A Delightful Edo Period 1600 Japanese Noh Mask, Possibly Amazakuro Akujo

From the ancient Japanese tradition of mask drama that can trace its origins to the Bugaku Imperial Court dancing of the 9th century. Noh is the classical theatre of Japan which was codified in the 14th century under the father and son actors Kan'ami and Zeami under the patronage of the Shogun (supreme military leader) Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. The performances utilise masks and elaborate costume. This is a substantial though small size mask, robustly carved from a thick piece of hinoki, with the carving confidently executed. The original colour of the mask appears to be of a predominantly a pinkish skin colour over a very thin layer of gofun, with details of the lips painted in red. The whites of the deep-set eyes are with details. The high domed forehead and the raised eyebrows together with the delicately carved wrinkles add to the overall image of a benevolent deity. It is significant that the mask is called Omote, which means the front surface facing the audience. But there is a reverse side, too, called Ura, behind which the actor conceals himself. Unlike the smooth finished outer surface of a Noh mask, the Ura is a roughly finished indented shell with just two tiny holes, more rudimentary than what we might call eyes. By including himself in this primitive space, the Noh actor transforms himself into a person of another world and attempts to draw the audience after him, by radiating a sense of the existence and non existence of an inhabitant of that other world. This mask is of symbolic size, not a wearing type.

The Ayakashi mask expresses god or ghost possessed of mysterious powers. It is also used for a vindictive warrior. Okina (Old man masks) This type of mask originated from sarugaku, the predecessor of noh, in the latter part of the Heian period. This is the oldest type of noh mask.

The surface still has a large proportion of fleshy skin tones remaining, with areas of loses overall. This intriguing piece would make a superb display piece of famous Japanese traditional art.

6 inches x 4.25 inches.  read more

Code: 20901

A Japanese Edo Period Processional or Ceremonial Pole Arm Yari

Set on a very good mother o'pearl decorated haft. With a over lacquered blade cover. A yari on it's pole can range in length from one metre to upwards of six metres (almost 20 feet). The longer hafted versions were called omi no yari while shorter ones were known as mochi yari or tae yari. The longest hafted versions were carried by foot troops (ashigaru), while samurai usually carried a shorter hafted yari. Yari are believed to have been derived from Chinese spears, and while they were present in early Japan's history they did not become popular until the thirteenth century. The original warfare of the bushi was not a thing for "commoners"; it was a ritualized combat usually between two warriors who may challenge each other via horseback archery and sword duels. However, the attempted Mongol invasions of Japan in 1274 and 1281 changed Japanese weaponry and warfare. The Mongol-employed Chinese and Korean footmen wielded long pikes, fought in tight formation, and moved in large units to stave off cavalry. Polearms (including naginata and yari) were of much greater military use than swords, due to their much greater range, their lesser weight per unit length (though overall a polearm would be fairly hefty), and their great piercing ability. Swords in a full battle situation were therefore relegated to emergency sidearm status from the Heian through the Muromachi periods. Ceremonial yari were used for parades of Daimyo travelling through regions or traditional public ceremonies in the Edo era. MOP losses to haft.  read more

Code: 19524

A Beautiful, Victorian, Scottish Artillery Service Helmet of the First Renfrew and Dumbarton Artillery. Blue Cloth with Silver Badge, Fittings, Ball Top, & Rose Head Curb Chain Mounts and Chin Chain

Overall in superb condition, just the usual wear to the blue cloth surface The 1st Renfrew and Dumbarton Artillery Volunteers was a part-time unit of the British Army's Royal Artillery founded in Scotland in 1860.
The Artillery Volunteers were formed in response to perceived threats of invasion, particularly from France during the mid-19th century. By 1881, these units were well established as part of Britain’s auxiliary forces, providing coastal and homeland defense. The First Renfrew and Dumbarton unit operated in Scotland, drawing recruits from these regions, and contributed to local and national defense efforts.

Officers' helmets like this are prized by collectors for their craftsmanship and historical significance, offering a glimpse into the organization, pride, and traditions of Scottish Victorian-era volunteer forces.

The helmet plate is crafted with intricate detailing. Such plates were worn on the helmets of officers as a part of their formal uniform.

Central Emblem: The plate features a central badge, often incorporating a cannon or artillery piece, symbolizing the artillery unit, surrounded by wreaths of laurel and oak to represent victory and strength.

