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Nation : East India Company
Local Price : £38995.00

Fabulous Museum Grade Sword 18th Century Damascus Wootz Steel, Mohammed's Ladder Pattern, & Stunning Solid Silver & Enamel Makara Hilt, The 'Palace of the Nawab of Lucknow’. Probably One of The Most Beautiful & Finest Indian Princely Royal Swords. This fabulous royal grade solid silver and enamel sword, with Lucknow distinctive enamel work of flowering plants interspersed with architectural vignettes, has just returned from a museum grade blade polish to reveal its obscured {through natural age} finest, crucible steel wootz Damascus blade, in the pattern of Mohammed's Ladder. Unsurprisingly, it now looks as fine and beautiful as it was when last used in the 18th & 19th century by such as the King of Oudh {Lucknow} Ghasi-ud-din, Haidar Shah The ‘Mohammed’s Ladder’ Kirk Narduban Crucible ‘Wootz Damascus’ steel blade is truly breathtaking. The Ladder of Mohammed is said to have enabled Mohammed to travel through the heavens, meeting various prophets and gaining access to the different levels of paradise. Muhammad's ladder thus symbolizes the connection between the terrestrial and spiritual worlds, representing spiritual elevation and proximity to God. Which ultimately means, to many, this is the most desirable and likely rarest of all the early Indo-Persian crucible wootz Damascus steel blade designs, being of such a spiritual significance, as well as stunningly beautiful. Intriguingly it is still contentious, to specialist academics, as to how it was even made, as there is no clear agreed evidence or knowledge as to its extraordinary construction. There are two trains of thought but no undeniable agreement.. The museum grade conservation polish goes up to the gold cartouche, at the base of the hilt, and around the hilt langets. The small area of the gold cartouche has been left ‘as is’ intentionally. The potential very high risk of damage being created to the gold calligraphy by attempting to polish within the gold seal would be extremely dangerous to its integrity. It is only responsible to not take any even remote chance of damage to this fabulous and historical rare treasure. A near identical pair to our sword, is another magnificent and rare example, Makara enamel hilted crucible steel bladed sword, is an exhibit in the world renown Getty Museum Collection in America {see a photo of the pair together side by side by comparison in the gallery}. Occasionally, surviving Lucknow swords of the silver and enamel Goat Head pattern can be found, used by lesser nobles of the Shah's court, but the mythical Makara silver and enamel hilted swords, apparently, were reserved for the Shah's sole and personal use, especially with the Mohommed's ladder blade. A magnificent work of art, and the sword of a prince or king. It has a fabulous vibrant hues of brilliant blue and green through a painstaking champlevé and basse-taille enameling process. This process involves fusing coloured glass to metal at extraordinarily high temperatures to create a striking and durable outer layer that can withstand the test of time. This distinctive usage of blues and greens on the piece reinforces its origins in Lucknow, a renowned centre for the production of such sophisticated enamel artifacts. The fabulous wootz Mahommed's Ladder Kirk Narduban pattern Damascus blade, with a gold inscription and gold cartouches. In very good condition for age, the polychrome enamels are inlaid into the solid silver hilt, that is further decorated with three heads of the mythical beast, the Makara, including the pommel and both quillon ends, with just very minor enamel surface losses. One of the finest Lucknow Damascus swords you could find today, from the one time rulers of Lucknow, and most likely originated from the palace of the Nawab of Lucknow. A Nawab was a Sovereign Prince and Governor of the Moghul Empire. An almost identical princely form of Lucknow Makara enamel silver hilted sword is in the Getty Research Institute, in LA, California. Centuries ago Lucknow emerged as one of the most important centres in the world for courtly crafts such as fine enamelling on silver. It was the capital of the state of Oudh which was established in 1750. The flourishing arts scene was largely on account of the patronage of the local, supremely wealthy Nawabs of Oudh. By the mid-19th century, Lucknow was India's largest and wealthiest city. Lucknow Moghul daggers and swords, especially with Damascus blades, are considered to be some of the most valuable and desirable in the world of antique weaponry art. Representations of such are in the finest collections, such as the British Royal Collection, The British Museum and the Getty Museum. The mythical Makara; Dwelling in the Indian Ocean, the Makara is traditionally looked upon as a powerful deity, which was capable of harming or guarding seafarers, depending upon its whims. Many scholars naturally assume that the tales of the Makara are nothing more than myths based upon ancient eyewitness accounts of Indian elephants swimming off the coast of India, as they are sometimes known to do. Until 1719, the subah of Awadh was a province of the Mughal Empire administered by a Governor appointed by the Emperor. Persian adventurer Saadat Khan, also known as Burhan-ul-Mulk, was appointed Nizam of Awadh in 1722 and established his court in Faizabad, near Lucknow. Many independent kingdoms, such as Awadh, were established as the Mughal Empire disintegrated. The third Nawab, Shuja-ud-Daula (r. 1753-1775), fell out with the British after aiding the fugitive Nawab of Bengal, Mir Qasim. Roundly defeated at the Battle of Buxar by the East India Company, he was forced to pay heavy penalties and surrender parts of his territory. Awadh's capital, Lucknow rose to prominence when Asaf-ud-Daula, the fourth Nawab, shifted his court to the city from Faizabad in 1775. The British East India Company appointed a resident (ambassador) in 1773 and by early 19th century gained control of more territory and authority in the state. They were, however, disinclined to capture Awadh outright and come face to face with the Maratha Empire and the remnants of the Mughal Empire. In 1798, the fifth Nawab Wazir Ali Khan alienated both his people and the British and was forced to abdicate. The British then helped Saadat Ali Khan take the throne. He became a puppet king, and in a treaty of 1801, yielded large part of Awadh to the East India Company while also agreeing to disband his own troops in favour of a hugely expensive, British-controlled army. This treaty effectively made the state of Awadh a vassal of the East India Company, although it continued to be part of the Mughal Empire in name until 1819. The treaty of 1801 proved a beneficial arrangement for the East India Company as they gained access to Awadh's vast treasuries, repeatedly digging into them for loans at reduced rates. In addition, the revenues from running Awadh's armed forces brought them useful returns while the territory acted as a buffer state. The Nawabs were ceremonial kings, busy with pomp and show. By the mid-nineteenth century, however, the British had grown impatient with the arrangement and demanded direct control over Awadh. In 1856 the East India Company first moved its troops to the border, then annexed the state for alleged maladministration. Awadh was placed under a chief commissioner Sir Henry Lawrence. Wajid Ali Shah, the then Nawab, was imprisoned, then exiled by the East India Company to Calcutta. In the subsequent Indian Rebellion of 1857, his 14-year-old son Birjis Qadra, whose mother was Begum Hazrat Mahal, was crowned ruler. Following the rebellion's defeat, Begum Hazrat Mahal and other rebel leaders sought asylum in Nepal. Ghazi-ud-Din Haidar Shah became Nawab Wazir of Oudh on 11 July 1814 after the death of his father. In 1818, under the influence of Warren Hastings, the British Governor of the Presidency of Fort William (Bengal), he declared himself as the independent Padshah-i-Awadh (King of Oudh). This sword would likely have been part of his treasure. The story of the the wonders of the creating of these blade goes back at least 2400 years. The possibly first indirect reference to crucible steel appears in the writing of Ctesias of Cnidu, a Greek physician at the court of the Persian King Artaxerxes II (404 BC - 398/397 BC) he wrote several (lost) books about Persia and India. St. Photios the Great (Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople from 858 to 867 and from 877 to 886) quoted from Ctesias books in the 9th century AD or about 1300 years later. From this we know of two wonderful if not magical swords of (maybe) Indian iron that Artaxerxes gave to Ctesias. Going back 1700 years. Such as was written by Zosimos (a. 350 AD - ca. 420 AD) who was born in Panoplis (present-day Akhmim in the south of Egypt). He worked as an early alchemist in Alexandria and has written in fine detail. Some of his writings have survived. As far as crucible steel is concerned, he states: "The tempering of Indian Iron: Take 4 pounds of soft iron, and the skins of myrobalans, called elileg, 15 parts; belileg, 4 parts; and two parts of glassmakers magnesia. Then place it into a crucible amd make it level. .... Put on the charcoal and blow the fire until the iron becomes molten and the ingredients become united with it. ... Such is the premier and royal operation, which is practiced today and by means of which they make marvellous swords. It was discovered by the Indians and exploited by the Persians". Two paintings in the gallery {for historical information only}; 1} Ghasi-ud-din, Haidar Shah Nawab of Oudh (in power from 1814 to 1818), and was subsequently made the first King of Oudh (1818-27). Its possible he may be holding this sword when he sat for this portrait in 1818 2} The Procession of Ghazi ud-Din Haider Shah through Lucknow No scabbard.

Nation : British
Local Price : £36950.00

Most Incredible & Finest Quality King George IIIrd Napoleonic Wars Scottish Presentation Sword, Presented In The Months Following the Battle of Trafalgar The Regiment of Midlothian Infantry, East Midlothian, By the Officer's & Men of The New Battle Co.. This is a magnificent ‘royal grade’ museum piece, a sublime quality presentation sword, made with the finest copper-gilt mounts, silver panels, and a stunning blue and gilt blade with deluxe engraving and etched presentation panel. A sword of the highest rank, commissioned to be hand made by Mr Phillip Rundell & Mr George Bridge, partners of their company of personal goldsmiths to King George IIIrd, and one of the worlds finest makers of objects of magnificence, including the British Crown Jewels, universally recognised as the finest, and most valuable by far, suite of royal regalia in the world. Formerly in the world famous Smithsonian Collection in Washington, America, sold by them over 25 years ago to raise an urgent need of funds. In the days it was commissioned it would have been made for the equivalent and likely same cost of the £100 Lloyds Patriotic Fund Presentation Swords, that were presented to the heroes of the Royal Navy, such as that fought at Trafalger etc. Bearing in mind the value of £100 in 1806 was a simply remarkable sum, for example only 6% of the families in Britain had a total income of £100 in an entire year in 1806, an equivalent today of around £80,000. Presentation inscription motto etched onto the blade reads; ‘Into whose hand this sword is put, It’s hop’t will not fear Buonaparte, So draw me out I shine so clear and if I strike my foes may fear” This fabulous sword, was made by Philip Rundell and George Bridge whose company later made The British Imperial State Crown, the most famous and important royal crown of state ever made, and last used by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for her coronation in 1953. This wondrous sword was formerly from the Smithsonian Collection in Washington, and is remarkably similar to the most valuable and highest quality presentation British swords of the Napoleonic Wars, the Lloyds Patriotic Fund sabres, that today can fetch up to £220,000, considerably more than they were achieving 40 years ago when we sold a fine £100 pound Lloyds sword, and even 20 years ago when we sold our last Lloyds £100 pound sword. This sword's makers were King George IIIrds personal goldsmiths, and made the Irish Crown Jewels in 1830, and Queen Victoria's Imperial State Crown " expressly made for the solemnity of the Coronation" That was last used by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth IInd for her coronation. This spectacular sword is inscribed that its bearer should fight Napoleon Bonaparte without fear, but his foes The French will fear its startling brightness and beauty. It has a sharply curved blade, decorated with stands of arms, a crowned GR cypher, the king's Royal arms, a figure of Britannia, and the motto see photo in the gallery and another further Scottish regimental presentation panel on the opposing side of the blade see photo. The dedication reads; Presented by the New battle company of The Eastern Regt. of Midlothian Volunteer Infantry, to David Wight Esq, their Captain as a Mark of their Regard and Esteem, 1806 It has a superbly detailed classically styled stirrup hilt decorated with acanthus scrolls, oak leaves and acorns, with the langets decorated with stands of arms, it has a copper gilt simulated wire and ribbon bound grip, contained in its ornately mounted silver and copper gilt leather scabbard, each mount finely engraved and decorated with acanthus leaf bouquets and featuring a central oval silver plaque decorated with stands of arms, the upper mount with maker's panel. This amazing sword was formerly in the collection of the Smithsonian in Washington, USA, bequeathed to them by a famed American collector of Napoleonic arms, which they sold for the benefit of the Smithsonian's funds over 25 years ago. Blade 75 cm approx. Maker marked by Philip Rundell and George Bridge of London. The firm was appointed as one of the goldsmiths and jewellers to the king in 1797 and Principal Royal Goldsmiths & Jewellers in 1804, and the firm held the Royal Warrant until 1843. They served four monarchs: George III, George IV, William IV and Victoria. After the Congress of Vienna (1814–1815), the firm prepared 22 snuff-boxes to a value of 1000 guineas each to be given as diplomatic gifts. In 1830–1831, the firm created the Irish Crown Jewels from 394 precious stones taken from the English Crown Jewels of Queen Charlotte and the Order of the Bath star of her husband George III, and Queen Victoria's Imperial State Crown for her coronation. Despite the incredible success of the Battle of Trafalgar, and the routing of Napoleon’s French and Spanish fleet by Admiral Nelson, concern was still great amongst the people of Britain, in fact it was never greater, of the fear that Bonaparte would continue his efforts to confound and attempt to conquer Britain and its empire, and thus to create his own empire controlling all of Europe And Russia. Rundells quality of workmanship was so fine and renowned throughout the world that there are over 100 items by Rundells in the Royal collection alone. This wonderful sword was obviously worn with pride by its recipient officer, thus the blade shows commensurate signs of light surface wear as to be expected. We can, if required, commission a contemporary, bespoke glazed & framed display cabinet made by our local specialist artisan. Perfectly suitable for table or wall mounting. With several options of wood framing types, such as gilt, black or silver, also with coloured velvet backing options, and a suitably engraved brass plaque if required. The scabbard has a blank silver panel on the inner throat mount that could have been presentation engraved but hasn't been

