Antique Arms & Militaria

A Superb, Original, 1879 Zulu War Small Cow-Hide Zulu Shield. Likely A Zulu Iwahu Shield. From the Time Of Islandwana, Rorke's Drift and Ulundi. Souvenir of the Zulu War

The ideal size for a historical display today, of a private collector or museum, such as combined with original Zulu War pieces, such as spears & knopkerrie {war clubs}.

Small cow-hide shields such as this were developed into larger versions, known as Isihlangu, in the early 19th century by Shaka kaSenzangakhona, a great warrior king and innovator who transformed Zulu warriors into a potent military machine. Shaka also introduced a new short, stabbing spear and a new style of fighting whereby the Zulu could barge his enemy off balance with the shield, or use it to hook around hid enemy's shield, pull it across his body and stab him under the left arm. These new weapons and methods, combined with tactical brilliance on the battlefield allowed the Zulu to conquer their neighbours, consolidate economic and military power, and resist European invasion for a long period.


The Zulu military system was based on the close bonding of unmarried men grouped by age. Brought together in a barracks at about 18-20 years old, a group of 350-400 men developed a strong identity as a 'regiment' or impi thanks to insignia such as the patterning on their shields. Each impi had its own kraal of cattle, and King Shaka assigned each a specific hide patterning. Impi kept their shields turned face-inwards under their arms while charging the enemy, until the last moment when the entire regiment turned their shields to face the enemy - who would only realise which of Shaka's regiments they faced with seconds to spare. This idea that the shield represented one's military identity is enshrined in the Zulu expression, "to be under somebody's shield", meaning to be under their protection.

Yet the different colours and markings on shields did more than just identify a specific impi. Great warriors had white shields with one or two spots, the young and inexperienced had black shields whilst the middle warriors had red shields. This demarcation formed the basis of the Zulu's famous battle formation imitating the horns, chest and loins of a cow, which is thought to have originated in hunting as a means of encircling game. During combat, the youngest and swiftest warriors, carrying dark shields, made up the 'horns', attempting to surround the enemy and draw him into the 'chest', whereupon the elite white shields would destroy him.


After a year of basic training, young warriors were sent home to tend their family cattle herds, mobilising for active service for four months of each year thereafter. Impi were disbanded when the men reached their late thirties and, under Shaka, it was only then they could marry. However, by the time of Zulu War of 1879, in the reign of Cetewayo, the marriage age was much younger and married warriors were no longer regarded as inferior and could bear a white shield in battle. Whether a Zulu warrior was active or retired, his shield remained an important symbol of his status upon entering marriage.

The Zulus, 22,000 strong, attacked the camp at Isandlwana and their sheer numbers overwhelmed the British. As the officers paced their men far too far apart to face the coming onslaught. During the battle Lieutenant-Colonel Pulleine ordered Lieutenants Coghill and Melvill to save the Queen's Colour—the Regimental Colour was located at Helpmakaar with G Company. The two Lieutenants attempted to escape by crossing the Buffalo River where the Colour fell and was lost downstream, later being recovered. Both officers were killed. At this time the Victoria Cross (VC) was not awarded posthumously. This changed in the early 1900s when both Lieutenants were awarded posthumous Victoria Crosses for their bravery. The 2nd Battalion lost both its Colours at Isandhlwana though parts of the Colours—the crown, the pike and a colour case—were retrieved and trooped when the battalion was presented with new Colours in 1880.

The 24th had performed with distinction during the battle. The last survivors made their way to the foot of a mountain where they fought until they expended all their ammunition and were killed. The 24th Foot suffered 540 dead, including the 1st Battalion's commanding officer.

After the battle, some 4,000 to 5,000 Zulus headed for Rorke's Drift, a small missionary post garrisoned by a company of the 2/24th Foot, native levies and others under the command of Lieutenant Chard, Royal Engineers, the most senior officer of the 24th present being Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead. Two Boer cavalry officers, Lieutenants Adendorff and Vane, arrived to inform the garrison of the defeat at Isandhlwana. The Acting Assistant Commissary James Langley Dalton persuaded Bromhead and Chard to stay and the small garrison frantically prepared rudimentary fortifications.

The Zulus first attacked at 4:30 pm. Throughout the day the garrison was attacked from all sides, including rifle fire from the heights above the garrison, and bitter hand-to-hand fighting often ensued. At one point the Zulus entered the hospital, which was stoutly defended by the wounded inside until it was set alight and eventually burnt down. The battle raged on into the early hours of 23 January but by dawn the Zulu Army had withdrawn. Lord Chelmsford and a column of British troops arrived soon afterwards. The garrison had suffered 15 killed during the battle (two died later) and 11 defenders were awarded the Victoria Cross for their distinguished defense of the post, 7 going to soldiers of the 24th Foot.