Crown: It is topped by a Victorian Crown (Queen Victoria's reign), indicating the era of service.

Unit Designation: The name "First Renfrew and Dumbarton Artillery Volunteers" is prominently displayed.

The enthusiasm for the Volunteer movement following an invasion scare in 1859 saw the creation of many Rifle and Artillery Volunteer Corps composed of part-time soldiers eager to supplement the Regular British Army in time of need.Three Artillery Volunteer Corps (AVCs) were formed in Renfrewshire and three more in neighbouring Dumbartonshire in 1860, and on 22 August 1863 all six were included in the 1st Administrative Brigade, Renfrewshire Artillery Volunteers, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel John Scott, with its headquarters (HQ) at Greenock:

1st (Greenock) Renfrewshire AVC formed 20 January 1860, four batteries by 1867
2nd (Greenock) Renfrewshire AVC formed 20 January 1860, absorbed into 1st in 1864
3rd (Greenock) Renfrewshire AVC formed 20 January 1860, absorbed into 1st in 1864
1st (Helensburgh) Dumbartonshire AVC formed 9 February 1860
2nd (Rosneath) Dumbartonshire AVC formed March 1860, moved to Kilcreggan 1866, disbanded in 1872
3rd (Dumbarton) Dumbartonshire AVC formed 24 December 1860, increased to two batteries 22 March 1869
When the AVCs were consolidated in May 1880, the administrative brigade became the 1st Renfrewshire (Renfrew and Dumbarton) Artillery Volunteers, shortly afterwards adopting the title of 1st Renfrew and Dumbarton Artillery Volunteers with the following organisation
HQ, Greenock
Nos 1–4 Batteries, Greenock
No 5 Battery, Helensburgh
No 6–7 Batteries, Dumbarton

In 1882 all the AVCs were affiliated to one of the territorial garrison divisions of the Royal Artillery (RA) and the 1st Renfrew & Dumbarton AV became part of the Scottish Division. In 1889 the structure was altered, and the corps joined the Southern Division. In 1899 the RA was divided into separate field and garrison branches, and the artillery volunteers were all assigned to the Royal Garrison Artillery (RGA). When the divisional structure was abolished their titles were changed, the unit becoming the 1st Renfrew and Dumbarton Royal Garrison Artillery (Volunteers) on 1 January 1902

During the First World War, it served with 51st (Highland) Division at the Battle of the Somme before being broken up. In the Second World War, the regiment saw action in the Battle of France, in the campaigns in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, the Greek Civil War and in North West Europe.  read more

Code: 25641

To Find Antique Arms, Armour & Specialist Books in the UK There is Only one place you need to visit. We Trust You Will All Enjoy Your Visit & Viewing Experience of Our Online Site, Frequently Described As The Best Militaria Collectables Site in the World

This week we be showing our usual intriguing and amazing selection of our latest rare and fascinating pieces, including some fabulous and most beautiful and historical collectables offered on our site over the past few days, including a stunning, ancient and exceptional 1700 to 1600 Year Old Spartha Sword of A Warrior of the Roman Empire's Invasions by the Huns and Visigoths. A 10th century ceramic 'Greek Fire' grenade, very rare example incised with overal flame decor and a flaming ball spout.
A Hun or Visigoth Horseman's Sword Spartha With Its Lifstein, the Magical Life-Stone, and Original Crossguard Plus stunning ancient Roman rings, one a Gladiator’s ring, also, Greek arrow heads, spears, lead sling bullets, antiquities and rings from an 1820 Grand Tour Collection. A Stunning Pair of Antique, Signed, French Rococo Patinated Bronze and Gilt Bronze Satyr & Bacchus Candelabra, Louis XVI, Signed Clodion. On Griotte Rouge Marble, Fluted & Truncated Columns, A Fabulous Museum Grade Samurai Daimyo's Art-Sword. From The Koto Era. A Samurai Wakizashi Sword By Master Tadamitsu With Rare Gaku-mei Nakago. Blade, Circa 1440-1460. Mino Goto Koshirae, With Deep Red Ishime Lacquer Saya & Black Silk Binding, plus we have added another rare, original Archaic Chinese Warrior's 'Bronze & Tinned' Jian Sword, 2300+ years old, from a collection we acquired, from one of the most respected and academically admired experts in ancient Chinese swords the UK,.... and so, so much more.

