A Superb Gallantry 'Military Medal for Bravery' Aug-Nov 1914 Mons Star Medal Group of WW1, For 2nd South Lancs Regiment. Of One of the 'Old Contemptables'

The British Expeditionary Force which served in Flanders within range of the enemy mobile artillery between 5 August and 22 November 1914. At the first battle of Ypres their stand against a force of ten times their number prevented the German advance against the Channel ports.The B.E.F. of 1914 consisted of a cavalry division and several infantry divisions. Its commander was Field Marshal Sir John French. The troops of the Force were later joined by re-inforcements from Canada and India. The first battle was at Mons on 23rd August 1914, from where the great retreat was made in order to maintain an unbroken line with allied forces being pushed back by superior numbers. The retreat halted on the Marne and the counter-attack culminated in the first battle of Ypres.

South Lancashire Regiment during the Great War. Having been mobilised at Tidworth, the Battalion formed part of the 7th Brigade, 3rd Division and moved to Southampton on 13 August. Arriving at Le Havre on the S.S. Lapwing on 14 August 1914, they moved through the lines and billeted at a railway station on 22 August. Moved forward to Ciply on 23 August, they took up defensive positions on a low ridge between Ciply and Frameries, being assisted by Belgian civilians to dig in for what would be their first engagement of the war. Little did they know, they were facing an advance from an entire German Division the next morning.
Captain von Brandis, 24th (Brandenburg) Division takes up the story in Military Operations - France and Belgium 1914:

'Our artillery is to prepare the assault. A continuous stream of gun and howitzer shell thunders out, hurtling and howling over our heads, and bursting in dust and smoke on the edge of the village Frameries. No human beings could possibly live there. At 7am six companies of the regiment advance to the attack. We remain impatiently in reserve.

If we thought that the English had been shelled enough to be storm-ripe, we were fairly mistaken. They met us with well-aimed fire.'

It was exactly that resolve displayed by the men of the South Lancs. who gamely took to the open to beat off the advance. Whilst British troops fell back all around under the immense weight of an attack by an entire German division, the South Lancashires gave fight.

Military Operations - France & Belgium 1914 further states:

'The 7th Brigade held on...the South Lancashire were enfiladed by machine-guns from the slag-heaps about Frameries and lost between two and three hundred men before this Brigade was also withdrawn towards Genly.'

The 1st Loyal
North Lancashires were engaged in the epic First Battle of Ypres from 23rd Oct, when they made a most gallant and successful bayonet charge
at the Kortekeer Cabaret, and throughthe desperate crisis of the battle around Gheluvelt on Oct 31st, remaining in action until 14th Nov. the 2nd South Lancs also joined in the Ypres fighting, withstanding
repeated attacks at Nonne Boschen 11th-13th Nov. the British Regular Army fought almost literally to the death, constantly attacking, withdrawing
and counter-attacking. The line held, but at terrible cost, both Lancashire battalions being reduced to barely company strength.

In August 1914, German Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II allegedly issued an order or made a remark telling his forces to concentrate on destroying “General French’s contemptible little army” (referring to Field Marshal Sir John French, commander of the BEF). (Though historians note there is no written proof the Kaiser actually said those exact words), the phrase leaked or was reported in British newspapers.Rather than feeling demoralized, the out-numbered, highly skilled British soldiers took the insult as a badge of honour, embracing the title "Old Contemptibles" to define themselves

To officially qualify as an "Old Contemptible," a soldier had to have served with the BEF in France and Flanders between August 5 and November 22, 1914, and generally qualified for the 1914 Star (often with the clasp for serving under enemy fire during those dates). This group was distinct from the later mass-conscription armies (such as "Kitchener's Army") because they were professional, long-service soldiers and experienced reservists.

The Battle of Mons (August 23, 1914): The BEF's first major engagement against the advancing German army. The rifle fire of the British regulars was so fast and accurate that the Germans famously mistook it for machine-gun fire.Outnumbered and forced to retreat hundreds of miles alongside French forces, the BEF helped halt the German advance at the Battle of the Marne and the Aisne, ruining Germany's plan for a quick victory The BEF held the line against overwhelming odds through brutal conditions, effectively shattering the original regular army as heavy casualties exhausted its ranks by late November 1914.

The Angels of Mons is a famous World War I urban legend that claimed divine, supernatural entities intervened to protect the outnumbered British Expeditionary Force during the Battle of Mons on August 23, 1914

A fictional short story titled "The Bowmen" written by Welsh author Arthur Machen. Published in the Evening News on September 29, 1914, the story described phantom medieval English archers from the Battle of Agincourt—led by St. George—summoned to help British troops.  read more

Code: 26415

A Beautiful French Ist Empire Officers Sword Designed From The Battle of The Nile Mamluks Sabres As Worn By Napoleon & His Generals. General Desaix Wore The Same Form of Sword with Imperial Embossed Panels of Arms, Hercules, Trophies & Engraved Palm Trees

Mamluk hilted sword with gilt brass all metal general and staff officer's pattern sword scabbard, with twin ring mounts, and with stunning embossed panels and fine engraving, as was used by many of Napoleon's generals, from his Consulute period and the Ist Empire, until Emperor Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo

It has four rectangular ovoid panels depicting an ancient stand of Greek arms and armour helmets and palm leaves, at the top of the scabbard, with the two main central panels of a roman general in armour and helmet above , and the other with a nemean lion head, roman fasces, spears and a standing figure of Hercules draped in his Nemean lion skin above ancient greek helmets armour and a drum, and the bottom panel has a pair of crossed generals mamluke sabres, with an Grand Sultan's turban upon a pole arm and other standards. The rear of the scabbrd bears the engraving of twin palm tree tops around each strap ring mount.

