Weapon A Visual History of Arms and Armor

Pan cover Match holder Barrel is octagonal for first third of length, then round Lock plate Small of stock British Matchlock date 17th century fits in hand origin england By the end of their period of dominance, the best weight 10½ lb (4.73 kg) matchlocks had acquired a simple sophistication, at least barrel 46 in (117.2 cm) in their finish. They had also become much lighter, and caliber 18 mm thus were considerably easier to handle. A high-quality piece such as this would have been a prime contender for conversion into a snaphaunce or flintlock, had it not been preserved in a collection. Cock Butt is bound Lock plate stamped Striking Ramrod pipe with brass with maker’s name steel Sling swivel Feather Forestock LONG LAND-PATTERN flintlock MUSKET date 1742 spring sized to fit in the hand This modified version of the original Land-Pattern origin england Musket, or “Brown Bess,” was issued in 1742. It had a new trigger guard, a more pronounced comb to the weight 10¼ lb (4.7 kg) stock, and a bridle linking the flashpan with the screw that secured the combined striker and pan cover. This barrel 46 in (116.8 cm) example by Tippin is a “sealed pattern,” meaning that it was retained in the Tower of London Armory as a model caliber 10-bore for other gunmakers producing this type of musket. Rear sight Ramrod pipe full view DUTCH COMBINATION LONG GUN date 17th century origin netherlands This unusual musket is fitted with both a flintlock weight 15 lb (6.8 kg) and a matchlock mechanism. The matchlock pan barrel 46 in (117 cm) is part of the top of the striking steel. The flintlock caliber 0.9 in is operated by the trigger guard, while the operation of the matchlock is by means of the trigger. Stock has a Cock Striking steel Ramrod pipe high comb Lock and pan cover Butt is bound plate with brass Feather Forestock Barrel- light dragoon flintlock carbine Ramrod spring fits in hand retaining pin During the Seven Years War, which spanned Europe, date 1756 Asia, and America, the British Army’s dragoons—cavalry origin britain Small of stock armed with sabers—were issued this carbine. It was a weight 7¼ lb (3.3 kg) is gripped in scaled-down version of the Long Land-Pattern Musket, barrel 36 in (91.4 cm) hand with a shorter barrel and in a smaller caliber. In form, although not in size, all the carbine’s components are caliber 15-bore identical with those of the musket. 149 the early modern world 4 148–149 matchlock and flintlock long guns Iron lock cover Matchlock musket the invention of the matchlock hackenbüsche, or “arquebus,” can not be dated precisely, but evidence points to it having taken place sometime around 1475, probably in Germany.Technically, matchlocks were superceded with the invention of the wheellock in the 16th century, but they continued to be employed until the end of the 17th century, largely due to their simplicity. Comb of stock assists in bringing shoulder to axis of recoil Trigger Plain spout without matchlock musket Trigger guard measuring device While the matchlock was a Sling is significant improvement over the decorative hand-cannon, it was still a very as well as clumsy weapon. Even in dry weather functional the match could be extinguished all too easily, and its glowing end was a giveaway at night. However, the best models were suprisingly accurate and were capable of killing a man at a hundred yards or more. date mid-17th century origin uk weight 13¼lb (6.05kg) Barrel 49½in (125¾cm) Caliber .75in powder flask lead ball The earliest powder flasks were It was not until about 1600 fabricated from wood or leather. that lead, with its low melting point and high specific gravity, They often had a pricker became the universal material attached for clearing the gun’s for bullets. Earlier, with armor touch-hole, but there was no still commonplace, iron balls mechanism for measuring had often been used. the charge. musket rest The earliest military matchlocks were massive, and required the use of a rest. Of course, the rest itself had to be of sturdy design, and this increased the gunner’s load. By about 1650, guns had become light enough for rests to be dispensed with. weapon showcase Manually Match-holder Barrel octagonal operated in shape of in section pan cover dog’s head full Leather belt views powder belt In addition to carrying a powder flask, a musketeer might have worn a belt from which small flasks, each filled with a measured charge of powder, were suspended. Flask is carved from wood 151 1500—1775 3 244–245 sport guns 1775–1900 3 312–313 sport guns 1900–2006 3 154–155 european hunting guns from 1700 the early modern world european hunting, both for sport and for the pot, became far more hunting Guns predictable with the introduction of firearms, and by the early 17th century, the wheellock had become commonplace within 