We Are Also Europe's Leading Original Samurai Sword Specialists.
We were listed by the world famous New York Times as one of the ‘must see’ places for Americans to visit when in Europe!! and regularly, as one of the very best shops in the whole of Great Britain. And bearing in mind, in the UK, recorded in 2019, there were 306,655 retail outlets,..apparently, so as you can imagine, the competition was pretty stiff.

Last year we were consultants on three seperate docu/dramas based around original historical warfare

For us it is vitally important that every customer, old and new, has confidence to deal with a well established, generations old company that believes every customer must have an enjoyable, successful and satisfactory experience, and you can know that you can also enjoy a personal one to one contact with our partners during any visit to our permanent gallery in Brighton, which for us is a priority.

Here are just two of our clients comments we received in the past few days.
‘Today the armour arrived. It was of the highest quality as always and I am more than satisfied. Kindest regards C.C.’ From New York

‘The swords arrived and are simply lovely. In fact, the Light Company sabre is especially striking, and it's out of this world. You take very fine photos but they simply didn't do this piece justice. The French sword has tremendous presence. It's hard to find French Napoleonic pieces over here, especially ones with little or no wear. Many thanks again”
A.G. From Australia

Enjoy our site, it has been over 100 years in the making!.

The history of the ‘Grand Tour’

Richard Lassels, an expatriate Roman Catholic priest, first used the phrase “Grand Tour” in his 1670 book Voyage to Italy, published posthumously in Paris in 1670. In its introduction, Lassels listed four areas in which travel furnished "an accomplished, consummate traveler" with opportunities to experience first hand the intellectual, the social, the ethical, and the political life of the Continent.

The English gentry of the 17th century believed that what a person knew came from the physical stimuli to which he or she has been exposed. Thus, being on-site and seeing famous works of art and history was an all important part of the Grand Tour. So most Grand Tourists spent the majority of their time visiting museums and historic sites.

Once young men and women began embarking on these journeys, additional guidebooks and tour guides began to appear to meet the needs of the 20-something male and female travelers and their tutors traveling a standard European itinerary. They carried letters of reference and introduction with them as they departed from southern England, enabling them to access money and invitations along the way.

With nearly unlimited funds, aristocratic connections and months or years to roam, these wealthy young tourists commissioned paintings, perfected their language skills and mingled with the upper crust of the Continent.

The wealthy believed the primary value of the Grand Tour lay in the exposure both to classical antiquity and the Renaissance, and to the aristocratic and fashionably polite society of the European continent. In addition, it provided the only opportunity to view specific works of art, and possibly the only chance to hear certain music. A Grand Tour could last from several months to several years. The youthful Grand Tourists usually traveled in the company of a Cicerone, a knowledgeable guide or tutor.

The ‘Grand Tour’ era of classical acquisitions from history existed up to around the 1850’s, and extended around the whole of Europe, Egypt, the Ottoman Empire, and the Holy Land.
As with all our items, they come complete with our certificate of authenticity  read more

Code: 23801

A King George IIIrd Royal Naval Fire Bucket Issued by the Board of Ordnance Circa 1790's. As Used on HMS Victory and The British Ship's-of-the-Line

Hardened leather with all riveted seams in excellent condition, and part leather handle. Bears the remainder of an applied royal crest. Broad arrow & Board of Ordnance stamp to the base. Fire aboard a wooden ship was a constant peril, from such as burning powder shot or cannon fire, or even from an enemy fire ship, and could be the destruction of a vessel and crew in a very short time, if not subdued as quickly as possible. Thus good and sturdy leather fire buckets were an essential piece of Royal Naval equipment aboard every vessel. We show a row of Royal Naval issue fire buckets {reproductions} aboard Nelson's flagship, HMS Victory, now in permanent dock at Portsmouth. It is still the flagship of the Royal Navy in honour of Nelsons famous victory at Trafalgar. Fire buckets have been popular with collectors and owners of period homes for a very long time, but especially the board of ordnance issue examples for naval warships. They represent a time long before most towns had established and well-equipped fire departments ready to respond at a moment’s notice to a house or shop fire, when people relied on their neighbours to come to their aid. The risk for catastrophe from fire was great. A single stand-alone house could be consumed in minutes. In towns, fire in densely populated neighbourhoods could quickly result in the destruction of dozens of buildings.

