17th LANCERS ENLISTED MANS LANCE CAP A very good condition enlisted mans lance cap of the famous 17th Lancers. All of the leather body in excellent condition with just minor congealing to the patent leather on the right hand rear side of body. White leather mortarboard top, undamaged with some crazing to the white patent and scuffing to the edges close to the plume. The white ribbed sides are totally moth free, (these ribbed sides are quite prone to moth damage). Complete with its correct yellow and blue pom pom with the skull and crossbones button to the centre, its white horse hair plume with correct plume holder, Victorian Crown triangular pattern lance plate with Battle Honours up to South Africa 1879, the Honours include Balaklava. Correct matching side bosses with its chin chain. The last few attachment links for the chin chain allowing the chain to be hooked up on the rear of the helmet are missing. Interior canvas liner all complete. Stamped into the upper inner crown '2 Years', probably meaning it is allowed two years more in service. The helmet is complete with its yellow set of cap lines. The 17th Lancers initially formed as Light Dragoons in 1759 and served in many parts of the globe, also in the American colonies at the outbreak of the War of Independence. They were reconstituted as a corps of lancers 1823, they are most famed for their participation in the Charge of the Light Brigade in the Crimea in 1854.

17th LANCERS ENLISTED MANS LANCE CAP An extremely good condition enlisted mans lance cap of the famous 17th Lancers. All leather body in extremely good condition without any crazing. White leather mortarboard top with some light crazing. The white cloth ribbed sides totally without moth damage, at the base of the mortarboard top the distinctive blue and yellow tape. Victorian crown having all battle honours up until South Africa 1879, complete with its lion head side bosses and fully leather lined chin chain. Interior lining excellent. Complete with its blue and yellow pom pom with correct skull 17th Lancer button and white horse hair plume and plume holder. The 17th Lancers initially formed as Light Dragoons in 1759 and served in many parts of the globe, also the American colonies at the outbreak of the War of Independence. They were reconstituted as a Corps of Lancers in 1823. They are most famed for their participation in the Charge of the Light Brigade in the Crimea in 1854.

1818 TO 1834 BRITISH CAVALRY HELMET PLATE. A very rare die struck ordinary ranks centre plate for the 1818 to 1834 pattern cavalry helmet. The style of crown is pre 1837, the Royal Coat of Arms, four quartered to the centre surrounded by the Royal Legend, lion and unicorn. Two slight cracks to the helmet plate, the rear fixing pins have been removed. This plate would lay onto a half sunburst plate and then be placed on the early cavalry helmet. A rare piece of early British head dress ornament.

1866 BAVARIAN CAMPAIGN CROSS. The small bronze Bavarian Cross for the war of 1866, complete with its blue and white ribbon.

1870 PERIOD BAVARIAN BELT BUCKLE. The large brass buckle worn by Bavarian troops in 1870, unusually with its leather tab, which has some unidentifiable stampings to the leather. The two front tips of the buckle are slightly distorted.

1879 OFFICERS PATTERN GERMAN REICHSREVOLVER. A very scarce privately purchased officers version of the 10.6mm 1879 model Reichsrevolver. This is the long 7 inch barrelled version, single action. This example privately ordered and produced by V.C.Schilling. It retains much of its original finish with the officers chequered wood grips, complete with heavy duty lanyard ring. All action in excellent condition.

1879 OLIVER PATTERN BAYONET FROG. The rare all brown leather bayonet frog for the 1879 prospective Oliver equipment.

A POSSIBLY GREEK ISSUE FRENCH GRAS BAYONET. A very unusual modification to an 1876 dated bayonet for the Gras rifle. Blade excellent in standard French configuration with the exception of a muzzle ring added to the back side. Mismatched number to bayonet and scabbard.

A SUPERB JAPANESE TACHI. For further details of this magnificent museum quality Japanese tachi, please see our special items page.

AUSTRIAN EARLY SWORD BAYONET. A rare sword bayonet for either the model 1842 Augustin carbine or the model 1849 Augustin rifle. This rare sword bayonet with the tip slightly flattened is fully issue stamped with 'S.A' with crown over the letter 'W'. Complete in its ultra rare wood base brass tipped leather covered straight scabbard, which is undamaged condition.

AUSTRIAN LORENZ RIFLE BAYONET. Good example of the Model 1854 socket bayonet with triangular blade for the Lorenz rifle, many of which were exported to the United States during the American Civil War. This example being marked 'USA' to the elbow of the socket, thus should be considered scarce. Slight split in muzzle ring. No scabbard.

AUSTRO/HUNGARIAN 1873 WAR MEDAL IN CASE OF ISSUE. A very good condition bronze gilt example of the Austro/Hungarian 1873 War Medal. Complete with its ribbon in original Austrian style wrap. To the upper inner lid is affixed the paper label of the Military Uniform and Order Retailers in Vienna. Leather case good although lid slightly distorted.

