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Nation : Austrian
Local Price : £7,500

An Austrian Sporting Gun mounted with an Ottoman “Turkenbeute” Barrel circa 1700 – Ex Keith Neal Collection. A fine and historically intriguing Austrian or South German early 18th century flintlock sporting gun mounted with a fine quality, heavy, Ottoman Damask barrel. The gun is one of a small surviving group made by European smiths incorporating captured 17th century Ottoman barrels in the guns. This example was part of the William Keith Neal Collection. After its defeat at the Siege of Vienna in 1683 the Ottoman Empire began its prolonged retreat from Eastern Europe. At each forthcoming defeat, or abandonment of its positions, the Ottomans left behind significant trains of arms. The barrels of some of the abandoned Ottoman guns were of wonderful quality and the best were especially sought after by leading European gun makers for mounting on their showpieces made for the nobility. In Austria and the states that had formed much of the frontier with the Ottomans at the peak of expansion the barrels developed a specific term as Turkenbeute “Turkish Booty” barrels. Today guns mounted with these barrels are housed in numerous museums and private collections across the region. Some of these barrels traveled further afield to countries in Northern Europe where the high quality was similarly appreciated. The barrels, being radically different from standard European manufacture, were also a souvenir of the European states turning the tide against an enemy empire intent on the conquest of Southern Europe. The four stage smooth 7 bore tapering barrel is of heavy musket type. The thickened rounded stage at the breech is chiselled with a typically Ottoman panel, onlaid with silver and bordered by beads of semiprecious stones, and centred with a typically Ottoman onlaid arabesque. A grooved rear sight has been incorporated into the breech plug top. Beyond this rounded stage the barrel becomes octagonal in section for two further stages with similar chiselled Ottoman shapes onlaid with silver and mounted with beads. Three chiselled panels are inlaid with silver script forming what is probably the barrel maker’s name. The bell-shaped muzzle is silver sighted and also richly onlaid with silver. The designs are similar to those which appear on Ottoman tiles and calligraphy of the time. The full stock is well shaped with an early style club butt. It is finely moulded around the wrist, tang apron, lock and ramrod aperture. The fore end is horn tipped and the iron capped wooden ramrod is held in three finely forged multifaceted iron pipes. The curved iron trigger is scrolled backwards and the trigger guard is of iron. The iron buttplate has an engraved spur on top and is fixed to the butt with two screws. The rounded lock and cock are of high quality, both with fine engraving of foliate scrolls incorporating a serpentine monster and a winged cherub facing each other on the tail. The cherub is aiming a blowpipe at an ape seated in front of the cock with a second monster depicted to its right underneath the pan. The parts are tight, the springs are strong and the lock is in fine mechanical working order. The gun is 58 inches (just over 147.5 cm) long overall, and the barrel is 42.75 inches (108.5 cm). Note: It is assumed that the onlay and inlay is of silver but has not been tested. Provenance. The William Keith Neal Collection (tag number G24) from which it was sold at Christies, London, 8th November, 1995, lot 81. --> --> Gallery

Nation : British
Local Price : £7,500.00

A Cased Pair of Flintlock Duelling Pistols by Wilson of London.. A Cased Pair of Flintlock Duelling Pistols by Wilson of London. With swamped, sighted, browned barrels engraved along the top flats with the makers name and address, profusely engraved tangs fitted with standing rear-sights, stepped, bevelled locks, signed within a wreath, fitted with sliding safety catches and decorated with star-bursts at the tails of the locks, full-stocked in walnut cut with deep chequering at the grips, engraved brass mounts comprising foliate butt-plate and trigger guards decorated with flower heads on the bow with stylised pineapple finials, turned ramrod pipes with horn tipped ramrods: in their original lined and fitted box, with powder flask, loading rod, bullet mould, with original trade label. Dimensions: Bore: Barrel Length: Overall Length:

Nation : -
Local Price : £7250.00

Flintlock Silver Mounted Holster Pistols by W Turvey, Pair. Ref 9266. A Fine Pair of Flintlock Silver Mounted Holster Pistols by W Turvey. 14” overall, 8 ¼” swamped copper alloy barrels each turned & engraved with acanthus at the girdle, engraved ‘HOLBORN LONDON’ along the top flat in front of scrolling foliage, struck with London proof marks & unidentified barrelsmith’s mark, ‘IB’ crowned, border engraved tangs each decorated with foliate scrolls. Border engraved flat bevelled copper alloy locks each signed ‘Turvey’ in capitals within rocailles & foliage, a scallop shell and foliage on each tail, cocks engraved with foliage en suite. Moulded figured full stocks each with rounded flared butt & inlaid with a silver wire scallop shell & scrollwork around the barrel tang, cast & chased mounts comprising side plates each pierced with foliage centred on a scallop shell resting on a draped pedestal, vacant trophy of arms escutcheons, grotesque mask caps, trigger guards each with acorn finial & engraved with a flower head on the bow. Triggers each with a scroll at the back, turned ramrod pipes, horn tipped ramrods, probably original, one with iron worm. Circa 1750 Very attractive pistols in good condition, one retaining screw an old replacement, one pistol with old inset repair on one side at the girdle. Probably by William (II) Turvey of Holborn who was apprenticed to George Turvey in 1742, & was free of the London Gunmakers’ Company in 1750.

Nation : British
Local Price : £6995.00

An Incredibly Rare French Naval, Sabre D'Officier De Marine Model Prairelle An XII 1804. Officer's Sword, Most Likely Surrendered or Captured At Trafalgar in 1805. Possibly Even From the Redoutable or Bucentaure. Overall in very good condition for age, very tight and sound with no looseness, yet with commensurate wear for its age, considering its use as a hand to hand combat sword in the service of their emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. It has a very finely engraved blade with feint traces of blue and gilt, and usual age and surface wear overall. Almost all of the senior French naval officers at Trafalgar could have carried a sword just as this, and this sword may even have been likely surrendered at Trafalgar itself. Its official title is; Sabre d'officier du Marine, modele de Prairal an XII of 1804. Scabbard throat mount beautifully decorated with a Mermaid, with two tails and modest skirt, as was the identifying feature on a naval officer's sabre of the prairial model. The reverse side of the scabbard has a design of a pattern of the constellation of the stars. It was by formal decree, dated the 7th of Prairial of the year XII May 28, 1804, that the French First Consul Napoleon Bonaparte approved the creation of the model of this stunning sabre. This is such a rare sword they are almost impossible to find, even in museums. This French naval officer's combat sword is a stunningly beautiful sabre, and so very rare, as so many warships of the French Napoleonic navy, and their officer's and crew, were captured or destroyed so precious few survive. The British equivalent is the rare 1805 pattern Royal Naval officer's sword, which Nelson also took to at Trafalgar, but the French surviving equivalent, this sword, is at least 100 times the rarer sword. The last known example, of a surrendered French ship's captain's sword, we sold here over 5 years ago. Sabre naval officer model of the 1st Prairial Year XII, guard a brass branch chiselled and gilded, bow body adorned with an anchor resting on two flags, half round langets chiselled with a radiant head, fluted ebony grip with carved grooves; flat-backed blade, one hollow pan and lateral throat, traces of blue and gilded in the third; leather scabbard with seam, two gilded brass fittings, the throat is provided with two long side hooks for the wearing of the sword with a belt or the harness, it is decorated with a mermaid with two tails, finely engraved with reeds; dart shaped shell; Prairial was the ninth month in the French Republican Calendar. This month was named after the French word prairie, which means meadow. It was the name given to several ships. Prairial was the third month of the spring quarter. The Battle of Trafalgar (21 October 1805) was a naval engagement fought by the British Royal Navy against the combined fleets of the French and Spanish Navies, during the War of the Third Coalition (August–December 1805) of the Napoleonic Wars (1796–1815). Twenty-seven British ships of the line led by Admiral Lord Nelson aboard HMS Victory defeated thirty-three French and Spanish ships of the line under French Admiral Villeneuve. The battle took place in the Atlantic Ocean off the southwest coast of Spain, just west of Cape Trafalgar, near the town of Los Caños de Meca. The Franco-Spanish fleet lost twenty-two ships and the British lost none. The victory confirmed the naval supremacy Britain had established during the course of the eighteenth century and it was achieved in part through Nelson's departure from the prevailing naval tactical orthodoxy of the day. Conventional practice at the time was for opposing fleets to engage each other in single parallel lines, in order to facilitate signalling and disengagement, and to maximise fields of fire and target areas. Nelson instead arranged his ships into two columns to sail perpendicularly into the enemy fleet's line. During the battle,Victory locked masts with the French Redoutable, whose crew, including a strong infantry corps (with three captains and four lieutenants), gathered for an attempt to board and seize Victory. A musket bullet fired from the mizzentop of Redoutable struck Nelson in the left shoulder, passed through his spine at the sixth and seventh thoracic vertebrae, and lodged two inches below his right scapula in the muscles of his back. Nelson exclaimed, "They finally succeeded, I am dead." He was carried below decks. Victory's gunners were called on deck to fight boarders, and she ceased firing. The gunners were forced back below decks by French grenades. As the French were preparing to board Victory, Temeraire, the second ship in the British windward column, approached from the starboard bow of Redoutable and fired on the exposed French crew with a carronade, causing many casualties. At 13:55, the French Captain Lucas of Redoutable, with 99 fit men out of 643 and severely wounded himself, surrendered. The French Bucentaure was isolated by Victory and Temeraire, and then engaged by HMS Neptune, HMS Leviathan, and Conqueror; similarly, Santísima Trinidad was isolated and overwhelmed, surrendering after three hours. Nelson was shot by a French musketeer As Nelson lay dying, he ordered the fleet to anchor, as a storm was predicted. However, when the storm blew up, many of the severely damaged ships sank or ran aground on the shoals. A few of them were recaptured, some by the French and Spanish prisoners overcoming the small prize crews, others by ships sallying from Cádiz. Surgeon William Beatty heard Nelson murmur, "Thank God I have done my duty"; when he returned, Nelson's voice had faded, and his pulse was very weak. He looked up as Beatty took his pulse, then closed his eyes. Nelson's chaplain, Alexander Scott, who remained by Nelson as he died, recorded his last words as "God and my country." It has been suggested by Nelson historian Craig Cabell that Nelson was actually reciting his own prayer as he fell into his death coma, as the words 'God' and 'my country' are closely linked therein. Nelson died at half-past four, three hours after being hit, before the battle ended. Villeneuve was captured, along with his ship Bucentaure. He later attended Nelson's funeral while a captive on parole in Britain. Admiral Federico Gravina, the senior Spanish flag officer, escaped with the remnant of the fleet. He died five months later from wounds sustained during the battle. The battle resulted in 10 French ships captured, one ship destroyed, 3,373 dead, 1,155 wounded, over 4,000 men captured Spain: 11 ships captured, 1,022 dead, 1,386 wounded, 3 to 4,000 captured Total: about 15,000 It would be wonderful to know for certain that this sword was surrendered by such as a senior officer of the Redoutable or Bucentaure , and although it is certainly possible it may have been, in fact we can't say it wasn't, but in reality it is a speculation that may never be satisfied. The sword is 36.5 inches long overall in its scabbard. The carved ebony grip has one slight split on one side, but still as tight as a drum, the leather scabbard has had a contemporary field service leather repair near the chape.