54cm long inc haft  read more

Code: 25535

One Million Viewers!! Google Just Informed Us 1,000,000 People Searched To Find Our Location on Google Maps Since We Updated Our Company Entry Recently.

Google just let us know our updated Google entry just past the amazing 1,000,000 { one million } searches in order to find out our location in order to visit us here in Brighton, England.

Twenty Three Years Ago, After 80 Years Trading in Brighton, We Were Honoured by Being Nominated & Awarded by BACA, In The Best Antique & Collectables Shop In Britain Awards 2001
Presented by MILLER'S Antiques Guide, THE BBC, HOMES & ANTIQUES MAGAZINE, for the British Antique & Collectables Awards. The version of the antique dealers ‘Oscars’ of Britain.

It was a great honour for Mark and David, especially considering at the beginning of the new millennium, in the year 2000, there was over 7,000 established antique and collectors shops in the UK, according to the official Guide to the Antique Shops of Britain, 1999-2000, and we were nominated, and voted into in the top four in Britain.

We were also very kindly described and listed as one of the most highly recommended visitors attractions in the whole of Europe and the UK by nothing less than the 'New York Times ' within their travel guide "New York Times, 36 Hours, 125 Weekends in Europe  read more

Code: 25531

Stunningly Beautiful, Museum Piece. Original Scythian Warrior's Helmet. Made & Used From the 6th Century BC, to The Battles Against Alexander the Great, Until the 3rd Century AD, The Scythian Women Warriors Are Believed To Be The Original Amazons

A bronze 'Illyrian' variant helmet, used by the so called 'barbarian' warriors, both men and women, that Herodotus classed as Amazons, that fought Darius The Great of Persia in 512bc, Alexander the Great of Macedon in 329bc, and both the Legions of the Roman Republic, and later, the Legions of the Roman Empire.

With a traditional domed skull and carination to the rear, a row of perforations to the rim around the face, and a flared neck-guard; Weight 396 grams, 26cm (10 1/4"). Fine condition, some overall aged restoration.

From the realm of the ancient Scythian warriors of ancient history that uniquely fought alongside their female warriors. The Scythian women were as famous as warriors, in fact as much as we’re the Scythian men, it is said the legend of the Amazonian warriors is entirely based on the Scythian women warriors. Herodotus provides the first detailed description of the Scythians. He classes the Cimmerians as a distinct autochthonous tribe, expelled by the Scythians from the northern Black Sea coast. Herodotus also states that the Scythians consisted of the Auchatae, Catiaroi, Traspians, and Paralatae or "Royal Scythians".

For Herodotus, the Scythians were outlandish barbarians living north of the Black Sea. In 512 BC, when King Darius the Great of Persia attacked the Scythians, he allegedly penetrated into their land after crossing the Danube. Herodotus relates that the nomadic Scythians frustrated the Persian army by letting it march through the entire country without an engagement In 329 BC Philip's son, Alexander the Great, came into conflict with the Scythians at the Battle of Jaxartes. A Scythian army sought to take revenge against the Macedonians for the death of Ateas, as they pushed the borders of their empire north and east, and to take advantage of a revolt by the local Sogdian satrap. However, the Scythian army was defeated by Alexander at the Battle of Jaxartes. Alexander did not intend to subdue the nomads: he wanted to go to the south, where a far more serious crisis demanded his attention. He could do so now without loss of face; and in order to make the outcome acceptable to the Saccae, he released the Scythian prisoners of war without ransom in order to broker a peace agreement. This policy was successful, and the Scythians no longer harassed Alexander's empire.

Although the classical Scythians may have largely disappeared by the 1st century BC, Eastern Romans continued to speak conventionally of "Scythians" to designate Germanic tribes and confederations or mounted Eurasian nomadic barbarians in general: in AD 448 two mounted "Scythians" led the emissary Priscus to Attila's encampment in Pannonia. The Byzantines in this case carefully distinguished the Scythians from the Goths and Huns who also followed Attila. Their women, after all, were trouser-wearing, horse-riding warriors, Amazons, according to Herodotus. In his Histories, the Amazons sleep with the Scythian men but refuse to cohabit with the existing Scythian women because they are not outdoorsy enough. The Amazons therefore set off with their Scythians to establish a new people.

