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Nation : British
Local Price : £2450.00

Grande Armee Issue, From the Consular To Ist Empire Period. French Napoleonic Year 13 Cuirassier Sword, Manufactured at Versailles in the Early Imperial Period, Circa 1804-1806. Inspected by Nicholas Cherrer, Chef De Battalion. Blade stamped with the mark of the Fasces for the 'Petit Garantie' 1798 to 1809, plus AP for L'Atelier Precision Paris, Paris Workshop and the hilt has the Versailles approval stamp. Versailles was the premier hilt manufactury and assembly workshop for the Republic and Empire, and only the very finest would pass acceptance. All of the Elite Imperial Guard sword hilts were supplied from here. The Versailles Director was Boutet, probably the greatest & most respected Arms maker that ever lived, his pistols and guns, made for the King and Napoleon, are some of the most beautiful objects ever created by man. This would have seen service in the Elite Cuirassiers of Napoleon's great heavy cavalry regiments of the Grande Armee such as in 1807 at Friedland. And in the French invasion of Russia ( Campagne de Russie) that began on 24 June 1812 when Napoleon's Grande Armee crossed the Neman River in an attempt to engage and defeat the Russian army. Napoleon hoped to compel Tsar Alexander I of Russia to cease trading with British merchants through proxies in an effort to pressure the United Kingdom to sue for peace. The official political aim of the campaign was to liberate Poland from the threat of Russia. Napoleon named the campaign the Second Polish War to curry favour with the Poles and provide a political pretence for his actions. The Grande Armee was a very large force, numbering nearly half a million men from several different nations. Through a series of long marches Napoleon pushed the army rapidly through Western Russia in an attempt to bring the Russian army to battle, winning a number of minor engagements and a major battle at Smolensk in August. Napoleon hoped the battle would mean an end of the march into Russia, but the Russian army slipped away from the engagement and continued to retreat into Russia, while leaving Smolensk to burn. Plans Napoleon had made to quarter at Smolensk were abandoned, and he pressed his army on after the Russians. The battles continued, but once the winter set in Napoleon's army was facing insurmountable odds that left it effectively shattered beyond repair. Napoleon fled, it is said, dressed as a woman, and the army left to it's sad and miserable fate. Only around 27,000 were able to return after a mere six months of the Russian campaign. The campaign was a turning point in the Napoleonic Wars. The reputation of Napoleon was severely shaken, and French hegemony in Europe was dramatically weakened. The Grande Armee, made up of French and allied invasion forces, was reduced to a fraction of its initial strength. These events triggered a major shift in European politics. France's ally Prussia, soon followed by Austria, broke their alliance with France and switched camps. This triggered the War of the Sixth Coalition. 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 swords in England very likely came from that field of conflict, after the battle, as trophies of war. However, this sword was one of the few that were allowed to remain in the elite cuirassier corps after Waterloo, serving King Loius XVIIIth both before Napoleon's 100 days, and after his crushing defeat by Wellington at Waterloo. In fact one can see it has been issued, re-issued and even re-inspected by Capt. Louis Balaran, at least twice times with numerous serial numbers and inspection stamps stamped and struck out in its working life from 1806. 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 magnificent Napoleonic sword in superb condition for it's age. The largest sword of its kind that was ever made or used by the world's greatest cavalry regiments. The cuirassiers were the greatest of all France's cavalry, allowing only the strongest men of over 6 feet in height into its 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. The brass basket guard on this sword is first class, the blade is double fullered and absolutely as crisp as one could hope for. Made in the early Napoleonic Wars period. Just a basic few of the battles this would have been used at such as Friedland in 1807, in 1812 and beyond 1812: Borodino and Moscow, Ostrowno, and Winkowo 1813: Reichenbach and Dresden, Leipzig and Hanau 1814: La Rothiere, Rosnay, Champaubert, Vauchamps, Athies, La Fere-Champenoise and Paris 1815: Quatre-Bras and Waterloo. The blade has fabulous steel bright colour, and hilt has fabulous patina. Overall 45.75 inches long in its scabbard, the spear pointed blade is 37.5 inches long. Just old staining to the scabbard steel. The French Elite Cuirassier Sword is surely one of the most impressive Heavy Cavalry swords ever made, being of incredible size quality and stature. Used in the great campaigns of Napoleon by the Elite Grande Armee Cavalry, from Austria through the Russian Campaign, into the Peninsular War and finally the The Battle of Waterloo. All the Cuirassier were front line regiments, none ever utilized as Militia. With steel combat scabbard, multi fullered blade, brass 4 bar hilt with wire bound leather grip. Circa 1806. The blade is exactly as it should be, and bearing the matching Atelier Paris and Versailles stamp of 1806. Leather grip re-covered some time long past. Excellent condition hilt, and blade, later scabbard