Nation : British
Local Price : £6,950.00

**SUPERB**MINT BORES**Cased C1820’s Matching Pair Of English John Probin London Maker To The Prince Of Wales 22 Bore Gentleman’s Flintlock Dueling / Target Pistols, With Octagonal Damascus Steel Barrels. Sn 22059:7 -. 22059:7 John Probin (b.1785) was an English London based gunmaker recorded as having premises at 29 Lisle street, Leicester Square 1826-41, 70 Strand 1842, 11 Agar Street Strand 1843-46, 115 St Martins Lane 1847-51. He was gunmaker to the Prince Of Wales (see page 194 of British Gunmakers Vol.1 by Brown). This is a superb pair of matching English dueling pistols by John Probin. The pistols are in fine condition undamaged and all original with 9 ½” octagonal Damascus steel barrels & undamaged original walnut full stocks. Each barrel is signed by the maker ‘Probin Maker to His RH The Prince Of Wales’’. The smooth bores are near mint clean & bright. The actions both have ‘v’ notch plate rear sights and the barrels have brass blade fore sights. Both pistols have Swan neck hammers fitted with flints & safety bolts. The metal work is clean and undamaged. Each lock plate is signed ‘J.Probin’. The trigger guards have engraved decoration & Pineapple finials. The breech of each pistol have gold roundel inserts. The pistol's cocking & firing actions work crisply. Both pistols have their original wood ram rods with polished horn end caps and steel worm tips. The pistols are contained in their later wood case. The case with hinged lid is lined with felt and has compartments to fit the pistols and accessories (there are no accessories with these pistols). The case has a brass lock (key absent) and hook fasteners. The price for this quality pair of pistols includes UK delivery. NB as antique flintlock weapons no licence is required to own these pistols in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. Sn 22059:7 (armoury pistol shelves)

Nation : British
Local Price : £6950.00

A Most Fine and Rare Victorian British General's Mamaluke With a Captured Battle Trophy, or Presentation, Spectacular, Indian, Damascus Steel Blade, With Islamic Gold Cartouche Seal Engraved and Inlaid With Gold, 'Mohammed, Blessings Be Upon Him'. Traditional British Mamaluke pattern hilt in gilt bronze, with ivory grips and gilt rossettes, original gilt bullion sword knot. The central crest between the quillon is a General's crossed baton and sabre symbol. The scabbard is formed gilt brass, of the usual generals pattern, but made extra wide than is usual to bespoke fit the fine wide blade. The kind of fantastic sword & highest quality wootz water pattern Damascus blade that would have been used by a British General such General Havelock, General Nicholson of Delhi, or General Sir James Outram, from the the Crimean War or the Indian Mutiny period. It may have been from, such as, the armoury of the Talpur rulers of Sind The sword would have normally been fitted with a standard etched blade, but a few, usually very notable generals of fame and status, might have a presentation or captured blade such as this fitted for their mamaluke. The cartouche reads approx, 'Mohammed, Blessings Be Upon Him' Mameluke swords were adopted by officers of light cavalry regiments in the first decade of the 19th century, The current regulation sword for generals, the 1831 Pattern, is a Mameluke-style sword. Napoleon raised a number of Mameluke units during his Egyptian campaigns in the French Revolutionary Wars, leading to the adoption of this style of sword by many French officers. In the post-Napoleonic period French military fashion was widely adopted in Britain. The Duke of Wellington carried a Mameluke sword from his days serving in India and throughout his career. After he defeated Napoleon his status was a national hero, Commander-in-Chief of the Forces, and then prime minister; as such, his tastes had considerable weight. Trade between India and Sri Lanka through the Arabian Sea introduced wootz steel to Arabia. The term muhannad مهند or hendeyy هندي in pre-Islamic and early Islamic Arabic refers to sword blades made from Indian steel, which were highly prized, and are attested in Arabic poetry. Further trade spread the technology to the city of Damascus, where an industry developed for making weapons of this steel. This led to the development of Damascus steel. The 12th century Arab traveller Edrisi mentioned the "Hinduwani" or Indian steel as the best in the world. Arab accounts also point to the fame of 'Teling' steel, which can be taken to refer to the region of Telangana. The Golconda region of Telangana clearly being the nodal centre for the export of wootz steel to West Asia. Another sign of its reputation is seen in a Persian phrase – to give an "Indian answer", meaning "a cut with an Indian sword". Wootz steel was widely exported and traded throughout ancient Europe and the Arab world, and became particularly famous in the Middle East. From the 17th century onwards, several European travellers observed the steel manufacturing in South India, at Mysore, Malabar and Golconda. The word "wootz" appears to have originated as a mistranscription of wook; the Tamil language root word for the alloy is urukku.17 Another, which theory says that the word is a variation of uchcha or uchadubious ("superior"). According to one theory, the word ukku is based on the meaning "melt, dissolve". Other Dravidian languages have similar-sounding words for steel: ukku in Kannada1819 and Telugu, and urukku in Malayalam. When Benjamin Heyne inspected the Indian steel in Ceded Districts and other Kannada-speaking areas, he was informed that the steel was ucha kabbina ("superior iron"), also known as ukku tundu in Mysore. Legends of wootz steel and Damascus swords aroused the curiosity of the European scientific community from the 17th to the 19th century. The use of high-carbon alloys was little known in Europe22 previously and thus the research into wootz steel played an important role in the development of modern English, French and Russian metallurgy.23 In 1790, samples of wootz steel were received by Sir Joseph Banks, president of the British Royal Society, sent by Helenus Scott. These samples were subjected to scientific examination and analysis by several experts.242526 Specimens of daggers and other weapons were sent by the Rajas of India to the Great Exhibition in London in 1851 and 1862 International Exhibition. Though the arms of the swords were beautifully decorated and jeweled, they were most highly prized for the quality of their steel. The swords of the Sikhs were said to bear bending and crumpling, and yet be fine and sharp We show several images from portraits or statues in the gallery of 19th century British Generals, all with identical swords The statue of General Havelock in Trafalgar Square, London British General such as Nicholson Of Delhi, with his identical sword A statue of Sir James Outram by Matthew Noble, in Whitehall Gardens, London + The portrait of General Havelock Antique ivory, 'worked' declaration submitted, but we can only sell this sword within the UK, it is not allowed for export. Ivory, however old cannot be imported into the USA. ref; Manouchehr Moshtagh Khorasani 750 page tome on Arms and Armour, Wootz patterns, page 540

Nation : Indian
Local Price : £6,950.00

A Cased Pair of Flintlock Duellers by W. Parker of London.. A Cased Pair of Flintlock Duellers by W. Parker of London. With sighted octagonal barrels, decorated with a geometric band at the muzzles, engraved, ‘W. PARKER LONDON’ along the top-flats and decorated with two gold-lines at the breech, platinum breech plugs, stamped with Indian Arsenal marks, ‘APX-33-FX-73’ profusely engraved tangs cut with deep sighting grooves, fitted with rear-sights, signed border engraved locks, fitted with sliding safety catches and decorated with sprays of foliage, half stocked in walnut (some old repairs to one stock) cut with chequering and what appears to be old sealed holes where lanyard rings would have been, spurred trigger guards, turned ramrod pipes and dark horn tipped ramrods. In their original lined and fitted box, with accessories including powder flask, bullet mould, loading rod etc, with original trade label. W. Parker Gunmaker (Successor to Field & Parker) 233 High Holborn, 1793-1841; 10 Chamber St., 1839-41. Workshops & Stores at 22 Chamber St., 1806; 52 & 31/2 Chamber St., 1808; Glasshouse Yd. & Chamber St. (at John Stinton’s) , 1814. Gunmaker to Duke of Kent, Prince Edward & William IV (trade labels). Contractor to Ordnance, 1804-38; East India Co, 1805-41; Hudson’s Bay Co., 1837-41. Supplied Arms to London Police Officers from 1803, Metropolitan Police from 1829. Died age 68, 1841. Succeeded by Parker, Field & Sons. Howard L. Blackmore (1986) Gunmakers Of London, 1350-1850. George Shumway Publisher. USA. Dimensions: Bore: Barrel Length: Overall Length:

Nation : -
Local Price : £6,750

North European Sabre of “Sinclair Sable” Type Circa 1600. An imposing and robust North European sabre dating to circa 1600. The hilt type conforms to the general group known as “Sinclair Sables”, with which the ill-fated Scottish mercenary expedition to Norway was equipped in 1612. This is a well balanced and practical example. The sabre is featured in a paper by Hagen Seehase in DWJ (Deutschland Waffen-Journal), April 2021, pages 84 & 85. The imposing, heavy, stiff, curved blade is single edged, becoming double edged for the last quarter of its length, with a broad shallow fuller running underneath the spine from hilt to tip. Near the hilt on one side a rubbed armourers mark is present inside an oblong panel, now indistinct. The hilt is constructed from a solid block from which two vertically counter curved quillons of rounded oval section extend to terminate in swollen spoon shaped terminals. A knuckle bow extends from the front quillon upper surface, the terminal of which is secured in an aperture in the lower part of the pommel front. The outside of the hilt is formed with a strong scallop shell shaped guard joined to the pommel in a similar manner to the knuckle bow, by a single bar emerging from its top. Cut ridges radiate from the base of the shell guard where it joins the quillon block to accentuate the scallop appearance. An “S” shape bar of rounded section strengthens the structure by joining the shell with the knuckle bow. The inside of the guard is formed with an inner ring guard and thumb loop joined with the knuckle bow by two further scrolling round section bars above. The original leather covered grip swells to its top where it meets with the underside of the pommel and is mounted with a copper ferrule at its base. The oblong shaped pommel radiates filed lines of “scallop” form similar to the clam guard from its truncated pyramid shaped pommel button. The pommel is cut with double decorative lines around its edge. Beneath, the pommel base narrows to accommodate the oval shaped grip top. This is an interesting and rare sword which holds a place in the evolution of complex hilt design in the late 16th century. Blade 30.5 inches (80 cm) long and overall 37 inches (94 cm). Provenance: Sotheby’s New York, 23rd November 1988, lot 501 --> --> Gallery WordPress › Error html { background: #f1f1f1; } body { background: #fff; border: 1px solid #ccd0d4; color: #444; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; margin: 2em auto; padding: 1em 2em; max-width: 700px; -webkit-box-shadow: 0 1px 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, .04); box-shadow: 0 1px 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, .04); } h1 { border-bottom: 1px solid #dadada; clear: both; color: #666; font-size: 24px; margin: 30px 0 0 0; padding: 0; padding-bottom: 7px; } #error-page { margin-top: 50px; } #error-page p, #error-page .wp-die-message { font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 25px 0 20px; } #error-page code { font-family: Consolas, Monaco, monospace; } ul li { margin-bottom: 10px; font-size: 14px ; } a { color: #3858e9; } a:hover, a:active { color: #183ad6; } a:focus { color: #183ad6; box-shadow: 0 0 0 var(--wp-admin-border-width-focus, 1.5px) var(--wp-admin-theme-color, #3858e9); outline: 2px solid transparent; } .button { background: #f3f5f6; border: 1px solid #016087; color: #016087; display: inline-block; text-decoration: none; font-size: 13px; line-height: 2; height: 28px; margin: 0; padding: 0 10px 1px; cursor: pointer; -webkit-border-radius: 3px; -webkit-appearance: none; border-radius: 3px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; -moz-box-sizing: border-box; box-sizing: border-box; vertical-align: top; } .button.button-large { line-height: 2.30769231; min-height: 32px; padding: 0 12px; } .button:hover, .button:focus { background: #f1f1f1; } .button:focus { background: #f3f5f6; border-color: #007cba; -webkit-box-shadow: 0 0 0 1px #007cba; box-shadow: 0 0 0 1px #007cba; color: #016087; outline: 2px solid transparent; outline-offset: 0; } .button:active { background: #f3f5f6; border-color: #7e8993; -webkit-box-shadow: none; box-shadow: none; } There has been a critical error on this website. Learn more about troubleshooting WordPress.

