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Nation : British
Local Price : £3,250.00

A Pair of Flintlock Queen Anne Pistols by Trevey of London.. A Pair of Flintlock Queen Anne Pistols by Trevey of London. Each with turn-off cannon barrel, breech engraved ‘LONDON’ along the top, foliate engraved tang, border engraved rounded lock signed in capitals beneath the steel-spring, figured half-stock carved with a shell behind the barrel tang, steel trigger-guard, cast and chased silver mounts comprising pierced trophy of arms side-plate, vacant foliate escutcheon, and grotesque mask butt-cap, London proof marks. Notes: Nathaniel Trevey was apprenticed for John Sibley in 1703. He is recorded as Gunmaker, Flower de Luce Ct., Fleet Street, London, between 1740 and 1752, and was contractor to Ordnance between 1743-1749 Thomas Gibson was apprenticed to Stephen Chalkley in 1735, and free of the Gunmakers’ Company in 1742. A fine sporting gun and rifle by him are in the Hermitage, St. Petersburg (inv. nos. 3.0.369 and 386) Dimensions: Bore: 18 Bore Barrel Length: 7 Inches (17.75 cm) Overall Length: 12 Inches (30.50 cm)

Nation : Polish
Local Price : £3250.00

A Beautiful 17th-18th Century Sikh Tulwar With Gold Inlaid Royal Hilt & Seal Stamped Blade, With Double Crescent Armourer’s Marks. It Has Just Returned From Expert Museum Grade Conservation, Polishing & Etching of The Blade To Reveal Its Stunning Pattern. The tulwar hilt is covered in pure gold Koftgari decoration. superb hybrid wootz Damascus shamshir blade with square seal mark and twin crescent armourer's mark to the blade. It has now returned from a no expense spared museum grade conservation and polish that has revealed its absolutely stunning hybrid wootz Damascus grain. The blade was not removed from the gold hilt, so the blade polishing had started below the hilt, in order to maintain its historical integrity. The beauty of this wonderful historical sword and blade is breathtaking in its combination of opulence and subtlety. The blade has a wondrous and elegant deep curvature, that joined with its material beauty is a joy to behold. It would have been a credit to the former Dr Leo S.Figial Collection that, until it’s auction and dispersal in 1998 at Butterfields Auction, was one of the finest in the world outside of any national museum. Persian: شمشیر (type, which refers to a Persian or Iranian sword with a radical curve. The name is derived from the shamshīr, which means “lion’s claw or lions tale” in the Persian language – pointing towards the curve of the blade. These types of blades are normally used for slashing unarmored opponents either on foot or mounted; while the tip could be used for thrusting. In India, the term ‘Goliya’ (meaning circle) was used to describe these types of blades; referring to their curve. The Tulwar had historically been the quintessential combat sword used by Sikhs as their sacred kirpan due to its superior handling while mounted on horseback. With a curved blade optimized for cutting and slashing with sweeping cuts delivered from the shoulder by a horseman the curved blade of the tulwar could strike repeated blows without the danger of the blade getting stuck in bone or armour. It allowed for fierce slashing on all sides cutting through enemy formations while mounted on horseback. This tulwar has a curved blade of approximately 76cm in length with a graduating blade where it eventually begins its taper to the point. With its curved blade the point of the sword cannot be very effectively used for thrusting and the Tulwars defensive capabilities are limited. In this circumstance defence was taken up by using the shield (Dhal) in tandem with the Tulwar as an integral duo on the battlefield. The blade was firmly attached to the hilt of the Tulwar commonly using a heated paste of lac or red dye from the papal tree which when it hardened provided a solid and effective adhesive between the two parts of the sword. The hilt of the Tulwar has a button on top and a circular dished pommel disk featuring the koftgari design patterns of flowers in pure hammered gold. The grip of the Tulwar below the pommel disk narrows at the top and bottom while bulging out in the middle. The crossguard between the grip and the blade features two short but very thick rounded quillions. The index finger could be wrapped around a quillion rather than the grip providing the swordsman with extra maneuverability of the sword. Some Tulwars feature a knuckle guard extending from the quillion to the pommel disk, while others do not, both styles of Tulwars were commonly used by Sikhs. The pure gold inlay upon the hilt is worn as is often the case due to its great age, but much still remains to show it wondrous quality and former royal status. The blade is now once more in superb condition for its age. Guru Hargobind, { Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji } the 6th Sikh Guru is said to have always carried two such gold hilted Tulwars, representing his temporal and spiritual authority. They both had gold onlaid hilts just as this sword. It is possible, however slim, this sword may have been even the side arm of a member of the great Sikh Guru’s Darbar {court}. Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji was the first Sikh Guru to engage in warfare. Guru HarGobind Ji excelled in matters of the state and his Darbar (Court) was noted for its splendor. The arming and training of some of his devoted followers began, and once the Guru came to possess seven hundred horses, his Risaldari (Army) grew to three hundred horsemen and sixty gunners. Additionally, five hundred men from the Majha area of Punjab were recruited as infantry. Guru HarGobind Ji built a fortress at Amritsar called Lohgarh (Fortress of Steel). He had his own flag and a war-drum which was beaten twice a day. Those who had worked to have Guru Arjan destroyed now turned their attention and efforts to convincing Jahangir that the Lohgarh fort, the Akal Takhat, and the growing Risaldari army were all intended to allow Guru HarGobind Ji to one day take revenge for his father's unjust death.

Nation : French
Local Price : £3250.00

French Flintlock Long Barrelled Rifled Pistol. Ref X3391. A French Flintlock Long Barrelled Rifled Pistol. 15 ¾” overall, 6 ¾” 70 bore turn off rifled three stage cannon barrel, plain octagonal breech and tang, rounded bevelled cock, figured half stock with apron around the barrel tang. Iron mounts comprising sideplate, spurred pommel of flattened ovoidal form, and trigger guard. Circa 1670 Rare early pistol in aged condition, old rusting to metal parts, stock with chips and a split.

Nation : -
Local Price : £3250.00

Basket Hilted Sword Royal Horseguards, rare. Ref 9215. A Rare Royal Horseguards Basket Hilted Sword. 41” overall, 35 ½” broad blade with twin fullers with GR crown to one side and ‘Harvey’ engraved on the other. Basket hilt welded from pierced panels and straps, bun shaped pommel, leather grip with twisted wire. No scabbard Circa 1755 An attractive large sword in good condition, blade engraving faint. Provenance Robert E Brooker Jr Collection author of British Military Pistols 1603-1888.

Nation : -
Local Price : $3250.00

VERY RARE CAUCASIAN SHORT SWORD, 18TH-EARLY 19TH CENTURY. 18th-early 19th century. 17 ¾” sharply curved broad fullered single-edged blade inset with engraved brass bands at the forte and inlaid with brass scrolling foliage. The fullers are outlined in inlaid brass and the back with intricate brass inlaid transverse bars full length and continuing to the exposed tang edge. Two-piece cow horn scale grips with bird head pommel. The base with sheet silver encasement on each side and an engraved silver floral, wheel of life, and crescent inlays alternating with silver niello bosses as found on kindjal hilts. The delicate inlays are complete but for a 1” segment of the line above the fuller. The blade with lamination is evident and has very minor staining. Form otherwise unknown to us and outstanding for its intricate workmanship.

Nation : -
Local Price : $3200.00

A VERY RARE AND IMPORTANT SWORD FROM THE CIRCLE OF TIPU SULTAN. Central Indian, last quarter of the 18th century. Shamshir form blade, 30 1/8" long, of broad thick form with beveled edges and slightly raised false edge. The right side struck with a maker’s mark of the peepal tree, the Tree of Life. The blade is noticeably heavy as expected from an example captured in the 18 th century and spared the repeated polishing of those preserved in Indian arsenals. Bronze hilt, originally gilt with fully modeled tiger head pommel. The grip or body of the tiger as well as the head of the tiger are covered in the bubri marks, stylized tiger stripes emblematic to Tipu Sultan, The Tiger of Mysore. They were incorporated into the decoration of the things which served Tipu personally including his weapons. See Treasures from India, the Clive Collection at Powis Castle , figure 19 and figure 33 which illustrates some of the booty related to Tipu, returned from the Battle of Serirangapatnam by Robert and Edward Clive, after Tipu’s death. See also the personal sword of Tipu, (profusely published ) which bears a modeled tiger face on the quillon block. That feature is exceptionally rare on Indian swords which virtually always carry the same decoration from pommel to langet. The present sword bears a floral decoration of the same configuration as the tiger face, with a centered radiant crescent, significant as Tipu was Muslim. This sword was directly associated with Tipu and probably carried by his personal guard. It almost certainly was captured at the Battle of Seringapatam in 1799, where Tipu fell mortally wounded and his troops were defeated, ending French adventurism in India. Doubly important for its Napoleonic context. Provenance: Collection of Sir Frank Bowden at Thame Park, Oxfordshire England. The esteemed English collector and dealer Robin Wigginton, was probably the most avid modern collector of Tipu related items

Nation : -
Local Price : $3150.00

17th CENTURY CARIBBEAN CUP HILTED BROADSWORD. From a well-known group. See Arms and Armor in Colonial America p.91, right (Harold Peterson Collection). This example with fine heavy hilt retaining its rich blued finish and diced horn grip. These swords served the Spanish whose primary goal was the capture and transport of gold to the Spanish crown. So substantial was the volume, that it caused a deflation in the world economy at the time. It also generated a fleet of pirates who skillfully scoured the Caribbean for the Spanish treasure ships using stealth, deception, the cover of weather and the speed and agility of captured ships to overcome their objectives. Fine centerpiece for Caribbean pirate collection.

