A Superb Original Zulu War Souvenir of a Knopkerrie Staff of an Induna High Ranking Zulu. His Symbol of Authority, Prestige, and Status. Another Induna's Example Was Taken By Lt Bromhead At Rorke's Drift, Now In The Regimental Museum

In 1879, during the Anglo-Zulu War, a Zulu chief or high-ranking induna carried a long knobkerrie (iwisa) not merely as a weapon, but as a symbol of authority, prestige, and status.

While ordinary warriors used knobkerries for close-quarters combat—designed to crush skulls, often proving more effective than spears in tight fighting—a chief's knobkerrie was frequently a highly refined, ornate staff. Or the large Knop {head} type

Carved from extremely dense, heavy, indigenous hardwood root to create a beautiful, dark, polished patina over years of use.

Often features a perfectly spherical or slightly flattened knob at the end of a long, thin handle, occasionally adorned with complex geometric or zig-zag carvings at the grip.
High-ranking examples were sometimes adorned with intricate, fine copper or iron wire binding, indicating the status of the owner.
It was a "prestige object" handled daily, representing the bearer’s power to command.

Another induna's wooden staff of Zulu War origin, in the regimental museum, is described as being ‘taken’ by Major Gonville Bromhead, 24th Regiment, at the Battle of Rorke's Drift during the Anglo-Zulu War, 1879, South Africa.

Later presented to Henry Germain Mainwaring, 24th Regiment
Physical description Staff carved from dark brown wood with two polished heads at the top
and a hand-grip featuring a raised decorative pattern (amasumpa).

Above and beneath the hand-grip the staff is inscribed:
'From Major G. Bromhead / XXIV / To / H.G. Mainwaring / XXIV / Taken at the / Attack /
on / Rorke's Drift / 22nd Jan / 1879'. Regimental Museum of the Royal Welsh, Brecon

51 inches long  read more

Code: 26215

A ‘Special Offer’ Pair, A Single Fired Musket Ball & Single Musket Flint From The Waterloo Battlefield Site During the Construction of the Waterloo Mound in the 1820’s

From the field of the 1815 Battle of Waterloo, during a Grand Tour at the building of the Waterloo mound, a huge lion monument at the battle site of Waterloo, in honour of the Prince of Orange. A collection 20 assorted musket flints and pistol and musket balls recovered from Waterloo, offered by us as a matched pair of one ball and one flint at a time. Originally purchased by the nobility from the peasant excavators in Belgium, while building the Prince of Orange's Waterloo Mound at the battlefield in the 1820's, and acquired by us from their descendants as a collection of 20. From part of our antiquities and curiosities acquired from a circa 1820's Grand Tour classical collection from Europe and the Middle East. Such as Agincout, Poitiers, Crecy, Waterloo, Philippi, and following Alexander's campaign trail of his conquests then part of the Ottoman Empire. We have been purchasing piecemeal from the same family for around 20 years, military items and artefacts from the family's forebears Grand Tour in the early 19th century.

We are offering them as two fabulous souvenirs of the famous Duke of Wellington's victory over France and Napoleon, a matched pair, one flint and one ball.
The Battle of Waterloo was fought on Sunday, 18 June 1815, near Waterloo in Belgium, part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands at the time. A French army under the command of Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated by two of the armies of the Seventh Coalition, a British-led coalition consisting of units from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Hanover, Brunswick, and Nassau, under the command of the Duke of Wellington, referred to by many authors as the Anglo-allied army or Wellington's army, and a Prussian army under the command of Field Marshal von Blücher, referred to also as Blücher's army. The battle marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars. The battle was contemporaneously known as the Battle of Mont Saint-Jean or La Belle Alliance (the beautiful alliance).
Waterloo was the decisive engagement of the Waterloo Campaign and Napoleon's last. According to Wellington, the battle was "the nearest-run thing you ever saw in your life". Napoleon abdicated four days later, and coalition forces entered Paris on 7 July. The defeat at Waterloo ended Napoleon's rule as Emperor of the French and marked the end of his Hundred Days return from exile. This ended the First French Empire and set a chronological milestone between serial European wars and decades of relative peace, often referred to as the Pax Britannica. The battlefield is located in the Belgian municipalities of Braine-l'Alleud and Lasne, about 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) south of Brussels, and about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) from the town of Waterloo. The site of the battlefield today is dominated by the monument of the Lion's Mound, a large artificial hill constructed from earth taken from the battlefield itself; the topography of the battlefield near the mound has not been preserved. Photo is of ten of our twelve pairs

THE HOME OF ORIGINAL AND AFFORDABLE ANCIENT ANTIQUITIES & ANTIQUE COLLECTABLES IN BRITAIN.

The Lanes Armoury, world renown as Britain's favourite specialist collectors shop, and also a font of historical and educational information that is detailed with every single item. We detail each piece alongside its historical context, either generic or specific, for those that may wish to read, learn, or be informed, as opposed to simply acquire collectable items. It is probably one of the oldest companies of our kind in the whole of Europe and we have been established through generations, as specialists in armoury antiques, militaria collectables, and specialist books, since the early 1900’s, and thus we have continued to be one of the largest in the world today. We are also very pleased to know we are also studied and read by academics and students from hundreds of universities around the world, by those that are interested in not only British but worldwide history.
For this reason we also like to be known as a learning and researching website.
Everyday we are contacted by historians that wish to make contributions to our detailed information for our pieces, and to thus add to our constant dedication to impart historical knowledge, that may be unknown to many of our millions of viewers.