Nation : German
Local Price : £6,450.00

**RARE**QUALITY**MINT 10 GROOVE RIFLED BORES** Circa 1660-1665 A Pair Of Early Dutch .500 Calibre Flintlock Turn Off Barrel Holster Pistols From The Armoury Collection Of The German Princely House of Hohenlohe-Langenburg / Schloss Langenburg. Sn 22059:1 -. 22059:1 This is a superb Pair Of Dutch Early Flintlock Rifled Turn Off Holster Pistols From The armoury of the German Princely House of Hohenlohe-Langenburg / Schloss Langenburg ( Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Starting in medieval times and continuing until 1806, this small state was ruled by a branch of the House of Hohenlohe, first as lords, then as counts and ultimately as ruling princes of the Holy Roman Empire after 1764. The princely House of Hohenlohe-Langenburg still owns and lives in Langenburg Castle today). Provenance: These pistols were part of the Prestigious Thomas Del Mar Auction Sale 3rd December 2014 Lot 249 items from the Armoury of the Princely House of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, removed from Schloss Langenburg. Each pistol has 12 ¼” long turn off barrels and measure 22 ½” overall length. Each barrel’s bore are near mint, clean and bright with deep cut 10 groove rifling. Each muzzle has a sweated on raised ring cut with fore sight blade. The breeches are faceted changing to octagonal, engraved with panels of scrolling leaf ornament and the breech tang engraved. They have rounded locks engraved with a flower on the tail and mermaids charming a serpent within a matted panel beneath the their pans. Their cocks are retained by a screw entering through their tumblers. The cocks are engraved with bird devices and are fitted with flints. Their figured walnut stocks are excellent. Both are mounted with brass plates, one carved ‘H.L 242’ the other ‘H.L 243’ (Armoury identification plates of the House of Hohenlohe-Langenburg). The stocks have iron mounts partly German early 18th Century comprising bulbous cudgel butts drawn up to a pair of fully developed spurs, solid plain side plates with bevelled edges (indicating re-stocking in Germany during that period). The trigger guards are bow shaped widening to a splayed mid point, their finials pierced with foliage & vacant escutcheon enclosed by chiselled leaves. One pistol is struck with an unidentified mark boldly on the lower side of the breech (illustrated). The pistol’s cocking & firing actions are both crisp. Earlier versions of these pistols were carried by Royalist Officers in the English Civil War. The price for this historic pair of flintlock pistols from a renowned collection includes UK delivery. As antique flintlocks no licence is required to own these pistols in the UK if retained as part of a display or collection. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 22059:1 (in 22059 Collection box)

Nation : Unknown
Local Price : £6,450.00

A Pair of flintlock Pistols by Winckhler – Munich c 1700. £ 6,450.00 Three stage barrels octagonal then round with muzzle rings blued and rifled cal 13mm. Brass outlined master’s mark appears above each powder chamber in the form of a standing lion below W between the signature Hanns Winchhler. Curved locks the floral engraved domed lock plates with masks. Adjustable back triggers one spring tired lightly carved walnut stocks with dark horn fore-end caps plus open iron work decoration on the side plates complete with ramrods with horn tips overall length of each pistol 53.5cm. Hans Winckhler is known in Munich between 1680 and 1710. Early pair of pistols in beautiful condition.

Nation : French
Local Price : £6250.00

A Stunning Directoire Period French Blue and Gilt ‘Award’ & Imperial Garde Grade Sabre of a General or General Staff Officer, Probably By Boutet Director of Versailles. Napoleon's Personal Sword Maker. Gilt bronze mounting, engraved and chased. Round-backed ebony handle with fine chequering. Short-skirted lion's head pommel chased with feathers and scales. Single-branch hilt decorated with oak leaves and acorns, cruise with two chased auricles in a row around the edge, straight quillon ending in a lion's head. Curved, superbly engraved deluxe blue and gilt flat-backed blade, Infantry style scabbard with frog mount in copper gilt with leather in superb condition. We show in the gallery a most similar sabre, by Boutet of the Versailles workshop, presented to General Lefebvre by the executive board of the French Directory before Napoleon declared himself emperor, another very similar sword was used by Marshal Davout {see his portrait}, The workmanship of the hilt is so fine and similar to Lefebvres Boutet presentation sabre that we presume this fabulous sabre was likely also made by Boutet at Versailles. The Directory (also called Directorate, French: le Directoire) was the governing five-member committee in the French First Republic from 26 October 1795 (4 Brumaire an IV) until October 1799, when it was overthrown by Napoleon Bonaparte in the Coup of 18 Brumaire and replaced by the Consulate. Directoire is the name of the final four years of the French Revolution. Mainstream historiography1 also uses the term in reference to the period from the dissolution of the National Convention on 26 October 1795 to Napoleon's coup d'état. This sword would have been used and carried in combat by one of those officer's on Napoleon's general staff. Napoleon was, and remains, famous for his battlefield victories, and historians have spent enormous attention in analysing them. Napoleon had numerous general staff officer's. However, a general in the field would have a relatively smaller cadre of officers supporting them.. Whether they were on Napoleon's staff or the staff of a general, their function was the same, to gather reports from field officers, précis them and ensure Napoleon and the generals have the right information. Then take Napoleon's or the general’s high level orders and ensure they get to the correct field officers, which may mean encoding them by hand. Manage all the logistics, ensure that all the units are supplied with food, equipment and munitions. In 2008, Donald Sutherland wrote: The ideal Napoleonic battle was to manipulate the enemy into an unfavourable position through manoeuvre and deception, force him to commit his main forces and reserve to the main battle and then undertake an enveloping attack with uncommitted or reserve troops on the flank or rear. Such a surprise attack would either produce a devastating effect on morale, or force him to weaken his main battle line. Either way, the enemy's own impulsiveness began the process by which even a smaller French army could defeat the enemy's forces one by one. After 1807, Napoleon's creation of a highly mobile, well-armed artillery force gave artillery usage increased tactical importance. Napoleon, rather than relying on infantry to wear away the enemy's defences, could now use massed artillery as a spearhead to pound a break in the enemy's line. Once that was achieved he sent in infantry and cavalry. The Napoleonic Wars brought radical changes to Europe, but the reactionary forces returned to power and tried to reverse some of them by restoring the Bourbon house on the French throne. Napoleon had succeeded in bringing most of Western Europe under one rule. In most European countries, subjugation in the French Empire brought with it many liberal features of the French Revolution including democracy, due process in courts, abolition of serfdom, reduction of the power of the Catholic Church, and a demand for constitutional limits on monarchs. The increasing voice of the middle classes with rising commerce and industry meant that restored European monarchs found it difficult to restore pre-revolutionary absolutism and had to retain many of the reforms enacted during Napoleon's rule. Institutional legacies remain to this day in the form of civil law, with clearly defined codes of law an enduring legacy of the Napoleonic Code. While Napoleon is best known as a master strategist and charismatic presence on the battlefield, he was also a tactical innovator. He combined classic formations and tactics that had been used for thousands of years with more recent ones, such as Frederick the Great's "Oblique Order" (best illustrated at the Battle of Leuthen) and the "mob tactics" of the early Levée en masse armies of the Revolution. Napoleonic tactics and formations were highly fluid and flexible. In contrast, many of the Grande Armée's opponents were still wedded to a rigid system of "Linear" (or Line) tactics and formations, in which masses of infantry would simply line up and exchange vollies of fire, in an attempt to either blow the enemy from the field or outflank them. Due to the vulnerabilities of the line formations to flanking attacks, it was considered the highest form of military manoeuvre to outflank one's adversary. Armies would often retreat or even surrender if this was accomplished. Consequently, commanders who adhered to this system would place a great emphasis on flank security, often at the expense of a strong centre or reserve. Napoleon would frequently take full advantage of this linear mentality by feigning flank attacks or offering the enemy his own flank as "bait" (best illustrated at the Battle of Austerlitz and also later at Lützen), then throw his main effort against their centre, split their lines, and roll up their flanks. He always kept a strong reserve as well, mainly in the form of his Imperial Guard, which could deliver a "knockout blow" if the battle was going well or turn the tide if it was not. Overall the condition is stunning. Especially the original mercurial gilt on the hilt and the blue and gilt decor on the blade In the 20th century generals plotted campaigns and were not often in the thick of combat. In the Napoleonic wars era general staff officers fought, more often than not alongside their men in hand to hand combat, hence, Napoleon lost so many of his general staff officers. The chequered ebony grip has narrow splits on both sides, but otherwise excellent. The outside quillon has two small holes, this would have been for a small silver cartouch mount of Napoleon's bust profile, used by the privilege of status, by very special grade officer's. It may have been removed in the restoration period of 1814, in order to show the officer removed his previous connection to Napoleon {in order to preserve his current service and thus his senior status in France post Napoleon, before the 100 Days of Napoleon's return from Elba}.

Nation : -
Local Price : £5995.00

Pair of Flintlock Officers Pistols by Prosser. Ref 9168. A Pair of Flintlock Officer's Pistols by Prosser, Charing Cross, London. 15 ½” overall, 9” sighted 16 bore barrels each engraved 'CHARING CROSS, LONDON' along the sighting flat & engraved with a band of chevron ornament at the breech, London Proofs. Border engraved tangs each incorporating a back sight & decorated with a Britannia shield & foliage, border engraved flat bevelled locks signed ‘Prosser’ each decorated with a starburst behind the pan & with safety catch, roller & engraved cock. Figured full stocks each with flattened butt cut with characteristic chequering with a cross in the centre of each diamond, border engraved steel mounts comprising butt caps & D-shaped trigger guards each with pineapple finial & decorated with a martial trophy & foliage on the bow, stirrup ramrods. With W. K. Neil collection tags no. p315/6. No. 183, Early 19th Century Very high quality pistols in good condition, rebrowned barrels. Provenance: The Earls of Lonsdale, Lowther Castle, Cumberland (probably in the house sale conducted by Maple & Co. and Thomas Wyatt, V.A., 16 April 1947) W. Keith Neal Collection, P315 and 316. In the barrel there is W.K.Neil’s card saying purchased at the Lowther Castle sale. Fine Antique Firearms from the W. Keith Neal Collection 10 November 2005, lot 94 John Prosser is recorded at 9 Charing Cross, London, between 1796 and 1853. He was appointed Sword Cutler and Beltmaker to King George III in 1795 and to King George IV in 1827. See Leslie Southwick, ‘London Silver-hilted Swords’, 2001, pp. 199-201 The Earl of Lonsdale 1757 – 1844 William Lowther was born the son of the Reverend Sir William Lowther, Bart, of Swillington in Yorkshire. He succeeded to the baronetcy in 1777 on the death of his father and, on the death of his cousin became Viscount Lonsdale in 1802. He was elected MP, successively, for Carlisle (1780-82), Cumberland (1784-90) and Rutland (1796-1802). In 1802 he became Lord Lieutenant of both Cumberland and Westmorland, holding these posts until his death in 1844. In 1807 he was created Earl of Lonsdale (the title being revived for him) and made a Knight of the Garter.

