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Nation : British
Local Price : £850.00

British WW1 1897 Pattern Infantry Officer’s Sword of Captain Charles Roydon Brown MC MID, Essex Regiment, KIA France 1917, by Wilkinson. Straight single-fullered spear-pointed blade. Steel hilt with pierced decoration including the crown and cypher of George V. Fully chequered backstrap, integral oval pommel with tang button. Wire-bound black shagreen grip. Buff leather washer. Brown leather field scabbard with nickel plated steel throat piece, leather frog strap. Blade 32¾ inches in length, 1 inch wide at the shoulder, the sword 39 inches overall. The blade is etched on one side at the ricasso with the maker’s mark ‘HENRY WILKINSON PALL MALL LONDON’ above which is the royal coat of arms and a scroll reading ‘BY WARRANT’. Above this is a cartouche for the optional etching of the owner’s initials or family crest, which has been left blank. That side of the blade also features the crown & cypher of King George V, the royal coat of arms, a wreath of laurel & palm, and foliate motifs. The other side of the blade is set at the ricasso with a hexagonal brass proof slug stamped with ‘HW’ for Henry Wilkinson, within an etched six-pointed star. The hexagonal proof slug was used from 1905 onwards to denote Wilkinson’s best quality blades. There is etching above this identical to the previous side: blank cartouche, crown & cypher, coat of arms, wreath, and foliate motifs. The outside of the hilt is engraved next to the royal cypher with ‘C.R. BROWN, ESSEX REG T ’. The spine of the blade is etched with ‘LONDON MADE’ and stamped at the forte with the serial number ‘45162’. Wilkinson company records attest that ‘C.R. Brown 12 th Essex Reg’ purchased 45162, an ‘Infantry’ sword. The exact date of sale is not recorded but was in the year 1914: due to unprecedented demand for swords Wilkinson record entries are frequently blank or incomplete in the early years of WW1. Charles Roydon Brown was born in April 1892 in Lewisham, son of Charles Francis Brown and Ann Sophia Brown of 120 Brigstock Road, Thornton Heath, Croydon. His father was a civil servant who worked as a clerk in the War Office. Charles attended St Andrew’s Collegiate School in Dublin until 1905, followed by Croydon Borough Boys’ School until 1909. He then attended the University of London where he appears to have taken modules in physical sciences, and was a member of the University of London O.T.C. (Officer’s Training Corps). Officer’s Training Corps were university training units intended to provide officers for the regular or reserve forces, and Charles was commissioned from his OTC into the 12 th Battalion of the Essex Regiment in August 1914. Records suggest he also passed through the 9 th and 13 th Battalions before ultimately reaching the 1 st Battalion. He passed an intermediate exam for his Bachelor of Science in October 1914 suggesting he was still working on his studies for some time after commission, which then paused upon his deployment. His initial deployment was to France, where he was wounded in October 1915. Charles was awarded the Military Cross in January 1916 as part of the New Year Honours List. The large batch of MCs awarded at that time were generally for outstanding service over the course of the war to date rather than an individual act of gallantry, and no descriptive citations were given to explain them. Nonetheless it confirms that Charles’s service had been much appreciated, and outstanding service of a field officer generally entailed a fair amount of bravery. Whatever action led to Charles’s earlier wound may well have played a part. Charles died in action with the 1 st Battalion Essex Regiment in France on or after the 14 th April 1917, aged 25. The Second Battle of Arras began on the 9 th April and the 1 st Battalion was moved there shortly after the initial offensive, relieving the 87 th Brigade at the recently captured village of Monchy-le-Preux. The 1 st Battalion, together with Canadian troops of the Newfoundland Regiment, attacked an area of high ground known as ‘Infantry Hill’ at 05:30 on the 14 th , with Charles in command of Z Company, one of four companies of Essex men. Their initial advance was successful, gaining the desired ground with few casualties and while taking prisoners, but from 08:00 a heavy German artillery barrage fell on the new position along with a counterattack by the 3 rd Bavarian Regiment, considered some of the best troops the Germans had to offer. The Germans had not strongly defended the hill for a reason: the British advance left them on a salient which the Germans were able to pinch off with their counterattack, encroaching on three sides and threatening to completely surround the hill. British reserves moved up to prevent this and the 1 st Essex & Newfoundlanders held on to their gains, but with very heavy losses. 17 out of 31 officers and 644 of 892 other ranks of the 1 st Essex were killed, injured, taken prisoner or missing. Charles was recorded as missing that day but he was never seen again, and is considered killed in action ‘on or after’ the 14 th April. His remains have no known burial site but he is commemorated on a memorial at Brown's Copse Cemetery, Roeux, as well as on an organ erected in memoriam in St John's Congregational Church in Thornton Heath, his name on a plaque with other war casualties ‘connected with this church’. He was survived by his parents, four sisters and a younger brother. After their mauling at Monchy-le-Preux both 1 st Essex and the Newfoundlanders were combat ineffective, but the desperate situation left no opportunity for them to withdraw. They were put in reserve only long enough to combine them into the temporary ‘1st Newfound Essex Battalion’, also called simply the ‘Newfoundessex’. This very unusual British-Canadian composite unit was still well under strength for a battalion, just 400 men, but nonetheless returned to the same trenches within days. The two units separated once new drafts of recruits arrived. Both regiments have memorials at Monchy-le-Preux, a caribou statue for the Newfoundland Regiment and a plaque for the Essex men. Further information on Charles’s service than I have available to me can be found at the National Archives at Kew, where his officer’s record has the document reference number WO 339/11790. This runs to an unusually long 201 pages not including blank pages, so would be costly to have scanned and sent to you, but can be consulted in person with a reader’s card. The blade is generally bright and clean but has a few patches of dark patination and pitting at the ricasso on both sides, along the spine, and in the tip section. This mostly spares the blade’s etched areas which are crisp, retaining the contrast between the matt acid-etched background and the reflective polished designs within it. The tip section is mirror polished aside from the patinated areas. The blade has been sharpened toward the tip on both its true and false edges, with some sharpening marks. The hilt, backstrap, and pommel are all nickel plated with some speckled wear to the plating exposing patinated steel in places, notably the inside of the guard where fingers would rub against it, and a large patch on the pommel. The tang button is not plated and has a dark patina overall. The shagreen of the grip is all intact with moderate handling wear, some smoothing. The wire binding is all present and tight with only fractional movement to a couple of the loops. The sword is firm in the hand with no movement to any parts, the blade rings when struck. The leather scabbard has some minor surface scuffing, small dents and two small indentations near the chape. Its stitching is all intact. There is a short crack running from one edge of the frog strap where it joins to the scabbard body: the strap remains well attached and but take care not to let the crack propagate. The scabbard mouthpiece is in good condition with all its plating.

