3rd Century Roman Axe-Adze 'Dolabra' Roman Empire to Byzantine Period For The Construction of Military Forts & Bridges, To The Making of Seige Weapons, Such as Catapulta and Ballista In Times Of Combat Used From the 3rd to 14th Century. A Tool & Weapon

In complete condition, without repair and restoration, The form used by Rome for over a 1000 years. Just arrived after two weeks of hand conservation in our workshop.
Ancient Roman utility axe used from the construction of military forts and bridges, to the making of seige weapons in time of combat, and it doubled as an incredibly effective combat weapon. Almost identical to another iron dolabra recovered recently from the Harzhorn event, from the time of Emperor Maximinus Thrax 235 to 236 ad .{see photo in the gallery.}
The Roman Battle of Harzhorn ;
The battle between Roman legionaries and auxiliary troops and Germanic tribes around 235 AD on the western edge of the Harz Mountain.

The axe was a fundamental weapon of the Roman to Byzantine soldiers - both on foot and on horseback. Aside from combat, one of the main utility tools of the Roman army was the axe. The adze axe was useful in splitting wood and a fundamental tool needed to do everything from constructing military forts, to building large siege weapons such as catapulta and ballista. In times of war, these axes doubled as highly effective weapons, able to defeat armour, breaking bones and crushing skulls with a single blow. This specific adze axe 'dolabra' was found on an ancient battlefield with a large number of other iron weapons, over a century ago, indicating its final use was in combat. It has now been professionally cleaned and conserved by us recently..

This item was used by the Imperial Roman army and its type by the Byzantine Roman armies defending the Empire's northern border along the Danube River in the present day East Balkans. This region was the northern-most boundary of the Roman Empire for most of its duration and evolution into Byzantium right up until 1336 AD when the area fell under Ottoman rule. In the Balkans, Roman camps and fortresses along the Danube were constantly being challenged by opposing tribes and armies. The river served as a natural barrier against attacks from the north. Collected from a region that was once occupied by the Byzantine Roman military as they fought against the challengers of the Christian Roman Empire, they were utilized by Roman soldiers in one of the many violent and frequent battles that took place in defense of Byzantium.

The dolabra is a versatile axe, of two main types, used by the people of Italy since ancient times. The more curved and longer dolabra could serve as a pickaxe, used by miners and excavators, a priest's implement for ritual religious slaughtering of animals and as an entrenching tool (mattock) and further used in Roman infantry tactics. The shorter less curved regular dolabra (like this one) was used for both construction and combat In the 1st century CE, at the Siege of Augustodunum Haeduorum, where famously, armoured Gallic gladiators were defeated by legionaries wielding such dolabrae. See depictions carved into Trajans column in the gallery for their use in combat.
The Siege of Augustodunum Haeduorum (modern Autun, France) took place between 269 and 270 AD, during the reign of the Gallic Emperor Victorinus. The city, which had declared allegiance to Claudius Gothicus, was besieged by Victorinus' troops for seven months before being captured and plundered.

Early Roman Dolabra.
General Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo famously once said, "you defeat the enemy with a pickaxe"

We show in the gallery a recently excavated near pair to our dolabra found in the famous Harzhorn Event. Not only is it a near identical pair to ours, it was in the identical condition state as ours before both were conserved. See the photo of theirs and ours side by side in the gallery before and after conservation. Note the state of corruption of our iron dolabra {before connservation} is absolutely identical to the state of iron corruption of the Battle of Harzhorn recovered dolabra, before conservation, that had remained buried for around 1800 years, just as was ours.

The term Harzhorn event refers to several connected battles that took place between several thousand Roman legionaries and their auxiliary troops and an unknown number of Germanic tribes around the year 235/236 on the western edge of the Harz Mountains on the Harzhorn hill and represent a comparatively late example of the military presence of the Romans in Germania .

The archaeological sites are located near the Kalefeld district of Wiershausen on the northern edge of the Northeim district of Lower Saxony and initially covered an area of ​​2.0 × 0.5 kilometers (as of April 2009). At the end of 2010, another extensive site was discovered approximately three kilometers away. Both sites are considered by the scientists commissioned to investigate them to be spectacular discoveries of extraordinary scientific importance: Along with the Kalkriese region, they are the best-preserved ancient battlefield in Europe. This offers a unique opportunity to examine the archaeological remains of a Roman army engaged in combat.