The next known event from Scythian history is the campaign of Alexander the Great's general, Zopyrion, which took place in 331/30 BC and was directed against the Getae and the Scythians (Just., Epit., 12.1, 4). The Macedonian army of 30,000 men reached Olbia and laid siege to it, but was unable to take it and was completely routed by the Scythians. Zopyrion himself met his death.

One other Scythian king of the 4th century BC mentioned in the sources was Agaros, who had probably taken part in the internecine war between the sons of the Bosporan king Pairisades in 310/9 on the side of Satyros II; after his defeat, Satyros's son Pairisades sought refuge with Agaros. He was probably king of those Scythians who dwelt in the Crimean steppes immediately adjacent to the Bosporus.The helmet appears to have been made originally on the Corinthian model with close-fitting skull, lateral cheek-plates and projecting nasal. At some point in its combat history, it has been modified, while retaining the undulating brow profile. The perforated leading edge may have been for permanent attachment of an organic padded liner. Beyond the scope of inspired workmanship, by 5th century BC, many of the Scythian kings and nobles also opted for 'foreign' styled Greek helmets and greaves, possibly as a show of prosperity. Archaeological excavations that pertain to this period have unearthed over 60 fascinating specimens of Greek helmets (of Corinthian, Chalcidian, and Attic types) that were actually manufactured in mainland Greece and then shipped across the Black Sea into Scythian heartland via the wealthy Greek Bosporan colonies. The ancient scope in itself mirrored a wide-ranging trade network that not only entailed arms and military equipment but also slaves. Furthermore, the Scythians themselves exported profitable items like grain, wheat, flocks, and even cheese to Greece. From examination the front nasal section has been considerably restored. It has been sometime in the past extensively, though nicely, fully cleaned overall, during conservation a small supporting interior patch has been applied at the nasal area. Helmets from this era and region in unrestored condition are now so rare as to be almost unavailable, but if found, can be expected to be from 20,000 to 50,000 pounds today.
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


Literature on this helmet type see;
Cf. Egg, M. & Waurick, G. Antike Helme, Romisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum, Mainz, 1990, item 2 for original type.  read more

Code: 22060

A 18th to Mid 19th Century Steel, Indo Persian, Double Crescent Blade Headed War Axe and Spike, Known as a Tabarzin

Of a type carried into battle by Indo-Persian/Mughal warriors. With engraved bird and floral decoration to the axe heads. Iron shaft.

The double head war axe with spike would have been a very effective battlefield weapon and had excellent balance.

The term tabar is used for axes originating from the Ottoman Empire, Persia, Armenia, India and surrounding countries and cultures. As a loanword taken through Iranian Scythian, the word tabar is also used in most Slavic languages as the word for axe.

The tabarzin (saddle axe) (Persian: تبرزین‎; sometimes translated "saddle-hatchet") is the traditional battle axe of Persia. It bears one or two crescent-shaped blades. The long form of the tabar was about seven feet long, while a shorter version was about three feet long or less. What makes the Persian axe unique is the very thin handle, which is very light and always metallic. The tabarzin was sometimes carried as a symbolic weapon by wandering dervishes (Muslim ascetic worshippers). The word tabar for axe was directly borrowed into Armenian as tapar (Armenian: տապար) from Middle Persian tabar, as well as into Proto-Slavonic as "topor" (*toporъ), the latter word known to be taken through Scythian, and is still the common Slavic word for axe.

A delightful example of a ceremonial axe in war axe form  read more

Code: 25036

A Wonderful & Rare Bronze Minoan Era Spear of Pre Ancient Greek Antiquity, Around 4000 Years Old. It Was Already At Least 1700 Years Old when Alexander The Great Began His Expedition to Conquer the Known World

Examples similar have been found elsewhere in Cyprus and Crete from the same era. Three similar were discovered some years ago in Vounous, Cyprus dated around 2300-2000 BC from the tomb 78 of the ancient cemetery in Vounous.

These kind of spear heads have a tang, ending in a hook, which was fixed into the wood. The blade was than further secured to the wood shaft by a wrap of laching cord.