The hilt is the mamluke style of gilt brass with a carved black horn grip panels and engraved twin crossguards one with a ball terminal the other lacking a terminal. The steel curved blade is plain with a wide central fuller.

Louis-Charles-Antoine Desaix (17 August 1768 – 14 June 1800) in the gallery with his same sword, was a prominent French general and military leader during the French Revolutionary Wars and Napoleon's Consulate period.

Born near Riom in Auvergne, France, into a noble family, Desaix entered the Royal Military School of Effiat at age eight.

Unlike many of his aristocratic peers, Desaix refused to emigrate during the Revolution and chose to serve the Republic, rising rapidly through the ranks to become a division general by 1794.

He served with distinction on the Rhine, commanding the fortress of Kehl and leading forces in Germany.

In 1798, he joined Napoleon Bonaparte’s expedition to Egypt, fighting at the Battle of the Pyramids. His fair and just administration of Upper Egypt earned him the local title of the "Just Sultan".

He returned to Europe in 1800 and joined Napoleon in Italy. At the Battle of Marengo on 14 June 1800, Desaix led a timely counter-attack that turned a near-defeat into a French victory, though he was killed in action by a musket ball at the age of 31

During the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars the French armies had approximately 2,000,000 plus serving soldiers, of those there were around 2000 generals commanding them in the armies of France, directly under their commander-in-chief, the Emperor Napoleon. However, for example, at the Battle of Borodino, Napoleon lost 1928 of his officer's including 49 Generals, in just one day!

This sword would have been used and carried in combat by one of his commanding generals of the general staff.

Napoleon was, and remains, famous for his battlefield victories, and historians have spent enormous attention in analysing them

Napoleon's Consulate period (1799–1804) was the government of France established after the Coup of 18 Brumaire (November 9–10, 1799) that overthrew the French Directory.

The Three Consuls: The Constitution of the Year VIII created an executive branch led by three consuls, with Napoleon Bonaparte as First Consul holding all real executive power, while the second and third consuls (Jean-Jacques-Régis de Cambacérès and Charles-François Lebrun) acted largely as figureheads

Consul for Life: Through a national plebiscite and the Senatus-Consultum of August 2, 1802, Napoleon's role was extended to Consul for Life, paving the way for his coronation as Emperor

Transition to Empire: The period ended on May 18, 1804, when Napoleon declared himself Emperor of the French, launching the First French Empire

The most famous and influential among Napoleon's generals include:
Louis-Nicolas Davout ("The Iron Marshal"): Widely considered Napoleon's most talented and reliable commander, he never lost a major battle and famously won the Battle of Auerstedt in 1806 against a larger Prussian army.

Louis-Alexandre Berthier: Napoleon’s indispensable chief of staff who managed staff work, orders, and the complex corps d'armée system across almost all campaigns.
Michel Ney ("The Bravest of the Brave"): A fearless frontline leader famous for his bravery and command during the retreat from Russia and at Waterloo.

André Masséna ("The Child of Victory"): A brilliant independent commander who won major victories at Rivoli and Zurich, though his later career in Portugal proved difficult.

Jean Lannes: Napoleon's close personal friend and a ferocious vanguard leader who was mortally wounded at the Battle of Aspern-Essling in 1809.

Joachim Murat: Napoleon's brother-in-law and a flamboyant cavalry leader who commanded the French horse troops with speed and style.
Nicolas Jean-de-Duché Soult a master strategist and planner who later served as one of Napoleon's top corps commanders.

Louis-Gabriel Suchet: Widely regarded as the best administrator and general in the Peninsular War for his pacification of eastern Spain

Overall 32 inches long in its scabbard  read more

Code: 26410

A Truly Stunning Original Blue and Gilt Bladed British Infantry Officer's Sabre, Model of 1803. Used in The Napoleonic Wars & Waterloo Period With Almost All Its Near Mint Original Mercurial Gilt Remaining

Antique British infantry officer's sabre, Model 1803, bespoke hand made in England during the Napoleonic Wars and in very good condition. The sabre comes with its original scabbard; both are exceptionally beautiful and in excellent condition.

The blade features exquisite etched decoration on both sides; we can see a profusion of symbols, scrollwork, plant motifs, the monogram of King George III of England, the Royal Coat of Arms, and allegorical representations of universal themes such as victory and war. The scabbard locket is engraved with the name and address of the manufacturer, Richard Johnston, 68 St. James St., London.

The hilt is as beautiful as the blade, with a copper gilt crossguard, guard, and pommel, and a grip covered in original sharkskin with its original wire binding. The pommel is formed as a lions head, while the large pierced monogram of King George III is at the point where the guard meets the crossguard. The scabbards design matches that of the sabre, featuring engraved copper gilt mounts and with engraved lines a on all parts including the chape, the scabbard throat and the centre. On the scabbard throat is a magnificent inscription set within an oval bearing the makers name and address: R JOHNSTON late BLAND & FOSTER Sword Cutler & supplier to his MAJESTY 68 St James St . LONDON.

Due to its beauty and exceptional quality, this antique British infantry officers sabre, Model 1803 (Napoleonic Wars), will stand out in any fine collection.

