A very rare Antique African Somalian Fighting Sword. This sword originates from Somalia and is a development of the Somali Billao dagger used mainly by the coastal people of Somalia. It has a long non-symmetrical leaf shape blade and the handle is made of sections of dark horn separated by three sections of a light colored metal – looks to be some kind of lead. The pommel is of a typical triangular, pronged shape and made from metal.  Condition of the sword is very good for its age with a nice age patina to the blade.  Have another couple of these for sale in short sword form – please take a look at my other listings.  Blade length is 22 inches (30 inches overall).  This is a very distinctive sword style and only found in this part of West Africa.

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An original Scottish 1st Volunteer Battalion Highland Light Infantry Glengarry Badge.  In excellent condition throughout and  made from white metal and including the original fastening lugs to the back.  This badge dates from the early 1900’s and features the Kings’ Crown to the top of the badge and the battle of Assaye (1803) elephant honour.  This regiment was previously known as the 74th Regiment of Highlanders and was involved in many famous battle of the 19th Century.  During the 1900’s there were a large number of volunteer battalions attached to the regular British Army forces and this was one of them.  The Highland Light Infantry were a regiment of the British Army from 1881 until 1959.  They were based in Glasgow and were known as the official regiment of that famous Scottish city.  Diameter of the badge is 2 inches.  Nice original addition to a collector of antique Scottish militaria.

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An original antique C.1900’s Brass British Ship’s Cased Nautical Clock.  This probably dates from the turn of the 20th Century and could have been carried on both a military naval ship or a merchantman.  With well made brass case and heavy and thick glass face (chip to one side).  The clock was made by Smiths (Empire) clockmakers and is maker marked to the face.  It appears to run after winding up (a key is supplied) although I have not monitored it for long periods, and the hands are a little loose and probably need tightening.  Looks like it was definitely used on board a ship and is an original period piece and not a modern reproduction – has a nice and genuine aged look that would display well.  Has a second hand incorporated into the dial.  Condition is good overall.  The diameter of the clock is 7 inches.  A nice display piece for the collector of maritime military and merchant marine collectables.

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An original German Prussian WW1 Model 1898/05 Butcher Bayonet that was originally of sawback form but with evidence of contemporary removal.  The first pattern butcher bayonet had high ears on the crossguard and was made from 1906 until 1915.  It would originally have come supplied with a leather scabbard. The second pattern butcher bayonet had the ears filed down on the hilt crossguard and was manufactured from 1915 until 1918 when it was supplied with a metal scabbard. A sawback model was made for NCO’s.  Contrary to popular belief it was actually designed to be used as a tool (to cut wood or barbed wire) but in 1917, it was ordered by German authorities that all sawback bayonets have their sawbacks removed.  This followed threats by the Allies that any German soldier found with a sawback bayonet would be treated with the utmost severity.  The bayonet is stamped with maker marks to Mauser that are repeated to the top of the black painted steel scabbard.  Condition of the bayonet is good overall with some wear to the wooden grips, probably during its service life.  Blade length is 14.5 inches (19.5 inches overall).

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A fine example of an original British C.1790 Military Naval Short Hanger Sword.  This sword comprises a very well ribbed horn grip and brass stirrup hilt with a prominent tang button.  The blade is extremely curved and plain.  No markings to the sword that I can see but it is good quality manufacture and was probably made for use by a junior officer or NCO.  The brass hilt and relatively short blade makes me wonder if this has a naval origin as it would have made a pretty effective close combat edged weapon whilst on board a ship.  Condition of the sword is excellent with a pleasing patina to the hilt and blade.  Both blade and hilt are rock solid with no movement.  Blade length is 23 inches (28 inches overall).  A tidy little piece.

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A very fine and unusual 19th Century Malayan Silver Kris Dagger with hand-forged blade.  These Malayan kris daggers are found with many hilt forms including ivory, hardwood and horn but these silver hilts are quite scarce. The kris dagger is a very common and associated with the culture of Indonesia, but is also found in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. The kris is famous for its distinctive wavy blade, although straight-bladed examples are also found.  A kris is divided into three parts – the bilah (blade), hulu (hilt), and warangka (sheath).  The origin of the word kris comes from an old Javanese term – “ngiris”, which means to slice, wedge or sliver. “Kris” is the more frequently used spelling in the Western world, but the word “keris” is more popular in the native countries where the kris is found.  The hilt is decorated with a series of abstract designs and also the number “25” that seems quite unusual – can’t quite explain that!  Condition of the kris is very good and the blade still retains its interesting blade patterning.  Blade length is 15 inches (19.5 inches overall).