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

Code: 23946

A Superb Zulu War Zulu Chiefs Knopkerrie Staff, With Entwined Serpent, Identical to King Chetwayo's Staff, It was the British Museum Since 1963. A Typical Senior British Officer's Souvenir of the Zulu War.

Chetswayo's staff is now in the National Army Museum

Although it is typical for officers that commanded their men in the Zulu War of 1879 to return to England with souvenirs such as this beauty, this is absolutely not a typical example. The serpent entwined knopkerrie staff is incredibly rare, and this is an exceptionally rare Zulu War artefact.

Chiefs were awarded the privilege to use the knopkerrie staff, but so few used the serpent entwined type.

Made of South African hardwood the knopkerrie long staff were permitted to be used by high ranking Zulu warrior veterans such as chiefs and kinglets, and as one can see that King Chetswayo had the same one it confirms just how rare the serpent entwined version really is.

This is a stunning example with breathtaking natural age patina and in superb condition.

King Cetshwayo was the last Zulu King. At the time British people spelt the name Cetewayo, but nowadays it is more likely to be Cetshwayo, closer to the actual pronunciation. After a long and brave fight by the Zulu army, the King was captured after the battle of Ulundi in 1879 by Major Richard J.C. Marter of the Kings Dragoon Guards. Colonel Harford described the moment King Cetewayo gave himself up – “the King …strode in with the aid of his long stick, with a proud and dignified air and grace, looking a magnificent specimen of his race and every inch a warrior in his grand umutcha of leopard skin and tails, with lion’s teeth and claw charms round his neck”.

In 1882, Mr F.C. Lucy took a collection of these valuable items back to Britain after a trip to South Africa. The list was long and included Cetewayo’s knopkerrie walking stick, 13 throwing and stabbing assagais (light spears), 3 knobkerries (clubs), clothing with bead work, 2 Kaffir pipes and 2 Zulu pipes, as well as a number of natural history objects.

These were donated to the Banff Museum by Mr Lucy of London, via his mother-in-law Mrs Ewing, who lived in St Catherine Street. The walking stick is listed as being in the museum in 1919 (Banff and District by A. Edward Mahood). After this it is difficult to track what happened to Cetewayo’s stick until it turns up in the British Museum in 1963 {see their photograph of his knopkerrie walking stick}. It is there listed as being previously owned by Cetshwayo kaMpande, Banff Museum, and from the collection of Captain A.W.F. Fuller.

As one can see, this knopkerrie stick is near identical to Chetswayo's knopkerrie walking staff, that is shown in photo 4, photo 2 is an original photo portrait of King Chetswayo

34 1/5 inches long overall  read more

Code: 26212

A Great Looking Original MK1-11 Martini Henry ' Short Lever' Mid 1870's Issue, From The Zulu War Period With Superb Steel & Stock Patina. One of Only 1400 Ever Manufactured. The Most Famous Victorian Service Rifle Ever Issued. Zulu War Collection.

Original Antique MK I-II Antique Short Lever Martini Henry, with large cocking indicator, one of the first 1400 only ever made, between 1871 to 1876, all the others subsequently were MKIIs, from 1876, then MKIIIs and finally MKIVs. The gun has really good stock patina, and great steel condition, with barely negligible {if any} traces of corrosion anywhere. Numerous inspection stamps throughout the rifle, upon the barrel, action, trigger guard. With two Board of Ordnance Broad Arrow roundel stamps upon the buttstock. One original earlier {not readable} beneath a clearer second partly readable for empire service. Traces of VR Crown stamp to the lock, with broad arrow and I I {off centre} below.

Only about 1400 MK I’s were made and in 1877 they were replaced by the MK II which incorporated several design improvements learned from the MK I. Meanwhile before the MKIIs were issued the early original surviving MK I’s were factory
converted to the MK II. When converted to the MK II, an additional “I” was added to the
receiver markings, which resulted in the marking being skewed to the right of centre, just as this Martini-Henry has, and often each of the two ‘I I’ stamps can be of slightly differing sizes, whereas rifles made originally, from 1876, as a MK II issue would have this marking centered and of equal size.

The stock looks as good as the very best quality walnut stock can be, after it was used by a front rank regiment for several decades.

Returning from professional hand conservation Fully actionable and a superbly tight mechanism.

The most desirable Martini Henry are the MK I's and the MKI-II's, The very types of Martini short Lever rifle as were used by the 24th Foot at Ishandwhana and Rorke's Drift, and then later in the Afghan War and several conflicts against the Mahdi in the Sudan. They were even also used up to WW1 by some colonial regiments. This is a very fine early original ordnance contract example, best line regiment issue

This rifle was made at one of the ordnance arms workshops and is a truly exceptional and beautiful example, and in very good operational order indeed with an excellent action, but clearly combat used.

The Martini Henry, .450 577 rifle was most famous British Infantry breech loading rifle of the 19th century. This rifle is just as were used in the film ZULU, and the exact model type as was used during the Zulu War, a much superior condition stunning example.

