A Superb Battle of Waterloo Artifact Recovered From The Battle Site, A Soldier's Small Silver Metal Crucifix, Lost On The Field of Battle At Waterloo & Recovered at La Haye Sainte.

From our recently arrived original Waterloo battle site collection. Still wearable with ring aperture very sound

This extraordinary Waterloo battle relic was likely already old when it was lost at Waterloo, probably a family heirloom cross, and then discovered around La Haye Sainte (named either after Jesus Christ's crown of thorns or a bramble hedge round a field nearby). Yet it is in very good condition, clear signs it has been worn, naturally, but very nicely preserved indeed.

All our relics are exactly as they also appear in the book ‘Waterloo Relics’ by Bernard & Lachaux, {containing similar examples recovered from the battle site } see photos in the gallery.

It is a walled farmhouse compound at the foot of an escarpment on the Charleroi-Brussels road in Belgium. It has changed very little since it played a crucial part in the Battle of Waterloo on 18 June 1815.

La Haye Sainte was defended by about 400 King's German Legion troops during the Battle of Waterloo. They were hopelessly outnumbered by attacking French troops but held out until the late afternoon when they retired because their ammunition had run out. If Napoleon Bonaparte's army had captured La Haye Sainte earlier in the day, almost certainly he would have broken through the allied centre and defeated the Duke of Wellington's army.

The capture of La Haye Sainte in the early evening then gave the French the advantage of a defensible position from which to launch a potentially decisive attack on the Allied centre. However, Napoleon was too late—by this time, Blücher and the Prussian army had arrived on the battlefield and the outnumbered French army was defeated.

Strategic importance

A view of the battlefield from the Lion's mound. On the top right are the buildings of La Haye Sainte. This view looks east, with Allied forces behind the road to the left (north) and French forces out of shot to the right(south)
The road leads from La Belle Alliance, where Napoleon had his headquarters on the morning of the battle, through where the centre of the French front line was located, to a crossroads on the ridge which is at the top of the escarpment and then on to Brussels. The Duke of Wellington placed the majority of his forces on either side of the Brussels road behind the ridge on the Brussels side. This kept most of his forces out of sight of the French artillery.

During the night from the 17th to the 18th, the main door to the courtyard of the farm was used as firewood by the occupying troops. Therefore, when the King's German Legion (KGL) was stationed in the farm at the morning of the battle they had to hastily fortify La Haye Sainte.

The troops were the 2nd Light Battalion KGL commanded by Major Georg Baring, and part of the 1st Light Battalion KGL. During the battle, they were supported by the 1/2 Nassau Regiment and the light company of the 5th Line Battalion KGL. The majority of these troops were armed with the Baker rifle with grooved barrels, as opposed to the normal Brown Bess musket of the British Army. The French troops also used muskets which were quicker to load than the Baker rifle but the latter was more accurate and had about twice the range of a musket.

Both Napoleon and Wellington made crucial mistakes about La Haye Sainte as it was fought over and around during most of the day. Napoleon failed to allocate enough forces to take the farm earlier in the day while Wellington only realised the strategic value of the position when it was almost too late.

Every single item from The Lanes Armoury is accompanied by our unique Certificate of Authenticity. Part of our continued dedication to maintain the standards forged by us over the past 100 years of our family’s trading, as Britain’s oldest established, and favourite, armoury and gallery.

21mm long  read more

Code: 26368

A Fine & Fabulous, Koto To Shinto Period, Rare, Original Antique Japanese Shikomi-zue 仕込み杖, "Prepared Cane". A Traditional, ‘Hidden Sword Stick’, 400 to 500 Years Old. With a Sakura Branch Trompe-l'œil Concealment

This is one of the nicest and most beautiful of it's type we have seen, with a beautiful chisa katana blade, up to around 400 to 500 years old, with its gilt habaki blade collar. A fine, smith made, traditional samurai blade, of super quality, in good polish for age {at present preservative lacquer coated, but being removed}.

Very finely carved Edo period wooden saya and tsuka, disguise decorated, with ishime urushi stone finished lacquer, in order to 'deceive the eye' {Trompe-l'œil} and to imitate a black bark sakura tree branch walking stick.

The early blade is superb, but at present covered in antique Victorian preservative clear lacquer, we are having it professionally artisan removed, in order to reveal the stunning polish of the blade, that is easy to see but impossible to photograph suitably at present, which we will then photograph and show here in the gallery next week once it is completely conserved. Overall this rare piece is in superb condition for age.