Nation : British
Local Price : £3,145.00

**RARE**NAPOLEONIC WARS ERA**1758 Dated Georgian British Enfield Tower Pattern 1756 / 81 Land Service .650 Carbine Calibre Flintlock Heavy Dragoon Pistol With Regulation Brass Fittings. Sn 22583:1 -. 22583:1 This is an original rare to find British Enfield Tower Pattern 1756 / 81 Land Service .650 Carbine Calibre Flintlock Heavy Dragoon Pistol in excellent Condition (see page 134 of British Cavalry Carbines & Pistols Of The Napoleonic Era by Chisnall & Davies). The pistol has all original wood work with regulation brass fittings, including trigger guard with extended tang, ram rod flutes, stock plate & cudgel butt. The walnut full stock has just light bumps and bruises to be expected. It has a heavy military cock & wood ram rod with brass end cap. The pistol measures 19” overall with a 11 ¾” round steel barrel. The barrel has English black powder proofs and ‘SB’ or ‘58’ mark. The smooth bore has staining and residue consistent with age and use,. The action works crisply. The lock plate is signed ‘Tower’ above ‘1758’ date & has Georgian Crown & Royal Cypher ‘GR’ (George Rex) together with ordnance inspection mark. The price for this excellent rare to find Napoleonic wars era flintlock includes UK delivery. NB As an antique flintlock pistol no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as a part of a collection or display. Sn 22583:1

Nation : British
Local Price : £3,050.00

Scottish Officer’s Ribbon Hilt Basket.... A wonderful example of a late 17th century Scottish officer's "Ribbon hilt / Beak Nose" basket hilt sword. Double fullered, tapering blade which is

Nation : British
Local Price : £3,000

A very fine and rare late 17th century English Officers’ Plug Bayonet by John Hathaway of London. A very fine English Plug Bayonet made for an Army Officer circa 1690 to 1700. Plug bayonets were used by the British military in close infantry formations after the middle years of the 17th century until they were replaced with the socket bayonet in the early 18th century. This bayonet is in superb original condition. John Hathaway was one of the most prestigious London cutlers working at this time. The slightly curved, single edged blade becomes double-edged for over a third of its length towards the point. On one side near the hilt it is inlaid in brass with three inset comets. These are the mark of John Hathaway who was granted the use of this symbol by the Worshipful Company of Cutlers of London on 26th September 1689. He is a well known maker of blades of exceptional quality for plug bayonets and several other examples of his work have been recorded. The figured hardwood grip is of rounded section tapering towards the pommel and has the characteristic swelling at the base with a thin turned collar below and brass ferrule mounted between the collar and the cross guard. The cross has a thick oval block with faceted edge with horizontal quillons vertically counter curved at their tips and mounted with the heads of monsters. The tapering brass pommel sleeve is surmounted with a cast helmeted warrior’s head. The particular feature of helmeted heads forming pommel caps and / or quillon tips on plug bayonets was noted by Harold Peterson as an “English pattern that seems to have been very popular during the very late 17th century, and possibly the opening years of the next century” which “boasted pommels and quillon terminals in the form of helmeted heads”. A survey of plug bayonets by R.D.C Evans devotes a section to English plug bayonets and notes that those with helmeted heads are English and illustrates several bayonets of this type. Evans records only two other examples of a Hathaway blade bearing the triple comet mark and proposes that it was an indication of high quality which is borne out by inspection of the bayonet discussed here. Army officers wore plug bayonets. A portrait of Captain Francis Hawley of the 1st Foot Guards in 1685 shows the Captain wearing a plug bayonet which has a plain wooden hardwood hilt mounted with brass. Acknowledgements: Peter Finer Ltd, 2003 Catalogue, item 30 “A Fine English Plug Bayonet for an Army Officer circa 1690”. The bayonet is in fine condition overall. The blade is exceptionally well preserved with clear marks and is still razor sharp. The grip exhibits a rich dark patina. The blade length is just over 11.25 inches (just under 29 cm) and overall the bayonet is 18 inches long (just over 46 cm). --> --> Gallery

Nation : British
Local Price : £3,000

A Rare British Infantry Basket Hilted Sword with ANDRIA FARARA marked blade circa 1735 to 1765. A fine British “three-quarter” basket hilted sword made for British infantry soldiers of the line in the mid 18th century. The sword is mounted with a fine quality tapering, double edged, Solingen-made, broad sword blade. The hilt is formed in the traditional manner for the half of the guard that protects the outside of the hand of a right handed user. In this respect a vertical oblong shaped guard plate is fitted between the flattened knuckle bow and the side guard bar. Then a similar flattened bar with merlons at the base is fitted between the side guard bar and the rear guard bar. On the other side, the usual side guard bar takes the same form as the knucklebow, and the space between these two flattened bars is occupied by a single, stretched, “S” shaped bar. There is no further protection for the hand on this side of the hilt. Clearly this design of hilt, unique in our experience, assumes that the inside hand of the user can be more economically protected with fewer bars than on the outside which is a deviation from the more usual basket hilt forms of the time. The downward curled wrist guard which extends from the cross guard at the rear and the forward loop guards which appear on more usual basket hilt designs are present. The pommel is of bun shaped type typical of British military swords of the mid 18th century. It has a multi-faceted button of separate manufacture from which fluted ridges radiate towards the mid line of the pommel. This elaborate feature is hand crafted and a quality embellishment in advance of the usual plain surfaces usually encountered with this pommel type. The original grip is made of hardwood covered with leather. It is spirally grooved bound with twisted brass wire flanked with narrower wire either side. Iron ferrules are applied top and bottom of the grip. The hilt retains its original red woollen fringe and stitched leather liner covered with red velvet on the outside and the remains of its stitched blue silken hem. The double edged blade tapers to its tip and has a short ricasso. A double fuller extends for 9 inches from the hilt after which an elaborate cruciform shape is incised into the blade on each side. Each fuller is stamped with “ANDRIA FARARA” each side with the words separated and flanked by pairs of “X” marks. The blade is almost certainly of German manufacture from one the the main European blade making centres such as Solingen. The slimmed down hilt design was a new innovation for the time deemed appropriate for infantry use. This measure is not a cost saving consideration in the manufacturing process, because the sword is a high quality although plain weapon, made up of sturdy, thick, well worked bars to the hilt, and mounted with a fine blade. The remarkable painting in the Royal Collection attributed to David Morier (1705? to 1770) entitled “An Incident in the Rebellion of 1745”, painted circa 1753, shows British line infantry repulsing a charge by Highlanders. The depiction of the weapons is deemed important by historians, because Morier is thought to have used actual combatants that took part in the battle as models with the weapons used. Of significance here are the swords carried by the British line infantry soldiers. These are basket hilted swords with typical bun pommels mounted with guards of three quarter size, similar to our sword, although the arrangement of the bars is slightly different. This may be due to artistic convenience / negligence on the part of Morier, or more likely, is indicative of slight variations in the way colonels often commissioned weapons manufacture for their individual regiments. See: https://www.rct.uk/collection/401243/an-incident-in-the-rebellion-of-1745 Measurements: The blade is 31.75 inches (80.5 cm) long and overall the sword is 38.25 inches long (97 cm). The ricasso is .75 of an inch long (2 cm). The fullers are 9 inches long (23 cm). --> --> Gallery

Nation : British
Local Price : 2995.00 USD

Late 16th Century Norwegian Tessak (sinclair) Basket Hilt Saber (sword)!. Here is a very nice circa 1580 – 1600 Norwegian Tessak saber, also called a Sinclair saber. A wonderful designed early sword in as found condition. Nice patina with very fine speckled pitting overall and good use wear.. Wonderful forged iron full basket hilt hilt with optic properties! No breaks or repairs! The beautifully carved wood grip is excellent. (note: these grips were always covered with a thin leather or fish skin covering. Not the twisted wire and Turks head ferrules you will see on the re-wraps). Its wide, single fuller blade is 31.5” long and retains traces of a crescent moon and written script engravings. NOTE: This is a full, symmetrical basket, not a half basket or 3/4 basket. It is a very scarce and desirable example! A very nice specimen for the advanced collector at a very reasonable price! Price is firm. Thanks for looking! Make sure to see our other listings for more great early blades and early antiques!