Minoan Crete, named after the legendary King Minos, was ruled from great palaces, most of which were founded around 2000 BC. Material from the palace of Knossos is displayed in the British Museum, along with pottery, bronzes and stone vases from elsewhere in Crete, including from tombs and shrines. There is also evidence for writing in the form of the undeciphered Linear A script. The later Greek Bronze Age is named after Mycenae, the capital city of Agamemnon who according to myth led the Greeks at the siege of Troy. Mycenaean culture extended throughout mainland Greece, the Aegean islands and Crete. The Greek language is first recorded in this period in the Linear B script derived from Minoan Crete. Following the collapse of this civilisation in the 12th century BC, Greece entered a period of relative poverty and isolation when writing was forgotten. During this time, stories about the grand lifestyles of Mycenaean rulers continued to be told, influencing later poets such as Homer, whose Iliad and Odyssey were set in what we call the Bronze Age. In the epic poem The Odyssey, the Greek poet Homer praised an island that lies “out in the wine-dark sea . . . a rich and lovely sea-girt land, densely peopled, with 90 cities and several different languages.” This sophisticated place is not just a random spot in the Mediterranean—Homer is describing Crete, southernmost of the Greek islands and home to one of the oldest civilizations in Europe. Located some 400 miles northwest of Alexandria in Egypt, Crete has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, around 7000 B.C. The culture that developed there during the second millennium B.C. spread throughout the entire eastern Mediterranean world. Crete’s command of the seas would allow its stunning art and architecture to deeply influence the Mycenaean Greek civilization that would succeed it. Photo in the gallery of a Bull’s head rhyton ritual pouring vessel from the palace at Knossos, c. 1550-1500 B.C.E., in black steatite, jasper, and mother-of-pearl, 26 cm high (Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, From a private collection formed in the Netherlands before the 1980's .

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

20cm long spear head  read more

Code: 23582

An Incredible 1100 Year Old, Viking, Great Hewing Spear, a Hggspjt, A Viking Museum Piece. With Extremely Rare Norse 'Knotwork' Runic Engraving Still Present. A Powerful Spear of Incredible Heft

Made over 1000 years ago, and probably modelled on Odin's 'Great Hewing Spear' itself.

It is so rare to find an original Hggspjt Viking great spear, the spear of a Viking chief or his personal guard, with its original Norse knotwork engraving, and it is simply incredible to see it still clearly visible after more than a thousand years.

An original Hggspjt large head spear of a Viking Norse clan chief with superb Norse incised knotwork, as one might see on the legendary Gungnir, the Spear of Odin itself. {Old Norse, Gungnir }

Larger-headed spears were called Hggspjt, (great hewing spear), from Old Norse higg, "stroke, blow, slaughter, beheading", and could also be used for cutting. A two-handed grip on the spear shaft gives the Viking spear more power and usability than a one-hand grip. Both ends and the shaft of a Viking spear could be used to hit an opponent, block attacks with weapons, and even trip opponents. By shifting the hand hold on a spear shaft, the ends can be used to hit an opponent at short range and long range. With a sliding grip, a spear can be thrust forward in such a way that both hands end up at the butt end of the shaft, which allows the spear to reach the full extent of the shaft in a thrust. As you'd expect for the weapon of a god, Gungnir is no ordinary spear. It was created by the dwarves, the most skilled smiths in the cosmos, as is related in the tale of how the gods greatest treasures were made.
Gungnir is said to have runes carved on its point, which presumably increase its aim and deadliness through magic. Archaeology confirms that the Norse and other Germanic peoples did in fact carve runes into some of their spears; perhaps this was done in imitation of the mythical model of Gungnir. Other aspects of Gungnir definitely did serve as mythical models for human actions. This is especially true with regard to the spears role in human sacrifices offered to Odin.

In the war between the two tribes of gods, Odin led the Aesir gods into battle against the Vanir. He began the battle by hurling his spear over the enemy host and crying,

"INN YR ALLA !"
(Odin owns all of you!).

The historical Norse themselves, when about to begin combat, repeated this paradigmatic gesture of Odins, thus giving the opposing army as a gift to Odin, in hopes that the god would return the favour by granting them victory.

In the Viking Age, Odin was the chief of the gods, a role which in earlier times he had shared with the god Tyr. Just as Tyr's sword seems to have been a symbol of the power and authority of lordship (we can infer this from the number of Indo-European parallels), so Odin's spear probably was as well. Gungnir, the finest spear in the cosmos, and it would have served as a compelling image of the ferocious might, both magical and military, of the grim ruler of the gods.

In regards to surviving iron artefacts of the past two millennia, if Western ancient edged weapons were either lost, discarded or buried in the ground, and if the ground soil were made up of the right chemical composition, then some may survive exceptionally well, just as did this one, and if well conserved it can be a remarkable item of antiquity looking much as it did before it was lost millennia ago.
Former property of an English gentleman's collection, acquired in the 1940's.

13.5 inches long and over one and a half pounds in weight {340mm and 700 grams}.

