Most Attractive Koto Period Tanto Around 600 Years Old Imperial White Ito

Fitted with an original suite of mounts from the Edo period, decorated with fine gold and patinated copper takebori of shi shi lion dogs. Original Edo brown laquer saya, with kodzuka pocket {to fit a utility knife}.
This is a most handsome ancient samurai dagger from the muromachi era, with a jolly nice early blade showing good running itame grain in the hada.

In the Nambokucho era, the tanto were forged to be up to forty centimetres as opposed to the normal one shaku (about thirty centimetres) length. The tanto blades became thinner between the uri and the omote, and wider between the ha and mune. At this point in time, two styles of hamon were prevalent: the older style, which was subtle and artistic, and the newer, more popular style. Blades could be of exceptional quality. As the end of the period neared, the average blade narrowed and the sori became shallow. 3 interesting and deliberate small cuts made into the tang. Not part of the mounting process so added by the dagger's owner. On western antique weaponry this often means each cut represents a vanquished foe. In Japanese culture it may mean the same, or may not, but either way it is most intriguing. 10 inch blade from tsuba to tip. 16.3 inches long overall in saya.  read more

Code: 21612

A Irish Rebellion Knights Rowel Spur of the 16th Century, With its Buckle

From the Desmond Rebellions, that occurred in 1569-1573 and 1579-1583 in the Irish province of Munster.

They were rebellions by the Earl of Desmond head of the FitzGerald dynasty in Munster and his followers, the Geraldines and their allies, against the threat of the extension of their South Welsh Tewdwr cousins of Elizabethan English government over the province. The rebellions were motivated primarily by the desire to maintain the independence of feudal lords from their monarch, but also had an element of religious antagonism between Catholic Geraldines and the Protestant English state. They culminated in the destruction of the Desmond dynasty and the plantation or colonisation of Munster with English Protestant settlers. 'Desmond' is the Anglicisation of the Irish Deasmumhain, meaning 'South Munster'. FitzMaurice first attacked the English colony at Kerrycurihy south of Cork city in June 1569, before attacking Cork itself and those native lords who refused to join the rebellion. FitzMaurice's force of 4,500 men went on to besiege Kilkenny, seat of the Earls of Ormonde, in July. In response, Sidney mobilised 600 English troops, who marched south from Dublin and another 400 landed by sea in Cork. Thomas Butler, Earl of Ormonde, returned from London, where he had been at court, brought the Butlers out of the rebellion and mobilised Gaelic Irish clans antagonistic to the Geraldines. Together, Ormonde, Sidney and Humphrey Gilbert, appointed as governor of Munster, devastated the lands of FitzMaurice's allies in a scorched earth policy. FitzMaurice's forces broke up, as individual lords had to retire to defend their own territories. Gilbert, a half-brother of Sir Walter Raleigh, was the most notorious for terror tactics, killing civilians at random and setting up corridors of severed heads at the entrance to his camps. Sir Humphrey Gilbert (c. 1539 ? 9 September 1583) of Devon in England was a half-brother of Sir Walter Raleigh (they had the same mother, Catherine Champernowne), and cousin of Sir Richard Grenville. Adventurer, explorer, member of parliament, and soldier, he served during the reign of Queen Elizabeth and was a pioneer of the English colonial empire in North America and the Plantations of Ireland. In 1588, the English Lord President of Munster, Sir Warham St. Leger, sent a tract to the English Privy Council identifying the kings of Ulster, Munster, Leinster and Connacht, and the feudal lordships which were then in existence. For the most part, the rights and prerogatives of the Irish kings whose territories lay outside the Pale were recognized and honoured by the (English) government in Dublin, which prudently saw that centralized rule of all Ireland was impossible. Largest, richest and most politically developed of the Gaelic Kingdoms of Ireland was Munster, which at its height comprised all of what are today the counties of Cork, Kerry and Waterford, as well as parts of Limerick and Tipperary. Recovered in Ireland over 150 years ago in Kilkenny at a supposedly known battle area. We have mounted on a red board for display. We show for illustration purposes a portrait of Sir Humphrey Gilbert, and 16th century period engraving prints of the rebellion and the aftermath, the fleet landing, the troops marshalling and the execution of the rebels.  read more

Code: 20242

A Superb Historical Political Collectable, an Autograph of Benjamin Disreali, Framed With Small Portrait Print.