1600 –1700 the ranks of the landed gentry. Rifled wheellocks from this period were useful against even small game such as rabbits, but were slow to load and needed to be stripped for cleaning after around 30 rounds had been fired. Cocking ring Bone inlay Lock plate Cover for serrated striking wheel Trigger Squared shaft GERMAN WHEELLOCK Spring holds cock firmly for winding against striking wheel mechanism The wheellock was invented in Italy, but within half a century, fine date c.1640 specimens were being produced in Germany. This example has origin germany its serrated wheel mounted weight 8¼ lb (3.8 kg) externally, to make it easier to barrel 34 in (86.4 cm) clean, though the rest of the lock- caliber .65 in work is protected within the stock. Winder Wheel cover Cheekpiece Jaw-clamp screw Flint Striking full view date c.1630 steel italian wheellock origin italy weight 4.2 lb (1.9 kg) By the 17th century, the northern barrel 31½ in (80 cm) cities of Brescia and Bologna had long caliber .45 in become the centers for the fabrication of wheellock guns in Italy. This example is by Lazarino Cominazzo of Brescia, who was better known for his pistols. Pan swedish “baltic” flintlock date c.1650 Cheek piece origin sweden This early flintlock rifle, with a characteristic weight 7½ lb (3.28 kg) 152 Baltic lock from the south of Sweden, has barrel 38½ in (98 cm) the distinctive “Goinge” type short butt stock caliber .4 in reminiscent of weapons of an even earlier date. Compared with later examples, its simple lock, to a pattern devised in northern Germany, is crudely made. Lock plate Steel Revolving breech italian repeating FLINTLOCK date c.1690 origin italy Powder and Italian gunmaker Michele Lorenzoni lived in Florence weight 8½ lb (3.95 kg) shot magazines from 1683–1733, and invented an early form of repeating barrel 35 in (89 cm) in butt stock breech-loading flintlock. Paired magazines, one for caliber .53 in powder and the other for shot, were located in the butt stock, and the breech block was rotated for charging by means of a lever on the left side of the gun. Cock Aperture rear sight Decorative inlays Exposed matchlock GERMAN WHEELLOCK date c.1630 mechanism Wheellocks exist in three basic forms: fully enclosed; origin germany Trigger with the wheel exposed but with the rest of the lock weight 7¼ lb (3.4 kg) enclosed; and with the entire mechanism exposed. barrel 37 in (94 cm) The latter form, known as a “Tschinke,” from where it was caliber .33 in devised, is more easily damaged but easier to clean and maintain. This example was made in Silesia, and its stock is inlaid with horn and mother-of-pearl. Barrel fixing pin Brass lock Cock Striking steel plate Pan and touch-hole Brass butt plate Trigger guard scottish snaphaunce date 1614 origin scotland The name snaphaunce derives from the Dutch weight 4¼ lb (2 kg) schnapp-hahn, meaning “pecking hen,” which barrel 38 in (96.5 cm) it was thought to resemble. It was the first attempt caliber .45 in to simplify the wheellock’s method of striking sparks from a piece of iron pyrites. This superb example is attributed to Alison of Dundee, and was a gift from James to Louis XIII of France. Striking Fore stock Fore sight steel Pan and touch-hole english flintlock Ramrod thimble Silver-wire inlay Andrew Dolep was a Dutch gunmaker who settled date 1690 in London and set up shop near Charing Cross. origin england He produced this magnificent flintlock—its walnut stock weight 7 lb (3.2 kg) 153 extensively inlaid with silver wire—toward the end of his barrel 96½ cm (38 in) career. Dolep is credited with the design of the “Brown caliber .75 in Bess” musket, which this gun resembles. 1500—1775 3 244–245 sport guns 1775–1900 3 312–313 sport guns 1900–2006 4 152–153 european hunting guns 1600–1700 the early modern world European the gap that had existed between English gunmakers and Hunting Guns their counterparts in Europe had largely disappeared by the start from 1700 of the 18th century.The flintlock now predominated, except in southern Europe, where the more primitive miqulet lock was still widely used.While we see a more austere style, the remaining ornamentation became more sophisticated, with minimal ornate inlaying and emphasis placed on the natural qualities of the wood. Striking steel Barrel band FLINTLOCK SPORT GUN date 1700 origin england This full-stocked sport gun, attributed to John Shaw, weight 10½ lb (4.8 kg) shows considerable similarity to a military firearm of the barrel 55 in (139.5 cm) same period. However, the attention that has been paid caliber .75 in to the selection of the wood for its stock immediately sets it apart, as does the care that has been lavished on its finishing. Cock Striking steel Small of the butt Trigger russian flintlock date 1770 This beautifully decorated smooth-bore flintlock gun was origin russia made by