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A good example of a British 1845 Pattern Infantry Officer’s Sword and Scabbard.  With a typical gilt brass “Gothic Hilt” with a royal “VR” (Queen Victoria – 1837-1901) cypher to the pierced hilt.  The grip is bound with original fishskin and copper twistwire.  The sword is quite rare in that it retains the original Army officer’s sword knot and the leather hilt liner – very few hilt liners remain on swords of this great age.  The blade is etched to the forte with what I believe is a retailer’s name of Crindlay and Co.  Cannot find them listed in my books but pretty certain that they were not a manufacturer of swords but a purveyor of swords to military officers.  The blade is very well etched with foliage and there is a royal crown and cypher to the centre.  Condition of the blade is generally good with some commensurate age wear in places.  The sword comes complete with a steel service scabbard.  Blade length is 32.5 inches (38 inches overall).

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An excellent and original British Army WW2 Steel helmet.  This looks to be a private purchase helmet and is of superior quality – probably for an officer.  All the original khaki paintwork remains and comes complete with liner.  The liner is in very good shape and shows virtually no wear – I doubt whether this has ever been worn or issued.  Not sure which mark or pattern it is but is likely to be early war and probably kept at home in the United Kingdom and never carried abroad – wonder whether it could even be Home Guard issue to an officer.  Have been told that this could also be a post-war Dutch issue copy of this helmet type.  With maker’s stamp inside helmet.  Difficult to read but seems to “R.D.M.L. Ltd”.  There is also an issue(?) number stamped to the inside rim of the helmet.  The helmet also retains a green canvas chinstrap with brass mounts.  Hard to find a better example of an original British military helmet for the collector of British WW2 militaria.

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A terrific and original French Napoleonic Heavy Cavalry Cuirassier Trooper’s Sword.  This is a scarce example in very good condition and comprises a large four-bar brass hilt and original leather grip with brass twistwire.  The hilt is numbered 1556 and this is matched on the scabbard – is very rare to get both the hilt and scabbard number matched as these swords tended to have a long and hard service life and scabbards were invariably lost and replaced over many years.  The hilt is also marked – VERSAILLES – indicative of official French manufacture.  The blade is multi-fullered and with a hatchet point.  Condition of the blade is excellent and very clean.  Cannot really fault this example and with the anniversary of the battle of Waterloo next year, this iconic French Napoleonic cavalry sword can only increase considerably in value.

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A very fine example of a C.1750 English Continental Cut Steel Smallsword.  This is a nice piece with a terrifically detailed cut steel and pierced hilt that comprises a series of complex patterns to each of the shell guards.  The grip has a wooden core that is bound with copper twistwire and blued steel bands.  The blade is of colichemarde or trefoil form and decorated with decoration including a winged cherubic figure and intertwined patterns.  The blade narrows very dramatically into  a stiletto point.  Condition of the smallsword is excellent with a wonderful dark patina to the hilt.  The blade length is 25 inches (32 inches overall).  Interestingly, the blade appears shorter than normal but does not show any evidence of being cut down as the blade narrows to a severe point and there is very little left to reduce.

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This is an original and scarce Imperial Russian Model 1881 Cavalry Trooper’s Sword.  A special commission was established in the late-19th Century to design a new universal type of cavalry sword.  In 1881, a new pattern was introduced and included a ribbed wooden grip, domed pommel and brass D-ring knuckleguard.  The blade is slightly curved and double-edged towards the end.  An interesting addition to this model was the attachment of a Model 1891 Moisin Nagant socket bayonet (absent with this example).  This is not known on any other Russian cavalry sword.  The sword is dated to 1917 (the year of the Russian Revolution) and has an Imperial Russian double-headed eagle stamp to the blade forte.  There are also other issue marks to the reverse side of the blade forte.  The blade condition is good with some appropriate age wear in places.  The sword comes complete with its original leather and brass mounted scabbard that is in excellent shape.  These swords are currently being reproduced and aged accordingly and many collectors can be caught out – this is 100% original and correct.  Blade length is 30 inches (36 inches overall).