The hilt has its own bespoke uniqueness as it is in far more curvature form than usual, and thus particularly elegant
The standard British infantry and light infantry regiments fought in all campaigns during the Napoleonic Wars, seeing sea-service at the Battle of Copenhagen, engaging in most major battles during the Peninsular War in Spain, forming the rearguard for the British armies retreat to Corunna, serving as an expeditionary force to America in the War of 1812, With the return of Napoleon from exile, all of the companies in England crossed the channel and landed in Belgium in May 1815, joining with those already present, so that the entire regiment, bar the five companies still in America, became part of Wellington's Anglo-Dutch army. The first battalion of the 95th for example went on to fight at the Battle of Quatre Bras on 16 June 1815, while all three battalions would fight at the Battle of Waterloo on 18 June 1815

During the battle of Waterloo the 95th Rifles held "The Sandpit" near La Haie Sainte, near the centre of the fighting. From this covered position they could target the French columns marching to both sides & the attackers on the chateau.
Used in the Peninsular War, Waterloo & The War of 1812 by a British Officer of a light infantry such as the famous 95th Rifles, or the flank light company of a Guards regiment. Such as that fought at Hougemont in The Battle of Waterloo. and the 95th Rifles that held "The Sandpit" near La Haie Sainte, Waterloo

A singularly beautiful sword, with near mint mercurial gilt hilt, that was designed for battle but was stunningly serviceable for full dress.

This is the pattern of British Infantry, Light Infantry and Rifles Officer's sword carried by gentlemen officers who relished the idea of combat, but found the standard 1796 Infantry pattern sword too light for extreme combat.

The light infantry regiments were made up of officers exactly of that mettle. The purpose of the rifles light infantry regiments was to work as skirmishers. The riflemen and officers were trained to work in open order and be able to think for themselves. They were to operate in pairs and make best use of natural cover from which to harass the enemy with accurately aimed shots as opposed to releasing a mass volley, which was the orthodoxy of the day.
The riflemen of the 95th were dressed in distinctive dark green uniforms, as opposed to the bright red coats of the British Line Infantry regiments. However the Light Infantry Companies of the Guards Regiments wore red. This tradition of green uniforms lives on today in the regiment’s modern equivalent, 'The Rifles'.

The standard British infantry and light infantry regiments fought in all campaigns during the Napoleonic Wars, seeing sea-service at the Battle of Copenhagen, engaging in most major battles during the Peninsular War in Spain, forming the rearguard for the British armies retreat to Corunna, serving as an expeditionary force to America in the War of 1812, With the return of Napoleon from exile, all of the companies in England crossed the channel and landed in Belgium in May 1815, joining with those already present, so that the entire regiment, bar the five companies still in America, became part of Wellington's Anglo-Dutch army. The first battalion went on to fight at the Battle of Quatre Bras on 16 June 1815, while all three battalions would fight at the Battle of Waterloo on 18 June 1815

During the battle of Waterloo the 95th Rifles held "The Sandpit" near La Haie Sainte, near the centre of the fighting. From this covered position they could target the French columns marching to both sides & the attackers on the chateau.

In 'Burke at Waterloo', by Tom Williams, Burke’s sergeant, William Brown, is fighting alongside the riflemen, and the account accords well with real accounts of the battle for the farm.

"At last the drummers started to beat amongst the ranks of blue-uniformed warriors and the columns began to bear down on La Haye Sainte. They advanced at a quick step with loud cries of ‘Vive l’Empereur!’ From the heights behind William came a murderous artillery fire that struck down dozens of the advancing soldiers, but they came on regardless.

Now they had reached the beginning of the slope. As they approached La Haye Sainte, skirmishers broke out from the head of each of the columns. Finally, the 95th had something to shoot at. The sound of their rifles was almost lost in the din of artillery as French and British guns duelled across the battlefield.

The farm ahead of them was now the scene of desperate fighting. The French had the place surrounded on three sides, pouring fire into the farmyard. A French brigade moved towards the north of the farm to complete its encirclement. As they did so, they came within range of the sandpit and the Rifles opened up on them. William fired, reloaded and fired again. There was no careful wrapping of the balls now. He rammed home his ammunition as fast as he could. With the enemy so close, it was speed, not accuracy, that was needed. There were so many that it seemed almost impossible not to hit them. The French dropped by the score, but as fast as the men of the 95th killed them, more blue-coated figures moved to replace the dead. Outnumbered as they were, it could only be a matter of time before the Rifles were overrun.

Then, to William’s amazement, the brigade swung away, as if unwilling to face the men in the sandpit. If they were trying to escape the Green Jackets, though, this manoeuvre went horribly wrong, for their change in direction took them straight towards the company that were hidden in the hedge. Once again, their ranks were decimated by British rifle fire.

For a moment, William thought that their three companies of Rifles might achieve the impossible and beat back the French brigade, but, even as the French hesitated, an outburst of firing and cheers drew everyone’s attention to the east. There, through the chaos of smoke, he could see men in the dark blue of the Belgian infantry breaking back towards the main Allied lines while the lighter blue of the French pursued them.

Their captain saw it too, cursed, briefly but fluently, and then turned to his sergeant. ‘The Belgians have broken. We’re too exposed. We have to withdraw.’

William already had his rifle at his shoulder, so he pulled the trigger and took down one more Frenchman. Then, with the rest of the men of the 95th, he started heading back to their own lines.
and holding their positions against tremendous odds at the Battle of Waterloo."

The 1803 Sabre has frequently described as one of the most beautiful swords ever carried, and it was used, in combat, in some of the greatest and most formidable battles ever fought by the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars in Europe the Peninsular Campaign and Waterloo. This is a very attractive sword indeed and highly desirable, especially for devotees of the earliest era of the British Rifle Regiments, such as the 95th and the 60th. As a footnote, in Bernard Cornwall's books of 'Sharpe of the 95th', this is the Sabre Major Sharpe would and should have carried if he hadn't used the heavy cavalry pattern troopers sword, given to him in the story in the first Bernard Cornwall novel.  read more

Code: 26408

Attention To All Early Collectors of Original Japanese WW2 Officers Swords. An Incredible Bargain Just Arrived. A WW2 Japanese Officer's Sword Blade, Just in Today, Signed by Seki Ju Ishihara Kanenao Saku. This Sword Will Likely Not Be Available For long

A very special offer to our website viewers, that when similar examples have been offered for sale on our website in the past they have frequently sold within a few days!!
Absolutely perfect for a first time collector, keen to make the first step on the ladder of Japanese sword collecting, seeking a real, genuine and original Japanese WW2 officer's blade, but with a smaller ‘first sword’ budget.

