Antique Arms & Militaria

A Most Scarce and Beautiful African Congo Tribal Warrior's Shield, of the Mongo Tribe.

Long ovoid form shield with stunning geometric pattern decoration. Carved wood with rattan bound edging.

The Mongo are one of the Bantu groups of Central Africa, forming the second largest ethnic group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They are a diverse collection of peoples living in the equatorial forest, south of the main Congo River bend and north of the Kasai and Sankuru Rivers. This area is in the south of the province of Equateur and the north of Bandundu Province.

The Mongo speak either the Mongo language (also called Nkundo) or one of the related languages in the Bantu Mongo family. The Lingala language, however, often replaces Mongo in urban centers. Along with the Luba and the Kongo, they are the three largest ethnic groups in the country.

The Mongo ethnic group is divided into several tribes including Bolia, Bokote, Bongandu, Iyaelima, Konda, Mbole, Nkutu, Ntomba, Sengele, Songomeno, Dengese and Tetela-Kusu, Bakutu, Boyela.

Antique & Vintage original African tribal art is now some of the most desirable and sophisticated decor for national and international interior decorators.

Fine tribal artefacts have always been highly popular and in regards to interior decor, the height of sophistication, but recently it has become absolutely 'the' collectable art of the moment. As to be seen from far afield interiors such as in the 8th Arrondissement, in Paris particularly Avenue Montaigne, to Park Avenue New York, to Kensington Palace Gardens in London or the Piazza di Spagna, Via Condotti and Via del Babuino in Rome. All of the above we have had clients for such African tribal art and weaponry, as a statement focal point for their interior decor.

Super colour contrasts and design incorporating red ochre, cobalt blue, black and white. Red ochre is one of the very earliest pigments used by man, dating back to prehistoric times where it’s use is the basis of many Stone Age cave paintings

Overall in very good condition for age.

16 inches x 35 inches  read more

Code: 18653

A Magnificent & Fabulous Quality Antique French Rococo Silver Table Lamp

A wonderful example of the finest antique silver plate. Superlative quality of the highest grade, and of the most incredible beauty, from the Rococo Revival period that emerged from the King Louis Phillipe and Second Empire eras in France, and was then adapted in England. Revival of the rococo style was seen all throughout Europe during the 19th century within a variety of artistic modes and expression including decorative objects of art, paintings, art prints, furniture, and interior design. In much of Europe and particularly in France, the original rococo was regarded as a national style, and to many, its re-emergence recalled national tradition. Rococo revival epitomized grandeur and luxury in European style and was another expression of 19th century romanticism and the growing interest and fascination with natural landscape. Louis Philippe (1830-1848)

The rising bourgeoisie in France demanded rococo decorative-art objects as a reflection of status, wealth, and material possession. The bourgeois consumer purchased objects and furnishings from a variety of revival styles, including rococo, for its significance in historicizing opulence and grandeur.

Modern French Rococo furniture and decorative arts were characterized by their opulence elegance and grace. Its ornamentation consisted of delicate foliage and intricate details.13.5 inches x 8 inches. Excluding light fitting. Very heavy quality.  read more

Code: 21266

Original Victorian 7th Dragoon Guards Silver Cap Badge, 1898 1906

A superb example in pristine condition, not hallmarked silver. Crisp and sharp and superb quality. Part of a small collection of original rare Victorian badges we have just been most pleased to acquire. At Dettingen, Cornet Richardson of the 7th received thirty-seven wounds whilst defending the Regimental Standard. This standard is the oldest surviving in the British Army.
7th Dragoon horsemen carried out the last cavalry charge of World War 1 when they galloped for 10 miles to capture LESSINES in BELGIUM and the crossings there over the RIVER DENDRE suffering no casualties themselves, but taking 4 German officers and 167 men prisoners. As was required by higher command this action was completed as the clocks were striking 11 o?clock when hostilities had to stop in accordance with the terms of the Armistice.  read more

Code: 15968

A Queen's South Africa Medal to South African Constabulary Cavalryman.

A rare medal of the Boer War with three bars. Issued to 3rd Class Trooper R.G,Phillips.. 12 squadrons of the SAC were raised in Canada by General Baden-Powell. Many Canadians stayed on to live there after the war's end. One photo in the gallery of a group of SAC probably outside the HQ at Koffiefontein  read more

Code: 21866

A Super & Rare US Civil War Souvenir, An Original US Cavalry Gallagher Carbine Stock.