Ivan Permjakov, one of the most accomplished weight 5 lb (2.2 kg) Russian gunmakers. Although it was clearly intended as barrel 35 in (89.8 cm) a sport gun, rather than a military weapon, it is believed caliber .35 in to have been recovered from the field after the battle of the Alma River, which took place in 1854, during the Jaw clamp screw Crimean War. Cock Feather spring Rear sling swivel Cock Striking steel Ornate pierced brass barrel band Lock plate ENGLISH FLINTLOCK sport gun date 1760 The gunmaker Benjamin Griffin worked in fashionable origin england Bond Street in London from 1735 to 1770, and was joined weight 6¼ lb (2.84 kg) in 1750 by his son Joseph. Both father and son were barrel 36 in (91.4 cm) renowned for their excellent pistols and long guns, many caliber .68 in of which were graced with ornate engraving to the metal parts, decorative brasswork, and silver-wire inlay. Ramrod thimble Ramrod Jaw clamp screw Gold-plated pan Abbreviated double-barreled flintlock shotgun date c.1770 Lock cover forestock origin england This side-by-side double-barreled flintlock shotgun, weight 5½ lb (2.55 kg) Trigger for Trigger for firing the right barrel attributed to Hadley, is typical of high-class fowling barrel 35½ in (90.2 cm) firing the pieces of the latter part of the 18th century. Not only is caliber .6 in left barrel its short stock silver mounted, but both its pans and its touch-holes are gold-plated to fend off corrosion. Fore sight Ramrod retaining thimble Figured walnut Right trigger Abbreviated scottish double-barreled flintlock date 1819 stock forestock origin scotland By the beginning of the 19th century, the design of weight 7½ lb (3.4 kg) Left trigger sport guns had already begun to diverge from that of barrel 30 in (76 cm) military weapons, with shortened stocks becoming caliber .68 in commonplace. This double-barreled piece is thought to have been made by Morris of Perth for Sir David Montcrieffe, a celebrated sportsman. Barrel band Gilded decorative banding Forward sling italian miquelet sport gun date c.1775 swivel origin italy The miquelet lock introduced the combined striker and weight 8¼ lb (3.75 kg) pan cover, but used an external mainspring (unlike the barrel 31½ in (80 cm) 155 later true flintlock, in which the mainspring was internal). caliber .75 in This miquelet lock musket is something of an oddity. It was manufactured in Naples by Pacifico around 1775, but has what is clearly an English-made barrel dating from around the time of the Battle of Waterloo (1815). 1500—1775 4 150–151 weapon showcase: matchlock musket 3 260–261 indian firearms 3 262–263 asian firearms 4 148–149 matchlock and flintlock long guns the early modern world asian the portuguese were the first europeans to reach Matchlocks the Indian subcontinent, in 1498, and 45 years later they arrived in Japan.They brought with them firearms in the shape of the matchlock musket. Accomplished armorers abounded in Asia, and indigenous craftsmen soon began to copy the weapons they saw, adapting them to their own needs.They also brought to firearms the same degree and style of decoration that they routinely applied to other weapons.This involved using precious metals and other valuable materials and, in the case of the Japanese, lacquerwork. Distinctive local styles soon evolved. Fore sight Sri lankan matchlock date c.1690 Trigger origin sri lanka Stock decorated This massively stocked musket was made on the weight 9 lb (4 kg) with chip-carving island of Sri Lanka, probably toward the end of the barrel unknown 17th century. Its surface is ornately carved. Had it caliber 70 cm not been so ornately decorated, it would probably have been discarded when the lock broke. Its lock is missing but was usually mounted on the left- hand side of the stock. Serpentine Touch pan Butt could be held match holder against the shoulder or the chest Lock plate Butt is of the form developed in Sakai Main Spring Trigger Serpentine Koftgari (gold Hole in butt bordered by match holder inlay) decoration elaborate floral washer and eight-bucket waterwheel design Inlaid decoration Touch-hole pricker (clearer) is housed in a gilded tube Trigger guard 156 Serpentine Gold inlay on muzzle match holder Iron side plates Barrel Indian carnatic toradar date 18th century cover lock band origin southern india The barrel of this matchlock from Mysore (in what is weight 9 lb (4.05 kg) Pentagonal- Trigger now Karnataka State, southern India) is exquisitely barrel 44½ in (113 cm) section butt decorated with incised flowers and foliage, and caliber 16 mm entirely gilded. The incised side plates are made of iron, and on its trigger it has a tiger in koftgari—a method of inlaying gold into steel or iron. Serpentine Rear sight Octagonal barrel Decorative inlay match holder surrounds barrel pin Barrel is retained Japanese matchlock date