The sword, is the signed blade, without any fittings {other than its original saya}, offered in its katana blade storage bag and also its WW2 officer's saya {that was once covered in field service leather} that is now its blade storage protector, but the price easily reflects this.

In fact this swords price is so low it is only to be a compared price to a basic, regular, machine made common NCO’s katana sword, {with its cast aluminium hilt} but, this blade is on a whole other level of quality, and, in beautiful polish.

"Seki ju Ishihara Kanenao saku" translates to "Made by Ishihara Kanenao, resident of Seki."Kanenao (family name Ishihara) was active during the Shōwa period (roughly 1926–1989), specifically producing blades during World War II.

Kanenao (兼直). His real name was Ishihara Kanenao and was born May 25th 1908, he studied under Amachi Suzuichi worked as a guntō smith.

Its condition is very good, but, does have some areas of past WW2 service use and very small areas tiny pitting, as one would expect.

This is not offered as a perfect condition, fully fitted WW2 officers sword {that could easily be twice to three times the price} but, as an original historical sword of the WW2 Pacific theatre that is still as beautiful as it was when surrendered or captured in 1945. In many respects just as important historically as an original, complete WW2 samurai sword, but without the greater cost.

However, there is also the option to seek out and find a suitable replacement shingunto tsuka habaki and tsuba. Thus return it to be a fully dressed Japanese WW2 officers sword

It will be accompanied by a display stand as can be seen in the photo gallery, and our usual Certificate of Authenticity.  read more

Code: 26403

A Superb and Rare King George IIIrd, Napoleonic Wars Era Sword Knot Used in the Peninsular War and Waterloo Period by British Generals & Staff Officers. A Finest Quality All Gold Bullion Sword Knot

In delightful condition for age, the perfect accompaniment to a fine 18th century to early 19th century Georgian sword, from the Peninsular War or Waterloo period, or, as a wonderful collector's piece in its own right, possibly mounted in a glazed frame.


These fancy pure gold bullion and silk sword knots are so difficult to find in this condition, and with its fabulous gilt finish patina. An absolute gem of a sword knot.

The sword knot began existence as a simple cord attached to the hilt of the sword of a mounted soldier. The knot is in fact, a loop usually made out of leather, or gold and silver bullion over silk for officers.
Before engagement with the enemy the soldier or officer wraps the loop around his wrist to prevent the loss of his sword, which can happen either in the heat of the battle or if he needs to relax his group in order to steady his mount.

In more recent years the sword knot has gradually evolved to become a more ornamental and decorative piece of uniform regalia. The design of it has also changed such that it now features a double strap which is also attached to the sword guard and wrapped around the hilt when not attached to the wrist.

In the 18th century, high-quality military and diplomatic gold bullion uniform decoration (often called goldwork) was made from genuine gold-gilded silver or pure gold wire wrapped around a flexible fibre core, usually made of silk.

Because pure gold is too soft and heavy on its own, it was traditionally beaten into ultra-fine sheets or drawn into hairline wires, wrapped around the thread core, and then spun tightly into a hollow, spring-like spiral tube

The metal wire was wound tightly around a long needle or mandrel to form a hollow, flexible, tubular spring. Artisans would cut these long springs into tiny segments (like metallic beads) to stitch them onto uniforms or to create sword knots

A hundred years later, since the late 19th century, there are two main types of sword knots: full dress and active service. The sword knot used for active service features a plain buff leather strap, while the full dress versions are usually more elaborate creations made from gold and silver cord with decorative tassels for that final added flourish.

Pictures in the gallery are a portrait of King George IIIrd in full dress uniform and his sword is fitted with the very same sword knot type.  read more

Code: 26411

A Beautiful, Handsome & Most Elegant Samurai Katana Around 600 Plus Years Old. Late Nanboku-chō period (南北朝時代, Nanboku-chō jidai) & Leading into the Sengoku Jidai, Warring States Era. A Beautiful, Handsome & Most Elegant Samurai Katana

Long elegant early blade with fine deep graduating curve Toriizori (鳥居反り) Uniform curve along the entire blade, with typical, early, ko-kissaki. The blade is fitted with a pure gold foiled copper habaki finely carved and with several sukashi pierced boars eyes.The nakago may once have borne a signature by the smith but it is so ancient anything that was there is no longer visible.

It has always been traditional to never, under any circumstances to clean polish or preserve the nakago. It is entirely left to age naturally over the centuries, as opposed to the blade itself that is cared for with the utmost attention to preserve it as close to mint condition as possible.

The original lower mekugi-ana ( mounting circular peg aperture ) is low enough to suggest that in its earliest days it was once mounted as a longer tachi for combat. Ancient blades can as usual have two or more mekugi-ana to enable remounting, as the style of sword dress changed during its long use in combat.

Up until only a very few centuries ago it was a capitol offence, punishable by immediate execution, for a person of lesser station to touch a samurai’s sword without his express permission, even by accident.

Toriizori describes an even, graceful arc from tang to tip, named after the curved gates (torii) at Shinto shrines. This balanced curvature became standard during the mid to late Kamakura period (1200-1333) as fighting techniques evolved. The uniform curve optimizes both cutting and thrusting while maintaining excellent balance.
Versatile for multiple techniques, balanced feel, effective cutting geometry throughout blade length .

The saya is ishime lacquer in a beautifully rich, russet colour, with polished carved black buffalo horn fittings. The blade was very grubby {see photo 3 in the gallery} so it is now in the middle of conservation and polishing. New photos will be added next week once it is completed and once more looking amazing.

