Historical 17th-18th Century Indian Tulwar Sword From the Siege and Relief Of Lucknow. Battle Trophy of Irish Captain Of the 32nd Foot, Capt. H.G.Browne From a Collection Swords From The Battles & Defence. Sword With Dozens Of Hand To Hand Combat Cuts

A typical Indian combat sword with good triple fullered blade and steel hilt, but the blade has dozens of incredibly evocative sword edge-to-edge cuts, indicating whoever used this sword at the siege and defence was very seriously in the very thick of the fighting.

The 32nd (Cornwall) Regiment of Foot played a key role in defending the Residency during the Siege of Lucknow in the Indian Mutiny (1857-1859). After the British annexation of Oudh, the 32nd's mess house, the Khursheed Manzil, was occupied by the regiment, which then helped fortify the Residency. Under Colonel John Inglis, the regiment held out for 140 days, winning four Victoria Crosses for acts of gallantry during the prolonged siege. The regiment was retitled the 32nd (Cornwall) Regiment of Foot (Light Infantry) in recognition of its heroic actions during the defense of Lucknow.
When the Indian Mutiny broke out, the 32nd Regiment of Foot was stationed at Lucknow and was a cornerstone of the British defence of the Residency.
The regiment's commander, Colonel John Inglis, took command of the garrison after the death of the Chief Commissioner, Sir Henry Lawrence.
The 32nd Regiment of Foot endured constant attacks, severe casualties from intense heat, and the ravages of cholera during the 140-day siege.

Gifted to the family by Irish born Capt. H.G.Browne {later Colonel of the 100th Foot} who died just before WW1 and was buried near his home on the Isle of Wight. A very early tulwar, and the blade was deeply pitted through great age even before the siege, but the hilt was damaged during the siege and battles at the Lucknow defences, very likely by a cannon shot as the impact seems too drastic and singular to be by musket fire, or by simple hand to hand combat. Very bright polished blade, and a nicely black patinated hilt. Perfect for an intriguiging historical collection or display.

The First Siege
Full-scale rebellion reached Lucknow on May 30 1857, and Lawrence was compelled to use the British 32nd Regiment of Foot to drive the rebels from the city. Improving his defenses, Lawrence conducted a reconnaissance in force to the north on June 30, but was forced back to Lucknow after encountering a well-organized sepoy force at Chinat. Falling back to the Residency, Lawrence's force of 855 British soldiers, 712 loyal sepoys, 153 civilian volunteers, and 1,280 non-combatants was besieged by the rebels.

Comprising around sixty acres, the Residency defenses were centered on six buildings and four entrenched batteries. In preparing the defenses, British engineers had wanted to demolish the large number of palaces, mosques, and administrative buildings that surrounded the Residency, but Lawrence, not wishing to further anger the local populace, ordered them saved. As a result, they provided covered positions for rebel troops and artillery when attacks began on July 1.

The next day Lawrence was mortally wounded by a shell fragment and died on July 4. Command devolved to Colonel Sir John Inglis of the 32nd Foot. Though the rebels possessed around 8,000 men, a lack of unified command prevented them from overwhelming Inglis' troops.

The sieges and reliefs of Lucknow cost the British around 2,500 killed, wounded, and missing while rebel losses are not known. Though Outram and Havelock wished to clear the city, Campbell elected to evacuate as other rebel forces were threatening Cawnpore. While British artillery bombarded the nearby Kaisarbagh, the non-combatants were removed to Dilkuska Park and then on to Cawnpore.

To hold the area, Outram was left at the easily held Alambagh with 4,000 men. The fighting at Lucknow was seen as a test of British resolve and the final day of the second relief produced more Victoria Cross winners than any other single day. Lucknow was retaken by Campbell the following March.  read more

Code: 25924

An Historical 16th-17th Century Indian Tulwar Sword From the Siege and Relief Of Lucknow. Battle Trophies of an Irish Captain Of the 32nd Foot, Capt. H.G.Browne From a Collection Swords From The Battles & Defence. Its Knuckle Bow Blasted By Cannon Fire

The 32nd (Cornwall) Regiment of Foot played a key role in defending the Residency during the Siege of Lucknow in the Indian Mutiny (1857-1859). After the British annexation of Oudh, the 32nd's mess house, the Khursheed Manzil, was occupied by the regiment, which then helped fortify the Residency. Under Colonel John Inglis, the regiment held out for 140 days, winning four Victoria Crosses for acts of gallantry during the prolonged siege. The regiment was retitled the 32nd (Cornwall) Regiment of Foot (Light Infantry) in recognition of its heroic actions during the defense of Lucknow.
When the Indian Mutiny broke out, the 32nd Regiment of Foot was stationed at Lucknow and was a cornerstone of the British defence of the Residency.
The regiment's commander, Colonel John Inglis, took command of the garrison after the death of the Chief Commissioner, Sir Henry Lawrence.
The 32nd Regiment of Foot endured constant attacks, severe casualties from intense heat, and the ravages of cholera during the 140-day siege.