In the 1870's the Meiji Emperor disbanded the fuedal samurai order and banned the wearing of the sword. This created much unrest between the samurai and the government and some samurai moved to carrying 'shikome-zue' the hidden sword.

Therefore, via a circuitous route of deception, they still remain armed, but, with their katana concealed and hidden from public view. But by that deception they felt, least in part, their honour remained intact. With their most elegant and finest bespoke blade upon their person.

In ninjutsu shikomizue became quite popular, as it provided the night warriors with what they needed most – versatility, secrecy and mortality.

The walking stick was popular among all the classes of japanese society and carrying it caused no suspicion at all. Combined with the impersonation skills, shikomizue was really a dangerous and most advabntagouly concealed weapon, enabling attack of ones enemy or even assassin, most suddenly and with deadly skill.

This is possibly one of the nicest of it's types we have ever seen. The blade is typical chisa katana with elegant curvature. Very nice hamon in very nice polish {once cleaned}. The stick is fully and superbly hand carved and over lacquered in urushi to simulate an anonymous prunus tree branch walking stick.

This piece was absolutely the sword of choice of the world reknown, fictional, blind samurai, Zatoichi.

He does not carry a traditional katana, instead using a very well traditionally made shikomi-zue (cane sword) within a sakura branch Trompe-l'œil concealment, exactly as this sword is mounted.

Zatoichi's cane sword shikome-zue, was forged by a famous master bladesmith, and is of superior quality, just like this rare, fine and beautiful traditional ancient chisa katana bladed example.

A conversation piece par excellance

We show in the gallery a modern Japanese painting of Zatoichi, old poster of the blind swordsman movie, and an 1817 Japanese print by Hokusai of his depiction of an all black clad warrior, a so called ninja, climbing a rope, with what appears to be his identical mounted black shikome-zue hidden sword stick. For historical context purposes.  read more

Code: 26361

A Rare Crimean War Issue, P1839 Tower of London Royal Naval Sea Service Pistol, In Spectacular, As issued Condition, With Original Finish, Blue and Stock Varnish. Positively and Profusely Stamped & Ordnance Marked, With Numerous Inspection Marks

VR Crown Tower lock with date 1855, stock maker marked by the ordnance contractor. Stock maker stamped by Swinburn and Son.

The new Pattern 1839 Sea Service Pistol, was a single shot percussion action sidearm with a captive ramrod, and was adopted for use by the Royal Navy from 1839. This pistol was nearly identical to the Pattern 1839 British Naval Coast Guard Pistol, but with two significant exceptions. First, the calibre was reduced to 26-Bore (about .57 caliber) and secondly, the pistol was mounted with an additional conventional belt hook rather than just the butt swivel. One other change was the elimination of the bolted safety behind the cock.

The list below was of the ships of the Royal Navy, issued with this pistol for use in the Crimean war, alongside their launch dates.
Arrow-class gunvessel
HMS Agamemnon (1852)
HMS Ajax (1809)
HMS Amphion (1846)
HMS Arrogant (1848)
HMS Ardent (1841)
HMS Basilisk (1848)
HMS Beagle (1854)
HMS Belleisle (1819)
HMS Blenheim (1813)
HMS Boscawen (1844)
HMS Britannia (1820)
HMS Calcutta (1831)
HMS Cornwallis (1813)
HMS Cossack (1854)
HMS Cruizer (1852)
HMS Cumberland (1842)
HMS Cyclops (1839)
HMS Dauntless (1847)
HMS Driver (1840)
HMS Duke of Wellington (1852)
HMS Edinburgh (1811)
HMS Euryalus (1853)
HMS Eurydice (1843)
HMS Exmouth (1854)
HMS Gorgon (1837)
HMS Hornet (1854)
HMS Imperieuse (1852)
HMS James Watt
HMS La Hogue
HMS Leander (1848)
HMS London (1840)
HMS Majestic (1853)
HMS Merlin (1838)
HMS Miranda (1851)
HMS Monarch (1832)
HMS Neptune (1832)
HMS Nile (1839)
HMS Odin (1846)
HMS Orion (1854)
HMS Pique (1834)
HMS Prince Regent (1823)
HMS Princess Royal (1853)
HMS Queen (1839)
HMS Rodney (1833)
HMS Royal George (1827)
HMS Sans Pareil (1851)
HMS St Jean d'Acre
HMS Tartar (1854)
HMS Tiger (1849)
HMS Valorous (1851)
HMS Virago (1842)
HMS Vulture (1843)