Ideal for the collector of rare Civil War arms that is not necessarily inclined to buy a full rifle for the several thousands of pounds it would cost, or, for an owner of a Gallagher that needs a replacement stock. If needed as such, it would normally be simply impossible to find an original example, in such wonderful condition, ever available on the collector market.

Fine walnut stock, with all steel furniture including the steel hinged patchbox, steel butt plate and side screw mounts. In superb condition and three figure serial number, 257 [repeated], stamped on the inner steel patch box lid. On the underside are several crudely carved notches, traditionally, are supposed to represent enemy soldiers that have been successfully 'introduced' to the horse soldier's shooting prowess.

The Gallager Carbine was conceived in 1860 by Mahlon J. Gallager. Receiving his patent on the 17th of July 1860, Gallager submitted his design to military trials. The design was approved and Federal forces issued a contract for Richardson and Overman of Philadelphia to produce the carbine. This contract resulted in 22,728 Gallagers to be produced before the end of the American Civil War, which was more than some other breechloading rifles (such as the Joslyn Rifle or Starr Carbine) but no where near as many as the Springfield Model 1861 rifled musket (whose production passed over 1,000,000 during the conflict).

The Gallager Carbine had a rather unusual breechloading design, using a modified version of the more typical lever-action mechanism to open the breech. As was the trend at the time, the lever effectively formed the trigger guard , and when pulled downwards slid the barrel forwards, before tiliting downwards. This then allowed the user to remove the spent cartridge (most commonly with a knife) and insert the new cartridge. The barrel was then pushed back into place, then locked when the lever was put into its upwards position, ready for firing.

Initially the Gallager was manufactured utilising a percussion lock mechanism, largely due to the fact that the quickest (and cheapest) cartridges to produce at the time were made of paper. This mechanism was not modified on later models, despite the use of metallic cartridges. Other features of the Gallager included iron fittings (ie the buttplate of the stock and patchbox) and a lack of a forestock.

The lack of a forestock is not that much of a suprise, however, as the shorter stock meant that the barrel could tilt once it had moved forwards (otherwise the barrel would have to have been allowed to move further to allow the user to load the new cartridge). Furthermore, because there was a lack of a forestock, the Gallager also lacked any form of barrel bands and also lacked the ability to have a bayonet mounted to it. The barrel itself had six grooves forming the rifling pattern and measured 22.25in (0.57m) in length.

Photo in the gallery of a US Civil War Horse Soldier with his carbine, sabre and revolver, also a photo of the complete Civil War Gallaghar Carbine in the Smithsonian  read more

Code: 24592

A Very Interesting Antique Civil War Period Belgian 1850's Colt Navy Copy Patent Infringement Revolver

An Antique Engraved Period Belgian copy Civil War Colt, Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver circa, 1850's, SN#.3568 , 6 1/8", .35 cal. octagon steel barrel stamped with (2) inspection/proof marks, a small "CROWN" over "R" and a small on the right side of the barrel just in front of the barrel wedge, with barrel stamped 'Cap System by Americain' and twin cross keys on the top flat with light to moderate pitting
Frame marked; sic "PATEND SYSTEM" on the right side. 5-Shot round cylinder with approx. 20% of the scene remaining possibly of Native American teepees. Two piece grip scales, main steel components are serial numbered and match, the cylinder, trigger, and cylinder ratchet pawl are all numbered 26. The action needs mechanical attention in that the trigger, and cylinder ratchet pawl, are not fitted in place. Several screws [around 5] are missing in order to fully assemble it. A jolly decent example of one of the many gun-makers attempting to infringe on Samuel Colt's Navy revolver of 1851.
Just some rudimentary engineering skills required to fully re-assemble and make good.

SOME COLT HISTORY: Samuel Colt had a difficult time when he patented the PATTERSON revolver in the late 1830's and did not really achieve success until he received a purchase order of 1000 newly designed massive .44 caliber "Walker" revolvers to arm Texas Ranger Captain Samuel Hamilton Walker for the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). The "Walker" Colts were delivered in 1847 which Captain Walker carried a pair into battle and was killed in action by a sniper's bullet while leading a cavalry charge at the Battle of Huamantla on October 9th, 1847.