Gifted to the family by Irish born Capt. H.G.Browne {later Colonel of the 100th Foot} who died just before WW1 and was buried near his home on the Isle of Wight. A very early tulwar, and the blade was deeply pitted through great age even before the siege, but the hilt was damaged during the siege and battles at the Lucknow defences, very likely by a cannon shot as the impact seems too drastic and singular to be by musket fire, or by simple hand to hand combat. Very bright polished blade, and a nicely black patinated hilt. Perfect for an intriguiging historical collection or display.

The First Siege
Full-scale rebellion reached Lucknow on May 30 1857, and Lawrence was compelled to use the British 32nd Regiment of Foot to drive the rebels from the city. Improving his defenses, Lawrence conducted a reconnaissance in force to the north on June 30, but was forced back to Lucknow after encountering a well-organized sepoy force at Chinat. Falling back to the Residency, Lawrence's force of 855 British soldiers, 712 loyal sepoys, 153 civilian volunteers, and 1,280 non-combatants was besieged by the rebels.

Comprising around sixty acres, the Residency defenses were centered on six buildings and four entrenched batteries. In preparing the defenses, British engineers had wanted to demolish the large number of palaces, mosques, and administrative buildings that surrounded the Residency, but Lawrence, not wishing to further anger the local populace, ordered them saved. As a result, they provided covered positions for rebel troops and artillery when attacks began on July 1.

The next day Lawrence was mortally wounded by a shell fragment and died on July 4. Command devolved to Colonel Sir John Inglis of the 32nd Foot. Though the rebels possessed around 8,000 men, a lack of unified command prevented them from overwhelming Inglis' troops.

The sieges and reliefs of Lucknow cost the British around 2,500 killed, wounded, and missing while rebel losses are not known. Though Outram and Havelock wished to clear the city, Campbell elected to evacuate as other rebel forces were threatening Cawnpore. While British artillery bombarded the nearby Kaisarbagh, the non-combatants were removed to Dilkuska Park and then on to Cawnpore.

To hold the area, Outram was left at the easily held Alambagh with 4,000 men. The fighting at Lucknow was seen as a test of British resolve and the final day of the second relief produced more Victoria Cross winners than any other single day. Lucknow was retaken by Campbell the following March.  read more

Code: 25923

A most Historical 17th-18th Century Indian Hodson's Horse Sikh Long Khanda Sword From the Siege and Relief Of Lucknow. Battle Trophies of an Irish Captain Of the 32nd Foot, Capt. H.G.Browne From a Collection Swords From the Siege and Relief Of Lucknow.

The 32nd (Cornwall) Regiment of Foot played a key role in defending the Residency during the Siege of Lucknow in the Indian Mutiny (1857-1859). After the British annexation of Oudh, the 32nd's mess house, the Khursheed Manzil, was occupied by the regiment, which then helped fortify the Residency. Under Colonel John Inglis, the regiment held out for 140 days, winning four Victoria Crosses for acts of gallantry during the prolonged siege. The regiment was retitled the 32nd (Cornwall) Regiment of Foot (Light Infantry) in recognition of its heroic actions during the defense of Lucknow.
When the Indian Mutiny broke out, the 32nd Regiment of Foot was stationed at Lucknow and was a cornerstone of the British defence of the Residency.
The regiment's commander, Colonel John Inglis, took command of the garrison after the death of the Chief Commissioner, Sir Henry Lawrence.
The 32nd Regiment of Foot endured constant attacks, severe casualties from intense heat, and the ravages of cholera during the 140-day siege.

Gifted to the family by Irish born Capt. H.G.Browne {later Colonel of the 100th Foot} who died just before WW1 and was buried near his home on the Isle of Wight.