The Martini-Henry breech-loading rifle, firing
cartridges, was the primary British infantry weapon during the 1879 Anglo-Zulu War, crucial at battles like Rorke's Drift. While capable of 12–20 rounds per minute, it suffered from overheating and jamming due to gunpowder residue, leading to severe recoil and performance issues in sustained, close-range combat.
Key Aspects of the Martini-Henry in the Zulu War
Weapon Specifications: The Mark II was the most common model used alongside with the earlier issue, rare, MK I-II, featuring a short lever-action breech block and often a 25-inch socket bayonet essential for melee.The rifle was accurate and long-ranged, but produced heavy smoke. Continuous firing caused excessive heating and fouling, forcing soldiers to use cleaning rods to dislodge stuck, fired cartridges.

At Rorke's Drift, disciplined volleys from the Martini-Henry enabled a small force to hold off large Zulu numbers. However, ammunition shortages and jamming issues contributed to the disaster at Isandlwana.
Soldiers were often only issued 70 rounds, which was insufficient during sustained Zulu attacks.
Bayonet Use: The long bayonet was crucial, as the rifle was 4ft 9in long, giving soldiers a vital range advantage in close-quarters fighting.

The weapon was well-regarded for its power but required careful maintenance, which was difficult during the heat of the conflict

This Martini-Henry, that dates to around 1875, was the breech-loading lever-actuated rifle adopted by the British, combining an action worked on by Friedrich von Martini (based on the Peabody rifle developed by Henry Peabody), with the rifled barrel designed by Scotsman, Alexander Henry. It first entered service in 1871 replacing the Snider-Enfield, and variants were used throughout the British Empire for 30 years. It was the first British service rifle that was a true breech-loading rifle using metallic cartridges.
During the Martini-Henry period in service, the British army were involved in a large number of colonial wars, most notably the Anglo-Zulu War.

The Martini Henry, 450-577, Short Lever, MK I converted MK II or the regular MK II rifle was the type used by the company of the 2nd Battalion, 24th Regiment of Foot present at Rorke's Drift during the eponymous battle. The MK I originally had a small design fault in that the actions hinge pin was initially made of brass, which was too soft for continual use. The rare and early MKI's were thus converted by removing this pin, replacing it with a steel pin, and then redesignated the MKI-II.

The Martini Henry were later used throughout the British Empire, as this one clearly was as well. In fact the Martini Henry was such a good rifle many survived to be used in WW1 by some colonial regiments.

This great rifle, after its front rank line regimental service use, was taken out of regular infantry service, around 25 years after its first issue, and transferred to such as the Canadian, British Columbia penal service in Vancouver, whereupon the barrel was internally bored out and was increased {in 1903} by 0.026 of an inch, in order to accept the larger ball I.P. cartridges. The price of this beauty reflects that internal adaption in order to extend its useful service issue life within the empire. Externally however, the gun looks exactly as it did during its front rank service in the Zulu War era of 1879, and is in superbly actionable condition.

The lock plate bears the offset MK I I stamp beneath the ordnance broad arrow, plus the VR and large crown, worn, but still identifiable.

As with all our original antique arms, no licence is required to own, purchase or to collect anything of that description we sell. They, and all of these long guns, are entirely unrestricted to own, collect, and display just as they are, however, we are only permitted to sell to those who are over 18 of age with suitable I.d.  read more

Code: 26198

Beautiful Edo Jingasa Samurai Horserider's War Hat With Clan Mon of Kamei Korenori (亀井 茲矩; 1557 – February 27, 1612) Was a Japanese Daimyō. From The Collection of Likely The World's Greatest Authority, Author On Japanese Polearms & Their Use

Edo period original jingasa of the Kamei clan. in black urushi lacquer, large gold Kamei mon, and two ishime stone finish lacquer bands, either side of a gilt band. Some interior padding present

Their mon (family crest) is famously known as the Oi-katsubishi (追いかつ菱), which consists of two overlapping or "chasing" diamond shapes (hishimon). The clan, based in Tsuwano han during the Edo period, used this distinctive geometric crest.
These geometric kamon were popular during the Sengoku period because they were easy to recognize on battlefields.

Kamei Korenori (亀井 茲矩; 1557 – February 27, 1612) was a Japanese daimyō who lived through the early Edo period. He was first a retainer under the Amago clan of Izumo Province, but eventually became a daimyō in his own right.

Chūgoku Campaign (from 1578): After the fall of the Amago, he joined Hashiba (Toyotomi) Hideyoshi, fighting against the Mōri clan, specifically taking part in the Siege of Tottori Castle.
Receiving Shikano castle in Inaba Province as a reward for his notable service in 1578, Korenori ascended to higher rank as he assisted in Hideyoshi's 1587 invasion of Kyūshū.

Kyushu Campaign (1587): Participated in Toyotomi Hideyoshi's campaign to subdue the Kyushu region.
Invasions of Korea (1592–1598): Involved in the campaigns against Korea under the Toyotomi banner.
Battle of Sekigahara (1600): Fought for the Eastern Army under Tokugawa Ieyasu. He helped attack the Western Army's Minakuchi Okayama Castle.

Siege of Minakuchi Okayama (1600): Following the Battle of Sekigahara, he joined forces with Ikeda Nagayoshi to capture Natsuka Masaie at Minakuchi Okayama Castle.
Burning of Tottori Castle Environs: During his time in Inaba Province, he was involved in burning the village around Tottori Castle in conjunction with Masahiro Saimura.
Failed Ryukyu Expedition (1590): Though not a battle, Korenori prepared a fleet to target the Ryukyu Islands but was blocked by the Shimazu clan.

Korenori's descendants were eventually made daimyō (lords) of the Tsuwano Domain, which they ruled until the Meiji Restoration (1868).

