A Very Fine, Section Marked, S.D., WW2 German Polizei Dagger. by Holler. One of Two Polizei Daggers Just Arrived But Sold Seperately.

We acquired a stunning pair, but we are selling them separately. this example is S.D. stamped.

They are WW2 veteran’s war trophies, direct from the family of their original veteran, and never before seen upon the open collector’s market.

When Hitler came to power, the many German Police organizations still operating through their respective states and provinces were centralized under the guidance of SS-Reichsführer Himmler. Reinhard Heydrich’s had command over the SD, the SS Security Service of the NS Movement. At that point, the foundations of the Nazi police state were firmly laid, and the agencies for controlled police terror

An absolutely superb example, that would be most unlikely to improve upon. With serial numbers. Pommel form: eagle head Stylised feathers are depicted in relief. Pommel meets grips vertically. Grips form: two-piece staghorn retained by two large dome-headed rivets. Underside of grips very slightly shaped to hand, back flat and straight. Pinned between the retaining rivets of the right grip is a white metal badge in the form of the Wehrmacht eagle surmounting a swastika enclosed by a small circular wreath. The eagle's wings rest upon an open oval oakleaf wreath. Crossguard form: lower guard formed into short backswept quillon with flared terminal. Upper guard, extending above back of blade, is concave ground. Left and right sides, except for that section stamped with the unit mark, are adorned with oakleaves and acorns in low relief. Blade form: long, single-edged, spear point, fullered. Fullers from crossguard and extend to blade tip. Bayonet finish: all metal parts nickel plated.

Himmler and Heydrich wanted to extend the power of the SS; thus, they urged Hitler to form a national police force overseen by the SS, to guard Nazi Germany against its many enemies at the time real and imagined. He fused the Criminal Investigative Police (Kripo) and the Gestapo (the political police) to form the Security Police (Sicherheitspolizei or Sipo)

The S.D. and Sipo Interior Minister Frick also wanted a national police force, but one controlled by him, with Kurt Daluege as his police chief. Hitler left it to Himmler and Heydrich to work out the arrangements with Frick. Himmler and Heydrich had greater bargaining power, as they were allied with Frick's old enemy, Goring. Heydrich drew up a set of proposals and Himmler sent him to meet with Frick. An angry Frick then consulted with Hitler, who told him to agree to the proposals. Frick acquiesced, and on 17 June 1936 Hitler decreed the unification of all police forces in the Reich, and named Himmler Chief of German Police. In this role, Himmler was still nominally subordinate to Frick. In practice, however, the police was now effectively a division of the SS, and hence independent of Frick's control. This move gave Himmler operational control over Germany's entire detective force. He also gained authority over all of Germany's uniformed law enforcement agencies, which were amalgamated into the new Ordnungspolizei (Orpo: "order police"), which became a branch of the SS under Daluege. The Ordnungspolizei was separate from the SS and maintained a system of insignia and Orpo ranks. It was possible for policemen to be members of the SS but without active duties. Police generals who were members of the SS were referred to simultaneously by both rank titles during the war. For instance, a Generalleutnant in the Police who was also an SS member would be referred to as SS Gruppenfuhrer und Generalleutnant der Polizei. In addition, those Orpo police generals that undertook the duties of both Senior SS and Police Leader (Huhere SS und Polizeifuhrer) gained equivalent Waffen-SS ranks in August 1944 when Himmler was appointed Chef der Ersatzheeres (Chief of Home Army), because they had authority over the prisoner-of-war camps in their area.

Heinrich Himmler's ultimate aim was to replace the regular police forces of Germany with a combined racial/state protection corps (Staatsschutzkorps) of pure SS units. Local law enforcement would be undertaken by the Allgemeine-SS with the Waffen-SS providing homeland-security and political-police functions. Historical analysis of the Third Reich has revealed that senior Orpo personnel knew of Himmler's plan and were opposed to it.

The design of the dagger (with eagle head pommel, horn grip plates and leather scabbard) originated for the Prussian police in 1929. Those style bayonet knives are by far the most found by collectors as the Prussian police force was by far the largest in Germany. The Prussian design bayonet was chosen by the Nazis as the design for their nationalized police in 1936. The Prussian police produced two hilt designs: with bayonet attachment and without. Those bayonets produced with bayonet attachment fittings were issued to members of the Schutzpolizei Bereitschaften (Protection Police Riot/Emergency Companies) while the other style were issued to all other members of the Schutzpolizei, the Landjagerei (rural police using brown color leather scabbards) and the Gemeindepolizei (using black color leather scabbards like the Schutzpolizei).
After 1936, the Prussian style was adopted for police in all the Laender of Germany with the III Reich police insignia being installed on the grips. In 1938/39 the original long style Prussian bayonets were supposed to be shortened with the famous clamshell removed. This was not always accomplished. This style of bayonet was continued in production until 1940/41. This was always considered a standard service issue bayonet and was worn on duty and for special occasions by the Prussians. After the Nazi conversions, police parade regulations stipulated that the S.84/98 bayonet was to be worn, not this service bayonet.