Higo school fuchigashira, engraved with crashing waves in turbulant sea with low flying seabirds, large mokko gata iron plate tsuba, Edo period, chisselled with a small fishing boat with a mountain in the background. Signed. Menuki of deep takebori gilded copper carp in turbulant waves. green-blue tsukaito over traditional samegawa {giant rayskin}.

Picture 10 in the gallery is an original antique edo period Japanese woodblock print of a samurai bearing his sword in the very same livery as this sword. {For information only}

The Nanboku-chō era (1336–1392) in Japan was a tumultuous period of civil war between the Northern and Southern Imperial Courts, driven by rival claims to the throne after the Kamakura shogunate's fall, featuring significant shifts in warfare, art (increasing realism and warrior focus), and the rise of the Ashikaga shogunate, with key developments like extremely long swords no dachi also known as tachi, and guerrilla tactics amidst constant strife, culminating in the nominal reunification but underlying power struggles.

Key Aspects of Nanboku-chō Warfare & Era were the dual Imperial Courts: The imperial family split into a Northern Court (backed by Ashikaga) and a Southern Court (led by Emperor Go-Daigo and based in Yoshino).
The conflict facilitated the fall of the Kamakura Shogunate and the establishment of the Ashikaga (Muromachi) Shogunate, with Ashikaga Takauji emerging as a dominant figure.
The prolonged conflict saw the use of guerrilla warfare. Castles were built using suitable terrain, and ideal to survive sieges.
There was a move away from Heian-era courtly aesthetics towards more direct, virile, and realistic art reflecting the warrior class's values.
The era ended in 1392 when the Southern Court formally renounced its claim for the North, though this resolution left lingering questions of legitimacy.
Legacy: The period laid groundwork for the turbulent Muromachi era and the subsequent Sengoku period, shaping Japanese political identity and military. This led into the Ōnin War (1467–1477): A devastating civil war that shattered central authority and ushered in the Sengoku Jidai (Warring States).

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, and we are fortunate to have likely one of the most varied and largest selection of original swords, from all nations, in the world. There are swords in our gallery from all over the globe and from every period of history, going back almost 4000 years, Collectors can choose to specialize in a particular type of sword, such as Japanese katanas or medieval swords, 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.

This blades polish will be beautiful once more, with just the usual minuscule age surface marks, as all antique and ancient swords must always be expected to have at least some very small natural age appropriate flaws.

Every single item from The Lanes Armoury is accompanied by our unique Certificate of Authenticity. Part of our continued dedication to maintain the standards forged by us over the past 100 years of trading  read more

Code: 26405

The Lanes Armoury..Everything You Can Imagine, and a Lot, Lot More!

Original pieces from the great ancient civilisations, Ancient Egyptian, Greek, Scythian, Persian, Roman, Celtic, Anglo-Saxon, Viking, Norman, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, British, and beyond, in fact more antiquities, armoury, antiques, militaria, that you can imagine, plus leaves from illuminated manuscripts, rare and historical books, incunabula and Ist editions

We may not quite have everything that everyone might be seeking, but you can trust that we have spent over 100 years trying, and every day we do our utmost to scour the collecting world to find yet more, unique ancient or antique pieces.

We put in all the hard work, effort and expertise, so that you don't have to!, and remember, every purchase is accompanied with our Certificate of Authenticity, as our unique, lifetime guarantee, backed up by over 100 years of long established experience.

We are asked almost every day by many of our amazed and curious visitors about famous celebrities that have been customers past and present, so here goes, but just a snippet of a few mixed up names including those that Mark has personally assisted since 1971, and David since 1981, but of course there are many here of our past regulars listed below that our younger viewers will very likely have never even heard of.

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, actors
Charlton 'Chuck' Heston, actor
Edward G. Robinson, actor,
HRH Princess Margaret, late sister of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth
'Fat Boy' Slim, aka Norman Cook, songwriter +
Ronald Reagan, Potus
John Osborne, author
Lord ‘Larry’ Olivier, the most well beloved Brighton resident, and actor director.
Tom Hardy, one of Englands great current actors
Barry Humphries, genius writer and actor of limitless talent
Edward G. Robinson, actor
Charlton ‘Chuck’ Heston actor, president of the NRA
Max Millar, comedian
Harold, Viscount Watkinson, Winston Churchill's Minister of Defence 1959/62
Garfield Garry Weston, proprietor of Fortnum and Mason, chairman Associated British Foods and of the Garfield Weston Foundation
John Montgomery, author
Johnny Rotten, singer and armed forces supporter
The Lord St John of Fawsley
The Tower Armouries, museum
The Higgins Museum, USA
Octav Botnar Chairman, &. Late Owner Nissan UK, formerly Datsun UK
The Metropolitan Museum, New York
The Smithsonian, Washington D.C.
Lord Hailsham, { Quentin Hogg} Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain
Katy Melua, singer songwriter
Will Young, singer
Douglas Bader, RAF legend
Mark Williams, character actor par excellence
Sir Ralph Richardson, actor
Jim Davidson major armed services charities benefactor and comedian
Warner Bros. UK,
Sir Henry Cecil One of the world's greatest horse trainers
Macy’s, New York Department Store
St Albans Museum + Gallery, providing their new centrepiece exhibit for their new ‘War of the Roses’ Battle of St. Albans gallery.
Rebekkah Brooks & Ross Kemp in their past to-gether days, journalist and actor
The Horniman Museum, UK.
Major General Lord Fitzalen Howard Life Guards GCVO, CB, CBE, MC.
Howard Blackmore Deputy Master of The Tower of London Armouries, Founder and President The Arms and Armour Society
Victor Harris curator of Japanese Arms at The British Museum
Steven Berkoff, actor, playwright, theatre director
Kaufhof GmbH German department store chain
Galeria D'Arte Adriana Papiri-Brignoni foremost gallery proprietor of Lugano Switzerland with her husband Gigi & Her friends and residents of Lugano, including;
Gina Lollobrigida, actress
Valentino, fashion designer
Eugene Faberge, in the 1950’s, the eldest son Carl Faberge of Moscow.
Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche (Jigme Namgyel), renown Buddhist and author.....
Plus, many thousands more...  read more

Code: 23976

You Never Know Who You Might Run Into On A Visit To Britain’s Favourite Antique Shop

If you are wishing to find likely the best antique arms & armour gallery in the UK there is only one place you need to visit.