BAVARIAN 1847 BUCKLE, DENTED. A large 1847 enlisted mans buckle for the State of Bavaria, constructed in heavy brass with the large overlay plate of Bavaria with the scroll 'In Treue Fest', which is slightly dented to the right hand side of this disc.

BAVARIAN 1866MILITARY SERVICE CROSS. Excellent quality bronze struck Bavarian medal with blue, white and black ribbon, being the Miltary Service Cross 1866 for Bavaria.

BOER WAR ALBUM AND IMPORTANT AUTOGRAPHS. A comprehensive collection of the most interesting ephemera concerning the progress of the Boer War from 1900 to 1902, most probably compiled by the Provost Marshall Major R.A.Poore. A large album, which contains many original letters, drawings and very scarce photographs. Additionally there are eight very rare hand signed counterfoils for passes issued on June 1st 1902 to some of the leading Boer Commanders, J.B.M.Hertzog, Louis Botha, J.C.Smutz, Jac H. De La Rey, Schalk Burger, Lucas Meyer, Cornelis Oliver, Christian De Wett. The archive is enclosed in a folder which has printed to the front ‘News of the War 1900’. The 8 counterfoil passes are all stamped ‘Provost Marshall Army Headquarters’ and are each individually signed. The album contains a huge amount of ephemera and photographs. April 1900 sketch map of position of troops around Bloemfontein. A list of all the troops marching into Bloemfontein on its surrender, 13th March 1900. A list of runners in Belfast Military Races, September 1900. Eight excellent photographs of British troops and either Boer farmers or British recruited irregulars. Five large format photographs, three of which appear to be Boer prisoners being guarded prior to transportation by train, two of dignitaries of the war including Lord Kitchener, the Duke of York and various Generals and their ladies and the final image being a high ranking group of British officers inspecting Zulu Chiefs, which include the Duke of York and Lord Kitchener. The album then follows with a huge amount of paper ephemera from the war, proclamations in Afrikaans and English, Boer identity cards, many hand written letters, newspaper cuttings, postcards, a wonderful studio shot of three British Yeomanry officers talking in Pretoria wearing their slouch hats and tropical uniforms, excellent sketches of Boer farmers in colour, intelligence reports dated May 1900 with accompanying maps, a copy of the Government Gazette dated 9th June 1900, a list of the 4th compliment of the men of the Mountain Infantry Division, casualty reports, intelligence reports on intercepted Boer telegrams which make highly interesting reading, a letter posted 6th March 1900 from London to a Major McBride in the Irish Transvaal Corps, printed statements by Boer prisoners, a copy of the resignation proclamation of Paul Kruger, the late President of the Boer Republic, instructions for officers travelling by train relating to its security and if attacked, a Government notice about surrendering Boers and how to treat them, a complete booklet being the Provost Marshall’s orders, a complete memorandum to the officer of the Provost Marshall describing his duties in terms of policing, custody of prisoners of war, guarding important places, granting of permits and passes and collection of arms and many more letters and ephemera, one very important one being an original Call to Arms from the President of the Republic for the Burghers to take arms against the British.

BOER WAR OR WWI OFFICERS WATER BOTTLE. Private purchase oval semi kidney shaped aluminium water bottle, covered in khaki cloth, with its full length black leather shoulder strap. One of the retaining straps at the side of the bottom has broken. The full length carrying strap is in excellent condition, with its buckle.

BOER WAR SOUVENIR PIPE. A fine quality gentleman’s pipe of the Boer War period, the design reflects somewhat an African style having a very elongated bowl and very steep sweep to the neck. To the elongated bowl is the incised decoration with a banner reading ‘Boer War’ and the date below ‘1900-1901-1902’. Within a shield shape is the side view of the head of Kruger. Stephanus Yoahanes Paulus Kruger born 10th October 1825, died 14th July 1904. Kruger, or as he was known to the Afrikaans, Uncle Paul, was the State President of the South African Republic, Transvaal, he is renowned for his leadership in the battle for Independence against the British. Kruger ended up in exile living in France and Holland, his head can be made out today on the famous gold coin the Kruger Rand. He had a distinctive chin strap beard and long swept back hair. The pipe itself is in beautiful condition, the wood has a deep patination, there is little or no chipping to the bowl, there is obviously some burning to the interior of the bowl, the horn mouthpiece is in good condition with some light abrasion around the mouth area. The inside decoration is in beautiful condition. The pipe represents an interesting and early item of trench art.