Souvenirs such as these were taken by the magnificent British & Commonwealth and Allied combatants throughout the world. Although the names of those veterans are most sadly often now lost in the mists of time, their heroic excursions with never be forgotten by most of us, as they are also symbolised by these very war trophies, that hundreds of thousands of allied veterans perished for, in order for the survivors to regain world freedom, cruelly stolen by the Axis Powers. Of course not all the world gained such freedoms at the end of 1945, but at least hundreds of millions did, which is a remarkable achievement, achieved by our finest generation, and by those that sacrificed all.  read more

Code: 24721

Just Arrived! A Superb, Small Collection of Early, & Historical 18th Century Indian Swords From the Siege and Relief Of Lucknow. Battle Trophies of an Irish Captain Of the 32nd Foot

The 32nd (Cornwall) Regiment of Foot played a key role in defending the Residency during the Siege of Lucknow in the Indian Mutiny (1857-1859). After the British annexation of Oudh, the 32nd's mess house, the Khursheed Manzil, was occupied by the regiment, which then helped fortify the Residency. Under Colonel John Inglis, the regiment held out for 140 days, winning four Victoria Crosses for acts of gallantry during the prolonged siege. The regiment was retitled the 32nd (Cornwall) Regiment of Foot (Light Infantry) in recognition of its heroic actions during the defense of Lucknow.
When the Indian Mutiny broke out, the 32nd Regiment of Foot was stationed at Lucknow and was a cornerstone of the British defence of the Residency.
The regiment's commander, Colonel John Inglis, took command of the garrison after the death of the Chief Commissioner, Sir Henry Lawrence.
The 32nd Regiment of Foot endured constant attacks, severe casualties from intense heat, and the ravages of cholera during the 140-day siege.

Gifted to the family by Irish born Capt. H.G.Browne {later Colonel of the 100th Foot} who died just before WW1 and was buried near his home on the Isle of Wight.

17th to 18th century Indian tulwar swords and a khanda, all to be sold seperately, however, some could make a fabulous display paired and crossed. some are in great condition, one has had its knuckle bow blasted in half, possibly by cannon shot, and one has so many combat sword cuts on its edge they are almost too numerous to count. A very impressive piece for the display of its historical context as a sword of battle.

First Siege
Full-scale rebellion reached Lucknow on May 30 and Lawrence was compelled to use the British 32nd Regiment of Foot to drive the rebels from the city. Improving his defenses, Lawrence conducted a reconnaissance in force to the north on June 30, but was forced back to Lucknow after encountering a well-organized sepoy force at Chinat. Falling back to the Residency, Lawrence's force of 855 British soldiers, 712 loyal sepoys, 153 civilian volunteers, and 1,280 non-combatants was besieged by the rebels.

Comprising around sixty acres, the Residency defenses were centered on six buildings and four entrenched batteries. In preparing the defenses, British engineers had wanted to demolish the large number of palaces, mosques, and administrative buildings that surrounded the Residency, but Lawrence, not wishing to further anger the local populace, ordered them saved. As a result, they provided covered positions for rebel troops and artillery when attacks began on July 1.

The next day Lawrence was mortally wounded by a shell fragment and died on July 4. Command devolved to Colonel Sir John Inglis of the 32nd Foot. Though the rebels possessed around 8,000 men, a lack of unified command prevented them from overwhelming Inglis' troops.

The sieges and reliefs of Lucknow cost the British around 2,500 killed, wounded, and missing while rebel losses are not known. Though Outram and Havelock wished to clear the city, Campbell elected to evacuate as other rebel forces were threatening Cawnpore. While British artillery bombarded the nearby Kaisarbagh, the non-combatants were removed to Dilkuska Park and then on to Cawnpore.

To hold the area, Outram was left at the easily held Alambagh with 4,000 men. The fighting at Lucknow was seen as a test of British resolve and the final day of the second relief produced more Victoria Cross winners than any other single day. Lucknow was retaken by Campbell the following March.  read more

Code: 25918

An Indian Kulah Khud Helmet With Fully Etched and Engraved With Exotic Birds and Figures. Mounted With the Traditional Spike & Peacock Feather Plume Mounts

Just returned from two weeks cleaning, hand conservation, and hand polishing.

Khula Khud helmets of this design originated in Central Asia, and this form were worn by Persian Empire soldiers in the 18th and 19th Centuries.