We trust you will all enjoy your visit and viewing experiance of our online shop, frequently described as the best military collectables & specialist armoury antiques & vintage military bookshop, in the world! and likely the oldest established as well.  read more

Code: 26412

A Fabulous Quality & Simply Beautiful Original Victorian Uniform Dolman Tunic of a Captain of the Pembrokeshire Hussars. An Hussar Regiment That Fought With Distinction In The Boer War.

blue cloth with white facings, silver bullion lace and braid trim including pointed ornamental cuffs, Austrian knot devices to back, 17 loops, with plain silver plated buttons to chest, shoulder cords with regimental buttons and 3 embroidered rank stars, white silk lining, pair matching overalls with double silver lace stripe. Good Condition, the lace generally bright overall. The officer who wore this superb uniform served alongside Col Cropper as a fellow Captain of the Pembrokeshire Hussars. As we know not this uniform's officer's name we show with the gallery the details of Col. Croppers distinguished career in the Zulu War and both Boer Wars. Hussar refers to a number of types of light cavalry. This type of cavalry first appeared in the Hungarian army of King Matthias Corvinus. The title and distinctive dress of these horsemen was subsequently widely adopted by light cavalry regiments in European and other armies. The hussars played a prominent role as cavalry in the Napoleonic Wars (1796-1815). As light cavalrymen mounted on fast horses, they would be used to fight skirmish battles and for scouting. Most of the great European powers raised hussar regiments. The armies of France, Austria, Prussia, and Russia had included hussar regiments since the mid-18th century. In the case of Britain, four light dragoon regiments were converted to hussars in 1806-1807.

Hussars were notoriously impetuous, and Napoleon was quoted as stating that he would be surprised for a hussar to live beyond the age of 30, due to their tendency to become reckless in battle, exposing their weaknesses in frontal assaults. The hussars of Napoleon created the tradition of sabrage, the opening of a champagne bottle with a sabre. Moustaches were universally worn by Napoleonic-era hussars; the British hussars were the only moustachioed troops in the British Army leading to their being taunted as being "foreigners", at times.

The French hussar of the Napoleonic period was armed with a brass-hilted sabre, a carbine and sometimes with a brace of pistols, although these were often unavailable. The British hussar was armed with, in addition to his firearms, the 1796-pattern light-cavalry sabre. British hussars also introduced the sabretache (a leather pouch hung from the swordbelt) to the British Army.

An extract from Chapter IX of the Historical Records of the Pembroke Yeomanry
The Pembrokeshire Hussars Yeomen, with the other 3 companies of the Welsh Yeomanry Battalion reached Cape Town on the 6th April, 1900, and were sent to Maitland camp, joining some 3,000 other yeomen, waiting their turn to go to the front. Stellenbosh and Wellington were the next places visited, and after some days of useful drilling the Pembrokeshire Yeomanry were ordered to join the Army at Bloemfontem.

On May 16th the Pembrokeshire and the two Montgomeryshire Companies of the Battalion, some 300 strong moved out to the North-west on a patrolling expedition, and after a week of this returned to Bloemfontein in time for the Queen's birthday parade. The Pembrokeshires. were given the place of honour in the van, and their smart appearance and soldier-like bearing, to quote his words, so pleased General Pretyman that he subsequently had the Yeomanry ranked past him in single file.

On May 27th the Pembrokeshire Squadron was ordered to Smithfield, Orange River Colony, Nos. 2 and 4 Troops being shortly afterwards sent to Rouxville, a small township nearer the Basuto Border, Nos. 1 and 3 Troops remaining at Smithfield under Major Cropper.

Leaving No. 1 Troop behind at Smithfield, under Captain Richardson the remaining three Troops of the Pembrokeshires on July 29th started on a three weeks' "trek," but nothing happened of interest, and after passing through Wepener and Dewetsdorp the company once more found itself at Bloemfontein.

On August 21st the company left by train for Ventersburg Weg, and with one of the Montgomeryshire Yeomanry Companies, and the Denbighshire Hussars formed part of Colonel White's column. On the 24th the advanced scouts of the column were in touch with the enemy, and next day the Pembrokeshire Yeomen exchanged their first shots with the Boers.

The Pembrokeshire Yeomanry, under Major Cropper, were forming the rearguard of the column which was moving back to Ventersburg, and had dispatched a troop under Lieutenants Jones and Blunt, to burn a farm from which the column had been fired upon.

The attacking troop, however, met with a hot reception, and Lieutenant Jones, whose horse was shot, had a narrow escape, and would have been captured but for the brave conduct of Trooper Atkinson, and Farrier Sergeant Williams, of Lampeter, who rode back to their officer's assistance.

Sergeant Williams, in his gallant act, was killed, and was buried in Ventersburg Cemetery, with the following epitaph on the little cross that marks his grave “Died whilst gallantly attempting to rescue his officer." Trooper Atkinson was recommended for the coveted Victoria Cross, but was only awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

As the Boer Commando, against which Colonel J White's Column was operating had managed to escape, the Yeomanry were entrained for Winburg, and after a reconnaissance had been made against Oliver's Commando in that neighbourhood the Pembrokeshire men were moved to Bloemfontein.

