Showcase – Alban Arms & Armour

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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 Highland Ribbon Hilted Sword dating to the Mid to Late 17th Century

A fine Scottish West Highland Ribbon Hilt, sometimes called “Beaked Neb”, Basket Hilted sword, dating to the middle to late periods of the 17th century. These swords are often associated with Scottish Highlanders in the Civil War, Covenanting and early Jacobite rebellion periods in Scotland. The sword has a particularly pleasing profile, with a well formed and rounded hilt mounted with a typically tapering double edged blade. This sword has …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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An Important Sporting Gun by William Heriot of Edinburgh Canongate circa 1773

A fine 12 bore flintlock sporting gun by William Heriot dating to the third quarter of the 18th century. This gun is important because it is one of only three 18th century firearms so far known and thought to have Scottish proof marks on the barrels. Few Scottish sporting guns have survived from this period compared to firearms of other types and generally they are of fine quality. The gun …

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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 …

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An exceptional cased set of edged weapons that belonged to Lieutenant Wyndham Neave of the 71st Highland Light Infantry who was killed in action in 1858 at Morar, near Gwalior, Central India, during the Indian Mutiny

Lieutenant Wyndham Neave was killed at Morar during the advance of the forces of Sir Hugh Rose against Gwalior in Central India on 16th June 1858. He was born on 21st November 1834, the 4th son of Sir Richard Digby Neave, 3rd Baronet (1793–1868), who was an English artist and author. Kaye & Malleson recount the action in which Wyndham was killed as follows: “The main body of the …

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A rare Silver Mounted North Indian Mughal Pesh-Kabz Dagger of the late 18th century with a noble dedication

A fine and elegant Pesh-Kabz forged with a blade of typical curved and pointed shape made from the finest Indian crystalline wootz steel. The dagger is notable and scarce because of its inscription which points to Sunni beliefs and its origin in the Mughal kingdoms of India in the 18th century. The blade has a re-enforced back edge of “T” section which optimises maximum strength and lightness of weight in …

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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 …

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