17th to 18th century Indian tulwar swords and this super, long khanda, all to be sold seperately. Some could make a fabulous display paired and crossed. Some are in great condition, but obviously used in combat at Lucknow, so they all saw considerable service. Including one has had its knuckle bow blasted in half, possibly by cannon shot, and one has so many combat sword cuts on its edge they are almost too numerous to count. One has a very early blade that has considerable age pitting. A very impressive piece for the display of its historical context as a sword of battle.
This khanda was likely presented to Capt browne by an officer of Hodson's Horse, possibly Lt. Mecham. Hodsons horse were a loyal Indian regiment that were present at the victory of the final siege and capture of Lucknow.
Hodson's Horse went to the relief of Lucknow and participated in the operations leading to the city's final capture in March 1858.
Major Hodson's Death: Major Hodson was killed during the final assault on Lucknow.

The khanda has an open basket hilt with wide hand protection. The name firangi meaning foreigner was also apparently given to swords of this style these somewhat later in the 17th Century, as they were mounted with European blades, imported by the Portugese, which were highly valued. Some blades were locally made in the European style. The blades were mounted on the Khanda style hilt and with the long spike extending from the pommel which enabled them to be used as two handed swords. The firangi sword characteristically had a straight blade of backsword form (single edged). The blade often incorporated one, two, or three fullers (grooves) and had a spear-tip shaped point. The sword could be used to both cut and thrust. The longer blades were often rather flexible. Examples with narrow rapier blades have survived, though in small numbers. The hilt was of the type sometimes called the "Indian basket-hilt" and was identical to that of another Indian straight-bladed sword the khanda. The hilt afforded a substantial amount of protection for the hand and had a prominent spike projecting from the pommel which could be grasped, resulting in a two-handed capability for the sword. Like other contemporary Indian swords the hilt of the firangi was usually of iron and the tang of the blade was attached to the hilt using a very strong resin, additionally, the hilt to blade connection was reinforced by projections from the hilt onto either face of the forte of the blade which were riveted together though a hole passing through the blade. Because of its length the firangi is usually regarded as primarily a cavalry weapon. Illustrations suggest a 16th-century date for the development of the sword, though early examples appear to have had simpler cross-guard hilts, similar to those of the talwar. The sword has been especially associated with the Marathas, who were famed for their cavalry. However, the firangi was widely used by the Mughals and those peoples who came under their rule, including Sikhs and Rajputs. Images of Mughal potentates holding firangis, or accompanied by retainers carrying their masters' firangis, suggest that the sword became a symbol of martial virtue and power. Photographs of Indian officers of Hodson's Horse (an irregular cavalry unit raised by the British) show that the firangi was still in active use at the time of the Indian Mutiny in 1857-58 The khanda can generally be a double-edge but can be a single edged straight sword. It is often featured in religious iconography, theatre and art depicting the ancient history of India. Some communities venerate the weapon as a symbol of Shiva.

First Siege
Full-scale rebellion reached Lucknow on May 30 and Lawrence was compelled to use the British 32nd Regiment of Foot to drive the rebels from the city. Improving his defenses, Lawrence conducted a reconnaissance in force to the north on June 30, but was forced back to Lucknow after encountering a well-organized sepoy force at Chinat. Falling back to the Residency, Lawrence's force of 855 British soldiers, 712 loyal sepoys, 153 civilian volunteers, and 1,280 non-combatants was besieged by the rebels.

Comprising around sixty acres, the Residency defenses were centered on six buildings and four entrenched batteries. In preparing the defenses, British engineers had wanted to demolish the large number of palaces, mosques, and administrative buildings that surrounded the Residency, but Lawrence, not wishing to further anger the local populace, ordered them saved. As a result, they provided covered positions for rebel troops and artillery when attacks began on July 1.

The next day Lawrence was mortally wounded by a shell fragment and died on July 4. Command devolved to Colonel Sir John Inglis of the 32nd Foot. Though the rebels possessed around 8,000 men, a lack of unified command prevented them from overwhelming Inglis' troops.

The sieges and reliefs of Lucknow cost the British around 2,500 killed, wounded, and missing while rebel losses are not known. Though Outram and Havelock wished to clear the city, Campbell elected to evacuate as other rebel forces were threatening Cawnpore. While British artillery bombarded the nearby Kaisarbagh, the non-combatants were removed to Dilkuska Park and then on to Cawnpore.

To hold the area, Outram was left at the easily held Alambagh with 4,000 men. The fighting at Lucknow was seen as a test of British resolve and the final day of the second relief produced more Victoria Cross winners than any other single day. Lucknow was retaken by Campbell the following March.