Almost every iron weapon that has survived today from this era, is now in a fully, or partially, russetted condition, as is this one, and most similar to those like it that have been preserved in national or Royal collections today .

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  read more

Code: 21880

Incredibly Rare To Survive, 2000 Years Old, Original, Republic & Imperial Roman Military, Legionary's or Centurion's Lorica Squamatae Mail Armour 1st Century

These are small integral pieces of original Roman combat armour, that once discovered have to be recognised for their rarity by such as an archaeologist or ancient Roman military historian or they would never be saved for history, and very likely discarded. Which would be one of the primary reasons that they are so very rare, that, and also because they are thin small plates that have to be originally lost in the correct organic surroundings within which to survive the past two millennia relatively intact.

A super, small collection of original, historical, Imperial Roman, Viking and Crusader's artefacts has just been acquired by us and will be added over the next week or so. Only the third such group of original Roman armour we have seen in 15 years.
A small section panel of an incredibly rare, original Roman military armour mail shirt, around 2000 years old, small pieces but exceptionally historically significant. They would look amazing if nicely framed. Used by both regular Roman Legionaries and high ranking Centurions, Lorica squamata was a scale armour, looking like the skin of a fish. Items such as this were oft acquired in the 18th century by British noblemen touring Northern France and Italy on their Grand Tour. Originally placed on display in the family 'cabinet of curiosities', within his country house upon his return home. A popular pastime in the 18th and 19th century, comprised of English ladies and gentlemen traveling for many months, or even years, througout classical Europe, acquiring antiquities and antiques for their private collections.
A shirt of scale armour would be put on with side or rear lacing and reach to the mid-thigh. The lorica squamatae is a type of scale armour used by the ancient Roman military during the Roman Republic and at later periods. It was made from small metal scales sewn to a fabric backing.

It is typically seen on depictions of standard bearers, musicians, centurions, cavalry troops, and auxiliary infantry, as well as regular legionaries. The somewhat historically inaccurate Roman victory triumph depicting Trajan's victory over the Dacians, the Tropaeum Traiani, shows the majority of legionaries wearing loricae squamatae. A shirt of scale armour was shaped in the same way as a mail lorica hamata, mid-thigh length with the shoulder doublings or cape.

The individual scales (squamae) were either iron or bronze, or alternating metals on the same shirt. They could be tinned as well, one surviving fragment showing bronze scales that were alternately tinned and plain. The metal was generally not very thick, 0.50 mm to 0.80 mm (.020" to .032") perhaps being a common range. Since the scales overlapped in every direction, however, the multiple layers gave good protection. The size ranged from as small as 6.3 mm wide by 9.5 mm tall (1/4" ? 3/8") up to about 5 cm wide by 8 cm tall (2" ? 3"), with the most common sizes being roughly 1.3 cm by 2.5 cm (1/2" ? 1"). Many have rounded bottoms, while others are pointed or have flat bottoms with the corners clipped off at an angle. The scales could be flat, or slightly domed, or have a raised midrib or edge. All the scales in a shirt would generally be of the same size; however, scales from different shirts may vary significantly.

The scales were wired or laced together in horizontal rows that were then laced or sewn to the backing. Therefore, each scale had from four to 12 holes: two or more at each side for wiring to the next in the row, one or two at the top for fastening to the backing, and sometimes one or two at the bottom to secure the scales to the backing or to each other.

There was also a rare type where the backing was a mail lorica hamata, effectively giving two layers of defence, but at the cost of greater weight and expense.

It is possible that the shirt could be opened either at the back or down one side so that it was easier to put on, the opening being closed by ties. Much has been written about scale armour's supposed vulnerability to an upward thrust, but this may be exaggerated.

No examples of an entire lorica squamata have ever been found, but there have been several archaeological finds of very small fragments of such shirts, and individual scales.

The type of armour in which the scales are laced to each other and need no backing at all is known as lamellar armour, while to confuse the matter there is also locking scale in which the scales are wired together without a backing. It can be difficult to tell which type of armour a single scale might have come from, as the Romans did not necessarily have different terms for each type. The typical scale had a vertical pair of holes at each side near the top, plus one or two holes at the top. These armour scales would look superb put together and framed in a display. They are individualy quite small and partially fragmented but easily dwarfed by their historical interest, rarity and significance. Their size and unusual appearance explains much why they are so rarely found, as they are easily corrupted by the centuries once buried, and only identifiable by those that know exactly what they are, thus easily discarded if discovered by the uninformed. As with all our items it comes complete with our certificate of authenticity.  read more