Nation : German
Local Price : 35000.00 USD

Very Important C 1600 Saxon Rapier From The Army Of Peter Iii Of Russia!. PLEASE READ FRAMED DESCRIPTION OF THIS AMAZING RAPIER! This great, great rarity is said to have descended in German family since the 19th century. It was professionally cleaned and the grip re-wrapped in the late 20th century. Printed description along with several 8.5” x 11” color prints of Peter III accompany the rapier. Very serious inquiries only. Please state full name and location if you would like a response.

Nation : British
Local Price : £27,500.00

**SUPERB**EXTREMELY RARE**C1780 Brace Of Matching 1 To 8 Numbered Barrels English Waters (Birmingham) 32 Bore Ship’s Sea Captain’s Duck's Foot Flintlock Volley Pistols With Screw Off Cannon Barrels & Intricate Silver Wire Inlaid Decoration. Sn 22583:4 -. 22583:4 Duck's foot pistols, also known as volley pistols, are a type of firearm with multiple barrels arranged to resemble a duck's foot. They were primarily used in situations where a single person needed to quickly and forcefully engage a larger group of opponents. These pistols gained popularity among sea captains in the flintlock era to subdue or repel mutinous crews or pirates. Captains would usually carry a brace of these weapons. Duck’s foot pistols owed much of their effectiveness to psychology. Mobs were rarely armed with firearms, and their offensive capability was based on size, backed up with knives, cudgels, and cobblestones. Consequently, a man wielding an impressive multi-barrelled handgun had an intimidatory effect. There was always a chance that the same man armed with a single-shot pistol might miss; the duck’s foot was a different matter, and there were likely to be multiple casualties, nobody wanted to be one of them. John Waters was an English Birmingham gunmaker recorded as working 1766 to 1788, he later went into partnership with Thomas Gill who started in Birmingham and worked in London, c.1780-1800 see Howard L. Blackmore (1986) Gunmakers Of London, 1350-1850 (internet sources). This fine pair of extremely rare to find and desirable Duck’s foot pistol’s as used by Sea Ship’s Captains by Waters (most likely John). The matching pistols are each 9” overall with Four 2 ¾” turn off cannon barrels. One pistols barrels and breeches are numbered 1,2,3 & 4, the other pistol’s barrels and breeches are consecutively numbered ‘5,6,7& 8. The underside of each pistols actions at the breech have English proofs. The smoothbores of each barrel on both pistols have just light staining consistent with age. The actions and trigger guards of both pistols have foliate engraved decoration. One side of each action are signed by the maker with marching signatures ‘Waters’. The pistols cocks are each fitted with flints. The metal work of both pistols is clean and their cocking and firing actions are crisp. The undamaged walnut stocks of each pistol have beautiful inlaid scrolling wire decoration, all wire is present and intact. The butts of both pistols have Grotesque head silver caps. The price for these superb rare matching 4 barrel Duck’s foot flintlocks includes UK delivery. NB No licence is required to own these antique flintlock pistols in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. Sn 22583:4 (in public cabinet)

Nation : American
Local Price : 25000.00 USD

Ex Rare American Revolution Signed Horseman’s Saber, Ex Flayderman Coll.. Here is the rarest of the rare when it comes to American Revolutionary War horseman’s sabers! It is the only recorded example of a horseman’s sword attributed to Pennsylvania cutler Josiah Wood and struck deeply with his mark on the blade’s ricasso. Ex Norman Flayderman collection and pictured in the most important reference for American Rev War swords; “Swords and Blades of the American Revolution”, by George Neumann, plate 314s. Josiah Wood contracted with the Committee of Safety for production of pikes during the Revolution. He is recorded in “Arms Makers of Colonial America” by Whisker, page 205. The Wood saber is constructed in the usual Rev War era 4 slot guard pattern, but the side bars are not straight, they are diamond shaped and the entire hilt is profusely decorated all over with 100’s of tiny differing punches. It is highlighted by the beautiful, tall decorated pommel. The original, twist carved, walnut grip is completely intact (no damage or cracking) as is the original brass grip wire (now slightly loose from natural wood grip shrinkage). The plain, flat, curved blade measures 33” and is deeply struck at the ricasso with Josiah Wood’s mark. It is in untouched, uncleaned condition with a deep aged patina. Only some mild pitting near tip. Sword is in overall excellent original condition! Signed American Rev War sabers are extreme rarities. A James Potter, NY horseman’s saber now brings about $25,000. Our Josiah Wood saber is considerably rarer (and absolutely gorgeous) compared to the plain black, non decorated Potter sabers. When you take into consideration that there are an estimated 30 + surviving examples of the James Potter sabers and only one known example of the Josiah Wood saber there is no comparison! This is truly the rarest of the rare! For the most advanced American Revolutionary collection or museum. If you want the best of the best and the rarest of the rare, here it is! Serious inquires only. Please state full name and location if you would like a response. We are only asking 25K on this great, museum quality, signed American Revolutionary War horseman's saber. About the same as the going price of a common James Potter horseman's saber. Don't let this pass you by. He who hesitates is lost! Be sure to check out our other listings for more great swords, arms and armor! Our direct email address is: fineartlimited@yahoo.com

Nation : British
Local Price : £25,000

Fine and Rare English Basket Hilted Sword dating to circa 1550. A fine and rare example of the earliest form of Anglo-Scottish basket hilted sword dating to the middle of the 16th century. The sword is part of a rare group first to be formed with fully developed structurally symmetrical basket hilts. Few have survived to the present day and this example is unusual because of its wonderful original condition, even retaining its original grip, and a smooth aged dark undisturbed patination all over. The knucklebow vertically bisects the hilt into two mirrored halves. As such this sword represents the end of asymmetrical basket hilt evolution in the late medieval period from earlier simple cruciform hilted swords and the beginning of the early modern era of the basket hilted sword. From this hilt structure the more typical English and Scottish basket hilts evolved in the later 16th century and thereafter. For a full description of the evolution of this type of sword and for further examples see: The Baron of Earlshall “The Scottish Basket Hilted Sword Volume I c. 1450 to 1600”, Earlshall Publications, 2016. This sword is described in pages 136 and 137 and extensively illustrated in plates 74 to 77. The sword is clearly one of the better examples of this rare type discussed in the book and is one of the best examples still in private ownership. The blackened iron hilt consists of substantial rounded structural bars infilled with saltires between the knucklebow and each side guard bar centred with thickly forged cusped rectangular guard plates each chiselled with a raised foliate leaf. These small panels are clearly the evolutionary forerunner of the later more developed Scottish basket hilted swords forged with larger fretted guard plates on either side of the knucklebow. The guard plates increased in size throughout the 17th century. The quillons are still fully formed and horizontally counter curved with faceted knopped terminals. These disappeared from basket hilt design by the end of the 16th century. The looped forward guards are fully developed and a feature which remained a salient facet of Scottish basket hilt design structure to the present day. The large hollow spherical pommel is formed from two halves brazed together around the middle and has a pair of parallel lines extending around the equator. From the uppermost of these lines five panels formed as leaves extend point up towards the pommel in similar form to those present on the exterior of the guard plates. The tang is delicately peened over over the top of the pommel without the support of a button which is the usual method of securing the hilt parts for this early form of sword (for a further identical example of this technique see a sword of similar date once in the collection of Claude Blair in a paper by the same: “The Early Basket-Hilt in Britain” in “Scottish Weapons & Fortifications 1100-1800”, edited by David H Caldwell, John Donald Publishers, 1981, page 215. The original diagonally fluted baluster shaped oval section wooden grip retains its wire woven Turks Heads and the remains of its wire binding. Typical of this group of swords the long blade measures 37.7 inches (95.7 cm). It is of usual single edged form with a pronounced ricasso and a triple fuller running from the hilt underneath the spine for most of its length after which the blade becomes double edged to the tip. There is some minor lamination on one side in two of the fullers around two thirds of the way along. The overall length is 43.5 inches (110.5 cm). Provenance: The Collection of Mr David A Oliver. --> --> Gallery

Nation : German
Local Price : $16,995.00

Exceptional German Hand-and-a-Half Sword, 2nd Quarter 16th C. Featuring hilt of blackened hand-forged iron with elaborate guard of round-section bars forming horizontally recurved quillons with 6-pronged finials. Side ring with bars looping down and outward from the center, with checkered band joining them in the middle and ending with serpent head finials. Large pas d’ane with bars extending perpendicular to the blade and ending in 6-prong finials; the reverse with looping bars extending from the lower end of the pas d’ane and crossing to connect with the quillon on one and and forming a thumb ring on the other where it joins the quillon block. Two-stage wood grip with original leather wrap and very old museum label on the reverse; writhen vase-shaped pommel with checkered round button. Doubled-edged 37 3/8” (97.5 cm) blade of hexagonal section; the ricasso stamped with a maker’s mark on each side and the upper third with a line-bordered design of interlocking jagged-edged ovals on both sides, ending with a large anchor mark. Appears to be totally untouched and original; the blade sharp with scattered light to moderate pitting. Guard with two attached numbered metal collection tags. Grip showing great age with minor losses, cracks, and flaking. Very fine quality, with intricate and unique design, showing great age. Overall length 44 1/4” (112 cm).