Nation : Spanish
Local Price : £5995.00

Flintlock Holster Pistols with Spanish Barrels by P. Bond, very high quality pair. Ref 8987. A Very High Quality Pair of Flintlock Holster Pistols with Spanish Barrels by P. Bond. Each 14 ¾” overall, with 8 ¾” 15 bore two stage barrel turned at the muzzle and foliate gilded girdle, octagonal breech with gold lined maker's punzón of Bustindui (Neue Støckel 124) between three gold lined fleur-de-lys marks and surmounted by a gold lined cross, breech with gold line and a border of gold crosses, top flat inlayed in gold ‘ERRADURAS’. Foliate engraved tang, flat stepped, bolted and bevelled lock plates, military trophy engraved tail, signed ‘P. Bond’. Swan necked cocks engraved with trophy of arm, semi water proof pans, rollers on the frizzen springs. Vents gold lined. Set triggers, spur trigger guards engraved with a trophy of arms on the bow with pineapple finials. Finely figured walnut full stocks with finely chequered butts, silver vacant oval escutcheons, silver barrel slide escutcheons. Double collar ramrod pipes & under barrel horn tipped ramrods, one with worm tip. Circa 1810. Pistols of the highest quality in very good condition, barrels with some original blue, locks and mounts with nearly all their original finish. Erraduras, Herrduras or Du Herraduras on a gun barrel literally means ‘horseshoes’, it had been discovered by Nicolas Bis gunmaker to King Carlos II, that horseshoes from the Biscay region made the finest gun barrels needing 55 lbs of horseshoes to make one gun barrel, by the mid eighteenth century Spanish gun barrels were without peer. Philip J J Bond, Son of Edward, apprenticed to Thomas Tringham 1774; free of Goldsmiths Co., 1871. Gunmaker and Sword Cutler, 45 Cornhill, 1794-1816; 59 Lombard Street., 1794-1803. Viewer to Hudson’s Bay Co., 1790-1815. Died 1816. Juan Esteban Bustindui one of the very best Spanish barrel smiths is recorded in Eibar between c.1780 and 1820. LITERATURE W. Keith Neal, Spanish Guns and Pistols, page 81and 94, plates 57, 61 and 69. Previously for sale at £7,495

Nation : -
Local Price : £5995.00

Flintlock Four Barrel Volley Pistol by Wilson, London, Very Rare. Ref 9331. A Very Rare Flintlock Four Barrel Volley Pistol by Wilson, London. 12” overall, 4 ½” battery of four brass 50 bore round turn-off barrels, attached at the breech, stamped with London proofs & Wilsons barrel smiths mark, brass faceted box lock frame, decorated overall with scrolling foliage & stands of arms, signed with a shell ‘WILSON’ to the right & ‘LONDON’ on a foliate scroll to the left, steel sliding trigger guard safety. Swelling walnut butt with silver butt cap of a lion surmounting a wall with cannon & flags, hallmarked [JH} but no date letter & a rococo trophy of arms vacant escutcheon. Circa 1740 Very rare pistol, only ever had one like it in the past, good condition, but the brass is a bit over polished Richard Wilson born 1703. Apprenticed to uncle, Thomas Green, 1718; free of Gunmakers Co., 1725. Proof piece and mark, 1730. Elected Assistant, 1734; Master, 1741. Gunmaker, at the Fowler, Minories, took over business of Agnes Green, 1730. Contractor to Ordnance, from 1746; East India Co., 1733-6; Hudsons Bay Co., 1730-56; Royal African Co., 1739. With son, William, became Richard & William Wilson & Co., 1757-9; Richard Wilson & Co., 1759-66. Died 1766. See Clay P. Bedford Collection, for very similar pistol by Probin No. 198.

Nation : British
Local Price : £5995.00

A Wonderful Museum Grade Masterpiece, A Rare 18th Century French Small-Sword of Purest Gold Applied to Lustrous Crafted Silver & Hand Chiselled Steel. As Fine As Anything Comparable in the Royal Collection, or Les Invalides Army Museum in Paris.. A stunning museum grade sword, a pure masterpiece of the sword makers art! Magnificently decorated with purest gold, applied to the finest hand chiselled steel, worthy of a finest collection of 18th to 19th century fine art, decor and furnishings. A singular example of the skill of the artists in the French king’s and the later Emperor Napoleon’s court. Almost all of the executed King’s artisans were recruited by Napoleon for his service at the Emperor’s court.. Likely made at Versailles by a Royal swordsmith of King Louis XVIth, such as the master swordsmiths of the king, Lecourt, Liger or Guilman. A very finest grade sword of the form as was made for the king to present to favoured nobles and friends. He presented a similar sword to John Paul Jones see painting in the gallery now in the US Naval Academy Museum. Three near identical swords to this now reside in the Metropolitan. This is a simply superb small-sword, with stunningly engraved chiselled steel hilt, overlaid with pure gold over a fish-roe background, decorated with hand chiselled patterns of scrolling arabesques throughout the hilt, knucklebow, shell guards and pommel in the rococo style. The multi wire spiral bound grip is finest silver, betwixt blued silver bands, with Turks head finials. The blade is in the typical trefoil form, ideal for the gentleman's art of duelling, and very finely engraved. The degree of craftsmanship of this spectacular sword is simply astounding, worthy of significant admiration, it reveals an incredible attention to detail and the skill of it's execution is second to none. A four figure piece that could easily be five figures if it was only known to whom it was presented. A secret lost into the mists of time! Other similar swords are in also in the British Royal Collection and in Les Invalides in Paris. Trefoil bladed swords had a special popularity with the officers of the French and Indian War period. Even George Washington had a very fine one just as this example. For example of the workmanship in creating this sword, for such as the King and Marie Antoinette, the keys for the Louis XVI Secretary Desk (Circa 1783) made for Marie-Antoinette by Jean Henri Riesener, one of the worlds finest cabinetmakers, and whose works of furniture are the most valuable in the world. The steel and gold metalwork key for Marie Antoinette's desk, is attributed to Pierre Gouthire (1732-1813), the most famous Parisian bronzeworker of the late eighteenth century who became gilder to the king in 1767. This sword bears identical workmanship and style to that magnificent key. This is the quality of sword one might have expected find inscribed upon the blade 'Ex Dono Regis' given by the King. Very fine condition overall, with natural aged patination throughout. Of course a masterpiece of this level could, and will, never be created again, however, if one could, only the gold and steel master gunsmiths such as the finest craftsman employed by such as Purdey of London, might even attempt to. And the cost?, without doubt, around £150,000 {plus}. The painting in the gallery, is titled John Paul Jones and Louis XVI, by the American artist Jean Leon Gerome Ferris depicts John Paul Jones and Benjamin Franklin at the court of Louis XVIth and being presented a similar sword now in US Naval Academy Museum. Overall length 35.5 inches

Nation : British
Local Price : £5995.00

A Wonderful 18th Century French Small-Sword of Parcel Gilt and Blued Steel A Simply Stunning Museum Grade Piece. A Stunning Example of This French Master Craftsman’s Artistry and Skill in Service in The Royal Court of King Louis XVth. A sword that is certainly worthy of a finest collection of all forms of object d'art, antiquities, antiques and militaria. Likely made at Versailles, at the royal workshops, by a royal swordsmith of King Louis XVIth, such as the master swordsmiths of the king, Lecourt, Liger or Guilman. A very finest grade sword of the form as was made for the king to present to favoured nobles and friends. He presented a similar sword to John Paul Jones see painting in the gallery now in the US Naval Academy Museum. Three near identical swords to this now reside in the Metropolitan A simply superb small-sword, with stunningly engraved chiselled steel hilt, overlaid with pure gold over a fish-roe background, decorated with hand chiselled scenes in the rococo Italianate renaissance style depicting various hunting scenes, of hunting hounds and game birds. The multi wire spiral bound grip is finest silver, in with Turks head finials. The blade is in the typical trefoil form, ideal for the gentleman's art of duelling. The degree of craftsmanship of this spectacular sword is simply astounding, worthy of significant admiration, it reveals an incredible attention to detail and the skill of it's execution is second to none. Other similar swords are in also in the British Royal Collection and in Les Invalides in Paris. Trefoil bladed swords had a special popularity with the officers of the French and Indian War period. Even George Washington had a very fine one just as this example. For example of the workmanship in creating this sword for such as the King and Marie Antoinette we show the keys for the Louis XVI Secretary Desk (Circa 1783) made for Marie-Antoinette by Jean Henri Riesener, one of the worlds finest cabinetmakers, and whose works of furniture are the most valuable in the world. The steel and gold metalwork key for Marie Antoinette's desk, is attributed to Pierre Gouthoire (1732-1813), the most famous Parisian bronzeworker of the late eighteenth century who became gilder to the king in 1767. This sword bears identical workmanship and style to that magnificent key. This is the quality of sword one might have expected find inscribed upon the blade 'Ex Dono Regis' given by the King. Very good condition overall, with natural aged patination throughout. The painting in the gallery is titled John Paul Jones and Louis XVI, by the American artist Jean Leon Gerome Ferris depicts John Paul Jones and Benjamin Franklin at the court of Louis XVIth and being presented a similar sword now in US Naval Academy Museum. 39.1/4 inches long overall.

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Local Price : $5,995.00

Exceptional Balinese Silver, Gilt and Jewel-encrusted Kris Dagger. Featuring silver hilt with gilt highlights in the form of a Hindu deity with skull under foot atop a round base set with semi-precious stones and a smaller ring set with garnets. Slightly curved 15 5/8″ (39.7 cm) double-edged Damascus blade with elaborate forging pattern. Scabbard of wood with carved bone wranka, wrapped in silver and decorated with fine silver filigree with gilt highlights and set with semi-precious stones. Fine quality and condition, of 20TH Century manufacturer; the bone wranka with several tight cracks on reverse, not affecting integrity. Overall length 20 1/4″ (51.4 cm), not including scabbard.

Nation : -
Local Price : $5,995.00

Exquisite Chiseled North European Rapier, ca. 1650. Unique and superbly chiseled iron hilt with separate lower guard featuring down-turned acorn-shaped knob on the obverse side and an upturned hollow heart on the reverse. Partial pas d’ane with long chiseled quillon block and single chiseled acorn-shaped quillon. Single side ring curving upward to join the knuckle bow, which in turn joins the acorn- shaped pommel with large button. Decorated ensuite with chiseled acanthus design in relief. Original grip wrapped with two sizes of twisted copper wire and finished with turks heads top and bottom. Cleaned hollow-ground single-edged 35 3/8″ blade with ridge on the spine and double-edged for the last 8 1/4″; remains of engraved design at the forte. Overall length 42″. Beautiful and unique sword of extraordinary quality, much better in person than photos.