To date, around 1,700 artifacts from the fighting have been found (as of summer 2013). Along with the Roman camp at Hedemünden , the Bentumersiel site , the Roman marching camp at Wilkenburg, and the Kalkriese region, the sites around the Harzhorn are one of the largest sites of Roman militaria in northern Germany. This find is also significant because of its context in the historical events at the beginning of the so-called Imperial Crisis of the 3rd century . Previously, historical research had considered such wide-ranging military operations by the Romans to be impossible at this time and in this area. According to current evidence, it is almost certain that the battle belongs in the context of the Germanic Wars of Emperor Maximinus Thrax in 235 and 236.

Dolabrae are mentioned several times in ancient literature, are depicted on the reliefs of Trajan's Column and appear in the finds of imperial military camps, but also in battlefield finds such as in Kalkriese.

11 inches long 2.1 pounds in weight.  read more

Code: 25810

A Most Attractive, Serpent, Bronze Age Power Bracelet, Armilla, & Arm Ring. A Fabulous 1000 B.C. Arm Adornment, With Most Beautiful Natural Aged Patination Colour of Rich Emerald Green, In Superb Condition With Substantial Heft & Gravitas

Ancient Bronze Age, in D section form, around 3000 years old.

Armillae , bracelets worn by the Ancient Romans, in both the early republic era and the later imperial age, from Augustus, the 1st Emperor, thereafter. They were always a sign of status and power, alongside the status ring, and often, when the shape of a serpent, they were to represent renewal and immortality.

The serpent was associated with the goddess Salus protector of health and well-being, making these bracelets highly sought after in ancient civilizations. In the pre-Roman era they often had a connection to Cernunnos, the ram horned serpent. A Celtic pagan deity, sometimes depicted with horns, and, as a serpent, Cernunnos represents the earth, fertility, and the cycles of nature.

In recovered ancient art and statuary one can see great warriors and nobles adorned with such serpent based arm rings, especially in Ancient Egypt representing the Sacred Serpent Goddess Wadjet

Snake jewelry was not limited to Egypt in the Ptolemaic and Roman Periods, and, in fact, was not a traditional Egyptian sort of jewelry adornment before the Ptolemaic Period although it was very popular as an art form. Bracelets with animals, including snakes, appeared in Western Asia from about the eighth century BC, and spread to Greece in the fifth century BC, and came to Egypt mainly with the Ptolemaic Dynasty. In Greek culture there were certainly healing associations with snakes, but there may have been other associations, too.

Pictures in the gallery are of Ancient Egyptian wall art from tombs, depicting figures adorned with Wadget snake Goddess bracelets, arm rings, and crowns. Detail, from the second gilded shrine of King Tutankhamen, 13th century BCE

(Left) detail paintings of “The Roses of Heliogabalus,” Lawrence Alma-Tadema, 1888 | (Right) and “Portrait of Simonetta Vespucci,” Piero di Cosima, 1480

Gold Snake Rings, Roman Period, 1st century AD, the Metropolitan Museum of Art

2.6 inches across, just under 3 ounces in weight, maximum thickness 0.4 inch  read more

Code: 25804

A Delightful & Most Beautiful Edo Period, Japanese Kaiken {Or Kwaiken} Tanto, with Beautifull Hamon Wonderful Polish and Horimono Mei Signature "Made by Tama of the Ichimonji School, Unrivaled Under Heaven."

天下無双一文字珠作
Tenka Musō, a famous Japanese idiom meaning "Peerless in the world" or "Unparalleled under heaven."

A kaiken is a small tanto carried by both samurai men and women for close-quarters or indoor self-defense where longer swords like the katana were impractical.

In the case of women's protection, for traditional samurai wives and daughters, they kept the taiken dagger tucked in their sash for personal safety or as a wedding gift symbolizing family honour

Potentially used historically to swiftly cut the carotid artery to preserve honour in moments of extreme crisis, as a form of ritual suicide (Jigai).

The traditionally made smith made blade is incredibly similar to the type of kaiken seppuku tanto that was presented to the Zero pilots, the 'kamikaze' in WW2, and worn around their neck.