One of the great political and historical characters of the 19th century. From his personal letter to a gentleman in South Audley St. in London. Signed Disraeli in ink. Benjamin Disraeli, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield, KG, PC, FRS (21 December 1804 ? 19 April 1881) was a British politician and writer, who twice served as Prime Minister. He played a central role in the creation of the modern Conservative Party, defining its policies and its broad outreach. Disraeli is remembered for his influential voice in world affairs, his political battles with the Liberal Party leader William Ewart Gladstone, and his one-nation conservatism or "Tory democracy". He made the Conservatives the party most identified with the glory and power of the British Empire. He is the only British Prime Minister of Jewish birth.

Disraeli was born in London. His father left Judaism after a dispute at his synagogue; young Benjamin became an Anglican at the age of 12. After several unsuccessful attempts, Disraeli entered the House of Commons in 1837. In 1846 the Prime Minister, Sir Robert Peel split the party over his proposal to repeal the Corn Laws, which involved ending the tariff on imported grain. Disraeli clashed with Peel in the Commons. Disraeli became a major figure in the party. When Lord Derby, the party leader, thrice formed governments in the 1850s and 1860s, Disraeli served as Chancellor of the Exchequer and Leader of the House of Commons. He also forged a bitter rivalry with Gladstone of the Liberal Party.

Upon Derby's retirement in 1868, Disraeli became Prime Minister briefly before losing that year's election. He returned to opposition, before leading the party to a majority in the 1874 election. He maintained a close friendship with Queen Victoria, who in 1876 created him Earl of Beaconsfield. Disraeli's second term was dominated by the Eastern Question?the slow decay of the Ottoman Empire and the desire of other European powers, such as Russia, to gain at its expense. Disraeli arranged for the British to purchase a major interest in the Suez Canal Company (in Ottoman-controlled Egypt). In 1878, faced with Russian victories against the Ottomans, he worked at the Congress of Berlin to obtain peace in the Balkans at terms favourable to Britain and unfavourable to Russia, its longstanding enemy. This diplomatic victory over Russia established Disraeli as one of Europe's leading statesmen.

World events thereafter moved against the Conservatives. Controversial wars in Afghanistan and South Africa undermined his public support. He angered British farmers by refusing to reinstitute the Corn Laws in response to poor harvests and cheap imported grain. With Gladstone conducting a massive speaking campaign, his Liberals bested Disraeli's Conservatives in the 1880 election. In his final months, Disraeli led the Conservatives in opposition. He had throughout his career written novels, beginning in 1826, and he published his last completed novel, Endymion, shortly before he died at the age of 76.  read more

Code: 19980

An April 13th 1945 Daily Mirror Roosevelt Dies Headline Newspaper

and "End in a Few Days", US Told; A likely unique opportunity to own a piece of WW2 history. It would look splendid framed. Including within its pages is a story of a 20 year old WW2 widow, photographed working as a cinema ticket booth operator, who was told her Killed in Action husband has been posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the rarest and most valorous medal in the world. It details that he stood in open ground on a battlefield in Burma and held back a force of 300 Japanese on his own, from a distance of only 10 yards. When they returned for another assault he used a mortar, single handed, again completely unprotected in open ground, killed 7 then was mortally wounded. These were real and most worthy heroes, not the seemingly pointless self centred media celebrities of today, that appear to be worshiped by todays masses of the 21st century. Also, an article of the 14th Army Killing 1,029 Japs, "its greatest day of Jap-Killing since the fall on Mandalay". Not a piece of Western reportage that we would ever expect to see today! Plus a most peculiar cartoon section that we need not describe in words, humour certainly has changed in 70 years, but we think the pictures say it all??  read more