Nation : British
Local Price : $5,995.00

European Rondel Dagger, Misericorde, Late 14th C. Designed solely for thrusting against an armored opponent, this dagger is very stoutly constructed of solid steel, with thick unmarked 10 1/4” diamond-section blade with long rectangular ricasso. The guard is forged in two pieces in a cog wheel shape, with a down-turned lobe extension serving as a belt hook. Tapering octagonal grip with cross hatching and decorative turned top, bottom, and central features. The 2” diameter pommel disc is forged in two pieces and features a decorative flower head washer at the blade peen. Never been apart and blade with moderate pitting, the entire piece with a dark gunmetal gray patina. Shows lamination and slight forging flaws. Similar examples illustrated in A Europaische Hieb-und Stichwaffen @ , by Muller, Kolling, and Platow (published 1984), page 174. A very rare untouched piece of medieval history, possibly used at the famous Battle of Agincourt. This style dagger is known as a rondel dagger due to it = s round-shaped guard and pommel, though it can also be classified as a A Misericorde @ . The latter name is a French term derived from the Latin A misericordia @ , meaning A act of mercy @ . The intent of such daggers was to dispatch a seriously wounded knight and end his suffering. Such daggers were known to have been used at the famous Battle of Agincourt in 1415, when a force of English knights, men-at-arms, and longbowmen under the command of Henry V, defeated a much larger force of French knights, men-at-arms, and crossbowmen. Despite the code of chivalry and the value of ransomed prisoners, Henry ordered the killing of many of the prisoners because he saw the French forming for what he feared would be a renewed attack, which could have caused an uprising among the prisoners. When the French fled the field of battle, he ordered the killing to cease. Despite the overwhelming English victory, the result of the battle had little effect on the continuing Hundred Years War, which was ultimately won by the French. Henry returned to England the following month, but the French nobility and military were decimated, with entire noble families being wiped out.

Nation : -
Local Price : £5950.00

Flintlock Over & Under Pistol by Tatham & Egg, fine & rare. SN 8998. A Fine, Rare Flintlock Over & Under Pistol by Tatham & Egg. 14 ¼” overall 8” tapering barrels, the upper with 8 groove rifling with fore sight, both barrels with platinum lined tablet with Tatham & Egg mark to the sighting flat and platinum line, the lower with platinum lined tablet and platinum line, platinum lined vents, engraved tang with foliate and globe design and platinum line near the back sight, stepped locks with engraved border, a sunburst and a foliate design to rear, signed 'Tatham and Egg', semi rainproof pans, rollers, bolt safety catch and 'French' cocks, figured walnut saw-handle butt with chequered grip, has provision for shoulder stock, the flat butt with fitted engraved steel band and inset plaque inscribed 'Tatham & Egg improvement', engraved trigger guard with trophies at arms and '1121' to the bows, silver escutcheon engraved with owners initial (possibly J.J.C..), original side mounted steel ramrod. No.1121, circa 1810 Good condition, bores very good, barrels refinished, butt flat with small chip. Joseph, son of Johann Jakob Egg (brother of Durs Egg) gunmaker, Huningue, Alsace, born 1775 (baptised as Jean Joseph). Gunmaker, Great Windmill Street, granted English Patent No. 2440 (Bending steel with heat) 1800. Traded as Egg & Walker, Gunmaker & Patent Spring Truss Maker, 59 Firth St., Soho, 1801. In partnership with Henry Tatham, as Tatham & Egg, 1801-14. Gunmaker, 1 Piccadilly (Corner of Piccadilly and Haymarket) 1814-1834; 28 Titchborne Street., 1832-4. Member, St. James Loyal Volunteers, 1808.

Nation : British
Local Price : £5950.00

Superb Napoleonic Wars, British Officer's Sabre With Captured French 'Trophy' Mamluk Consular Guard Officer's Damascus Blade, With An Ancient Egyptian Serpent Goddess Hilt. For an Officer Who Served in The Nile Campaign. New photographs added to include the identical Damascus blade, bearing a Mamluk officer's portrait bust within its design, of the Philippe Missilier Collection exceptionally rare sword of an officer of the Mamluk Imperial {formerly Consular} Guard, Ist Empire, {see photo 9 in the gallery} Gilt bronze entwined twin serpent zoomorphic hilt, influenced by the Egyptian Goddess Wadget, chisselled in great detail and of very fine quality. Talisman symbolic, Napoleonic Damascus blade, of an officer of the elite Napoleonic Mamluke Guard Circa 1800. There is another blade known, an identical example, on another sword from an officer of the French Napoleonic Mamluke Guard, formerly in the Philippe Missillier collection, that appears in Aries seminal work on French Napoleonic swords, and Michel Pétard's work of similar renown, with all the same iconography within the design, and, also upon a damascus blade {see photo 9 in the gallery}. This sword is extraordinarily rare, as the officer corps of Napoleon's Mamluk Consular Guard would likely number less 15. For example in 1802 there were just 13 officers recorded who would have carried this sword, and how many survive to today, may possibly be less than two or three. Certainly a war trophy blade and scabbard used by a British officer that served at the Battle of the Nile, thus, it also has Nile Club connections. There are numerous examples of snakes depicted in zoomorphic hilted Napoleonic swords, such as the Lloyds Patriotic Fund swords, but usually combined with other beasts, such as lions, tigers or hounds, but to have two opposing entwined serpents is very rare indeed. Without a doubt this hilt design was inspired by Wadjet, the ancient Egyptian serpent goddess, in order to reflect the direct connection to a Battle of the Nile British officer veteran. Snake sculpture - the Staff of Aesculapius, the Staff of Mercury, and the Embodiment of Wisdom Snakes are fairly frequent in Georgian sculpture, and of course from other periods. In art generally in fact from medieval times onwards, the snake is also associated with wisdom, and in this capacity is often found with statues of Prudence. The way this sword is constructed shows it is a trophy blade, of a Mamluk officer, thus captured in combat by the British, and then re-mounted. The Mamluk officer’s sword, was etched with talismanic symbols of a crescent moon, sun, a Mamluks turbaned officers portrait bust head, and a stand of arms, upon fine Damascus pattern steel. In fact the whole sword may indeed now be described as iconically talismanic. The blade is in superb condition, with its original steel combat scabbard, also in excellent condition, and the English zoomorphic hilt is, furthermore, excellent too . Egyptian gods and goddesses, much famed in ancient Egypt, become hugely popular throughout Western artistic culture in the early 19th century. Europe became beguiled by ancient Egyptian art and architecture in all its forms, and furniture designers and sculptors particularly, eagerly created the ‘Egyptian style’ in the Regency period England, and the Consular and Directoire period in France. The Nile Club" (often referred to historically as the Egyptian Club) was an exclusive group of senior British officers who fought under the command of Rear-Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson at the decisive Battle of the Nile on August 1–3, 1798. Key details regarding this group and its connection to the Napoleonic Wars include: Following their massive victory at Aboukir Bay, which stranded Napoleon in Egypt, the captains of Nelson’s fleet formed this most exclusive club to celebrate and commemorate the action. The club included the captains of the ships present at the battle, such as Captains Sir F. Berry (Vanguard), T. Trowbridge (Culloden), R.W. Miller (Theseus), and A.J Ball (Alexander). The "Nile" Dirks/Swords: Members were entitled to wear a special sword or dirk featuring a zoomorphic Nile Crocodile on the hilt to signify their participation. Marines and Army may have had the associated Egyptian zoomorphic snake god hilt, or, another option, the zoomorphic camel head hilted sabre. We had a zoomorphic Nile Club camel head hilted officer’s sword a few years ago that we sold to an esteemed American dealer. These weapons are now considered very rare historical artifacts. Connection to Trafalgar: Many of the officers in the Nile Club continued to serve under Nelson and were likely present at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, where they would have worn their Nile-associated swords with pride. The Mamluks service in the Napoleonic Wars; At the Battle of Austerlitz, the Mamluks were in the reserve, under Rapp, with the rest of the Imperial Guard cavalry, when the Russian cavalry charged onto the Pratzen Heights and dispersed two French regiments of the Vandamme division. After an unsuccessful counterattack by two squadrons of mounted chasseurs supported by three squadrons of mounted grenadiers, Napoleon ordered Rapp to charge at the head of the last two squadrons of chasseurs and the Mamelukes in order to restore the situation. The Mamelukes threw themselves into the mêlée, but the impact of their charge was mitigated by the mass of men and horses. Lieutenant Renno rushed at a Russian square and opened a breach, which was quickly exploited by the Mamelukes, who broke through the formation and took 120 prisoners. Encouraged by this success, Rapp's cavalrymen seized a battery before contributing to the rout of the Russian Imperial Guard cavalry. Following this victorious engagement, two Mamelukes each came to throw an enemy standard at Napoleon's feet. The company's losses amounted to one dead and five wounded. In 1808, Napoleon ordered Marshal Murat to enter Spain and occupy Madrid. The Mamluks took part in this expedition. Staunchly Catholic, the Spanish people remembered the period of Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula by the Moors, and was offended by the presence of the Mamluks who entered the capital on 24 March 1808. The abdication of King Charles IV and then of his son Ferdinand in favour of Joseph Bonaparte, the Emperor's brother, exacerbated tensions between the Spanish and the French. In April, the company of Mamluks numbered 86 men. Seeking to expand this force, chef d'escadron Daumesnil, commanding the detachment of chasseurs of the Guard in Spain, asked permission to enlist foreigners, former Mamelukes but also Greeks or Spaniards, which Napoleon refused: "I created this corps to reward those men who served me in Egypt, and not to make a collection of adventurers." On 2 May, the people of Madrid revolted and attacked isolated soldiers. Murat then ordered the cavalry to enter the city to suppress the riot. The mounted chasseurs of the Guard led by Daumesnil advanced first, followed by the Mamelukes and the rest of the Guard cavalry. Passing through Alcalá Street, where they had rocks thrown at them, the French cavalrymen reached the Puerta del Sol where many Spaniards had gathered. The Mamluks arrival marked the beginning of merciless fighting. The Madrid rebels assaulted the horsemen with knives, jumped onto their mounts behind them and tried to dismount them. For their part, the Mamluks responded with scimitar strikes and skillfully cut off heads, a hundred "in an instant" according to Marbot. In the mêlée, Lieutenant Chahin saved chef d'escadron Daumesnil, who had fallen to the ground after having his horse killed from under him, before being struck in turn; the residents of a house on San Geronimo Street were also massacred by the Mamluks in retaliation for the killing of two of their comrades. At the end of the fighting, the company had its five officers injured as well as three horsemen killed or mortally wounded, losses that Ronald Pawly considered as "relatively limited" compared to the painter Goya's depictions. Edward Ryan instead mentions only two killed. See picture 8 in the gallery to see Admiral Nelson with his Nile Club zoomorphic hilted sword Overall in superb condition, Small scabbard throat mount lacking to the scabbard. Overall 39 inches long, blade 32 inches