A photo in the gallery picture shows members of Hodson's Horse, a body of loyal Indian horsemen formed during the Indian Mutiny by Lieutenant William Hodson. Their distinctive uniforms included scarlet turbans and shoulder sashes over beige tunics. Beato probably took this photograph shortly after the final capture of Lucknow in March 1858. Hodson was killed during the assault. There is some confusion over the identity of the two British officers, but it seems most likely to be Lieutenant Clifford Henry Mecham (standing) and Assistant Surgeon Thomas Anderson (sitting). Anderson cared for Hodson after he was wounded and was with him when he died on 11 March 1858. 37 inch long blade  read more

Code: 25919

An Original, French, Napoleonic Year 13 Modele, & Dated 1813 French Flintlock Line Cavalry Pistol, Mauberge Manufacture Imperial. Manufactured For Napoleon's Army To Replace All The Grande Armee Pistols Lost In the Retreat From Moscow

One of the flintlocks from a fabulous & large original collection of finest Imperial French swords and pistols we recently acquired, this one is one of a near identical pair we purchased, but each is being sold separate. Each part of this flintlock pistol bears the poincon stamp of Gouilloud, Napoleonic imperial arms inspector from 1804, lock made at the Maubeuge Manufacture Imperiale. Excellent condition overall with a tight and crisp spring action. A true museum grade original souvenir from the Napoleonic Wars

This flintlock pistol was made at the French Royal Arsenal at Mauberg {formerly the Imperial Arsenal} in 1813, before Napoleon's defeat in 1814 and exile to Elba, and his return in 1815. Thus this pistol was made and whereupon it was issued to the cuirassiers, that then very soon transferred their loyalty back to their old emperor, Napoleon upon his return from exile in Elba. It was used by the cuirassiers in the 100 Days War, culminating in Napoleon's final defeat at Quatre Bras and Waterloo by the Duke of Wellington, and this pistol being taken as war booty.

Used as a regimental issue sidearm, by and the very best French Napoleonic frontline cavalry, the carabineers, cuirassiers, chasseurs, dragoons and lancers, serving in Napoleon Bonaparte's army during the Napoleonic Wars. This is the pattern called the AN 13 {year 13} which represents the 13th year of French Ist Republic of 1792. The French Republican Calendar or French Revolutionary Calendar was a calendar proposed during the French Revolution, and used by the French government for about 12 years from late 1793. This is the pattern of pistol that would have first seen service in the Elite Imperial Guard Cuirassiers of Napoleon's great heavy cavalry regiments. The Cuirassiers Heavy Cavalry Regiments used the largest men in France, recruited to serve in the greatest and noblest cavalry France has ever had. They fought with distinction at their last great conflict at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, and most of the Cuirassiers pistols now in England very likely came from that field of conflict, after the battle, as trophies of war. This pistol may well have been taken from a vanquished Cuirassier pistol that was drawn for combat on the field of battle. One can imagine this pistol lying freely, or, maybe, even still clasped in his cold desperate hand, or even under his fallen steed, at the field of conflict at Waterloo. Every warrior that has ever entered service for his country sought trophies. The Mycenae from a fallen Trojan, the Roman from a fallen Gaul, the GI from a fallen Japanese, the tradition stretches back thousands of years, and will continue as long as man serves his country in battle. In the 1st century AD the Roman Poet Decimus Iunius Iuvenalis Juvenal
wrote; "Man thirsts more for glory than virtue. The armour of an enemy, his broken helmet, the flag ripped from a conquered trireme, are treasures valued beyond all human riches. It is to obtain these tokens of glory that Generals, be they Roman, Greek or barbarian, brave a thousand perils
and endure a thousand exertions". A truly super Napoleonic pistol. The cuirassiers were the greatest of all France's cavalry, allowing only the strongest men of over 6 feet in height into it's ranks. The French Cuirassiers were at their very peak in 1815, and never again regained the wonder and glory that they truly deserved at that time. To face a regiment of, say, 600 charging steeds bearing down upon you mounted with armoured giants, brandishing the mightiest of swords that could pierce the strongest breast armour, much have been, quite simply, terrifying. Made in the period that Napoleon was Emperor and ruling most of Europe, it was used through the Napoleonic period from 1813, later in the the Royal restoration period, when Napoleon was imprisoned at Elba, and then during the War of the 100 days, culminating at Waterloo .
All Napoleon's heavy Cavalry Regiments fought at Waterloo, there were no reserve regiments, and all the Cuirassiers, without exception fought with their extraordinary resolve, bravery and determination. The Hundred Days started after Napoleon, separated from his wife and son, who had come under Austrian control, was cut off from the allowance guaranteed to him by the Treaty of Fontainebleau, and aware of rumours he was about to be banished to a remote island in the Atlantic Ocean, Napoleon escaped from Elba on 26 February 1815. He landed at Golfe-Juan on the French mainland, two days later. The French 5th Regiment was sent to intercept him and made contact just south of Grenoble on 7 March 1815. Napoleon approached the regiment alone, dismounted his horse and, when he was within gunshot range, shouted, "Here I am. Kill your
Emperor, if you wish." The soldiers responded with, "Vive L'Empereur!" and marched with Napoleon to Paris; Louis XVIII fled. On 13 March, the powers at the Congress of Vienna declared Napoleon an outlaw and four days later Great Britain, the Netherlands, Russia, Austria and Prussia bound themselves to put 150,000 men into the field to end his rule. Napoleon arrived in Paris on 20 March and governed for a period now called the Hundred Days. By the start of
June the armed forces available to him had reached 200,000 and he decided to go on the offensive to attempt to drive a wedge between the oncoming British and Prussian armies. The French Army of the North crossed the frontier into the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, in modern-day Belgium. Napoleon's forces fought the allies, led by Wellington and Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher, at the Battle of Waterloo on 18 June 1815. Wellington's army withstood repeated attacks by the French and drove them from the field while the Prussians arrived in force and broke through Napoleon's right flank. The French army left the battlefield in disorder, which allowed Coalition forces to enter France and restore Louis XVIII to the French throne. Off the port of Rochefort, Charente-Maritime, after consideration of an escape to the United States, Napoleon formally demanded political asylum from the British Captain Frederick Maitland on HMS Bellerophon on 15 July 1815. The pistol is in very nice condition overall.  read more

