Antique Arms & Militaria
More Fabulous & Rare Pieces Added Every Day, & Some to Be Added This Coming Week On To The Lanes Armoury Website, Fresh From Our Conservation Workshop & Another Collection From the Workshop Early Next week
Early next week we have arriving a fantastic, large collection of original French Ist Empire Napoleonic sabres, from a very rare General's sword, an Imperial Garde Light Cavalry officer's sword, a very rare Grenadier a Cheval De La Garde Imperial sword, a General Staff of Light Cavalry officer's Sword,, Cuirassier officer's swords, an incredibly rare French Naval, Sabre D'Officier De Marine Model Prairelle An XII {1804 Trafalger } Officer's sword, Light Cavalry officer's sabres {some blue and gilt blades}, a rare Sabre D'Officier De Cavalrie Legere, with the Marengo pattern hilt, and a really very rare officer of the Carabiniers shell guard sword, plus several others. All are in superb condition for age. We also have a very rare 1940 MK1 'dove site' Bren gun, one of only 2,300 Bren guns left to defend England after the Dunkirk debacle. 27,700 MK 1 Bren guns were either left to the mercy of The Third Reich as captured booty, or, were destroyed on the beaches of Dunkirk. Thus this gun is either one of 2,300 remaining examples, or even rarer, { judged by survival rates} it one of the ones used by 'Jerry' against us!. This very rare earliest Bren Gun is now ‘Sold’
However, the good news is we have another good Bren {but manufactured later, post Dunkirk} arriving next week!
Just last week, for those with in interest in British Spycraft original collectables, we have some incredibly rare, original SOE WW2 items, including, probably, the best a rarest complete SOE Agents suitcase transceiver available, if not the best and most untouched ‘barn find’ of its type in the world!!. Just as would have been used by the one of history’s greatest heroines, Violette Szabo G.C. SOE espionage agent & radio operator. Plus, an SOE clamshell mine, and a SOE suitcase radio bicycle generator.
Also, American Civil War revolvers, such as by Remington, Manhattan, Starr, & Whitney, and very, very rare, US Civil War General’s sabre and knot complete, that is identical to General’s W.T.Sherman, J.E.B.Stuart, & John Bell Hood’s generals pattern swords. Plus, a Confederate British contract Tranter revolver. Also, a simply stunning collection of amazing sword sticks, all first division, some with full silver handles, others in very fine and beautiful woods, and all in incredible condition, plus, Samurai Ninja Shikome-zue sword sticks that are due in in a couple of weeks. Also an incredibly rare Qing Dynasty Chinese matchlock musket, one of the first we have seen in decades, a stunning WW2 RAF fighter scramble bell. An amazing 16th century ‘Holy Water Sprinkler’ a particularly gruesome looking pole arm of the rarest kind. A 1st Empire Napoleonic, French Cuirassiers sword, and a French Light Cavalry sabre by Nicolas Noel Boutet, a 17th to 18th century Royal Naval Admiral’s saw back cutlass, an Ancient Greek pure gold and carved scarab and intaglio swivel seal ring, around 2600 year old, and an ancient Roman noble’s silver & carved gemstone seal ring. A rare German 1930’s NSFK flyer’s summer helmet, some wonderful ancient samurai swords, a stunning pair of English, by one of the finest maker’s, original, cased, duelling pistols with tools, and an amazing antique samurai menpo face armour, and a really rare 1790’s French naval officers sea service pistol. Plus lots more as usual.
Just last Saturday we were simply delighted by an unexpected return visit from an old dear customer, a much respected London University professor and academic of numerous decades, who, amongst so many other things, lectures around the world on oriental studies, and was an advisor to Margaret Thatcher. He paid us the enormous compliment of declaring that despite travelling all over the globe, he has still never seen a shop so full of original antique pieces that are amazingly diverse, fascinating and historically eclectic anywhere else in the world. We thank you Professor P for your kindest of compliments. Another regular visitor on Saturday, a retired US Congressman, stated “ I know of no other shop in the world where you can buy a 300,000 year old Stone Age hand axe, and an ancient Egyptian mummy’s face mask and a 1st Gulf War Scud missile launching optical site, all under the same roof!”