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An original and rare British Waterloo period 1796 Pattern Heavy Cavalry Trooper’s Sword.  This is one of the most famous British Army pattern swords and would have been carried by heavy cavalry regiments during the battle of Waterloo in June 1815.  The sword has been made popular in recent years with the TV series, Sharpe by Bernard Cornwell, although technically speaking, what a rifle officer would want with this kind of sword, is very strange!  The sword comprises a distinctive iron, disc hilt with pierced holes. The grip is secured with riveted ears that also secures the tang.  The blade is quite substantial and maker marked to Osborn and Gunby (Birmingham) to the blade spine.  It is also inspector stamped near the blade forte.  The grip is leather on a wood and cord core.  The sword comes with its original iron scabbard that has been painted back – quite common – most found do not come with a scabbard.  Condition is typical of this pattern of sword with general age wear to the hilt and blade.  Austria seems to have been the inspiration for the famous 1796 Pattern Heavy Cavalry Trooper’s Sword.  It is an almost direct copy of an Austrian Model 1775 Curassiers Sword.  Although a rather fearsome looking weapon, in practice it did not match up to its French counterpart, and tended to inflict wounding, rather than mortal cuts.  Heavy in the hand and unwieldy, it took a strong man to use this sword effectively.  Sergeant Ewart of the Scots Greys was just such a person, and his account of desperate combat during the Battle of Waterloo, shows him carving up a number of Frenchmen with this sword.  His success was probably enabled by the fact that he stood well over 6ft 4” tall, quite unusual for men of that time.  This is a scarce sword as many were worn out over time and simply discarded.  It had a long service life which included issue to militia units and export to the colonies, particularly India.  A large number were also supplied to the Admiralty in the 1840’s, when old blades were required for cutlasses.  Most will be found without scabbard and with two types of blade – hatchet and spear point – this sword has a hatchet point.  Spear points are likely to be pre-Waterloo as a General Order was given just before the battle to re-grind the swords to a spear point in imitation of the blades carried by French curassiers.  The langets were also removed (as in this example) and the sharp inner edge of the disc guard was cut back to avoid fraying of the uniform.  Blade length is 34.5 inches (40 inches overall).

NOTE: These swords were given a long and hard service life and few have survived intact and with the anniversary of Waterloo next year, this iconic sword can only increase substantially in value so if you want a complete example then it is best to get one now before prices go mad.

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A good example of a British 1803 Pattern Infantry Officer’s Sword – Grenadier Officer.  This is a classic British Napoleonic infantry officer’s sword that would have been carried by an officer in a Grenadier company.  By 1800, this type of curved sabre had already been unofficially adopted by many light infantry officers, and it was only a matter of time before official recognition came in 1803.  It is one of the most attractive of British pattern swords and has numerous subtle variations in design, most notably to the royal cypher on the knuckle-bow and the lions-head pommel.  The knuckleguard can also feature either a bugle or flaming grenade above the royal crown, denoting use by both grenadiers and rifle companies.  Its curved, cavalry type blade borrowed much from the eastern scimitar, and it quickly enjoyed quite a vogue amongst officers returning from the recent Egyptian campaigns. Although apparently unsuited to fighting on the ground (its curved blade would have been more effective when slashed from the saddle), style over substance seems to have won the day.  Lieutenant William Smith of the 77th Foot (Middlesex Regiment) carried this pattern as he “hewed and slashed his way through the enemy” before succumbing to his many wounds at the Battle of Ciudad Rodrigo in the Peninsular War. The sword comprises a gilt brass lionshead hilt that is very finely detailed and the grip is covered with fishskin and copper twistwire – some losses.  What makes this sword an attractive example is the numerous etching to the blade that includes the royal cypher of King George III, royal coat of arms, extensive foliage, classical figures, stands of trophies and winged victory.  The sword is maker marked to Osborn and Gunby (Birmingham) at the blade forte.  Blade with appropriate age wear.  No scabbard.  Blade length is 28 inches (33 inches overall).

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A fine example of a British 1831 Pattern General and Staff Officer’s Mameluke Sword.  The introduction of the 1831 Pattern followed a longstanding vogue for mameluke-style swords in the British Army.  The Duke of Wellington had been an early promoter of this design during the Napoleonic Wars and by 1831, it was firmly established within cavalry (particularly, Hussar) regiments.  It is a pattern of sword still worn by British General Officers, and originally came with a leather and gilt brass mounted scabbard for dress wear, and a plain brass version for all other occasions.  In 1898, the scabbard was changed from brass to plated steel.  A brown leather field service scabbard was also produced for active service.  I doubt very much whether the pattern would have been used for combat, as it is a pretty useless weapon.  A standard regulation infantry officer’s sword would most likely have been carried, and the 1831 Pattern relegated for dress occasions.  This sword dates from the 19th Century (probably c.1880) and comprises an attractive ivory slab grip with gilt brass inset rosettes (one replacement).  The crossguard has the crossed sword and baton inset in the hilt cartouche.  The blade is very finely etched with the retailer’s name of Webb and Bonella of London.  The blade also includes victory laurels, crossed sword and baton, royal “VR” cypher and crown.  Blade on excellent condition with only light wear near the forte.  Complete with original and correct brass scabbard.  Blade length is 32 inches (37 inches overall).