BOER WAR SPORTSMAN'S KNIFE, IDENTIFIED. A very interesting and rare sporting/hunting knife owned by Lieutenant Colonel Bonham of Southwold, Suffolk. The 4 3/4 inch multi bladed clasp knife engraved with the name 'H.Bonham', 'Made in Sheffield', having a main blade, two smaller blades, two clasps, one corkscrew and two other tools, this is a work of art in itself. The knife is situated in its original pouch of which the flap is slightly rotted and the belt loop on the reverse side is missing. Accompanying the knife is a 5th Edition of Cartoons of the Boer War, volume I, printed in 1902, which has over 109 pages of cartoons of the Boer War and one large format photograph of a British encampment on the Veldt of South Africa. A copy of a newspaper article printed in 1901, which reads 'Lieutenant Colonel Bonham, Southwold, Suffolk. Excitement was reported in Southwold of the return of Lieutenant colonel Bonham, invalided home from the Boer War on Thursday 7th March. On Thursday the 7th March he changed onto the 6.23p.m. train at Halesworth, arriving at about 7.p.m. in Southwold to be greeted by a large crowd and the Countess of Stadbroke. Following speeches the two dignitaries travelled by closed coach to Southwold House, the route bedecked with flags and to the firing of rockets and coloured lights by a Mr. R.P. Critten, a local chemist, one of whose son's was still serving with the Yeomanry in South Africa.' Although we have not done any further research we would presume that Lieutenant Colonel Bonham was one of the Senior Officers of the Suffolk Yeomanry. A very interesting artefact from the Boer War.

Boxed Lead Soldiers. A box of 6 Cavalier type lead soldiers. Excellent quality casts. Mixture of colours in their original delivery box complete with interior packing paper. Undamaged, unidentified maker.

BRITISH MONTGOMERYSHIRE YEOMANRY 1871 PATT. MANS HELMET. An extremely good condition enlisted mans 1871 pattern cavalry helmet of the Montgomeryshire Yeomanry Cavalry. Good all nickel skull with very minor indentations, complete with its long white horsehair plume, correct white metal chin chain with leather backing. The helmet retains its original undamaged enlisted mans style leather liner which has some age crazing to leather finish.

BRITISH VICTORIAN NAVAL CUTLASS BAYONET. The scarce Cutlass with bayonet fixing for use with the Enfield naval pattern rifle. Complete with its cross hatched composition grips. Military acceptance stamps to blade. Scabbard minus. Profusely used by naval boarding parties in the mid 19th century with Britain's ruling of the waves and the conquering of the Empire this sort of bayonet was much used.

EARLY 1847 STYLE HESSE ENLISTED MANS BELT BUCKLE. An extremely rare buckle of the larger style, shape and size for an enlisted man from the State of Hesse. Impressed crown from reverse side. One single prong for the early type belt leather.

ENGLISH 1796 HEAVY CAVALRY OFFICERS SWORD. A magnificent example of the 1796 British Heavy Cavalry officers sword. This superb 30½ inch blade without any corrosive marks whatsoever, with at least 85% of the blue and gilt decoration to one side of the blade and 60% to the opposite side. Etched in deep gilt to the flat back of the blade ‘Osborne Warranted’. The blue and gilt decoration being of a royal crown over the letters ‘GR’ (George Regina). Floriated patterns with stands of arms and a charging cavalryman with his sword in his hand. The all steel hilt is in good order with its grip wire all intact with some strands loose from their grooves. The scabbard is matching in colour without any damage or corrosion. There is an oval cartouche to the rear of the scabbard which reads ‘Johnstone Sword Cutler, Strand.’ The scabbard is numbered ‘74’. British swords were constructed by a variety of makers, Henry Osborne who is probably the producer of the whole sword worked in Birmingham from 1785 to 1849. The oval cartouche with the name ‘Johnstone Sword Cutlery, London’ was possibly the retailer of the sword to the individual officer.

ENGLISH 1ST DRAGOON GUARDS TROOPERS HELMET. An extremely good condition Model 1871 troopers helmet for the 1st Dragoon Guards. The all nickel skull is totally undented, it is difficult to even see any ripples in the skull. All fittings good, complete with its side rosettes, correct black horse hair plume. Chin chain with its correct and period leather backing. The interior of the front peak is still lined with its green leather, back peak is unlined as is standard. To the rear interior brass rim it is clearly stamped '1.DG', with an issue number. The very tip of the front plate on the left hand side is slightly damaged. We have not cleaned this helmet, it is as discovered and we would advise leaving it in this manner.

ENGLISH 1ST KINGS DRAGOON GUARDS SWEDISH NAMED OFFICERS HELMET TIN. The standard japanned transit tin made by Hamburger & Rogers, Covent Garden, London, with the brass engraved label applied 'L.G.O.Ridderborg 1st (Kings) Dragoon Guards. We obtained this tin in Sweden, it is not known the history of the officer, whether this officer was an honorary officer in the Kings Dragoon Guards or for whatever reason, is unknown to us.