Nation : British
Local Price : £850.00

British 1796 Pattern Light Cavalry Trooper’s Sword by Runkel, 1796-1800. Curved single-edged blade with single fuller and hatchet point. Brown leather washer, iron stirrup P-shaped hilt with sword knot slit, comma-shaped quillon, semioval langets, smooth iron backstrap with projecting ears secured to the tang through the grip with a single rivet, and integral pommel cap. Ribbed wooden grip covered with pressed black leather. Plain steel scabbard with two bands mounted with hanging rings. Blade 32½ inches in length, the sword 37½ inches overall. The spine of the blade is stamped with the maker’s mark ‘J. J. Runkel Sohlingen’, indicating the firm of John Justus Runkel. The blade is stamped in the fuller at the forte on one side with a crown over ‘1’, an inspection stamp indicating government property. The inside of the hilt is stamped near the ferrule with ‘D 80’. This was probably a weapon number, e.g. sword 80 assigned to D Troop. John Justus Runkel was a prolific importer (and occasionally, smuggler) of sword blades and completed swords from Solingen, Germany, into Britain. His business, operating from 1778 to 1808, sold primarily to the sword makers and retailers of London, undercutting British-based producers. The spelling ‘Sohlingen’ was used on Runkel’s blades until around the year 1800, when it was changed to ‘Solingen’, so this sword would have been made between the introduction of the Pattern in 1796 and 1800. The 1796 Patterns of cavalry sword were designed by John Gaspard le Marchant, and were a significant step forward in standardization over the more variable 1788 Patterns. Le Marchant gained first-hand experience of cavalry fighting in the Flanders campaigns of 1793-95, and decided that other forces, particularly their Austrian allies, had superior equipment and training to the British: “I have been busily engaged in making drawings of all the articles in the military equipages of our Allies which differ from our own… I have also paid particular observation to the mode of training the Austrian cavalry to the use of the sabre, in which their superiority over us is incredible.” Swords in particular needed to change, the existing types being in his view heavy and poorly balanced. For the heavy cavalry he recommended a near-copy of the Austrian Model 1775, while for the light cavalry, inspired by “the expertly used scimitar blades of the Turks, Mamelukes, Moors and Hungarians” Le Marchant argued for a lighter, shorter curved sword that could both cut and thrust. The design that emerged was in fact oriented to cutting: very broad bladed, more strongly curved and with a simpler profile than its predecessor the 1788. In a melee the Light pattern needed to be wielded skillfully to avoid wasting strikes on non-fatal areas, but could inflict grievous injuries, as an officer of the French Chasseurs recounted: “Out of every twenty blows aimed by them, nineteen missed. If, however, the edge of the blade found its mark only once, it was a terrible blow, and it was not unusual to see an arm cut clean from the body.” Le Marchant died in battle leading cavalry at Salamanca in 1812, but his swords carried on his legacy, in use with the regular Army until 1821 and with yeomanry units for decades longer. The 1796 Patterns were still in active use with yeomanry as of 1848, the 1821 Patterns being only very rarely introduced to them. The Prussian M1811 ‘Blucher’ sabre was a very close replica of the Light trooper’s pattern, and in India in particular the blade was a natural fit with an existing tradition of slashing sword technique. Spare blades can be found mounted into tulwar hilts, and swords produced for Indian cavalry units as late as the 1910s used a blade modelled on that of the 1796. The sword is solid in the hand with no movement or rattle to its parts. Its blade is bright, previously repolished with polishing marks overall and a few spots of dark patination along the spine. Its edge is very sharp, with visible sharpening marks on all of it. Multiple nicks of varying size to the edge, and multiple dents to the corners of the blade’s spine. The sword’s grip has a few worm holes – I can see two on one side, three on the other and one on the belly. Some appear to have been filled in at a later date. The leather covering of the grip is missing at its base next to the pommel, as well as in a strip next to the ferrule, the loss in each area exposing ribbed wood which has been painted black. The paint is a good colour match but matt, whereas the leather is glossy. The leather is otherwise quite sound with some handling wear to raised edges but good adhesion to the wood. The hilt, ferrule and backstrap have moderate patination and peppered light cleaned pitting. The pommel area has some scratches and spots of gouging creating small burrs. The scratches show up bright so may not be period damage. The scabbard has significant polishing marks with indented parallel lines visible across much of it – perhaps a buffing wheel or belt was used by a previous owner, who as noted above seems to have made efforts to refurbish the sword. Some small dents to the scabbard body, particularly along its spine, and two more noticeable dents on one side, one near the midsection and one just above the chape. None of these interfere with sheathing and drawing, which is smooth. One of the screws for the throat piece remains, the other has been lost. The steel of the scabbard has areas of light staining and speckled patination.

Nation : British
Local Price : £850.00

British Mameluke Sword for a Royal Equerry to Queen Victoria. Curved, single fullered, hatchet-pointed blade with false edge and stepped spine. Mameluke hilt cast with decorative leaves and inset with the crown and cypher of Queen Victoria. Ivory scale grips, brown leather washer. Iron scabbard with simple throat piece held by screws, two brass bands of rosette form with hanging rings. Blade 32¼ inches in length, the sword 37½ inches overall. The blade is etched on both sides with foliate motifs, and the crown & imperial cypher of Victoria ‘VR’. A space for a proof slug is found at the ricasso on one side (under the langet) surrounded by an etched six-pointed star, but the slug has been lost. These uncommon swords were part of the dress uniform of royal equerries – military officers selected to serve as personal attendants and assistants to the monarch, similar to an aide-de-camp. It was considered a tiring, difficult but highly prestigious duty. The term originated from their equestrian role controlling the royal stables, but over time this became a separate job and from 1825 this was done by the ‘Crown Equerry’ alone. Equerry’s swords are of the ‘mameluke’ style, similar to those of staff officers or Lord Lieutenants but with the monarch’s cypher inset in the hilt to signify direct service to the sovereign. See Bonhams sale of 13 June 2016, lot 1078, for another Queen Victoria example, Olympia Auctions sale of 29 June 2022, Lot 322, for an example for King Edward VII, and Bonhams sale of 5 Dec 2012, lots 197 & 198, for two George V examples. Victoria reigned from 1837 to 1901 and would have had three equerries at any one time, with a number of ‘extra equerries’ in reserve, usually retirees from the position. Senior royals including the Prince Consort and Victoria’s sons (once they were old enough to assume royal duties) also had one equerry each. I am unsure how many equerries Victoria ultimately had in total throughout her long reign, but it should be noted that some men were long-serving in the role: Lord Alfred Paget, for instance, served as Chief Equerry with only brief interruptions from 1846 until his death in 1888. Today equerries serve on a fixed three-year term, but at that time terms were flexible, essentially at the monarch’s pleasure. Some spots of light patination to the blade. One of the ivory grip slabs has a break at the sword knot hole – the broken piece remains attached but can move slightly. Some patination to the scabbard. There should be a brass chape piece on the scabbard held by two screws – this is missing and so the end of the scabbard is open. The two screw holes are visible at the chape end. Due to the ivory used in the grip this sword cannot be exported from the UK . It has been declared and registered as antique ivory under the provisions of the UK Ivory Act and therefore can be sold within the UK. Please note that this is a one-time registration: if you purchase this sword and wish to resell it you must register it again.

Nation : Italian
Local Price : £850.00

Italian 1855 Model Sabre. Designed by the Turin-based sword maker Francesco Gravier in co-operation with the royal arms factory, this sword would become an iconic sword of Italy's unification period military. Taking influence from earlier military patterns, it would remain in service until 1888. 82cm long, 94cm overall and 3cm wide at the shoulders, the double fuller extends the length of the blade and it is engraved with stands of arms and the initials D D The sword and handle are solid with no movement, and the blade and scabbard are free from marks or pitting.

Nation : French
Local Price : £850.00

French Préval Sword. One of the rare Préval sabres inspired by Colonel Claude Antoine Préval, these swords were created to be a viable alternative to the standard cavalry sword at the time. Préval trailed this style of blade in the 1830s as he believed it made sense from a cavalry perspective, being light, strong and very stiff. Creating a sword which could function as both a sword and lance in combat. These were often used by Zouave and Chasseur d' Afrique regiments from around 1855 onward The multi bar steel steel hilt has a long triangular sectioned blade with horn handle The sword has some historical damage around the hilt, where it appears a previous break has been pinned and brazed.

Nation : Japanese
Local Price : £850.00

**1600-1800 SHINTO PERIOD BLADE MODELLED ON ANCIENT 14TH CENTURY STYLE** RESTORATION PIECE**Japanese O Wakizashi / Uchi Gatana Single Handed Sword, Scabbard & Expert Assessment. ED 3017 -. ED 3017 This sword has been assessed by UK Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg. A copy of his hand written notes and illustrations accompany the sword. In extracts from his notes he states “O Wakizashi or Uchi Gatana single handed sword. Interesting but difficult to date. Based on a Nambokucho 14th Century shape. Probably a big flamboyant Shinto period 1600-1800 made sword, light enough for Shinto. Would look outstanding with a new polish. Hard to put a particular school or style. Has piece of brass soft soldered to end probably done by smith to improve balance when in use. Saya is Meiji period very dark red lacquer, oblique slash marks decoration with horn kuri kata & big patinated copper top and bottom plain fittings. Good condition overall. Faded copper habaki Meiji period. Tsuba Katana size oval patinated copper with Nanako dots and incised plant / leaf decoration late Meiji period. No school stands out, un-signed. Small assembly numbers on seppa. Tsuka plain wood, no Ray skin or menuki, simple re-bind by previous owner, needs fish skin and professional re-bind. Fuchi Kashira soft metal patinated copper pair with Kingfisher & boat riverbank scene very good quality & good condition Meiji period. A restoration piece”. In his illustrations Bill measures the cutting edge as just over 51 cms, total length 68.5 cms and describes other blade and tang measurements & characteristics which can be seen in image 2. As a restoration piece. The price includes UK delivery. ED 3017

Nation : -
Local Price : £845.00

Cavalry Troopers Sword, 1908 Pattern. Ref X3385. A 1908 Pattern Cavalry Troopers Sword. 42 ½” overall, 34 ¾” straight and narrow single edged blade with fullers, stamped at the forte with numerous government inspector’s marks, ‘EFD ’, & numerous issue and reissue stamps, and ‘08’ on the back edge. Steel bowl guard, shaped composition diced grips, with correct buff sword knot. Steel scabbard stamped ‘ MOLE’ and ‘15’ with numerous issue and reissue stamps, fixed suspension rings either side. Dated 1915. In very good condition. Original chemical brown finish.