We added last week the rarest of the rare. A wonderful selection of Flintlocks, Scottish, British Crimean War Sea Service Pistol, and a War Dept. Colt Navy, Crimean contract purchase, and as per the HMS Warrior armoury contract. Napoleonic, French, and British Swords, and American Civil War Swords. Antique Japanese Samurai Katanas, and WW2 Japanese Shin Gunto officer's swords, several 1st Editions of P.G.Wodehouse's, Bertie Wooster, ( the books have yet to be added) plus, lots more as usual
The Lanes Armoury is many things, including, but not exclusively, Europe’s Leading Original Samurai Sword & Armoury Antiques Gallery.
After over 53 years personal experience as a partner and director by Mark, since 1971, and over 43 years by David, we are Europe’s leading original samurai sword gallery, with hundreds of swords to view and buy online 24/7, or in our gallery in Brighton on a personal visit, 6 days a week.
It has been said that the Hawkins family have, in their sword dealing history, handled, bought and sold more original Japanese swords than any other sword dealers outside of Japan since World War I, numbering well into the tens of thousands of samurai weapons. In fact we still know of no better and varied original samurai sword selection, for sale under one roof, anywhere in the world today outside of Japan, or possibly, even within it. Hundreds of antique pieces for sale to choose from, and some up to 800 years old. We have had personal dealings {both buying and selling} with curators, experts and collectors from numerous leading museums around the world, {including Japan}. Such as The Tower of London, and the Metropolitan Museum in New York. Mark’s personal antiques mentor in the 1970’s was Edward ‘Ted’ Dale, when he was Managing Director and chief auctioneer of one of the worlds leading auction houses, Bonhams of Knightsbridge, London.
Both Mark and David can usually be found here at the gallery and shop, most days, often buried under a pile of swords, pistols, books and bayonets. It is always the case of ‘take us as you find us’ as they say, but they are both always delighted to chat about everything swords, guns, books and history, with no purchase necessary!
In memoriam
For over 30 years we had the enjoyment of the company of the late Christopher Fox as our consultant on Nihonto. A great friend to us all, and one of the most modest and knowledgable experts on Japanese swords in England. Also he was a member of the leading European sword appreciation society for several decades, and a student and instructor of the martial art of Iaido for four decades. The second in command so to speak of sensei Roald Knutsen, one of the worlds greatest experts and author on samurai polearms. {Chris was also a whizz on all things of a military nature from 20th century Germany.}
Did you know? the most valuable sword in the world today is a samurai sword, it belongs to an investment fund and has appeared illustrated in the Forbes 400 magazine. It is valued by them at $100 million, it is a tachi from the late Koto period 16th century and unsigned. Its blade is grey and now has no original polish remaining. read more
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A Superb Quality, Antique, Edwardian Hallmarked Repoussé Silver Handled Sword-Stick. A Most Elegant & Sophisticated Beauty In Near Mint Condition.
A wonderful repoussé silver long handle in super condition, a long bamboo haft with superb patination and a quatrefoil four sided edged blade.
Repoussé silver came into popularity during the rococo revival period in decorative arts. Silversmiths nationwide used the technique, but Baltimore was its greatest champion. The silversmiths there created a regional style featuring masses of repoussé flowers with chased details. (Chasing is opposite to repoussé, as it refines the front of the piece, and the two techniques are often used together). Known today as “Baltimore repoussé,” Samuel Kirk introduced this type of decoration in 1828. It was thoroughly copied soon after, but unlike his competitors, Kirk’s iconic pattern, simply called Repoussé, is still made today under the name Kirk Stieff.
And while America fell under the spell of neoclassicism, art nouveau, and other decorative styles, repoussé silver—outfitted in its rococo glory—has never fallen out of favour. When accounting for the style’s longevity, writer Jack Tanis noted the following in an article for Silver magazine: “What you see is what you get, and what you get is an eyeful of pretty—drippingly saturated pretty.”
Lord Byron's was a most exponent of the use and carrying of the gentleman’s sword stick. His was exhibited in King's College London, bearing a mercurial gilt collar bearing his name, coronet and adopted surname Noel. Upon the death of Byron's mother-in-law Judith Noel, the Hon. Lady Milbanke, in 1822, her will required that he change his surname to "Noel" so as to inherit
An interesting 19th century conversation and collector's piece, and one can ponder over of the kind of gentleman who would have sought and required such a piece of personal defence paraphernalia. Although one likes to think that jolly old England had a London full of cheerful cockneys and laddish chimney sweeps, it was also plagued with political intrigue, nefarious characters and caddish swine prowling the endless foggy thoroughfares and dimly lit passageways. The swordstick was a popular fashion accessory for the wealthy during the 18th and 19th centuries. While the weapon's origins are unknown, it is apparent that the cane-sword's popularity peaked when decorative swords were steadily being replaced by canes as a result of the rising popularity of firearms, and the lessening influence of swords and other small arms.