Nation : French
Local Price : £2995.00

French Pattern 1679 Cuirassiers Sword, Rare. Ref X3612. A Rare French Pattern 1679 Cuirassier’s Sword. 42” overall, 36” broadsword blade, with faint Passau Wolf mark close to the Walloon type hilt composed of a pierced heart shaped guard with down turned quillon, a half basket hilt of rounded waisted bars linked to one side with a diagonal and to the other with a scrolling support, the latter linking to the broad thumb ring, the whole secured to the spherical pommel with screws, faceted and fluted original wire bound grip with Turk's heads. Circa1680 In very good condition This is probably an example of the 1679 Pattern sword described in the French Ordnance records. This sword was discovered with an identical example in Western Scotland. It has been hypothesised that these originated from Fitzjames's Horse during the Jacobite rising of 1745 The Fitzjames regiment of Irish Horse was formed in France in 1698. It fought at Fontenoy and in the following year was sent to Scotland to serve with the army of Charles Stuart, the Young Pretender. Three troops landed at Aberdeen in February 1746 to an enthusiastic welcome. The squadron fought at Culloden, Captain Shee's troop providing the escort for Prince Charles. Following the battle, and having escorted the Prince from the field, Shee's troop was dismissed with orders to surrender to the Duke of Cumberland. Following the defeat of the French at the Battle of Wilhelmsthal the regiment was disbanded on 21 December 1762. For a full account of the regiment see Russell V. Steele, 'Fitzjames's Regiment Of Horse Of The Irish Brigade In The French Service'

Nation : British
Local Price : £2995.00

A Magnificent 18th Century Anglo French Indian War To Revolution Period All Silver Hilted Small Sword with Colichmarde Blade. Probably By William Kinman. A Stunning Museum Piece, A Near Pair to General George Washington's Sword in Amazing Condition. A combination of the finest 18th century artisan's skill of both a silversmith and bespoke swordsmith. Circa 1759 possibly by William Kinman of London. no silver hallmark was required due to The 'Act of 1738' the Plate Offences Act 1738, & the 1738 exemptions, which exempted the requirement of an assay mark for gold and silver mounts of swords, daggers, pistols and guns General George Washington, later the first President of the United States, had a near identical sword that he used during his service as commander of the new American Army in the American War of Independance from 1776 onwards. Born in the Colony of Virginia, Washington became the commander of the Virginia Regiment during the French and Indian War (1754–1763). He was later elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses, and opposed the perceived oppression of the American colonists by the British Crown. When the American Revolutionary War against the British began in 1775, Washington was appointed commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. He directed a poorly organized and equipped force against disciplined British troops. Washington and his army achieved an early victory at the Siege of Boston in March 1776 but were forced to retreat from New York City in November. Washington crossed the Delaware River and won the battles of Trenton in late 1776 and Princeton in early 1777, then lost the battles of Brandywine and Germantown later that year. He faced criticism of his command, low troop morale, and a lack of provisions for his forces as the war continued. Ultimately Washington led a combined French and American force to a decisive victory over the British at Yorktown in 1781. In the resulting Treaty of Paris in 1783, the British acknowledged the sovereign independence of the United States. Washington then served as president of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, which drafted the current Constitution of the United States. Ideal in its day for duelling or close quarter combat, as well as being a simply fabulous, finest quality sword of immense beauty. Fine cast and chased silver hilt in the elegant rococo style with double shell guard single knucklebow and pas dans. The grip has silver banding interspersed with herringbone pattern twisted silver wire. The guard has enchanting workmanship with a scrolling, pierced, rococo Arabesque pattern. Colishmarde blade with part bright steel finish. The highly distinctive colishmarde blades appeared in 1680 and were popular during the next 40 years at the royal European courts. The colichemarde bladed swords had a special popularity with the officers of the French and Indian War period. Even George Washington had a very fine one just as this example. The colichemarde sword descended from the so-called "transition rapier", which appeared because of a need for a lighter sword, better suited to parrying. It was not so heavy at its point; it was shorter and allowed a limited range of double time moves.The colichemarde in turn appeared as a thrusting blade too and also with a good parrying level, hence the strange, yet successful shape of the blade. This sword appeared at about the same time as the foil. However the foil was created for practicing fencing at court, while the colichemarde was created for dueling. With the appearance of pocket pistols as a self-defense weapon, the colichemardes found an even more extensive use in dueling. This was achieved thanks to a wide forte (often with several fullers), which then stepped down in width after the fullers ended. The result of this strange shape was a higher maneuverability of the sword: with the weight of the blade concentrated in one's hand it became possible to maneuver the blade at a greater speed and with a higher degree of control, allowing the fencer to place a precise thrust at his/her adversary. This sword is a true work of art, in it's beauty form, quality and balance. One photo in the gallery is of General Burgoyne surrendering his similar gilt sword after the Battle of Saratoga in October 1777. Another portrait of George Washington with his very similar solid silver sword sword. The 1767 Silver-Hilted Smallsword One of Washington's most beautiful swords, this sword appears in many famous Washington paintings.

Nation : British
Local Price : $2,995.00

Silver Inlaid Transitional Rapier/Smallsword, Late 17th/Early 18th C. The second half of the 17 th C and early 18 th C brought significant changes to the swords worn by European gentlemen. During the first half of the 17 th C blade lengths gradually increased, as it was thought the extra length would give a reach advantage in a duel. Hilts also had to be larger and heavier to balance the longer blades. It became such a problem at the English court that Queen Elizabeth decreed that sword blades could not exceed 36”. However, in most countries the blade lengths continued to increase until about the mid-17 th C, with some blades nearing 5 feet in length. At some point, it was determined that a shorter, lighter sword could get inside the reach of a long rapier and defeat it. This caused blade lengths to start shortening, with hilt sizes decreasing as well. However, many of the features of the earlier rapiers remained, gradually transitioning to the smallsword most typically associated with the 2 nd half of the 18 th C. The sword offered here is of the late transitional period, having a smaller hilt with pas d’ane, asymmetrical shell guard, knuckle bow, and small ovoid pommel. It has a grip wrapped with alternating strands of twisted silver and brass wire, with matching Turks heads top and bottom, a feature found mostly on 17 th C pieces, but continued into the early 18 th C as well. The double-edged 29 5/8” (75 cm) blade has a long lens-section ricasso, the balance of hexagonal section. The upper third is engraved with foliage and sun faces, filled with gold. The feature most associated with the transitional period is the manner of hilt decoration. Rather than the cast brass and silver hilts, sometimes gilded, of the later 18 th C smallswords, this example is of blackened chiseled steel, with chiseled grooves into which solid silver was pounded and shaped to form the design. The striking contrast between the blackened background and the raised silver decoration produced a very attractive hilt. It was a much more time-consuming method than later examples and that is why it gradually gave way to later methods. It retains its original black leather-covered wood scabbard (drag and one carry ring missing), with high quality black steel mounts decorated with silver; the throat depicting a drummer in uniform with castle in the background, reverse with stand of arms and vacant oval escutcheon. Blade very good, with mostly crisp engraving and areas of light pitting. The hilt with small silver losses, greater on the pommel. Overall length 36” (91 cm).

Nation : British
Local Price : $2,995.00

Silver Inlaid Pillow Sword, ca. 1660, Probably English. This type of sword often called a “pillow sword” due to its small size and the thought that it could be hidden under one’s pillow to protect against an intruder. The smaller flattened hilt would certainly make it easier to hide under a pillow, though there is no known evidence to support this type of sword being used in this way. Alternatively, the sword would be right at home with a gentleman at court. This example features a chiseled iron hilt, with short down-curved rounded quillons. 4-sided ovoid pommel with button, and grip wrapped with alternating plain and twisted silver wire, finished with Turks heads top and bottom. Hilt is blackened with solid silver inlaid decoration depicting foliage and fruits, surrounded by tiny silver pellets. Double-edged 30 1/8” (76.5 cm) blade of lens section with central fuller and long ricasso showing faint traces of engraved decoration. Hilt retains nearly all of its original blackening and silver inlay, wire wrap slightly loose at the top, and remains of wax in recesses. Blade with very light pitting and age staining. Overall length 36” (91.5 cm). High quality sword in very good condition for its age.

Nation : Italian
Local Price : $2,995.00

Italian Town Sword, Rapier, Mid-17th C. Iron hilt with fluted down-turned shell guard; large scrolled and chiseled reverse quillon and fluted quillon block. Knuckle bow chiseled ensuite, attaching to the pommel with a single screw. Faceted ovoid pommel, chiseled with scroll work and chevrons; large button finial (piece missing from the reverse). Original grip wrap made of twisted iron wire of different sizes (minor losses), with turks heads top and bottom; never having been apart. Old professional brazed repair to the quillon. Double edged diamond-section blade of 40″ (101.6 cm) length with tiny maker’s mark. Shows great age, with light pitting and dark patina. Overall length 46 1/4″ (117.5 cm). Fine and decorative rapier. Provenance: The esteemed Russell Char Collection, Las Vegas.