Nation : German
Local Price : $16400.00

A SOUTH GERMAN TWO HAND SWORD MUNICH C.1580. At 69” total length, this massive sword descends from those carried by Landschnechts earlier in the century. These swords were carried by specially trained swordsmen of exceptional stature who received triple pay to clear the path ahead of infantry. This example was produced by the esteemed Stantler family of Munich and bears their mark on the blade. The mark was used by both Christoph Stantler I (d.1601) and his son of the same name (d.1 634). Another two handed sword with the same mark, by the Stantlers, is in the Wallace Collection, #A470. Other examples are included in numerous museum collections including the Bavarian National Museum, Munich, The Historical Museum, Vienna, one dated 1575, The Army Museum in Paris (5 examples), the Solothurn Zeughaus, and the Bern Historical Museum as well as others. Among the most revered of two handed swords are the famous two handers of Zurich, preserved in the Swiss National Museum. A two handed sword by the Stantlers, is nothing short off the Holy Grail of edged weapons collection!

Nation : Viking
Local Price : $16200.00

A RARE VIKING SWORD 10th CENTURY AD. Peterson type X. 32 5/8” broad fullered blade. Straight cross guard with slightly lobed terminals. One end with a small lug projection each side. That feature is unique in our experience but may well have been on other examples now lost to corrosion. Its function is speculative and worthy of further research. The pommel is of flat bottomed Brazil nut form. Excavated and professionally conserved condition. This sword is a classic example of the Viking sword in its mature form. See Oakeshott pl.X.13 for a near identical example bearing the INGELRII inscription, which he describes as “an absolutely classic example of the Type X sword”.

Nation : British
Local Price : $16000.00

A FINE SCOTTISH BASKET HILT BROADSWORD. This sword which dates to the second quarter of the 18th century is of a quality and exhibits artistry identified with a handful of makers. The hilt is of so-called Glasgow form with strap like elements enclosing the principle panels. The back panel and those flanking it employ design features which distinguish it from other examples and clearly identify it as the product of the same maker as an example which was displayed at the exhibition on Drumossie Moor from April to September, 1996 to commemorate the 250 anniversary of the Jacobite Rebellion and the Battle of Culloden. That example is illustrated in Culloden, The Swords and the Sorrows , the catalog of that exhibition, plate 1:21. Both are unsigned and the maker remains unidentified. Both employ a unique bar and panel pattern to the hilt elements. The bars are stepped and offset, which the cataloger compares to the emergence of a flower stem. The panels of both employ hearts with divided top intersections each with a fishtail merlon between the lobes. As with the referenced example, this example is mounted with a German blade of the late 17th century. 35 3/8" length blade.

Nation : Indian
Local Price : £15,000

An exceptional cased suite of edged weapons of Lieutenant Wyndham Neave of the 71st Highland Light Infantry killed in action in 1858 in the Indian Mutiny. Lieutenant Wyndham Neave of the 71st Highland Light Infantry was killed at Morar during the advance of the forces of Sir Hugh Rose against rebels at Gwalior in Central India on 16th June 1858 in the Indian Mutiny. This is his weapons set which was cased for display, probably in India, then returned to his family in England after his death. The weapons are a unique snapshot of an officer’s dress and field edged weapons of the time and are in exceptional condition. The case is a fine example of the cabinet maker’s craft. Lt Neave was born on 21st November 1834, the 4th son of Sir Richard Digby Neave, 3rd Baronet (1793–1868), who was an English artist and author. Kaye & Malleson’s History of the Indian Mutiny 1857-8, describes the action in which Lt Neave was killed as follows: “The main body of the enemy, driven through the cantonments, fell back on a dry nullah (a steep sided watercourse) with high banks, running round a village, which they had also occupied. Here they maintained a desperate hand-to-hand struggle with the British. The 71st Highlanders suffered severely, Lieutenant Neave, whilst leading them, falling mortally wounded; nor was it till the nullah was nearly choked with dead that the village was carried”. In a more personal account Lieutenant John Lightfoot of the Bombay Horse Artillery described the action as follows in a letter to his father: “Just at this time there came a cheer from the rear and up came the 71st at the double, I ceased firing and they rushed past straight at the nullah, the rebels did not wait for their approach but, throwing down their muskets they drew their swords and waving them over their heads, dashed forward to meet the 71st, young Neave son of Sir Digby Neave was killed at the first onset, but not a rebel escaped. They were killed to a man!’ Besides Lieutenant Neave, the 71st had four men killed and five men wounded, four of those severely”. The set consists of Lt Neave’s dress basket hilted broadsword, his field service sword, dress dirk and shoulder belt plate, all notable for their excellent quality and fine condition. The set is contained in purpose built contemporary fitted mahogany case with two locks fitted to each side. When the top lid is lifted off a second glazed lid is revealed through which the items may be viewed. This can also be lifted off to access the items by hand which are seated in shaped hard lined apertures lined with plum coloured velvet. The Scottish basket hilted broad sword is by Henry Wilkinson and not numbered. Henry Wilkinson began their numbering system in 1854 which dates the production of this sword to circa 1848-1854. The regulation pattern straight blade is 32.25 inches (82cm) long and profusely etched with fine designs. The pronounced ricasso has a deep fuller near to each blunt edge and further along the blade two central fullers run in parallel. Inside the ricasso on one side is “HENRY WILKINSON, PALL MALL, LONDON” and on the reverse side a star shaped cartouche with a brass stud inside stamped with “HW” for Henry Wilkinson in raised relief. Just beyond the ricasso on the same side is an ornate cartouche with the owners initials “WN” and crest. Further along on the same side is an elaborate foliate panel which contains the regimental emblem and the numerals “LXXI” for “71”. On the reverse side a similar foliate panel contains the “VR” cypher with a crown above. The regulation basket guard is pierced with hearts and circles, mounted with a fluted bun-shaped pommel with button, wooden spirally grooved grip covered with black shagreen bound with silver wire, and retaining its red fringe and scarlet cloth faced buff leather liner with blue silken hem. The sword retains its polished finish. The sword is contained in its black leather scabbard with three matching steel mounts with linear engraving, the top locket with suspension ring and frog stud and middle mount with suspension ring. The sword is in fine condition with a few insignificant age related blemishes. The field service sword is also by Henry Wilkinson punched with the number 6596 for 1855. The slightly curved fullered blade is 32.25 inches (82 cm) long and contained in its steel scabbard also punched with the same number. The forte is marked same as the basket hilted sword with “HENRY WILKINSON, PALL MALL, LONDON” and with a star and brass roundel punched with HW in raised relief on the reverse side. On one side within a panel of etched thistles is the “VR” cypher with crown above and “HIGHLAND” with a bugle below with the number “71” inside its loop then “LT INFANTRY” below. On the reverse side between panels of thistles the battle honours of the regiment are detailed within a scroll design beginning with “PENINSULA” and “WATERLOO” then ending with “HINDOOSTAN”. The blade retains its polished finish. The steel hilt is mounted with a scrolled wrist guard and typically pierced with foliate designs and engraved with leaf-like scrolls. The pommel is domed and cut with radiating flutes. The wooden grip is covered with black shagreen, and bound with silver wire. The dress dirk is exceptional and of robust size mounted with ebony grip and deeply chased Ormolu mounts. The leaf shaped blade measures just over 13 inches (just over 33 cm) and the dirk 19 inches overall length (just over 48 cm). It measures just under 20.5 inches (52 cm) when measured end to end in its scabbard. The baluster shaped dirk grip is cut with a Scottish military bonnet and crossed swords between the haunches to the front and with a thistle on the reverse in raised relief. The middle section is cut with a decorative basket weave pattern highlighted with gilt brass studs at the intersections at the front and with ridges of longitudinal lines to the rear which extend upwards to the back of the canted pommel. The pommel band and mouthpiece are of cast brass with a flowing band of thistles and leaves in raised relief. The grips of the knife and fork are cut with basket weave all over with studs at the intersections. The pommels are canted and the bands are of similar form to the dirk. At the base of the knife and fork grips a tapering ferrule holds in place a blued clip of sprung steel which holds in place each item when sheathed. The dirk, knife and fork are mounted with pommel stones cut in a multi-faceted manner around the edges with flat tops and a slight rose pink hue in background colour. The black patent leather scabbard mouthpiece is mounted with a bugle with “71” inside the loop and a crown above. The front of the knife mouthpiece, the fork mouthpiece, and the chape are mounted with thistles in raised relief. The blade is scalloped along its back edge for over half its length after which it is double edged. A deep fuller runs underneath this part of the blade for the same length, and underneath this a wider, shallower fuller extends for the same length along each side. Viewed from the hilt towards the tip on one side, the blade is etched with a panel of bordered interlace above which in floral script are the letters “HLI” for the Highland Light Infantry. Above this the regimental motto “NEMO ME IMPUNE LACASSET” is clear. The next etched design is a bugle with “71” inside its loop with a thistle above, followed by a stand of arms, and a further thistle beyond. On the reverse side the first panel contains the name of the retailer / maker “JONES, 6 REGENT ST, LONDON” with the “VR” cypher above in the same script as the “HLI” script on the first side. Above this, where the motto is place on the first side is “HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY” with the bugle and “71” inside its loop. Along the rest of the blade the battle honours also represented on the field service sword are repeated in a panel beginning with “WATERLOO” and ending with “HINDOOSTAN” with a thistle above. The dirk is in fine condition retaining almost all of its original finish and exhibiting almost no wear. The dirk retains its braid suspension strap. A shoulder-belt plate for an officer of the 71 st is also accommodated in the case. This has a copper-gilt stippled ground with the silver applied regimental device of “71” within a bugle loop. It retains its hook, stud fittings on the reverse and its original leather backing. --> --> Gallery

Nation : -
Local Price : $14,995.00

Magnificent Silver, Gilt, and Jewel-encrusted Indonesian Kris Dagger. Hilt of garuda form crafted in silver with ruby eyes and gilt beak and crown, the background of silver filigree scroll work with gold flower petal accents. Scabbard decorated ensuite of silver filgree with a ruby and sapphire cabochon mounted toli-toli; gilt bands and floral accents on both sides, with two rows of gold flower petal bands on the edges. Quality 13 1/2″ flamboyant Damascus blade with elaborate forging pattern. Total of 60 rubies and one sapphire. Exceptional quality and condition, of 20th Century manufacture. Overall length 15 3/4″ (40 cm), not including scabbard.