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A rare British 1907 Pattern Military Gymnasium Sword.  These swords were issued to cavalry troops in order to train them in swordsmanship and came in a number of previous patterns (1864 Pattern, 1895 Pattern, 1899 Pattern, 1904 Pattern, 1907 Pattern and 1911 Pattern).  These swords were modelled on fencing sabres and this example comprises a hollow aluminium-alloy, deeply chequered grip with a screwdriver slot to enable the blade to be easily replaced as they were very flexible and consequently liable to break in service.  This sword was made by Wilkinson Sword and is marked to the blade forte and dated to 1911 so would have been in use right up until it was replaced by the 1911 Pattern.  The hilt is of bowl type and the blade has a folded button “point”.  Condition of the sword is very good with only light service wear.  These swords would naturally not have been supplied with scabbards.  Blade length is 34.5 inches (41 inches overall).  Am selling two of these swords.

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A rare British 1907 Pattern Military Gymnasium Sword.  These swords were issued to cavalry troops in order to train them in swordsmanship and came in a number of previous patterns (1864 Pattern, 1895 Pattern, 1899 Pattern, 1904 Pattern, 1907 Pattern and 1911 Pattern).  These swords were modelled on fencing sabres and this example comprises a hollow aluminium-alloy, deeply chequered grip with a screwdriver slot to enable the blade to be easily replaced as they were very flexible and consequently liable to break in service.  The hilt is of bowl type and the blade has a folded button “point”.  Condition of the sword is very good with only light service wear.  These swords would naturally not have been supplied with scabbards.  Blade length is 34.5 inches (41 inches overall).  Am selling two of these swords.

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An excellent example of a British 1822 Pattern Infantry Officer’s Sword.  This is an early Victorian (c.1840) infantry officer’s sword and is of levee style meaning that it has  a slim blade that would have been suitable for dress purposes e.g. regimental balls and social occasions.  The sword comprises a gilt brass Gothic Hilt with the royal cypher of Queen Victoria (1837-1901) inset in cartouche.  The grip retains all the original fishskin covering and silver twistwire.  The blade is of pipe back form with a ribbed spine meant to give the blade extra strength.  The blade is etched with the royal cypher and “VR” of Queen Victoria, victory laurel and foliage.  There is a faint maker/retailer mark of __ etched to the blade forte.  This fine sword comes complete with its original leather and gilt brass mounted scabbard.  Condition is very good throughout.  Blade length is 32 inches (37 inches overall).

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An attractive Antique North African Tuareg Dagger and Scabbard.  This was probably owned by a Tuareg chief and comprises a distinctively styled brass, copper and bone mounted hilt.  The blade is very curved and double-edged – still very sharp.  The design of these North African daggers seems peculiarly original and have not seen any similar styled daggers from this part of Africa or anywhere else.  The dagger comes complete with an extensively decorated and incised brass and copper scabbard with raised rectangular and triangular decoration.  Condition is excellent overall and the blade is also in fine shape.  Blade length is 6.5 inches (12.5 inches overall).

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A scarce and original French Late-18th Century Military Naval Cutlass.  With brass hilt and wooden grip.  This cutlass is similar to the “Sartines” type that is noted in ‘Le Sabre D’Abordage’ by Michel Petard (pages 69-71) and differs in that it has a simple knuckleguard as opposed the unusual pierced and rounded knuckleguard.  These French naval cutlasses have a very distinctive raised pommel.  The blade is wide and slightly curved and typical of French Napoleonic boarding cutlasses of the period.  Condition of the cutlass is good with a dark and smooth age patina to the blade.  Blade length is 24.5 inches (29 inches overall).

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An original British Victorian 19th Century Army Officer’s Sword Belt.  These belts are quite hard to come by as most of them have been discarded over the years or just fallen apart.  This example comprises a brass buckle with applied white metal royal cypher of Queen Victoria (1837-1901), royal crown and victory wreath to either side. The leather belt is sewn with silver bullion wire and there is a smaller gilt brass, double-lionshead buckle.  These sword belts were carried by both infantry and cavalry officers and I would date this one to around 1860-1880.  Condition is good although it has seen some service wear.  Have measured the belt and I would say that it would fit a man with a waistline of around 30 inches – soldiers were much slimmer then!

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