Nation : ?
Local Price : £2,450.00

US Model 1850 Foot Officers Sword by Ames. US Model 1850 Foot Officers Sword by Ames deluxe quality with early block US etching which generally dates to the 1850s The sword is in excellent condition with bright gilt finish to the hilt note small wear area to pommel cap. The grip again in very good condition secured with twisted wire. The blade clean and in polish with super etching couple of small areas of discolour towards the tip, maker marks Ames MFG Co Chicopee Mass US which is repeated on the top scabbard mount. The early form black leather scabbard with matching gilt mounts and still retains traces of red leather to the throat, overall length 36.5 inch the blade30.75 inches – Ames produced high-grade swords and sabres for private purchase and to fill certain government contracts. The finely crafted workmanship exhibited on all its blades, especially its officers blades, was more than equal to those of the best European sword makers of the time.

Nation : British
Local Price : £2,450.00

A mid to late-18th Century Scottish Backsword. EL7362 - A good mid to late-18th century Scottish basket hilted backsword. Featuring a 32 inch backsword blade, with double fuller, having engraved letters and motifs, in structurally good condition with patina and some light pitting, particularly at the tip. The blade firm in the hilt and no movement in the grip or hilt, all being tight and solid. The grip likely a replacement, with copper Turk's

Nation : British
Local Price : £2400

English Silver Hilted Small Sword by William Kinman of London Hallmarked for 1768 / 1769. An exceptional pierced dish hilted smallsword by the renowned 18th century London silversmith and cutler William Kinman, date-stamped for 1768 / 1769. The hallmarks are of small type stamped into the Pas D'Ane rings and consist of the maker's mark of “W K” in raised relief inside a depressed irregular panel with a pellet between the letters, the lion passant mark, crowned leopard's head assay mark and date stamp. Kinman's work, together with a few of his contemporaries, represents the highest standard of English silver craftsmanship of the time as is to be seen in the hilt of this sword. The dish guard, pommel and ricasso are pierced and engraved with exquisitely detailed foliate scrolls formed within diagonally spaced panels, the sides of which emulate waving tendrils. The delicacy of the interior of the dish guard is supported by a strengthening of the rim which is decorated with floral designs front and back with gadrooned engraving to the sides, which is repeated on the knuckle bow and quillons. The baluster shaped wooden grip is of rounded rectangular section diagonally bound with silver strip interspaced with a double length of plain wire with thinner twists on each side, mounted with silver cap terminals top and bottom engraved with floral designs. The hilt is as much an example of the high standards of design and execution required of the 18th century London silversmith as it is as an effective weapon maker. Silver hilted small swords were fashionable attire for 18th century gentlemen. Mostly worn for effect as a show of wealth and taste, someone wearing such a sword was also announcing to the world that he could use it, and was at risk of being invited to do so. Despite the stylish and delicate appearance of these swords they were formidable dueling weapons. The triangular section, stiff, robust, hollow ground bright blade retains its engraved decoration on both sides at the forte including panels of foliage and strapwork on each side, with stands of arms inside ovals between, indicating that the sword originally belonged to a military officer. The sword is in fine condition overall. There are no losses or repairs to the hilt which has maintained its original pleasing outline. The blade is 32 inches (just over 81 cm) long and overall the sword is 38.5 inches (98 cm) long. William Kinman was one of the most influential and preeminent makers of silver hilted swords working in London in the third quarter of the 18th century. He made swords for the London social and military elites. He was a leading member of the Founders' Company of London and served in all the major offices of the guild including Master. Kinman was born in 1728 and was sworn free of the Founders' Company in 1750, when presumably he started to make silver hilted swords under his own name and was admitted to livery in 1757. Kinman entered his first mark at Goldsmiths' Hall in 1759 (Grimwade 1990 reference 3210) which is his mark on this sword. William Kinman was at his most prominent in the earlier part of his career, when this sword was made, later becoming bankrupt due to the failure of a founding business he was involved in. For contemporary silver hilted swords by William Kinman and other notable London makers see Leslie Southwick, “London Silver-Hilted Swords”, Royal Armouries, 2001. And for further information on Kinman’s life of see pages 159 and 160.