early 18th century by four pins origin western japan A rather less ornate weapon than that shown below, weight 9¼ lb (4.14 kg) Shishi is brass inlay this matchlock is by Kunitomo Tobei Shigeyasu of barrel 40½ in (103 cm) Omo, on Japan’s west coast. Its red-oak stock is in caliber 13.3 mm the style of the Sakai school. Decoration is limited to engraving on the octagonal barrel and some brass inlay; the lock and mainspring are also of brass. Rear sight Laquerwork mon is a Octagonal barrel Barrel band pine tree in a circle Gold lacquering over red oak FULL VIEW Japanese teppo date c.1700 Barrel bands of leather thongs This early 18th-century matchlock teppo is the work origin japan of the Enami family of Sakai, who are widely held to be among the finest Japanese gunmakers of weight 6 lb (2.77 kg) the pre-industrial period. The stock is of red oak, decorated all over with kara kusa scrolls in gold barrel 39½ in (100 cm) lacquer, with additional inlays of brass and silver. The decoration may have been added at a later date. caliber 11.4 mm FULL VIEW Tiger’s-head Indian matchlock toradar Sling muzzle This 19th-century toradar has a stock of polished date 19th century red wood with circular pierced medallions on origin central india (narwar) either side of the butt of iron with gilding and weight 10¾ lb (4.9 kg) koftgari applied over red velvet. The barrel has barrel 49¾ in (126.2 cm) an elaborate arabesque decoration in gold caliber 14 mm koftgari at the breech, and the muzzle is fashioned into the shape of a tiger’s head. 157 1500—1775 4 140–141 european two-handed staff weapons 4 148–149 matchlock and flintlock long guns 3 196–197 indian staff weapons 4 136–137 european one-handed staff weapons the early modern world Combination german and italian armorers of the 16th century were Weapons particularly adept at incorporating firearms into other blunt and edged weapons. Many of the examples that survive were probably Squared shaft Cock intended to be showpieces, since they frequently display the most takes the key that ornate decoration, and it is not clear whether they were ever meant winds the action for martial use.The tradition continued—a rifle or pistol equipped with a bayonet can be said to be a combination weapon—and spread to other countries, notably to India, where more practical examples were produced during the late Mughal period. Point of flange is solid Serrated Barrel striking wheel Ramrod Fork bayonet war hammer wheellock Trigger Beak This long-shafted war hammer (only the beak date c.1590 full view remains; the balancing hammer head is missing) origin germany incorporates a wheellock pistol. Equipped with weight 1.70 kg (3¾ lb) a gunmaker’s “standard” pistol lock and barrel, length 24¼ in (61.6 cm) this weapon seems to have been produced for caliber .35 in practical rather than ceremonial purposes. Hinged pomel Cock Mace wheellock Wheellock Mace head composed of six The barrel of this wheellock pistol forms the shaft date unknown pierced flanges of a mace, the head of which has six pointed origin unknown flanges, each pierced with a trefoil shape. The weight 3¾ lb (1.72 kg) Balancing lock incorporates a simple safety catch that length 23 in (58.5 cm) fluke engages with the sear. The hollow lower section caliber .31 in of the shaft contains a compartment that can be accessed by opening the hinged pommel. The entire weapon is engraved and selectively gilded. full view Ax blade halberd double-barreled wheellock date c.1590 Trophy origin germany of arms A hunting halberd fitted with a double-barreled weight 7 lb (3.25 kg) 158 wheellock pistol. The pistol barrels are octagonal length 27¼ in (69.1 cm) and mounted on either side of the leaf-shaped caliber .33 in blade. The whole is etched and partly gilt with strap and scroll-work, the ax and fluke of the head having additional trophies of arms. Gallery for Pan Cock Axehead serves piece of as a stabbing match bayonet Balancing fluke Dog lock Striking Ax match- and wheellock See detail (left) carbine ax wheel The hollow axhead contains The butt of this fully stocked, five short barrels. These are dog-lock carbine is reduced hidden by a hinged cover that so that it can be gripped in forms the blade. If the piece was the hand. The axhead is shaped intended to function as a weapon, to double-up as a rudimentary which is debatable, the pointed bayonet, and its balancing fluke fluke would probably have been as the beak of a war hammer. more effective in an offensive role. The head, retained by a spring The decoration is rather crude. catch, can be easily removed. date c.1610 date c.1720 origin germany or iberia origin denmark weight 6½ lb (2.95 kg) weight 3½ lb (1.55 kg) length 22 in (56 cm) length 32½ in (82.5 cm) caliber .31 in caliber .58 in barrel detail Iron Serpentine Single- The uppermost barrel is fitted shaft match-holder