The 1839 Sea Service pistols, and WD contract Colt Navy revolvers, were also used in service by the Navy and Marines in the Second Opium War in China.The Colt revolvers for use by the officers, and the sailors and Marines, the single shot sea service pistols.
The Second Opium War, which brought English Camp's Royal Marines to Guangzhou, started after the Chinese seized a suspected pirate ship that was registered as a British merchant vessel, and the murder by the Chinese of a French priest. In retaliation, Britain made an alliance with France began destroying Chinese forts and eventually gathered an international force that would include British, French, and American combatants. This war would last for four years and climaxed with the burning and looting of the Summer Palace in Beijing, shortly after the Royal Marines arrived at English Camp. The Americans joined as allied combatants in the war, but didn’t make a formal alliance with the Anglo French force.

We were delighted to acquire a brace of these rare pistols, both from the same private collection. However we offer them seperately, at matching prices, yet they could look amazing as a pair once more, if another collector wishes to acquire both, see the other pistol in the gallery stock number 26291  read more

Code: 26370

A Very Attractive Late Koto To Early Shinto Period Wakazashi With All Its Original Shinto Edo Period Koshirae. Untouched For 150 Years Since Its Gifted Presentation in Japan 1870

Around 440 years old. A most powerful and substantial blade, with considerable presence, and mounted with a two part copper habaki blade collar, and it is bearing a beautiful hamon with deep suguha hamon. The iron fuchi kashira are Higo school decorated with sporadic droplets of silver. the tsukaiti od lacquered leather over a single menuki of pure gold onlaid shakudo flower stems, on early samegawa giant rayskin. The iron mokko gata tsuba is signed and decorated with mountain and river scene with a villlage in the forground.

The original urushi lacquer saya is in a bright and matt in contrasting design, with two small inserted rectangular wood panels of black urushi decorated with gold lacquer maki-e of buddhist bonji, and it is mounted with iron fittings, with a buffalo horn kurigata.

The Edo period original lacquer work saya has some small and medium natural age edge marks and losses  read more

Code: 26366

A Very Good British 42" Barrel Second Pattern 'Brown Bess' Musket, Used From the Revolutionary War Until Waterloo. A Most Rare And Historical Musket From the Pantheon of the World Renown British ‘Brown Bess’ Musket.

A superb 18th century .750 inch bore, Brown Bess volunteer's musket, the pattern used from the Revolutionary War period and into the war with France. Superb walnut stock, traditional brass furniture with full side plate, two sling swivels complete. Engraved flintlock, with good sound and strong action, partly distinct naming, which could be Harvey or Hadley of London. Britain's "Brown Bess" flintlock musket is simply one of the most important military arms ever devised. Beginning its life almost 300 years ago, it created one of the greatest empires the word has ever seen and, among other achievements, made the 'British Square' the almost undefeated form of infantry defence throughout the world. Made in four distinct patterns it originally started life as a 46 inch barrel musket called the Long Land or Ist pattern Brown Bess.

Then in around 1768 the gun evolved and the barrel was shortened to 42 inches as 46 was deemed unwieldy and renamed the Short Land or 2nd pattern. Although the Long Land was made continually for another 20 years. With the onset of the Napoleonic Wars in the 1790s, the British Board of Ordnance found itself woefully short of the 250,000 muskets it would need to equip its forces. It managed to produce around 20,000 short land pattern muskets but this was simply not sufficient. At that time the British East India Company maintained it own troops and had contracted with makers to produce a simplified version of the Brown Bess musket with a 39-inch barrel and less ornate furniture and stock work. It was generally felt that the standard of these "India pattern" muskets was not up to the standard of the earlier Besses, but necessity required action so the authorities convinced Company officials to turn over their stores to the Crown.

By 1797 the urgencies of war ultimately created the demise of the Short Pattern, and all manufacture was turned to building the more simple 'India' pattern. For the most part, the gun underwent few changes from its introduction until Waterloo, with the exception of the cock, which was altered from the traditional gooseneck style to a sturdier, reinforced version in around 1809. As well as British usage, some were also carried by King George's allies, among them the Russians and Prussians. The stock has an old hairline combat service partial crack in the stock at the wrist on just the reverse side but perfectly sound.