Between 1630 and 1700 Boston experienced at least six major fires that destroyed well over 200 buildings. Most fire buckets were likely purchased from merchant craftsmen who specialised in leather goods, or wholesalers who imported wares from England. The earliest reference for the sale of fire buckets in Boston comes from a 1743 newspaper where an advertisement from an unnamed merchant simply states, “A Parcel of Choice Fire Buckets to be sold.” it is very rare to find a mark or signature on a fire bucket that identifies its maker.

At Christies auction house on the 17th December 2015 a fire bucket of the same form and type, from HMS Victory, Nelson's flagship, sold for £6875. The ones currently shown in the photograph on the Victory are modern reproductions.
Leather handle split in two parts remaining  read more

Code: 24830

A Beautiful, Impressed Twin Head Profile Roman Oil lamp 1st to 2nd Century, Imperial Roman Province Period. From the Time of Pontus Pilate & King Herod, to The Eruptions of Pompeii

Clay with impressed twin busts of bearded men back to back. Footed base. Oil lamps are ubiquitous at archaeological sites across the Mediterranean region. They were a crucial part of life in many cultures. Practically speaking, they were a source of portable artificial light, much like a candle or modern torch or flashlight. They were also important in sacred settings. They were frequently used in ceremonies, given as votive offerings, or placed in burial chambers. Age of the Roman Emperors
Augustus’ rule restored morale in Rome after a century of discord and corruption and ushered in the famous pax Romana–two full centuries of peace and prosperity. He instituted various social reforms, won numerous military victories and allowed Roman literature, art, architecture and religion to flourish. Augustus ruled for 56 years, supported by his great army and by a growing cult of devotion to the emperor. When he died, the Senate elevated Augustus to the status of a god, beginning a long-running tradition of deification for popular emperors.

Augustus’ dynasty included the unpopular Tiberius (14-37 A.D.), the bloodthirsty and unstable Caligula (37-41) and Claudius (41-54), who was best remembered for his army’s conquest of Britain. The line ended with Nero (54-68), whose excesses drained the Roman treasury and led to his downfall and eventual suicide. Four emperors took the throne in the tumultuous year after Nero’s death; the fourth, Vespasian (69-79), and his successors, Titus and Domitian, were known as the Flavians; they attempted to temper the excesses of the Roman court, restore Senate authority and promote public welfare. Titus (79-81) earned his people’s devotion with his handling of recovery efforts after the infamous eruption of Vesuvius, which destroyed the towns of Herculaneum and Pompeii.


Richard Lassels, an expatriate Roman Catholic priest, first used the phrase “Grand Tour” in his 1670 book Voyage to Italy, published posthumously in Paris in 1670. In its introduction, Lassels listed four areas in which travel furnished "an accomplished, consummate traveler" with opportunities to experience first hand the intellectual, the social, the ethical, and the political life of the Continent.

The English gentry of the 17th century believed that what a person knew came from the physical stimuli to which he or she has been exposed. Thus, being on-site and seeing famous works of art and history was an all important part of the Grand Tour. So most Grand Tourists spent the majority of their time visiting museums and historic sites.

Once young men began embarking on these journeys, additional guidebooks and tour guides began to appear to meet the needs of the 20-something male and female travelers and their tutors traveling a standard European itinerary. They carried letters of reference and introduction with them as they departed from southern England, enabling them to access money and invitations along the way.

With nearly unlimited funds, aristocratic connections and months or years to roam, these wealthy young tourists commissioned paintings, perfected their language skills and mingled with the upper crust of the Continent.

The wealthy believed the primary value of the Grand Tour lay in the exposure both to classical antiquity and the Renaissance, and to the aristocratic and fashionably polite society of the European continent. In addition, it provided the only opportunity to view specific works of art, and possibly the only chance to hear certain music. A Grand Tour could last from several months to several years. The youthful Grand Tourists usually traveled in the company of a Cicerone, a knowledgeable guide or tutor.