Code: 23017

Another Fabulous Christmas Gift Idea. A Superb Pair of Regency Silhouette Portraits of a Scottish Lady and Gentleman, Possibly by George Atkins

Circa 1815 to 1830 British School. The gentleman is holding his fouling piece, and wearing a kilt. The lady is holding what appears to be her prayer book. Both silhouettes are hand cut black paper aplied to an off-white card backing, emphasized with gold shadow highlights. Original Regency rosewood frames. A silhouette is the image of a person, animal, object or scene represented as a solid shape of a single colour, usually black, with its edges matching the outline of the subject. The interior of a silhouette is featureless, and the silhouette is usually presented on a light background, usually white, or none at all. The more expensive versions could have a gold highlight such as these have. The silhouette differs from an outline, which depicts the edge of an object in a linear form, while a silhouette appears as a solid shape. Silhouette images may be created in any visual artistic media, but were first used to describe pieces of cut paper, which were then stuck to a backing in a contrasting colour, and often framed.

Cutting portraits, generally in profile, from black card became popular in the mid-18th century, though the term silhouette was seldom used until the early decades of the 19th century, and the tradition has continued under this name into the 21st century. They represented an effective alternative to the portrait miniature, and skilled specialist artists could cut a high-quality bust portrait, by far the most common style, in a matter of minutes, working purely by eye. Other artists, especially from about 1790, drew an outline on paper, then painted it in, which could be equally quick.

From its original graphic meaning, the term silhouette has been extended to describe the sight or representation of a person, object or scene that is backlit, and appears dark against a lighter background. Anything that appears this way, for example, a figure standing backlit in a doorway, may be described as "in silhouette". Because a silhouette emphasises the outline, the word has also been used in the fields of fashion and fitness to describe the shape of a person's body or the shape created by wearing clothing of a particular style or period. 10.5 x 12.5 inches framed. Picture in the gallery of a drawing a Silhouette by Johann Rudolph Schellenberg (1740?1806). Light staining to the gentlemans white backing paper.  read more

Code: 23078

What a Superb Antique Christmas Gift Idea. A Pair of Simply Delightful Original Victorian Royal Mail Coaching Prints in Fine Rosewood Veneer Frames

With their original and super old retailer's labels of the most distinguished Arthur Ackerman Gallery of Fine Arts, 191 Regent St. London, W. A charming pair of original Victorian coloured prints in fine quality frames. 6.75 inches x 8.75 inches framed In the 18th century travel was hazardous to all. Highwaymen stalked the roads and those leading into London were said to be ‘infested’ with robbers. Romantic tales of masked, gallant gentleman were far from the truth: highwaymen were ruthless and deadly.
On 4 December 1775, a Norwich stagecoach was attacked by a gang of seven highwaymen. The guard shot three robbers before being killed and the coach robbed. Richard ‘Dick’ Turpin, a famous highwayman of the time, was known to torture his victims and would even kill one of his companions to aid his own escape.

‘… recommending the Guarding of all the Horse Mails, as a measure of national importance to which the Public in some degree conceived themselves entitled…’

Francis Freeling, Resident Surveyor, 14th March 1796
A plan was written to guard all horse mails, which included the arming of all guards. In doing so the Post Office would not only secure the vast property conveyed by horse, but also save the expenses incurred in prosecuting a robber. Furthermore, it would maintain regularity of service and eliminate what was seen as a disgrace to both the Office and to the nation.

Surveyors observed that the revenue lost to robbery was twice the sum it would cost to guard the mail: it was the obvious choice. In 1784, John Palmer introduced the first mail coach from Bristol to London. This faster and well-armed postal service proved to be a great deterrent to robbers, as they risked being shot or, if caught, tried and hanged. The first recorded robbery of a mail coach did not occur until 25 July 1786.

A letter to joint Postmaster Generals asking for the establishment of a regional mail coach was signed by over 100 people, whose businesses had been damaged due to the frequency of robberies. Mail coaches were a better way of securing the post’s safe passage, though there are a few recorded instances of attempted robberies even of them.

In January 1816, an Enniskillen coach was attacked and robbed by a gang of 14 men who had barricaded the road. The guards fired off all of their ammunition but the mail bags and weapons were all stolen. the Mail Guard was issued with a a pair of flintlock pistols  read more

Code: 16969

A Beautiful Ancient Original Viking Broadsword, From The Era Of The Norsemen’s Raids in Northern France, Around 1150 Years Ago & Their Raids Upon England & Ireland Up To The 11th Century.