ENGLISH SHAKO TIN A japanned tin with the label reading ‘Captain M.P.Lloyd, Carmarthen Rifles’ applied to lid, measuring 9 ½ inches in height, 8 ½ in width, 12 inches in length, possibly for the 1855 shako

ENGLISH VICTORIAN HELMET PLUME. WORCESTERSHIRE YEOMANRY ??? We have been unable to identify as to which helmet and what unit this plume belongs, it is red and white, has very unusual fixing. We believe it to be for one of the unusual yeomanry helmets. It was found in the tin of an officer of the Carmarthen Rifles. Since placing this plume on our site One of our very knowledable viwers has suggested that it is the plume from a Officers helmet of the Queens Own Worcestershire Yeomanry CIRCA 1850

FIRE HELMET A Victorian style all brass bodied fire helmet, which was worn right up until the 1930's in England and even later in Australian, belonging to the New South Wales Fire Brigade. Excellent condition overall. No damage to the skull. Complete with its original chin strap and liner, which is virtually unworn. Maker's brass label 'Rider & Bell, Pty Limited, Makers' affixed to the inner rear skirt.

FLINTLOCK BRASS BARRELLED BLUNDERBUSS. A very fine condition Flintlock brass barrelled Blunderbuss measuring 29½ inches in length overall with a 14½ inch long flared end three staged brass barrel. The wood in excellent undamaged unrepaired condition, just minor nicks. The all brass barrel is in excellent condition without any splits. One split to the wood at the front end of the stock underneath the flared barrel. All the remaining brass furniture including the ramrod rings, side plate, butt plate and trigger guard plus an oval escutcheon plate behind the barrel. Both the trigger guard and the side plate are with engraved decoration. The Flintlock in excellent condition, fully functioning, which is marked with the maker 'Archer', the top of the barrel is marked 'London', the top of the butt plate also with engraved decoration. Thomas Archer who worked from 1776 to 1807 as a sword cutler and factor at 14 Litchfield Street, Birmingham always marked his weapons 'London'. He is a well regarded gun maker. The Blunderbuss is with its original wooden ramrod and would be a fine addition to any weapon collection.

FREDERICK THE GREAT COMMEMORATIVE TOBACCO BOX. A very interesting 18th century German brass and copper oblong tobacco box, measuring 6¼ x 1 ¾ the hinge lid is embossed with a three quarter length crowned portrait of the famous German leader Frederick The Great, in a panel surmounted by an eagle and a Latin motto ‘Pro Gloria Et Patria’ and below the image ‘Fredericus Magnus Borussorum Rex’, the base embossed with crown ‘FR’ cipher above the Prussian eagle and with the mottos ‘HEROS SECULI DEFENSOR GERMANIA PROTECTOR PATRIA ET RELIGIONIS’ followed by the maker’s name. These rare tobacco tins were produced in the 18th century as a commemoration of Frederick the Great. Hinge perfect.

GERMAN CAPTURED FRENCH CHASSEPOT BAYONET. a scarce example of a French captured by the Germans Chassepot bayonet Imperial German marked to the frog fitting lug with the aperture opened up for the bayonet to fit the German Rifle Grease stains to blade but generally good. Brass ribbed handle. Scabbard needs repainting but undented. Rifle retaining sprung loaded button is present and in working order.

GERMAN COLONIAL COMMEMORATIVE SILK. It was very fashionable for German soldiers and sailors whilst on Colonial Service in South East Asia to have produced by local embroiderers various qualities of silk artwork commemorating their time in the area. These silks come in various qualities and sizes, this particular silk is undoubtedly the finest we have ever seen and is a magnificent art form in itself. This sort of local embroidery tradition for visiting soldiers carried on right up until the Vietnam war, where G.I's had silk jackets beautifully embroidered of scenes and maps of Vietnam. This example is in a non contemporary frame measures 25 inches x 38 inches. The base colour is a violet, the seams depict an eagle flying through the German war flag. The lower circle, which to the centre depicts the shape of an epaulette, quite often has a photograph of the soldier or sailor to the centre, this has never been fitted to this example. The detail, which we have tried to illustrate on our web site images, is incredible. The work is celebrating the sailor's service at Tsingtau, China, between 1912 and 1915. Even the false eye on the eagle has the natural veins of the eye.

GERMAN PRE WWI MASK OF SHAME. A highly interesting object known in the Germanic as the ‘Mask of Shame’. In Anglo Saxon times they were often referred to as Scolds masks. These masks were worn from Medieval times through to the early 18th century. Often wrongly described as masks worn by nagging wives they were in fact mostly given to those who blasphemed, those who denounced the King and those who used foul language. The Scolds mask tended to have a protruding inner that held the tongue in place, but these Germanic masks tended not to have that, they were simply clamped on the head of the person and worn for an indefinite period to show all those around them that they had committed crimes. The mask itself, although fragile, is made from beaten iron, the face is slightly grotesque in character and there appears to be a crown type headdress. To the rear there is a cage-like head holding area and a padlock type neck clasp. The iron rivets holding the mask in place are reminiscent of early munitions quality armour, there can be seen hand beaten marks on the inside of the mask. The patination is beautiful to the old iron and the butterfly type hinges are still present and function to the lower neck clamp. There are some areas of rust perforation to the front of the mask. A fascinating yet cruel object from history.