The ‘Grand Tour’ era of classical acquisitions from history existed up to around the 1850’s, and extended around the whole of Europe, Egypt, the Ottoman Empire, and the Holy Land.  read more

Code: 23747

A Former Helmet Created From a Helmet in the Royal Collection. A Victorian, Italian Morion Helmet, Probably From Milan, Circa 1544. Likely Created by Instruction From The Curators Of the Royal Collection In Around 1873

This is likely a unique copy made in the 19th century directly from a fabulous helmet in the Royal Collection, in the Round Tower at Windsor Castle, and believed to be from the personal collection of King George IIIrd. Naturally as the original would never become available this is a unique opportunity to own a simulacrum from Her Majesty’s armoury. This stunning helmet was made in the 19th century using the incredibly advanced copper electrotype system with fully faithful and exact detail from the royal helmet. A system so exact in its ability to recreate an identical version of the original, it was considered by some to be a magical marvel. It has a slightly misshapen damage at the comb. The plume holder etched with a religious scene (possibly the Trinity) and the inscription LAVDAMVS TE (We praise Thee) . In the Round Tower at Windsor Castle in 1904. The collection of George III included ‘A Helmet English, Very Ancient Made of Iron – Embossed with Scrolls – Stars and Leaves had formerly been Gilt’, which was sent to the armoury from Buckingham House on 20 September 1821.

Item no. 2048 in the North Corridor Inventory, which records the arrangement of the Collection at Windsor Castle. We believe it was most likely made by instruction from the curators of the Royal Collection, that commissioned a identical copy made, possibly for the national museum collection, such as the amazing plaster copies of unique worldwide masterpieces in the V&A. Opened in 1873, the Cast Courts display copies of some of the world's most significant works of art reproduced in plaster, electrotype, photography, and digital media. The cast collection is famous for including reproductions of Michelangelo's David, Trajan's Column, and Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise, amongst many others. Electrotyping was an incredible chemical method for forming metal parts that exactly reproduce a model. The method was invented by Moritz von Jacobi in Russia in 1838, and was immediately adopted for applications in printing and several other fields. As described in a treatise, electrotyping produces "an exact facsimile of any object having an irregular surface, whether it be an engraved steel- or copper-plate, a wood-cut, or a form of set-up type, to be used for printing; or a medal, medallion, statue, bust, or even a natural object, for art purposes." In art, several important "bronze" sculptures created in the 19th century are actually electrotyped copper, and not bronze at all One of the earliest documented large-scale (1.67 metres (5.5 ft)) electrotype sculptures was John Evan Thomas's Death of Tewdric Mawr, King of Gwent (1849). The electrotype was done by Elkington, Mason, & Co. for the Great Exhibition of 1851. Link to see the original example http://www.royalcollection.org.uk. The gallery shows a photo of the original Italian morion still in the Royal Collection, but made in iron, however, it was originally fully gilded, which this copy still appears to be, likely in order to show how it once looked when it was originally made in around 1544 in Italy. It is not often any collector has the opportunity to purchase an absolute identical version of a piece of armour in the Royal Collection that was actually made from the Royal original. If the original were to ever come on the open market which it never will of course it would likely be worth six figures or even seven figures 1 million pounds plus due to its Royal connection.

Probably the most famous electrotype simulacrum seen today is the Wimbledon Women’s final trophy. See photo 8 in our gallery.

Tennis fame

The version held aloft as the Wimbledon Ladies Singles Championship trophy was made in silver by the firm of Elkington and Company of Birmingham in 1864. This version is known as the Venus Rosewater Basin, and was first presented at Wimbledon in 1886. Every champion since has had her name engraved on it. The reproduction of the basin was made by the electrical deposition of silver into a mould, and used the plaster cast of an Enderlein basin in the Louvre as a model. When it was first created, the Wimbledon reproduction represented the height of 19th century modernity and was at the forefront of technological innovation. The V&A has an electrotype version which was also made by Elkington, and was moulded from the same plaster cast, 12 years before the creation of the Wimbledon trophy.  read more

Code: 23222

A Most Fine, Antique, Original Regimental Embroidery Of the Royal Artillery, P Battery, 63rd Royal Field Artillery, With Crimean War, Canada and Boer War Battle Honours. One Of The Best Examples We Have Seen in 50 Years

Stunningly handsome embroidered regimental wreathed crest, with the field cannon and motto ‘Ubique’ of legendary ‘P’ Battery, and also bearing their later title the 63rd RFA. Royal Field Artillery

Likely stiched by an officer's lady from the regiment. A traditional pastime of the wives of the serving or past serving men from British Regiments in the army, or, by sailors themselves in the Royal Navy was the making of highly intricate embroidery of their regimental colours.