Despite the similarity in their design, the Kulah Khud helmets were decorated with a wide degree of variations depending on the cultures from which they were created. Decorations often appeared in the skull and the nasal bar, which were often heavily decorated with patterned motifs of inlaid brass, silver or gold; or decorated with figurative images.
Some Mughal helmets feature calligraphic inscriptions from the Quran, supposedly to gain "Help from Allah and a speedy victory." Made of steel, these bowl-shaped helmets were designed as either low and flat, or high and pointed. They sometimes contained a spike socket such as this one, at the top of the helmet, which resembles a spearhead with a cross-like section.
Two or three plume holders were attached on either side of the skull, used to mount feathers from birds such as the egret or peacock.

As one can see their design was not only perfectly functional and effective for combat, but aesthetically, extraordinarily beautiful, and once fully armoured the Mughal warrior of the time would look incredibly impressive and remarkably intimidating.

The last picture in the gallery is a later interpretation of the legendary ruler Saladin, Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi, wearing his version of the khula khud dome topped, chain mailed helmet.

“From his earliest days, Saladin exhibited qualities that would later define him as a leader. His upbringing introduced a strong sense of discipline, duty, and honor. The principles of martial ethics, integral to the Ayyubid household, became the pillars upon which his future actions would rest.
As he navigated the labyrinthine corridors of his youth in Tikrit, Saladin could not have known the extraordinary path that lay before him. It was a path carved by the hands of destiny; a journey that would see him rise from these modest beginnings to become a figure of global significance.
Saladin’s early life in Tikrit, steeped in the traditions of his Kurdish heritage and shaped by the legacy of his Ayyubid lineage, sowed the seeds of greatness. Little did he know that he would one day ascend to heights of power and leadership, leaving a permanent mark on the records of history. His journey was beginning, and the world would soon witness the remarkable destiny of Salah ad-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub.”  read more

Code: 25926

A Good & Rare Antique, Malaysian, Kampilan Long Sword. A Sword Very Rarely Seen in Europe. The Kapampangan Name of the Kampilan was "Talibong" and The Hilt on the Talibong Represented the Dragon Naga,

Just returned from excellent hand cleaning polishing and conservation in the workshop

A rare antique tribal sword, with a somewhat crude carved hilt, but superbly effective in the terrain and jungles of the Philippines. It is a most rare example as most were fitted with a domestic made twin pointed blade, wheras this sword has a very special, imported broadsword blade, designed for serious combat situations.

The standard kampilan is a type of single-edged long sword, used in the Philippine islands of Mindanao, Visayas, and Luzon. This unusual variant has a long 33.5 inch double edged blade more reminiscent of a European broadsword, more similar to the sword of Datu Lapu-Lapu, legendary warrior Philippine king of the Mactan. Very likely a good early German trade blade.

The kampilan has a distinct profile, with the tapered blade being much broader and thinner at the point than at its base, sometimes with a protruding spikelet along the flat side of the tip and a bifurcated hilt which is believed to represent a mythical creature's open mouth.

The Maguindanao and the Maranao of mainland Mindanao preferred this weapon as opposed to the Tausug of Sulu who favoured the barung. The Kapampangan name of the Kampilan was "Talibong" and the hilt on the Talibong represented the dragon Naga, however the creature represented varies between different ethnic groups. Its use by the Illocanos have also been seen in various ancient records.

A notable wielder of the kampilan was Datu Lapu-Lapu (the king of Mactan) and his warriors, who defeated the Spaniards and killed Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan at the Battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521.

The mention of the kampilan in ancient Filipino epics originating from other non-Muslim areas such as the Hiligaynon Hinilawod and the Ilocano Biag ni Lam-Ang is possible evidence for the sword's widespread usage throughout the archipelago during the ancient times. Today, the kampilan is portrayed in Filipino art and ancient tradition. The hilt is quite long in order to counterbalance the weight and length of the blade and is made of hardwood. As with the blade, the design of the hilt's profile is relatively consistent from blade to blade, combining to make the kampilan an effective combat weapon.

The complete tang of the kampilan disappears into a crossguard, which is often decoratively carved in an okir (geometric or flowing) pattern.The guard prevents the enemy's weapon from sliding all the way down the blade onto bearer's hand and also prevents the bearer's hand from sliding onto the blade while thrusting.

The most distinctive design element of the hilt is the Pommel, which is shaped to represent a creature's wide open mouth. The represented creature varies from sword to sword depending on the culture. Sometimes it is a real animal such as a monitor lizard or a crocodile, but more often the animal depicted is mythical, with the naga and the bakonawa being popular designs. Some kampilan also have animal or human hair tassels attached to the hilt as a form of decoration.

No scabbard  read more

Code: 16828

Historical 17th-18th Century Indian Tulwar Sword From the Siege and Relief Of Lucknow. Battle Trophy of Irish Captain Of the 32nd Foot, Capt. H.G.Browne V.C. From His Collection of Swords From The Battles & Defence.