Overall in jolly nice condition, the top of the helmet, off centre, has a small impact dent about the size of a pound coin {see photo 4}. Very small age losses to the lacquer  read more

Code: 26209

A Very Fine & Most Rare, 'Lobed Pommel', 14th-15th Century, Noble's or Knight's Dagger. Used In the Era of The Battles of Crecy and Agincourt . An Original Wide Bladed Medieval 'Baselard' Knight's Dagger

In 1381 Wat Tyler was killed by a near identical 'baselard' dagger by the Mayor of London William Walworth. Wat Tyler (c. 1320/4 January 1341 – 15 June 1381) was a leader of the 1381 Peasants' Revolt in England. He led a group of rebels from Canterbury to London to oppose the institution of a poll tax and to demand economic and social reforms. While the brief rebellion enjoyed early success, Tyler was killed by officers loyal to King Richard II, including the mayor of London, during negotiations at Smithfield, London.

A most rare to survive dagger made of hand forged iron, narrow tanged of of heavy weight, and a very powerful dagger indeed, with a lentoid section triangular blade. The tang is pierced in two places for the riveting of a pair of grip plates towards its lobed pommel. The original grip plates, likely of horn, ivory or wood, would have rotted away, likely centuries ago, which is most usual for all swords and daggers of this era. Those hilts plates that you see present, in museum displays, of similar daggers, and indeed knightly swords, are almost always 19th century replacement grips.

Items such as this were oft acquired in the 18th century by British noblemen touring Northern France and Italy on their Grand Tour. Originally placed on display in the family 'cabinet of curiosities', within his country house upon his return home. A popular pastime in the 18th and 19th century, comprised of English ladies and gentlemen traveling for many months, or even years, througout classical Europe, acquiring antiquities and antiques for their private collections. Depictions of mid-14th-century examples are preserved as part of tomb effigies (figuring as part of the full military dress of the deceased knight). One early attestation of the German form pasler (1341) is from a court document of Nuremberg recording a case against a man who had injured a woman by striking her on the head with this weapon. Several German law codes of the 14th to 15th centuries outlaw the carrying of a basler inside a city. By the late 14th century, it became fashionable in much of Western Europe, including France, Italy, Germany and England. Sloane MS 2593 (c. 1400) records a song satirizing the use of oversized baselard knives as nobleman's fashion accessories. Piers Plowman also associates the weapon with vain gaudiness: in this case, two priests, "Sir John and Sir Geoffrey", are reported to have been sporting "a girdle of silver, a baselard or a ballok knyf with buttons overgilt."

Wat Tyler was slain with a baselard by the mayor of London, William Walworth, in 1381, and the original weapon was "still preserved with peculiar veneration by the Company of Fishmongers" in the 19th century. The point of most weapons was to incapacitate rather than to kill. Prisoners, especially those of high status, could be ransomed for money or leveraged for political influence. But when killing was ordered, as on Henry V's orders at Agincourt, the daggers came out.
Medieval knights often carried daggers designed not for cutting but for punching through the gaps in armour. These were used against incapacitated enemies, as happened to Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field. Based on Richard's remains, DeVries believes that his helmet was cut off with daggers, exposing him to the attacks that killed him.

This dagger is 15 inches long overall, approx 12 ozs 350gms in weight, and in fine condition for age, a strong and powerful dagger with just overall aged russetting. Pictures in the gallery of carved stone and marble tombs of medieval knights each bearing a knife such as this or a slight variant. The hilt-grip has long since perished away, as they all are from this era, would have been twin plates of wood, horn or ivory, with small carved quillons or crossguard and rivetted together through the two holes.

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

Code: 23018

Stunning 2000 Years Old Ancient Briton,Original Celtic Chief's Bronze Chariot Mount, From the Time of King Prasutagus & Used By Chiefs of The King and Queen Boadicea Queen of the Iceni, of Norfolk, The Ancient Britons. Found in Norfolk

Also known as Queen Boudicca. Circa mid 1st century A.D. Triple bronze radiating carinated knops, a substantial ring mounted on a supporting neck, with a hoop to the underside. Recovered in Norfolk, the site of the Iceni. Romano-British chariot fitting, a rein ring. These rings could be used in pairs and guided the reins from the chariot to the horse’s bit. This example is a superbly formed elegant example, with fine carrinated knop embellishments, made for a high born Iceni, and made from bronze. The Romans admired the British Iron Age chariots and the style and fittings and thus their version were continued to be used well into the Roman period

Sites of that period include the earthworks of a huge hillfort at Thetford Castle which the Normans built upon. An open space on a high point, at Gallows Hill, in Thetford, was once the location of a major ceremonial centre that Boudicca would have known.

The Iceni, whose name might have come from Iken, the original name of the River Ouse, where the tribe are said to have come from, had settlements across Norfolk, in north Suffolk and east Cambridgeshire. One of them was at Brettenham on the Peddars Way, east of Thetford, which was built by Romans to quickly transport troops up to The Wash and Brancaster, where they had a fort protecting north Norfolk.

