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Welcome to our Showcase Gallery

In this section we illustrate objects which possess a certain uniqueness or scarcity that require a more detailed description than is usual. Each item is featured in a short essay which we hope is both informative and interesting in each case. If you would like to receive further information please let us know by email through the Contact section of our site or by telephone. We will be pleased to hear from you

A Scottish Military Basket Hilted Sword dating to the American Revolutionary War Period marked for the 42nd Highlanders (Black Watch).

Scottish basket hilted swords of this distinctive military type were made for infantry soldiers serving in Highland Regiments, and are often associated with their service in the French / Indian and Revolutionary Wars in North America due to the numbers of Scottish Highlanders posted to these conflicts. Some swords bear store / rack numbers incised into the pommels and guards and occasionally amongst these marks the specific regiment can be …

A finely forged Scottish Basket Hilted Broadsword in the “Glasgow” style dating to circa 1720 by John Simpson (II) of Glasgow.

This imposing sword with its heavy hilt and broad blade is typical of one belonging to a Scottish Highland Chieftain or Clan Champion during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Whilst it was undoubtedly an effective weapon, a sword with such an imposing profile was also employed to reinforce the warrior status of the owner in tribal clan society as someone to be feared and respected. The maker, the …

A Pair of Scottish Scroll Butt Pistols by John Campbell (II) of Doune circa 1755 to 1765

A pair of Scottish Scroll Butt (Rams Horn) pistols by John Campbell (II) of Doune dating to the third quarter of the 18th century.  These pistols are typical of the high standard of workmanship of the Doune pistol makers. Although the failure of the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion, and the subsequent prohibition of arms in the Scottish Highlands, reduced the traditional market for Doune pistols, another market opened up with the …

Fine English Basket Hilted Sword Circa 1660 to 1685

A rare and aristocratic English Basket Hilted sword dating to the reign of Charles II of England. The hilt is distinctive because of the exquisitely  chiselled typically English Baroque decoration of grotesque “Green Man” masks, classical imperial profiles and foliage. The hilt retains its original blued finish and is in fine condition. The basket hilt is of “English” form consisting of three structural bars, the knuckle bow and two side …

A Blunderbuss by Edward Nicholson of London circa 1685

A scarce late 17th century English blunderbuss by Edward Nicholson of London dating to circa 1685. The blunderbuss is of fine quality mounted with an imposing brass barrel, attractive rounded lock and “Tiger-Stripe” decorated full stock. Following the Restoration of the monarchy in England in 1660, firearms including blunderbusses, increased in popularity in civilian life and in the Services, particularly with the Navy. A manuscript dated 1684 shows that ships …

A Scottish Military Basket Hilted Sword dating to the third quarter of the 18th century

Scottish swords of this distinctive type were made for infantry soldiers serving in Highland Regiments, and are often associated with their service in the Indian and Revolutionary Wars in North America. Some swords bear store / rack numbers incised into the pommels and guards and occasionally amongst these marks the specific regiment can be identified. Most are unmarked. The style of hilt was developed in Glasgow which was already famous …

A Highland Scottish Targe dating to circa 1730 to 1745

Targes are shields associated with the warlike Highland clans of Scotland. They were an important part of the clan armoury and were used in substantial numbers from the late 16th century, until the middle of the 18th, when weapons were proscribed in the Highlands as a result of the Disarming Acts enforced by the British Government after the failure of the last Jacobite Rebellion in 1745/6. After this clans ceased …

A late 17th century Silver Mounted Hanger by Thomas Vicaridge of London with slave trade associations.

An important hanger by the accomplished cutler and silversmith Thomas Vicaridge of London. The hanger is distinctive because of its blackamoor head pommel which means the hanger probably has slave trade associations. The hanger is featured in Howard L Blackmore, “The blackamoor swords”, Royal Armouries Yearbook, Volume 3, 1998, pages 74 and 75, Figs 14a and b. In the late 17th and early 18th centuries when swords were a popular …

A very rare Restoration Period Brass Barrelled Blunderbuss with an English Lock by Joseph Stace of London dating to 1670 to 1680

Following the Restoration of the monarchy in England in 1660 blunderbusses increased in popularity in civilian life and in the Services, particularly in the Navy, and in other mercantile operations. Blunderbusses were popular with commercial entities that needed protection from robbery such as coaching companies. In the domestic area blunderbusses were often found conveniently placed in houses to face intruders if the owners felt threatened.  This blunderbuss was made by …

A Fine North European Rapier with Gilt Swept Hilt dating to the early 17th Century

A splendid swept hilt rapier which has survived in fine condition and retains much of its original gilt finish to the hilt. The type is illustrated in many portraits of early 17th century date located across Europe including England, Scandinavia and the German States. This indicates that the rapier form was very popular amongst the social elites in the region at the time. In contrast, few have lasted the rigours …

Scottish Basket Hilted Sword of “Glasgow Style” Dating to Circa 1730

A single shallow fuller extends down the middle of the blade from the hilt on each side for 6 inches (15 cm) after which it is of lenticular section to its tip. Inside the fullers each side a Running Wolf is incised flanked by the word ANDRIA in a frame on one side near to hilt and FARARA on the other with various cross shaped dots. The running wolf is …

A Pair of Scottish Lobe Butt Pistols by Thomas Murdoch of Doune dating to the Mid 18th Century

A fine and rare pair of 28 bore all steel Scottish Lobe Butt pistols by Thomas Murdoch of Doune, dating to the middle period of the 18th century, presented in fine and original condition. These pistols are typical examples of the high standards represented by the Doune gun makers. Pistols of this type and date were popular with officers in Scottish Highland regiments on service in North America, through the …

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