Next the Pembrokes were hurriedly moved to the rescue of Lady brand, White's column being attached to General Bruce-Hamilton's Brigade. After some sharp short skirmishes Ladybrand, with its plucky little garrison of the Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry, was relieved.

One section of the Pembrokes was nearly cut off, and Trooper Atkinson had his horse shot, and was only saved by the gallantry of Sergeant Millett, who brought him out on his horse, covered by the rifles of a few Pembroke Yeomen.

Major Cropper's men assisted in driving a Boer Commando into the hands of General Hunter, and after another attempt to corner a Commando at Doornberg the Pembrokes were engaged in the Bethulie district assisting in re- organising and provisioning the neighbouring towns.

Meanwhile the Troop of the Pembrokeshire Yeomanry left under Captain Ernald Richardson at Rouxville had not been left idle and had been on duty garrisoning Fauresmith, Jagersfontein, and Pitensburg, three towns in a hotbed of Boerdom. At Fauresmith with two companies of HighlandIanders and Lovat's Yeomanry Scouts they were practically in a state of siege for two months. Hertzog's Commando joining the besieging force and here Trooper Stanley Thomas, of the company was killed, and another trooper (Greatorex) finding, on returning from picket duty, that he had left his bandolier outside, coolly clambered over the earthworks to get it. He, of course, drew the enemy's fire on him, and was badly hit.

Trooper Francis of the company made a famous ride with despatches from Fauresmith to Jagersfontein, and after being fired on by both friend and foe delivered his despatches and was rewarded with the rank of Corporal and the Distinguished Service Medal.

Captain Richardson's Troop, after Fauresmith was relieved, saw some active service with the columns in Cape Colony, and lost one or two wounded. The troop forming part of Colonel Hubert's column, and after several fights against Kritzerger eventually joined their squadron.

Major Cropper's three troops now took part in the relief of Phillipolis, and marched 60 miles in 24 hours - the Pembroke men out-distancing the other units of Colonel White's columns, and after rescuing the score of Nesbitt's Horse, who for a fortnight had held out against 600 men, repaired to Springfontein.

Reinforced by a squadron of the London Rough Riders, Colonel White's column moved out from Springfontein to clear the Boers from the line between and Bloemfontein. Three miles out from the town the Rough Riders, who were acting as scouts, were surprised in a narrow nek, and lost one killed and three wounded.

But the Pembrokes and some guns came to the rescue, and the dashing leadership of Major Cropper in the subsequent pursuit, earned the Pembrokeshire Yeomanry the commendation of their Column Commander.

In the early part of November, 1900 the Squadron, still with Colonel White's Column, were operating to the West of the Free State Capital, and had several' hot engagements with Hertzog and Brandt Commandoes, at one of which, with the 16th Lancers, near Aasvogel Kop the Pembroke men specially distinguished themselves.

News was now received that the Boer leader Haasbroek, who was marching down country to join De Wet, was expected to cross the Modder River between the Column and Bloemfontein. A hurried march brought the Column within touch of the Boers just after they had crossed the river, and after a hot fight the Commando was driven back, but not without heavy losses on both sides. The Pembroke Squadron dashing gallantly on this occasion was once more mentioned in despatches.

The Squadron now took part in the big Christmas drive of De Wet, who had close on 4,000 Boers under his command and despite the almost 4,000 Boers under his command and despite the almost perfect trap, De Wet and his men broke through the cordon.

But the chase was not given up, and the British Troops came on his rearguard, and after a hand to hand fight, in which the regular cavalry and Yeomanry specially distinguished themselves, darkness came and stopped the pursuit. The Boers lost 8 killed 33 wounded and 18 prisoners, and a large number of horses.

General Knox, the British Commander, followed De Wet right up the East side of the Orange Free State, occasionally hastening his movements with a few shells or a sharp skirmish. In all these latter fights the Pembroke Yeomen bore their part.

At Hammonia near Ficksburg a very stiff fight with the Boers took place. The enemy had surprised the Denbighshire Hussars, who were acting as an advance guard, and the Pembroke and Montgomeryshire Yeomanry were ordered up, and eventually drove the Boers off, clearing the ridge with their hot and sharp fire.

The company still in pursuit of De Wet spent its Christmas Day at Kaffir Kop, but hardly had the Christmas dinner been finished than scouts rode in to say that De Wet had again given the Troops the slip. On January 1st, 1901, the Pembrokes were again hot on De Wet's trail, and on the 3rd. at Kaffir Kop, the Pembrokes with the rest of the Welsh Yeomanry were ordered to make a flanking movement to dislodge the Boers, who had taken up some strong positions.

The Pembrokeshire Yeomanry some 30 strong, attempted to rush the enemy, who were lining a rocky kopje fronted by a deep donga. Down the slope which led to the enemy's position went the small troop, and as they galloped the fire grew fiercer. The few" Boers who were supposed to be there numbered apparently close on 500. Some twenty yards in front of his men was Major Cropper, till stopped by a precipitous descent of some 20 feet. No horseman could ride down it, and to dismount was to count certain death. Slowly Major Cropper, who had been twice hit while so gallantly leading his men, wheeled his horse round and pointed with his hand for them to retire, which was at once done. When Major Cropper reached the ridge he fell off his horse into the arms of Colonel Forbes, al- most senseless, gasping “Couldn't do it, sir."

He had been hit three times and had ridden grasping his saddle with both hands. The gallant Major was at once invalided home, and a few months afterwards died of his wounds. No one else was hit in this death ride, although several had their clothes riddled with bullets, and their horses wounded.