The 32nd (Cornwall) Regiment of Foot played a key role in defending the Residency during the Siege of Lucknow in the Indian Mutiny (1857-1859). After the British annexation of Oudh, the 32nd's mess house, the Khursheed Manzil, was occupied by the regiment, which then helped fortify the Residency. Under Colonel John Inglis, the regiment held out for 140 days, winning four Victoria Crosses for acts of gallantry during the prolonged siege. The regiment was retitled the 32nd (Cornwall) Regiment of Foot (Light Infantry) in recognition of its heroic actions during the defense of Lucknow.
When the Indian Mutiny broke out, the 32nd Regiment of Foot was stationed at Lucknow and was a cornerstone of the British defence of the Residency.
The regiment's commander, Colonel John Inglis, took command of the garrison after the death of the Chief Commissioner, Sir Henry Lawrence.
The 32nd Regiment of Foot endured constant attacks, severe casualties from intense heat, and the ravages of cholera during the 140-day siege.

Gifted to the family by Irish born Capt. H.G.Browne {later Colonel of the 100th Foot} who died just before WW1 and was buried near his home on the Isle of Wight. A very early tulwar, and the blade was deeply pitted through great age even before the siege, but the hilt was damaged during the siege and battles at the Lucknow defences, very likely by a cannon shot as the impact seems too drastic and singular to be by musket fire, or by simple hand to hand combat. Very bright polished blade, and a nicely black patinated hilt. Perfect for an intriguiging historical collection or display.

The First Siege
Full-scale rebellion reached Lucknow on May 30 1857, and Lawrence was compelled to use the British 32nd Regiment of Foot to drive the rebels from the city. Improving his defenses, Lawrence conducted a reconnaissance in force to the north on June 30, but was forced back to Lucknow after encountering a well-organized sepoy force at Chinat. Falling back to the Residency, Lawrence's force of 855 British soldiers, 712 loyal sepoys, 153 civilian volunteers, and 1,280 non-combatants was besieged by the rebels.

Comprising around sixty acres, the Residency defenses were centered on six buildings and four entrenched batteries. In preparing the defenses, British engineers had wanted to demolish the large number of palaces, mosques, and administrative buildings that surrounded the Residency, but Lawrence, not wishing to further anger the local populace, ordered them saved. As a result, they provided covered positions for rebel troops and artillery when attacks began on July 1.

The next day Lawrence was mortally wounded by a shell fragment and died on July 4. Command devolved to Colonel Sir John Inglis of the 32nd Foot. Though the rebels possessed around 8,000 men, a lack of unified command prevented them from overwhelming Inglis' troops.

The sieges and reliefs of Lucknow cost the British around 2,500 killed, wounded, and missing while rebel losses are not known. Though Outram and Havelock wished to clear the city, Campbell elected to evacuate as other rebel forces were threatening Cawnpore. While British artillery bombarded the nearby Kaisarbagh, the non-combatants were removed to Dilkuska Park and then on to Cawnpore.

To hold the area, Outram was left at the easily held Alambagh with 4,000 men. The fighting at Lucknow was seen as a test of British resolve and the final day of the second relief produced more Victoria Cross winners than any other single day. Lucknow was retaken by Campbell the following March.  read more

Code: 25925

An Antique, 19th Century Long & Straight Sword of A Mandinka Warrior, West African, Very Long Fluted Broadsword Blade With Leather Covered Baluster Hilt, .

In some areas they are referred to locally as termed a 'kota' and in the scabbard was termed 'kotaholga' ( house 'for the sword')

The Mandinka are the descendants of the Mali Empire, which rose to power in the 13th century under the rule of king Sundiata Keita, who founded an empire that would go on to span a large part of West Africa. They migrated west from the Niger River in search of better agricultural lands and more opportunities for conquest. Nowadays, the Mandinka inhabit the West Sudanian savanna region extending from The Gambia and the Casamance region in Senegal to Ivory Coast. Although widespread, the Mandinka constitute the largest ethnic group only in the countries of Mali, Guinea and The Gambia. Most Mandinka live in family-related compounds in traditional rural villages. Their traditional society has featured socially stratified castes.Mandinka communities have been fairly autonomous and self-ruled, being led by a chief and group of elders. Mandinka has been an oral society, where mythologies, history and knowledge are verbally transmitted from one generation to the next. Their music and literary traditions are preserved by a caste of griots, known locally as jelis, as well as guilds and brotherhoods like the donso (hunters).

Between the 16th and 19th centuries, many Muslim and non-Muslim Mandinka people, along with numerous other African ethnic groups, were captured, enslaved and shipped to the Americas. They intermixed with slaves and workers of other ethnicities, creating a Creole culture. The Mandinka people significantly influenced the African heritage of descended peoples now found in Brazil, the Southern United States and, to a lesser extent, the Caribbean.