Samuel Colts business started to flourish attracting world recognition upon the creation of the .31 caliber model 1849 "Pocket" revolver but then skyrocketed when the .36 caliber model 1851 "Navy" revolver took the scene. Colt had the proper patents both domestic and foreign to protect his designs but that did not stop competitors from copying his patterns. Colt was able to establish several license agreement's which includes having a representative at the Belgium proof house to monitor and charge the competitors a fee to have their copies inspected and approved. If approved, the top of the barrel was stamped "COLT BREVETE" indicating that the copy was of good quality and could be sold. However, many foreign gun makers would avoid the proof house and inspection and made their own fake proof marks and Colt Brevete stamps.  read more

Code: 24590

A Very Good Fur Cap Plume Badge Of The Royal Welch Fusiliers

An original metal, other ranks Fur Cap Grenade of The Royal Welch Fusiliers worn 1888 - 1908. In excellent condition and complete with its 2 long rear loops. In the nineteenth century, the regiment took part in the Crimean War, the Second Opium War, the Indian Mutiny and the Third Anglo-Burmese War. The regiment was not fundamentally affected by the Cardwell Reforms of the 1870s, which gave it a depot at Hightown Barracks in Wrexham from 1873, or by the Childers reforms of 1881 ? as it already possessed two battalions, there was no need for it to amalgamate with another regiment. Under the reforms, the regiment became The Royal Welch Fusiliers on 1 July 1881. The regiment went on to serve in the Second Boer War of 1899-1902.  read more

Code: 20603

The Lanes Armoury Gift Voucher Can Be The Perfect Solution

A Gift Voucher is often the ideal solution to leave the decision of the item to choose to the person you wish to gift. They can select any form of item whatsoever, such as samurai arms and armour, militaryantiques and militaria or books, and most importantly, they do not expire. They are valid forever. They are available from us for all values, from only £15 up to £15,000, and as required, and are entirely bespoke to the recipient. All are unique and customised for each and every occasion. We have priced this example in the gallery at £200 and the image shows our example £200.00 voucher, but you can specify any alternative amount at all in the 'comment' section in the Webstore Order page, or call us direct.

A pdf voucher can be sent to you within the hour during opening times from the shop.  read more

Code: 24553

Congratulations To Nat Edwards, The New Master of the Armouries at the Tower of London & Director General

Royal Armouries newly appointed director general, Nat Edwards, joins the Royal Armouries from the renown Thackray Museum of Medicine in Leeds.

Nat Edwards was previously the chief executive officer of Thackray Museum of Medicine in Leeds where he has overseen a £4m refurbishment of the venue since joining in 2018. He has worked in the sector for more than 30 years, including roles at the Science Museum Group, National Library of Scotland, National Trust for Scotland and Glasgow Museums.

The Royal Armouries has sites in Leeds, HM Tower of London and Fort Nelson in Hampshire. It employs about 190 staff and receives about 2 million visitors a year across its three venues.
Courtesy of the Museums Association

We were most honoured to receive a personal invitation by Nat to his first formal patrons event at the Tower, including a personal tour of the Line of Kings.  read more

Code: 24508

An Antique Australian Aboriginal Boomerang With an Elaborate, Super Chip Carving and Decoration

Stone carved, with beautiful chip-carving and a good patinated surface. Over decorated snake and symbol design.

The Australian aboriginal peoples boomerang has probably been around for at least 40,000 years. It is an iconic symbol associated with Australia. What most people do not realize is that many antique aboriginal boomerang don’t actually come back. Only a few of the many forms of old boomerang return.
Antique aboriginal boomerangs come in a large variety of sizes, forms, and decoration. Different boomerangs had different functions. This variation reflects the social and cultural diversity of Aboriginal people. Aboriginals were not one group but had over 200 language groups.

As mentioned most old boomerangs were not made to return. The function of most boomerangs is to hit and kill whatever they are thrown at. Some boomerangs were for hunting but others were for fighting. Some huge antique boomerangs were up to 2 metres long and function like clubs. The majority of aboriginal returning boomerangs were for hunting birds

The Aboriginal boomerang has great aerodynamic properties. It is capable of going 200 metres compared to a throwing stick, which will only travel 60 metres.

Aboriginal Boomerangs could have engravings or be painted with ochre for ceremonial purposes. These designs are not decorative. Designs relate to the Dreamtime ancestors and totems. Collectors like boomerangs with designs and simple chip carved examples.
The Aboriginal boomerang is also used as a digging tool, for making fire and as a club.
Collectors like boomerangs that are old, unique, and rare or have elaborate designs.
60cm x 7.8cm  read more

Code: 17519