edged with a matchlock on the left blade side, and the second with a wheellock. A tubular extension Crescent- matchlock ax/dagger Shaft screws to the pan held a length of shaped into barrel match. This would have been axhead A simple, all-iron matchlock lies at the heart ignited by the flash of the of this combination of gun, ax, and dagger. date c.1820 priming, and then used to The barrel is closed by a tubular, cross-hatched origin india touch off the remaining three grip with a small terminal pommel, which weight 2½ lb (1.12 kg) barrels, along with a sixth, unscrews to reveal a knife. The knife pommel length 20½ in (52.3 cm) located in the hollow shaft. itself unscrews, and the compartment within caliber .55 in contains a pair of tweezers. The axhead, Hammer decorated with engraved scroll-work, is One of two mounted on an iron shaft. cocks See detail (right) Safety catch Hollow shaft contains a Detail of hammer sixth barrel In keeping with the highly decorated nature of the entire wheellock halberd, the paired cocks are more than just spring-loaded clamps to hold pieces of iron pyrites against the serrated edge of the striking wheels. They are exquisitely worked ornaments in their own right—gilded and chased with a floral pattern. 159 1500—1775 3 212–213 flintlock pistols from 1775 3 214–215 flintlock pistols to 1850 3 162–163 european pistols 1700–1775 the early modern world European prior to the introduction of the wheellock—the first mechanical pistols means of igniting a gun’s powder charge—pistols were rare, since one could not pocket or holster a matchlock.The invention of the wheellock (perhaps 1500 –1700 by Leonardo daVinci) late in the 15th century made it possible to carry a gun and still have one’s hands free.Wheellocks were expensive, complicated, Serrated wheel strikes “Flint” is really and prone to breakage—and usually only repairable by the man who had sparks from flint Pan iron pyrites made the gun. By about 1650, they had been replaced by the less complex snaphaunce (which struck sparks with a spring-loaded flint). This then evolved into the even simpler “true” flintlock. Cock Lock plate Ramrod Spring holds cock in place Ramrod-retaining thimble Jaw-clamp Striking steel screw attached to pan cover wheellock pistol date 1590 Flint wrapped in In northern Europe, pistols were known origin germany leather patch to as dags (the origins of the name are weight 4 lb (1.77 kg) improve jaw’s grip obscure) until the late 16th century. barrel 12 in (30.2 cm) The ball pommel, a common feature of caliber 0.5 in dags, was designed to make the pistol easier to retrieve from a pocket or bag, rather than to be used as a bludgeon. Decorative Plain lock plate ball pommel is attached to butt by a dowel Stag-horn inlay Pan Feather spring flicks cover up FULL VIEW Trigger Jaw-clamp screw when released, revealing pan Pan cover silesian flintlock pistol date c.1680 Lock plate Cock This large, sophisticated holster origin silesia pistol was made in the principality of Teschen (now divided between weight 2½ lb (1.1 kg) the Czech Republic and Poland), but shows considerable German influence. barrel 14 in (35.5 cm) The nature and quality of the decoration —the inlays are of stag horn—indicate caliber 29-bore that it was made as a presentation piece. Metal-bound butt Feather spring Rounded butt 160 Trigger guard Cock Striker for upper barrel Barrel release Striker for dutch double-barreled flintlock date c.1650 lower barrel Early multiple-shot handguns normally origin netherlands Striking steel had a lock for each barrel. However, by attached to mounting a pair of barrels on an axial weight 2½ lb (1.2 kg) pan cover pin and providing each with a striker and pan with a secure cover, it was possible barrel 19¾ in (50.3 cm) to present each in turn to a single lock, caliber 36-bore reducing the cost considerably. Flattened Cock pommel Steel mountings are Round selectively gilded barrel Feather Gilded austrian flintlock date c.1690 spring steel decoration Made in Vienna by Lamarre, this ornate origin austria Trigger holster pistol, though certainly atypical in the level and high quality of its weight 2½ lb (1.2 kg) decoration, represents the state of the gunmaker’s art as it was in the barrel 14 in (35.3 cm) last decades of the 17th century. caliber 17-bore Round barrel Fore sight Ramrod-retaining thimble Escutchion plate Incised flemish flintlock pistol date c.1700 decoration Metal-bound butt Barrel becomes round Even everyday 17th- and 18th-century origin netherlands Barrel is hexagonal toward the muzzle firearms frequently received some toward the breech embellishment in the shape of carving. weight 2¼ lb (1 kg) Some were even given silver mountings, as can be seen here on this piece by the barrel 10½ in (26 cm) Flemish gunmaker Guillaume Henoul. caliber 25-bore Forestock cap Ramrod-retaining