This high-status sword from The Gambia demonstrates the widespread African practice of importing European sword blades and supplying them with a hilt and scabbard of local style. The blades of such Mandinka dress swords are usually reflecting the economic networks of European colonial influence. These swords were the exclusive prerogative of Mandinka men of importance or social standing and were intended to enhance their impressive and martial appearance.

Photos in the gallery of 19th century Sudanese warriors but carrying very similar swords with cruciform broadsword blades like this one and the paddle ended scabbards  read more

Code: 25921

A Superb Nagamaki Naoshi 'Uno Kubi Zukuri' Bladed 500 Year Old Koto Era Samurai Sword Signed Kanesada Saku of Seki Dated 1521, Last Used and Surrendered In 1945

A truly exceptional, superb and ancient, Nagamaki Naoshi 'uno kubi zukuri' shaped samurai sword, made around 500 years ago, and last used and mounted for a Japanese officer serving his Emperor in the Pacific campaign in WW2. This sword was made in the Japanese reign of Eishou 永正 (1504 - 1521)

One of the best ancient 'ancestral family bladed' shingunto katana of its type we have seen in years. With a signed blade, the signature, Seki Kanesada Saku.

Kanesada of Seki made this and dated 1521.

This wonderful sword was surrendered to a British officer and kept as a souvenir since 1945. An absolute gem of a blade.

The Unokubi Zukuri blade style is known as the 'cormorant's neck' blade form, that is patterned after the shape of the ancient Nagamaki, the powerful long-handled sword, popular between the 12th and 14th centuries.

Notable for the strongly relieved shinogi-ji and o-kissaki, the Unokubi-Zukuri provides excellent balance in a strong cutting blade. The mune (back) of the blade is also different from the more usual form in that it starts out like most blades, but after a third of the way down, the mune thins out rapidly into a long thin false edge. It has two hi from the habaki on one side and a wide single hi on the other. Silver foiled habaki. It has its original, antique, Edo period saya, decorated in cinnabar colour lacquer with buffalo horn kurigata, beneath a combat leather cover, typical for the World War 2 period.

Typical 1934 pattern tsuka and tsuba but deeply bespoke curved to follow the very deep and beautiful curvature of the blade. The saya has a hole at the base for the blade to be mounted with sageo loop.
The type of conflicts that this sword would very likely have seen service in would have been the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. Initially, Tokugawa Ieyasu's Eastern Army had 75,000 men, while the Western Army numbered 120,000. Ieyasu had also sneaked in a supply of arquebuses. Knowing that the Tokugawa forces were heading towards Osaka, Ishida decided to abandon his positions and marched to Sekigahara. Even though the Western army had tremendous tactical advantages, Ieyasu had already been in contact with many of the daimyo in the Western Army for months, promising them land and leniency after the battle should they switch sides.

The battle started when Fukushima Masanori, the leader of the Tokugawa advance guard, charged north from the Eastern Army's left flank along the Fuji River against the Western Army's right centre. The ground was still muddy from the previous day's rain, so the conflict there devolved into something more primal. Ieyasu then ordered attacks from his right and his centre against the Western Army’s left in order to support Fukushima's attack.

This left Mori Terumoto's Western Army's centre unscathed, so Ishida ordered this unit under the command of Shimazu Yoshihiro to reinforce his right flank. Shimazu refused as daimyo of the day only listened to respected commanders, which Ishida was not.

Recent scholarship by Professor Yoshiji Yamasaki of Toho University has indicated that the Mori faction had reached a secret agreement with the Tokugawa two weeks earlier, pledging neutrality at the decisive battle in exchange for a guarantee of territorial preservation, and was a strategic decision on Mori Terumoto's part that later backfired.

Fukushima's attack was slowly gaining ground, but this came at the cost of exposing their flank to attack from across the Fuji River by Otani Yoshitsugu, who took advantage of this opportunity. Just past Otani's forces were those of Kobayakawa Hideaki on Mount Matsuo.

Kobayakawa was one of the daimyo who had been courted by Tokugawa. Even though he had agreed to defect to the Tokugawa side, in the actual battle he was hesitant and remained neutral. As the battle grew more intense, Ieyasu finally ordered his arquebuses to fire at Kobayakawa's position on Mount Matsuo to force a choice. At that point Kobayakawa joined the battle as a member of the Eastern Army. His forces charged Otani's position, which did not end well for Kobayakawa. Otani's forces had dry gunpowder, so they opened fire on the turncoats, making the charge of 16,000 men mostly ineffective. However, he was already engaging forces under the command of Todo Takatora, Kyogoku Takatsugu, and Oda Yuraku when Kobayakawa charged. At this point, the buffer Otani established was outnumbered. Seeing this, Western Army generals Wakisaka Yasuharu, Ogawa Suketada, Akaza Naoyasu, and Kutsuki Mototsuna switched sides, turning the tide of battle.