Code: 25398

A Fabulous & Impressive 18th Century Ship Captain’s Beautiful & Large, Brass Barrel Naval Blunderbuss Flintlock Pistol, With Box-Lock Action.

6.5inch barrel with ring turned muzzle, nice action, sliding safety, bag-shaped wooden butt. Nicely proved barrel on the underside. This is truly a most beautiful piece.

The combination of polished bronze, walnut, horn, and steel make a most attractive pistol of colour and material contrasts. Finest walnut stock. Bronze cannon form blunderbuss barrel. Bronze blunderbuss barrel pistols were the weapon of choice for naval officers and ship's captains for use at sea. This is a superb example of its kind. The muzzle (and often the bore) was flared with the intent not only to increase the spread of the shot, but also to funnel powder and shot into the weapon, making it easier to reload in haste. The overtly flared muzzle is the defining feature of the blunderbuss. Ship's Captains found such impressive guns so desireable as they had two prime functions to clear the decks with one shot, and the knowledge to an assailant that the pistol hads the capability to achieve such a result. In the 18th and 19th century mutiny was a common fear for all commanders, and not a rare as one might imagine. The Capt. Could keep about his person or locked in his gun cabinet in his quarters a gun just as this. The barrel could be loaded with single ball or swan shot, ball twice as large as normal shot, that when discharged at close quarter could be devastating, and terrifyingly effective. Potentially taken out four or five assailants at once. The muzzle was swamped like a cannon for two reasons, the first for ease of rapid loading, the second for intimidation. There is a very persuasive psychological point to the size of this gun's muzzle, as any person or persons facing it could not fail to fear the consequences of it's discharge, and the act of surrender or retreat in the face of an well armed blunderbuss could be a happy and desirable result for all parties concerned. Action in excellent working order, recently fully serviced. 11 inches long overall. As with all our antique guns no license is required as they are all unrestricted antique collectables  read more

Code: 23369

A Stunning King George IIIrd 1756 Pattern Light Dragoon Flintlock Pistol, 19th & 25th Light Dragoons, Part of The East India Company Cavalry Contingent Combating the ‘Tiger of Mysore’ Tipu Sultan

With finest walnut stock with amazing natural age patina, and traditional brass furniture and two British EIC traditional ‘heart’ marks, one on the stock the other on the barrel. From the historical 'Siege of Seringapatam' used by the British 19th & 25th Light Dragoons, serving with the East India Company. The 19th played a major role in the Anglo-Mysore Wars and Anglo-Maratha Wars. Their first campaign was against Tipu Sultan of Mysore from 1790 to 1792. After defeating Tipu, the 19th were on garrison duty until 1799 when war broke out with Tipu again. This time, the Sultan was killed during the Battle of Seringapatam.