Nation : Japanese
Local Price : £845.00

**MINT**Late Edo Period Into 20th Century Japanese Samurai Nata Gardener’s Knife With Scabbard, Tasselled Cord & Expert Assessment. Sn 19377:6 19377:6 -. 19377:6 This knife has been examined by Japanese sword expert Bill tag, a copy of his assessment accompanies the knife. In his notes he describes the knife as “A very good quality example in practically mint condition. A very simple forged blade made by an artisan blacksmith with basic 2 or 3 folds to the blade, crudely polished with filed decoration in bright condition crude basic tang never signed. Wood saya & tsuka possibly cherry wood capped with stag horn (antler) and tied withsplit bamboo (decorative0. Not a peasant’s tool too expensive. Well off Samurai Lords and merchants did gardening as a hobby and carried these. This mount is pure folk art by artist in wood and bamboo not signed. Most of them sold off to foreign collectors in the late 19th century”. In his illustrations he describes total length as 13 ¾” and cutting edge as just under 8”. He describes the side knife as having “Stag horn (antler) kodjuka hilt size (of knife) overall 7” unsigned blade”. The price for this Samurai knife with expert assessment includes UK delivery. Sn 19377:6

Nation : British
Local Price : £845.00

WW2 Era British Royal Navy Locker To Capt Jones DSO DSC HMS Walpole Containing A Collection Of Uniform, Dress Sword With Scabbard & Foul Weather Cover, 2 Large Ensign Flags & Ephemera. Sn 19345 -. 19345 WW2 Era British Royal Navy Locker To Captain B. Jones DSO DSC HMS Walpole Containing A Collection Of Uniform, Dress Sword With Scabbard & Foul Weather Cover, 2 Large Ensign Flags, Cigarette Lighter, Smoking Pipe, Original Photographs Of Naval Officer’s & Of HMS Walpole. Sn 19345 HMS Walpole was a W-class destroyer of the Royal Navy. The ship was built under the 1916–17 programme in the 10th Destroyer order. Walpole was assigned to the 13th Destroyer Flotilla in the Grand Fleet after completion. she was assigned to the 11th Destroyer Flotilla in September 1939 and served until almost the end of the Second World War. Her role was mostly convoy escort duties, but she took part in two combined arms operations (Operations Amsterdam and Jubilee) and the D-day landings (Operation Neptune). She hit a mine on 6 January 1945 and was subsequently declared a constructive total loss and broken up at Thos. W. Ward Grays, Essex in March 1945. This is a collection of British Naval officer’s dress uniform consisting of dress jacket, trousers & duffle Coat, dress sword, 2 large Ensign flags, cigarette lighter smoking pipe & contemporary original photographs all contained in a Transit locker marked to Captain B. Jones DSO DSC Who Captained HMS Walpole Circa early 1938 – 22 Nov, 1938. The silk lined dress jacket has bullion insignia and all original brass Kings crown fouled anchor buttons. The lining has tears and service wear and minor old stable mothing. It is approx. UK size 38” chest. There are no labels or markings on the jacket. The dress trousers have no tears and are clean. They are approx. UK size 31” leg 38” waist. There are no labels or markings on the trousers. The hooded duffle coat is excellent made of heavy serge material it has a large hood, all of its wood toggle fasteners and neck strap secured by buttons. The inside of the jacket has 2 cloth labels 1 in good condition ‘Bentalls’ a retailer or manufacturer and remnants of another label marked ‘showerproof’ and ‘Medium’ (size approx. UK size 38” chest). The 2 large period RN ensign flags measure approx. 63” x 32”. They both have staining and minor holes consistent with being flown and stored. Their hems have original rope cords with hanging rings. The photographs consist of an original group photo of RN Officers in uniform with some original indistinct ink signatures, a portrait photo of an RN Officer who features in the front centre of the group photo with indistinct ink signature (we do not know if Captain Bond features in either of the photos), a small photo of a seated woman in contemporary dress most likely a wife or relative of one of the Officers & a contemporary photo of HMS Walpole mounted on card. There is also a used wooden smoking pipe and a Novelty gas lighter in the form of a lifebuoy ring with central Dolphin devices. The lever operated lighter has no gas and we have not fuelled it to test it. The RN dress sword has a clean single edged straight blade which is 31½” in length with central fuller (37 ½” overall). The blade is crisply etched with Naval fouled anchor & foliate panels on both sides together with King’s crown The riccaso is marked on one side by the manufacturer or retailer Whittaker (illustrated), the reverse has the ordnance acceptance proof star with inlaid roundel. It has a gilt brass Lion’s head with mane pommel and grip strap & full knuckle guard with the Royal Navy Kings Crown and fouled anchor motif. The sword’s fish skin grip with bullion wire binding is undamaged. The guard has a folding langet which has an indistinct engraved stylised monogram, the langet functions as it should, holding the sword securely in the scabbard. Attached to the guard is its bullion cord and portepee. The sword is complete with its black leather scabbard which has brass mounts and 2 hanging rings. The sword is accompanied by its original black patent leather cover which is worn & has shrunk with age. All are contained in the original Naval officer’s painted pine wood transit locker. The locker with a hinged lid and lock (key absent). The left and right aspects have heavy duty iron carry handles. The top of the lid has white paint lettering ‘Capt B. Jones RN’ and remnants of an original indistinct transit label. Due to size & weight delivery will be by arrangement and at cost. Sn 19345 (on floor under shelves storeroom near bells)