A 25.5 inch long blade tsuba to tip.  read more

Code: 25920

Historical 17th-18th Century Indian Tulwar Sword From the Siege and Relief Of Lucknow. Battle Trophy of Irish Captain Of the 32nd Foot, Capt. H.G.Browne From a Collection Swords From The Battles & Defence. Sword With Dozens Of Hand To Hand Combat Cuts

A typical Indian combat sword with good triple fullered blade and steel hilt, but the blade has dozens of incredibly evocative sword edge-to-edge cuts, indicating whoever used this sword at the siege and defence was very seriously in the very thick of the fighting.

The 32nd (Cornwall) Regiment of Foot played a key role in defending the Residency during the Siege of Lucknow in the Indian Mutiny (1857-1859). After the British annexation of Oudh, the 32nd's mess house, the Khursheed Manzil, was occupied by the regiment, which then helped fortify the Residency. Under Colonel John Inglis, the regiment held out for 140 days, winning four Victoria Crosses for acts of gallantry during the prolonged siege. The regiment was retitled the 32nd (Cornwall) Regiment of Foot (Light Infantry) in recognition of its heroic actions during the defense of Lucknow.
When the Indian Mutiny broke out, the 32nd Regiment of Foot was stationed at Lucknow and was a cornerstone of the British defence of the Residency.
The regiment's commander, Colonel John Inglis, took command of the garrison after the death of the Chief Commissioner, Sir Henry Lawrence.
The 32nd Regiment of Foot endured constant attacks, severe casualties from intense heat, and the ravages of cholera during the 140-day siege.

Gifted to the family by Irish born Capt. H.G.Browne {later Colonel of the 100th Foot} who died just before WW1 and was buried near his home on the Isle of Wight. A very early tulwar, and the blade was deeply pitted through great age even before the siege, but the hilt was damaged during the siege and battles at the Lucknow defences, very likely by a cannon shot as the impact seems too drastic and singular to be by musket fire, or by simple hand to hand combat. Very bright polished blade, and a nicely black patinated hilt. Perfect for an intriguiging historical collection or display.

The First Siege
Full-scale rebellion reached Lucknow on May 30 1857, and Lawrence was compelled to use the British 32nd Regiment of Foot to drive the rebels from the city. Improving his defenses, Lawrence conducted a reconnaissance in force to the north on June 30, but was forced back to Lucknow after encountering a well-organized sepoy force at Chinat. Falling back to the Residency, Lawrence's force of 855 British soldiers, 712 loyal sepoys, 153 civilian volunteers, and 1,280 non-combatants was besieged by the rebels.

Comprising around sixty acres, the Residency defenses were centered on six buildings and four entrenched batteries. In preparing the defenses, British engineers had wanted to demolish the large number of palaces, mosques, and administrative buildings that surrounded the Residency, but Lawrence, not wishing to further anger the local populace, ordered them saved. As a result, they provided covered positions for rebel troops and artillery when attacks began on July 1.

The next day Lawrence was mortally wounded by a shell fragment and died on July 4. Command devolved to Colonel Sir John Inglis of the 32nd Foot. Though the rebels possessed around 8,000 men, a lack of unified command prevented them from overwhelming Inglis' troops.

The sieges and reliefs of Lucknow cost the British around 2,500 killed, wounded, and missing while rebel losses are not known. Though Outram and Havelock wished to clear the city, Campbell elected to evacuate as other rebel forces were threatening Cawnpore. While British artillery bombarded the nearby Kaisarbagh, the non-combatants were removed to Dilkuska Park and then on to Cawnpore.

To hold the area, Outram was left at the easily held Alambagh with 4,000 men. The fighting at Lucknow was seen as a test of British resolve and the final day of the second relief produced more Victoria Cross winners than any other single day. Lucknow was retaken by Campbell the following March.  read more

Code: 25924

An Historical 16th-17th Century Indian Tulwar Sword From the Siege and Relief Of Lucknow. Battle Trophies of an Irish Captain Of the 32nd Foot, Capt. H.G.Browne From a Collection Swords From The Battles & Defence. Its Knuckle Bow Blasted By Cannon Fire

The 32nd (Cornwall) Regiment of Foot played a key role in defending the Residency during the Siege of Lucknow in the Indian Mutiny (1857-1859). After the British annexation of Oudh, the 32nd's mess house, the Khursheed Manzil, was occupied by the regiment, which then helped fortify the Residency. Under Colonel John Inglis, the regiment held out for 140 days, winning four Victoria Crosses for acts of gallantry during the prolonged siege. The regiment was retitled the 32nd (Cornwall) Regiment of Foot (Light Infantry) in recognition of its heroic actions during the defense of Lucknow.
When the Indian Mutiny broke out, the 32nd Regiment of Foot was stationed at Lucknow and was a cornerstone of the British defence of the Residency.
The regiment's commander, Colonel John Inglis, took command of the garrison after the death of the Chief Commissioner, Sir Henry Lawrence.
The 32nd Regiment of Foot endured constant attacks, severe casualties from intense heat, and the ravages of cholera during the 140-day siege.