The first sword canes were made for nobility by leading sword cutlers. Sixteenth century sword canes were often bequeathed in wills. Sword canes became more popular as the streets became less safe. Society dictated it mandatory that gentlemen of the 18th and especially 19th centuries would wear a cane when out and about, and it was common for the well-dressed gentleman to own and sport canes in a variety of styles, including a good and sound sword cane. Although Byron was proficient in the use of pistols, his lameness and his need to defend himself in some potentially dangerous situations made a swordstick doubly useful to him. He received lessons in London from the fencing master Henry Angelo and owned a number of swordsticks, some of which were supplied by his boxing instructor Gentleman John Jackson.
On Byron’s sword cane was the name NOEL BYRON, upon the ferrule of his one indicated that it was used after 1822, when Byron added the surname Noel after the death of his mother-in-law.
There are several references to sword sticks in the correspondence of Byron and his circle. Byron wrote to Hobhouse from Switzerland on 23 June 1816 asking him to Bring with you also for me some bottles of Calcined Magnesia a new Sword cane procured by Jackson he alone knows the sort (my last tumbled into this lake ) some of Waite's red tooth-powder & tooth-brushes a Taylor's Pawrsanias Pausanias and I forget the other things. Hobhouse responded on 9 July: Your commissions shall be punctually fulfilled whether as to muniments for the mind or body pistol brushes, cundums, potash Prafsanias Pausanias tooth powder and sword stick.
In the entry for 22 September 1816 in Byron's Alpine Journal he describes how, at the foot of the Jungfrau,
"Storm came on , thunder, lightning, hail, all in perfection and beautiful, I was on horseback the Guide wanted to carry my cane I was going to give it him when I recollected it was a Sword stick and I thought that the lightning might be attracted towards him kept it myself a good deal encumbered with it & my cloak as it was too heavy for a whip and the horse was stupid & stood still every other peal."
In a letter to Maria Gisborne of 6-10 April 1822, Mary Shelley described the "Pisan affray" of 24 March, in which Sergeant-Major Masi was pitch-forked by one of Byron's servants. She recounted how Byron rode to his own house, and got a sword stick from one of his servants.
Sword sticks came in all qualities, and for numerous purposes, from the simplest bamboo sword cane personal defender to stout customs officer’s ‘prod’, to offensive close quarter stiletto dagger canes and even to the other side of the world in the form of Japanese samurai’s shikome-sue, hidden swords.
We show two famous sword sticks in the gallery, one that belonged to Lord Byron, and another in a Presidential Centre Library collection, a historic sword stick is part of the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Centre Library collection in Fremont, Ohio from the Waggoner family, the sword-cane was said to have been presented to Mr Waggoner by General George Washington in honour of Waggoner's service in Washington's Life Guard during the American Revolutionary War. read more
1495.00 GBP
19th Century 1850's English Tranter .36 calibre Double Trigger Revolver One of the Most Favoured Revolver's of The US Civil War Confederates
The Tranter revolver is a double-action cap and ball (percussion) revolver invented around 1856 by English firearms designer William Tranter (pictured below). The original Tranter’s operated with a special dual-trigger mechanism (one to rotate the cylinder and cock the gun, a second to fire it)
The revolvers in .36 and .44 calibre were popular with Confederate troops during the American Civil War and thousands of them were shipped from Birmingham, England to New Orleans under contract to the Griswold Company.