Queen Boudicca waged war against the Romans in Britain from 60 AD after the Romans decided to rule the Iceni directly and confiscated the Norfolk property of the leading tribesmen. The uprising was motivated by the Romans' failure to honour an agreement they had made with Boudica's husband, Prasutagus, regarding the succession of his kingdom upon his death, and by the brutal mistreatment of Boudica and her daughters by the occupying Romans.
Boudicca's warriors successfully defeated the Roman Ninth Legion and destroyed the capital of Roman Britain, then at Colchester. They went on to destroy London and Verulamium (St Albans).
Thousands were killed. Finally, Boudicca was defeated by a Roman army led by Paulinus. Many Britons were killed and Boudicca is thought to have poisoned herself to avoid capture.
The site of the battle, and of Boudicca's death, are unknown.
Iceni warriors may have laid waste to Silchester
Professor Fulford said that in excavations at Silchester they had found evidence of a major military occupation at Calleva (now called Silchester) in 40 AD, then destruction between 60 and 80 AD, including wells that were filled in at this time and burned buildings. SE276001837GB
"The settlement is completely wiped out somewhere between 60 AD and 80 AD.

Not only an incredibly beautiful ancient work of art, it is a unique artefact of ancient Romano-British history, and a fabulous statement piece for any fine collection. It could look amazing frame mounted.

Queen Boudicea was also spelt Boudicca, or Boudica In the time of the Ancient Briton Celts revolt against the might of Rome. A wonderful original, cast bronze chariot mount that once a significant mount from an Ancient Briton Celt chieftain's war chariot. Early-Mid 1st century AD, the very time of Boudicca. This would have been mounted on the haft of the war chariot. And in an excavation one of maybe only a half dozen bronze pieces of the chariot that could have survived the ravages of time. There is so few opportunities to own a wonderful piece from the time of Boudicca Queen of the Iceni of ancient Briton. There are no known surviving artefacts of hers, but to own a significant part of maybe one of her chieftain's chariots is wonderful. About the time of Claudius' triumph in AD 43 (a century after Caesar's expeditions), Pomponius Mela, the first Roman geographer, says of the Britons that

"they fight not only on horseback and on foot, but also in wagons and chariots bigis et curribus, and are armed after the manner of the Gauls. They call those chariots covines which are set with scythes round about the naves falcatis axibus" (De Chorographia, III.43; first translated by Arthur Golding in 1585 and modernized here). In AD 60 or 61, when the Roman governor Gaius Suetonius Paulinus was campaigning on the island of Mona (modern Anglesey) on the northwest coast of Wales, Boudica led the Iceni, the Trinovantes, and others in revolt. They destroyed Camulodunum (modern Colchester), earlier the capital of the Trinovantes but at that time a colonia, a settlement for discharged Roman soldiers and site of a temple to the former Emperor Claudius. Upon hearing of the revolt, Suetonius hurried to Londinium (modern London), the 20-year-old commercial settlement that was the rebels' next target. He lacked sufficient numbers to defend the settlement, and he evacuated and abandoned Londinium. Boudicca led a very large army of Iceni, Trinovantes, and others against a detachment of Legio IX Hispana, defeating them, and burning Londinium and Verulamium.

An estimated 70,000-80,000 Romans and British were then killed in the three cities by those following Boudicca, many by torture. Suetonius, meanwhile, regrouped his forces, possibly in the West Midlands; despite being heavily outnumbered, he decisively defeated the Britons. The crisis caused Nero to consider withdrawing all Roman forces from Britain, but Suetonius's victory over Boudicca confirmed Roman control of the province. Boudicca then either killed herself to avoid capture (according to Tacitus), or died of illness (according to Cassius Dio) Beginning around the 3rd century BC, Celts of the regions around the Marne and the Moselle Rivers began burying their chieftains in light, two-wheeled chariots with their sword, shield, spears, and drinking vessels. Similar chariot graves from this era are also found in the British coastal regions of Yorkshire. The evidence for the use of these vehicles is clear. A Roman coin from 110 BC dramatically depicts the naked Gallic warrior-king Bituitus of the Averni casting spears from his chariot. And documentary evidence of the chariot in combat on the European continent is left to us by the Roman poet Propertius. In describing the fighting between the forces of Republican Rome and 30,000 howling Celtic warriors in 222 BC, Propertius depicts the chieftain Viridomar ‘clothed in striped trousers’ hurling javelins from his chariot with deadly accuracy. In fact, many of the Latin words for chariot-carpentium, carrus, essendum have Gaulish roots.

The use of chariots in combat in Gaul apparently died out before Caesar’s campaign of the 50s BC, because Caesar makes no mention of them, though he did of Gallic cavalry, in his Gallic Wars. But chariots certainly remained in Britain though few have been found there into the Caesarian era and beyond, because they are included in the writings of Caesar, Tacitus, and in the old Irish epic the ‘Tain Bo Cuailnge’ (The Cattle Raid of Cooley) composed in part around the 2nd century AD. Evidence of early Celtic chariot use is gleaned primarily from the excavation of graves of noble warriors.The first Roman expedition to Britain was a reconnoiter of the island by Julius Caesar in 55 BC, purportedly to suppress the reinforcements being given the native tribes in Gaul. There, chariots no longer were being used, and the ambush of a legion caught in the open and surrounded by the cavalry and chariots of the Britons provides an excursus by Caesar on their tactics, so unfamiliar to the Romans.