Nation : British
Local Price : $14,995.00

Fine and Unique Chiseled European Rapier, First Half 17th C. Featuring slender tapering 40″ blade of flattened hexagonal section with long flat ricasso stamped with crowned “S” bladesmith’s mark on each side, (indistinct on one side); short central fuller on each side with line engraved and dotted borders and incised with ‘I.O.H.A.N.I.’ and stamped anchor mark on both sides . Hilt of slender bars of reeded diamond-section retaining traces of punched and incised decoration and comprising down- curved quillon with large chiseled foliate terminal carrying an openwork oval pierced with symmetrical scrollwork on both sides within punched borders and with bud-shaped tip chiseled with foliage. Large obverse side-ring, tapering knuckle-guard screwed to the pommel, all chiseled en suite; obverse with down-bent shell-guard extending from the quillon block and pierced with engraved symmetrical scrollwork. Triangular quillon block engraved with devil face. Vertically-ribbed grip bound with twisted iron wire between Turk’s heads. Very good condition with some wear and light pitting commensurate with age. Overall length 46 5/8″. Provenance: Thomas Del Mar, Ltd. in association with Sotheby’s, Antique Arms, Armour & Militaria, 26 June 2007, lot 155, sold for 10,000 British Pounds plus premium (about $24,000 USD at the time). At a time of rapid inflation it is quite a bargain to obtain a rare work of art like this at considerably less than it sold for more than 15 years ago.

Nation : British
Local Price : £12950.00

A Most Rare, Original, Romanov, Russian Cossack Solid Silver Shashka & Silver Cossack Whip With Concealed Dagger, 'The Imperial Russian Honour Sword & Nagaika Awards of Gallantry' Awarded by The Czar The Russian Version of the British Victoria Cross. Awarded by Czar Alexander Romanov IIIrd in 1883, and it is dated 1883. The superbly deluxe etched presentation blade bears the personal crest cypher of the Czar. A crowned A III, and the crest of the Romanovs.. See photo 9 in the gallery. In 50 years we have never seen a matching pair of honour sword and dagger complete and together, they may not even have an ioriginal pair in the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg. One of the greatest museum collections in the world. A Most Rare 19th Century Romanov era, Russian Shashka, 'Sword of Chivalry' complete with its matching, rare, and fabulous silver Niello presentation Romanov Cossack's nagaika Cossack whip with hidden dagger. Both were awarded for gallantry and heroism in combat during the Romanov era of Czarist Russia, in the reign of Czar Alexander IIIrd, father of Czar Nicolas IInd the last Czar, who was executed with his wife and children by firing squad in Yekaterinburg, by the Russian Bolshevik revolutionaries in July 1918 . The sword and whip combination are the Imperial Russian equivalent to the Victoria Cross {or the American Medal of Honour}. For such a great honour, as well as the silver and enamel 'Badge of Honour of St Anne' the recipient may also be awarded a presentation silver sashqua sabre, engraved with the award presentation and emblazened with a silver enamel badge of the Order of St. Anne. A Cossack could also be awarded, as a very special extra honour, a silver Niello nagaika Cossack whip with a concealed thrusting dagger which also has a matching silver and enamel St Anne award for gallantry badge mounted on the body of the whip. The dagger was for use against attacking wolves or for close combat battle use. We show in the gallery a picture of a Cossack lieutenant with his awarded silver Cossack sashqua of gallantry, and also with his matching presentation nagaika. Also we show a cossack charge with sabres and the nagaika on the cossack's wrists. The picture is a standing lieutenant, of the 2nd Volgski Regiment, Terek Host. The epitome of the Caucasian Cossack officer; the highly decorated weapons and kaftan are typical of these units throughout the war. The cartridge pockets on each breast, gaziri, were functional as well as decorative. The undershirt, beshmet, was often privately made and did not always conform to regulations. During the war supply problems led to khaki replacing the grey kaftans. The rank of this sotnik or first lieutenant is identified by the three stars and single stripe on his shoulder boards, which also bear the regimental number '2 and the Cyrillic initial of the Terek Cossacks, which resembles 'Br. Light blue was the traditional distinguishing color of the Terek Host. He wears the Order of Vladimir 4th Class with Swords, the Order of St. Anne 4th Class with Swords, a Terek Cossack badge and that of the Novocherkask Cossack School. His handsome weapon is a St. Anne's Sword 'for Bravery' - note the rosette in the pommel. He carries the matching silver Cossack nagaika whip with badge. A most rare desirable and collectable sword of the Imperial, Russian, Romanov period. A sword of gallantry and honour awarded to an officer who displayed the finest valour serving his Czar, the equivalent at the time to the Victoria Cross medal in England or the US Medal of Honour in America. The hilt is silver surrounding a central carved ribbed grip of bone and it is engraved on the pommel in Russian to represent gallantry and there's the red enamel badge of Saint Anna of Russia the blade is simply superb decorated in fine scrolls and imperial scenes of cavalry, stands of arms and flags, and the crest of Czar Alexander of Russia, the father of Czar Nicholas II, the executed last Czar of all the Russias. The spine of the blade bears a cyrillic Russian inscription by the maker Zlatoust, and date 1883. The silver pommel is engraved in Russian, the closest translation in English is 'for Bravery'. The blade is superbly etched with panels of charging cossack cavalry, the crest of the Romanov Czar, Alexander III, the Cross of St Anna, and numerous scrolls and geometric designs, plus traces of original blue and gilt in the fullers. Swords of this nature are some of the most desirable Russian swords ever made and collected from the old Imperial Romanov Russia, and this one is certainly one of the finest we have ever seen. The Order of Saint Anna ("Order of Saint Ann" or "Order of Saint Anne") was established as a Holstein ducal and then Russian imperial order of chivalry established by Karl Friedrich, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp, on 14 February 1735, in honour of his wife Anna Petrovna, daughter of Peter the Great of Russia. The motto of the Order is "Amantibus Justitiam, Pietatem, Fidem" ("To those who love justice, piety, and fidelity"). Its festival day is 3 February (New Style, 16 February). Originally, the Order of Saint Anna was a dynastic order of knighthood; but between 1797 and 1917 it had dual status as a dynastic order and as a state order. The Head of the Imperial House of Russia always is Master of the imperial Order of Saint Anna. The Order of St. Anna continued to be awarded after the revolution by Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich, Grand Duke Vladimir Kirillovich, and Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna. Membership of the Order was awarded for a distinguished valour and distinguished service in the military. The Order of Saint Anna entitled recipients of the first class to hereditary nobility, and recipients of lower classes to personal nobility. For military recipients, it was awarded with swords such as this wonderful superior rank example. The blade makers marks of Zlatoust. The House of Romanov was the second dynasty to rule Russia, after the House of Rurik, reigning from 1613 until the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II on 15 March 1917, as a result of the February Revolution. The Romanovs achieved prominence as boyars of the Grand Duchy of Moscow, later the Tsardom of Russia. In 1613, following years of interregnum (Time of Troubles), the zemsky sobor offered the Russian crown to Mikhail Romanov. He acceded to the throne as Michael I, becoming the first Tsar of Russia from the House of Romanov. His grandson Peter I established the Russian Empire and transformed the country into a continental power through a series of wars and reforms. The direct male line of the Romanovs came to an end when Elizabeth of Russia died in 1762. After an era of dynastic crisis, the House of Holstein-Gottorp, a cadet branch of the House of Oldenburg that reigned in Denmark, ascended the throne in 1762 with Peter III, a grandson of Peter I. All rulers from the middle of the 18th century to the revolution of 1917 were descended from that branch. Though officially known as the House of Romanov, these descendants of the Romanov and Oldenburg dynasties are sometimes referred to as Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov. In early 1917 the Romanov dynasty had 65 members, 18 of whom were killed by the Bolsheviks. The remaining 47 members went into exile abroad. In 1924, Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich, the senior, surviving male-line descendant of Alexander II of Russia by primogeniture, claimed the headship of the defunct Imperial House of Russia. Since 1991, the succession to the former Russian throne has been in dispute, largely due to disagreements over the validity of dynasts' marriages, especially between the lines of Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna of Russia and Prince Nicholas Romanovich Romanov, succeeded by Prince Andrew Romanov. The sword has no scabbard. Every single item from The Lanes Armoury is accompanied by our unique Certificate of Authenticity. Part of our continued dedication to maintain the standards forged by us over the past 100 years of trading

Nation : Italian
Local Price : $12600.00

LATE GOTHIC ITALIAN BROADSWORD C.1500-10. This rare sword is from a small but well-known group, best represented by the work of Italian (Ferrara) goldsmith Ercole dei Fedeli, four examples of which are illustrated in Armi Bianche Italiane, #293-298. All are dated 1505-10. They currently reside in museums in Paris, Vienna, and Leningrad. Two are identified as from the Knights of Saint Peter and were given by Pope Julius to Maximillian I. As with the others, this example mounts a wide blade, 24” in length. It is narrow double fullered, of pattern welded steel, struck with a maker’s mark, a serpent, each side, at the forte. The iron hilt is the form that distinguishes the group. The cross guard is two elegant ribbon form elements, tapered in the section from top to bottom, with fine scrolling terminals, flanking the quillon block. The junction is defined by spirals on the front and a simpler rounded end on the back, an exceedingly rare feature, as cruciform swords are invariably indistinguishable, one side from the other. The pommel is of the four-lobed form specific to the group. The guard and pommel are inlaid in silver, now mostly lost, in curvilinear and helix designs. These designs and the flowing form of the guard are precursors of Mannerism art which infused movement, flow, and drama into art. The forms seen here are not transitional as would be expected, but revolutionary, practically reinventing the sword hilt considering the context. That the Pope would present two to Maximillian attests to the esteem in which they were held, and that he recognized their seminal place in the Mannerist movement. An exceedingly rare late Gothic sword.

Nation : American
Local Price : $10600.00

RARE AMERICAN SILVER HILTED SMALLSWORD C.1750. This rare American sword was made by Bilious Ward of Middleton Connecticut and bears his mark on the knuckle bow terminal. Ward was born in Guilford in 1729. His mark is shown p.320, American Silversmiths, Old Silver, English, American and Foreign which is considered the standard reference for silver marks. His Father, William Ward Jr. and his son, James Ward were also silversmiths (Early Connecticut Silver, Bohan). Yale University Art Gallery has five spoons by Bilious Ward, 3 identified as C.1750-70 and two C.1755. New York Historical Society has a single spoon dated to 1750-70. The form of the sword is iconic. 1740s and 50s in America was the period of the Great Awakening, a time of strengthening religious values and reverting to basics. In a sense, a return to Puritanism. In American Silver Mounted Swords , 1700-1815, Peterson states “American silver hilted small swords are characterized by simple chaste lines. In Europe, most of the silver mounted smallswords of the same period were completely covered with heavily modeled or pierced decoration. In this country, however, such surface decoration was extremely rare as American craftsmen relied more upon the pure beauty of line and form to attain their artistic effect.” He illustrates and discusses 16 examples. #1-4 dated 1722-30. Three of the four incorporate traditional (European) decorative elements. #5-13 date C.1740-50 and are all of the same spartan form of this example with the iconic ringed slightly elongated pommel. In fact, the ten including this one are nearly indistinguishable but for minor details. #14-17 date C.1770-1815 and fully embrace the later European forms. Also notable is that of #5-13, eight of nine are maker marked, while none of the first four are and two of the last four are not. The blade of this example is flat, 28 5/8” in length, undecorated with a narrow fuller to the forte. Of the comparable group, seven of nine are triangular and two flat. At that time (1955) five of the nine comparable examples were in museum collections. Silver hilted swords in Colonial America were very rare and the zenith of gentlemanly style. The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston reports, in a description of a sword by Jacob Hurd “Between 1730 and 1750 he (Hurd) made about ten swords, far more than his peers, most of whom made only one or two.” The 1762 inventory of silversmith John Edwards includes “One silver hilted sword at 60 pounds, 3 shillings” at a time when the per capita income in America was 15 pounds, 12 shillings. A historic Colonial American sword for which there have been no comparable examples on the market for decades.