Code: 20216

A Most Fearsome & impressive Original Medieval Crusaders Battle Mace, 700 to 800 Years Old

A most impressive but fearsome early weapon from the 1200's to 1300's around 700 to 800 years old, and most probably German. On replacement 'display' haft. An incredible elaborate 'pineapple' form lobed head that would be extremely effective at achieving its aim. This is also the form of Mace that could also mounted on a short chain with a haft and then used as a flail mace or scorpian sting for that extra reach while used on horseback. Unlike a sword or haft mounted mace, it doesn't transfer vibrations from the impact to the wielder. This is a great advantage to a horseman, who can use his horse's speed to add momentum to and under-armed swing of the ball, but runs less of a risk of being unbalanced from his saddle. 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, as he was blind, and the act of 'Flailing the Mace' meant 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 is difficult to block with a shield or parry with a weapon such as this on a chain because it can curve over and round impediments and still strike the target. It also provides defence whilst in motion. However the rigid haft does have the advantage as the flail needs space to swing and can easily endanger the wielder's comrades.
Controlling the flail is much more difficult than rigid weapons. Mounted on a replaced old haft. One photo in the gallery is from a 13th century Manuscript that shows knights in combat, and one at the rear is using a stylised and similar Mace [photo for information only and not included with mace]. The head is around the size of a tennis ball. In the gallery is a section of a 13th century illuminated manuscript, The Smithfield Decretals showing two man-sized rabbits killing a restrained man with a mace, known as a 'bizarre and vulgar' illustration. A mace is a blunt weapon, a type of club or virge that uses a heavy head on the end of a handle to deliver powerful blows. A mace typically consists of a strong, heavy, wooden or metal shaft, often reinforced with metal, featuring a head made of stone, copper, bronze, iron, or steel.
The head of a military mace can be shaped with flanges or knobs to allow greater penetration of plate armour. The length of maces can vary considerably. The maces of foot soldiers were usually quite short (two or three feet). The maces of cavalrymen were longer and thus better suited for blows delivered from horseback. Two-handed maces could be even larger. 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. The Sami, for example, continued to use bronze for maces as a cheaper alternative to iron or steel swords.

One example of a mace capable of penetrating armour is the flanged mace. The flanges allow it to dent or penetrate thick armour. Flange maces did not become popular until after knobbed maces. Although there are some references to flanged maces (bardoukion) as early as the Byzantine Empire c. 900 it is commonly accepted that the flanged mace did not become popular in Europe until the 12th century, when it was concurrently developed in Russia and Mid-west Asia.
.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. Iron head 2 inches x 2.25 inches across, length 21 inches  read more

Code: 21134

A Most Interesting & Fine Original Antique Edwardian Bastinado or Whipping Cane

Very flexible bamboo cane with a London hallmarked silver top dated 1902. In superb 'whippy' condition. Flagellation was so common in England as punishment that caning, along with spanking and whipping, are called "the English vice".

Caning can also be done consensually as a part of personal 'amusement'
Foot whipping, falanga or bastinado is a method of inflicting pain and humiliation by administering a beating on the soles of a person's bare feet. Unlike most types of flogging, it is meant more to be painful than to cause actual injury to the victim. Blows are generally delivered with a light rod, knotted cord, or lash.

The receiving person is forced to be barefoot and soles of the feet are placed in an exposed position. The beating is typically performed with an object like a cane or switch. The strokes are usually aimed at the arches of the feet and repeated a certain number of times.