"In chariot fighting the Britons begin by driving all over the field hurling javelins, and generally the terror inspired by the horses and the noise of the wheels are sufficient to throw their opponents' ranks into disorder. Then, after making their way between the squadrons of their own cavalry, they jump down from the chariot and engage on foot. In the meantime their charioteers retire a short distance from the battle and place the chariots in such a position that their masters, if hard pressed by numbers, have an easy means of retreat to their own lines. Thus they combine the mobility of cavalry with the staying power of infantry; and by daily training and practice they attain such proficiency that even on a steep incline they are able to control the horses at full gallop, and to check and turn them in a moment. They can run along the chariot pole, stand on the yoke, and get back into the chariot as quick as lightning" (Gallic War, IV.33). An example from Ingolstadt, Germany, in Megaw, R.& V. Celtic Art. From its Beginnings to the Book of Kells,
London, 1989, item 225. The denarius coin in the gallery, shown for reference purposes only and not included, was minted by the moneyer Lucius Hostilius Saserna in 48 BC, following Caesar's campaign in Gaul. The reverse depicts a naked Celtic warrior holding a spear and small shield, while a crouched figure drives the horses with a whip. The survival of Roman chariot's rein mounts are certainly to be found, due to the number made, over such a long period, but an original Ancient Briton bronze rein mount, used by the Celt chieftains and Queen Boudicca, especially, from the site of Norfolk, Queen Boudicca's domain, and such a finest quality piece such as this, is a great rarity of Ancient Briton Celt history. only the second original bronze Iceni chiefs example we have had in 10 years.

7 cm overall

for reference;
Cf. Megaw, R.& V., Celtic Art. From its Beginnings to the Book of Kells, London, item 225, for type.
The Megaws investigate the antecedents of Celtic art, the styles and motifs employed, the relationship of the Celts and their art to the ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean, and the magnificent maturity of Celtic art in Britain and Ireland. They include major discoveries that have been made as the result of highway and rail construction and the results of detailed surveys of known sites, such as the recovery of the remarkable stone sculpture from the Glauberg northwest of Frankfurt. Continuing work at old sites such as the saltmining complex of the Durrnberg just south of Salzburg has produced new treasures, and important finds in Central and Eastern Europe and in the British Isles have necessitated a change in emphasis with regard to questions of origin and development. Vincent Megaw is currently Professor of Visual Arts and Archaeology, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia, and Visiting Professor in the Department of Archaeology, University of Edinburgh; he is also Honorary Research Fellow in the Department of Archaeology, University of Glasgow.  read more

Code: 25572

A Simply Magnificent, Huge, Ozutso Samurai Hand Cannon Teppo Matchlock Gun, of Negishi Sukenobu, Inlaid With Silver and Gold Dragon With Both the Clan Mon of Kamei Kenenori and Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Their mon (family crest) is famously known as the Oi-katsubishi (追いかつ菱), which consists of two overlapping or "chasing" diamond shapes (hishimon). The clan, based in Tsuwano han during the Edo period, used this distinctive geometric crest.
These geometric kamon were popular during the Sengoku period because they were easy to recognize on battlefields.

Signed Japanese red oak stock. The huge uncompromising barrel is inlaid with twin, large silver clan mon of Kamei Kanenori and and gold-copper triple leaf Aoi, clan mon of Tokugawa Ieyasu at the breech, as they were alligned, it has a pinhole block site, extravagant gold and silver scrolling dragon inlay, up through the length of the barrel, terminating in a multi sided and stunning tulip form muzzle. Within the channel of the stock is a beautiful hand scripted signature of the samurai owner, Negishi Sukenobu no Tutu. Translation; Negishi Sukenobu's gun tutu is an old Japanese name for a matchlock gun

It has a sinchu matchlock mechanism with a long engraved match arm, inlaid with speckles of silver, traditional spring release utilising the ball trigger. the stock has engraved, silver cherry blossom form inlaid, barrel retaining mekugi-ana apertures, for the long copper mekugi to retain the barrel..

Part of a fine collection that arrived O-Zutsu hand cannon tanegashima, it is huge and incredibly heavy, of around 10 monme, 18mm bore

It is often the case were early samurai weaponry bear twin mon decoration, often demonstrating a co-joining or allegiance between two samurai clans. This example represents its a hand cannon of Kamei Kanerori and the Tokugawa clan mon as he fought for the clan at Sekigahara and beyond .

Kamei Korenori (亀井 茲矩; 1557 – February 27, 1612) was a Japanese daimyō who lived through the early Edo period. He was first a retainer under the Amago clan of Izumo Province, but eventually became a daimyō in his own right.

Chūgoku Campaign (from 1578): After the fall of the Amago, he joined Hashiba (Toyotomi) Hideyoshi, fighting against the Mōri clan, specifically taking part in the Siege of Tottori Castle.
Receiving Shikano castle in Inaba Province as a reward for his notable service in 1578, Korenori ascended to higher rank as he assisted in Hideyoshi's 1587 invasion of Kyūshū.

Kyushu Campaign (1587): Participated in Toyotomi Hideyoshi's campaign to subdue the Kyushu region.
Invasions of Korea (1592–1598): Involved in the campaigns against Korea under the Toyotomi banner.
Battle of Sekigahara (1600): Fought for the Eastern Army under Tokugawa Ieyasu. He helped attack the Western Army's Minakuchi Okayama Castle.

Siege of Minakuchi Okayama (1600): Following the Battle of Sekigahara, he joined forces with Ikeda Nagayoshi to capture Natsuka Masaie at Minakuchi Okayama Castle.
Burning of Tottori Castle Environs: During his time in Inaba Province, he was involved in burning the village around Tottori Castle in conjunction with Masahiro Saimura.
Failed Ryukyu Expedition (1590): Though not a battle, Korenori prepared a fleet to target the Ryukyu Islands but was blocked by the Shimazu clan.