Nation : -
Local Price : £9995.00

Silver Hilted Side Ring Hanger with Dogs Head Pommel. Ref 9347. A Very Rare & Fine Silver Hilted Side Ring Hanger with Dogs Head Pommel. 31” overall, 25” Solingen made single edged curved blade, with a fuller below the spine, hollow ground & engraved with crescent moon faces in profile, stars & military trophies to each side. The silver hilt with oval loop sideguard joining the knuckleguard, rear quillon, the pommel formed in the round as a lion's head, its mane overlapping the grip, octagonal faceted button finial. The knucklebow with hallmark ‘IC’, possibly for Joseph Clare II, London 1763, the ebony grip spiral grooved & bound with silver ribbon & twisted silver wire. The original leather scabbard with silver mounts, the throat plate with pricked signature to the rear, ‘BIBB. Newport Street’’, trophy of arms on the front. London Hall Mark for 1763. Very fine sword by one of the very best London Sword cutlers in very good condition, almost certainly for a wealthy Naval Officer. Lord Nelson’s fighting sword was a similar side ring hanger. See ‘Lord Nelson’s Swords’ by Sim Comfort part one and ‘Naval Sword & Dirks’ by Sim Comfort pages 66-72 , ‘Sword for Sea Service’ by W. May & P Annis, front cover & plate 20, &d ‘London Silver Hilted Swords’ by L. Southwick page 49. Charles Bibb (1702-77) was a prominent London sword cutler working at “Ye Flaming Sword Great Newport Street”, off St. Martin’s Lane, Westminster. He had been born into a dynastic family of London cutlers: his father Thomas Bibb, working at New Street, near Fleet St. from 1710; his grandfather John Bibb gained freedom of the Cutlers’ Company in 1660; and his great-grandfather, John Bibb free of the Cutlers’ Company in 1638. In the autumn of 1735 Charles Bibb succeeded Joseph Le Febure to whom he had been indentured since 1717 at his premises (“next to ‘The Porcupine’ in Newport Street”). In working outside of the city of London there was no legal necessity for Charles Bibb to obtain freedom of the Cutlers’ Company. Bibb remained in business here for the next forty two years until his death aged about 74. Charles Bibb was succeeded by his son, also Charles.

Nation : -
Local Price : £9995.00

Flintlock Holster Pistols by John Cosens, Fine & Early. Ref 9330. A Fine Early Pair of Flintlock Holster Pistols by John Cosens. 18” overall, 11” round three stage 20 bore barrels, decorated with geometric bands at the breeches, foliate engraved tangs, border engraved ‘banana shaped’ locks signed ‘I Cosens’ in capitals & decorated with scrolling foliage, cocks with slender bands engraved en suite, frizzens also engraved with foliage. Moulded artificially figured stock, with aprons around the barrel tangs, locks & steel mounts, with silver mounts comprising chiselled serpentine side plates, long eared butt caps with grotesque masks on the butts, steel trigger guards decorated with foliage on the bows, scroll triggers, baluster ramrod pipes & iron capped ramrods. Circa 1680. John Cosens (also Cosnes, Cosins, Cozens and Cussens) John Cosens, said to have ‘leant ~ye arte (of gunmaking) in ye City of Winchester~’, was admitted to the Freedom of the Gunmakers Company on 14th August 1662. By 1664 he was in business and received payments from the Ordnance board for the manufacture and repair of matchlock and snaphaunce arms during the period 1666-80. In 1670 he took over Harman Barnes shop in the Strand from his widow and he became Gunmaker in Ordinary to Charles II before 1669. The Wardrobe Account for 1680 shows that he delivered three pairs of pistols and one gun for £29 and in the same year he supplied pistols and one gun (stocked with ash) for £8 as part of the King’s presents for the Emperor of Morocco. The last reference to him is on 4th August 1698 when he was fined ten shillings for proving a birding barrel belonging to John May who was not entitled to have barrels proved. See Neal and Back 1984, p. 139 and Blackmore 1999, pp. 58-9.

Nation : British
Local Price : £9995.00

An Original, Incredibly Rare 'Damascus' Presentation Sword, An Imperial German, Damascus Steel and Gold, Sword Presented by One of Germany’s Most Powerful and Influential Families in 1887. This is a magnificent example of one of the rarest most desirable and valuable German swords made in 200 years. Made by Numan of Berlin, personally, for Baron Von Hammerstein. One of two similar museum grade Imperial German swords we were delighted and privileged to acquire, and certainly one of the very best examples, with the highest of provenanced pedigrees ever to come onto the open market. The highest grade possible of German military sword to be commissioned during the 19th and 20th centuries, encompassing the Imperial, Weimar and Third Reich eras of Germany. This fabulous sword was presented by Baron von Hammerstein, one of the great military commanders, from one of the greatest of families of the Imperial German empire, whose influence and power continued through the demise of the empire in 1918, right through the post WW1 Weimar period and into the notorious Third Reich. This sword would have been used by the recipients family’s officers, right through all of those eras, and continually into the end of the WW2, despite the Von Hammerstein family being fervent anti-nazi. Which in of itself shows just how powerful the family once was, to survive, indeed thrive, being such vocal opponents of Hitler, at least, in private. A 'Grosse Degan', translates to the ‘great size sword’ is around 50% heavier, wider and substantial, and a far superior quality than the regular officer’s sword of the day. Presented in the late 19th century, these significant and important Damascus swords were effectively, the swords of Kings, worn by the highest ranking officers Generals, Field Marshals, Dukes and Kings right through WW1 and also WW2. For example we show in the gallery Field Marshal von Kleist with his identical family sword, that was also an antique Imperial sabre, but worn by him in WW2. Also, a photograph of His Majesty King George Vth the Queen's grandfather and Kaiser Wilhelm of Prussia King George's cousin in their ceremonial Colonel-in-Chief uniforms. King George Vth is in his full dress ‘honorary’ Imperial German uniform with pickelhaub helmet and also wearing his identical grade of sword to ours. Before WW2 it was common for foreign kings to be made honorary colonels to other countries regiments. For example until WW1 Kaiser Willhelm was an honorary colonel of a British regiment, the Kaiser’s Own. Superb condition for age, with its original steel scabbard. German Damascus swords, made with the traditional ‘Damascus steel’ method are incredibly scarce and valuable, and from Imperial Germany are the most desirable of all German swords. This superb example was presented by one of the members of the great German noble families, in Cassel, in 1887. It bears a presentation inscription, given by Ernst Baron von Hammerstein to his friend Rudolf Frank. On the obverse, For Service, Cassel 1887. Ernst von Hammerstein attended high school in Hildesheim, Hanover, the Royal Corps of Cadets, the University of Gottingen and the Forest Academy Mariabrunn in Austria. In 1857 he was a lieutenant in the 3rd Hanoverian Infanterie-Regiment Infantry Regiment and in 1858 First Lieutenant. In 1866 he took part in the Battle of Langensalza. He was, until 1871, in the personal service of King George V of Hanover. The Von Hammersteins had a most influencial part in German history from the 1600's. Ernst's later relative was Commander of the German Army until Hitler took power, and was also a fervent anti Nazi, taking part in several conspiricies, but never caught or imprisoned, until his natural death in 1943Born to a noble family in Hinrichshagen, Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Germany in 1878, Baron von Hammerstein-Equord joined the German Army on 15 March 1898. In 1907 Hammerstein married Maria von Luttwitz, the daughter of Walther von Luttwitz. He was attached to the General Staff during World War I and participated in the Battle of Turtucaia. Hammerstein-Equord was loyal to the Weimar Republic, opposing the Kapp-Luttwitz putsch in 1920. He served as Chief of Staff of the 3rd Division from 1924, as Chief of Staff of the I Group Command in 1929, and as Head of Troops in the Office Ministry of War from 1929. A close friend of Kurt von Schleicher, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Reichswehr in 1930, replacing General Wilhelm Heye. Another was a U Boat Commander in WWII Adolf-Wilhelm von Hammerstein-Equord joined the Kriegsmmachinearine in 1937. He went through U-boat training from Oct 1940 to April 1941. He went through U-boat familiarization (Baubelehrung from April to May 1941 and then became First Watch officer (1WO) on the new U-402 (Kptlt. Siegfried von Forstner) from May to Oct 1941. He left the boat just prior to its first patrol at the end of Oct 1941 (Busch & R?ll, 1999). He then became the First Watch officer (1WO) on the U-71 (Kptlt. Walter Flachsenberg) in Oct 1941 and served on the boat until April 1942 (Busch & R?ll, 1999). During this time he went out on 2 war patrols, 92 days at sea, and took part in sinking 5 ships for almost 39,000 tons. Von Hammerstein-Equord then went through U-boat Commander training with the 24th Flotilla and U-boat Commander sea training on the "duck" U-149 from April to July 1942 Adolf-Wilhelm Baron von Hammerstein-Equord took command of his old boat U-149 on 1 Aug 1942, commanding the boat until 14 May 1944 (Busch & R ll, 1999). The boat was a school boat and von Hammerstein-Equord never went out on patrol with it. Leaving his boat he joined the Staff of the U-boat Command in Norway and stayed in staff positions there until the end of the war in May 1945

Nation : British
Local Price : £9500.00

A Wonderful, Original, German 'Zweihander' Great Sword, 16th Century. Probably The Most Impressive And Largest Sword Ever Used in Historic Warfare. Following the Form of Sword Made Famous By The Scots in The Time Of Sir William Wallace. This Spectacular Original Great Sword, just a half inch under six feet long, is a simply stunning original antique artefact of history, that is also a remarkable 'statement' piece. It is taller than the average man, and worthy of a primary display position in any noteworthy location, wether albeit in a castle, an armoury, museum or a private home, this piece displays its dramatic form with grandeur and nobility alongside great beauty. We consider ourselves very lucky indeed if we are able to acquire such a fabulous type of sword available on the collectors market today Around 500 years old, this ‘Great Sword’ is a later example of their earliest most famous appearance in the great wars in Scotland against the English, during the reign of Edward Ist, the principle of the original design and use of the ‘Great Sword’ remained the same for around 300 years. Effectively it is the weapon of the so called ‘berserker’ warrior, who was skilled at running full pelt at the enemy positions, with the spinning great sword rotating above his head, terrifyingly clearing a way through defensive pikemen and the such, in order for the offensive charge of his fellow infantry and cavalry warriors behind him to breakthrough the defensive enemies ranks. This is a most incredible and stunningly beautiful example of its type, with a long early straight double-edged blade, tapering to a sharp point and formed with a pair of near full length fullers on each face, struck with a brass inlaid running wolf mark on one face (with small hairlines and overall a natural russetted surface) rectangular ricasso with engraved border, struck with a series of armourers' marks on each side including a Pi and cross and orb, and crowned head with running wolf in gold. The armourer’s mark representing the blade work of Johannes Wundes, and all of these armourers marks are indicative of his fine work. The sword is fitted with a later crescentic defensive hooked, iron cross-guard, comprising pair of drooping quillons with tightly scrolling terminals each with an additional lug front and back, formed en suite. An inner and outer ring-guard each filled with a fleur-de-lys, fluted globular pommel, decorated throughout with scrolls, and designed for the Landsknecht Mercenary Foot Knights, for use as a hugely effective, offensive sword, and, as we previously described, swung around the head in a fast rotational movement [in essence, just like a helicopter blade] to create a twelve foot circle of terror and destruction. An experienced Landsknecht warrior could be designated a Doppelsoldner, an armoured foot soldier who served as the backbone for the armed formation in battle (and was paid double for it) and also, in addition to being armed with the pike, as more recent recruits, they could also be alternatively employed wielding a 6-to-8-foot-long (1.8 to 2.4 m) halberd or partisan, or, more famously, a Zweihander (literally: "Two-hander") such as this sword, a two-handed sword as long as 180 cm (6 ft). These great war swords could be swung in a great circular arc [somewhat akin to a helicopter motion] and thus, incredibly effectively, used to knock the forward pointed long pikes, held by enemy pikemen, aside, that were wielded by a phalanx of pikemen, thus creating disorder among the tightly-arranged enemy pikemen in order to break through their lines. However, another primary use of the two-handed sword, would be to serve as the 'guard' for the standard bearer, for it is a weapon that allows for a few to oppose many. The Swiss adversaries to the Landsknechts had specifically attempted to prohibit the use of these swords during the late 15th century, as they deemed them unsuitable for the constricted manner of pike warfare. The handle grip, is now in appearance, showing just the narrow all steel blade tang, but, would originally been leather bound, over partial wood, and leathered right down to the cutting edge of the blade. The original leather and wooden grip would never survive intact for 500 years, being organic it has little ability to last for so many centuries. 52 1/8 in blade, 71.5 inches long overall