From the doomed attempt to seize the Russian guns by the Light Brigade at Balaclava, to the Siege of Sebastopol itself, artillery played a major part in the Crimean War. The official history of the Royal Artillery Regiment in the conflict is therefore indispensible to a full picture of the war. Original embroidery , made in the Victorian to WW1 period, nicely framed. With Crimean War, Canada and Boer War Battle Honours. The story of the 63rd RFA from 1899; The 63rd lost their guns on the Ismore. They were refitted and joined Buller in Natal in time to take part in the operations about Spion Kop and Vaal Krantz and in the final relief actions. One officer was mentioned in General Buller's despatch of 30th March 1900. The battery accompanied that general in his northward movement to the south of the Transvaal, and a section went with General Clery to Heidelberg. In General Buller's final despatch 2 officers were mentioned. Towards the close of 1900 and in 1901 the battery was employed about the Standerton line, and four guns accompanied the column of Colonel Colville which operated on that line and in the north-east of the Orange River Colony. Referring to an action near Vlakfontein, Lord Kitchener in his telegram of 22nd December 1900 said, "Colonel Colville attributes the small loss to the excellent shooting of the 63rd Battery and the skilful leading of Lieutenant Jarvis, 13th Hussars, and Captain Talbot and Lieutenant White of the Rifle Brigade". 34.5 inches x 29 inches in the frame.  read more

Code: 22530

An Original Ancient Medieval 13th Century, Knight's, Iron Battle Mace & Scorpion Flail MaceHead

A pineapple shaped iron head, with large centre mounting hole, for a leaded chain or a haft. The wooden haft as usual has rotted away, but could be replaced one day for display purposes. This is the type of War Mace that were also used as a Flail Mace, with the centre mount being filled with lead and a foot to a foot and a half long chain mounted within in, and then it was attached to a wooden haft, so it could be flailed around the head. Flattened pyramidical protuberances, most possibly English. Made for a mounted Knight to use as an Armour and Helmet Crusher in mortal combat. It would have been continually used up to the 15th to even 16th century. On a Flail it had the name of a Scorpion in England or France, or sometimes a Battle-Whip. It was also wryly known as a 'Holy Water Sprinkler'. King John The Ist of Bohemia used exactly such a weapon at the Battle of Crecy, for as he was blind, and the act of 'Flailing the Mace' meant that his lack of site was no huge disadvantage in close combat. Although blind he was a valiant and the bravest of the Warrior Kings, who perished at the Battle of Crecy against the English in 1346. On the day he was slain he instructed his Knights both friends and companions to lead him to the very centre of battle, so he may strike at least one blow against his enemies. His Knights tied their horses to his, so the King would not be separated from them in the press, and they rode together into the thick of battle, where King John managed to strike not one but at least four noble blows. The following day of the battle, the horses and the fallen knights were found all about the body of their most noble King, all still tied to his steed. It was his personal banner of the triple feathers that was adopted following this battle by the Prince of Wales as his standard, and still used by Prince William the current Prince of Wales today.

During the Middle Ages metal armour such as mail protected against the blows of edged weapons. Solid metal maces and war hammers proved able to inflict damage on well armoured knights, as the force of a blow from a mace is great enough to cause damage without penetrating the armour. Though iron became increasingly common, copper and bronze were also used, especially in iron-deficient areas.
It is popularly believed that maces were employed by the clergy in warfare to avoid shedding blood (sine effusione sanguinis). The evidence for this is sparse and appears to derive almost entirely from the depiction of Bishop Odo of Bayeux wielding a club-like mace at the Battle of Hastings in the Bayeux Tapestry, the idea being that he did so to avoid either shedding blood or bearing the arms of war. One of the Crusades this type of mace may have been used was the Crusade of 1239, which was in territorial terms the most successful crusade since the First. Called by Pope Gregory IX, the Barons' Crusade broadly spanned from 1234-1241 and embodied the highest point of papal endeavour "to make crusading a universal Christian undertaking." Gregory called for a crusade in France, England, and Hungary with different degrees of success. Although the crusaders did not achieve any glorious military victories, they used diplomacy to successfully play the two warring factions of the Muslim Ayyubid dynasty (As-Salih Ismail in Damascus and As-Salih Ayyub in Egypt) against one another for even more concessions than Frederick II gained during the more well-known Sixth Crusade. For a few years, the Barons' Crusade returned the Kingdom of Jerusalem to its largest size since 1187.
This crusade to the Holy Land is sometimes discussed as two separate crusades: that of King Theobald I of Navarre, which began in 1239; and, the separate host of crusaders under the leadership of Richard of Cornwall, which arrived after Theobald departed in 1240. Additionally, the Barons' Crusade is often described in tandem with Baldwin of Courtenay's concurrent trip to Constantinople and capture of Tzurulum with a separate, smaller force of crusaders. This is because Gregory IX briefly attempted to redirect the target his new crusade from liberating the Holy Land from Muslims to protecting the Latin Empire of Constantinople from heretical Christians.  read more