A fabulous new addition to our gallery of amazing original ancient artefacts, with an incredible cache of arms and artefacts that have just arrived, from the past 3400 years of warring history, from the Ancient empires of Greece, Macedonia and Rome period, and up to the Viking age of over 1000 years past.
A wonderful example piece, from the ancient Viking Norsemen age. It is said that the Viking sword occupied the highest rank of esteem in the forms of weaponry during the entire Viking age. It was certainly not a common weapon for the regular Viking warrior. Only the Viking's of superior rank, power or status could afford the finest craftsmanship as was found in the sword. The more usual weapons in the Viking warrior community, especially for the regular warrior were axes and spears.
This sword, that is codified as a Petersen type X, was popular and used predominantly from the mid to late 800's to the 11th century. The D shaped pommel, which acted as a counterweight to the blade, so that the sword balanced, could display inlays of precious metals or intricate patterns. The blade itself often had so called “blood grooves” or fullers, and this sword has a single fuller running along its middle. These fullers saved valuable metal and made the sword lighter. A sword might be the most expensive item that a man owned. The one sword whose value is given in the sagas (given by King Hákon to Höskuldur in chapter 13 of Laxdæla saga) was said to be worth a half mark of gold.

There is a near pair to this sword in the Paris Museum collection, as Northern France, Brittany and Normandy were some of the great areas of battle and conflict for the Viking Norsemen, with thousands eventually settling in Normandy to become what today is known as the Normans. The great seiges of Paris, and where the formidable Vikings looted and plundered the north of France are legendary, and from whence they gained massive tribute from the resident Kings of the Franks to bribe them to cease their sieges and destruction.
There were two famed Norse sieges of Paris. The first was in 845; and though a fairly minor affair in terms of battle, it had great symbolic significance. The second was roughly two generations later, in 885-886; was much larger (and deadlier); and had greater direct ramifications. Before the first siege, Viking raids were a new and growing problem for the peoples of Western Europe; but hitherto raids had been made by relatively small war bands bent on plunder. The Scandinavian adventurers might sack monasteries or villages, but would usually shun larger, better defended targets. However, success was making the Norsemen bolder.

Aware of this growing threat, the ageing emperor, Charlemagne, built a series of maritime defences to protect his coasts and rivers from these new dragon ships. For the first few decades, the defences worked; but the Vikings were growing in number, ability, and ambition and a new breed of leaders was coming to the fore. One of these leaders was a man the Frankish chroniclers call Reginheri; but who has since been widely equated with the semi-legendary figure Ragnar Lothbrok. Under Ragnar, Vikings were ready to step foot on the world stage. They were ready to capture the jewel of Western Europe, the city of Paris.


So, in Spring of 845, 120 dragon ships carrying about 5000 Scandinavian warriors, broke through the late emperor’s defenses and surrounded the walled city of Paris. In the ninth century, Paris was already more than a thousand years old. It was wealthy from its position as a trading centre, and was the seat of one of Charlemagne’s three competing heirs, Charles the Bald. At this time, the heart of the city was confined to the islands in the centre of the Seine, the Île de la Cité where the cathedral of Notre Dame stands today. This position made Paris eminently defensible in the eyes of the Frankish elite that ruled there; but it made it easily surrounded by the ship-born Vikings.
Not a very good tactician at this time, Charles the Bald (Charlemagne’s grandson, who in all fairness, was only about 22 and new to his position as king) split his forces between the two banks of the Seine in order to better defend the nearby Abbey of Saint Denis. Ragnar’s Danes concentrated their attack on the forces on one bank of the Seine and easily defeated the Franks. They took 111 Frankish prisoners in the battle (this relatively small number further emphasises the Frank’s level of surprise and unpreparedness). In full view of the city and the army on the opposite river bank, the Vikings further terrified their foes by hanging all 111 prisoners as a sacrifice to Odin. The Vikings then moved on Paris and captured it with equal efficiency .

Faced with these appalling developments, Charles took a course of action that was as practical as it was controversial (both at that time and ever after). He offered Ragnar 7000 livres (more than 5600 pounds) in gold and silver to take his men and leave. This cash pay-out became the first of many, many Danegelds (roughly translated, “gold to the Danes” that the princes of Europe would offer Viking armies to leave them alone ). To pay such a tremendous sum to “heathen savages” must have been a brutal humiliation for the grandson of the man who united most of Western Europe under his implacable will; but Charles was already facing rebellion in Aquitaine and Brittany, and had no wish to risk his troops, the citizens of Paris, or the religious and cultural treasures of the several nearby abbeys in a prolonged battle he would likely lose. His hands were tied, and so he paid.