The type as were presented to the WW2 Zero pilots before their Kamikaze suicide missions and also given to or purchased by Kaiten pilots, the Japanese navy's one man human suicide torpedoes. Photo in the gallery shows a WW2 'Kamikaze' pilot being issued his suicide Seppuku tanto in the Kaiten ceremony. Originally they could have had an exterior brown leather cover and neck strap. The pilot had the choice whether to commit suicide, or not. It was not an order, nor directive and if the pilot missed the ship he had the option of killing himself to ask forgiveness of the honourable ancestors for his failure, as many of the planes had only enough fuel for a one way trip. Because the Zero pilot was belted into a very narrow seat and wearing many layers of his cold atmospheric pilot's flying suit with the addition of his life vest; it would be impossible for the aeronautical pilot to commit traditional ritual seppuku. It is said the procedure was to pull the knife out from it's neck sheath and thrust it straight into the throat much like the ladies form of seppuku.

In recognition of the unfavourable progress of the war, towards the end of 1943 the Japanese high command considered suggestions for various suicide craft. These suggestions were initially rejected, but later deemed necessary. Various suicide craft were developed in the Japanese Special Attack Units.

For the Navy, this meant Kamikaze planes, Ohka piloted bombs, Shinyo suicide boats, Kaiten submarines, and Fukuryu suicide divers or human mines. The Kamikazes were somewhat successful, and the second most successful were the Kaitens.

Research on the first Kaiten began in February 1944, followed on 25 July of the same year by the first prototype. By 1 August, an order for 100 units had been placed.

The island of Ōzushima, in the Inland Sea, was used as a training site. The island was equipped with cranes, torpedo testing pits, and launch ramps, and had a large shallow bay for test running and firing. The Kaiten Memorial Museum is now situated there.

Kaiten pilots were all men aged between 17 and 28. Initial training consisted of sailing fast surface boats by periscope and instrument readings alone. When a pilot had advanced past this basic training, he would begin training on Kaitens. Training craft were fitted with a dummy warhead that contained telemetry equipment and an emergency blowing tank that could return the craft to the surface should the trainee dive to a dangerous depth. Kaiten training started with basic circular runs to and from a fixed landmark at a reduced speed; the training advanced to faster and more hazardous runs around rocks and through channels in deeper waters. The more difficult runs required the pilot to surface and check the periscope repeatedly, and required conscientious adjusting of trim tank levels because of the reducing weight as oxygen was used up. When the instructors were confident about a pilot's abilities, they would advance the pilot to open water training against target ships. Training at this level was often done at full attack speed, and either at night or in twilight. The final phase of training would be a submarine launch and more open water attack runs on target ships.

Training was dangerous, and 15 men died in accidents, most commonly collisions with the target vessels. Although the warheads were only dummies, the impact at ramming speed was enough to both cripple the Kaiten and severely injure the pilot.

In action, the Kaiten was always operated by one man, but the larger training models (Types 2, 4, and 5) could carry two or even four.

Kaiten pilots who were leaving for their final missions would leave testaments and messages behind for their loved ones

blade length approx 5 inches long, overall in saya 8.25 inches long  read more

Code: 26379

Royal Gurkha Rifles, Pouch Belt Badge & Plate - Silver Plate "Come and fight a Gurkha!" Gurkha Lachhiman Gurung VC Who Single Handedly Fought Off & Beat 200 Japanese With One Hand Blown Off & Blinded in 1 Eye By Grenade

Large post 1953 pattern Gurhka Regt. silver plated cross-belt plate, with backing mount plate, in excellent condition.

Considered to be one of the greatest and bravest regiments in the world. The very finest men to fight alongside, and the very, very worst to fight against.

"Ayo Gorkali" the battle cry of the Gurkhas, "The Gurkhas Are Coming", has been known to instill terror in any confronted enemy of the Gurkhas. Many battle hardened Japanese infantrymen in WW2, and Argentinian soldiers in The Falklands were known to have run and fled or surrendered immediately upon that battle cry being heard.

The Royal Gurkha Rifles (RGR) is a rifle regiment of the British Army, forming part of the Brigade of Gurkhas. Unlike other regiments in the British Army, RGR soldiers are recruited from Nepal, which is neither a dependent territory of the United Kingdom nor a member of the Commonwealth.