The remnant of the Pembrokes were now under the charge of Lieutenants Jones and Blunt.

The other Troop under Captain Richardson had by now rejoined the company, and after some hot work after De Wet in wild Karoo desert, found themselves in March, 1901, engaged in clearing the country south of Bloemfontein.

Then came more clearing of the rebel farms, and finally the new 30th (Pembrokeshire) Company of Yeomanry arrived to relieve them.

A few more weeks were spent with Colonel White's Column, and then orders were issued for the old company to proceed to Worcester, where remnants of the original 9th Battalion were to mobilise.

Another misfortune befell the Company ere its departure for home. Sergeant Major Prothero, after successfully resisting an attack of enteric fever, fell a victim to pneumonia, to the great regret of all ranks.

At last the company embarked for home, and on their arrival at Tenby were accorded a splendid reception, and the members of the Squadron later had the honour of receiving the medals from the King on that memorable day when His Majesty decorated some thousands of his Imperial Yeomen in London.

One ball shaped front button lacking  read more

Code: 22420

A Rare, Original, Japanese Antique Edo Period Samurai War Bow 'Daikyū ' With Urushi Lacquered Woven Rattan Quiver 'Yabira Yazutsu' With 3 'Ya' Arrows

A wonderful, original, antique Edo period {1603-1863} Samurai long war bow 'Yumi', made in either yohonhigo or gohonhigo form {4 piece or 5 piece bamboo laminate core, that is surrounded by wood and bamboo, then bound with rattan and lacquered}

Acquired by us by personally being permitted to select from the private collection one of the world's greatest, highly respected and renown archery, bow and arrow experts. Who had spent his life travelling the world to lecture on archery and to accumulate the finest arrows and bows he could find. .

Edo Era, 1600 to 1700's, with practice arrows, unfeathered, that fit into in a lacquer quiver {yabira yazutsu} with three arrows {ya}. we show a photo in the gallery from a samurai museum display that shows a practice arrow stand with the same form of flightless 'ya' inbedded in sand within the stand.

The arrows are made using yadake bamboo (Pseudosasa Japonica), a tough and narrow bamboo long considered the choice material for Japanese arrow shafts. The lidded quiver is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship in hardened urushi lacquer on woven rattan. Practice arrows were a fundamental part of samurai bowmanship.

These sets are very rarely to be seen and we consider ourselves very fortunate, indeed privileged, to offer another one.
It was from the use of the war bow or longbow in particular that Chinese historians called the Japanese 'the people of the longbow'. As early as the 4th century archery contests were being held in Japan. In the Heian period (between the 8th and 12th centuries) archery competitions on horseback were very popular and during this time training in archery was developed. Archers had to loose their arrows against static and mobile targets both on foot and on horseback. The static targets were the large kind or o-mato and was set at thirty-three bow lengths and measured about 180cm in diameter; the deer target or kusajishi consisted of a deer's silhouette and was covered in deer skin and marks indicated vital areas on the body; and finally there was the round target or marumono which was essentially a round board, stuffed and enveloped in strong animal skin. To make things more interesting for the archer these targets would be hung from poles and set in motion so that they would provide much harder targets to hit. Throughout feudal Japan indoor and outdoor archery ranges could be found in the houses of every major samurai clan. Bow and arrow and straw targets were common sights as were the beautiful cases which held the arrows and the likewise ornate stands which contained the bow. These items were prominent features in the houses of samurai. The typical longbow, or war bow (daikyu), was made from deciduous wood faced with bamboo and was reinforced with a binding of rattan to further strengthen the composite weapon together. To waterproof it the shaft was lacquered, and was bent in the shape of a double curve. The bowstring was made from a fibrous substance originating from plants (usually hemp or ramie) and was coated with wax to give a hard smooth surface and in some cases it was necessary for two people to string the bow. Bowstrings were often made by skilled specialists and came in varying qualities from hard strings to the soft and elastic bowstrings used for hunting; silk was also available but this was only used for ceremonial bows. Other types of bows existed. There was the short bow, one used for battle called the hankyu, one used for amusement called the yokyu, and one used for hunting called the suzume-yumi. There was also the maru-ki or roundwood bow, the shige-no-yumi or bow wound round with rattan, and the hoko-yumi or the Tartar-shaped bow. Every Samurai was expected to be an expert in the skill of archery, and it presented the various elements, essence and the representation of the Samurai's numerous skills, for hunting, combat, sport and amusement, and all inextricably linked together.

The mounted archer mainly controls his horse with his knees, as he needs both hands to draw and shoot his bow. As he approaches his target, he brings his bow up and draws the arrow past his ear before letting the arrow fly with a deep shout of In-Yo-In-Yo (darkness and light).

Yabusame (流鏑馬) is a type of mounted archery in traditional Japanese archery. An archer on a running horse shoots three special "turnip-headed" arrows successively at three wooden targets.

This style of archery has its origins at the beginning of the Kamakura period. Minamoto no Yoritomo became alarmed at the lack of archery skills his samurai possessed. He organized yabusame as a form of practice.

Nowadays, the best places to see yabusame performed are at the Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū in Kamakura and Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto (during Aoi Matsuri in early May). It is also performed in Samukawa and on the beach at Zushi, as well as other locations.
On his final day in Japan in May 1922, Edward, Prince of Wales was entertained by Prince Shimazu Tadashige (1886–1968), son of the last feudal lord of the Satsuma domain. Lunch was served at Prince Shimazu’s villa, followed by an archery demonstration. Afterwards, the Prince of Wales was presented with a complete set for archery practice, including an archer’s glove, arm guard and reel for spare bowstrings.

This yumi is too long to export via traditional carriers.  read more

Code: 25534