Nation : British
Local Price : £825.00

British 1892 Pattern Household Cavalry Trooper's Sword, Unusual Variant. Slightly curved, single fullered blade with spear point, basket guard with pierced foliate ‘honeysuckle’ decoration incorporating the cypher ‘HC’, buff leather hilt liner and washer, brass wire-bound shagreen grip, smooth steel backstrap and integral smooth oval pommel. Buff leather sword knot. Steel scabbard with two hanging rings and fixed side loop to the upper band. Blade 32 inches in length (81.3cm), the sword 37¾ inches (95.9cm) overall. The blade is unmarked. The outside of the hilt is stamped with two broad arrows point to point, a mark that was put on War Department equipment that was declared obsolete or to be sold off. The inside of the hilt is stamped near the quillon (under the hilt liner) with ‘1 . 08’ above ‘4 / 01’ above ‘T’ above ‘209’. The first two are most likely issue dates of January 1908 and April 1901, indicating periods this sword was in service. The last number is most likely a serial or rack number. The ‘T’ marking is interesting – see below. Since their inception the regiments of Life Guards and Royal Horse Guards which collectively made up the Household Cavalry carried different swords than the regiments of the regular cavalry. This stemmed from their unique status as bodyguards to the Sovereign, which placed them beyond the effective control of the Army bureaucracy for most of their existence. Until 1882 they designed, ordered and carried swords on their own initiative, not necessarily producing better weapons but enhancing their prestige and elite status. The 1892 Pattern sword for the Household Cavalry was adopted after much discussion of the shortcomings of its predecessor the 1888 Pattern. An intense debate had been ongoing throughout the 1880s of the optimal form for a cavalry sword, which had already resulted in three new models of sword for the regular cavalry in just ten years. It was eventually decided to simply adopt the blade of the then-current 1890 Pattern cavalry trooper’s sword, paired with essentially the same distinctive Household Cavalry hilt, which had not been particularly criticised. Ironically after all the talk of blade handling and sturdiness, the 1892 Pattern saw no combat. After 1908 the regiments of the Household Cavalry would carry the new 1908 Pattern while in the field, while the 1892 Pattern was retained (in the slightly modified Mk II form introduced in 1902) for parade use only. This was done on the direct request of King Edward VII, who found the 1908 pattern “hideous”. The use of the 1892 Pattern as their parade sword continues to this day. This example appears to have been modified from a standard 1892 Pattern – its blade has been reduced in length by 2½ inches from the standard and has also been significantly reduced in breadth by grinding back the edge and the false edge, leaving the fuller roughly central in a blade 2.8cm wide at the shoulder, which rapidly narrows to 2cm along most of the blade’s length (2.7 on an unmodified example), with a much slenderer point as a result. It has even been reduced in thickness – the original is 8mm thick along most of its length while this example is 6mm. The removal of material has made the fullers shallower and appears to have removed any previous markings from the blade. Conversion to this extent would have required the sword to be dismantled, and this is shown in its repeened pommel with atypical flat tang button. The changes to the blade allow it to fit into its atypical bespoke scabbard, which is along the lines of the steel parade scabbards used for all infantry officer’s swords since 1866, but modified with a fixed loop on the top band alongside the two hanging rings, which matches the Household Cavalry’s hanging configuration. The complex blade conversion has been very well done, and reminds me of very similar conversions done in the early 1900s to make sergeant’s swords, which also slimmed down 1890 Pattern Cavalry blades in order to fit them into scabbards like those of infantry officers. The parallels are interesting and may suggest some kind of deliberate reuse of old stock across the Army. I can find no reference to an official sword in this configuration, however so why was this sword made? The most logical reason to convert the 1892 Pattern to resemble the infantry sword would be to make it more readily wearable on foot. I think there is a strong possibility therefore that this example is an attempt to create a variant for trumpeters and other bandsmen of the regiments. These men had significantly more dismounted duties than the others, making a shorter sword more practical. At least one example exists of the 1820 Pattern sword for the Life Guards, which is usually more than 37½ inches in the blade and sometimes as much as 38¾, having been shortened to 33 inches, which is thought to have been for these musicians (see p185, The British Cavalry Sword by Dellar). The 1882 Pattern was the first to officially acknowledge this need with two distinct versions of the sword manufactured, one with a 34¾ inch blade for trumpeters and bandsmen, and one with a 38 7/8 inch blade for all other troopers. Notably the short model also had a variant scabbard with two hanging rings, just as this sword does. Officially the scheme of long & short versions was then dropped again in the 1888 Pattern, with a 37½ inch model for all troopers. I doubt that the practical need for a shorter version went away in those few short years, however. Perhaps in practice the bandsmen either used the old short 1882s for their foot duties or, as time passed, produced their own up-to-date short versions by conversion. Might that be the significance of the ‘T’ marking on this example – that it is intended for the regimental Trumpeters? See attached reference of a painting by notable military artist Richard Simkin depicting a trumpeter of the Royal Horse Guards on foot with sword as of 1912. The blade is bright with a high polish overall and only tiny areas of frosting or patination. There is no damage to its edge, which has been sharpened. The hilt including backstrap and pommel is likewise bright and clean. The knot and washer have some small areas of staining, the liner is clean. The buff leather pieces are so good that they may be later replacements, but this is difficult to judge. The wire binding of the grip is all intact and there are no losses or visible handling wear to the shagreen. The scabbard has some light patination and polishing marks.

Nation : British
Local Price : £825.00

British 1844 'Deakin' or 'Dundas' Variant Cutlass, Indian Service Marks. Curved unfullered spear-pointed blade, steel basket hilt, smooth cast iron grip with finger grooves, painted black. Thin flat teardrop-shaped pommel cap. No washer. Black leather scabbard with copper frog stud and brass chape piece, the chape piece painted black. Blade 29 inches in length (73.7cm), 1 3/8 inches wide at the shoulder (3.6cm), the cutlass 34 inches overall (86.4cm). The blade is stamped at the ricasso on one side with a broad arrow above ‘I’, which is an Indian government stores mark. The spine of the blade is stamped with ‘1844’, presumably the production date. The outside of the hilt is stamped with ‘4 1853 GA’. 1853 is probably the issue date, GA probably indicates a unit, although I am unsure what unit this may be. The hilt is stamped next to the knot slit with ‘40’, probably a rack number. The leather of the scabbard is stamped on the rear side next to the seam with ‘BO’ and a broad arrow, the ownership stamp of the (British) Board of Ordnance, as well as ‘1844’, again presumably the production date. This cutlass is sometimes referred to as the ‘Deakin patent’ model, although only a few carry a maker’s mark. The September 2018 issue of the Naval Historical Review (published by the Naval Historical Society of Australia) does illustrate an example marked to Deakin, but there is also an example in the Royal Armouries (Item IX.5449) marked to Hadley. I have not yet seen any material proving that this was a Deakin design. It is also sometimes called the ‘Dundas’ cutlass, although this seems to derive solely from the finger grooves on its grip, which superficially resemble the grooves found on the circa 1845 Royal Artillery ‘Dundas’ sidearm. Examples of the cutlass have been seen with brass and steel grips, and both straight and curved blades (steel and curved being more common), although the form of the hilt and grip is reasonably consistent. Lists of standard Royal Navy cutlasses do not include it, although a few sources note it as an ‘experimental’ type. There do not appear to be any records of it being formally designed and commissioned by the Board of Ordnance, even as an experiment, but examples like this one exist which have clear Board of Ordnance markings and other British government ownership and issue stamps, strongly suggesting that it did see official usage with the Royal Navy in some capacity - perhaps a commercial type purchased off the market to supplement official production? Its blade is clearly made to the same specification as the official 1845 Pattern cutlass, with matching length, curvature etc. I have not seen any other example with a manufacture date – this one being made in 1844 is interesting as the first large-scale orders of the 1845 Pattern was also in production during that year – the work was parcelled out to many different manufacturers who evidently used the design for their own non-standard versions. The blade has some pitting overall, diminishing towards the point. Some pitting impacts the edge at the foible but there are no nicks. The tip has fractionally worn ( The leather of the scabbard has some rubbing and knocks but remains strong with no losses to its stitching (possibly a repair/reinforcement to the stitching at the throat end, although this does not look modern). Some patination to the copper stud. The brass chape piece has some light dents and some rubbing & flaking to its black paint revealing patinated brass, more extensive on the rear side. Assuming there was a leather washer, this has been lost.

Nation : -
Local Price : £825.00

*Scarce* ‘1907’ Hook Quillon Regimentally Marked ‘5th Northamptonshire’ Bayonet, Scabbard & Frog. 19852. -. 19852 This lovely scarce example of a ‘1907’ Hook Quillon bayonet has a 17” single edged fullered blade. One side of the blade is marked crowned ‘E.R.’ over ‘1/11’ (January 1911) and the maker ‘Sanderson’. The reverse has a broad arrow with inspection marks. It has its steel muzzle ring and hook quillon and cross guard intact. The steel pommel is marked ‘5. NN. 140’. The undamaged polished wood grips are held with two screws. The bayonet is contained in its leather scabbard with blackened steel mounts, complete with a ‘1914’ pattern leather equipment frog with rear tab. There is a makers mark *illegible* to the rear. See ‘Skennerton’ page 186, B234. The wood, metalwork and leather including stitching and buckles are in very good condition. UK delivery is included in the price for this scarce bayonet. 19852. (Hook Quill)