Bastinado is also referred to as foot (bottom) caning or sole caning, depending on the instrument in use. The German term is Bastonade, deriving from the Italian noun bastonata (stroke with the use of a stick). In former times it was also referred to as Sohlenstreich
The first clearly identified written documentation of bastinado in Europe dates to 1537, and in China to 960.2 References to bastinado have been hypothesised to also be found in the Bible (Prov. 22:15; Lev. 19:20; Deut. 22:18), suggesting use of the practice since antiquity
Foot whipping was used by Fascist Blackshirts against Freemasons critical of Benito Mussolini as early as 1923. It was reported that Russian prisoners of war were "bastinadoed' at Afion camp by their Turkish captors during World War I. However British prisoners escaped this treatment. Also, as used in days gone by at Eton, Harrow, & Rugby, and by Miss Doris Goodstripe, of 37 Railway Cuttings, East Cheam (apparently)  read more

Code: 23926

An 18th Century English Small Sword Circa 1760

An English small sword often favoured by English naval officers, in blackened cut steel as this type of finish inhibited rust, single knuckle bow and an ovoid neo classical pommel with a fine diamond cut pattern. Plain wooden grip oval guard with small pas dan. Hollow trefoil blade with central fuller. Original blackened finish. One pas dans and the quillon have been shortened. See the standard work "Swords and Blades of the American Revolution" by George C. Neumann Published 1973. Sword 216s. Page 136 for two very similar swords. A particular painting showing a very good example of this is in the National Maritime Museum and it is most similar. The painting is of British Naval Captain Hugh Palliser, who wears the same form of sword with a blackened hilt , but with a gold sword knot which gave it a sleek overall appearance. A full-length portrait of Sir Hugh Palliser, Admiral of the White, turning slightly to the right in captain's uniform (over three years seniority), 1767-1774. He stands cross-legged, leaning on the plinth of a column, holding his hat in his right hand. The background includes a ship at sea. From 1764 to 1766, when he was a Captain, Palliser was Governor of Newfoundland, where James Cook, who had served under him earlier, was employed charting the coast. He was subsequently Comptroller of the Navy and then second-in-command to Augustus Keppel at the Battle of Ushant in 1778. Good condition overall, Blade 27.5 inches long  read more

Code: 22553

Samurai Katana Signed Kaneuji Around 1680. With a Pair of Edo Ni Bu Ban Kin Rectangular ‘Bar’ Gold Coin Menuki

All original edo mounts and urushi lacquer saya. Very fine Edo fuchi kashira well executed high reliefs of arabesque vines or karakusa This style of carving is named Mino-bori it has withing the design a kiri clan mon of the empress tree, it was the Toyotomi clan, and the sword has matching kiri clan kamon of a pair of edo period 2 Bubankin gold coins. The Kiri-mon (paulownia patterns) is a generic name for Monsho (crests or coats of arms) that are based on paulownia. It is also called Toka-mon. Since it was incused on money such as koban (former Japanese oval gold coin) after Muromachi period. Tetsu gold inlaid Bushu school tsuba.

The blade is at present being conserved polished and cleaned due to surface discolouration.

The original Edo period urushi lacquer on the saya is in simply excellent condition and shows most elegant simplicity, yet a most intricate patterning in the black lacquer. it reveals within that simplicity the finest craftsmanship and beauty worthy of a master of the art of urushi decor. Japanese lacquer, or urushi, is a transformative and highly prized material that has been refined for over 7000 years.

Cherished for its infinite versatility, urushi is a distinctive art form that has spread across all facets of Japanese culture from the tea ceremony to the saya scabbards of samurai swords

Japanese artists created their own style and perfected the art of decorated lacquerware during the 8th century. Japanese lacquer skills reached its peak as early as the twelfth century, at the end of the Heian period (794-1185). This skill was passed on from father to son and from master to apprentice.

The first rectangular gold coin was the Ichibu Ban Kin, or One Bu Size Gold, introduced in 1599. This was long before any of the other forms of Japanese bar money, and it’s uncertain why it originated. Regardless, it circulated all the way through 1869 with a whopping 16 different varieties.

However, the overall design remained consistent throughout the years. Both sides are bordered by raised dots, and the obverse reads “Ichibu” (One Bu), with Kiri crests above and below. These crests represent the flower of the Paulownia tree, the symbol of the Office of the Prime Minister of Japan. The reverse features the signature of Mitsutsugu.