Nation : French
Local Price : £2975.00

A Magnificent 18th Century Silver Hilted Small Sword, Dated 1758, with Colichmarde Blade. This Is One Of The Most Beautiful To Be Seen. A combination of the finest 18th century artisan's skill of both a silversmith and bespoke swordsmith. Circa 1758 and IC , probably John Carman of London. General George Washington, later the first President of the United States, had a very similar sword that he used during his service as commander of the new American Army in the American War of Independance from 1776 onwards Ideal in its day for duelling or close quarter combat, as well as being a simply fabulous, finest quality sword of immense beauty. Fine cast and chased silver hilt in the elegant rococo style with double shell guard single knucklebow and pas dans. The grip is bound in its original twisted silver wire. The guard has enchanting and highest quality workmanship with a scrolling, pierced, rococo shell pattern with florid embellishments thoughout. Colishmarde blade with bright steel finish. The highly distinctive colishmarde blades appeared in 1680 and were popular during the next 40 years at the royal European courts. The colichemarde bladed swords had a special popularity with the officers of the French and Indian War period. Even George Washington had a very fine one just as this example. The colichemarde descended from the so-called "transition rapier", which appeared because of a need for a lighter sword, better suited to parrying. It was not so heavy at its point; it was shorter and allowed a limited range of double time moves.The colichemarde in turn appeared as a thrusting blade too and also with a good parrying level, hence the strange, yet successful shape of the blade. This sword appeared at about the same time as the foil. However the foil was created for practising fencing at court, while the colichemarde was created for dueling. With the appearance of pocket pistols as a self-defense weapon, the colichemardes found an even more extensive use in dueling. This was achieved thanks to a wide forte (often with several fullers), which then stepped down in width after the fullers ended.The result of this strange shape was a higher maneuverability of the sword: with the weight of the blade concentrated in one's hand it became possible to maneuver the blade at a greater speed and with a higher degree of control, allowing the fencer to place a precise thrust at his/her adversary. This sword is a true work of art, in it's beauty form, quality and balance. The small sword or smallsword is a light one-handed rapier type sword designed for thrusting which evolved out of the longer and heavier rapier (espada ropera) of the late Renaissance. The height of the small sword's popularity was during the 18th century, when any civilian or military, with pretensions to gentlemanly status would have worn a small sword on a daily basis. The blade of a small sword is comparatively short at around 0.6 to 0.85 metres (24 to 33 in), though some reach over 1 metre (39 in). It usually tapers to a sharp point but may lack a cutting edge. It is typically triangular in cross-section, although some of the early examples still have the rhombic and spindle-shaped cross-sections inherited from older weapons, like the rapier. This triangular cross-section may be hollow ground for additional lightness. Many small swords of the period between the 17th and 18th centuries were found with colichemarde blades. It is thought to have appeared in France and spread quickly across the rest of Europe. The small sword was the immediate predecessor of the French duelling sword (from which the épée developed) and its method of use—as typified in the works of such authors as Sieur de Liancour, Domenico Angelo, Monsieur J. Olivier and Monsieur L'Abbat—developed into the techniques of the French classical school of fencing. The small sword was mainly used as a duelling weapon. Militarily, small swords continued to be used as a standard sidearm for infantry officers.Small swords were used both by the military (where they served more as a sign of a certain rank rather than a real weapon for close combat) and as a dueling weapon. The very height of the small sword's widespread popularity was in the 18th century, when it was considered fashionable by aristocrats ("no gentleman was dressed without his sword" – contemporary idiom of the middle of the 18th century), but it was still used as a duelling weapon John Carman (II) was indentured to his father on 19 June 1736 at the age of fourteen. He was elected Master of the Cutlers' Company in 1761 and died in 1764 at the age of 41.

Nation : French
Local Price : $2950.00

RARE FRENCH SILVER MOUNTED REVERSIBLE PLUG BAYONET C.1760. By the 18th century, hunting for sport had evolved into a favorite pastime of the nobility who owned the land and the right to hunt. Among the adversaries which could test a hunters prowess were boar, bear, and stag each of which could turn on a hunter with a fatal attack. The plug bayonet, inspired by its 17th century military model, provided a weapon after the gun had discharged. Its popularity was nearly exclusive to Italy. In France, it emerged again after mid-century as a convertible hunting knife with a grip which could be reversed to the plug bayonet form. Very few examples are known, suggesting that they were the production of a single maker, probably made to order as they vary in detail. This example is mounted in silver with an ebony grip. It lacks any silver marks reinforcing a bespoke order. The blade is decorated with classic military trophies and retains considerable original gold. That decoration is evidently unique on surviving examples and suggests an owner with a military background.

Nation : British
Local Price : £2950.00

A Very Good, Original, 1640’s English Civil War Officer's Mortuary Hilted Back Sword. The Most Iconic Sword of 17th Century England & Used During Most Devisive Period of British History.. The traditional sword’s basket hilt bears, within oval panels, the engraved facial portraits, it is said, of King Charles Ist and Queen Henrietta, and several of the Green Man. In the grey dawn of an England divided, as musket smoke curled over muddy fields and the clash of steel echoed across hedgerows, a particular weapon emerged as both a tool of war and a symbol of allegiance—the mortuary-hilted sword. It was the year 1643. The kingdom was rent in two: Royalists loyal to King Charles I, and Parliamentarians fighting for, what they believed to be, the soul of England. In a forge just outside of London, nestled between the smoke-blackened rooftops of Southwark, a master bladesmith hammered a length of fine steel into shape. This sword would not be adorned with pomp or gilded with royal insignia. Instead, it bore a hilt that wrapped protectively over the knuckles like a skeletal hand—a mortuary hilt, practical and grim. The name “mortuary sword” would later come from the erroneous belief that these hilts resembled funerary monuments or death masks, perhaps in reference to effigies of Charles I after his execution. In truth, they were designed for utility and protection, favoured by cavalrymen of both protagonists, for their sturdiness and balance. The complex iron hilt guarded the hand, while the long, straight, double or single edged blade, was ideal for both slashing and thrusting from horseback. That sword described above was commissioned by Colonel Jonathan Harwood, a stern Parliamentarian officer in the New Model Army. Harwood, a veteran of Edgehill and Marston Moor, had turned from courtier to commander, disillusioned by the decadence of the Royal court. The mortuary sword at his hip was a symbol of this transformation—elegant but restrained, deadly but not ostentatious. He carried it into battle at Naseby, where Parliament's forces broke the back of the Royalist army. The blade bit into the chaos of war, crossing with Scottish mercenaries, Dutch sabres, and French rapiers alike. And when the war drew to its bloody conclusion and the King’s head fell at Whitehall in 1649, the sword remained—not as a trophy, but as a testament to a nation’s reckoning. After Harwood’s death in 1657, the sword passed to his son, who kept it sheathed above the hearth, a relic of turbulent times. Just as our sword may well have done. and, over the centuries, they changed hands, passed from soldier to collector, from dusty manor to museum. The once-blackened hilts still bore the ghost of the Parliamentarian's or Royalist's grip, and the steel, though dulled with age, whispered of riders in buff coats, of Cromwell’s charge, of England in convulsion. Today, such mortuary-hilted swords like ours, can be seen in museums across Britain, including the Royal Armouries and the Imperial War Museum, their austere design speaking of a time when brother fought brother, and swords like this one helped shape the course of a kingdom. In the Victorian period these swords thus became known as Mortuary hilted swords, due to the executed king's visage being designed within the hilt pattern. It is not known exactly how this came to be, but there is no known use of the term Mortuary hilted before this time. In the Civil War, the opening of the battle usually involved groups of cavalry, with the officers carrying these very form of swords. The main objective was to make the opposing cavalry run away. When that happened, the victorious cavalry turned on the enemy infantry. Well-disciplined pike men, brave enough to hold their ground, could do tremendous damage to a cavalry charging straight at them. There are several examples of cavalry men having three or four horses killed under them in one battle. At the start of the war the king's nephew, Prince Rupert, was put in charge of the cavalry. Although Rupert was only twenty-three he already had a lot of experience fighting in the Dutch army. Prince Rupert introduced a new cavalry tactic that he had learnt fighting in Sweden. This involved charging full speed at the enemy. The horses were kept close together and just before impact the men fired their pistols, then arming themselves with their swords for the all too fearsome hand to hand One of the Roundhead officers who saw Prince Rupert's cavalry in action was a man called Oliver Cromwell. Although Cromwell had no military training, his experience as a large landowner gave him a good knowledge of horses. Cromwell became convinced that if he could produce a well-disciplined army he could defeat Prince Rupert and his Cavaliers. He knew that pike men, armed with sixteen-foot-long pikes, who stood their ground during a cavalry attack, could do a tremendous amount of damage. Oliver Cromwell also noticed that Prince Rupert's cavalry were not very well disciplined. After they charged the enemy they went in pursuit of individual targets. At the first major battle of the civil war at Edge hill, most of Prince Rupert's cavalrymen did not return to the battlefield until over an hour after the initial charge. By this time the horses were so tired they were unable to mount another attack against the Roundheads. Cromwell trained his cavalry to keep together after a charge. In this way his men could repeatedly charge the Cavaliers. Cromwell's new cavalry took part in its first major battle at Marston Moor in Yorkshire in July 1644. The king's soldiers were heavily defeated in the battle. Cromwell's soldiers became known as the Ironsides' because of the way they cut through the Cavaliers on the battlefield. The Mortuary hilted swords actually gained their unusual name some considerable time after the Civil War. For, as they bore representational portraits of King Charles Ist, it was believed in Victorian times that they were to symbolize the death of the King, however, as these swords were actually made from 1640, long before he was executed, it was an obviously erroneous naming, that curiously remains to this day. This example is a beautiful, and singularly handsome piece and would certainly be a fine addition to any collection of rare English swords. There are a few examples near identical to this sword in the Royal Collection and the Tower of London Collection. Unfortunately, as is often the case, the ‘victory’ for the 'people' by Cromwell and his puritan Parliamentarians eventually brought rewards and lands for those puritans in charge, but for the 'people', only considerable misery and disquiet. The puritans dour religious fervour and overtly anti-celebratory religious edicts {such as banning Christmas festivities, dancing, music and even mince pies} brought great unhappiness and resentment to Britain and so the exiled King, Charles IInd was invited by the people to return from his exile in France to reign once more. The once lauded, but now dead Cromwell, was disinterred, his body tried for treason, found guilty, and his head once cut off was displayed at Westminster Hall for several decades. Yet one more politician that promised much, yet delivered little. Every single item from The Lanes Armoury, Britain's famous, favourite, and oldest original Armoury Antique store, is accompanied by our unique Certificate of Authenticity. Part of our continued dedication to maintain the standards forged by us over the past 100 years of our family’s trading, and thus, it is a lifetime guarantee. In good condition for age with natural age wear and tear, single side bars. 35.25 inch long blade, overall 41 inches overall