Code: 22991

A Super Royal Air Force Band Side Drum King George VIth

A super item in nice condition overall. During the reign of King George VIth the RAF gained its worldwide recognition as the greatest and most valiant airforce in the world during the 'Battle of Britain'. Combating the the most powerful and most successful airforce in WW2, until they came up against the determination, heroism and resilience of the RAF. Although hugely outnumbered by the Germans in the Battle, there were 2,353 Pilots from Britain, and they were valiantly accompanied by 574 volunteer pilots from; Poland, New Zealand, Canada, Checkoslovakia, Belgium, Australia, South Africa, the USA, Rhodesia, Newfoundland, Jamaica, Ireland, France and Barbados. Including within that number of heroes, an Irishman, Brendan "Paddy" Finucane, from Dublin County, who became an ace who would claim a total of 32 enemy aircraft. Finucane became the youngest Wing Commander in the RAF, a rank he received at the remarkably young age of merely 21. He was shot down and killed on 15 July 1942. Polish pilots were among the most experienced in the battle; Despite, at the beginning, not being understood or appreciated by the top ranks of the RAF, most had hundreds of hours of pre-war flying experience and had fought in the Invasion of Poland or the battle of France. The Polish pilots had been well trained in formation flying and had learned from combat experience to fire from close range. By comparison, one Polish pilot referred to the close formation flying and set-piece attacks practiced in the RAF as "simply suicidal". The 147 Polish pilots claimed 201 aircraft shot down. No. 303 Squadron claimed the highest number of kills, 126, of any Hurricane squadron engaged in the battle of Britain. The RAF recognises seven aircrew personnel who were from the United States as having taken part in the Battle of Britain, and apparently all bar two brave Americans perished. It is believed that another four Americans misled the British authorities about their origins, claiming to be Canadian or other nationalities. As a sidebar 11 volunteers from America may seem to be a somewhat small number, however, one must appreciate that, apparently, they were threatened, by the American authorities at the time, that any American serviceman who volunteered to fight for Britain would have their US citizenship removed and they would be imprisoned upon return to the States. Royal Air Force (RAF) is the United Kingdom's aerial warfare force. Formed towards the end of the First World War on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world. Following victory over the Central Powers in 1918 the RAF emerged as, at the time, the largest air force in the world. Since its formation, the RAF has taken a significant role in British military history. In particular, it played a large part in the Second World War where it fought its most famous campaign, the Battle of Britain.

The RAF's mission is to support the objectives of the British Ministry of Defence (MoD), which are to "provide the capabilities needed: to ensure the security and defence of the United Kingdom and overseas territories, including against terrorism; to support the Government's foreign policy objectives particularly in promoting international peace and security". The RAF describe its mission statement as " [to provide] An agile, adaptable and capable Air Force that, person for person, is second to none, and that makes a decisive air power contribution in support of the UK Defence Mission". The mission statement is supported by the RAF's definition of air power, which guides its strategy. Air power is defined as "the ability to project power from the air and space to influence the behaviour of people or the course of events" Expected signs of service use. As a footnote for those that are unaware, “Uncle’” Joe Stalin insisted at the end of the war that the incredible contribution by Free Poland should be ignored unrewarded and not even acknowledged by the world. This situation continued for some considerable time but fortunately and eventually the massive contribution by the Free Polish forces was acknowledged by the world and they were given the huge credit they deserved.  read more

Code: 21614