GUARD CUIRASSIER OR GUARD DU CORPS HELMET An extremely rare complete NCO’s helmet for the Berlin based Guard Cuirassier Regiment. There were two regiments of the Kaiser’s Guard, the Guard du Corps and the Guard Cuirassier Regiment, both regiments wore the same style of helmet. This example both matching in quality, wear and colour. The helmet has an excellent condition skull with very minor creasing to the bowl. It is the officers style stepped peak, standard enlisted mans eagle with silver crown, oval shaped eagle base, enlisted mans style front plate, officers side cockades and trefoils. The interior liner is of enlisted mans style. The heavy chin scales are all matching, the front plate with its central black Eagle Order is totally undamaged. Minor rubbing to the plating of the undamaged eagle itself. All of the officers weight silver trim to the edge of the helmet excellent and undamaged and intact. The interior leather liner is slightly cracked and dry but good and complete. No extra holes behind the front plate. The helmet is maker marked ‘A.Klucke’ to the lower inner edge of the front peak. The black leather trim that lines the inner back peak is all present with minor abrasions.

HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY OFFICERS CROSS BELT PLATE. A good Victorian Highland Light Infantry officers cross belt plate. Subdued gilt to black back plate, all nickel finish to star and bugle horn with gilded crown of the Empress India style. Blank scroll between the bugle horn and the elephant indicating possibly Militia. Complete with its four cross belt fixing lugs to reverse side.

IMPERIAL GERMAN NAVY STEIN. A good example of the rare 1 litre pottery stein belonging to a reservist in the Imperial German Navy. The owner of the stein 'Seaman K.Franke' served his statutory two years reserve naval service on the heavy cruiser Friedrich Karl between 1909 and 1911. This tall pottery stein is completely undamaged. The lithophane to the upper right hand side of the central naval scene, which gives the name of the ship and the date served has some scratches, the rest of the lithophane is perfect, complete with a list of all Franke's colleagues. The naval scene shows a three funnelled heavy cruiser to one side, the opposite side showing scenes in the torpedo loading room. The lid is complete, it has suffered a dent to the reverse side close to the beak of the Imperial German eagle. The finial still retains its original German naval image of a seaman standing with the Reichskriegs flag above his head. The miniature photograph held in his hand, obviously his wife or girlfriend, has faded. Any German naval stein is considered rare. The Freidrich Karl was built in 1902 and had a compliment of 591 men.

IMPERIAL GERMAN RED EAGLE ORDER GROUP. Prussian group of three, the Wilhelm I, 1897 Birthday Medal, the Prussian 1870-71 circular silver War Medal, with a very good condition Red Eagle Order Medal with totally undamaged enamel to the centre of the Maltese Cross style medal, all with respective ribbons, mounted with pin back suspension.

INTERESTING YATAGAN MILITARY SIDE ARM. A beautiful quality side arm being of the Yatagan form that was a blade shape that proliferated in the Balkan areas particularly Turkey. Many European bayonets as well as American bayonets adopted this form of blade in the mid 19th century. This weapon clearly has been manufactured from a factory quality blade, possibly of French origin although we cannot be certain. The hilt of the side arm is in a high quality rosewood mount, the mount itself follows the kinjal form and has a very eastern European look to it. The scabbard, again, is of heavy high quality steel mounted leather, the mounts lean towards the Russian in style. The fit to the scabbard is extremely snug and shows very accurate manufacture quality. The polish on the blade is magnificent, there are no stains and the quality appears to be exceptionally high. The balance of feel in the weapon is superb. We have as yet been unable to identify the exact origin, although many people have speculated it maybe Bosnian or Serbian or possibly from one of the Russian border areas. The item clearly is of manufactured standards and not of artisan form of quality.

KUKRI SOCKET BAYONET. Rare kukri bayonet as fitted to the Brown Bess musket used by native troops. Some minor staining to blade. Generally excellent condition. Marked 'IS' over '25'.

