Showcase – Alban Arms & Armour

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 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 …

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

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 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 enemy, …

Continue reading “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”

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 …