Nation : Confederate
Local Price : £8995.00

A Fabulous & Rare US Civil War General's Sabre With Its Original Civil War General Officer's Pattern 'Acorn' Sword Knot, & Steel Combat Scabbard. Superb Deluxe Etched Blade. A near pair to three other Civil War General's swords, currently in American museums or in private ownership, of, General W.T.Sherman, Major General J.E.B. Stuart, and Lt General John Bell Hood. The sword knot is also a near pair to one {with its sword} of Civil War Brigadier General Champlin. We also show in the gallery General JEB Stuarts hat, that has a pair of interlinked Civil War General's pattern acorn sword knots around the brim. General Sherman's sword is currently offered at auction with a suggested price of $60,000 Our sword has superb quality elaborate hilt embellished decor for a general, and a stunning, deluxe etched blade with maker's name, and the original wirebound sharkskin grip. In its steel, blackened, combat scabbard. All in superb condition. the General’s knot is also in very good condition for age. An American Civil War import, commissioned from either French or German swordsmiths, and interestingly, almost all the other General's swords within the various US museums were either commissioned in France or Germany, and not domestically produced. One of the most famous Colonel’s of the Civil War was Robert Gould Shaw of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. Robert Gould Shaw (1837-1863) carried his British import sword at the assault on Fort Wagner, Folly Island, S.C. on 18 July 1863. Where sadly he was KIA. The sword was a gift from his uncle George R. Russell, and in a letter to his father, dated 1 July 1863, Shaw acknowledges receiving “a box of Uncle George’s containing a beautiful English sword...” With sword in-hand, Colonel Shaw, of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, was shot in the chest and killed while mounting the parapet of Ft. Wagner. The sword and other personal effects were taken from his body during the night and presumed lost. In June of 1865, the U.S. Colored Troops, under the command of Gen. Charles Jackson Paine, U.S.V., found the sword "in the possession of a rebel officer" near Goldsboro, N.C. The sword was returned to the Shaw family in 1865 by Capt. Solon A. Carter, U.S.V. but was misplaced after 1900 until it's recent discovery in 2017. That sword is now within the collections of the Massachuetts Historical Society, donated to them by the Shaw family. James Ewell Brown "Jeb" Stuart (February 6, 1833 – May 12, 1864) was a Confederate States Army general during the American Civil War. He was known to his friends as "Jeb,” from the initials of his given names. Stuart was a cavalry commander known for his mastery of reconnaissance and the use of cavalry in support of offensive operations. While he cultivated a cavalier image (red-lined gray cape, the yellow waist sash of a regular cavalry officer, hat cocked to the side with an ostrich plume, red flower in his lapel, often sporting cologne), his serious work made him the trusted eyes and ears of Robert E. Lee's army and inspired Southern morale.3 Stuart graduated from West Point in 1854 and served in Texas and Kansas with the U.S. Army. Stuart was a veteran of the frontier conflicts with Native Americans and the violence of Bleeding Kansas, and he participated in the capture of John Brown at Harpers Ferry. He resigned his commission when his home state of Virginia seceded, to serve in the Confederate Army, first under Stonewall Jackson in the Shenandoah Valley, but then in increasingly important cavalry commands of the Army of Northern Virginia, playing a role in all of that army's campaigns until his death. He established a reputation as an audacious cavalry commander and on two occasions (during the Peninsula Campaign and the Maryland Campaign) circumnavigated the Union Army of the Potomac, bringing fame to himself and embarrassment to the North. At the Battle of Chancellorsville, he distinguished himself as a temporary commander of the wounded Stonewall Jackson's infantry corps. Stuart's most famous campaign, the Gettysburg Campaign, was flawed when his long separation from Lee's army left Lee unaware of Union troop movements so that Lee was surprised and almost trapped at the Battle of Gettysburg. Stuart received criticism from the Southern press as well as the proponents of the Lost Cause movement after the war. During the 1864 Overland Campaign, Union Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan's cavalry launched an offensive to defeat Stuart, who was mortally wounded at the Battle of Yellow Tavern. J.E.B Stuart’s sword was made in Paris. U.S. Army officers were responsible for providing their own side arms, so Stuart either ordered it himself or was given it as a gift. It now resides with his hat, in the American Civil War Museum John Bell Hood (June 12 or June 29,3 1831 – August 30, 1879) was a Confederate general during the American Civil War. Hood's impetuosity led to high losses among his troops as he moved up in rank. Bruce Catton wrote that "the decision to replace Johnston with Hood was probably the single largest mistake that either government made during the war." Hood's education at the United States Military Academy led to a career as a junior officer in the infantry and cavalry of the antebellum U.S. Army in California and Texas. At the start of the Civil War, he offered his services to his adopted state of Texas. He achieved his reputation for aggressive leadership as a brigade commander in the army of Robert E. Lee during the Seven Days Battles in 1862, after which he was promoted to division command. He led a division under James Longstreet in the campaigns of 1862–63. At the Battle of Gettysburg, he was severely wounded, rendering his left arm mostly useless for the rest of his life.4 Transferred with many of Longstreet's troops to the Western Theater, Hood led a massive assault into a gap in the U.S. line at the Battle of Chickamauga but was wounded again, requiring the amputation of his right leg. Hood returned to field service during the Atlanta Campaign of 1864 and, at the age of 33, was promoted to temporary full general and command of the Army of Tennessee at the outskirts of Atlanta, making him the youngest soldier on either side of the war to be given command of an army. There, he dissipated his army in a series of unsuccessful assaults and was forced to evacuate the besieged city. Leading his men through Alabama and into Tennessee, his army was severely damaged in a massive frontal assault at the Battle of Franklin. The Battle of Franklin was fought on November 30, 1864 in Franklin, Tennessee; in Williamson County. John Bell Hood's Army of Tennessee (around 33,000 men) faced off with John M. Schofield's Army of the Ohio and the Cumberland (around 30,000 men). Often cited as "the bloodiest five hours" during the American Civil War, the Confederates lost between 6,500 - 7,500 men, with 1,750 dead. The Federals lost around 2,000 - 2,500 men, with just 250 or less killed. Hood lost 30,000 men in just six months (from July 1864 until December 15). The Battle of Franklin was fought mostly at night. Several Confederate Generals were killed, including Patrick Cleburne, and the Rebels also lost 50% of their field commanders. Hood would limp into Nashville two weeks later before suffering his final defeat before retreating to Pulaski in mid December. Hundreds of wounded Confederate soldiers were taken to the John and Carrie McGavock home - Carnton - after the battle. She became known as the Widow of the South. The McGavock's eventually donated two acres to inter the Confederate dead. Almost 1,500 Rebel soldiers are buried in McGavock Confederate Cemetery, just in view of the Carnton house. Hood’s sword was purchased from Coulaux & Cie, Klingenthal, France. Lt. Gen. John Bell Hood used his cavalry saber during his service in the Confederate Army. It now resides in the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond Va. Hood also had another sword an infantry Militia pattern dress sword, imported from Germany made by P.D.Lunschloss & Companie, that now resides in the American Civil War Museum. Sadly, we do not know the name of the general officer to whom our sabre once originally belonged.

Nation : British
Local Price : $8900.00

A FINE AND RARE ENGLISH BROADSWORD C.1640. Of the so-called mortuary sword type. Iron hilt with semi-bowl guard. The forward edge rolled, with bars connecting to the pommel at the other three-quarter points, further enclosed by pairs of scrolling bars. The guard chiseled with characterful portraits of Charles at the three-quarter points alternating with portraits of Henrietta flanked by angel wings. A further matching portrait on the knuckle bow. The pommel was chiseled in a radial motif over a slightly depressed medial, stopped by a band at the transition and likely fire gilt in the depressions originally. The right side with a chiseled running fox or wolf mark about identical to that illustrated as 9c, European Swords and Daggers in the Tower of London, which is found on a “Claymore, early 17th century." The mark here was originally inlaid in latten which it retains in one of the strokes. Original black leather over wood scabbard in fragile but substantially complete condition. An excellent example of one of the most desirable forms of 17th-century swords.

Nation : -
Local Price : $8,500.00

Rare Venetian Hand-and-a-half Sword, ca. 1490. Featuring hand-forged iron hilt of half-round and diamond-section bars with single side ring joined to a large pas d’ane. Single quillon with scroll finial, short knuckle bow ensuite and a diagonal bar extending from the base of the knuckle bow to the center of the side ring with a grasping hand at the junction. Large iron pommel of schiavona style; leather-wrapped wood grip. Broad 39 5/8″ double-edged blade with half-length central fuller, stamped with an “S” maker’s mark on both sides on the ricasso (reverse strike weak). In a modern wood storage scabbard with collection label at the throat. Overall length 47 7/8″, not inlcuding scabbard. Very good condition for its age and does not appear to have ever been apart; the hilt with dark brown patina, blade moderately pitted with a few shallow edge nicks. Grip wrap possibly an old replacement. For similar Venetian swords, see “Armi Bianche Italiane”. The “S” mark is found on other Venetian swords of the late 15th Century.

