line and the Battle of Arras in April 1917 as well as the Battle of Passchendaele in Autumn 1917, the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 and the Hundred Days Offensive in Autumn 1918 before taking part in the Battles of the Hindenburg Line and the Final Advance in Picardy.
Seven members of the regiment received the Victoria Cross. Complete with its field service leather scabbard

This below is the full list of the heroic ‘Battle Honours’ awarded to this most noble of regiments/corps.

Battle of Ahmed Khel
Aisne 1914
Albert 1916
Battle of Albuera
Battle of the Argenta Gap
Arras 1917
Arras 1918 (Battle honour)
Battle of Aubers
B
Siege of Badajoz (1812)
Battle of Arleux
Battle of Bailleul
Battle of Beaurevoir
Battle of Bellewaarde
Battle of Bethune
Battle of Courtrai (1918)
Battle of Drocourt-Queant
Battle of Épehy
Battle of Festubert
Battle of Flers–Courcelette
Battle of Frezenberg
Battle of Gheluvelt
Battle of Goojerat
Battle of Gravenstafel
Battle of Kemmel
Battle of Martinique (1762)
Battle of Menin Road
Battle of Nonne Bosschen
Battle of Rosières
Battle of St. Julien
Battle of the Ancre
Battle of the Canal du Nord
Battle of the Hindenburg Line
Battle of Bazentin Ridge
Battle of Broodseinde
Battle of Bussaco
C
Calais 1940
Battle of Cambrai (1917)
Battle of Cambrai (1918)
Chitral Expedition
D
Defence of Alamein Line
Defence of Ladysmith
Delhi 1857
Battle of Delville Wood
E
Egypt 1882
F
First Battle of the Marne
France and Flanders 1914–18
Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro
G
Battle of Gazala
Greece 1941
Battle of Guillemont
H
Battle of Havrincourt
I
Italy 1943–45
K
Kandahar 1880
L
Relief of Ladysmith
Battle of Langemarck (1917)
Battle of Le Transloy
M
Macedonian front
Martinique 1762
Martinique 1809
Battle of Morval
N
Battle of the Nive
Battle of Nivelle
North-West Europe 1940
O
Battle of Orthez
P
Pekin 1860
Battle of Pilckem Ridge
Battle of Poelcappelle
Battle of Polygon Wood
Battle of Pozières
Battle of the Pyrenees
Q
Quebec 1759
R
Battle of Roliça
S
Battle of St Quentin Canal
Battle of Salamanca
Capture of Schwaben Redoubt
Second Anglo-Afghan War
Battle of the Selle
South Africa 1851–53
South Africa 1879
South Africa 1899–1902
T
Battle of Talavera
Battle of Tell El Kebir
Battle of the Ancre Heights
Battle of the Sambre (1918)
Tobruk 1941
Battle of Toulouse (1814)
V
Battle of Vitoria
Y
Ypres 1914
Ypres 1915
Ypres 1917

A best quality modern example available today would cost ‘from’ £1450 but would not have the Battle Honour presentation blade, and naturally possess no antique historic value at all.

However, 21 years ago when Wilkinson Sword Co. ceased the manufacture of all sword making, a presentation, bespoke, Battle Honour sword would cost well north of £2000. plus vat.  read more

Code: 22171