Just one example of Gurkha heroism is Corporal Dip Prasad Pun of the 1st battalion (1 RGR) was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for an act of bravery during the War in Afghanistan in 2010. He alone defended his outpost against a force of up to 12 Taliban fighters. He fired more than 400 rounds, 17 grenades, and one mine. He resorted to fighting with his machine gun tripod after his ammunition had run out

The battle honours of the Royal Gurkha Rifles are as follows:29

Amboor, Carnatic, Mysore 1792, Assaye 1803, Ava 1852, Burma 1885–87, Bhurtpore, Aliwal, Sobraon, Delhi 1857, Kabul 1879, Afghanistan 1878–80, Kandahar 1880, Tirah, Punjab Frontier, Afghanistan 1919
First World War: La Bassée 1914, Festubert 1914–15, Givenchy 1914, Neuve Chapelle, Aubers, Loos, France and Flanders 1914–15, Egypt 1915, Tigris 1916, Kut al Amara 1917, Baghdad, Mesopotamia 1916–18, Persia 1918, Baluchistan 1918, Helles, Krithia, Suvla, Sari Bair, Gallipoli 1915, Suez Canal, Egypt 1915–16, Khan Baghdadi, Mesopotamia 1916–18, Persia 1916–1918, North West Frontier India 1915–17, Egypt 1915, Megiddo, Sharon, Palestine 1918, Shaiba, Kut al Amara 1915–17, Ctesiphon, Defence of Kut al Amara, Baghdad, Sharqat, Mesopotamia 1915–18
The Second World War: Tobruk 1942, El Alamein, Akarit, Tunis, Cassino 1, Poggio Del Grillo, Gothic Line, Tavoleto, Coriano, Santacangelo, Monte Chicco, Bologna, Medicina, Italy 1944-45, Jitra, Slim River, Sittang 1942, 1945, Kyaukse 1942, 1945, North Arakan, Imphal, Tuitum, Bishenpur, Tengnoupal, Shwebo, Kyaukmyaung Bridgehead, Mandalay, Myinmu Bridgehead, Fort Dufferin, Meiktila, Irrawaddy, Rangoon Road, Chindits 1943,44 & 45, Tamandu, Maymyo
Falklands War.

Picture 8 in the gallery is of Jemadar Jangia Bullets Thapa, 5th Gurkha Regiment, 1890

One of Major-General Frederick Roberts's orderlies during the 2nd Afghan War (1878-1880), Jemadar Jangia Thapa was nicknamed 'Bullets' because regimental tradition had it that he had once been hit on the forehead by a bullet which had been completely flattened without causing him the least discomfort. Thapa was admitted to the Second Class of the Order of British India in April 1897 and was selected as one of the representatives for India at the inauguration of the Australian Commonwealth in January 1901.

One of the most famous Gurkhas in the British Army

Lachhiman Gurung VC ( 30 December 1917 – 12 December 2010) was a Nepalese–British Gurkha recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He is best known as the "Gurkha who took on 200 soldiers with only one hand" because of his actions in World War II.

On 12/13 May 1945 at Taungdaw, Burma now Myanmar, Rifleman Lachhiman Gurung was manning the most forward post of his platoon which bore the brunt of an attack by at least 200 of the Japanese enemy. He hurled back two hand grenades which had fallen on his trench, but the third exploded in his right hand after he attempted to throw it back, blowing off his fingers, shattering his arm and severely wounding him in the face, body and right leg. His two comrades were also badly wounded but the rifleman, now alone and disregarding his wounds, loaded and fired his rifle with his left hand for four hours (all while he screamed "Come and fight a Gurkha!"), calmly waiting for each attack which he met with fire at point blank range.

His citation in the London Gazette ends with...

...Of the 87 enemy dead counted in the immediate vicinity of the Company locality, 31 lay in front of this Rifleman's section, the key to the whole position. Had the enemy succeeded in over-running and occupying Rifleman Lachhiman Gurung's trench, the whole of the reverse slope position would have been completely dominated and turned.

This Rifleman, by his magnificent example, so inspired his comrades to resist the enemy to the last, that, although surrounded and cut off for three days and two nights, they held and smashed every attack.