Tranter’s most successful series of arms were his “self-cocking” revolvers, which were initially introduced in 1853. The earliest revolvers utilized Robert Adams’ patent for a solid, one-piece frame and barrel that were machined from a single forging. Tranter’s initial production run of revolvers included both Adams 1851 Patent lock works, and Tranter's own patented lock works. The original “Tranter” type revolvers, known to collectors as 1st Model Tranter or sometimes “Adams-Tranter” revolvers due to the frame marking, had no provision for a fixed loading lever. The lever swiveled on a stud that projected from the left side of the frame, which had no provision to retain the lever when it was mounted on the revolver. The lever was intended to be stored in a case or carried in the pocket; hardly a practical solution if the user actually had to reload the revolver in the field. Most of these guns were manufactured on Adams Patent frames
Famous Tranter owners
Major Heros Von Borcke, CSA
The Pinkerton Detective Agency
General J.E.B. Stuart, CSA
Capt Charles Green, CSA
Chief Inspector Donald Swanson, Scotland Yard
Sherlock Holmes
Thomas Knowles
Murder of Peter Clark
The frame, under the grip bears a serial number 7 and another matching 7 partially under the spring , and another 7 on the wooden grip. The cylinder rotates sporadically and fires on the second trigger, the left side inverted Y safety spring has a thin arm crack, single nipple lacking. No maker engravings present, with regular view and proof stamps on every cylinder and barrel, both of which are standard features on all Confederate UK contract arms, read more
1650.00 GBP
Superb Large Signed Bronze Sculpture by Julius Schmidt Felling Circa 1900's of a Standing Youth
The large bronze statue shows wonderful patination, and this work shows amazing skill and definition.
Likely based on an Ancient Greek Olympian
Julius Paul Schmidt-Felling (1835–1920) was a hugely talented German sculptor who worked during the mid-to-late 19th century and early 20th century. The subject matter of his work was most wide and varied.
He produced, among others, bronze statues of heroic warriors, athletes, blacksmiths, and farmers.
A number of his sculptures of young children were in the Dutch colonial style, some being whimsical in nature.
His oeuvre included a wide array of sculptures, ranging in subject matter that included heroic warriors (often mounted on horseback), athletes, blacksmiths, and farmers. He sculpted a number of pieces featuring young children in primarily the Dutch colonial style. His output included some animal sculpture, too, but in lesser volume compared to other subjects. Some of his better known sculptures are small whimsical models of young boys smoking cigarettes and pipes. Schmidt-Felling was a very versatile sculptor.
The majority of Schmidt-Felling's work was cast in bronze and most pieces can be classified as being within the realism or art nouveau genres. Late in his career, however—during the art deco era—he produced a number of chryselephantine sculptures whereby both ivory and bronze were used together in the casting and construction process.
57 cm high read more
16th Century Militia Man’s “Morgernstern” or "Holy Water Sprinkler"Mace Flail Possibly From Germany. Also A Weapon of The City Guard and Watchmen of Germany or Switzerland
Long wooden haft with large protruding blacksmith nail spikes. An extraordinary intimidating weapon, crude, yet incredibly effective. A rare German PoleArm known as a Morgenstern ‘morning star’ or ‘Holy Water Sprinkler’. The holy water sprinkler (from its resemblance to the aspergillum used in the Catholic Mass), was a morning star used by the English army in the sixteenth century and made in series by professional smiths. One such weapon can be found in the Royal Armouries and has an all-steel head with six flanges forming three spikes each, reminiscent of a mace but with a short thick spike of square cross section extending from the top. The wooden shaft is reinforced with four langets and the overall length of the weapon is 74.5 inches (189 cm). This kind of war flail originated as a peasant weapon and was particularly popular in Germany and central Europe, also used by city guards and watchmen in Germany and Switzerland. Typically a long wooden shaft, with cylindrical head and arrangements of iron spikes. These weapons were frequently found in German armouries, and large fortified houses, and used by local standing militias and guards. A fine example believed to have been made for Henry VIII combining a gun mechanism with the spiked head is in the Royal Armouries collection in Leeds. This example is an iconic example, the head bears a long spike and further rows below of shorter spikes, very strong and four-sided. In good stable condition, old woodworm to surface not active. Length approximately cms. Dating to the 16th century.
Morning Stars were first popularized in Germany during the fourteenth century. The name (originally Morgenstern) seems to reference the shape of the head like a star – although this is not confirmed.
The Morning Star resembles a mace, which was developed somewhat independently. As the mace transitioned to being constructed of metal, the morning star kept its wooden shaft.
There are two very impressive examples of morning stars housed in the museums of Vienna. The first measures 2.35 meters in length (7 ft 9 in) and has a separate wooden head slipped over the top of the shaft and reinforced with steel straps. The spikes are arranged asymmetrically. The second has a head entirely made of steel and four V-shaped spiked mounted o a long shaft. There are also 183 specimens in Graz, made in series in the 1600s.