LATE VICTORIAN BRITISH SOLDIERS EMBROIDERED SAMPLER. A beautiful large sampler mounted into original Victorian period veneered wood frame with gilt inner edge. The embroidery itself dates from approx. the turn of the century and was carried out most likely in the Indian continent. The East Surrey regiment went to India almost directly after their fighting in South Africa. From 1903 to the beginning of the Great War they served in India. These Samplers were made by the soldiers themselves or by the local people working on the camps. They were sent home and in England it has been beautifully framed and clearly had place of honour within that soldiers family home for many years. The regimental standard and the Queens standard are crossed below. That is the distinctive Eats Surrey's regimental ribbon colours were all beautifully embroidered in silk with a cross quilted stitch, very typical of things made on the Asian and Indian continent. The overall condition is excellent with some light staining and foxing. A tiny tear to one side of the Regimental badge, however this does not overly detract from the appearance of the item. There is a small bit of cracking to the top of the veneer and one corner has lost a little of its veneering. To the rear of the picture, the original paper has some ripping, however this has never been dismounted from it's frame. There is a nice period general drapers and outfitters label. The condition is stored and a little dusty. It is approx. 18 centimetres by 70 centimetres and is glazed.

MID 19TH CENTURY WOODEN WATER BOTTLE. A highly interesting probably early to mid 19th century wooden water bottle, it is probably of Serbian origin or another central European country. It is what appears to be Cherry wood with two oak ends and is banded in its construction. Beautifully made and incised with a proud eagle to the centre. The two leather side straps remain intact however the shoulder part is absent. There is a small drinking spout and a plug filling hole to the side. Both have plugs missing. There is one shrinkage leg to the centre, some black paint remains to the end cap. The overall patination is absolutely beautiful and clearly shows great age. An interesting historical object and clearly a soldier's canteen to be carried by the foot soldier.

MINIATURE KINDJAL. A 3 inch long miniature Kindjal from the southern Russian Caucasus. Extremely fine Niello work to face side of scabbard and hilt. Blade good with some light abrasion to sharpened edges. Complete with its long chain suspension.

MODEL 1887 SAXON INFANTRYMAN'S HELMET. A rare leather pickelhaube, model 1887, for an infantryman from Saxon Infantry Regiment 106. Unusually the helmet is also stamped '1885', which is two years before the official introduction of the model date. All brass fittings with Saxon front plate. Correct style of chin strap. One Saxon cockade to the right hand, which is standard for that period. Leather liner all complete in excellent condition but with obvious wear use. There has been some light restoration to the skull, also the Saxon cockade is a major replacement. Faint traces of original owners name to inner back peak. Skull is good and strong.

PRE WWI BACK PACK. We have been unable to identify this very unusual enlisted mans back pack, it is certainly pre WWI and possibly 19th century. It is totally without markings to help identify it, however it is all complete and generally in good condition. If any of our web viewers have information on this item we would be pleased to hear from them.

PRE WWI BRITISH WOODEN CANTEEN. A rare example of the wooden canteen carried by the British foot soldier in the mid to late Victorian period. The wooden canteen is in the form known as cheese box style being a small barrel in effect in a cylindrical style with two iron bands. The exterior front has branded into the face the large broad arrow WD and 1861 date. To the reverse is a regimental carved number '88B' over '80'. Traces of the original ordnance cornflower blue paint can clearly be seen underneath a secondary blue black paint. The iron bands are separately painted in a matt black finish. Both of the belt loops remain intact, one is slightly distorted. The pewter or wooden stopper is now absent. The sections surrounding the canteen are somewhat loose due to inevitable shrinkage. Interestingly the 1861 pattern canteen was the last of these coopered type English made water bottles, this pattern was superseded in 1871 by the Italian exported pear shaped canteen. These canteens are exceptionally rare and seldom survived. An interesting point to know is a huge amount of British military canteens were exported to America for the American Civil War that indeed commenced in 1861. The original leather carrying strap is also now absent.

PRUSSIAN 1847 ENLISTED MANS BUCKLE WITH PRONGS MISSING. The large 1847 Prussian enlisted mans buckle in heavy brass with nickel overlay plate, with its belt securing prongs missing.

PRUSSIAN 1847 ENLISTED MANS BUCKLE. Heavy brass construction with nickel overlay plate. Standard size crown and cross above.

PRUSSIAN 1847 STYLE BUCKLE, STAMPED 'MARINE'. The large all brass belt buckle 1847 style, with Prussian scroll with rounded edge central crown with large letter 'M' stamped to centre of reverse side.