Nation : British
Local Price : £5900.00

A Sublime Napoleonic Ist Empire French Superior Officer’s Blue & Gilt Officer’s Sword in the Mameluke Style, With Finest Deluxe Grade Chiselled Decor. We Always Try Our Utmost To Offer The Finest or Most Intriguing Pieces We Can From History. With copper mercurial gilt hilt and chequered polished horn grip original gilt scabbard with helmeted Minerva head mounts, twin ring belt fittings with its original, multi looped hanging belt chains, with spring catches. Finely engraved blue and gilt blade. Napoleon's Egypt Campaign, that ended in 1801, many Napoleonic officer's adopted the so-called oriental mounted swords, modelled on the Mameluke taken by him from Murad Bey, commander of the Mamelukes, which he holds in his Egypt portrait captured from the Egyptian Marmalukes {see gallery} that eventually became part of Napoleons Imperial Garde. These swords, in their turn, were captured by the British and similarly adopted as a form of highly favoured officers sword. In fact the mamaluke sabre became the British General's pattern sword that is still in use today. Several of these specific swords were part of a Sotheby's Napoleonic Wars auction in Monaco in 1990, titled "Belles Armes Anciennes Casques et Objects Militaires". The last photo in the gallery is of Joachim Napoleon Murat, King of Naples, brother of Napoleon's Mameluke sword, somewhat similar to our sword, and all based on the sword of Napoleon from Murad Bey. In May of 1804 Napoleon established the French Empire and with it he brought back the title of Marshal of France, also known as Marshal of the Empire at this time. Abolished by the National Convention in 1793, the title of Marshal of France was officially a civilian appointment but reserved for experienced generals. It was an honor to become a marshal and the marshals received higher pay and privileges. Napoleon wished to gain legitimacy in the eyes of Europe since other nations had the rank of field marshal, and he wished to reward and ensure the loyalty of the generals to his empire and thus they wore such swords of this quality and beauty. One of his greatest marshals to wear such a sword was Marshal Marshal of the Empire Étienne Macdonald duc de Tarente Étienne Jacques-Joseph-Alexandre Macdonald. During the spring of 1810, Marshal Macdonald was sent to Spain to take command of the Army of Catalonia. While there he won at Ververa, but in 1811 he fell ill and returned to Paris again. In 1812 Macdonald was given command of the X Corps of the Grande Armée for the campaign against Russia. Macdonald's corps missed most of the fighting of 1812 due to being ordered to hold the left flank, but also due to his command being primarily composed of Prussian and German soldiers, with only his headquarters staff being French. Macdonald's corps laid siege to Riga in August, but they lifted the siege in December during the retreat, just in time for the majority of his force to defect away from the French side due to Prussian nationalism. Napoleon needed experienced commanders for the campaigns of 1813, and in April of that year Macdonald was given command of the XI Corps. He won at Mersebourg and then commanded the right at the Battle of Lützen. Macdonald continued to lead his men into action, winning at Bischofswerda and then commanding the right at the Battle of Bautzen. That August he was placed in charge of multiple army corps but was then beaten by General Blucher at the Katzbach. Nevertheless, Macdonald continued to serve, and he fought at Leipzig , where after the bridge was blown early he had to swim the Elster River to escape capture. After surviving that escape unlike his fellow marshal Poniatowski, Macdonald resumed his command and then fought at Hanau. Marshal Macdonald served during the defense of France of 1814, initially defending the Rhine but then being forced to fall back to Meaux. That February he fought at Mormant and Ferté-sur-Aube and then in March he fought at Provins and Saint-Dizier. By Napoleon's side, Macdonald along with Marshal Ney convinced Napoleon that he should give up the war and abdicate in favor of his son, Napoleon II. Macdonald, Ney, and Caulaincourt were then sent to negotiate with the Allies, but ultimately they were unable to secure the throne for Napoleon's son. When Macdonald returned to Napoleon to deliver the terms of surrender, Napoleon gave him the sword of Murad Bey, the Mameluke leader that he had defeated in Egypt. Minerva, whose helmeted face is depicted and seen on the scabbard mounts, is the Roman goddess of wisdom, justice, law, victory, and the sponsor of arts, trade, and strategy. Minerva is not a patron of violence such as Mars, but of strategic warfare. The blades scabbard has some inside denting at the base, and the blade has some natural age wear to the blue and gilt. Of course this sword’s original owner is now unknown, as none of its history was recorded or saved, however, once accurately known, a sword such as this could be valued anything from treble, to one hundred times its current price, simply depending on how famed he was then or now, or, how important he was to Napoleon and his campaigns. Marshal Nay’s sword for example could easily be valued from one to several million pounds.

Nation : British
Local Price : £5795.00

Presented By The Queen of Spain in 1837 To US General John H Eaton, President Jackson’s Aide in the Creek War, & The War of 1812. Worn in The American Civil War By Col. Magruder The Hero of Fredericksburg, And By Him At The Funeral of President Lincoln. After personal presentation from the Queen of Spain to General Eaton this sword became the property, by inheritance, and was worn, during the American Civil War, by of US Civil War hero of Fredericksburg, Colonel James A Magruder Just at the time the war was threatening Colonel Magruder was with General Meigs in erecting fortification in Virginia around the city. When the war came on he was commissioned as Major of the 15th New York Engineers. His regiment was immediately ordered to the front. The pontoon bridge across the Rappahannock River, at Fredericksburg, Virginia, was built under his directions, he at the time remaining in the saddle for sixty straight hours, under a steady fire from the enemy. Soon after going to the front he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and he held that position until the close of the war. He was a personal friend of General Grant. From the repeated cannonading, Colonel Magruder became deaf, This fabulous eagle hilted sword was worn, after its inheritance from General Eaton, by the friend of Ulysses S. Grant, Col. James A. Magruder, during the Cival War and at the funeral of President Lincoln. Since 1967, for several decades, this wonderful and historic sword was on display at Dumbarton House in Washington DC, a federal historic house museum A simply stunning historical Spanish presentation General’s sword, presented, by tradition, to United States General John H Eaton, Envoy Extraordinary & Minister Plenipotentiary for President Andrew Jackson's America, to the Kingdom of Spain, by Her Majesty Maria Christina de Borbon, Queen Consort, and Regent for her daughter Isabella II Queen of Spain, in 1837. This magnificent sword has a fine tapering double-edged blade of flattened-hexagonal section, stamped 'Ano D 1837' and 'Fa Ntl Di Toledo' on the respective faces at the forte, finest mercurial gilt bronze hilt, cast with wonderful classical ornament in relief, including oval shell-guard decorated with the eagle perched astride the lightning bolts, flanked by classical figures, the quillon-block bears the letter 'F' for Ferdinand' enclosed within a laurel wreath, a pair of straight quillons, knuckle-guard and pommel, and integral grip all decorated en suite, in its blued iron scabbard with gilt-bronze suspensions mounts and drag 76.8 cm; 30 1/4 in blade Provenance; By tradition presented to General John H. Eaton US General J.H.Eaton, Envoy Extraordinary for President Andrew Jackson to Spain, who was married to the ward of President Andrew Jackson. It was presented by the Regent of Spain, Her Majesty Queen Maria Christina in 1837, when General Eaton was Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Spain (1836-1840). Maria Christina of Spain (when Regent for her daughter, the future Isabella II) was Maria Cristina de Borbon, Princesa de las Dos Sicilias; 27 April 1806 - 22 August 1878) she was Queen Consort of Spain (1829 to 1833) and Regent of Spain (1833 to 1840). This sword was thence passed after his death to his friend and physician Dr William B. Magruder; thence to his brother Colonel James A. Magruder, a personal friend of General Grant, who wore the sword during the Civil War and on full dress occasions including the funeral of President Lincoln. Thence by descent and inheritance this sword passed to Mrs. Millicent Magruder Nichols, of Massachusetts, who gifted the sword to Dumbarton House in 1967. Dumbarton House, is a Federal period historic house museum in Washington, DC. The house serves as the headquarters for The National Society of Colonial Dames of America, a group of women whose ancestors contributed to America’s founding. Eaton originally became active in the Tennessee militia, and attained the rank of major. He developed a close friendship with Andrew Jackson, and served as an aide to Jackson during the Creek War and the War of 1812. Eaton took part in all Jackson's major campaigns. He supported Jackson's controversial decision in November 1814 to attack Pensacola in Spanish Florida, claiming that Spain had put herself in a belligerent position by allowing its territory to be occupied by British soldiers. Eaton participated in the Battle of New Orleans, and became a major proponent of Jackson's presidential candidacy following the war. He was later appointed governor of Florida by President Jackson The First Carlist War was a civil war in Spain from 1833 to 1840, the first of three Carlist Wars. It was fought between two factions over the succession to the throne and the nature of the Spanish monarchy: the conservative and devolutionist supporters of the late king's brother, Carlos de Borbón (or Carlos V), became known as Carlists (carlistas), while the progressive and centralist supporters of the regent, Maria Christina, acting for Isabella II of Spain, were called Liberals (liberales), cristinos or isabelinos. It is considered by some authors the largest and most deadly civil war of the period. The Carlist forces were split in three geographically distinct armies: Norte ('North'), Maestrazgo and Cataluña ('Catalonia'), which by and large operated independently from each other. Aside from being a war of succession about the question who the rightful successor to king Ferdinand VII of Spain was, the Carlists’ goal was the return to a traditional monarchy, while the Liberals sought to defend the constitutional monarchy. Portugal, France and the United Kingdom supported the regency, and sent volunteer and even regular forces to confront the Carlist army. This sword was previously on display {donated by the Magruder family} at Dumbarton House Historic Museum, a Federal Period house in Washington D.C. operated by The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America As with every item we sell it will be accompanied with a Certificate of Authenticity, our unique lifetime guarantee

Nation : -
Local Price : £5,750

A Fine Pair of Over & Under Tap-Action Flintlock Pistols by John Richards of London Hallmarked for 1779 / 1780. A fine pair of over-and-under flintlock pistols by John Richards dating to circa 1780. The pistols are mounted with four stage turn-off rifled cannon barrels stamped with London Gun Company Proof and View marks. The walnut stocks are swollen towards the butt ends and profusely inlaid with scrolling designs of inlaid silver wire and mounted with silver butt caps featuring grotesque pug butt masks stamped with Birmingham marks for 1779 / 1780. The actions and barrels retain much of their original blued finish. Each action, cock, thumb lever and trigger guard is finely engraved with foliage with the name “RICHARDS inside a ribbon on one side of the action. Each trigger guard incorporates a sliding safety feature. The working parts are in fine crisp order. The pistols overall are in excellent condition and of display quality. The barrels are 3.5 inches (9 cm) long and consecutively numbered 1, 2, 3 & blank. Overall the pistols are 9 and 1/8 of an inch (just over 23 cm) measured diagonally extremity to extremity. John Richards is recorded as probably originating in Birmingham and having various premises in the Strand from 1775 until he died in 1821 with a short period in Lombard Street from 1781 – 1783 (Blackmore, A Dictionary of London Gunmakers 1350-1850, page 168) --> --> Gallery

Nation : British
Local Price : £5,650.00

Household Cavalry Officers Officers Sword c 1805. £ 5,650.00 Household Cavalry Officers Officers Sword although referred to as 1814 model this example is slightly different to the regulation pattern. This actual sword is detailed in the book, The British Cavalry Sword 1788 – 1912 by Richard Dellar page 202 plate 20.12.The description is as follows: A sword with a similar in detail to the Prussian Cuirassier Officers Model 1797 sword but with a central device of the British Royal Crest instead of the Prussian eagle. This type of hilt is thought to date from around 1805. The sword is in very good condition no damage to the basket and the bound leather grip shows slight wear, it is complete with brass scabbard with two narrow slots covered with fish skin note lower ring missing. Overall length 103cm the blade 88.5cm