Morning stars have been depicted in medieval art, carried by armoured knights. In a 1486 poem, one is mentioned and described as “a rather simple morning star with spiked mounted in an asymmetrical pattern”.
The morning star was used by both infantry and cavalry. There were three types of weapon differing in quality.
The first was a well-crafted military type used by professional soldiers and made in series by expert weapon smiths in town arsenals.
The second, this example, was used by militia men and crafted from wood fitted with nails and spikes by a local blacksmith. For this type, the shaft and head were usually made of one piece which was sometimes reinforced with an iron band.
The third type was mostly decorative, made of metal and with a shorter shaft.
Overall 83 inches 6 ft 11 inches, {211 cm}
UK mainland delivery only, by our own company courier, {due to size} allow up to 14 days for delivery. Too long to ship overseas. read more
2250.00 GBP
A Noble Family Crested Victorian Officer's Artillery Cavalry Sword
Used from 1845 to around 1900. Bearing a family’s noble crest of a collared female griffon head facing sinister, and a pair of wings facing dexter, and a monogram J.D. etched with royal devices on a pair of lances and an artillery cannon, and typical florid decor.
Three bar cavalry type hilt, wirebound wood bound grip. overall russet surface.
The British Military forces have continually used artillery cannon in some form or another since the 15th century. Until 1716, they were provided by artillery trains, raised and disbanded on a campaign-by-campaign basis. But that year, King George I issued a Royal Warrant to set up two permanent field artillery companies of 100 men each. This force soon grew in size as the demand for artillery increased.
Other artillery regiments were also set up at this time, such as the Royal Horse Artillery in 1793, which provided artillery support to cavalry units. Some of these other regiments were merged into the main Royal Artillery, such as the Royal Irish Regiment of Artillery in 1801, and the artillery of the disbanded East India Company in 1862.
The Royal Regiment of Artillery and the Corps of Royal Sappers and Miners, as technical supporting Arms, lived in an alternative military world run by the Board of Ordnance. The commission purchase system was not extended to their officers, who were all professionally trained at the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich. The Gunners were organised into Field Artillery supporting the Infantry, Horse Artillery supporting Cavalry, and Garrison Artillery providing coastal defence and siege guns. Their field guns were relatively short range 6pdr and 9pdr muzzle loaders which had last seen service at Waterloo. The most commonly used all-purpose ammunition was solid iron round shot; with a direct accurate range of around half a mile for a 9pdr, it bounded along on landing like a well struck giant golf ball, to double the range on hard ground. Shrapnel, which exploded via a timed fuse, was particularly effective against massed troops in the open. Finally, Case, or Grapeshot, was the last gasp do-or-die shell; it operated at close range like a huge shotgun cartridge, scattering small projectiles forwards in all directions. Rates of fire were largely determined by the necessity for careful aim, and shortcuts on safety taken by the five man detachment. Two to three rounds per minute was generally taken as normal, and anything higher usually meant that the team were risking accidents.
Field Batteries and RHA Troops consisted of a mix of four field guns and two howitzers. Howitzers lobbed a larger shell as if from a lofted golf club onto a target, which might be hidden from sight. Howitzers did not fire round shot.
No scabbard read more
345.00 GBP
French Model 1874 "Gras" Sword Bayonet
This bayonet, made by scarce maker L Deny Paris in 1880, was the last of the French "sword-type" bayonets. It was manufactured to fit the French Model 1874 "Gras" Infantry Rifle, basically a refinement of the Model 1866 Chassepot Infantry Rifle. The "Gras" was manufactured from 1874 to about 1885.
The French wars during the useful "life-span" of this bayonet were:
Sino-French War 1883-1885;
Madagascar Wars 1883-1885 and 1895;
1st Mandingo-French War 1883-1886;
1st Dahomeyan-French War 1889-1990;
2nd Dahomeyan-French War 1892-1894;
2nd Mandingo-French War 1894-1895;
Conquest of Chad 1897-1914;
3rd Mandingo-French War 1898;
Moroccan War 1907-1912;
World War I (early). Blade 20.5 inches overall 26 inches read more
175.00 GBP
A Good King George IIIrd Period Belgian Light Dragoon Type Percussion Holster Pistol
Based very comparably to the British 1756 Light Dragoon pattern holster pistol, but made circa 1822. A very strong an robust pistol bearing numerous Belgian proof and military inspection stamps, and a Liege 1811 barrel proof stamp, brass skull-crusher butt cap with lanyard ring. percussion action, finest walnut stock that its surface has been fully relief carved with a snakeskin pattern, a cross, a heart and a serpent, and has a fabulous natural patina. strong mainspring, overall 16 inches long, 9 inch barrel. Set to a hair-trigger action read more
495.00 GBP
Another 180 Books Arrived on Saturday! Plus Dozens of Swords, Pistols, Arms and Armour. To Our Regulars Our Weekly E.mail Sendouts Resumed Today
We have simply had too little time to list, catalogue and photograph all our new additions.