PRUSSIAN MODEL 1887 DRAGOON HELMET. A very good example of an extremely rare 1887 Prussian enlisted mans Dragoons all leather pickelhaube. In the lineage of the shape of the pickelhaube the 1887 was the last but one shape, starting back in the early 19th Century with the very tall pickelhaube, it was gradually reduced in size through various model years. This example has its leather skull in excellent condition, just minor crazing to the front and back peaks with the square cut front peak having its correct white metal trim in place and undamaged. The helmet plate, spike and spike base all in white metal of which a lot of the plating is missing revealing a brass-like finish below. The clip-over chin scales are of the brass variety, the helmet is complete with its totally original national and State cockades. The interior of the helmet has its original liner of which one tongue is missing and one other has been replaced. There are other minor tears, but the leather is generally good and strong. In the area between the two plate fixing points there is the remains of the original owners name label, which clearly states 'Dragoon Regiment' apart from that the details are missing. There are also other painted markings of '2EI', there are other unit markings, which we have been unable to identify to the rear back peak. With the configuration of white metal, spike, spike base and plate and brass chin scales with white metal front peak trim the helmet could be narrowed down to Prussian Dragoon Regiment 4, 5, 6, 10, 12 and 15. One of the markings on the back peak is identifiable as a 5, which would further pin the regiment down to Dragoon Regiment Freiherr Von Manteuffel, who were formed in 1860, they were part of the 11th Army Corps from the garrison town of Hofgeismar.

QUEEN VICTORIA AND SOUTH AFRICA CHOCOLATE TIN. An excellent example of the gift tin that contains chocolate which was sent by Her Royal Highness Queen Victoria to troops serving in South Africa during the Boer War. The tin is in excellent condition with some wear to the paintwork, remains excellent and fresh. The tin has all its chocolate remaining in its greased paper with its straw spacer still intact to the lid. Tins of this nature are relatively common, however with complete contents are extremely rare.

RUMANIAN PEABODY RIFLE. A scarce 1867 Model Peabody rifle. Rumanian Army contract with a 2.1 inch rear leaf sight. Military inspection cartouche 'WC' to left wrist receiver. Serial number '33306', which sits in the middle of the Rumanian contract serial number range of 21,000 to 52,000. In overall excellent condition with 95% of original blue finish and a high percentage of case finish to receiver, which is marked with Peabody's patents on left hand side. These rifles were used at the Battle of Plevna in 1879 by Rumanian troops allied to the Russian Army besieging the town of Plevna, held by the Turkish Army. Of historic importance as both sides were armed in the main by U.S. Manufactured arms– Winchester, Peabody Martini, and Colt Berdan. Antique, in obsolete centre fire calibre 11.43mm Rumanian.UK Section 58.2 exempt of any licensing.

RUSSO JAPANESE KYU GUNTO OFFICERS SWORD. A very fine condition Russo Japanese war period Kyu Gunto officers sword having a very fine 27½ inch blade with very fine slightly wavy hamon (hardened edge), which is signed Kanemichi Saku, which is listed in Fuller & Gregory. The polish is excellent to the blade with very minor visible scratch marks. No nicks or damage or staining. The Kyu Gunto hilt has good original gilt, the ray skin is completely undamaged with all of its grip wire intact with two strands slightly loose. There is a family Mon attached to the long strap of the D shape guarded hilt. The all metal nickel plated scabbard totally undented with all of its original nickel plating intact.

SCOTTISH CLAN CHIEF’S DIRK. A magnificent Scottish clan chief’s dirk measuring 18½ inches in length overall with a 12 inch blade. The blade is of the plain variety with an imitation saw back edge. There is minor evidence of some old corrosion being cleaned. The exterior of the dirk is absolutely magnificent. All of the mounts are in silver although non-hallmarked. The hilt is beautifully hand carved in wood and is surmounted by its upper mount, which is styled on very early dirks. The scabbard is in tooled leather over wood, the tooling is in a cross hatched style of the Regency period. The engraving to the mounts are also magnificent. The engraving to the upper mount shows the Patron Saint of Scotland, St.Andrew holding up the arms of the St.Andrew’s Cross. To the middle mount is Celtic designs with the initials engraved ‘WNNM’ above, within this mount is a belt suspension system. This is a beautifully crafted item. With it is a modern produced transit box, which is hinged and has two closing latcheS.

SCOTTISH HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY OFFICERS SHAKO. A fine condition 1869 pattern officers shako with green cloth body, red, white and green diced band at the base of the helmet. Black cording across the front and back. Black circular boss with gilded thistle applied. Green pom pom to the top of the helmet in it's original cradle. One moth nip only to the green cloth. The helmet is with its original Morocco light tan leather sweat band, of which is in excellent condition, however the stitches holding the lining to the main body have rotted in many places. The leather chin strap is missing. The original owner's name 'de Berry' are hand applied to the Morocco leather sweat band. Fitted to the front is a very fine quality gilded and silvered badge for an officer in a territorial battalion of the Highland Light Infantry. The scroll, which lays above the elephant, which for regular units has the word 'Assaye' applied is in this instance blank.