Nation : British
Local Price : £820.00

British WW1 1897 Pattern Infantry Officer’s Sword of Captain Bertram de Weltden Weldon MC, MID, Leicestershire Regiment and Lancashire Fusiliers. Straight single-fullered spear-pointed blade. Steel hilt with pierced decoration including the crown and cypher of Queen Victoria, and sword knot slit. Steel ferrule, fully chequered steel backstrap, integral oval pommel with tang button. Wire-bound black shagreen grip, white leather washer, brown leather field sword knot with acorn. Brown leather field scabbard with frog strap and nonferrous nickel-plated throat piece, probably brass. Blade 32½ inches in length, 1.05 inches wide at the shoulder, the sword 38¾ inches overall. The blade is etched on one side at the ricasso with the maker’s mark ‘HENRY WILKINSON PALL MALL LONDON’ above which is the coat of arms of the Prince of Wales with and a scroll reading ‘BY APPOINTMENT’. Above this is a cartouche for the optional etching of the owner’s initials or family crest, which has been left blank. That side of the blade also features the crown & cypher of Queen Victoria (in its mirrored form), the royal coat of arms, a wreath of laurel & palm, and foliate motifs. The other side of the blade is etched at the ricasso with a six-pointed star within which should be set a brass proof slug: the circular depression for one is there but the stamped brass slug itself has been lost. There is etching above this identical to the previous side: blank cartouche, crown & cypher, coat of arms, wreath, and foliate motifs. The spine of the blade is stamped at the forte with the serial number ‘37952’. Bertram de Weltdem Weldon was born in November 1872 in Athy, County Kildare, Ireland. He was the fifth child, and third son, of Sir Anthony Crosdill Weldon, 5 th Baronet Weldon. The Weldons were a long-standing family of Irish nobility, their influence dating back to the early 1600s in which Walter Weldon became MP for Athy Borough and High Sheriff of County Kildare. Their baronetcy dated back to 1723 when it was awarded to politician Thomas Burdett. Unusually this grant contained a ‘special remainder’ which made male heirs of Thomas’s sister Anne Weldon eligible to inherit it. This condition was triggered in 1840 making it the Weldon baronetcy thereafter. Bertram graduated from the Royal Military College at Sandhurst and joined the Leicestershire Regiment as a 2 nd Lieutenant in in August 1892. In October 1892 he joined the 1 st Battalion in their barracks in Halifax, Nova Scotia, then went with them to Jamaica and the West Indies in March 1893. He was promoted to Lieutenant in February 1894. He went to South Africa in May 1896, slightly behind the rest of the regiment for some reason. Upon the outbreak of the Second Boer War in 1899 the 1 st Battalion was part of the British garrison in the Natal, Bertram serving with its Mounted Infantry Company. On the 20 th October 1899 the Battle of Talana Hill, the first major battle of the Second Boer War, took place. The 1 st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment was on guard duty protecting a British encampment near the town of Dundee, Natal, which was housing a British brigade under Lt. Gen. Symonds. Boer forces attacked by setting up a strong position on Talana Hill which overlooked both the town and the British camp and began to bring artillery fire onto the British. The Leicesters held a defensive position while the other infantry units in the camp mounted an assault against the Boers on the hilltop. They succeeded but then took further losses to friendly artillery fire and due to major blunders by the cavalry the Boers made good their retreat. While counted as a British victory, Talana was an ill omen of how gruelling the Boer War would be. The Leicesters were relatively unscathed except for some Boer artillery fire, with 1 officer killed, 1 officer and 1 enlisted man wounded. Bertram was the officer wounded, and this is noted in the British Army List. Interestingly the records of the Royal Leicestershire Regiment elaborate that he was wounded ‘while leading a section of 2nd Bn The Royal Irish Fusiliers’. There might be some confusion here as sources suggest it was the 1 st Battalion of the Royal Irish Fusiliers which was present. Bertram’s cousin, Captain George Anderson Weldon, was also present that day with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers and was killed in action, the first officer fatality of the war. However, it is not impossible that Bertram filled in for lost leadership of another regiment and their records also state that he was captured by the Boers, which seems unlikely if he hadn’t taken part in the assault on their positions. Bertram’s captors sent him to Intombi Camp (aka Intombi Spruit), a neutral camp & hospital located roughly four miles southeast of the besieged town of Ladysmith. The Boers were heavily shelling Ladysmith at the time, making hospitals there unsafe for treating casualties or victims of the ongoing outbreaks of typhoid and dysentery within the town. Both sides therefore agreed to establish Intombi as a safe zone to house displaced civilians and care for sick or wounded British troops. British medical staff ran the hospital, and a British officer could be transferred there on ‘parole’ for treatment after promising on his word of honour as a gentleman not to take up arms, pass military intelligence or try to escape. Bertram appears not to have spent long there however as he was subsequently sent with other wounded officers to Ladysmith. Perhaps his injuries were slight enough or he had recovered enough not to merit further treatment in the safe zone. This would have reunited him with his fellow Leicesters: while they had won the engagement at Talana, British forces in the Natal were in an untenable position afterward and they had been withdrawn to Ladysmith to aid in its defense. They had to endure the remainder of the siege which lasted until February 1900. He was Mentioned in Dispatches for his service in South Africa and was awarded the Queen’s South Africa Medal with the clasp ‘Talana’. In fact, the Medal roll notes that he only received a clasp for Talana which is rare. Only two other officers of the 1 st Battalion only received the Talana clasp, one being Lieutenant Hannah (the officer killed there), and the other being Major Sandwith, who was noted in dispatches as having “commanded the General Depot almost throughout the campaign” meaning he was no longer in the field. The Army List describes Bertram as being ‘present’ at the siege of Ladysmith, but he evidently did not merit the ‘Defence of Ladysmith’ clasp. Bertram was withdrawn from South Africa at some point in 1900 and served as Aide de Camp to the commander of the Curragh camp in Ireland. Wilkinson company records attest that ‘Capt B de W. Weldon Leicest Regt’ purchased sword 37952, an ‘Infantry’ sword, on the 11 th May 1900. Given the date this was not, as is more often the case, a sword purchased by a newly commissioned officer. Rather it was bought upon his return from South Africa, perhaps as a replacement for an original which was lost or broken at Talana, or taken from him subsequent to his capture. He was promoted to Captain in November 1900, which is interesting as he described himself to Wilkinson as one earlier. Perhaps he had prior knowledge of his promotion. He was at the Curragh until some time in 1901 and he served with the Egyptian Army in 1902-03, for which he was awarded the Khedive's Medal. He retired from the regular army in August 1905 and became a Captain with the 3 rd (Reserve) Battalion of the Leicestershire Regiment, a militia battalion. Bertram re-enlisted in the Army on the outbreak of the First World War, rejoining the 3 rd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment at the rank of temporary Captain in September 1914. He was promoted to temporary Major and deployed to France in June 1915 with 10 th Service Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers. He was awarded the Military Cross in June 1917, still at the rank of temporary Major, as part of the 1917 Birthday Honours. These honours were the first to come after rules were amended to iron out a significant anomaly whereby temporary Majors could not be awarded gallantry medals: they were too senior for the MC (Captain and below) but too junior for the DSO (Major and above). They were made eligible for the MC to fix this. The actions qualifying Bertram for his medal would have taken place some time earlier but he could not be awarded it until then. He survived the war and in June 1920 joined the Royal Marines as an Honorary Temporary Major in order to serve as an interpreter with the Naval Inter-Allied Commission of Control, Berlin. He spoke multiple languages, his record with the Leicestershire Regiment listing these as ‘Shorthand & Pitman's, French, German, Italian very slightly, Dutch’. Bertram authored two books, The Evolution of Israel. the Story of the English Race from 721 B. C. to the Present Day (published 1910, presumably written after his initial retirement in 1905), and The Origin of the English (published 1919). These books contributed to the theory of ‘British-Israelism’ which was the odd, but remarkably widespread at that time, theory that the British people were descended from the lost ten tribes of Israel, used by some as an explanation for and/or justification of the British Empire’s geopolitical dominance. Bertram died in October 1922, aged 49, unmarried with no children. He never inherited his father’s baronetcy, this having passed to his eldest brother Anthony Arthur Weldon in January 1900 while they were both serving in the Boer War (Anthony was aide-de-camp to Lord Wolseley, for which he was awarded the DSO) and thence by descent to the current-day 9 th Baronet Weldon. The sword is solidly peened, firm in the hand with no movement to any parts, the blade rings when struck. The blade has a very bright glossy finish, I believe plated, which slightly softens the etching but is in very good condition. The blade’s tip (approx. 2cm, 0.75 inches) is slightly bent to the left. The edge is unsharpened and undamaged. The hilt, backstrap, pommel and scabbard throat have a more matt nickel-plated finish, with minimal wear to this even in high-friction areas like the inside of the guard. The shagreen of the grip is all intact with moderate handling wear and a few spots of scale loss, its wire binding is all intact and tight. The leather sword knot is dry and crumbling with significant surface abrasion. Its acorn has detached and will be included with the sword, although it too has surface abrasion and I am not optimistic it can be reattached due to the condition of the knot. The throat piece of the scabbard is clean and bright. The scabbard band has some shrinkage which has opened its seams slightly, and surface-level cracking. The frog strap also has surface cracking and some abrasion to its edges but remains generally strong and flexible. The leather scabbard body has some small scuffs to its surface, one tiny hole through to the wood core on one side. The stitching of the scabbard has opened slightly next to the throat, still with visible thread so probably due to shrinkage, otherwise intact.