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.

As with all our antique guns no license is required as they are all unrestricted antique collectables  read more

Code: 23180

A Beautiful Samurai Aikuchi Ko-tantō Dagger With a Fine, Unokubi (鵜首). Zukuri Shinto Blade & A Full Suite of Koshirae Of the Tokugawa. The Shoguns Of Japan

A most fine tanto sword blade {all Japanese swords even tanto, are classified as swords} in superb polish Unokubi (鵜首) Zukuri Shinto Blade. In wonderful full suite of original Edo period aikuchi koshirae {fittings and mounts} that are shakudo and sinchu, and decorated throughout, with eight 'mon' {clan crest} panels of Shogun Tokugawa Iyesu. Likely the stunning aikuchi tanto of a high ranking Tokugawa retainer. All are Tokugawa mon with scrolling vines and ginger leaves and roots. There are two Tokugawa mon panels on the tsuka and six panels on the saya. The kashira and saya jiri are in the form of decorated samurai court caps.

We acquired a 'matched' pair of Tokugawa koshirae aikuchi tanto, one o-tanto this one ko-tanto, but we are offering them seperately as tanto are not worn as pairs.

The Ko-tantō, are highly lightweight daggers. Because of their compact size, they were highly favoured as concealable personal defense weapons. They were frequently carried inside the robes kimono where they were known as a kaiken or tucked away by samurai for emergency defense.

The tanto was invented partway through the Heian period. With the beginning of the Kamakura period, tanto were forged to be more aesthetically pleasing, and hira and uchi-sori tanto becoming the most popular styles. Near the middle of the Kamakura period, more tanto artisans were seen, increasing the abundance of the weapon, and the kanmuri-otoshi style became prevalent in the cities of Kyoto and Yamato. Because of the style introduced by the tachi in the late Kamakura period, tanto began to be forged longer and wider. The introduction of the Hachiman faith became visible in the carvings in the hilts around this time. The hamon (line of temper) is similar to that of the tachi, except for the absence of choji-midare, which is nioi and utsuri. Gunomi-midare and suguha are found to have taken its place.

During the era of the Northern and Southern Courts, the tanto were forged to be up to forty centimetres as opposed to the normal one shaku (about thirty centimetres) length. The blades became thinner between the uri and the omote, and wider between the ha and mune. At this point in time, two styles of hamon were prevalent: the older style, which was subtle and artistic, and the newer, more popular style. With the beginning of the Muromachi period, constant fighting caused the greater production of blades. Blades that were custom-forged still were of exceptional quality. As the end of the period neared, the average blade narrowed and the curvature shallowed

As once told to us by an esteemed regular visitor to us here in our gallery, Victor Harris, in order to study and discuss our extensive collection, and he used the same words that are repeated in his book below;

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

One of the greatest joys of sword collecting is the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of different civilisations. Swords have been used by warriors for millennia, and each culture has developed its own unique sword designs and traditions. By studying swords, collectors can gain a deeper understanding of the people who made and used them.

Another joy of sword collecting is the sheer variety of swords that are available. There are swords in our gallery from all over the world and from every period of history. Collectors can choose to specialize in a particular type of sword, such as Japanese katanas or medieval longswords, or they can collect a variety of swords from different cultures and time periods. No matter what your reasons for collecting swords, it is a hobby that can provide many years of enjoyment. Swords are beautiful, fascinating, and historically significant objects.

Collecting antique swords, arms and armour is not merely an acquisition of objects; it’s an engagement with the historical and cultural significance that these pieces embody. As collectors, we become custodians of history, preserving these heritage symbols for future generations to study and appreciate.