thimble english flintlock pistol English gunmakers did not come into date c.1650 their own until the end of the 18th century. In the middle of the 17th origin england century, when this holster pistol was made, they were still taking their lead weight 2¼ lb (1 kg) from continental colleagues, and the maker of this piece, which has a French- barrel 14¼ in (34.2 cm) style lock, was no exception. caliber 25-bore 161 1500—1775 4 160–161 european pistols 1500–1700 3 212–213 flintlock pistols from 1775 3 214–215 flintlock pistols to 1850 4 148–149 matchlock and flintlock long guns the early modern world European the french court gunmaker Marin le Bourgeoys invented the true pistols flintlock around 1610, when he combined the striker and pan cover of the miquelet lock with the internal mechanism of the snaphaunce, and modifed 1700-1775 the sear, which “connected” cock and trigger, to act vertically instead of horizontally.While snaphaunces and miquelets were still produced for a long time after—as, for a while, were wheellocks and matchlocks—they were technically obsolete. Over the next 200 years, until the development of the percussion lock, only minor improvements were necessary, though the introduction of the enclosed box lock was a distinct step forward. Butt has incised Cock has lost Steel striker is missing decoration upper jaw to flint clamp DOUBLE-BARRELed TAP-ACTION PISTOL date 1763 origin england The tap is a rod that fits tightly into a cylinder weight 6 oz (170 g) below the pan. The tap is bored through; the barrel 2 in (5.08 cm) bore is filled with powder, the tap is turned caliber .22 in through 90°, and the pan is then primed in the normal way. After firing the upper barrel, the tap is turned again; the powder in the bore then primes the lower barrel. Engraved Tap box lock Trigger Striking steel Cock Lock plate Silver medallion set into butt Trigger has lost scottish pistol date c.1750 its finial ball origin scotland Fore sight It was the fashion in Scotland during the weight 1¾ lb (0.79 kg) 18th century to make pistols entirely of barrel 9 in (22.85 cm) brass or iron, with their entire surface caliber .57 in covered by intricate engraving. Typically, they lacked trigger guards. Most were Plain, unadorned barrel snaphaunces; this example is unusual, in that it is a flintlock. It was made by Thomas Cadell of Doune, who made some of the best iron pistols. Pommel Ram’s horn Ramrod Ramrod-retaining Screws retain lock unscrews and finial thimble is equipped with a touch- english pistol date c.1720 hole pricker origin england A pistol such as this would have been weight 2 lb (0.88 kg) 162 carried in a holster on the saddle of a barrel 10 in (25.4 cm) horse (gun holsters worn by people were caliber .64 in later inventions). Holster pistols were heavy, with long barrels, and after being discharged they were often used as bludgeons—hence the metal butt cap. Twin cocks Frizzen Upper barrel Fore sight (striker) attached to pan cover Lock plate Figured walnut stock Frizzen spring Ramrod- Lower barrel flips up cover, retaining thinble revealing pan Trigger for Trigger for double-barreled pistol upper barrel lower barrel Butt is brass-bound This is one of a pair of excellent English twin-lock, double-barreled, over-and- date 1700 under pistols. It was made by the émigré origin england Dutch gun maker Andrew Dolep in weight 3 lb (1.41 kg) London at the very end of the 17th barrel 13 in (32.9 cm) century. The right-hand lock and the caliber .5 in forward trigger fire the upper barrel. Barrel is engraved all over Ramrod is missing Cock Shortened Unstocked round striker barrel Butt is bound Screw-in breech block in silver Cock Trigger guard spanish breech-loading pistol date c.1725 is prolonged origin spain Screw plate is a into a lever This miquelet-lock pistol is from Ripoll, weight 3½ lb (1.6 kg) decorative casting Langets extend from Catalonia, a key gunmaking town in the barrel 10 in (25.4 cm) brass butt cap 17th and 18th centuries. The breech-block caliber .55 in Langet screws out with one full turn of the trigger guard to which it is attached, allowing the Trigger guard ball and powder charge to be inserted. Blade fore sight Ramrod liÈge pistol date 1765 163 origin belgium Made in the city of Liège by M. Delince, weight 2 lb (0.88 kg) this holster pistol appears to have been barrel 9 in (22.9 cm) shortened at the muzzle, and shows the caliber .62 in signs of hard use. Oddly, for a gun made so late in the 18th century, this example has no reinforcing bridle on its lock. thirty years war In 1620, the Battle of White Mountain marked the start of the Thirty Years War, which left few regions of central and western Europe untouched. Here, the Bohemian protestants are defeated by the Christian Imperial army using pikes and muskets. 