Swords were heirlooms. They were given names and passed from father to son for generations. The loss of a sword was a catastrophe. Laxdæla saga (chapter 30) tells how Geirmundr planned to abandon his wife Þuríðr and their baby daughter in Iceland. Þuríðr boarded Geirmund's ship at night while he slept. She took his sword, Fótbítr (Leg Biter) and left behind their daughter. Þuríðr rowed away in her boat, but not before the baby's cries woke Geirmundr. He called across the water to Þuríðr, begging her to return with the sword.

He told her, "Take your daughter and whatever wealth you want."
She asked, "Do you mind the loss of your sword so much?"
"I'd have to lose a great deal of money before I minded as much the loss of that sword."
"Then you shall never have it, since you have treated me dishonourably The Vikings placed such status on to their swords they often named them, due to the belief of their supposed magical qualities, heritage, and creator of remarkable events. Such evocative names as;

Gramr: Fierce. This was the name of the sword that hero Sigurd used to kill the dragon Fafnir
Gunnlogi: Battle Flame, War Flame
Leggbir: Leg bitter
Skrofnung: Gnawer
Keurnbut: Millstone-breaker
Naegling: Hole-maker
Fotbitr: Foot-biter.

Swords that had names were a treasure not only for their monetary value but also for the honour for the family and the clan.

This is in very good condition for age, and feels just as a fine top quality sword should, even today. It was likely used up to, and into, the 11th century British 'Battle of Hastings' era of 1066, known as the the Norman invasion period. Swords from the 10th to the 12th century of British history, used in the Battle of Hastings invasion period and into the earliest part of the new British Norman age, and it was used by the invading Norman knights who were settled Vikings, that ruled England after conquering the Anglo Saxon King Harold.
This fabulous, historical Viking sword, has the highly iconic, and typical fashion, double-edged broad sword, and hilt of Petersen Type X, with a tapering blade, shallow fullers, possible traces of pattern-welding to the blade, it has superb battle nicks to both cutting edges; an a. rectangular crossguard

See Petersen, J., De Norske Vikingsverd, Oslo, 1919; Peirce, I., Swords of the Viking Age, Suffolk, 2002; Hiardar K. and Vike, V., Vikings at war, Oxford-Philadelphia, 2016; the sword has good parallels with similar Viking age specimens published by Peirce (2002, pp.102-105), one in the British Museum and the other at the Universitetets Oldsaksamling, Oslo.
Footnotes
Viking swords of Type X are commonly found in Nordic countries and Europe, with a number found in Western Europe, France England and Ireland. In the gallery we show an original medieval painting of 11th century King Harald in combat at Stamford Bridge in 1066.

In the Church of Rønninge stands a rune stone bearing the text: “Sóti placed this stone in memory or Eileifr, his brother, Ásgautr Red-shield’s son”. Nearby lies the Rosenlund grave containing weapons and riding equipment, perhaps it was Ásgautr’s grave. We are familiar with Viking swords from various burials, which mainly date to the early Viking period. It was most often people of high status who were buried with swords in the Viking Age. Not all Viking warriors had a sword; they were prestige weapons. Swords were highly valued objects and could be handed down from generation to generation. They were also given as gifts to people of high status in order to stay on good terms with them.

Viking swords were also used in another way. This was the tradition of sacrificing the valuable swords in lakes and bogs. Many swords, spears and lances from the Viking and early medieval periods have also been found near fords crossing rivers and in wetlands. Perhaps the weapons were left at such locations as an offering, or else they were simply dropped and lost during the attempt to cross the water. Almost every weapon that has survived today from this era is now in a fully russetted condition, as is this one, because only very very few of the swords of kings, that have been preserved in national or Royal collections are today still in a relatively good state and condition We will include for the new owner a complimentary wooden display stand, but this amazing ancient artefact of antiquity would also look spectacular mounted within a bespoke case frame, or, on a fine cabinet maker constructed display panel. Extremely similar to a pattern-welded sword found with a large number of other objects, at Camp de Péran, Côtes-d'Armor, France, in a 10th century context, probably linked with the early Norman settlers in Normandy or Norman raids in Brittany (Roesdhal, Wilson, 1992, p.321, cat. n.359; Renaud, 2000, p.100).

Overall length 36.25 inches {925mm} 30.5 inches {770mm} crossguard 5 inches {128mm}

As with all our items it comes complete with our certificate of authenticity.  read more

Code: 24770