Over the years, they became smaller and were debased, from 85.7% to 57.4% gold. Even with such a long mintage, all varieties of these coins are rare today. Released in 1818, the Ni Bu Ban Kin (Two Bu Size Gold) was intended to make commerce easier. Most of the Koban coins in circulation by that point were broken, and this thicker, stronger rectangular coin was meant to replace them. Damaged Koban coins could be converted for free, provided they weren’t missing too much of their gold content.

However, people were not satisfied. The Ni Bu Ban Kin consisted of lower quality gold and was generally seen as a less reliable coin, so they didn’t see wide circulation. They started with 56.3% gold but were debased to only 22.3% by 1868.

In design, they are almost to the Ichibu Ban Kin. They are larger, of course, and have the denomination “Ni Bu” inscribed on the obverse, but all other elements are the same.  read more

Code: 24373

A Simply Magnificent, Huge, Ozutso Samurai Hand Cannon Teppo Matchlock Gun, of Negishi Sukenobu, Inlaid With Silver and Gold Dragon With Both the Amago Clan of Kamei Kenenori and Tokugawa Clan Mons.

Signed Japanese red oak stock. The huge uncompromising barrel is inlaid with twin, large silver Amago clan mon and and gold-copper triple leaf Aoi, clan mon of the Tokugawa at the breech, it has a pinhole block site, extravagant gold and silver scrolling dragon inlay, up through the length of the barrel, terminating in a multi sided and stunning tulip form muzzle. Within the channel of the stock is a beautiful hand scripted signature of the samurai owner, Negishi Sukenobu no Tutu. Translation; Negishi Sukenobu's gun tutu is an old Japanese name for a matchlock gun

It has a sinchu matchlock mechanism with a long engraved match arm, inlaid with speckles of silver, traditional spring release utilising the ball trigger. the stock has engraved, silver cherry blossom form inlaid, barrel retaining mekugi-ana apertures, for the long copper mekugi to retain the barrel..

Part of a huge collection that just arrived after a long and patient wait a sensational O-Zutsu hand cannon tanegashima, it is huge and incredibly heavy, of around 10 monme, 18mm bore

It is often the case were early samurai weaponry bear twin mon decoration, often demonstrating a co-joining or allegiance between two samurai clans.

Resembling the Portuguese arquebus, the first matchlock gun to be seen in Japan, this massive and handsome weapon expresses the Japanese desire for powerful, finely made firearms.

A 17th century Japanese tradition relates that after the accidental arrival of three Portuguese mariners on Tanegashima Island in 1543, the sword-smith Kiyosada gave his daughter to their captain in order to learn the secrets of musket manufacture.

The actual guns were snap matchlocks made in Malacca, a Portuguese colony, and by 1550 were in production on a large scale. Known as ‘Tanegashima’ or ‘Teppō’ they were used by the Samurai and their foot soldiers and changed the way war was fought in Japan forever.

Large carbines such as this example were known as ‘ozutsu’ or cannon and were mounted on castle walls, used on merchant ships to repel pirates, on horseback in war or as assault weapons to blast through door hinges.

They could also launch incendiary or explosive arrows known as ‘Hiya’ to set fires during sieges. When fired these powerful weapons had a large recoil, and bales of rice were used to support the gunners back from injury.

Ammunition consisted of heavy round lead balls with differing sizes described as ‘Monme’. Made to take between 10 to 30 ‘Monme’ shots, this carbine is one of the largest examples of Japanese Edo Period handheld firearm

One woodblock in the gallery of a samurai holding an ozutso, and another of the great Takeda Shingen contemplating a small teppo matchlock gun, and it’s dramatic effect on the future of samurai warfare. The shape and form of ours is the same as the one contemplated by Takeda Shingen in the print, but ours is around four times the size, not a long gun but of incredible mass, beauty and presence. Somewhat like a dragon, a beast to admire for its breathtaking beauty, but to fear and respect for its power and presence.
The Amago clan, descended from the Emperor Uda (868–897) by the Kyogoku clan, descending from the Sasaki clan (Uda Genji).