Nation : British
Local Price : £2,950.00

**QUALITY**1785-1819 Cased Pair Of English Ketland & Co London Brass Action & Barrels 50 Bore Tap Action Double Barrel Flintlock Pistols With English Proofs, Turn Off Barrels & Original Accessories. Sn 22967:3 -. 22967:3 Ketland & Co were English gunsmith's based at various addresses in Birmingham & London between 1785-1819. This is a nice pair of Tap action flintlock pistols made by Ketland & Co. Their round brass screw off barrels are 2 ¼” in length (7 ¾” overall). The smooth bores have staining and residue consistent with age and use. The underside of the pistol’s brass frames have English black powder proofs. Their heavy brass frames are nicely signed on one side ‘Ketland & Co’, the revrse ‘London’. The trigger guards are blued steel. They each have steel slide safety bolts, steel pans and cocks fitted with flints. The pistol's bag shaped walnut grips are undamaged and the back of each grip are inlaid with void white metal shield escutcheons. The pistols cock and dry fire with strong spring actions and the tap actions operated by a rounded lever on the left side of their pans function correctly. The pistols are complete with their fitted wood case. The case with hinged lid has an inlaid void brass shield device on top of the lid. The case measures 10 ¾” x 8 ¼” x 2”. The case has a brass lock (key absent) and 2 hook fasteners. The inside of the case is lined with green felt & contoured to snugly fit the pistols and their accessories which consist of a small quantity of moulded lead balls, a spare flint, a pistol size brass & copper powder flask with sprung nozzle & a steel bullet mould. The price for this quality made pair of flintlock pistols with accessories includes UK delivery. NB As antique flintlock pistols no licence is required to own them in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. Sn 22967:3

Nation : German
Local Price : £2,945.00

German Rapier Sword Circa 1600. German made Rapier sword with double edged tapered blade showing fuller running approximately one third of the blade. The blade is marked with "Me Fecit

Nation : British
Local Price : £2,900.00

Georgian Pendleton Pikeman Presentation Sword. A Georgian period officer's presentation sword to Major General Daniel Seddon. Single fullered blade that is etched approximately 3/4 its length on both

Nation : British
Local Price : $2,895.00

Rare Scottish Silver Hilted Smallsword, 2nd Half 18th C. Featuring solid silver hilt, comprising oval disc guard, small pas d’ane, reverse quillon, and knuckle bow connected to the ovoid pommel with tang button. Silver grip with raised star surrounded by an oval and four rosettes formed of raised dots. The inside of the guard with central starburst surrounded with rosettes of raised dots and edged bordered with three rows of different sized raised dots. Exterior of guard is smooth, bearing a crowned three- blossomed thistle and the Latin phrase “DUM SPIRO SPERO” (while I breath, I hope), the motto of Scottish Clan MacLennan. Earlier 17th Century 28 1/8″ (71.4 cm) blade of diamond section with central fuller stamped with “XX TOMAS X DAI E LES XX” on one side and slightly different spelling of the same on the other. This is probably a spurious signature of famed 16th C Spanish blade smith Tomas de Aiala (Ayala), as his signature was commonly faked and was represented in various spellings. Blade likely shortened to match this hilt. Clan MacLennan has its Celtic origins in Ireland and settled primarily in the Western Highlands. They were in residence at the famous castle Eilean Donnan in the 13th Century. Not a particularly lucky clan, they seemed to have been on the wrong side of most of the conflicts they participated in. They suffered heavy casualties at the Battle of Auldearn in 1645 when the Covenanters were defeated by a smaller force of Royalists. Eighteen Clan captains died in the battle, as well as Clan Chief Rory Ban and brothers Donald and Duncan. Many of the widows married into Clan MacRae, further diluting the bloodline. A century later, the Clan was still so depleted that only twelve members were at Culloden, and eleven were recorded as having been taken prisoner. After the battle, many Clan members emigrated to the United States and New Zealand. McLennan County, Texas was where many of them settled. The Clan did not have a recognized Chief for over 300 years, until Ronald George MacLennan was recognized as Chief in 1977. The Clan motto is a reflection of their resilience after centuries of hardship and loss.

Nation : British
Local Price : £2,875

An English Walloon Hilted Cavalry Sword dating to the Mid to Late 17th Century.. English Walloon Swords were mainly produced from the second to the fourth quarters of the 17th century. The pierced guard plates which are typical of the hilt design were influenced by earlier developments in Europe, which were combined with the features of existing English sword styles, to create this unique form of English hilt. English Walloons are quite scarce today. English Walloons provided a stylish alternative to the other sword patterns that were in use throughout the English Civil War period, the Restoration period, and in the battles fought during the Glorious Revolution of 1688 when James II was deposed. Most usually these are cavalry swords mounted with single edged blades. However, some were double edged, and the hilts of some surviving contemporary English rapiers were also clearly influenced by the Walloon style. The hilt is made up of slender rounded bars built upon a sturdy quillon block. The cross bar is extended at the rear to form a drooping wristguard terminating with a flat swollen downward facing nippled knop. To the front, the quillon is extended into a knuckle bow, the flat grooved terminal of which is tucked into an aperture located at the front lower part of the pommel. Robust oval ring guards are mounted on each side of the cross bar, each with decorative bisected swellings in the outer middle. Each ring is filled with a slightly downwardly convex plate, intricately engraved with concentric oval designs and pierced with designs of circle and diamond shapes. The knucklebow has a swollen feature to the middle, similar to those on the side rings. Two subsidiary scrolled bars emanate from the knucklebow on each side from below this swelling and attach to the ring guards to strengthen the hilt structure. The hilt floor has a raised platform on the inside which supports the grip and integral rounded langets emanate from the cross guard below on each side of the blade. The stylistic influence of contemporary English “Mortuary” hilts on these features is quite marked. The globular pommel has an integral raised button on top and a flared neck beneath. The baluster shaped wooden grip is covered with shagreen. The single edged blade has a deep fuller running underneath the back edge on both sides for four fifths of its length after which is is double edged to the tip. A second fuller commences 6 inches (15 cm) from the hilt and runs under the first to terminate four inches (10 cm) from the tip. The blade is lightly engraved with floral panels on both sides and in separate places with two Latin inscriptions. One reads “Solideo Gloria” (Glory to God alone) whilst the other is unclear. The overall length is 39.75 inches (101 cm) and the blade is 32.5 inches (82.5 cm) long. Overall the sword is in fairly good condition although the grip cover is replaced. There are small shallow patches of old blackened rust and pitting in places on the hilt and blade which do not detract from the overall attractiveness and elegance of the sword. The blade has a number of nicks to the front cutting edge. For further information on English Walloon swords, and similar examples, see Stuart C Mowbray, “British Military Swords – Volume One: 1600 to 1660”, Mowbray Publishing, 2013, pages 246 to 254. See also for further discussion, Cyril Mazansky, British Basket Hilted Swords, Boydell Press 2005, Chapter 11, pages 281 to 284. The swords are described as “Hilts based on pierced side rings”. --> --> Gallery