Nation : -
Local Price : £8495.00

Flintlock Wender Pistol by Brummitt, Rare. Ref 9332. An Exceptionally Rare Flintlock Wender Pistol by Brummitt of Birmingham. 15” overall, 8 ¾” 20 bore two stage barrels engraved ‘Warsop’ on each breech, London proofs. The rear of each breech decorated with wheat ears, border engraved pan plates, steels & breech plates, border engraved tang decorated with foliage, bevelled back action lock & cock the former signed ‘Brummitt’ in a swag, the side plate engraved with trophy of arms. Swan necked cocks, frizzens with roller’s on toe, with raised spoon shaped pans, swelling flat sided figured walnut butt, silver shield shaped escutcheon, engraved silver pommel, horn tipped ramrod. Circa 1797. Silver maker’s mark of Charles Freeth, Hallmarks for 1797. Very good condition, barrels with an old rebrown. Wender pistols are very rare in English gun making. Samuel Brummitt (1770-1820) m ade double barrel, over & under flintlock pocket pistols & double barrel flintlock fowling pieces of fine workmanship. Also made flintlock rifles. Shop located at Warsop, Nottinghamshire. For a related pair of pistols by John Richards of London see Clay P. Bedford and Stephen V. Grancsay, ‘Early Firearms of Great Britain and Ireland from the Collection of Clay P. Bedford’ exhibition catalogue, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1971, pp. 132-135, no. 141

Nation : -
Local Price : £8495.00

Flintlock Duelling Pistol by Joseph Manton, Rare. Ref 9250. A Rare Flintlock Duelling Pistol by Joseph Manton. 15 ¼” overall, 38 bore 10” twist barrel of octagonal form, ‘Joseph Manton Patent’ platinum poincon & platinum line at breech. Adjustable fore sight, engraved tang incorporating V shaped rear sight, platinum touch hole. Numbered ‘6537’ on underside of barrel with barrel smith ‘CL’ mark for Charles Lancaster. Flat bolted lockplate with wheat ear border engraving & starburst, signed ‘Joseph Manton London’, with fully waterproof pan. The steel engraved ‘Joseph Manton Patent’, swan necked cock, roller on toe of frizzen. Walnut half stock with horn fore-end, chequered butt & vacant silver escutcheon. Engraved iron butt cap & engraved trigger guard number ‘6547’ with pineapple finial. Horn tipped ramrod. Number 6547 made in 1815 In very good condition, barrel with some original finish, trigger guard with most original finish. Tip of ramrod with slight damage otherwise very fine pistol. Now very hard to find single duellers by Joe Manton.

Nation : Hungarian
Local Price : 7995.00 USD

Ex Rare Mid 18th Century Hungarian Horseman’s Saber With Pistol Grip!. Here is a great rarity in outstanding condition. This great, great massive Hungarian saber dates to circa 1750. It retains its original wood covered with leather scabbard add its pistol grip shaped iron grip with original fish skin covering! MASSIVE BUTCHER CLEAVER BLADE WITH LARGE RELIGIOUS ENGRAVINGS! See photos. Blade is just over 2” wide x 30” long. Blade retains much of its original luster with only some very small areas of pitting and darkening. Grip retains all original fish skin covering and iron mounted scabbard retains all original leather covering! MUSEUM QUALITY! (old description tag and hanging rope included) We bought this rare saber from a Belgium collection over 20 years ago and paid 12k for it at that time! Price is firm. Thanks for looking! Check out our other listings for more great antique blades! Our direct email address is: fineartlimited@yahoo.com

Nation : British
Local Price : £7995.00

An Original, Incredibly Rare 'Damascus' Presentation Sword, Presented to the German Fuhrer of 1898, An Imperial German, Damascus Steel, Blue & Gilt, Presentation Fuhrer's Sword. Set With Genuine Rubies and Silver Crossed Cannon. This is a magnificent example of one of the rarest most desirable and valuable German swords made in 200 years. The highest grade possible of German military sword to be commissioned during the 19th and 20th centuries, encompassing the Imperial, Weimar and Third Reich eras of Germany. This fabulous sword was presented to the ‘Fuhrer’ of 1898, but that was not the last, far more infamous German ‘Fuhrer’ who achieved that title, the notorious Adolf Hitler. After Hitler, the title Fuhrer, as an esteemed German rank of status and unlimited authority, became forever tainted, and thus it died with him, never to be used again (although, it was said, that Angela Merkel’s bodyguard referred to her as this (allegedly) in private. but, likely as a term of comedic endearment). Before his death in 1945, the highest level of ‘Fuhrer’ represented a highly respected and revered military and political rank in all Germany. A 'Grosse Degan', translates to the ‘great size sword’ is around 50% heavier, wider and substantial, and a far superior quality than the regular officer’s sword of the day. Presented in the late 19th century, these significant and important Damascus swords were effectively, the swords of Kings, worn by the highest ranking officers Generals, Field Marshals, Dukes and Kings right through WW1 and also WW2. For example we show in the gallery Field Marshal von Kleist with his identical family sword, that was also an antique Imperial sabre, but worn by him in WW2. Also, a photograph of His Majesty King George Vth the Queen's grandfather and Kaiser Wilhelm of Prussia King George's cousin in their ceremonial Colonel-in-Chief uniforms. King George Vth is in his full dress ‘honorary’ Imperial German uniform with pickelhaub helmet and also wearing his identical grade of ‘Fuhrer’ sword to ours. Before WW2 it was common for foreign kings to be made honorary colonels to other countries regiments. For example until WW1 Kaiser Willhelm was an honorary colonel of a British regiment, the Kaiser’s Own. The presentation inscription on the sword’s highest grade elite Damascus blade approximately translates to "Given By The War Veterans of Stade to it's Beloved Fuhrer" Super quality hilt with fine detailed chiselling of a lion's head pommel with genuine rubies for eyes the rubies were examined and confirmed by our gemologist. The quillon terminal is a further head of a lion, and the langet is mounted with a wreathed pair of crossed cannon. Silver wire bound horn grip and the knucklebow bears a portrait bust of the German Kaiser, Queen Victoria’s grandson. The blade is further marked ‘Damast’. Damascus steel swords were the rarest and most highly prized swords ever made in Germany. A method of creating the finest possible steel, a method that was almost lost after WWI however, Reichmarshall Herman Goring made it his personal task, in the 1930’s, to find the finest blade smiths in Europe and to recreate the lost art of Damascus steel for his finest blades. He succeeded, and those surviving German Damast steel edged weapons, also embellished with gold, such as this sword, are now some of the most valuable ever produced during the 20th century. Wilhelm II or William II (German: Friedrich Wilhelm Viktor Albrecht von Preu?en; Frederick William Victor Albert of Prussia; 27 January 1859 4 June 1941) was the last German Emperor (Kaiser) and King of Prussia, ruling the German Empire and the Kingdom of Prussia from 15 June 1888 to 9 November 1918. Wilhelm was born on 27 January 1859 at the Crown Prince's Palace in Berlin to Prince Frederick William of Prussia (the future Frederick III) and his wife, Victoria, Princess Royal, the eldest daughter of Britain's Queen Victoria. At the time of his birth, his great-uncle Frederick William IV was king of Prussia, and his grandfather and namesake Wilhelm was acting as Regent. He was the first grandchild of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, but more importantly, as the first son of the Crown Prince of Prussia, Wilhelm was from 1861 second in the line of succession to Prussia, and also, after 1871, to the newly created German Empire, which, according to the constitution of the German Empire, was ruled by the Prussian King. Crowned in 1888, he dismissed the Chancellor, Otto von Bismarck, in 1890 and launched Germany on a "New Course" in foreign affairs that culminated in his support for Austria-Hungary in the crisis of July 1914 that led in a matter of days to the First World War. No Scabbard.

Nation : British
Local Price : £7950.00

Possibly The Finest 17th Cent. French Royal Silver Hunting Short Sword, With Original, Incredibly Rare Scabbard & Belt Mount, From a Royal Collection. With The Rarest Bayonne Form Hilt. Likely Used By The King & His Court For the King’s Boar or Stag Hunt. This is a superb French King Louis XIVth royal hunting all silver mounted short sword, and all silver mounted scabbard, and the sword hilt has a hunting carbine muzzle form bayonne hilt, that can, once fitted into the guns barrel, enable the sword to be used as the very first form of bayonet, that converts a carbine into a long pike or spear. In fact the hilt form was named after the French town of Bayonne, where it was said to have been first used, and thus technically invented, and it is the very first form of bayonet ever made, and whence every future bayonet therefore gets its name. It is fitted within its incredibly rare original silk and silver bullion baldric, and we have never seen another surviving original example of such a fabulous royal baldric outside of Les Invalides Museum in Paris. There may possibly be another in the British {H.M. King Charles IIIrd’s } Royal Collection, as it is likely the largest in the world, but we have never seen it. Silk is one of the worlds strongest natural materials, stronger than steel pound for pound, in fact bullet proof vests were originally made from densely woven silk, but once very old, it becomes fragile and therefore antique silk rarely survives intact, especially such a piece as this. It further bears in silver bullion decor, stitched into the baldric silk belt ‘frog’ mount, behind the two retaining cross straps, twin, inverted and elongated capital letter ‘L’s’, the personal cypher mark and symbol of King Louis XIVth of France. The highly distinctive cypher mark of all the King’s of France bearing the name Louis. This may very likely indicate that this sword-bayonet was actually owned and used by the King or within the service of the King of France, by one of his highest ranking officers, or indeed an officer of his personal guard, while in use at the French royal hunting lodge by the king, or his entourage of the Royal Court, for hunting boar or stag. The hunting sword is only usually used as the ‘coup de grace’ to finish off the beast at the hunts conclusion. However it is also an essential defensive arm to protect the king or a noble if the beast turns upon its hunter, which can be most perilous, and indeed, it is well known to be a most frequent fate of many unfortunate huntsman. The royal hunt since medieval days has been a very dangerous royal sport, with many nobles, princes or even kings meeting their grisly end. King William II (William Rufus), who reigned in England from 1087 to 1100, was killed by an arrow while hunting in the New Forest on August 2nd, 1100, a death widely suspected to be an assassination rather than a hunting accident King Christian V died from the after-effects of a hunting accident that occurred on October 19, 1698. Christian was hunting with his two sons and his half-brother. One of finest quality pieces of its type we have ever had the privilege to own, and incredibly still in its original silver mounted scabbard and silk and silver bullion baldric. Probably this can be seen as the best available within the worldwide collecting market today. It is also probably the most complete example, from the mid to late 1600's, we have ever seen, certainly in over 40 years, including those we have handled within the Royal Collections. This magnificent hunting short sword with bayonne {bayonet} hilt would be the prize of any of the finest worldwide collections of the rarest short swords that can double as the very rare, so called ‘plug’ bayonet, as they are ‘plugged’ into the muzzle of a musket, to convert it to a pike or spear. It is remarkably complete with its silver bullion and silk baldrick frog belt mount with three tongues. It has finest quality solid silver mounts, with decorated quillons bearing profile heads of possibly the king’s huntsman adorned with hunting caps, very similar to the armourer's marks on the blade. And the silver scabbard mounts and fittings also beautifully match, with an acorn frog mount. The original scabbard leather is superb condition, crosshatch patterned, with the so called ‘bullets and lines’ stamped decor. It has a wonderful blade, in stunning order, with two large matching armourer's marks of a profile head on both blade sides. The grip handle is birds-eye maplewood with a silver pommel. While en residence at Versailles, at 2 pm: the king, Louis XIVth, gave his orders and announced his plans in the morning. If he went on a walk, it would be in the gardens on foot or in a Barouche with the ladies. If he decided to go hunting, the favourite sport of the Bourbons, the monarch would go to the park if he chose to hunt with weapons, and to the surrounding forest when hunting on horseback. Since the days of the Pharoahs, hunting has been an essential activity of courts. Hunting was both a pleasure, and a way of gathering game for the royal table. Once one area was hunted out, the court moved on to the next. In many different monarchies hunting became an obsession, with its own music, dress and flamboyant rituals. One Chinese prince said: ‘I would rather not eat for three days than not hunt for one’ Hunting was so important that it could decide where the court resided. The proximity of hunting forests was one reason for the choice, as a royal residence, of Windsor, Versailles, Stupinigi, Hubertusberg, and many other sites. Conversely, the choice of these sites as royal residences ensured that the surrounding forests were well maintained. The landscape of the Ile de France is still dominated by the royal hunting forests of Versailles, Marly, Saint-Germain, Compiegne, Vincennes, Fontainebleau, and Rambouillet. In addition to the pleasure and food it provided, hunting could also acquire a political and hierarchical function. Hunting was a visible assertion of domination over the land and the animal kingdom. It also protected the ruler’s subjects and their herds from boar, wolves and other vermin. The stag was the noblest beast, hunting it the noblest sport. Furthermore hunting was believed to be a school of war, masculinity and horsmanship. It taught courage, comprehension of landscape, and the art of the cavalry charge. In l’Ecole de Cavalerie of 1751, Robichon de La Guerroniere described hunting: ‘it is the pastime which Kings and Princes prefer to all others. This inclination is no doubt based on the conformity existing between hunting and war. In both, in effect, there is an object to tame’, The story of the evolution of the bayonne, plug bayonet; The late 17th century saw the final demise of the pike, and its replacement by the bayonet. The plug bayonet, which blocked the muzzle of the musket and needed to be removed for firing, did not catch on. The earliest military use of bayonets was by the French Army in 1647, at Ypres. These were plug-fitted into the barrel. That prevented firing once they were mounted, but allowed musketeers to act as their own pikemen, which gave infantry formations greater firepower. By 1650 some muskets had bayonets fixed to the gun at manufacture, hinged and foldable back along the barrel. French fusiliers adopted the plug bayonet as standard equipment in 1671; English fusiliers followed suit in 1685. The trouble with firing in successive lines was that it was only practical on a narrow front. In open country, the musketeers could easily be flanked, especially by cavalry. In most battles, the musketeers relied on pikemen to protect them while reloading. Infantry practiced various formations and drills that allowed musketeers to hide behind the pikes while reloading and to take up firing positions as soon as their weapons were ready to use. This system worked pretty well, but it obviously cut down the army’s firepower-sometimes by more than half. The solution to the problem was to turn the musket into a spear. According to some sources, this was the idea of Sebastien le Prestre de Vauban, the great French military engineer in the armies of Louis XIV. It was a solution at least for soldiers. Hunters in France and Spain had for some time been jamming knives into the muzzles of their muskets for protection against dangerous game. It seems that Bayonne, a French city noted for its cutlery, made a type of hunting knife that was favoured for this use. When the French army adopted this weapon, it was called a ‘bayonet’. The earliest reference to the use of the bayonet is in the memoirs of a French officer who wrote that on one campaign, his men did not carry swords, but knives with handles one foot long and blades of the same length. When needed, the knives could be placed in the muzzles of the guns to turn them into spears. The bayonet proved to be a much more effective defense against cavalry than the sword. There were some drawbacks to the use of plug bayonets when mounted in muskets, When the bayonet was inserted within in the muzzle of a loaded musket and then fired by accident, the gun might indeed explode. This sort of accident seems to have been much more prevalent among civilians who, unlike soldiers, did not load and fire on command. It was so prevalent that in 1660, Louis XIV had to issue a proclamation forbidding the placing of short sword-daggers in the muzzles of hunting guns. Two pictures in the gallery are of French royal hunts, note in picture 9 the king is holding aloft his same hunting short sword with its distinctive curved blade, and his mistress armed with a boar spear.