1500—1775 4 88–89 european jousting helms, barbutes, and sallets 4 94–95 european plate armor 3 168–169 european tournament helmets 4 86–87 european helms and basinets the early modern world European during the 15th century, specialist armor began to be developed tournament for tournaments, a trend that reached its highest expression in the armor following century. Not only was additional armor introduced for specific events—such as strengthening the vulnerable left side for Ventilation holes jousting—but the armor became increasingly ornate, with enormous pierced on right side, away from attention being paid to the most exquisite decoration. Indeed, so vulnerable left side great was the quality of this work that some items of armor that would face became too precious to use in combat and were used for opponent’s lance display as parade armor. Certain types of parade armor became increasingly fantastical, with armorers foot combat armor mimicking current styles of civilian dress and In foot combat, two contestants devising “grotesque” helmets in wearing special suits of armor fought the shape of animals. in the lists (the arena) with poleaxes, spears, maces, swords, and daggers. full view Foot combat as practiced in the 15th and 16th centuries historically Close helm with pivoted derived from “judicial duels”—of- upper bevor and visor ficially sanctioned fights, often to the death, to resolve legal disputes. Foot combat was the most dangerous of all the tournament competitions, and required an armor that gave head-to- toe protection to the wearer. date 1580 origin germany Gorget (collar guard) Breastplate constructed in “doublet” style Rerebrace (upper arm guard) 166 Right pauldron One-piece visor pierced (shoulder guard) with multiple horizontal reduced in slits for ventilation depth to hold lance Detachable haut piece (upright guard) Left pauldron Couter (elbow decorated vamplate Radial decoration guard) with etched in gilt detachable The vamplate was a funnel-shaped, plates circular guard fixed to the lance to protect date 16th century the hand. The first vamplates appeared in origin italy the 14th century as a tournament feature. weight c.1¼ lb (0.6 kg) By the 16th century, they had evolved into length c.10 in (25 cm) large and finely decorated conical shapes. Single cuff plate protecting the wrist Fauld (steel hoop) locking gauntlet date 16th century of three lames origin italy (connecting plates) One of the dangers faced by a heavily weight c.2½ lb (1.14 kg) Mitten armored knight was his sword dropping length c.6 in (40 cm) gauntlets or being knocked from his hand. A gauntlet such as this prevented it by locking the sword into the steel mitten until unlocked after combat. Leather connecting straps to backplate Long tasset (steel plate) of six lames Lance rest Greaves a king’s armor (plate guards for lower leg) Made for King Henry VIII of England in 1540, this harness of armor from the Italian-influenced breastplate date 16th century Greenwich armories reflects origin italy the increasingly stout figure of Made in Italy, this light yet strong breast- weight c.6¼ lb (2.80 kg) the monarch. Intended for both plate is a superb example of the armorer’s height c.19 in (48 cm) field and tournament use, the art; its shape imitates the bulge of the decoration on this armor has close-fitting doublet of the period. The 167 been attributed to a Florentine, breastplate is decorated with engraved Giovanni de Maiano, with assist- and gilded heavenly figures. ance from the painter Hans Holbein. date 1540 origin england weight 78 lb (35.33 kg) height 77¾ in (187.5 cm) 1500—1775 4 88–89 european jousting helms, barbutes, and sallets 4 166–167 european tournament armor 3 350–351 helmets from 1900 4 86–87 european helms and basinets the early modern world european the evolution of parade and ceremonial helmets in the tournament 16th century very much matched that of armor intended for helmets use on the battlefield. In the case of tilting helmets, effective protection was of very practical use to stave off potentially fatal Rope comb head injuries inflicted by jousting lances. Open-faced helmets, such as the burgonet, were less suitable for this purpose and it was in Cherub’s head close helmets of the later 16th century that parade helmets reached decoration the height of their magnificence—the greater protective surface areas of such helms also provided more space for the armorer to add decorative engravings and ornaments. Hole to attach crest Visor pivots at the same point as the rest of the faceguard Peg for lifting visor Two sections of skull plate join at the comb Embossed Close Helmet Sleeping lion decoration The entire surface of this close helmet is Upper bevor of bright steel embossed with scenes of with figures in equestrian combat, figures in classical Roman armor armor, trophies, lions, and cherub heads in low relief. A piece