Nation : British
Local Price : £2850.00

A Beautiful Napoleonic Wars Swiss Mercenary Line Infantry, The 1ère Régiment Suisse, Officer's Blue and Gilt Epee. Some Officers & Men Of the Swiss Regt. Were Sent to The French Mediterranean Squadron's Ships at the Battle of Trafalgar. Maker marked by Jakob Girtanner, Degenschmied in St. Gallen, recorded from 1789. Boat shaped original copper gilt hilt with French form Roman helmet pommel, single knucklebow, chequered carved ebony grip. Superb, duluxe 'Blue & Gilt' and engraved blade, with makers name engraved at the ricasso. In its original scabbard, that bears a good field service contemporary leather repair From our recently acquired museum grade very rare collection of French Napoleonic swords. The 1st Swiss Regiment (French: 1ère Régiment Suisse) was a Swiss mercenary line infantry regiment in the French Imperial Army during the Napoleonic Wars. During the expansion of the Imperial Army in 1803, Napoleon decreed the formation of four Swiss mercenary regiments, one of these later becoming the famed 1st Swiss. After a short time serving in Southern Italy, notably serving at the Battle of Maide, the 1st Swiss were sent to Poland for the impending Invasion of Russia. During the invasion, the regiment remained in the reserve, but served with honour, notably at the Battles of Polotsk and later the crossing of the Berezina. After retreating from Russia, elements of the regiment served during the minor campaigns until May 1814. The regiment was then reformed under the Bourbon restored monarchy, and continued into the Royal Guard until its final disbandment in 1830. Interestingly, and historically, in 1805, according to regimental records, parts of the regiment was embarked on the Mediterranean Squadron's ships at the Battle of Trafalgar, where one officer was wounded. By mid-1805, the regiment was consolidated within the new Kingdom of Italy with the Staff and 1st Battalion based at Bastia, the 2nd Battalion on Elba, the 3rd Battalion near Modena, and 4th Battalion in Genoa. Napoleonic Wars campaigns and battles of the Swiss Regiments; Battle of Trafalgar { regimental contingent} Invasion of Naples Battle of Castelfranco Veneto Battle of Maida Russian Campaign First Battle of Polotsk Second Battle of Polotsk Battle of Berezina War of the Sixth Coalition Siege of Bremen Siege of Maastricht Battle of Wavre On 27 November 1803, authorised articles were signed in which a new Swiss infantry regiment was to be created. However, it was not until March 1805, just before the Ulm Campaign, that the new French emperor, Napoleon, ordered the reorganisation of the Swiss troops by imperial decree. The remaining three Swiss Demi-brigades, which were the result of the merger of the original six Swiss demi-brigades of the Helvetic Legion. The men of these remaining small units were merged to form the new 1st Swiss Regiment, formed by imperial decree on 15 March 1805. The 1st Swiss Demi-Brigade was based in La Rochelle, where it was dissolved on 11 May 1805 to provide the 3rd Battalion of the new regiment. The 2nd Swiss Demi-Brigade formed the 4th Battalion a month later when it was based in Livorno. The 3rd Swiss Demi-Brigade was split, sourcing the personnel for the 1st and 2nd Battalions on 5 July 1805 while in Bastia, Corsica. Following the disaster of the battle at Maida, the populace of Calabria (a fiercely pro-Bourbon province of the newly created Kingdom of Naples) rebelled against King Joseph Bonaparte. On 5 July 1806, the regiment and the remainder of Reynier's army were still retreating when it came upon the village of Marcellinara, desperate for food and water. To the amazement of the French, they were welcomed enthusiastically by the populace shouting "Long live the British" and "Death to the French", once again because they were mistaken for British soldiers. However, this comical situation ended tragically, when the Swiss opened fire on the populace, and the village was sacked. As Napoleon's new Grande Armée assembled in the eastern parts of the Duchy of Warsaw, the need for Swiss troops became apparent. Napoleon even said, "We must pay serious attention to the Swiss regiments". He went on to call for a major effort to recruit the regiments up to strength and bring about their organisation. As a result, over the next year's course, the regiments were gradually reassembled, and each received a new regimental artillery company. Each artillery company composed of two 3-pounder mountain field cannon. On most levels, Napoleon's campaign against Russia was a hugely complex series of events. For the Swiss regiments, it was much simpler – it consisted of three major engagements separated by long stretches of inactivity. The First Battle of Polotsk and Second Battle of Polotsk are amongst the least known actions of the campaign because they took place far from the watchful eye of Napoleon. However, the Battle of Berezina is better known, but the role played by the Swiss in that engagement is not always clearly described. Still, in all three instances, the Swiss covered themselves with glory and provided some of the most heroic episodes in the story of Napoleon's foreign troops. On 17 August, at the First Battle of Polotsk, General Wittgenstein attacked the French in force, inflicting a sharp reserve on the II and VI Corps where Oudinot was wounded, and command was given to Marshal St Cyr, commanding VI Corps. The latter earned his Marshal's baton on the 18th when he counter-attacked and drove off the Russian Corps. During the engagement, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Swiss Regiments were initially not engaged, but the 18th St Cyr placed them in reserve as a precaution in case the action went against the French. St Cyr is said to have noted: "I know the Swiss. I had a battalion of the 1st Swiss Regiment under my orders at Castlefranco in Italy. The French are more impetuous in an advance, but if it comes to a retreat, we can count on the calm and courage of the Swiss" — General de Division Laurent de Gouvion, Marquis de Gouvion-Saint-Cyr The second fight for Polotsk was one of the campaign's most savage battles, conducted at night in a town full of blazing wooden buildings. Once the outer perimeters were breached, the fighting became hand-to-hand in the streets and houses, but the Swiss maintained their discipline and organisation throughout. General Merle told Napoleon that he thought that every Swiss soldier deserved to be decorated for the Battle of Berezina, and he persuaded the Emperor to award the Swiss sixty-two crosses of the Legion of Honour. Unfortunately, the order to that effect was lost, and so the deserving officer and men of the Swiss regiments never received any officer recompense for their valour. However, their performance was accorded proper recognition by their countrymen, who viewed them as heroes whose actions were a source of national pride. In 1813 On 10 October, the 1st Swiss along with fifty recruits of the 4th Swiss Regiment joined the Bremen garrison. The town had 30,000 inhabitants, which were of dubious loyalty to the Emperor. The forces' arrival was quite timely for the French commandant, Colonel Thuillier, as on 13 October, the town was assaulted by a mixed force of 4–5,000 Russian Cossacks and Prussian Freikorps under General Tettenborn. The voltigeur company under Captain Segesser was assigned to dispute the possession of the town's eastern suburb, and a French official who observed the combat noted that the Swiss "shot with such marvellous accuracy that any enemy soldier who showed himself was soon dead or wounded". After Napoleon returned from Elba, during the 100 Days war, those that remained loyal to Napoleon, were formed into a regiment under the command of Colonel Christopher Stoeffel, who had been a captain in the 3rd Swiss in 1807 but had served exclusively in staff posts thereafter. A single battalion was formed in that regiment and served in General Vandamme's III Corps during the Waterloo Campaign, notably at the Battle of Wavre where it was wiped out. This regiment used the uniform and eagles of the 1st Swiss. This is a very rare Napoleonic sword of Napoleon's early Consul to Empire period. Its scabbard had has long service repairs .