Korenori's descendants were eventually made daimyō (lords) of the Tsuwano Domain, which they ruled until the Meiji Restoration

Resembling the Portuguese arquebus, the first matchlock gun to be seen in Japan, this massive and handsome weapon expresses the Japanese desire for powerful, finely made firearms.

A 17th century Japanese tradition relates that after the accidental arrival of three Portuguese mariners on Tanegashima Island in 1543, the sword-smith Kiyosada gave his daughter to their captain in order to learn the secrets of musket manufacture.

The actual guns were snap matchlocks made in Malacca, a Portuguese colony, and by 1550 were in production on a large scale. Known as ‘Tanegashima’ or ‘Teppō’ they were used by the Samurai and their foot soldiers and changed the way war was fought in Japan forever.

Large carbines such as this example were known as ‘ozutsu’ or cannon and were mounted on castle walls, used on merchant ships to repel pirates, on horseback in war or as assault weapons to blast through door hinges.

They could also launch incendiary or explosive arrows known as ‘Hiya’ to set fires during sieges. When fired these powerful weapons had a large recoil, and bales of rice were used to support the gunners back from injury.

Ammunition consisted of heavy round lead balls with differing sizes described as ‘Monme’. Made to take between 10 to 30 ‘Monme’ shots, this carbine is one of the largest examples of Japanese Edo Period handheld firearm

One woodblock in the gallery of a samurai holding an ozutso, and another of the great Takeda Shingen contemplating a small teppo matchlock gun, and it’s dramatic effect on the future of samurai warfare. The shape and form of ours is the same as the one contemplated by Takeda Shingen in the print, but ours is around four times the size, not a long gun but of incredible mass, beauty and presence. Somewhat like a dragon, a beast to admire for its breathtaking beauty, but to fear and respect for its power and presence.
The Amago clan, descended from the Emperor Uda (868–897) by the Kyogoku clan, descending from the Sasaki clan (Uda Genji).

Kyogoku Takahisa in the 14th century, lived in Amako-go (Omi Province), and took the name 'Amago'. The family crest, is also the one of the Kyogoku clan.

They were Shugodai (vice-Governors) of Izumo and Oki provinces for generations, for the Kyogoku Shugo branch , and their seat was Gassan Toda castle.

In 1484, Amago Tsunehisa (1458–1541), was deprived of the position of Shugodai by Kyogoku Masatsune, who was the Shugo, because he did not obey the request of tax from the Muromachi bakufu, and was expelled from Gassan Toda castle. Although Enya Kamonnosuke was dispatched to Gassan Toda castle as the new Shugodai, Tsunehisa recaptured Gassan Toda castle by a surprise attack in 1486, took control of Izumo, and developed the Amago clan into a Sengoku Daimyo clan.

The Amago fought the Ouchi clan or the Mori clan (who had been among their vassals), during Japan's Sengoku period.

For much of the next hundred years, the clan battled with the Ouchi and Mori, who controlled neighbouring provinces, and fell into decline when Gassantoda Castle fell to the Mori in 1566.

Amago Katsuhisa tried to regain prestige for the clan by joining the forces of Oda Nobunaga, invaded Tajima and Inaba provinces, but was defeated and died in the siege of Kozuki by the Mori in 1578.
Kamei Korenori (亀井 茲矩, 1557 – February 27, 1612) was a Japanese daimyō who lived through the early Edo period. He was first a retainer under the Amago clan of Izumo Province, but eventually became a daimyō in his own right. Receiving Shikano castle in Inaba Province as a reward for his notable service in 1578, Korenori ascended to higher rank as he assisted in Hideyoshi's 1587 invasion of Kyūshū. Following Hideyoshi's death in 1598, entered the service of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Following the Sekigahara Campaign of 1600, his income was raised from 13,000 to 43,000 koku as a reward for his service to the Tokugawa clan. Korenori died of natural causes in 1612.

Korenori's descendants were eventually made daimyō (lords) of the Tsuwano Domain, which they ruled until the Meiji Resoration.

Weight an impressive and formidable 6.6 kilos, length overall, 42 inches, barrel 30.5 inches  read more

Code: 24307

A Superb 17th -18th Century Dutch East India Company Bronze Naval ‘Swivel’ Cannon on Carriage. A Cannon Of Stunning Quality And Exemplary Condition