Tipu Sultan was the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore in Southern India. An enemy of many of his neighbours as much as he was of the British East India Company.

Tipu remained an implacable enemy of the British East India Company, sparking conflict with his attack on British-allied Travancore in 1789. In the Third Anglo-Mysore War, he was forced into the Treaty of Seringapatam, losing a number of previously conquered territories, including Malabar and Mangalore. He sent emissaries to foreign states, including the Ottoman Empire, Afghanistan, and France, in an attempt to rally opposition to the British.

In 1800, the 19th fought Dhoondia Wao's rebel army and in 1803, led by Major-General Arthur Wellesley (who later became the Duke of Wellington), they participated in the Battle of Assaye. In this battle, the outnumbered British troops defeated a Maratha army and the regiment was subsequently awarded the battle honour of "Assaye" and presented with an honorary colour.
They were stationed at Cheyloor in 1802, at Arcot in 1803, in Bombay in 1804, and at Arcot again from 1805 to 1806. The regiment was summoned to Vellore on the night of 10 July 1806 to rescue the 69th Regiment of Foot who had been the victims of a revolt by Indian sepoys. The 25th Dragoons (raised for service in India by F E Gwyn on 9 March 1794) was renumbered 22nd (Light) Dragoons in that year. This 22nd (Light) Dragoons regiment served throughout the Napoleonic Wars, which began in 1805, and was disbanded in 1820.
Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, the rulers of the Kingdom of Mysore, offered much resistance to the British forces. Having sided with the French during the Revolutionary war, the rulers of Mysore continued their struggle against the Company with the four Anglo-Mysore Wars. Mysore finally fell to the Company forces in 1799, with the death of Tipu Sultan.

Napoleon and Tipu Sultan

In 1794, with the support of French Republican officers, Tipu allegedly helped found the Jacobin Club of Mysore for 'framing laws comfortable with the laws of the Republic'. He planted a Liberty Tree and declared himself Citizen Tipoo. In a 2005 paper, historian Jean Boutier argued [likely wrongly] that the club's existence, and Tipu's involvement in it, was fabricated by the East India Company in order to justify British military intervention against Tipu.

One of the motivations of Napoleon's invasion of Egypt was to establish a junction with India against the British. Bonaparte wished to establish a French presence in the Middle East, with the ultimate dream of linking with Tippoo Sahib. Napoleon assured the French Directory that "as soon as he had conquered Egypt, he will establish relations with the Indian princes and, together with them, attack the English in their possessions." According to a 13 February 1798 report by Talleyrand: "Having occupied and fortified Egypt, we shall send a force of 15,000 men from Suez to India, to join the forces of Tipu-Sahib and drive away the English." Napoleon was unsuccessful in this strategy, losing the Siege of Acre in 1799 and at the Battle of Abukir in 1801. It was, as with all Napoleon’s ‘alliances’ simply a way to remove Britain’s ability to oppose his own Empire ambitions. His term ‘establish relations’ has been used for centuries since by controlling despots as a benign appearing phrase that is actually in reality an umbrella term for ‘control and dominate’.

It has been said in numerous quarters, especially by denigrators of the former British Empire, that the magnificent sub continent of India suffered much under British rule, however let’s not forget prior to the British arrival, and even during, despite their best efforts, India had been ruled with an iron fist for millennia by dozens of kings, nawabs, maharajahs, and princes who had stripped so much wealth from India that many became the richest men on earth, some worth 10 or 100 times the worth of the billionaires of today. So much wealth it is almost inconceivable to understand and comprehend today. There were of course a few benign and caring rulers, but as a rule they were deposed, murdered or imprisoned, often by sons with a somewhat less ‘sympathetic nature’ to their subjects.

As with all our antique guns no license is required as they are all unrestricted antique collectables. Very good and tight action. A horn tipped ramrod. As with all our antique guns they must be considered as inoperable with no license required and they are all unrestricted antique collectables  read more

Code: 22429

A Superlative and Beautiful Koto Katana Circa 1500, A Museum Quality Ancient Sword, Sengoku Era, with Stunning Original, Edo Period, Soten School Mounts of Shakudo & Gold, “Koushi Seiyu Zu” Tsuba