New items arriving including several original US Civil War revolvers and sabres, a jolly rare piece of WW2 Section XII SOE sabotage kit, an amazing presentation huge leather bound tome filled with paintings of French Ancient Regime and First Empire army uniforms and swords helmets etc. A stunning collection of sword sticks of the highest quality,
We are trying our best to resume our usual latest additions send-out early this coming week. Apologies to our disappointed regulars. read more
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A Pair of late Ming to Early Ching Dynasty 16th to 17th Century Cavalry Stirrups
In antiquity, the earliest foot supports consisted of riders placing their feet under a girth or using a simple toe loop. Later, a single stirrup was used as a mounting aid, and paired stirrups appeared after the invention of the treed saddle. The stirrup was invented in China in the first few centuries AD and spread westward through the nomadic peoples of Central Eurasia. The use of paired stirrups is credited to the Chinese Jin Dynasty and came to Europe during the Middle Ages. Some argue that the stirrup was one of the basic tools used to create and spread modern civilization, possibly as important as the wheel or printing press. The stirrup, which gives greater stability to a rider, has been described as one of the most significant inventions in the history of warfare, prior to gunpowder. As a tool allowing expanded use of horses in warfare, the stirrup is often called the third revolutionary step in equipment, after the chariot and the saddle. The basic tactics of mounted warfare were significantly altered by the stirrup. A rider supported by stirrups was less likely to fall off while fighting, and could deliver a blow with a weapon that more fully employed the weight and momentum of horse and rider. Among other advantages, stirrups provided greater balance and support to the rider, which allowed the knight to use a sword more efficiently without falling, especially against infantry adversaries. The Ming Dynasty ruled China from 1368 to 1644 A.D., during which China’s population would double. Known for its trade expansion to the outside world that established cultural ties with the West, the Ming Dynasty is also remembered for its drama, literature and world-renowned porcelain.
RISE OF THE MING DYNASTY
The Ming Dynasty ruled China from 1368 to 1644 A.D., during which China’s population would double. Known for its trade expansion to the outside world that established cultural ties with the West, the Ming Dynasty is also remembered for its drama, literature and world-renowned porcelain.
Ming dynasty founder Emperor Taizu, or Zhu Yuanzhang, was born into poverty, and spent part of his youth wandering the country after his parents died following a series of natural disasters centered around the Yellow River.
The Qing [or Ching] dynasty, officially the Great Qing, also called the Qing Empire by itself or the Manchu dynasty by foreigners, was the last imperial dynasty of China, established in 1636 and ruling China from 1644 to 1912 with a brief, abortive restoration in 1917. It was preceded by the Ming dynasty and succeeded by the Republic of China. The Qing multi-cultural empire lasted almost three centuries and formed the territorial base for the modern Chinese state. After conquering "China proper", the Manchus identified their state as "China", and referred to it as Dulimbai Gurun in Manchu (Dulimbai means "central" or "middle," gurun means "nation" or "state"). The emperors equated the lands of the Qing state (including present-day Northeast China, Xinjiang, Mongolia, Tibet and other areas) as "China" in both the Chinese and Manchu languages, defining China as a multi-ethnic state, and rejecting the idea that "China" only meant Han areas. The Qing emperors proclaimed that both Han and non-Han peoples were part of "China". They used both "China" and "Qing" to refer to their state in official documents, international treaties (as the Qing was known internationally as "China" or the "Chinese Empire") and foreign affairs, and "Chinese language" (Dulimbai gurun I bithe) included Chinese, Manchu, and Mongol languages, and "Chinese people" referred to all subjects of the empire. In the Chinese-language versions of its treaties and its maps of the world, the Qing government used "Qing" and "China" interchangeably. read more
975.00 GBP