Nation : British
Local Price : £820.00

Scottish WW1 1828 Pattern Infantry Officer's Basket Hilt Broadsword of Major Eric Archibald Jeffrey Hunter, Highland Light Infantry and King’s African Rifles. Straight spear-pointed blade with double central fullers and two short fullers at the ricasso. Steel pierced basket hilt, brown leather washer, red fabric hilt liner with white leather inner and blue silk edging. Spiral grip of wood covered with shagreen bound with wire, steel ferrule and pommel cap, fringe of red silk thread. Leather field scabbard with frog strap, nonferrous throat piece, probably brass, steel chape piece with ball finial. Blade 33 inches in length, the sword 39½ inches overall. On one side at the ricasso is a brass proof slug reading ‘PROVED P’, set within an etched six-pointed star. The blade is further etched on that side with the royal crown and several badges of the Highland Light Infantry: a strung bugle with HLI monogram placed within the loop of the bugle, a saltire & rayed star with a small thistle and garter placed in the centre, a group of thistles, and an elephant with the text ‘ASSAYE’. Around these are foliate motifs including more thistles. The blade is etched on the other side at the ricasso with the retailer’s mark ‘W M ANDERSON & SONS L TD MILITARY OUTFITTERS EDINBURGH & GLASGOW’. The blade is further etched on that side with the owner’s initials ‘E.A.J.H.’, the crown and cypher of King George V, and foliate motifs including thistles. William Anderson and Sons was a retailer who like many military outfitters resold swords made elsewhere, with their name applied to the blade at the production stage. They operated out of premises on George Street in Edinburgh from 1868 to 1968, also maintaining premises in Glasgow from 1910 to 1956. Eric Archibald Jeffrey Hunter was born in August 1897 and gained a commission as a probationary 2 nd Lieutenant in the Highland Light Infantry in August 1916, having just turned 19. Consulting officer records he appears to be the only officer of the Highland Light Infantry in the period of George V’s reign (1910-1936) with these initials, so I am reasonably confident in attributing this sword to him. Eric most likely purchased his sword in 1916 to coincide with his new commission, probably sold together with his officer’s uniform, and since he resided in Glasgow it is likely he bought it from Anderson’s premises there which at the time were on 106 Hope Street. Eric served with the HLI in France from October 1916. He remained with the Army after the end of the war, but was placed on the half-pay list in January 1919 due to poor health caused by wounds. He was nonetheless promoted to Lieutenant in March 1919 and was restored to full pay in May 1919, presumably having recovered physically. Eric was seconded for service with the King’s African Rifles in March 1924, being granted the rank of temporary Captain. He was promoted full Captain while still serving with the KAR in March 1926. He was restored to the Highland Light Infantry at the rank of Captain in the 1 st Battalion in March 1927 and married Marie Fern in September 1927. He was seconded again to serve as an Adjutant with the Auxiliary Force in India in March 1929. The Auxiliary Force was a part-time volunteer unit modelled on the British Territorial Army, which acted as a reserve and local security force in aid of the civil powers in India. It sometimes required support from regular officers like Eric for leadership and administration, and sergeants seconded from British units stationed in India served as instructors. Eric retired in November 1931 at the rank of Captain. Upon the outbreak of WW2 Eric was recalled to service from the Reserve of Officers, joining the Army Service Corps at the rank of Captain and Assistant Adjutant in September 1939, with the serive number 27563. He at some point was seconded to the Highland Light Infantry, and was promoted to Brevet Major in July 1941. He was still serving with the HLI when he died in a military hospital in Britain in September 1942, aged 45, at the rank of Major and acting Lieutenant Colonel. As Eric’s death was on active service he is recorded as a war casualty in, for example, the Commonwealth War Graves database, but I have not found any reference to his death being a result of combat. He is buried in Paisley (Woodside) Cemetery, just west of Glasgow and near his wife’s birthplace. More information may be obtainable on Eric’s service history than I currently have available to me: his officer’s service record does not appear to be held at the National Archives, probably because he served beyond the 31 st March 1922 meaning it should still be held by the Ministry of Defence. This could be applied for via the MoD’s portal to obtain military records of service. The traditionally-styled Scottish broadsword was carried exclusively by Highland infantry regiments until 1881, when the Lowland regiments adopted Scottish dress and the broadsword along with it (with the exception of the Cameronians aka Scottish Rifles). This example has an interchangeable hilt, the pommel unscrewing to allow disassembly so a crossbar or field officer’s hilt could be swapped onto the same blade (no additional hilts included with this example). This feature dates back to the 1860s but was first officially mentioned in the Dress Regulations of 1883. The blade is bright with only a few small spots of light patination and two small areas of cleaned pitting along the back edge (roughly 2cm and 3cm long), which extend partly into the etching. Its edge is unsharpened and undamaged other than the pitted spots. The shagreen of the grip is all intact with very light handling wear, its wire binding is all present and tight. The sword is solid in the hand with no movement to any parts. The, hilt, ferrule and pommel have all been nickel plated (but not the pommel nut, I think). This plating is good with only light speckled wear. The outer hilt bar on the right-hand side is slightly bent inwards. The fringe is very good with good colour and strength to the strands. The hilt liner has some light staining on the inner leather and its blue edging has been lost in a few places exposing the join between fabric and leather. The scabbard has some spots of abrasion to its leather section, its frog strap remains flexible. The scabbard’s throat & chape pieces are also nickel plated, this plating shows some moderate wear on the chape piece giving it a mottled appearance, mixing lighter nickel and slightly darker grey steel.

Nation : French
Local Price : £800.00

Honourable Artillery Company Sword. A scarce Honourable Artillery Company Non Commissioned Officer’s sword, pre. 1855, unmarked blade with an urn shaped pommel. Curved scalloped guard displaying an Honourable Artillery Company grenade insignia on one shell. With black leather scabbard with brass furniture, slight wear to leather part of scabbard commensurate with age. The Honourable Artillery Company was incorporated via Royal Charter in 1537 by King Henry VIII and is considered the second oldest military corps in the world. It evolved into a more ceremonial unit through the 17th and 18th centuries. During the Napoleonic wars it was entrusted with the defence of London from French raids. In 1860, during the Victorian era, the HAC was reorganized as a volunteer force, and its artillery units were tasked with manning coastal defences and protecting London from potential foreign threats

Nation : American
Local Price : $799.00

American Eagle Head Mounted Artillery Officer’s Saber, ca. 1810. The hilt of high copper content brass, comprising reverse scroll quillon, P-shaped knuckle guard depicting a row of rounded discs with alternating stars, connecting to the throat of the open-beaked “floating” eagle head pommel. Ribbed bone grip with brass base ferrule. Broad, unmarked 27 3/4″ curved single-edged blade with three-quarter length single fuller; etched with gold-filled scrolling foliage, crossed cannons, drums, and stands of arms. No scabbard. Hilt very good with dark bronze patina; the bone grip with deep age patina. Blade with several shallow edge nicks and age staining, retaining about 30% of the gold filling, primarily at the forte. Overall length 33″. No scabbard. While unmarked, this sword is almost certainly a product of one of the Birmingham, England sword cutlers, probably either Richard Bolton or Thomas Ketland.

Nation : British
Local Price : £795.00

C1800 English Patrick Liverpool 18 Bore Flintlock Holster Pistol Nipple & Drum Converted To Percussion C1830. Sn 18994 / 19533 -. 18994 / 19533 Jeremiah Patrick was an English Liverpool based Gunsmith between 1795-1814. The business was then taken on by Edward Patrick between 1814-1820 & finally by Ann Patrick into the mid 1800’s. This is a flintlock holster made C1800 by Patrick of Liverpool and later, C1830 nipple & drum converted to percussion. It measures 15 ¼” overall and has a 9” 2 stage un-sighted barrel. The barrel has proofs. The smooth bore has just light staining consistent with age. The top of the barrel is very faintly engraved ‘Liverpool' (to faint to photograph). It has a brass trigger guard with extended tang & brass ram rod flutes. The border engraved stepped lock plate is signed 'Patrick'. It has a dark walnut full stock with brass cudgel butt. The top of the stock’s wrist is inlaid with a brass shield engraved with stylised monogram. The pistol has a brass topped wooden ramrod with worm and screw off brass cap. Its cocking and firing action work crisply. The price includes UK delivery. NB As an antique percussion pistol no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as a part of a collection or display. Sn 18994 / 19533

Nation : British
Local Price : £795.00

RESERVED C1815 English Clark London 32 Bore Flintlock Overcoat Travelling Pistol With Safety Bolt & Escutcheon Engraved ‘J. Lloyd’. Sn 18992 -. 18992 This is a C1815 English Clark London 32 Bore Flintlock Overcoat Travelling Pistol. It has a 4” 32 Bore barrel with sighted rib engraved ‘LONDON’, border engraved stepped and bolted signed lock ‘CLARK’ (most likely John Clark gunmaker Chamber Street London 1814-1820 see page 149 of Brown’s book British Gunmakers Vol 1). The pistol is full stocked with border engraved steel mounts, chequered grip, white metal escutcheon with engraved name ‘J.Lloyd’ no doubt the original owner & horn topped wooden ramrod. The barrel’s smooth bore has just light staining consistent with age. The hammer is fitted with flint. Its action works as it should. The price includes UK delivery. NB As an antique flintlock pistol no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as a part of a collection or display. Sn 18992