Nation : German
Local Price : £5,500

A Fine German Swept Hilt Rapier dating to circa 1600. A fine, imposing and attractive German Swept Hilt Rapier dating to circa 1600. The rapier is a nicely balanced and well forged weapon in original condition with a consistent smooth grey mottled patination all over having never been invasively cleaned. The hilt type is illustrated in many portraits of late 16 th / early 17 th century date located across Europe including England, Scandinavia and the German States. This indicates that the swept hilt rapier was very popular amongst the social elites in countries across the region at the time. The rapier retains its full length 46.5 inch (118 cm) imposing blade. The overall length is 52.5 inches (133.5 cm). The complex hilt is an elegant example of the armourers’ craft formed with attractive flowing curved bars of rounded octagonal section. The hilt is built around the strong quillon block which has short downwardly pointing langets which lie either side of the ricasso. Two straight quillons extend from the block, filed with decorative ribs at the join, and swell gently towards their terminals. To the front the knuckle bow curves upwards to the pommel and has a similarly swollen terminal. Beneath the block two outwardly curved symmetrical finger, or pas d’ ane rings, extend downwards and terminate in square pads at the end of the ricasso. The outer guard consists of three ring guards and the inner guard of two circles joined by curved bars. These features on each side are supported by subsidiary bars which converge on the pas d’ane ring terminal pads which are engraved with cross-hatching on the outside. The hilt is further strengthened by two upper side guard bars, which are forged onto the outer edges of the outer and inner guard assemblies, and curve upwards to join the bow just above half way. The multifaceted ovoid pommel has an integral waisted button on top and a grooved flared neck beneath. The original spirally grooved wooden grip tapers slightly towards the pommel and is of oval cross section, laterally bound with thin twisted steel wire, which is further bound with contra-twisted wire ropes depressed into the grooves with the ends secured underneath “Turks Heads” mounted top and bottom woven from steel rope. The gently tapering blade is of fine quality. It is of stiff section intended primarily for thrusting and secondly for cutting. The thickened ricasso has a deep central groove extending from the hilt to the pas d’ane ring terminals on each side. Beyond these the blade broadens with a short external extension of the ricasso, after which a deep central fuller extends along each side for 17.5 inches (44.5 cm). The fullers are stamped with indistinct bladesmith’s identity letters and marks inside. Beyond the fuller terminals a mark resembling an anchor is stamped on each side after which the blade is of flattened diamond section to its tip. A small patch of minor old pitting is present on one of the secondary guard bars attached to the knucklebow as can be seen in the images. Otherwise the rapier is in fine condition. For more information regarding other examples and locations of rapiers, and depictions of rapiers, of this type, see A.V.B. Norman, “The Rapier and Small-Sword 1460-1820”, Arms & Armour Press, 1980, pp. 120 to 140. --> --> Gallery

Nation : British
Local Price : £5375.00

A Fabulous, Historical, And Important Scottish Basket Hilted Broadsword of a Distinguished Hero of the 79th Foot in the Crimean War & Subsequently Elevated, Due to His Gallantry, to a Position Within the Queen’s Bodyguard of H.M Queen Victoria. This was the regimental service combined combat and dress sword of William Cuninghame Cuninghame, Capt. Of the 79th Cameron Highlanders, {son of William Alexander Cuninghame late of the 95th Foot} Capt. Cuninghame landed with his regiment in the Crimea, and he served with distinction in the Battles of Alma, Balaklava and Sebastepol. He was awarded the Crimean medal with three clasps, for his gallant service, and the Turkish medal. After his distinguished service in the Crimean War he became a member of the Corps of Gentleman at Arms, Queen Victoria's personal bodyguard. This was a highly esteemed position to obtain, and only a very few, of the very best, most distinguished, and respected British army officers were ever chosen to serve in such an exalted position. This is his basket hilted combined combat and dress broadsword, that was was commissioned from Wilkinson sword. It was completed by Wilkinsons on the 15th May, and delivered {or colllected} later in May, 1854, serial numbered 5174. The basket is complete with it's traditional red cloth covered stag hide liner, lined with traditional red uniform cloth with its silk tassle. The broadsword blade is etched with Wilkinson's mark and the steel mounted leather scabbard originally bore full engraving of his name, his crest and the regiment number. The Cuninghame name is one of Scotland’s oldest clan names, based on a regional name, and can trace their Scottish ancestry back to Cunninghame which is the northern part of Ayrshire. Traditionally, in 1059, King Malcolm rewarded Malcolm, son of Friskin with the Thanedom of Cunninghame. The name is therefore of territorial origin and it likely derives from cuinneag which means milk pail and the Saxon ham which means village. There is a story that states that Malcolm who was the son of Friskin, obtained the lands from Malcolm III of Scotland after he had sheltered him under hay in a barn The Cunninghams were certainly well settled in the parish of Kilmaurs by the end of the thirteenth century. The son of the Laird of Kilmaurs was Hervy de Cunningham who fought for Alexander III of Scotland at the Battle of Largs in 1263 against the Norse invaders. During the Wars of Scottish Independence the Cunninghams were supporters of the Bruces in their fight for Scottish independence. A detail of the 79th Cameron Highlanders at Alma goes as follows; About half-past one o?clock 20th Sept 1854 the action commenced by the Russians opening fire from the redoubt on the left upon the French, who were attempting to assail their position in that direction. The British forces then formed in line, and proceeded to cross the river about the village of Burliuk. The light and second divisions led the way preceded by the skirmishers of the Rifle Brigade, who advanced through the vineyards beyond the village, and spreading themselves along the margin of the river, engaged the Russian riflemen on the opposite bank. The first division, which formed the left of the allied army, advancing in support, traversed the vineyard and crossed the river, protected by its overhanging banks. On reaching the slope of the hill, the three Highland regiments formed line in Echelon, and, "with the precision of a field-day advanced to the attack, the 42nd Royal Highlanders on the right, and the 79th Cameron Highlanders on the left, the extreme left of the allied army." "The magnificent mile of line," says Captain Jameson, "displayed by the Guards and Highlanders, the prominent bear-skin, the undulating waves of the clan-tartans, the stalwart frames, steady and confident bearing of these young and eager soldiers advancing under fire, can never be forgotten by those who witnessed it, whilst it contributed materially to the discouragement of the enemy, whose columns perceptibly wavered as they approached. His masses of four - and - twenty deep, absolutely reeled and staggered to and fro under the murderous fire of the Scottish line, which was delivered with great effect at a distance of 200 yards." We show in the gallery a painting of the 79th Highlanders charging at Alma, a photo of Capt. W.C.Cuninghame's Crimean War & Queen's Bodyguard Diamond Jubilee medal that were sold some years ago, and a photo of Capt. Cuninghame as part of Queen Victoria's personal bodyguard at the Jubilee service at St Paul's Cathedral 1897 . The basket has a small bar lacking on one side due to hand to hand combat contact damage. As the scabbard is steel mounted, not brass as are his ancestors swords, the family name crest and regiment engraving on the scabbard has all but disappeared due to very light old surface pitting but traces of it can be identified in the right light. It would likely need modern infra red light technology to reveal it fully. 32.25 inch blade. Capt. Cuninghame's Medals and photos in the gallery not included. We acquired three swords direct from the descendant Cuninghame family, one has now been sold and they are all to be sold separately. Every single item from The Lanes Armoury, Britain's famous, favourite, and oldest original Armoury Antique store, is accompanied by our unique Certificate of Authenticity. Part of our continued dedication to maintain the standards forged by us over the past 100 years of our family’s trading, and thus, it is a lifetime guarantee.

Nation : British
Local Price : £5,350

A Scottish Basket Hilted Sword dating to circa 1730-1740. A fine robust Scottish basket hilted sword dating to the period preceding the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745. The sword is a fine example of the Scottish armourers’ craft, the hilt being forged from thick structural rounded bars and plates. The aesthetic appeal of the hilt is apparent when viewed from the front revealing the symmetry of the panels and deliberate nature of the construction. The single edged blade is a finely forged example with a double fuller most likely of Solingen manufacture The fully developed basket guard is finely forged into an elegantly contoured profile. The two main frontal guard panels are decorated in traditional style, with vertical and horizontal parallel border lines incised into the exterior surfaces towards the panel edges to form squares. Inside these squares a circle is pierced into the centre, filed on the outside to create saltire shapes. The panels are further decorated with four pierced triangular arrowhead shapes which surround the saltires supported by two pierced circles at the base of each. Further circles are pierced into each corner of the squares. The smaller, secondary guard plates to the sides, are finished in similar style. The knucklebow plate is decorated with lines but not pierced in the middle leaving a solid panel. This blank space was normally reserved for an inscription or crest but in this instance has been left blank. The dome-shaped pommel has a waisted button on top and is decorated with four pairs of incised double lines, equally spaced apart, which radiate from the button. The upper guard arm terminals of the basket fit into a chiselled groove which extends for the full circumference of the pommel just below its middle to secure the structure. The blade shoulders are secured in a chiselled groove in the cross guard bar underneath the hilt which retains its scrolled wrist guard. The spirally grooved wooden baluster shaped grip retains its original shagreen cover together with its brass wire binding. The hilt also retains its full leather liner covered with red cloth on the outside and stitched with a blue silken hem, much of which remains. The tapering single edged blade is of fine quality. It has a ricasso which extends 1.5 inches (4.0 cm) from the hilt. A bold fuller runs underneath the spine from the hilt and terminates 7 inches (18 cm) from the rounded tip after which the blade is double edged. A second fuller commences 7.5 from the hilt and runs underneath the first almost to the tip. The blade is 32 inches (81.5 cm) long. For similar styles of hilt see “Poetry in Steel The Earliest Swords of Walter Allan of Stirling”, by the Baron of Earlshall, London Park Lane Arms Fair, page 129 to 138, Spring 2018, Apollo Publishing. There are strong resemblances between this hilt and those produced in Stirling by both John and Walter Allan during this period, particularly that shown on page 137, figs 11 and 12, which is a robust hilt of similar profile lacking fretted edges to the guard panels. See also Cyril Mazansky, “British Basket-Hilted Swords”, The Boydell Press, 2005, page 106, fig F12, for a sword in a private American collection and pages 115, fig F15h, and page 116, fig F16, for swords in the Marischal College in Aberdeen, all of which have plain edges to the guard panels. The overall length of the sword is 37.75 inches (96 cm) long. The sword is in fine structural shape without repairs or damage and in blackened russet condition overall. --> --> Gallery