Soten school shakudo and gold fuchi kashira depicting gamboling pure gold and shakudo samurai ponies, on a nanako ground. Nanako Ji: "fish roe ground" A surface decoration produced by forming very small raised bosses by a sharply struck punch or burin called 'nanako tagane'. Shakudo is the metal most often used, but copper and gold are quite often employed. The harder metals, shibuichi, silver and iron are rarely decorated in this way. The size of the dots vary from 0.04" to 0.008" (25 to 125 and inch) and the regularity of the work is marvelous as the dots must be spaced entirely by touch. The dots are usually arranged in straight lines or in lines parallel to the edge of the piece being decorated, but sometimes in more elaborate patterns. Used on guards since the Momoyama period although the technique existed since much earlier periods. Usually done by specialist 'nanako-shi', but sometimes done by the maker of the guard himself.
Complimented with a wonderful Soten school tsuba in iron and gold, depicting sages crossing a bridge below a temple. Tsuba design in the manner of Mogarashi Nyudo Soten 藻柄子 入道宗典, a tsuba we would suitably title, Koushi Seuyu Sukashi.

Mogarashi Nyudo Soten was the son of the first Soten, who was a famous metalworker in the middle of the Edo period. He was excellent at the same type of engraving technique as his father. This Tsuba describes “Koushi Seiyu Zu” with sukashi {openwork}. It is a popular motif that has been designed since ancient times. Koushi means an honourable person, and Seiyu means to travel. It would be a longing for sages to indulge in hobbies and arts in nature, far away from the world. Each wise sage's face is clearly and minutely engraved. All the trees, clouds, rocks, the sage's clothes and the temple are all inlaid with pure gold. It is easy to appreciate its stunning beauty. It was his notable technique that if you focus on sage’s clothes pattern, you will find be able to find a traditional Japanese good-luck pattern of oblique crosses called the kikkou pattern, named after the turtle shell which represents long life. Under the traditional black silk tsuka-ito {hilt binding} ,are copper and gold jumonji yari {trident spear form} samurai polearms, over same-gawa {giant rayskin}

A superb ancient samurai sword that would grace any fine collection of oriental art or compliment any residence albeit traditional or contemporary decorated. It is shown with a fresh gold and brown sageo sword saya wrap

The Sengoku period was initiated by the Ōnin War in 1467 which collapsed the feudal system of Japan under the Ashikaga Shogunate. The Sengoku period was named by Japanese historians after the similar but otherwise unrelated Warring States period of China. The era is beautifully depicted in Akira Kurowsawa’s films called Jidaigeki. The Sengoku Period (1467-1568 CE) was a lawless century-long era characterized by rising political instability, turmoil, and warlordism in Japan. During this period, field armies and soldiers rapidly rose in number, reaching tens of thousands of warriors. Many castles in Japan were built during the Sengoku Period as regional leaders and aristocrats alike competed for power and strong regional influence to win the favours of the higher-class Japanese at the time. Kurosawa’s film depiction of Macbeth, Throne of Blood, is set in this era of Japan’s feudal period. Original title 蜘蛛巣城, Kumonosu-jō, lit. 'The Castle of Spider's Web'

This then led to the creation of a more complex system within the military, the armoured infantry known as the ashigaru. Initiated by the collapse of the country’s feudal system during the 1467 Onin War, rival warlords or daimyō, continued to struggle to gain control of Japan until its reunification under Japan’s three “Great Unifiers” –– Nagoya Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and Ieyasu Tokugawa –– thus, bringing the war-stricken era to an end in the siege of Osaka

The classical beauty of samurai swords is remarkable, in that there is barely any kind of decor that is not improved with their addition. With fine Soten mounts of pure gold ponies grazing in a meadow and an iron and gold inlaid Soten sukashi tsuba depicting mandarin and companion crossing a bridge with a warrior guard armed with a polearm. Blade with a fine sugaha straight hamon in original Edo polish. Fine black silk wrap covering menuki of long. Fine black Edo lacquer saya with sageo of gold and brown woven silk. Of all the weapons that man has developed since our earliest days, few evoke such fascination as the samurai sword of Japan. To many of us in the, the movie image of the samurai in his fantastic armour, galloping into battle on his horse, his colourful personal flag, or sashimono, whipping in the wind on his back, has become the very symbol of Japan, the Empire of the Rising Sun. And, truly, to the samurai of real life, nothing embodied his warrior’s code of Bushido more than his sword, considered inseparable from his soul.