We are now, likely the oldest, and still thriving, arms armour and militaria stores in the UK, Europe and probably the rest of the world too. We know of no other store of our kind that is still operating under the control its fourth successive generation of family traders


We are very privileged to be the UK’s premier original military antiques gallery and website, and to be able to consistently, continually, and regularly, offer the finest original collectors items in our shop for over 100 years

Blade inches long  read more

Code: 26367

A Beautiful Samurai Aikuchi Ō-tantō Dagger With a Fine Early Shinto Blade Circa 1600 & A Full Suite of Koshirae Of the Tokugawa. The Shoguns Of Japan

A most fine tanto sword blade {all Japanese swords even tanto, are classified as swords} in superb polish showing an elegant suguha hamon. In wonderful full suite of original Edo aikuchi koshirae {fittings and mounts} are shakudo and sinchu, and decorated throughout with fourteen 'mon' {clan crest} panels of Shogun Tokugawa Iyesu. Likely the stunning aikuchi tanto of a high ranking Tokugawa retainer. All are Tokugawa mon with scrolling vines and ginger leaves and roots. There are four Tokugawa mon panels on the tsuka and ten panels on the saya. The kashira and saya jiri are in the form of decorated samurai court caps.

In Japanese terminology, the prefix Ō- (大) means "large" or "great," while Ko- (小) means "small" or "short". A standard traditional Japanese tantō (dagger) generally has a blade length (known as nagasa) of under 1 shaku, which is approximately 30.3 cm (11.9 inches). This one being the Ō-tantō has a 12 inch blade

We acquired a 'matched' pair of Tokugawa koshirae aikuchi tanto, this one is an Ō-tantō, the other is a Ko-tantō, but we are offering them seperately as tantō are not usually worn paired like the daisho.

The larger Ko-tantō may be worn in the obi, the smaller Ō-tantō concealed withing the robes of the samurai.

The tanto was invented partway through the Heian period. With the beginning of the Kamakura period, tanto were forged to be more aesthetically pleasing, and hira and uchi-sori tanto becoming the most popular styles. Near the middle of the Kamakura period, more tanto artisans were seen, increasing the abundance of the weapon, and the kanmuri-otoshi style became prevalent in the cities of Kyoto and Yamato. Because of the style introduced by the tachi in the late Kamakura period, tanto began to be forged longer and wider. The introduction of the Hachiman faith became visible in the carvings in the hilts around this time. The hamon (line of temper) is similar to that of the tachi, except for the absence of choji-midare, which is nioi and utsuri. Gunomi-midare and suguha are found to have taken its place.

During the era of the Northern and Southern Courts, the tanto were forged to be up to forty centimetres as opposed to the normal one shaku (about thirty centimetres) length. The blades became thinner between the uri and the omote, and wider between the ha and mune. At this point in time, two styles of hamon were prevalent: the older style, which was subtle and artistic, and the newer, more popular style. With the beginning of the Muromachi period, constant fighting caused the greater production of blades. Blades that were custom-forged still were of exceptional quality. As the end of the period neared, the average blade narrowed and the curvature shallowed

As once told to us by an esteemed regular visitor to us here in our gallery, Victor Harris, in order to study and discuss our extensive collection, and he used the same words that are repeated in his book below;

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

One of the greatest joys of sword collecting is the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of different civilisations. Swords have been used by warriors for millennia, and each culture has developed its own unique sword designs and traditions. By studying swords, collectors can gain a deeper understanding of the people who made and used them.

Another joy of sword collecting is the sheer variety of swords that are available. There are swords in our gallery from all over the world and from every period of history. Collectors can choose to specialize in a particular type of sword, such as Japanese katanas or medieval longswords, or they can collect a variety of swords from different cultures and time periods. No matter what your reasons for collecting swords, it is a hobby that can provide many years of enjoyment. Swords are beautiful, fascinating, and historically significant objects.

Collecting antique swords, arms and armour is not merely an acquisition of objects; it’s an engagement with the historical and cultural significance that these pieces embody. As collectors, we become custodians of history, preserving these heritage symbols for future generations to study and appreciate.

We are now, likely the oldest, and still thriving, arms armour and militaria stores in the UK, Europe and probably the rest of the world too. We know of no other store of our kind that is still operating under the control its fourth successive generation of family traders


We are very privileged to be the UK’s premier original military antiques gallery and website, and to be able to consistently, continually, and regularly, offer the finest original collectors items in our shop for over 100 years

Blade 12 inches long  read more

Code: 26276

A Wonderful Original Accessory For a German WW1 and WW2 Service Luger Semi Auto Pistol. A 1930's German Spare Magazine With Aluminium Base Unnumbered

Wooden bases were used until 1926
DWM & Erfurt - wood, never aluminum

Simson, Krieghoff and Mauser all made aluminum bases

Base Bottom Transitioned to aluminum bases (often unnumbered or marked distinctively) around 1933–1934, though early Weimar-era reworks used retained wood bases.