His outstanding gallantry and extreme devotion to duty, in the face of almost overwhelming odds, were the main factors in the defeat of the enemy.1

He received his Victoria Cross from the Viceroy of India, Field Marshal Lord Wavell at the Red Fort in Delhi on 19 December 1945

Four threaded mounting screw posts, with two affixing rounded nuts present.
93mm x 75mm  read more

Code: 24442

A Most Rare Victorian, Anglo Indian, British Raj, Silver 105th (Madras Light Infantry) Officer Glengarry Badge

From the British Raj, one of the most desirable eras of collectable militaria of Anglo Indian history. Pre 1881 Silver coiled bugle horn couched within crowned sprays of laurel and palm, the horn with central floreate numerals 105, on the curl of the horn Madras Light Infty.. A scroll on the junction of the leaf sprays Cede Nullis. Sealed in 1876. Became the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry in 1881 The 105th Regiment of Foot (Madras Light Infantry) was an infantry regiment of the British Army from 1862 to 1881, when it was amalgamated into The King's Own Light Infantry (South Yorkshire Regiment).

The regiment was originally raised by the Honourable East India Company in 1839 as the 2nd Madras (European) Regiment, redesignated the 2nd Madras (European) Light Infantry in 1842, and served in the Indian Mutiny of 1857. As with all other "European" units of the Company, they were placed under the command of the Crown in 1858, and formally moved into the British Army in 1862, ranked as the 105th Foot.

As part of the Childers Reforms in 1881, the regiment was amalgamated with the 51st (the 2nd Yorkshire West Riding) or King's Own Light Infantry Regiment to form The King's Own Light Infantry (South Yorkshire Regiment).  read more

Code: 19050

A WW2 German, Third Reich Period, Police Ordnungspolizei Helmet Complete with Original Liner and Chinstrap

The pattern of helmet designed for service in the German Police. Complete with its original leather liner and its chinstrap present and spring clip-buckle. Interior skull stamped Din 1494 with maker monogram logo stamp used for traceability on industrial hardware components in WW2.

Reichsfuhrer-SS Heinrich Himmler was named Chef der Deutschen Polizei im Reichsministerium des Innern (Chief of German Police in the Interior Ministry) on 17 June 1936 after Hitler announced a decree which was to "unify the control of police duties in the Reich". Traditionally, law enforcement in Germany had been a state and local matter. In this role, Himmler was nominally subordinate to Interior Minister Wilhelm Frick. However, the decree effectively subordinated the police to the SS, making it virtually independent of Frick's control. Himmler gained authority as all of Germany's uniformed law enforcement agencies were amalgamated into the new Ordnungspolizei, whose main office became populated by officers of the SS.

The police were divided into the Ordnungspolizei (Orpo or regular police) and the Sicherheitspolizei (SiPo or security police), which had been established in June 1936. The Orpo assumed duties of regular uniformed law enforcement while the SiPo consisted of the secret state police (Geheime Staatspolizei or Gestapo) and criminal investigation police (Kriminalpolizei or Kripo). The Kriminalpolizei was a corps of professional detectives involved in fighting crime and the task of the Gestapo was combating espionage and political dissent. On 27 September 1939, the SS security service, the Sicherheitsdienst (SD) and the SiPo were folded into the Reich Main Security Office (Reichssicherheitshauptamt or RSHA). The RSHA symbolized the close connection between the SS (a party organization) and the police (a state organization). Police Battalions (SS-Polizei-Bataillone), for various auxiliary duties outside of Germany, including anti-partisan operations, construction of defense works (i.e. Atlantic Wall), and support of combat troops. Specific duties varied widely from unit to unit from one year to another. Generally, the SS Polizei units were not directly involved in combat. Some Police Battalions were primarily focused on traditional security roles of an occupying force while others were directly involved in the Holocaust. This latter role was obscured in the immediate aftermath of World War II, both by accident and by deliberate obfuscation, when most of the focus was on the better-known Einsatzgruppen ("Operational groups") who reported to the Reichssicherheitshauptamt (RSHA Reich Main Security Office) under Reinhard Heydrich.  read more

Code: 26377

Silver WW1 1915 German Christmas Medal, By Karl Goetz - August von Mackensen - {AKA The Last Hussar} Christmas on the Battlefield

WEIHNACHT IM FELD 1915 (“Christmas in the Field 1915”).

Anton Ludwig Friedrich August Mackensen (ennobled as von Mackensen in 1899; 6 December 1849 – 8 November 1945), was a German field marshal. He commanded Army Group Mackensen during World War I (1914–1918) and became one of the German Empire's most prominent and competent military leaders. After the armistice of 11 November 1918, the victorious Allies interned Mackensen in Serbia for a year. In 1920, he retired from the army. In 1933 Hermann Göring made him a Prussian state councillor. During the Nazi era (1933–1945), Mackensen remained a committed monarchist and sometimes appeared at official functions in his World War I uniform. Senior Nazi Party members suspected him of disloyalty, but nothing was proven against him.