Indeed, a sword was considered such a crucial part of a samurai's life that when a young samurai was about to be born, a sword was brought into the bedchamber during the delivery. When the time came for an old samurai to die and cross over into the White Jade Pavilion of the Afterlife, his honoured sword was placed by his side. Even after death, a daimyo, or nobleman, believed he could count on his samurai who had followed him into the next world to use their keen blades to guard him against any demons, just as they had wielded their trusty weapons to defend him against flesh-and-blood enemies in this life. In a samurai family the swords were so revered that they were passed down from generation to generation, from father to son. If the hilt or scabbard wore out or broke, new ones would be fashioned for the all-important blade. The hilt, the tsuba (hand guard), and the scabbard themselves were often great art objects, with fittings sometimes of gold or silver. The hilt and scabbard were created from the finest hand crafted materials by the greatest artisans that have ever lived. Often, too, they told a story from Japanese myths. Magnificent specimens of Japanese swords can be seen today in the Tokugawa Art Museum’s collection in Nagoya, Japan. Overall 37.5 inches long in saya  read more

Code: 19377

A Nice Edo Period Round Iron Plate Tsuba Decorated with A Boy Riding a Water Buffalo

After Hanabusa Itchō, a very popular subject in Japnese art in the late 17th to 18th century.Tsuba were made by whole dynasties of craftsmen whose only craft was making tsuba. They were usually lavishly decorated. In addition to being collectors items, they were often used as heirlooms, passed from one generation to the next. Japanese families with samurai roots sometimes have their family crest (mon) crafted onto a tsuba. Tsuba can be found in a variety of metals and alloys, including iron, steel, brass, copper and shakudo. In a duel, two participants may lock their katana together at the point of the tsuba and push, trying to gain a better position from which to strike the other down. This is known as tsubazeriai pushing tsuba against each other. 68mm  read more

Code: 23952

A Very Fine Early 19th Century, Anglo-Spanish Sporting Gun by Ignacio Bascaran, Dated 1822, One of Spain's Most Important Gunsmiths and Barrel Makers of His day, With His Bespoke Silver Inlaid Barrel

A fine English sporting gun bespoke mounted with a stunning Spanish barrel, by Bascaran of Eibar The main factory of arms, Bascarán de Eibar, was one of the most important Basque companies of the 19th century. It was founded by Bascarán in Eibar in 1820 and its factory continued working until year 1862, date in which the children and later their grandsons were given a position of the factory, the family name in gunsmithing goes back to the 18th century and a gun by Fernando Bascaran is in the Basque Museum . The last gunsmith of the Bascarán clan of which I have news was of Mr. Martín Bascarán, which made a semi-automatic pistol Ruby type until year 1918 to equip to the armies French and English during the I World war. The beautiful city of Eibar Guipúzcoa is a municipality belonging to the region of Bajo Deba in the Basque Country of Spain. It is known as the "City of Gunsmiths." In this illustrious city it has produced some of Spain's leading makers. The first written document referring to Eibar gunsmith industry is a request from Lombard dated 1481. Arms of this grade were incredibly expensive and more often than not made for presentation to important persons. As with all our antique guns no license is required as they are all unrestricted antique collectables.  read more

Code: 23889

A Fabulous Quality King George IIIrd Cased Double Barrel Sporting Gun By World Renowned Gunsmith S.Nock, Early Transitional Flintlock To Percussion

Very fine sighted damascus barrels of the finest quality, engraved Saml. Nock 180 Fleet St. London Maker to His Majesty, case colour hardened gold lined breech engraved with a hound, border and foliate engraved, signed lock converted from flintlock using the drum and nipple principle, half stocked with chequered wrist, border and scroll engraved steel mounts, the trigger guard decorated with a hound, serial numbered to the underside of the barrels, contained in its green baize lined oak case, the lid with trade label for Samuel Nock at the Regent Circus address, complete with commensurate and later accessories.
Samuel Nock was the nephew of famed innovative gunmaker Henry Nock and apprenticed under him. He was also a highly rated and accomplished gunmaker and worked through the transitional period from flintlocks to percussion systems. He served as a royal gunmaker to the English monarchy from King George III in 1805 up to Queen Victoria starting in 1837. He died in 1851. To replicate such a fine hand made ‘bespoke’ double barrelled gun today, only Purdey or Boss of London could have the skills required to replicate it. A finely engraved, bespoke single Purdey side by side sporting gun, with a Damas barrels, costs today £113,500, with an 18 months to 2 year waiting time, and additional costs for casing and tools. The double-barrelled sporting gun was seen as a weapon of prestige and authority, especially in the days of the East India Company and the later Raj in India, where it was known as Dunali (literally "two pipes"). It was especially valued by the nobility in the Raj in Bihar, Purvanchal, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab  read more

Code: 23371