Nation : Indian
Local Price : £7,950.00

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 : Italian
Local Price : $7800.00

A FINE ITALIAN BROADSWORD C.1650. This sword draws upon two closely related groups for form. Its finely embossed and chiseled guard with its central medallion of a classical figure is a variation of the sail form guards used on Maine gauches, Italian rapiers and broad swords. Those swords, are generally from a larger group of crab claw hilted swords which includes examples with and without the sail form guard. The form of its quillons places this sword in that group. The vast majority in the group are plain or modestly embellished for use by foot or mounted troops. This example, distinguished by the quality, and theme of its decoration, was made for an officer or member of an elite guard group. It is closely related to an example in the Royal Armouries, Leeds, #XV-178. 32 1/4" length blade.

Nation : British
Local Price : £7750.00

A Singularly Beautiful & Magnificent Presentation Grade 1796-1803 {15th Hussars} British Officer's Sword, Of The Napoleonic Wars. Used In The Peninsular Campaign, & The War of 100 Days Culminating at Quatre Bras & Waterloo. Museum Quality Example. In stunning condition, near mint mercurial gilding, with bright polish blade bearing traces of GR cypher and Royal motto. The 15th Hussars was converted into a Hussar Regiment, from a Light Dragoon regt. in 1807, before being sent to Spain for the Peninsular War (1808-14) a year later. After joining up with Sir John Moore’s force, it successfully charged uphill through snow against French chasseurs and dragoons at Sahagun on 21 December 1808. It was evacuated from Corunna in January 1809. After a spell of policing duties in the north of England, it returned to the Peninsula in 1813, fighting at Morales and Vitoria that year, and at Orthes and Toulouse in 1814. It also fought at Waterloo in 1815. In May 1815 the Regiment, under command of Lt. Col. Leighton Dalrymple, returned to France to meet the threat raised by the resurrected Napoleon. In France, the Regiment was brigaded with the 7th Hussars and the 2nd German Hussars. Napoleon's rapid advance in June took Wellington by surprise, and the British cavalry were ordered to march at short notice, reaching Quartre Bras on the evening of 16th June. On 17th, the British, with the cavalry covering, fell back towards the village of Waterloo and spent a night bivouacked in the open in torrential rain. On the fateful morning of the 18th, the 15th Hussars formed a section of the British front line near Hugomont Farm, astride the Nivelle Road. " . . a large body of Cuirassiers and other cavalry were seen carrying all before them on the open ground between Hugomont and La Haye Saint, and their Lancers were shouting in triumph. The brigade instantly moved towards its former post, and the 13th and the 15th charged and drove back the Cuirassiers, with the most distinguished gallantry, for some distance." Based, primarily, on Wellington's own comments, some historians have expressed admiration of British cavalry actions at Waterloo - in the mud, blood and heat of battle, the contribution to victory made by both the heavy cavalry, such as the Scots Greys and the Inniskillens, and the light cavalry, such as the hussar regiments, is remarkable. At Waterloo, the 15th Hussars lost 3 officers and 25 other ranks killed, together with 42 horses, and 7 officers (including Col. Dalrymple) and 43 other ranks wounded, together with 52 horses. After the battle, the Regiment pursued the French to Cambray and then to Paris, returning to England (Hounslow) in May 1816. The hilt retains almost all its original finest mercurial gold covering, and a stunning line engraved grip, and ivory grip. The scabbard similarly draws the eye to the importance of the entire piece. Its highly distinctive appearance brings us very much to mind a strong possibility it was presented to an officer of the 15th Light Dragoons, likely for conspicuous service in the Peninsular campaign. In the early 1800’s the regiment commissioned a specific design of highest quality mameluke hilted dress swords, without knuckle bow, and a carved marine Ivory hilt, for officers of the regiment, and with this highly distinctive rare scabbard pattern, a rare scabbard pattern is so similar that we feel this sword was the alternative dress-cum-combat version. We therefore judge this very sword's design may well have influenced by the pattern of the 15th Hussars regiments officer's deluxe quality mameluke made during the Georgian period, but the 1796 p hilt was far more effective as a combat sabre for a secure grip in the charge. This sword's blade slides neatly into the amazingly decorated sheath, of engraved mercurial gold copper-gilt panels, with a black leather base, and twin fine ring mounts. This wondrous sword is somewhat similar quality to the Lloyds Patriotic Fund swords, and other highest grade presentation quality swords awarded to officers during wars with France, during the reign of King George IIIrd, in the early 19th century. It would have been commissioned from by one the finest London makers, such as R. Teed of Lancaster Court, or Thomas Gill of St James's, as there are certainly elements of workmanship similar to both Gill and Teed's finest craftsmanship. The blade is polished with areas of age staining and once bore fine engravings and the king's cypher and motto. Lloyd's Patriotic Fund was founded on 28 July 1803 at Lloyd's Coffee House, and continues to the present day. Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund now works closely with armed forces charities to identify the individuals and their families who are in urgent need of support. The contributors created the fund to give grants to those wounded in service to the Crown and to set up annuities to the dependents of those killed in action. The Fund also awarded prizes to those British combatants who went beyond the call of duty. The rewards could be a sum of money, a sword or a piece of plate. The Fund issued 15 swords worth £30 each, to midshipmen, masters' mates and Royal Marine lieutenants. Also, 91 swords worth 50 pounds each went to naval lieutenants and Royal Marine captains. It issued 35 swords worth £100 each to commanders and naval captains. In addition, it issued 23 swords, worth £100 each, to naval captains who fought at Trafalgar. Some 60 officers requested a piece of plate of equal value instead of a sword. Lastly, a number of officers opted for cash instead, either for themselves or to distribute to their crew. One engagement might result in multiple awards. When a cutting-out party from HMS Franchise captured Raposa in 1806, naval lieutenants John Fleming and Peter Douglas, and Lieutenant of Marines Mend, each received a sword worth £50, while Midshipman Lamb received one worth £30. Not all the officers who received swords or other merit awards were naval officers or Royal Marines. Some were captains of privateers or East Indiamen. The Fund awarded Mr. Thomas Musgrave, captain of the private man of war Kitty an honour-sabre worth £30 for the action in which Kitty captured the Spanish ship Felicity (or Felicidad). After the Battle of Pulo Aura, Lloyd's Patriotic Fund gave each captain a sword worth £50, and one to Lieutenant Robert Merrick Fowler (RN), who had distinguished himself in a variety of capacities during the engagement, and one worth £100 to Captain Nathaniel Dance, who had been the commodore of the fleet. Napoleonic period original painting in the gallery of Capt. George William Manby, with his near identical Prize Presentation Sword, painted in 1818, by Samuel Lane.. This sword has its ivory restriction exemption certificate no; RDW66NZ9 It cannot be exported from the UK.

Nation : Dutch
Local Price : 7500.00 USD

Dutch Voc Silver Hilted Officer's Saber With Scabbard Dated 1771!. A very rare VOC, Dutch East India Company, officers saber with deep blade marks of the VOC, Amsterdam and dated 1771 both sides! Exceptional early saber with full scabbard and silver mounts (scabbard age shrunken and cracked in 2 beneath mid mound, but displays perfectly.) See photos. Blade is about 29” long. The silver hilt has no cracks or repairs, just a little age deformation. It can use a better cleaning. Grip and grip wire is completely intact and grip has some age cracking. This great sword most probably belonged to a VOC captain or admiral. Original silver hilted Dutch VOC swords are very seldom, if ever, encountered! Price is firm. Thanks for looking! Be sure to check out our other listings for more great swords, arms and armor! Our direct email address is: fineartlimited@yahoo.com