Made in silvered metal  read more

Code: 25934

A Superb Antique Burmese Daggar, A Shan Aristocracy Noble's High Status Dha Hmyaung. His Personal Knife With Carved Rhino Horn Handle Circa 1770 to 1800. Most High Status Dha Hmyaung Daggars Feature The Cultural Influence Of The Shan People of Burma

A fine example with good quality blade, slightly curved single cutting edge. The hilt is superbly hand carved from white rhino horn. These fine hilts are often associated with the Moulmein and Pyinmana workshops in Southern and Central Burma.
The scabbard is made of two panels of a very dark and dense patinated hardwood which is bound with complex multiple bands in a geometric, herringbone pattern, bound silver and copper wire. The silver wire binding has now aged to black as usual due to aged oxidisation.

A utility knife and formal status symbol among higher ranks of Burmese nobility.

The history of the Shan nobility centers on the Saophas (traditionally spelled Sao Phaa or Sawbwa in Burmese), hereditary rulers whose title translates literally to "Lords of the Sky" or "Celestial Lords". For nearly a millennium, this distinct aristocratic class governed an intricate network of semi-independent principalities across the Shan Plateau in modern-day Myanmar, Thailand, China, and Laos.
Powerful northern Shan states—such as Möng Yang, Möng Kawng, and Hsenwi—formed formidable alliances. In 1527, the Confederation of Shan States successfully captured the Ava Kingdom, positioning the Shan nobility as the dominant rulers of Upper Burma for decades

To ensure stability, Burmese monarchs and Shan nobility engaged in strategic intermarriages. In exchange for local authority, Saophas provided essential tax tribute and thousands of levies to fight in royal Burmese armies

When the British Empire annexed Upper Burma in 1885, they chose not to dismantle the traditional Shan social hierarchy. Saophas maintained their judicial powers, revenue collection, and lavish royal lifestyles inside their traditional palaces, known as Haws. They ruled over a highly stratified feudal society where farmers and commoners paid direct allegiance to their local hereditary lord.

In 1962 Burmese General Ne Win seized absolute power via a military coup, entirely abolishing the federal constitution. Dozens of Shan leaders, including former President Sao Shwe Thaik, were arrested and imprisoned; many died in custody or vanished.

A comparable status knife, but with a carved ivory handle, is on display in – The Metropolitan Museum of Art New York acc.nr. 36.25.998

Not suitable to export outside of the UK mainland  read more

Code: 26376

A Fine & Fabulous, Koto To Shinto Period, Rare, Original Antique Japanese Shikomi-zue 仕込み杖, "Prepared Cane". A Traditional, ‘Hidden Sword Stick’, 400 to 500 Years Old. With a Sakura Branch Trompe-l'œil Concealment

This is one of the most beautiful, early bladed swords of its type we have ever seen, with a breathtaking chisa katana blade, up to around 400 to 500 years old, with a spectacular hamon and hada, and its gilt habaki blade collar. All cunningly concealed within an innocent looking {simulated} black sekura tree branch. It is a particularly strong and stout cane, and in its day {and in fact, it still is} would have been extremely capable and effective as a cane to aid perambulation.

A very fine, masterwork by a finest, Koto period to early Shinto, sword smith. A samurai blade, of superb quality, in stunning polish, showing a wonderously, vivid and complex hamon of immense beauty.

Very finely carved Edo period wooden saya and tsuka, disguise decorated, with ishime urushi stone finished lacquer, in order to 'deceive the eye' {Trompe-l'œil} and to imitate a black bark sakura tree branch walking stick.

The early blade is superb, but it was covered in antique Victorian preservative clear lacquer, we are had it professionally artisan removed, in order to reveal the stunning polish of the blade.. Overall this super rare piece is in fantastic condition for age.

In the 1870's the Meiji Emperor disbanded the fuedal samurai order and banned the wearing of the sword. This created much unrest between the samurai and the government and some samurai moved to carrying 'shikome-zue' the hidden sword.

Therefore, via a circuitous route of deception, they still remain armed, but, with their katana concealed and hidden from public view. But by that deception they felt, least in part, their honour remained intact. With their most elegant and finest bespoke blade upon their person.