Nation : German
Local Price : £795.00

Imperial German Baden Model 1816 13 Bore Percussion Pistol (Period Converted From Flintlock C1840) Gun Number 459 From The Robert E Brooker Jr Collection. Sn 23125 -. 23125 This is an original Imperial German (Baden) 13 Bore Percussion Pistol (Period Converted From Flintlock C1840) which is gun number 459 from the Brooker collection. The pistol has a 8 ¼” steel barrel which has a blade fore sight and ‘v’ notch block rear sight (14 ½” overall length). The smooth bore has staining & residue consistent with age and use. The barrel has proof / inspection marks. It has a heavy military hammer and the action works correctly. The action plate has traces of St Blasien inscription. The stock plate has what looks like struck out Regiment marks and numbers which look like ‘c1708. The walnut stock has regulation brass mounts which have small inspection marks. The wood has an old stable repair at the grip just above the brass cudgel butt. The pistol comes with its original Brooker collection tag numbered 459. The price for this pistol from a top quality collection includes UK delivery. NB As an antique muzzle loading percussion weapon no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. Provenance: Robert Elton Brooker, Jr. started collecting firearms in 1954 at the age of 17, when he identified an original Colt revolver for sale in Morelia, Mexico. This led to a lifetime of collecting and scholarship related to technology development and geopolitics viewed through the lens of European military pistols. His first book, British Military Pistols 1603-1887, was published in 1978. This was followed by Armes de Poing Militaires Françaises (2006), Landeszeughaus Graz, Austria (2007), and finally British Military Pistols and Associated Edged Weapons (2016), an updated version of his original book, illustrated largely with items from his personal collection. He authored scholarly articles about Napoleon's Mamluk guard, Saxon military pistols, Neapolitan pistols, and other topics, plus two unfinished book manuscripts: one about Spanish and Latin American pistols, another about the Bavarian Army Museum collection. He received the Great Medal of Honor from the Austrian state of Styria in 2008. Alongside his collecting and scholarship, Brooker built a career initially as an officer and pilot in the US Marine Corps. In the summer of 1959 he was granted a leave of absence from the Marines to work as an interpreter for the American Exhibition in Moscow. While there, he happened to be in the room where Richard Nixon and Nikita Khrushchev entered and filmed what later became known as the Kitchen Debate. Following an MBA at Harvard Business School, he served in senior management roles at Cummins Engine Company, NL Industries, Lord Corporation, and Connell LP. He oversaw the development of horizontal drilling technology that later transformed the oil and gas industry. He retired from business to obtain a PhD in Art History from Brown University. He speaks six languages and was an enthusiastic scuba diver. All these achievements took place alongside his wife of 60 years, Kitty Brooker. He has four children and six grandchildren. The Robert Brooker Jr. Collection represents the greatest collection of types assembled in the history of the subject. Spanning more than three centuries and comprising a unique group of munition firearms, edged weapons and associated objects, its magnitude, breadth and quality are truly remarkable. Sn 23125

Nation : -
Local Price : £795.00

C1790 Byrne (Most Likely Charles Byrne London) Gentleman’s 15 Bore Flintlock Muzzle Loading Traveling / Overcoat Pistol. Sn 23484:9 -. 23484:9 This is a C1790 Gentleman’s 15 Bore flintlock Traveling / Overcoat Pistol. The pistol has a 5” octagonal barrel (9 ¾” overall), wood ram-rod with horn end cap and original Walnut one piece full stock with iron furniture including trigger guard with extended tang and Pineapple finial decorated with engraved foliate decoration. The wood has just knocks bumps and bruises to be expected with age. The barrel’s smooth bore has just light staining. The top barrel flat has an indistinct, faint signature (to faint to photograph). The lock plate is signed by the maker ‘Byrne’(Most Likely Charles Byrne London recorded as a General gun smith C1775 see page 14 of English, Irish & Scottish Gunmakers By Carey). The cocking and firing actions are crisp. The price includes UK delivery. NB As an antique flintlock pistol no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as a part of a collection or display. Sn 23484:9

Nation : American
Local Price : £795.00

Original American Merrill Navy Rifle Model 1862 Bayonet and Scabbard. Sn 13928 -. 13928 A scarce original bayonet for the Merrill Navy rifle. It has the typical brass grip of the period with a long Yataghan blade measuring 25.5", 31.5" overall. Attached to the rifle it became in effect a pike to repel boarders. There are no markings on the bayonet except for an indistinct number on the blade and "1152 on the top of the hilt. The blade is in very good condition. The scabbard is brass mounted black leather and is in excellent condition. (See 'Bayonets From Janzens Notebook' book by Jerry L Janzen, page 208 item No 3). This is a scarce bayonet in excellent condition. (Also see White & Watts No 893, page 424 where the overall length is given as 36.5". This is a print error and should read 30.5"). The price includes UK delivery. Sn 13928

Nation : British
Local Price : £795.00

A Most Scarce 16th Century Indian 'Firangi' Battle Sword Circa 1500's Basket Hilt Form. From a family armoury collection originally housed in a castle in Scotland, accumulated over 4 centuries. The name ‘Firangi’ (Foreigner) was apparently given to these swords somewhat later in the 17th Century, as they were mounted with European (Foreign) blades, imported by the Portugese, which were highly valued. Some blades were locally made in the European style. The blades were mounted on the Khanda style hilt and with the long spike extending from the pommel which enabled them to be used as two handed swords. The firangi sword characteristically had a straight blade of backsword form (single edged). The blade often incorporated one, two, or three fullers (grooves) and had a spear-tip shaped point. The sword could be used to both cut and thrust. Examples with narrow rapier blades have survived, though in small numbers. The hilt was of the type sometimes called the "Indian basket-hilt" and was identical to that of another Indian straight-bladed sword the khanda. The hilt afforded a substantial amount of protection for the hand and had a prominent spike projecting from the pommel which could be grasped, resulting in a two-handed capability for the sword. Like other contemporary Indian swords the hilt of the firangi was usually of iron and the tang of the blade was attached to the hilt using a very strong resin, additionally, the hilt to blade connection was reinforced by projections from the hilt onto either face of the forte of the blade which were riveted together though a hole passing through the blade. Because of its length the firangi is usually regarded as primarily a cavalry weapon. Illustrations suggest a 16th-century date for the development of the sword, though early examples appear to have had simpler cross-guard hilts, similar to those of the talwar. The sword has been especially associated with the Marathas, who were famed for their cavalry. However, the firangi was widely used by the Mughals and those peoples who came under their rule, including Sikhs and Rajputs. Images of Mughal potentates holding firangis, or accompanied by retainers carrying their masters' firangis, suggest that the sword became a symbol of martial virtue and power. Photographs of Indian officers of Hodson's Horse (an irregular cavalry unit raised by the British) show that the firangi was still in active use at the time of the Indian Mutiny in 1857-58 The khanda can generally be a double-edge but can be a single edged straight sword. It is often featured in religious iconography, theatre and art depicting the ancient history of India. Some communities venerate the weapon as a symbol of Shiva. It is a common weapon in the martial arts in the Indian subcontinent. Khanda often appears in Hindu, Buddhist and Sikh scriptures and art The word khanda has its origins in the Sanskrit meaning "to break, divide, cut, destroy". Used from the time of Abu'l-Fath Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar (15 October 1542 - 27 October 1605 ), popularly known as Akbar I literally "the great" and later Akbar the Great, he was the third Mughal emperor, who reigned from 1556 to 1605. 29 inch blade to hilt, 35 inches overall

Nation : French
Local Price : £795.00

French 1770 Dragoon Sword. French Dragoon/Cuirassiers sword 1770c the blade appears to be a much earlier sword with double edge no fuller. Copper wire twist grip with all steal

Nation : British
Local Price : £795.00

Georgian 60th Rifles Bandsman’s Sword.. A rare Georgian period 60th Rifles bandsman's shamshir sword. Plain, single fullered steel blade, marked "Bd 6" to the backstrap (presumably a rack number

Nation : -
Local Price : £795.00

19th Century Balkan Ottoman Yataghan Sword, Coral Mounted Hilt. Origin: Ottoman Empire, Culture: Greek, Period: 19th Century. 19th century ottoman yataghan, walrus hilt mounted with red corals. Silver Arabic inscription. Blade shape suggests Balkan origin. Full Length: 79cm / Blade Length: 64.1cm / Blade Width: 3cm.