Kyogoku Takahisa in the 14th century, lived in Amako-go (Omi Province), and took the name 'Amago'. The family crest, is also the one of the Kyogoku clan.

They were Shugodai (vice-Governors) of Izumo and Oki provinces for generations, for the Kyogoku Shugo branch , and their seat was Gassan Toda castle.

In 1484, Amago Tsunehisa (1458–1541), was deprived of the position of Shugodai by Kyogoku Masatsune, who was the Shugo, because he did not obey the request of tax from the Muromachi bakufu, and was expelled from Gassan Toda castle. Although Enya Kamonnosuke was dispatched to Gassan Toda castle as the new Shugodai, Tsunehisa recaptured Gassan Toda castle by a surprise attack in 1486, took control of Izumo, and developed the Amago clan into a Sengoku Daimyo clan.

The Amago fought the Ouchi clan or the Mori clan (who had been among their vassals), during Japan's Sengoku period.

For much of the next hundred years, the clan battled with the Ouchi and Mori, who controlled neighbouring provinces, and fell into decline when Gassantoda Castle fell to the Mori in 1566.

Amago Katsuhisa tried to regain prestige for the clan by joining the forces of Oda Nobunaga, invaded Tajima and Inaba provinces, but was defeated and died in the siege of Kozuki by the Mori in 1578.
Kamei Korenori (亀井 茲矩, 1557 – February 27, 1612) was a Japanese daimyō who lived through the early Edo period. He was first a retainer under the Amago clan of Izumo Province, but eventually became a daimyō in his own right. Receiving Shikano castle in Inaba Province as a reward for his notable service in 1578, Korenori ascended to higher rank as he assisted in Hideyoshi's 1587 invasion of Kyūshū. Following Hideyoshi's death in 1598, entered the service of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Following the Sekigahara Campaign of 1600, his income was raised from 13,000 to 43,000 koku as a reward for his service to the Tokugawa clan. Korenori died of natural causes in 1612.

Korenori's descendants were eventually made daimyō (lords) of the Tsuwano Domain, which they ruled until the Meiji Resoration.

Weight an impressive and formidable 6.6 kilos, length overall, 42 inches, barrel 30.5 inches  read more

Code: 24307

Japanese Type 1932 Otsu NCO's Gunto Sabre 770mm Blade Serial Numbered Matching Sword and Scabbard

Type 32 Guntō is a government supply non-commissioned officer sword enacted in 1889 (August 23, Meiji 32).
There are two kinds of these Guntōes, the "Kō" for a cavalry trooper and the "Otsu" for a transport soldier.

The "Kō" for the cavalry trooper has long cutting edge length, compared with the "Otsu", and a "Kō" has a leather fingerplate on a guard.

Crab's eye shaped guard nut screw acting as the spring clip holder for retaining the scabbard. Checkered steel haikin hilt backstrap , with kanime-nat crab's eye screw retaining pommel screw.

The Tsuka of the "Otsu" was improved by Japanese sword pattern in 1932 (32 advanced type), and was replaced with the Type 95 Guntō in 1935. The "Kō" was manufactured to the defeat in 1945.
Therefore, the "cavalry department" which was one of the military 3 major arming was reorganised by the trend of the time in 1942 after 1937 at the "armour department." However, the Third Cavalry Brigade was continued till the beginning of 1945, and the Fourth Cavalry Brigade was continued by horse-riding organization to the end of the war.

The "Otsu"was used also for the infantry and military-police non-commissioned officer.

There is a stamp of "Ho" to the bottom of the scabbard chape {Ishizuki}. This is an inspection mark of the Tokyo Artillery Arsenal.

Every single item from The Lanes Armoury is accompanied by our unique Certificate of Authenticity. Part of our continued dedication to maintain the standards forged by us over the past 100 years of our family’s trading, as Britain’s oldest established, and favourite, armoury and gallery  read more

Code: 25009