Nation : French
Local Price : £5250.00

A Very Fine Napoleonic, Ist Empire, General Staff Officer's Sabre. Three Bar Hilt with Deluxe Imperial General Staff Officer's Scabbard. Another Museum Grade Historical Piece We Are Privileged To Offer. A fabulous Ist Empire deluxe quality Light Cavalry pattern staff officer's sabre with three bar guard hilt, called in France the "Hunter-style". Overall in excellent plus condition for its age, with original wire bound leather grip. 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 those officer's on Napoleon's general staff. Napoleon was, and remains, famous for his battlefield victories, and historians have spent enormous attention in analysing them. Napoleon had numerous general staff officer's. However, a general in the field would have a relatively smaller cadre of officers supporting them.. Whether they were on Napoleon's staff or the staff of a general, their function was the same, to gather reports from field officers, précis them and ensure Napoleon and the generals have the right information. Then take Napoleon's or the general’s high level orders and ensure they get to the correct field officers, which may mean encoding them by hand. Manage all the logistics, ensure that all the units are supplied with food, equipment and munitions. In 2008, Donald Sutherland wrote: The ideal Napoleonic battle was to manipulate the enemy into an unfavourable position through manoeuvre and deception, force him to commit his main forces and reserve to the main battle and then undertake an enveloping attack with uncommitted or reserve troops on the flank or rear. Such a surprise attack would either produce a devastating effect on morale, or force him to weaken his main battle line. Either way, the enemy's own impulsiveness began the process by which even a smaller French army could defeat the enemy's forces one by one. After 1807, Napoleon's creation of a highly mobile, well-armed artillery force gave artillery usage increased tactical importance. Napoleon, rather than relying on infantry to wear away the enemy's defences, could now use massed artillery as a spearhead to pound a break in the enemy's line. Once that was achieved he sent in infantry and cavalry. The Napoleonic Wars brought radical changes to Europe, but the reactionary forces returned to power and tried to reverse some of them by restoring the Bourbon house on the French throne. Napoleon had succeeded in bringing most of Western Europe under one rule. In most European countries, subjugation in the French Empire brought with it many liberal features of the French Revolution including democracy, due process in courts, abolition of serfdom, reduction of the power of the Catholic Church, and a demand for constitutional limits on monarchs. The increasing voice of the middle classes with rising commerce and industry meant that restored European monarchs found it difficult to restore pre-revolutionary absolutism and had to retain many of the reforms enacted during Napoleon's rule. Institutional legacies remain to this day in the form of civil law, with clearly defined codes of law an enduring legacy of the Napoleonic Code. While Napoleon is best known as a master strategist and charismatic presence on the battlefield, he was also a tactical innovator. He combined classic formations and tactics that had been used for thousands of years with more recent ones, such as Frederick the Great's "Oblique Order" (best illustrated at the Battle of Leuthen) and the "mob tactics" of the early Levée en masse armies of the Revolution. Napoleonic tactics and formations were highly fluid and flexible. In contrast, many of the Grande Armée's opponents were still wedded to a rigid system of "Linear" (or Line) tactics and formations, in which masses of infantry would simply line up and exchange vollies of fire, in an attempt to either blow the enemy from the field or outflank them. Due to the vulnerabilities of the line formations to flanking attacks, it was considered the highest form of military manoeuvre to outflank one's adversary. Armies would often retreat or even surrender if this was accomplished. Consequently, commanders who adhered to this system would place a great emphasis on flank security, often at the expense of a strong centre or reserve. Napoleon would frequently take full advantage of this linear mentality by feigning flank attacks or offering the enemy his own flank as "bait" (best illustrated at the Battle of Austerlitz and also later at Lützen), then throw his main effort against their centre, split their lines, and roll up their flanks. He always kept a strong reserve as well, mainly in the form of his Imperial Guard, which could deliver a "knockout blow" if the battle was going well or turn the tide if it was not. Overall the condition is stunning . The scabbard's inner and outer side has just a very few surface contact bruises. In the 20th century generals plotted campaigns and were not often in the thick of combat. In the Napoleonic wars era general staff officers fought, more often than not alongside their men in hand to hand combat, hence, Napoleon lost so many of his general staff officers. Every single item from The Lanes Armoury, Britain's most famous, favourite, and oldest original Armoury Antique store, is accompanied by our unique Certificate of Authenticity. Part of our continued dedication to maintain the standards forged by us over the past 100 years of our family’s trading, and thus, it is a lifetime guarantee.

Nation : British
Local Price : £5,250

A fine English Mortuary Sword dating to the middle part of the 17th century. A fine English “Mortuary” hilted sword dating to the middle part of the 17th century and the English Civil War, Commonwealth and Protectorate periods. The hilt of this sword is of typical form consisting of a broad saucer-shaped guard plate from which three main curved flattened guard bars taper upwards ending with flattened angled terminals screwed into the pommel. The sword is notable because of its robust build, fine condition and the higher than average quality of the chiselled decoration. The convex surface of the guard plate is covered with the finely executed busts of eight men, four located either side of the blade. Two, opposite each other, are wigged figures, probably judges. The others have a more grotesque appearance. The remaining spaces are filled with panels of delicate foliage and fine swirling tendrils. The pommel is decorated in the same foliate style. Two downward facing bars emanate from each side of the knuckle bow towards its middle and join the base of each side guard bar to add strength to the structure. The base of each side guard bar is strengthened with a fishtail or merlon terminal which joins the bars to the dish. The downwardly curled ribbed wrist guard strengthens the rear edge of the plate. The guard bars are decorated with chiselled lines. The pommel is globular in shape and has an integral button on top and a pronounced flared neck beneath. The grip is wrapped with a leather binding which covers the original grip covering of surface mounted wire. The base sits on an iron flanged plug mounted onto the inside of the guard plate from which two langets extend through the tang aperture to flank the blade either side for a short distance below the hilt. The single-edged blade has a pronounced fullered ricasso. A broad shallow fuller runs from the hilt underneath the blunt spine of the blade and terminates a short distance from the tip after which the blade is double edged. A second shorter fuller of similar width opposite the first runs each side for the length of the ricasso after which the main cutting edge of the blade begins. An unknown Blade Maker’s stamp is applied on each side within the fuller as is an orb and cross mark a short distance away. The blade was probably made in Solingen in Germany. Huge numbers of blades were imported into Britain during the Civil War period to fulfil demand for swords on both Royalist and Parliamentarian sides. The blade is 33.75 inches long (86 cm) and overall the sword measures 40 inches (101.5 cm) long. Stuart C Mowbray in “British Military Swords”, Mowbray Publishing, 2013, dedicates a section to Mortuary Swords in pages 178 to 225, as does Cyril Mazansky, in “British Basket Hilted Swords”, Boydell Press 2005, Chapter 11, pages 233 to 280. The similarities between the engraved patterns on the hilts of the swords illustrated in these books and our sword, although they are all somewhat different, shows that the quality of chiselling and engraving present on our sword is of superior quality compared to most other than those known to have been commissioned for nobility of one form or another. This sword is of a style which does not adopt the secondary rear guard bars which appear on some mortuary swords which extend downwards from the side guard bars to fix on the guard plate nearer to the wrist guard edge. The robust and broad expanse of the guard of this sword dispenses with the need as can be seen in the examples present in Mowbray and Mazansky. --> --> Gallery

Nation : -
Local Price : £4995.00

Flintlock Queen Anne Pistols by Griffin of Bond Street, a historic pair. SN 9052. A Historic Pair of Flintlock Queen Anne Pistols by Griffin of Bond Street. 12” overall, 5”round 20 bore turn off barrels swelling at the muzzles, barrels numbered 1 and 2, engraved ‘LONDON’ & stamped with London proofs and Foreigners mark on top of the breach, foliate engraved tangs cut with sighting grooves, signed ‘Griffin Bond Street’, border engraved locks with cocks decorated en suite. Half stocked in walnut cut with raised aprons behind the tangs and around the locks, silver mounts comprising grotesque masks stamped with hallmarks, pierced side plates, Rococo escutcheons engraved with the original owner’s crest of a boar beneath a tree and motto ‘J ESPERE’ for the Swinton Family, steel trigger guards engraved with an oval on the bow. Circa 1750. In good condition, one pistol with burn marks beneath the trigger guard. Provenance: Kimmerghame, Duns, the Estate of the Late Major General Sir John Swinton K.C.V.O., O.B.E., D.L. Captain Archibald Swinton (1731-1804) was a Scottish surgeon who went to India in the service of the East India Company. He reached Madras in 1752 and took part in the campaigns being waged between the French and English Companies for supremacy in the south. He also took part in an expedition 1756-57 to Negrais in Burma, arriving at Ganjam in Eastern India in 1759 and from there went on to Calcutta. During this time he also transferred from being a surgeon to an ensignship in the Company’s Bengal army. When Archibald Swinton left the Company’s service at the end of 1765, he also left India with an unprecedented mastery of the Persian language, local customs and strong relationships with the Mughal nobility. Swinton was a very early collector of Indian and Mughal art and on returning to Scotland he brought with him a substantial collection Indian paintings, works of art, ivories, arms, jewels, Persian books and silver and jade handled daggers. This is documented in family papers. The significance of Swinton’s pioneering interest in Indian culture and early patronage of Indian art was recently recognised by the acceptance of an important group of Indian paintings, weapons and other works of art by the nation in lieu of inheritance tax, allocated to the National Museum of Scotland in 2021. These pistols are dated to the same period that Swinton was serving in India and it is highly likely that they accompanied him on his journey as they bear his crest and motto. Benjamin Griffin . Apprenticed to Samuel Harrison, 1719; gave up apprentice and worked as Foreign gunmaker allowed to prove guns by Gunmakers Co., 1724-31. Told to give up work by Gunmakers CO., but traded as gunmaker (Successor to Samuel Garrison), Bond St., 1735-70. Registered silversmiths mark, Goldsmiths Hall, 1743. With son, Joseph, took out Sun Ins. (No. 159594)on goods at Cross & Griffin, New Bond Street., 1757. Died 1770. Joseph Son of Benjamin. Apprenticed to Samuel Blanckley, turned over to father, 1741; free of Gunmakers CO., 1750. Proof piece and mark 1759. Elected Assistant, 1759; Master, 1762, 1763. Appointed Gentlemen Armourer to His Majestys Stables-in-Ordinary, 1760. Gunmaker to His Majesty near the Duke of Graftons, Bond Street., 1763. In partnership with father until 1770, then with John Tow, 1772-82. Died in 1784. Succeeded by John Tow.

Nation : British
Local Price : $4,995.00

Scottish Basket-Hilted Broadsword and Scabbard, Early 18th C. Showing great age, this “Stirling” style basket-hilted broadsword features iron full-basket guard composed of round-section bars and flat plates pierced with circles and hearts in typical Scottish fashion. Low conical pommel quartered by flutes and bearing a pommel button. Wood grip, lacking its original wrap. Unmarked double-edged 31 1/4″ (79.4 cm) blade of lens section with narrow fullers along each edge and unusual pattern of longitudinal fullers on one side over the lower two thirds and short diagonal fullers on the lower half of the other side. Black leather scabbard with iron throat and drag, with long frog button (scabbard original to the period, but likely not made for this sword). Overall length 36 3/4″ (93.3 cm), not including scabbard. Very good condition, the metal with pitting and dark patina. Scabbard seam open over most of its length, showing cracking, but still supple. Similar examples in the Marischal Museum, University of Aberdeen, and illustrated in “British Basket-hilted Swords”, by Cyril Mazansky. Very rare to find an original early 18th Century scabbard for one of these swords. Predating the Jacobite Uprising of 1745, this sword could well be a veteran of the decisive Battle of Culloden, the last land battle fought on British soil.