Nation : British
Local Price : £795.00

Historical 17th-18th Century Indian Tulwar Sword From the Siege and Relief Of Lucknow. Battle Trophy of Irish Captain Of the 32nd Foot, Capt. H.G.Browne From a Collection Swords From The Battles & Defence. Sword With Dozens Of Hand To Hand Combat Cuts. A typical Indian combat sword with good triple fullered blade and steel hilt, but the blade has dozens of incredibly evocative sword edge-to-edge cuts, indicating whoever used this sword at the siege and defence was very seriously in the very thick of the fighting. The 32nd (Cornwall) Regiment of Foot played a key role in defending the Residency during the Siege of Lucknow in the Indian Mutiny (1857-1859). After the British annexation of Oudh, the 32nd's mess house, the Khursheed Manzil, was occupied by the regiment, which then helped fortify the Residency. Under Colonel John Inglis, the regiment held out for 140 days, winning four Victoria Crosses for acts of gallantry during the prolonged siege. The regiment was retitled the 32nd (Cornwall) Regiment of Foot (Light Infantry) in recognition of its heroic actions during the defense of Lucknow. When the Indian Mutiny broke out, the 32nd Regiment of Foot was stationed at Lucknow and was a cornerstone of the British defence of the Residency. The regiment's commander, Colonel John Inglis, took command of the garrison after the death of the Chief Commissioner, Sir Henry Lawrence. The 32nd Regiment of Foot endured constant attacks, severe casualties from intense heat, and the ravages of cholera during the 140-day siege. Gifted to the family by Irish born Capt. H.G.Browne {later Colonel of the 100th Foot} who died just before WW1 and was buried near his home on the Isle of Wight. A very early tulwar, and the blade was deeply pitted through great age even before the siege, but the hilt was damaged during the siege and battles at the Lucknow defences, very likely by a cannon shot as the impact seems too drastic and singular to be by musket fire, or by simple hand to hand combat. Very bright polished blade, and a nicely black patinated hilt. Perfect for an intriguiging historical collection or display. The First Siege Full-scale rebellion reached Lucknow on May 30 1857, and Lawrence was compelled to use the British 32nd Regiment of Foot to drive the rebels from the city. Improving his defenses, Lawrence conducted a reconnaissance in force to the north on June 30, but was forced back to Lucknow after encountering a well-organized sepoy force at Chinat. Falling back to the Residency, Lawrence's force of 855 British soldiers, 712 loyal sepoys, 153 civilian volunteers, and 1,280 non-combatants was besieged by the rebels. Comprising around sixty acres, the Residency defenses were centered on six buildings and four entrenched batteries. In preparing the defenses, British engineers had wanted to demolish the large number of palaces, mosques, and administrative buildings that surrounded the Residency, but Lawrence, not wishing to further anger the local populace, ordered them saved. As a result, they provided covered positions for rebel troops and artillery when attacks began on July 1. The next day Lawrence was mortally wounded by a shell fragment and died on July 4. Command devolved to Colonel Sir John Inglis of the 32nd Foot. Though the rebels possessed around 8,000 men, a lack of unified command prevented them from overwhelming Inglis' troops. The sieges and reliefs of Lucknow cost the British around 2,500 killed, wounded, and missing while rebel losses are not known. Though Outram and Havelock wished to clear the city, Campbell elected to evacuate as other rebel forces were threatening Cawnpore. While British artillery bombarded the nearby Kaisarbagh, the non-combatants were removed to Dilkuska Park and then on to Cawnpore. To hold the area, Outram was left at the easily held Alambagh with 4,000 men. The fighting at Lucknow was seen as a test of British resolve and the final day of the second relief produced more Victoria Cross winners than any other single day. Lucknow was retaken by Campbell the following March.

Nation : Indian
Local Price : £795.00

Scarce Bengal Engineers Officer's Sword. EL7349 - A scarce and desirable Bengal Engineers officer's sword, retailed by Cater of Pall Mall. Dating on this is tricky, as it doesn't carry the EIC emblem and is therefore likely to be post-1858, but the placement of the Cater name is what we usually find on pre-1855 swords. So I believe that this was probably made just after the Indian Mutiny, but note that the blade had been service

Nation : Polish
Local Price : £795.00

Edwardian Cut Steel Court Sword. £ 795.00 Edwardian Cut Steel Court Sword in super condition retaining all original polish to mounts and blade, with facet cut hilt with pierced boat guard and chain and tassel knuckle bow, etched trefoil blade with trophies of arms and floral decoration, complete with original steel mounted black leather scabbard small crease near drag plus both storage bags

Nation : British
Local Price : £795.00

British Officers P1821 Light Cavalry Prize Sword. £ 795.00 British Officers P1821 Light Cavalry Prize Sword, regulation 3 bar hilt with fish skin grip, stepped pommel and white buff sword knot. The blade regulation nicely engraved with V R and crown to one side the reverse with presentation as follows: 1893 Ayrshire Yeomanry Best Swordsman B troop J C Tabrum. Maker marked E Thurkle Soho London and complete with steel scabbard, overall length 105cm the blade 91cm

Nation : British
Local Price : £795.00

British Hampshire Infantry Officers Sword Memorial Sword. £ 795.00 British Hampshire Infantry Officers Sword Memorial Sword. Alexander Humphreys was a British infantry officer serving with the Hampshire. The regulation hilt is engraved with his name and is in overall good condition. The 32.25 inch blade is maker marked S & J Kitchin and well etched with scrolls George 5th’s Royal Cypher plus A.H. KIA Somme 8.8.17 to one side the reverse has Hants Reg. Complete with field service scabbard. Alexander Humphreys was a British infantry officer serving with the Hampshire Regiment who was killed in action on August 8, 1917, during one of the Battles of the Somme in World War I. Commission & Service: Humphreys was a very young officer who earned his commission late in the war.

Nation : British
Local Price : £795.00

**Rare** British Pattern 1859, 2nd Pattern Cutlass Sword Bayonet for the Enfield Pattern 1858 Naval Rifle. Sn 23478:69 -. 23478:69 This is a rare British pattern 1859 cutlass sword bayonet for the Enfield pattern 1858 5 groove naval rifle. the first pattern was introduced for a short while with wooden grips but was soon superseded by the second pattern with chequered grips. The bayonet has a slightly curved 26 ¾ inch unfullered blade with a slight spear point and an overall length of 32 ½ inches. The top of the blade near the hilt carries an inspection mark. The bayonet is in excellent condition with a clean blade and excellent leather grips. The left hand side of the handle near the release button is stamped with the number 83 and on the other side is an inspection stamp (Crown over 20). The muzzle ring diameter is 21.4mm. see The Bayonet Book by John Watts and Peter White, pages 305and plate 758 on page 371. The price includes U.K. delivery. Sn 23478:69

Nation : British
Local Price : £795.00

*RARE*NEAR MINT*WW1 British Wilkinson 1910 Dated 1st Pattern Hook Quillon P1907 Bayonet With Unknown Regiment Marks ‘M IJI R595’, WD 1910 Scabbard & WD Mills Equipment Company 1908 Pattern Webbing Frog With Helve Carrier Strap. Sn 23731 -. 23731 This is a rare, near mint hook quillon 1907 pattern bayonet for SMLE rifles manufactured in February 1910 by Wilkinson. The ricasso is marked '1907 (Pattern), 'Wilkinson’, '02 ’10 (Date) & 'King’s Crown'. The reverse has inspection stamps. The blade is clean. The wood slab grips are undamaged and have impressed inspection marks. The pommel is crisply stamped with unknown Regiment marks ‘M IJI R595’. It is in its original leather scabbard with steel locket and chape. The leather is impressed with WD inspection marks and ’10 (1910 date). The scabbard is fitted with an original WW1 1908 pattern webbing frog with rear helve carrier strap. The rear of the frog has ink WD broad arrow above number 387 and maker detail ‘ME Co’ (Mills Equipment Company) and indistinct date. All leather, material & stitching of the scabbard and frog are intact. The price for this rare bayonet worthy of further research regarding the Regiment marks includes UK delivery. Sn 23731 (hook quill box)