A wonderful 17th to 18th century cast bronze swivel cannon, also called rail gun or a naval deck cannon, mounted on a beautiful antique carved hardwood carriage. The cannon can be hand lifted and easily removed in order to mount on other mounting blocks for swivels when used at sea. Solid bronze, with superb cast detailing, barrel measuring approximately 31.25 inches long, 31.75 inches long on carriage, with long ‘swivel spike’ on the underside of the barrel. The natural aged patination is absolutely fabulous and can only appear gradually over the passing of the centuries. This is truly a wonderful example worthy of any museum grade display. These cannon were made in the Netherlands and used by the VOC and by the legendary Malay pirates, and with suitable small cannon-balls it was a most powerful offensive weapon. Lantakas were manufactured during the 17th and early 18th century in the Netherlands by the Dutch East India Company for export to Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines. This is a type of bronze swivel gun mounted on merchant vessels travelling the waterways of the Malay Archipelago. Its use was greatest in pre-colonial South East Asia especially in Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia. The guns were used to defend against pirates demanding tribute for the local chief, or potentate. Cannon were frequently part of the bride price demanded by the family of an exceptionally desirable bride or the dowry paid to the groom.
Many of the small cannon, often called personal cannon or hand cannon, had been received as honours and were kept and passed down in families, but in times of need they also served as a form of currency that could keep the family fed. As a recognized form of currency, cannon could be traded for rice, drums, canoes, tools, weapons, livestock, debts of honour, and even settlement of penalties for crimes ranging from the accidental death of a fellow villager to headhunting against another tribe. Many of these finest cannon were given out by the Sultans of Brunei as part of ceremonies (such as birthdays or weddings) of the many princes and princesses of the extended Royal family. Cannon were frequently presented to guests along with awards and titles, and were meant to guarantee the recipients allegiance to the Sultan. In the 1840s, England began suppressing headhunting and piracy and Rajah James Brooke (a wealthy Englishman who established the dynasty that ruled Sarawak from 1841 until 1946) distributed numerous Brunei-cast hand cannon to guarantee the cooperation and allegiance of the local chiefs. Although most lantaka weighed under two hundred pounds, and many only a few pounds, the largest ones exceeded a thousand pounds with some weighing over a ton. Many of these guns were mounted on swivels and were known as swivel guns. The smaller ones could be mounted almost anywhere including in the rigging. Medium-sized cannon were frequently used in reinforced sockets on the vessel's rails and were sometimes referred to as rail guns. The heaviest swivel guns were mounted on modified gun carriages to make them more portable.

Typically the earliest cannon with beautiful ornaments from this region are from foundries in Malacca and Pahang, with later models from foundries in the Netherlands and Portugal, next from their respective settlements, and finally from Brunei and other local craftsmen.

The local population was unimpressed with the might and power of the heavily armed trading vessels from the VOC Dutch East India Company and Portugal. De Barros mentions that with the fall of Malacca, Albuquerque captured 3,000 out of 8,000 artillery. Among those, 2,000 were made from brass and the rest from iron. All the artillery is of such excellent workmanship that it could not be excelled, even in Portugal. - Commentarios do grande Afonso de Albuquerque, Lisbon 1576.

The Dutch and Portuguese quickly learned that they could trade cannon not only for spices and porcelain, but also for safe passage through pirate-infested waters. Local foundries continued to produce guns, using local patterns and designs from other local brass and bronze objects. This cannon can be lifted and mounted on any other form of swivel mount.  read more

Code: 21356

Superb & Rare 10 Plate Tetsu Steel Jingasa Samurai Battle Hat Helmet of The 1700's Traces Of Silver Inlay of Insects Such As Crickets, Catydids & A Spider Web From The Collection of Likely The World's Greatest Authority, Author On Japanese Polearms

From The Collection of Likely The World's Greatest Authority and Author On Japanese Polearms & Their Use

The tetsu jingasa (iron or steel battle hat) was a common form of head protection used in combat in feudal Japan, particularly by foot soldiers (ashigaru) during the Sengoku period (1467–1615) and by both soldiers and samurai during the Edo period (1603–1868). Unlike the elaborate kabuto helmets, the jingasa was lightweight, and shaped like a cone or shallow bowl, often with a wide brim to protect against overhead cuts and rain.

It was mainly worn by ashigaru as part of their okashi gusoku (loaned armour) to protect against overhead strikes, arrows, and musketry. Howeve, being of much higher quality and inlaid with silver decoration this beautiful example was clearly the war hat of a high rank samurai

While offering less protection than a kabuto (traditional helmet), it was highly favored for its light weight and mobility, which were crucial during long, intense battles.
The steel hats were typically lacquered and bore the mon (family crest) of the lord, which allowed identification of allies and enemies in the chaos of battle.
Weapon Usage (Improvised): Some martial arts schools, such as the Yagyu Shingan-ryu, taught that the steel jingasa could be removed and used as a makeshift shield or a striking weapon (similar to a buckler) when in close combat, though this was generally an emergency tactic.

What an incredible, early Edo, original samurai iron jingasa helmet this is. Only a very small percentage of jingasa war hats are made of plate steel but this one is rarer still in that is was inlaid with representation decor of silver insects, some of which are still viewable. including a cricket, a catydid and a superb spiders web.

Insects in general have been celebrated in Japanese culture for centuries. The Lady Who Loved Insects is a classic story of a caterpillar-collecting lady of the 12th century court; the Tamamushi, or Jewel Beetle Shrine, is a seventh century miniature temple, once shingled with 9,000 iridescent beetle forewings. In old Japanese literature, poems upon insects are to be found by thousands, Daisaburo Okumoto is director of the Fabre Insect Museum. An avid insect collector and a scholar of French literature, he has translated many of Fabre's works. He ascribes the popularity of insects in Japan to national character. It seems like Japanese eyes are like macro lenses and Western eyes are wide-angle, he says. A garden in Versailles, it's very wide and symmetrical. But Japanese gardens are continuous from the room and also very small. We feel calm when we look at small things. The medieval Japanese monk Yoshida Kenko put it this way: “If man were never to fade away like the dews of Adashino, never to vanish like the smoke over Toribeyama, how things would lose their power to move us”

A similar metal example, dated to the 19th century, was included in the 2010 exhibition Kyoto­-Tokyo: Des Samourais aux Mangas at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco in 2010.  read more

Code: 26206