Nation : British
Local Price : £2,850

A British Basket Hilted Cavalry Back Sword Circa 1740 to 1755 with Maker’s Mark “SG” & Ordnance Inspection Mark. A representative example of a British army basket hilted back sword issued to cavalry and infantry regiments in the middle of the 18th century. The sword is in fine original condition. The basket guard is forged from broad flattened iron bars with squared edges. The hilt structure consists of a knuckle bow to the front and two side guard bars which curve upwards from the cross piece and join a ring which extends around the pommel base. Below, the frontal loop guard bars are a downward continuation of the side guard bars which loop forward to join the base of the knuckle bow at the front quillon terminal. To the front, in the spaces between the baluster shaped knuckle bow and the two side guard bars, two saltire bars are centred with large vertically rectangular guard plates with convex rounded tops and concave sides. To the back, a rear guard bar on each side extends upwards and curves towards the top of the side guard bar which it joins near the pommel. Between the rear and side guard bars baluster shaped panels are attached with merlons at the base which strengthen the structure. The capital letters “S G” are stamped underneath the rear quillon. These most likely represent the hilt maker rather than the regimental store number which is most usually stamped onto the pommel or knucklebow. The pommel is of typical British 18th century military bun shape with a short thick neck which fits tightly into the guard arm ring. It has a prominently raised integral round section button on top. The slightly baluster shaped grip is of oval section and spirally grooved with a shagreen cover, plus twisted brass wire binding and brass ferrules mounted top and bottom. The hilt retains its leather liner. The single edged tapering blade is 33.75 inches (just under 86 cm) long. It has a short ricasso and a double fuller which runs underneath the squared back edge for 25.5 inches (65 cm). An Ordnance inspection mark consisting of a crown with a number 6 below is stamped near to the hilt. The blade is of high quality, most probably made in Germany and imported by the British Ordnance for the manufacture of this sword in a batch. Swords of this type were purchased by regimental colonels for their troops. The series of paintings by David Morier housed in the Royal Collection of British cavalry and infantry uniforms and weapons give an interesting insight into the variety of basket hilted swords employed by the army in the mid 18th century bound by a common design theme. One shows a Private in The Royal Horse Guards (The Blues) dating to circa 1751 to 1760 armed with a similar sword to ours with solid side guard plates (Collection Reference RCIN 401505). Another painting by Morier entitled “An Incident in the Rebellion of 1745” shows hand-to-hand combat between Scottish Jacobite Highlanders and a line of Privates of a Grenadier company of The 4th King’s Own (Barrel’s) Regiment, with a Sergeant, an Officer and Drummer nearby (Collection Reference RCIN 401243). The soldiers carry swords which are variants of the same theme. The grip and hilt furnishings are in fine condition. The iron hilt has a russet patination all over. The steel blade is brighter with minor speckled age. There is an old crack in the rear guard bar on one side. The sword is almost identical to one illustrated in “The Swords and the Sorrows”, National Trust for Scotland, 1996, page 148, Fig 1:51. See also another near identical sword in Cyril Mazansky, “British Basket-Hilted Swords, The Boydell Press, 2005, page 95, Fig: F1a. --> --> Gallery

Nation : French
Local Price : £2850.00

A Magnificent 18th Century Silver Hilted Small Sword with Colichmarde Blade. This Is One Of The Most Beautiful We Have Seen in Several years. A combination of the finest 18th century artisan's skill of both a silversmith and bespoke swordsmith. Circa 1759 possibly by William Kinman of London. no silver hallmark was required due to The 'Act of 1738' the Plate Offences Act 1738, & the 1738 exemptions, which exempted the requirement of an assay mark for gold and silver mounts of swords, daggers, pistols and guns General George Washington, later the first President of the United States, had a near identical sword that he used during his service as commander of the new American Army in the American War of Independance from 1776 onwards Ideal in its day for duelling or close quarter combat, as well as being a simply fabulous, finest quality sword of immense beauty. Fine cast and chased silver hilt in the elegant rococo style with double shell guard single knucklebow and pas dans. The grip has silver banding interspersed with herringbone pattern twisted silver wire. The guard has enchanting workmanship with a scrolling, pierced, rococo Arabesque pattern. Colishmarde blade with blackened steel finish. The highly distinctive colishmarde blades appeared in 1680 and were popular during the next 40 years at the royal European courts. The colichemarde bladed swords had a special popularity with the officers of the French and Indian War period. Even George Washington had a very fine one just as this example. The colichemarde descended from the so-called "transition rapier", which appeared because of a need for a lighter sword, better suited to parrying. It was not so heavy at its point; it was shorter and allowed a limited range of double time moves.The colichemarde in turn appeared as a thrusting blade too and also with a good parrying level, hence the strange, yet successful shape of the blade. This sword appeared at about the same time as the foil. However the foil was created for practising fencing at court, while the colichemarde was created for dueling. With the appearance of pocket pistols as a self-defense weapon, the colichemardes found an even more extensive use in dueling. This was achieved thanks to a wide forte (often with several fullers), which then stepped down in width after the fullers ended.The result of this strange shape was a higher maneuverability of the sword: with the weight of the blade concentrated in one's hand it became possible to maneuver the blade at a greater speed and with a higher degree of control, allowing the fencer to place a precise thrust at his/her adversary. This sword is a true work of art, in it's beauty form, quality and balance. One photo in the gallery is of General Burgoyne surrendering his similar gilt sword after the Battle of Saratoga in October 1777. Another portrait of George Washington with his very similar solid silver sword sword. The blade is age blackened steel with original untouched centuries old old patina

Nation : British
Local Price : £2,800

A Fine English Silver Hilted Small Sword by John Radborn of the City of London Hallmarked for 1764 / 1765. A very fine English silver hilted small sword by John Radborn of London with hallmarks for 1764 / 1765. The hilt is mounted with a dish guard which is exquisitely pierced and chased with rococo foliate scrolls and multi pointed florets. This design theme is common to the other major silver components of the hilt which attests to the originality and homogeneity of the parts. The scabbard is mounted with silver fittings. The hollow ground colichemarde blade is of typical triangular section. The sword is well-balanced in hand and in excellent condition without damage or repair. The sword is an example of the high standards of design and execution required of the 18th century London silversmith as well as an example of one of the most effective weapons of the 17th and 18th centuries. Silver hilted small swords evolved from earlier rapiers and were fashionable attire for gentlemen. Mostly worn for effect, someone wearing one was also announcing to the world that he was able to use it. Despite the stylish and often delicate appearance of these swords they were formidable dueling weapons. The sword hilt is in excellent crisp condition without losses or repairs and has maintained its original pleasing profile. The shallow dish guard has a strengthened rim shaped as four crescents on the outside which supports the exquisitely pierced and chased delicate and intricate foliate designs within. The perimeter is raised with a continuous chain of diamond shaped links further strengthened in the middle front and back where the rim is thickened and engraved with foliate sprays. The ricasso, pas d’ ane rings, knuckle bow and pommel are pierced and chased in the same decorative style as the dish guard. The stamped maker’s mark of “I R” is present on one side of the knucklebow near the pommel in raised relief inside a depressed rectangle, accompanied by the crowned leopard’s head assay mark, the royal lion passant and date marks. The baluster shaped grip is covered with spirally wrapped bevelled silver strip, separated by wrapped silver twisted wire, flanked by thinner ropes on either side. Silver cap terminals are present top and bottom of the grip engraved with floral designs. The tapering, hollow ground, stiff, triangular section blade retains its original engraved foliate panels near the hilt. It is in fine condition with a shallow mottled grey patina and some age staining and light pitting. The scabbard has a wooden core bound with brown vellum. John Radborn worked in the New Street precinct of the City of London for all of his professional life. He is first recorded when he was indentured to the cutler Nathaniel Young in 1737. On the death of Young in 1742 he was turned over to John Smith for the remainder of his term and was sworn free of the Cutlers’ Company by servitude in 1745 when he probably entered his first mark at Goldsmiths Hall which is now lost. His first surviving mark was entered in 1762. On moving address in 1769 Radborn entered another mark which was very similar to the last to confirm the move. He was admitted as a pensioner of the Cutlers’ Company in 1776 and died in 1780. John Radborn was one of the most gifted silver hilt makers and sword cutlers of his time. For further information see “London Silver-Hilted Swords”, their makers, suppliers and allied traders, with directory, by Leslie Southwick, 2001, Royal Armouries, and particularly page 202 for the biography of John Radborn and examples of his work in plates 46, 66, 72-3, 74 and colour plate 3. The blade is 31.25 inches (just over 79.5 cm) long and the overall length of the sword is 38 inches (96.5 cm). --> --> Gallery

Nation : Italian
Local Price : $2800.00

ITALIAN ASSASSIN’S SHORTSWORD. Genoa, late 17th century. Classic and well-known form which was specifically illegal at the time of its use. See Il Cotello Genovese, Storie di lame di armi proibite e di “caruggi” (The Genoese Knife. History of prohibited weapons, blades and alleyways ) by Andrea Butti, p.363. Horn hilt carved as a Moor’s head with deeply furled turban and well delineated featured. The ears with silver (?) earrings. Facial details and general decoration of bone disks. Integral faceted grip below twisted wire and bone disk inlay. Rudimentary brass grip as it was not intended for fighting, but for the clandestine hacking strike. 23 1/4” d.e. blade bearing the running wolf mark one side with cross and orb the other, from an earlier broadsword. Hilt excellent for the period. The blade with old stable rust probably owing to its having been concealed in storage. We’ve seen just about five of these in 50 years. Moors were a cultural influence in Italy and Moor’s heads were often used in heraldry. Moors were common in Italian art. Othello was a Moor. They were feared and respected and, as they were part of the Ottoman Empire, frequently confronted in combat. It's likely that their images on these weapons were intended to convey a sense of sinister evil.