Gifted to the family by Irish born Capt. H.G.Browne {later Colonel of the 100th Foot} who died just before WW1 and was buried near his home on the Isle of Wight. A very early tulwar, and the blade was deeply pitted through great age even before the siege, but the hilt was damaged during the siege and battles at the Lucknow defences, very likely by a cannon shot as the impact seems too drastic and singular to be by musket fire, or by simple hand to hand combat. Very bright polished blade, and a nicely black patinated hilt. Perfect for an intriguiging historical collection or display.

The First Siege
Full-scale rebellion reached Lucknow on May 30 1857, and Lawrence was compelled to use the British 32nd Regiment of Foot to drive the rebels from the city. Improving his defenses, Lawrence conducted a reconnaissance in force to the north on June 30, but was forced back to Lucknow after encountering a well-organized sepoy force at Chinat. Falling back to the Residency, Lawrence's force of 855 British soldiers, 712 loyal sepoys, 153 civilian volunteers, and 1,280 non-combatants was besieged by the rebels.

Comprising around sixty acres, the Residency defenses were centered on six buildings and four entrenched batteries. In preparing the defenses, British engineers had wanted to demolish the large number of palaces, mosques, and administrative buildings that surrounded the Residency, but Lawrence, not wishing to further anger the local populace, ordered them saved. As a result, they provided covered positions for rebel troops and artillery when attacks began on July 1.

The next day Lawrence was mortally wounded by a shell fragment and died on July 4. Command devolved to Colonel Sir John Inglis of the 32nd Foot. Though the rebels possessed around 8,000 men, a lack of unified command prevented them from overwhelming Inglis' troops.

The sieges and reliefs of Lucknow cost the British around 2,500 killed, wounded, and missing while rebel losses are not known. Though Outram and Havelock wished to clear the city, Campbell elected to evacuate as other rebel forces were threatening Cawnpore. While British artillery bombarded the nearby Kaisarbagh, the non-combatants were removed to Dilkuska Park and then on to Cawnpore.

To hold the area, Outram was left at the easily held Alambagh with 4,000 men. The fighting at Lucknow was seen as a test of British resolve and the final day of the second relief produced more Victoria Cross winners than any other single day. Lucknow was retaken by Campbell the following March.  read more

Code: 25923

A most Historical 17th-18th Century Indian Hodson's Horse Sikh Long Khanda Sword From the Siege and Relief Of Lucknow. Battle Trophies of an Irish Captain Of the 32nd Foot, Capt. H.G.Browne From a Collection Swords From the Siege and Relief Of Lucknow.

The 32nd (Cornwall) Regiment of Foot played a key role in defending the Residency during the Siege of Lucknow in the Indian Mutiny (1857-1859). After the British annexation of Oudh, the 32nd's mess house, the Khursheed Manzil, was occupied by the regiment, which then helped fortify the Residency. Under Colonel John Inglis, the regiment held out for 140 days, winning four Victoria Crosses for acts of gallantry during the prolonged siege. The regiment was retitled the 32nd (Cornwall) Regiment of Foot (Light Infantry) in recognition of its heroic actions during the defense of Lucknow.
When the Indian Mutiny broke out, the 32nd Regiment of Foot was stationed at Lucknow and was a cornerstone of the British defence of the Residency.
The regiment's commander, Colonel John Inglis, took command of the garrison after the death of the Chief Commissioner, Sir Henry Lawrence.
The 32nd Regiment of Foot endured constant attacks, severe casualties from intense heat, and the ravages of cholera during the 140-day siege.

Gifted to the family by Irish born Capt. H.G.Browne {later Colonel of the 100th Foot} who died just before WW1 and was buried near his home on the Isle of Wight.

17th to 18th century Indian tulwar swords and this super, long khanda, all to be sold seperately. Some could make a fabulous display paired and crossed. Some are in great condition, but obviously used in combat at Lucknow, so they all saw considerable service. Including one has had its knuckle bow blasted in half, possibly by cannon shot, and one has so many combat sword cuts on its edge they are almost too numerous to count. One has a very early blade that has considerable age pitting. A very impressive piece for the display of its historical context as a sword of battle.
This khanda was likely presented to Capt browne by an officer of Hodson's Horse, possibly Lt. Mecham. Hodsons horse were a loyal Indian regiment that were present at the victory of the final siege and capture of Lucknow.
Hodson's Horse went to the relief of Lucknow and participated in the operations leading to the city's final capture in March 1858.
Major Hodson's Death: Major Hodson was killed during the final assault on Lucknow.