The first known instance of the Luger being used in combat was during the Maji Maji Rebellion in 1905-1907. Therein, it was somewhat poorly-received because it was thought to be too heavy to be used quickly, in particular because the grip safety had to be held tightly, reducing accuracy. This led to the removal of the safety in the P08 model.

At the beginning of World War I, not all units of the German Army had been equipped with the Luger, leading to an acceleration in production. Alongside the P08, Germany also developed the LP08, a version with a stock and longer barrel that could also accept drum magazines. The LP08 was used by the Luftstreitkräfte during the early days of the war, before planes were equipped with machine guns, although due to a lack of pre-war production, the LP08 was much less commonly used than the P08. The main user of the LP08 was the Army, who used its drum magazine to deliver a high rate of fire at a close range, a concept which would lead to the development of the Stormtroopers and the MP 18. After the end of the war, Germany signed the Treaty of Versailles, which restricted the size of their army – the treaty specified that the German Army could only have 50,000 pistols, and prohibited submachine guns and pistols with stocks altogether.

As the Luger was expensive to produce, Germany started to look for a replacement as early as 1927, settling on the Walther P38 in 1938, which offered similar performance to the Luger, but took almost half the time to produce. Moving the production lines to the P38 once World War II started took longer than expected, leading to the P08 remaining in production until September 1942, and pre-existing copies remained in service until the end of the war. In East Germany, the P08 was used by the Volkspolizei, mostly from ex-Nazi stocks, but they produced a small number up until 1953  read more

Code: 26365

A Waterloo Battle Site Recovered British 1796 Light Dragoon & Hussars Troopers' Sabre Formerly In the Sgt Major Cotton Museum Collection at Waterloo. Acquired From Auction Of The Exhibits Due To The The Museum Closure in 1909

A Battle Of Waterloo Recovered, from The Cotton Museum Collection at Waterloo. 1796 Light Dragoon Trooper's Sword Near Identical To Another Recovered From Waterloo in Musee Royale De l'Armee Brussels

In recovered condition, likely buried at Waterloo for nigh on upwards of 10 years, with external steel russetting, however the blade still remains very good and bright. The grip leather is predominantly intact, traditionally wrapped over the regulation string grip binding. This sword is In still in much better condition in fact than the example in the Musee Royale De l'Armee in Brussels {see photo from the museum}, but lacking its scabbard.
Also from Vivians Brigade, apparently used by one of his Hussars between Hougemont and La Haye Sainte.

This was purchased from the auction, by the Hamilton family, in 1909, battlefield and antiquity relic collectors for over 100 years {prior to 1909}, acquiring pieces for the descended family collection of the late 10th Duke of Hamilton of Scotland

The Founder: Edward Cotton was a veteran of the 7th Hussars who became a renowned battlefield guide and innkeeper. He wrote 'A Voice from Waterloo' and gathered a massive collection of battlefield relics. After the museum closed in 1909, roughly 3,000 items, along with the hotel contents and goodwill, were auctioned off in Brussels

In April 1815, Sir Hussey Vivian was appointed to command the 6th Brigade of the Earl of Uxbridge's Cavalry Division. Vivian's brigade included the 10th and 18th Hussars as well as the 1st and 2nd Hussars King's German Legion. At the Battle of Waterloo the 6th Brigade was posted on the Duke of Wellington's left flank. In the late afternoon, Vivian's regiments, with those of General Vandeleur's 4th Brigade, were ordered to move to support the centre of the line, which was under pressure from Napoleon's Imperial Guard. After the enemy were repulsed, Vivian's hussars made the final charge of the day between Hougoumont and La Haye Sainte, sweeping the Middle Guard and Line units before them before breaking upon the squares of the Old Guard, which they soon learned to avoid. This service was rewarded by the thanks of both houses of Parliament, an award of the KCH, and the Orders of Maria Theresa and St. Vladimir from the emperors of Austria and Russia.

After hostilities had ceased, Vivian remained in France as part of the Army of Occupation in command of the 2nd Brigade of Cavalry

The Cotton Collection, the full weapons, militaria, and recovered artifact display, from the battlefield, housed at the Hotel du Musee at Waterloo, owned first by Edward Cotton, then by his descendant family, was sold by auction in 1909.