Nation : American
Local Price : £2395.00

A Beautiful Late 18th Century Sikh Empire Prince's or High Status Noble's Lahore Tulwar, Gold Inlaid Koftgari Hilt & Finest Wootz Damascus Steel Blade. Returned From a Museum Grade Blade Conservation. The hilt is covered in pure gold koftgari decor, as a symbol of the owner's rank and status. A superb blade just returned from specialist cleaning and etching to reveal the Damascus steel patterning. Gold decorated steel Lahore hilt decorated with stunning design with matching pommel disc. Strong and powerful blade of substance. There are clear indications that this particular hilt is of Punjab manufacture: the fat vase shape of the grip section, the very slightly forward angle of the lotus head quillons and the beautiful gold koftgari. The Tulwar had historically been the quintessential combat sword used by Sikhs as their sacred kirpan due to its superior handling while mounted on horseback. With a curved blade optimized for cutting and slashing with sweeping cuts delivered from the shoulder by a horseman the curved blade of the tulwar could strike repeated blows without the danger of the blade getting stuck in bone or armour. It allowed for fierce slashing on all sides cutting through enemy formations while mounted on horseback. This tulwar has a curved blade of approximately 72cm in length with a graduating blade where it eventually begins its taper to the point. With its curved blade the point of the sword cannot be very effectively used for thrusting and the Tulwars defensive capabilities are limited. In this circumstance defence was taken up by using the shield (Dhal) in tandem with the Tulwar as an integral duo on the battlefield. The blade was firmly attached to the hilt of the Tulwar commonly using a heated paste of lac or red dye from the papal tree which when it hardened provided a solid and effective adhesive between the two parts of the sword. The hilt of the Tulwar has a button on top and a circular dished pommel disk {without domed pommel cap or knuckle bow} featuring the koftgari inlaid design patterns of flowers, in pure hammered gold inlaid into the traditional steel hilt of the Sixh tulwar. The grip of the Tulwar below the pommel disk narrows at the top and bottom while bulging out in the middle. The crossguard between the grip and the blade features two short but very thick rounded domed quillions. The index finger could be wrapped around a quillion rather than the grip providing the swordsman with extra maneuverability of the sword. Some Tulwars feature a knuckle guard extending from the quillion to the pommel disk, while others do not, both styles of Tulwars were commonly used by Sikhs. This sword once had a knuckle guard, but removed likely by the prince owner for comfort . Guru Hargobind, the 6th Sikh Guru is said to have always carried two Tulwars representing his temporal and spiritual authority. They both had gold onlaid hilts.

Nation : British
Local Price : £2350

English Silver Hilted Small Sword with Boat Shell Guard by George Fayle of London Hallmarked for 1760 / 1761. A fine English silver hilted smallsword by the London silversmith George Fayle mounted with a boat shell guard dating to the middle of 18th century. The boat shell was one of the most robust guard designs adopted by the London small sword makers. This example is of solid form with boldly and finely executed gadrooning to the pommel, shell brim, knuckle bow, quillon terminals and ricasso. George Fayle was a prominent silver hilt maker and sword cutler in London born in 1734 in Lancashire and recorded in the City of London from 1747 until his death in 1786. The full suite of hallmark stamps are on the pas d'ane rings comprised of the leopard's head assay mark and the incomplete Royal lion passant mark of purity to the sterling standard for which only the rear end of the lion is visible. The maker’s mark is comprised of the letters “G F” with a star between in raised relief inside a depressed rectangle. The date mark is the stylised letter “E” for 1760 / 1761. The maker’s mark is repeated underneath the hilt where it is stamped near the back edge of the blade and at the other side the lion passant partly obscured by the blade shoulder. The baluster shaped wooden grip is of rounded rectangular section diagonally bound with silver strip interspaced with a twisted roped wire flanked by thinner roped wires on each side. The grip is mounted with silver cap terminals top and bottom engraved with gadrooning. The sword is as much an example of the high standards of design and execution required of the 18th century London silversmith as it is as an effective weapon. The hollow ground triangular section blade is sharply tapering and in fine condition with minor blemishes and crisp engraving of a stand of arms in an oval, plus foliage and strapwork in panels at the forte. The blade is 31.5 inches long or 80 cm. The overall length is 37.75 inches or 96 cm. Silver hilted small swords were fashionable attire for 18th century gentlemen. Mostly worn for effect as a show of wealth and taste, someone wearing such a sword was also announcing to the world that he could use it, and was at risk of being invited to do so. Despite the stylish and delicate appearance of these swords they were formidable dueling weapons. For further reading on George Fayle see Leslie Southwick, “London Silver-Hilted Swords”, Royal Armouries, 2001, pages 105 and 106. For an example of his work see Plate 68.