The khanda has an open basket hilt with wide hand protection. The name firangi meaning foreigner was also apparently given to swords of this style these somewhat later in the 17th Century, as they were mounted with European blades, imported by the Portugese, which were highly valued. Some blades were locally made in the European style. The blades were mounted on the Khanda style hilt and with the long spike extending from the pommel which enabled them to be used as two handed swords. The firangi sword characteristically had a straight blade of backsword form (single edged). The blade often incorporated one, two, or three fullers (grooves) and had a spear-tip shaped point. The sword could be used to both cut and thrust. The longer blades were often rather flexible. Examples with narrow rapier blades have survived, though in small numbers. The hilt was of the type sometimes called the "Indian basket-hilt" and was identical to that of another Indian straight-bladed sword the khanda. The hilt afforded a substantial amount of protection for the hand and had a prominent spike projecting from the pommel which could be grasped, resulting in a two-handed capability for the sword. Like other contemporary Indian swords the hilt of the firangi was usually of iron and the tang of the blade was attached to the hilt using a very strong resin, additionally, the hilt to blade connection was reinforced by projections from the hilt onto either face of the forte of the blade which were riveted together though a hole passing through the blade. Because of its length the firangi is usually regarded as primarily a cavalry weapon. Illustrations suggest a 16th-century date for the development of the sword, though early examples appear to have had simpler cross-guard hilts, similar to those of the talwar. The sword has been especially associated with the Marathas, who were famed for their cavalry. However, the firangi was widely used by the Mughals and those peoples who came under their rule, including Sikhs and Rajputs. Images of Mughal potentates holding firangis, or accompanied by retainers carrying their masters' firangis, suggest that the sword became a symbol of martial virtue and power. Photographs of Indian officers of Hodson's Horse (an irregular cavalry unit raised by the British) show that the firangi was still in active use at the time of the Indian Mutiny in 1857-58 The khanda can generally be a double-edge but can be a single edged straight sword. It is often featured in religious iconography, theatre and art depicting the ancient history of India. Some communities venerate the weapon as a symbol of Shiva.

First Siege
Full-scale rebellion reached Lucknow on May 30 and Lawrence was compelled to use the British 32nd Regiment of Foot to drive the rebels from the city. Improving his defenses, Lawrence conducted a reconnaissance in force to the north on June 30, but was forced back to Lucknow after encountering a well-organized sepoy force at Chinat. Falling back to the Residency, Lawrence's force of 855 British soldiers, 712 loyal sepoys, 153 civilian volunteers, and 1,280 non-combatants was besieged by the rebels.

Comprising around sixty acres, the Residency defenses were centered on six buildings and four entrenched batteries. In preparing the defenses, British engineers had wanted to demolish the large number of palaces, mosques, and administrative buildings that surrounded the Residency, but Lawrence, not wishing to further anger the local populace, ordered them saved. As a result, they provided covered positions for rebel troops and artillery when attacks began on July 1.

The next day Lawrence was mortally wounded by a shell fragment and died on July 4. Command devolved to Colonel Sir John Inglis of the 32nd Foot. Though the rebels possessed around 8,000 men, a lack of unified command prevented them from overwhelming Inglis' troops.

The sieges and reliefs of Lucknow cost the British around 2,500 killed, wounded, and missing while rebel losses are not known. Though Outram and Havelock wished to clear the city, Campbell elected to evacuate as other rebel forces were threatening Cawnpore. While British artillery bombarded the nearby Kaisarbagh, the non-combatants were removed to Dilkuska Park and then on to Cawnpore.

To hold the area, Outram was left at the easily held Alambagh with 4,000 men. The fighting at Lucknow was seen as a test of British resolve and the final day of the second relief produced more Victoria Cross winners than any other single day. Lucknow was retaken by Campbell the following March.

A photo in the gallery picture shows members of Hodson's Horse, a body of loyal Indian horsemen formed during the Indian Mutiny by Lieutenant William Hodson. Their distinctive uniforms included scarlet turbans and shoulder sashes over beige tunics. Beato probably took this photograph shortly after the final capture of Lucknow in March 1858. Hodson was killed during the assault. There is some confusion over the identity of the two British officers, but it seems most likely to be Lieutenant Clifford Henry Mecham (standing) and Assistant Surgeon Thomas Anderson (sitting). Anderson cared for Hodson after he was wounded and was with him when he died on 11 March 1858. 37 inch long blade  read more

Code: 25919