In ninjutsu shikomizue became quite popular, as it provided the night warriors with what they needed most – versatility, secrecy and mortality.

The walking stick was popular among all the classes of japanese society and carrying it caused no suspicion at all. Combined with the impersonation skills, shikomizue was really a dangerous and most advabntagouly concealed weapon, enabling attack of ones enemy or even assassin, most suddenly and with deadly skill.

This is possibly one of the nicest of it's types we have ever seen. The blade is typical chisa katana with elegant curvature. Very nice hamon in very nice polish {once cleaned}. The stick is fully and superbly hand carved and over lacquered in urushi to simulate an anonymous prunus tree branch walking stick.

This piece was absolutely the sword of choice of the world reknown, fictional, blind samurai, Zatoichi.

He does not carry a traditional katana, instead using a very well traditionally made shikomi-zue (cane sword) within a sakura branch Trompe-l'œil concealment, exactly as this sword is mounted.

Zatoichi's cane sword shikome-zue, was forged by a famous master bladesmith, and is of superior quality, just like this rare, fine and beautiful traditional ancient chisa katana bladed example.

A conversation piece par excellance, now for collectors display only.

We show in the gallery a modern Japanese painting of Zatoichi, an old poster of the blind swordsman movie, and, an 1817 Japanese print by Hokusai of his depiction of an all black clad warrior, a so called ninja, climbing a rope, with what appears to be his identical mounted black shikome-zue hidden sword stick. For historical context purposes.

16 inch blade. 35.5 inches long overall  read more

Code: 26361

A Superb Officer's 'Bombay Bowler' Sun Hat, The Favourite Pith Helmet Sun Hat Type of Sir Winston Churchill, Made by the Bombay Hatworks In Bangalore. In Excellent Condition

Churchill famously donned his Bombay Bowler alongside his custom zip-up "siren suit" while inspecting troops at El Alamein, Egypt, in August 1942 and across Tunisia in 1943.

Churchill flew into Cairo, Egypt, on August 5, 1942, following a string of disastrous British defeats against German General Erwin Rommel.
Facing political pressure at home, Churchill took bold action to restructure the military command. He sacked General Claude Auchinleck as Commander-in-Chief Middle East. He replaced him with General Harold Alexander and placed Lieutenant-General Bernard Montgomery in command of the Eighth Army. This new leadership duo ultimately delivered victory at El Alamein.

Wearing his famous "siren suit," sunglasses, and Bangalore made Bombay Bowler sun hat, while carrying a walking umbrella to block the desert sun, Churchill toured the front lines. He visited the El Alamein positions, met with the 51st Highland Division, and somberly paid his respects at a rough graveyard for fallen New Zealand troops.

Following the expulsion of Axis forces from North Africa, Churchill returned for celebratory visits. In early 1943, he traveled to Tripoli shortly after Montgomery's Eighth Army captured it, delivering a stirring speech to the New Zealand Division

He visited Algiers, Tripoli, and ancient Carthage, famously waving to cheering crowds past captured German Tiger tanks and receiving grand salutes from Eisenhower, Montgomery, and American leaders

These visits, always adorned and protected by his Bangalore 'Bombay Bowler', marked the high water mark of his Mediterranean strategy, paving the way for the invasion of Sicily

The Bombay Bowler is a distinct, flatter style of pith helmet (or sola topee) that became an iconic symbol of the British Raj in India, evolving from a 19th-century civilian sporting hat into widely issued military headgear. Named slangily after the Indian city of Bombay (now Mumbai) due to its manufacture across the subcontinent, the hat is famous for its distinctive, low-profile silhouette that resembles a traditional Western bowler hat more than other bulbous military sun helmets.

The Bombay Bowler can track its design heritage back to the Cawnpore Tent Club Hat, a wide-brimmed sun hat popularized in India during the 1875–1876 tour of the Prince of Wales (the future King Edward VII)

By the onset of the First World War, production of the hat ramped up exponentially. During World War II, it became the most commonly issued style of sun helmet for forces in India and Southeast Asia.

Both Churchill's, and Field Marshall Auckinleck's Bombay Bowler's {see the photos of same in the gallery} were devoid of all military badging, just as this beauty. Military badging was only normally to seen on other ranks servicemen's sun hats.

Queen Elizabeth II stated
"the whole world is the poorer by the loss of his many-sided genius" when Sir Winston Churchill died in 1965.  read more

Code: 26374