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

An extract from an 1862 publication;
HOTEL DU MUSÉE,
AT THE FOOT OF THE LION MOUNT.
This Hotel, kept by a niece of the late Sergeant-Major Cotton, is situated in the very centre of the field of Waterloo, and is strongly recommended to visitors on account of its proximity to the scenes of interest connected with the great battle, and also for the excellent accommodation and comfort it offers at moderate charges.—See Bradshaw’s continental Guide.

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 who personally fought at Waterloo. Another photo shows the front page of his collection catalogue

There are many reasons why people enjoy collecting swords. Some people are drawn to the beauty and craftsmanship of swords, while others appreciate their historical and cultural significance. Swords can also be a symbol of power and strength, and some collectors find enjoyment in the challenge of acquiring rare or valuable swords.

One of the greatest joys of sword collecting is the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of different civilisations. Swords have been used by warriors for millennia, and each culture has developed its own unique sword designs and traditions. By studying swords, collectors can gain a deeper understanding of the people who made and used them.

Another joy of sword collecting is the sheer variety of swords that are available. There are swords in our gallery from all over the world and from every period of history. Collectors can choose to specialize in a particular type of sword, such as Japanese katanas or medieval longswords, or they can collect a variety of swords from different cultures and time periods. No matter what your reasons for collecting swords, it is a hobby that can provide many years of enjoyment. Swords are beautiful, fascinating, and historically significant objects

Sadly, each sword once had its inventory label attached, but they are all now lost. With cotton's labels present the prices can be many times the value.

Pictures in the gallery of the Cotton Museum Auction pamphlet and labels, for information and historical context only. Out of interest, a few years ago half a French cuirass from the Cotton Museum Auction sold for 6000 gbp.

As with all our items, every piece will be accompanied by our fully detailed Certificate of Authenticity, based on over 100 years of our Brighton family trading  read more

Code: 26363

A Most Impressive & Beautiful Bladed Antique Shinto Period, Edo Era Samurai Horseman's Katana. All Original edo Period Koshirae & Kanieye School Iron Mokko Gata Tsuba

A simply amazing sword, of the early Shinto period 1600's, with a blade of beauty, and all original Edo period fittings, of an iron kabutogane kashira, Higo school and an iron fuchi Higo school, signed Mejin Shodai, Kanieye school tsuba. Golden silk tsukaito wrapped over a pair of gold and silver menuki of leaves and berries, on samegawa giant rayskin.

This is a katana made for a upper ranking samurai based on horseback in combat, certainly a cursive katana, and a battle sword, made to complete an uncomprimising task of close combat and aggressive swordmanship.

Designed as much for cleaving armour and helmets in two, as much as defeating another samurai on horseback. Although samurai would not, one would say, be a cavalry based warrior, all senior samurai would be mounted and thus travel on horseback, and some cavalry type samurai could be deployed in battle, but with differing combat styles depending on what part of Japan they came from. The cavalry troops, being Samurai, had personal retainers that stayed closer to them in the Sonae, carried their weaponry and worked as support units, much like an European squire. They also joined the fight whenever possible (especially in the mounted infantry scenario) and were often responsible of taking heads for their lords.
These foot Samurai were also used as heavy infantry or archers to support the ashigaru lines.


Tactics
Given the fact that the Samurai could directly dismount and operate as infantry, there were some specific tactics for horsemen.
Cavalry in general was only used after the battle was already started, either to deliver a decisive victory or to trying to save the day.

Norikiri
This is a classic charge, where several small groups of five to ten horseman ride consequently (possibly with a wedge formation) into a small area against the enemy lines, to maximize the shock. It was mainly used by heavy cavalry in the East, but given the fact that the ideal target where "weavering" units with low morale or disorganized, even medium cavalry could perform this charge.
The main role of this charge was to create confusion; if it didn't succeed, the cavalry regroups and either retreat or deliver another charge.

Norikuzushi
This is a combined infantry and cavalry charge. The horseman charged first, and after creating mayhem, a second charge is delivered by infantries armed with polearms, which could keep on fighting. The main target for this tactics were ranged units detached by the army. After a Norikuzushi usually follows a Norikiri by the cavalry group. 28 inch blade tsuba to tip.

Every single item from The Lanes Armoury is accompanied by our unique Certificate of Authenticity. Part of our continued dedication to maintain the standards forged by us over the past 100 years of our family’s trading, as Britain’s oldest established, and favourite, armoury and gallery  read more

Code: 26362