Nation : British
Local Price : £2,775

A Fine English Silver Hilted Small Sword by Joseph Clare (II) of London hallmarked for 1765 / 1766 retailed by Bennett.. A fine English silver hilted small sword by Joseph Clare of London with hallmarks for 1765 / 1766. The hilt is mounted with a dish guard which is exquisitely pierced and chased with rococo foliate scrolls and sprays between curling tendrils of filigree delicacy. The design is the common theme on the other silver components of the hilt and scabbard. The sword is well-balanced in hand and in excellent condition, having maintained its shape without damage or repair. The sword is mounted with a tapering hollow ground triangular section colichemarde blade. The scabbard is missing its lower portion but retains its original upper silver mounts with the name of the retailer stippled into the back of the mouthpiece. The sword hilt is in fine condition without losses or repairs and has maintained its original pleasing profile. The oval shaped shallow dish guard has a strengthened rim on the outside which supports the chased foliate designs within centred on the repeated theme of an eight petaled floret. The ricasso, pas d’ ane rings, knuckle bow, quillon and pommel are pierced and chased in the same decorative style. The stamped maker’s mark of CLARE is impressed on one side of the knucklebow near the pommel in raised relief inside a depressed panel accompanied by the crowned leopard’s head assay mark, the royal lion passant purity and date marks. The baluster shaped rounded rectangular section grip is covered with spirally wrapped bevelled silver strip, separated by contra-twisted pairs of silver ropes, flanked by thinner ropes on either side. Silver cap terminals are present top and bottom of the grip engraved with scallops on each side. The stiff, tapering, hollow ground, blade is in fine condition and retains its original engraved foliate panels near the hilt. The hilt is an example of the high standards of design and execution required of the 18th century London silver hilt maker, as well as an example of one of the most effective weapons of the 17th and 18th centuries, which at this time was at the pinnacle of its evolution. Silver hilted small swords were fashionable attire for gentlemen. Mostly worn for effect, someone wearing one was also announcing to the world that he was able to use it. Despite the stylish and often delicate appearance of these swords they were formidable dueling weapons. Joseph Clare, the hiltmaker, is recorded from 1732-1771 as a silversmith and silver hilted sword hilt maker. His mark on this sword is “CLARE” which is one of a few marks produced by Clare and is represented in Grimwade mark number 358. His earlier marks were similar. He died in 1771. The firm of Bennett was formed by John Bennett (I) who was initially a silver hilted sword maker who was made free of the Cutlers’ Company in 1731 and registered his first silversmith’s mark in 1732. In 1746 Bennett was recorded at an address in Threadneedle Street in the City of London opposite the north gate of “Ye Royal Exchange”. Bennet diversified into jewellery, goldsmithing and gunmaking. Key to understanding this sword is that Bennett was also a cutler and retailer. In this respect as a cutler he would assemble parts of silver hilted swords, made both by himself and bought in from other silversmiths like Clare, into finished swords, and would also buy in completed swords to retail. As a result the hilt of this sword is stamped by Clare as the sword maker, and, the scabbard mouthpiece is engraved with: “Bennett & Son Royall Exchange” as the cutler / retailer. Bennett died in 1774 after which the business was taken over by his son John Bennett (II). For further information on Joseph Clare see Leslie Southwick “London Silver-Hilted Swords”, their makers, suppliers and allied traders, with directory, 2001, Royal Armouries, page 72 for the biography and examples of his work in black and white plates 53 and 61 plus colour plate 5. For further information on John Bennett see page 45. The blade is 31.75 inches (just under 81 cm) long and the overall length of the sword is just under 39 inches (just 98.5 cm). --> --> Gallery

Nation : British
Local Price : £2750.00

A Singularly Beautiful Napoleonic Wars, Elite Cuirassier's 'Year 13' Imperial French Dated Sword, Of The War of The 100 Days, Culminating at the Battle Of Quatre Bras & The Battle of Waterloo, the Duke of Wellington's Decisive Victory Over Napoleon. Superb and beautiful hilt, with very fine original leather bound grip, and a very fine double fullered blade with stunning bright patina. Steel combat scabbard without denting. We are very privileged to be the UK’s premier original military antiques gallery and website, and to be able to consistently, continually, and regularly, offer the finest original collectors items in our shop for over 100 years French Napoleonic 'An 13', year 13 swords, were manufactured from 1805 and discontinued in late 1815, whereupon it was superceded in general by the later hilt style of the 1816 model, although some of the surviving models, such as this beauty, continued in service. Renown throughout the world of historic sword collectors as probably the biggest and most impressive cavalry sword ever designed. This would have seen service in the Elite Cuirassiers of Napoleon's great heavy cavalry regiments. Napoleon hoped to compel Tsar Alexander I of Russia to cease trading with British merchants through proxies in an effort to pressure the United Kingdom to sue for peace. The official political aim of the campaign was to liberate Poland from the threat of Russia. Napoleon named the campaign the Second Polish War to curry favour with the Poles and provide a political pretence for his actions. The Grande Armee was a very large force, numbering nearly half a million men from several different nations. Through a series of long marches Napoleon pushed the army rapidly through Western Russia in an attempt to bring the Russian army to battle, winning a number of minor engagements and a major battle at Smolensk in August. Napoleon hoped the battle would mean an end of the march into Russia, but the Russian army slipped away from the engagement and continued to retreat into Russia, while leaving Smolensk to burn. Plans Napoleon had made to quarter at Smolensk were abandoned, and he pressed his army on after the Russians. The battles continued, but once the winter set in Napoleon's army was facing insurmountable odds that left it effectively shattered beyond repair. Napoleon fled, it is said, dressed as a woman, and the army left to it's sad and miserable fate. Only around 27,000 were able to return after a mere six months of the Russian campaign. The campaign was a turning point in the Napoleonic Wars. The reputation of Napoleon was severely shaken, and French hegemony in Europe was dramatically weakened. The Grande Armee, made up of French and allied invasion forces, was reduced to a fraction of its initial strength. These events triggered a major shift in European politics. France's ally Prussia, soon followed by Austria, broke their alliance with France and switched camps. This triggered the War of the Sixth Coalition. The Cuirassiers Heavy Cavalry Regiments used the largest men in France, recruited to serve in the greatest and noblest cavalry France has ever had. They fought with distinction at their last great conflict at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, and most of the Cuirassiers swords in England very likely came from that field of conflict, after the battle, as trophies of war. However, this sword was one of the few that were allowed to remain in the elite cuirassier corps after Waterloo, serving King Louis XVIIIth both before Napoleon's 100 days, and after his crushing defeat by Wellington at Waterloo. Inspected on the blade by Napoleonic inspectors, Lobstein and Bick, also back strap engraved Manufacture Rle January 1815. Made during the abdication period and used in the War of the 100 days. Less than a year following his abdication (April 6, 1814) and the Bourbon Restoration, Napoleon left his island exile in the Tyrrhenian Sea and landed at Cannes on March 1, leading 1,500 men, and marched at once upon Paris. Louis XVIII fled to Ghent on March 13, and Napoleon entered Paris one week later. To broaden his support, Napoleon made liberal changes to the Imperial Constitution, which led a number of former opponents, most notably Benjamin Constant, to rally to his cause. On March 25 Austria, Britain, Prussia, and Russia concluded an alliance against Napoleon and forced a series of military engagements leading up to the fatal Battle of Waterloo (June 18). Every warrior that has ever entered service for his country sought trophies. The Mycenae from a fallen Trojan, the Roman from a fallen Gaul, the GI from a fallen Japanese, the tradition stretches back thousands of years, and will continue as long as man serves his country in battle. In the 1st century AD the Roman Poet Decimus Iunius Iuvenalis Juvenal wrote; "Man thirsts more for glory than virtue. The armour of an enemy, his broken helmet, the flag ripped from a conquered trireme, are treasures valued beyond all human riches. It is to obtain these tokens of glory that Generals, be they Roman, Greek or barbarian, brave a thousand perils and endure a thousand exertions". A truly magnificent Napoleonic sword in superb condition for it's age. The largest sword of it's kind that was ever made or used by the world's greatest cavalry regiments. The cuirassiers were the greatest of all France's cavalry, allowing only the strongest men of over 6 feet in height into it's ranks. The French Cuirassiers were at their very peak in 1815, and never again regained the wonder and glory that they truly deserved at that time. To face a regiment of, say, 600 charging steeds bearing down upon you mounted with armoured giants, brandishing the mightiest of swords that could pierce the strongest breast armour, much have been, quite simply, terrifying. The brass basket guard on this sword is first class, the grip is totally original leather and a great colour only shows expected combat wear, the blade is double fullered and absolutely as crisp as one could hope for. Made in the Napoleonic Wars period. Used at Quatre-Bras and Waterloo. Apparently every remaining French elite cuirassier regiment fought at Waterloo for Napoleon, and there were no cuirassier reserve, and there were no cuirassier militia The blade has wonderful steel bright colour, and the hilt has fabulous patina. Overall 45.5 inches long in its scabbard, the spear pointed blade is 37.7 inches long. Old original aged patina and regular usual surface blacking to the scabbard steel.