Nation : British
Local Price : £2350

English Dish Hilted Rapier dating to the Second Quarter of the 17th century. The solid globular pommel has an integral waisted neck beneath and raised button on top. It is decorated with chiselled overlapping circles and foliate designs same as those on the dish guard. The grip is of baluster shaped rounded square cross section with a vertical groove on each side. It is spirally bound with alternating steel and brass twisted wire, two ropes of steel for each one of brass. Woven steel rope “Turks' Heads” are mounted top and bottom of the grip. The stiff blade is of tapering slightly flattened diamond section and just over 40 inches (just over 101 cm) long. It a short ricasso from which a deep fuller is cut extending for 9.5 inches (24 cm) along each side. The fuller on one side is stamped in capital letters with: SINAL ES EL CAVISCO DE BOOY and on the reverse: CLEMENTE BONIM EN ALAMANIA, the words on both sides interspaced with patterns of dots. The phrases seem to be in Latin and are not yet precisely translated, but such inscriptions tend to follow a standard pattern. The first phrase would state something like “I was made by”, whilst the second would say who did make the blade, in this case Clemente Bonim, who made the blade in Germany (en Alamania). Clearly the blade is a German import into England. Blademaking in England was a small industry and not well established at this time. Most blades were imported from German blade making centres of which Solingen was the most important. The rapier retains an even blackened dense russet patination all over. The hilt retains its pleasing original profile. The overall length of the rapier is just over 47 inches (119 cm). English rapiers of this date exhibit a common form and style, however, there are many variations under this umbrella. Many are seemingly unique like our example discussed here. For different styles of English rapiers see Stuart C Mowbray, “British Military Swords”, 2013, Andrew Mowbray Publishers, Volume One, 1600 to 1660, pages 254 to 281.

Nation : British
Local Price : £2350

1798 Pattern Scottish Highland Infantry Officers’ Sword with Gilt Copper Hilt. An example of the distinctive basket hilted sword introduced for Scottish Infantry officers in Highland Regiments in 1798. It was replaced by the regulation steel basket hilt 1828 pattern three decades later. The sword type was used throughout the Napoleonic War period. This sword has most of its gilt covering to the bronze hilt still in place. The hilts of these swords were most usually made of gilt copper, bronze or brass. The hilt of this sword is of gilt bronze. The basket guard is made of rounded bars and flattened plates in the usual manner with forward loop guards and a swollen solid wrist guard terminal to the rear quillon. The upper terminals of the guard arms are fixed onto a ring inside which the stem of the mushroom shaped pommel is fitted. The pommel is dome-shaped with a large separate waisted and domed pommel button on top from which four sets of decorative grooves flanked by narrower lines radiate to the pommel edge. The double-edged gently tapering blade is 32.75 inches (83 cm) long. Typically it is of lenticular section with a short ricasso. A central fuller commences a short distance from the hilt on each side and is 8 inches (20 cm) long. The blade is unmarked and probably a German import which was the norm for this sword type and most probably of Solingen manufacture. The grip is of spirally grooved wood covered with shagreen held in place with thin ropes of twisted copper wire flanked with plainer thinner wire now coloured with age. It is mounted with gilt bronze ferrules top and bottom which are incised with decorative lines. The materials used for 1798 pattern hilts were less robust than iron and as a result were more susceptible to damage. Many surviving and published examples have bars missing, are out of shape and are often with repairs. This sword is a fine example without any such problems. The blade has a few small patches of blackened age-related staining in places and the hilt has kept its shape without damage or repairs as can be seen in the photos. For other examples of the 1798 type see: Harvey J S Withers, “The Scottish Sword 1600-1945”, Paladin Press, 2009, pages 13 to 151 and Cyril Mazansky, “British Basket-Hilted Swords”, Boydell Press, 2005, pages 131 to 133.