SHANGHAI SCOTTISH OFFICERS DIRK. A scarce Scottish dirk being of the standard pattern, plain blade, non maker marked, with both its skinning knife and fork intact each having thistle pattern buttons attached. To the upper mount of the scabbard is the Cross of St. Andrew, with the three mounts having thistle decoration. To the very top pommel is laid the badge, which has the Cross of St. Andrew overlaid with a circlet which reads ‘Shanghai Scottish’ with central thistle decoration. All of the leather over the wooden scabbard is intact and undamaged. The beautiful cut grain of the hilt pommel again excellent. Attached to both the skinning knife and fork is a small security chain which clips onto the belt loop strap at the rear of the dirk. There are faint traces of what appears to be a maker’s mark to the white metal portion just below the top pommel. The Shanghai Volunteer Corps was formed to protect the foreign settlements from the wars and disorder around Shanghai and in China. By the 1930’s the volunteers were a truly international force with American, English, Scottish, Chinese, Italian, Jewish, Portuguese, Philippine and White Russian units. Sahnghai had become a refuge for many communities escaping political and religious persecution. When the Japanese landed their troops in Shanghai in 1932 the unit had 1,525 men with the ranks growing to 2,300 at the height of the crisis. The volunteers guarded the entry points to the settlements and kept the Japanese at bay until reinforcements arrived from Britain and elsewhere. The Japanese stayed out of the foreign settlements until the attack on Pearl Harbour in 1941. The most picturesque unit was the kilted Scottish Company complete with pipes, Major H.D.Rodger was the senior officer of the Scottish unit.

SMITH & WESSON RUSSIAN MODEL REVOLVER. A good example of the scarce Smith & Wesson No.3 revolver. The Smith & Wesson Russian revolver was a single action cartridge firing revolver produced by Smith & Wesson from 1870 to the late 1880’s. Its first large order was from Tsarist Russia and from this order it became known as the Russian model. This magnificent U.S. service revolver was part of a Turkish Ottoman Empire contract and accompanying the piece is a letter from the Smith & Wesson factory stating the date it left for its contract. Turkish Government contract, calibre .44 Russian converted to .44 rim fire, Gun number 51977 and was shipped on Febuary 21st 1877. The revolver is generally in good condition, a very fine action, minor abrasions to the wood grips, numbered ‘51977’. Some evidence of light pitting. Although this is a cartridge weapon this is judged as obsolete calibre within the U.K. and is free of any licensing authorities. Overseas purchasers should check their own country’s firearms legislation.

SWISS VERTELLI MODEL 1871 RIFLE. A beautiful example of the Swiss produced Vertelli Model 1871 rifle in 10.4mm calibre, this weapon is of obsolete calibre in the U.K. and no license or de-activation certificate is need to own it. Any overseas buyers should check their own country’s regulations with regard to the import of this weapon. This example with its blueing in absolutely superb condition, the wood stock is excellent with minor marks, it is numbered ‘32745’ to both the receiver and the barrel, it is as can be imagined, a magnificent piece of engineering as any Swiss produced item is. Producer W.V.Steiger of Thun, Swiss ordnance stamps to the wood stock. The Vertelli was a repeating rifle with the loading system based on the U.S. Winchester style, he rounds loaded through an open gate below the receiver with the rounds being fed into the tube.

U.S. CIVIL WAR AMMUNITION POUCH. A good condition 1861 pattern enlisted mans ammunition pouch box for the 58 calibre Springfield rifle. The exterior leather of the box is crazed somewhat, both to the box and the strap but is still good, firm and strong. All the straps are present, both to the front, rear and base. The interior metal strengthening box to carry the cartridges is all intact. Slight surface rust. To the exterior of the pouch is the oval U.S. plate. Attached to the cross strap is the American eagle circular plate.

VICTORIAN 16TH LANCERS HORSE HAIR PLUME. A mint condition horse hair plume for a troopers helmet of the 16th Lancers

VICTORIAN BLACK WATCH OFFICERS GLENGARRY CAP. An extremely high quality and early Glengarry cap as worn by an officer of the Black Watch. The very fine quality insignia is of two-piece construction and is a silver metal with a brass gilt overlay. The multi piece rosette behind the badge is of fine folded silk. The headband again is of silk material, the main body of the cap is a deep blue woollen material, the red pom pom in the centre is complete and intact, the silk hanging ribbons to the rear are also intact. The lining is of polished cotton, there are some faint details written to the inside of the cap, they are rather difficult to read. The badge is attached using small leather wedges. The overall condition is excellent with some very light surface mothing, there appears to be no actual holes through the cloth, the lining is service worn but excellent. Early Scottish headdress of this type seldom appears these days. We have not detached the badge from the cap so we cannot ascertain whether it is in fact hallmarked to the rear but the appearance of the quality would lead us to believe it probably is.

VICTORIAN OR GEORGIAN CAP LINES. A set of rare gold woven cap lines for fitting to one of the early shakos of the Georgian or Victorian period.

WATERLOO SHAKO For further details of this ultra rare piece of early English head dress please view our special items page.