of such high quality, originally gilded, was clearly designed for parade purposes. The visor has flanges to fit into the bevor, a feature typical of the close helmet. date c.1575 origin france weight 5¾ lb (2.6 kg) 168 Visor Key to lock down Rope Eagle’s-beak Eagle’s-Head Close Helmet visor in bevor comb decoration This close helmet is boldly shaped Reinforcing Hook and eye below the eyepiece into the form of plate attached to hold visor an eagle’s head. The plumage of the over visor down in bevor bird’s head is represented by feathers Skull etched into the metal. The skull has a low comb with rope decorations, on either side of which are seven rows of fluting, partly decorated with elegant bands of stylized foliage. Upper Holes for date c.1540 bevor ventilation origin germany weight 7 lb (3 kg) Fan-shaped Face Parade Casque plume embossed in metal This ornate casque helmet forms part of a tradition of “grotesque” helmets Metal plate imitating teeth intended for parades or masques, Dolphin particularly popular in the 16th mask century. With its striking embossed man’s face with staring eyes, and its extravagant plumelike comb, this piece may well have formed part of a whole suit of “costume” armor. date c.1530 origin italy weight 5 lb (2.2 kg) Lower Open-Face Burgonet bevor The burgonet has a characteristic low Plume Rivet to secure Blued, etched, and rounded skull, turned outward to holder lining and gilt wings just below the ears, with the cheeks Hinged strap to link left unprotected. A dolphin mask in Etched and Gilded Close Helmet lower bevor to skull front of the skull has its skin and fins The surface of this close helmet is etched and gilded embossed in gold. On either side of with vertical bands of flowing scrolls. Extra protection the central mask are the tails of the is added by a solid reinforcing plate that extends over dolphin, attached by turning points. the front of the skull. The lower edge of the helmet finishes in a hollowed roping, into which fitted the date c.1520 top plate of the gorget (neck armor). origin germany weight 5 lb (2.2 kg) date c.1570 Hole for Visor Armet origin italy hearing Bevor weight 6¼ lb (2.8 kg) The armet was an improved form of close helmet. It offered good Pivoting protection, with large cheek pieces fork secured below the visor pivot, the opening at the back often protected Sword cuts by a round plate. The protruding stalk at the back was to connect a “wrapper”—a tall plate in front of the visor on the left side, the point at which a jousting lance might strike. date c.1535 origin germany weight 5 lb (2.2 kg) Gilded Close Helmet The whole of this tilting helmet is gilt, with decoration consisting of interlaced strapwork and scrolls deeply etched into the surface, with ornaments of foliage, winged heads, and grotesque animals. The other side of the visor is pierced by ten slots for breathing. The top of the comb is Death of Henri II at Jousting Tournament, 1559 Holes for marked with sword cuts, which show cross-straps that the helmet saw violent action. It King Henry II of France was an avid hunter and participant in jousting formed part of a suit originally made tournaments. However, on July 1, 1559, he was killed by the lance of Gabriel Montgomery, captain of the King’s Scottish Guard. His death for Emperor Ferdinand I. was due to the Achilles heel of the close helmets of the day; his opponent’s lance shattered and a fragment glanced down between Chin date c.1555 the king’s visor and bevor, piercing his eye and penetrating his brain. piece origin germany weight 5 lb (2.2 kg) 169 1500—1775 4 92–93 european mail armor 4 94–95 european plate armor 3 172–173 samurai armor 3 268–269 indian armor and shields the early modern world aSIAN Armor between the 16th and 18th centuries, broadly similar and helmets weapons and armor were used by armies from the Middle East to India and Central Asia.These included mail-and-plate body armor and a type of round shield, made of leather or steel, that was called a dhal in India and a sipar in Persia. China and Korea, while culturally distinct, were also influenced by these essentially Islamic styles. Even though firearms were widely used in Asia, armor and shields remained in use for longer than in Europe. Spike socket Plume holder Sliding indian top indian mail-and-plate coat nasal bar This style of helmet, which is This style of mail-and-plate armor, known as a top in India, probably with four large plates at the front, two originated in Central Asia. The smaller ones at the sides, and further helmet’s most striking feature is plates at the back, was favored by the mail aventail that guards the Mughal emperors, including Aurangzeb neck, shoulders, and part of the (reigned 1658–1707). It did not offer face. There would have been a absolute protection: missiles and spike on top of the helmet and stabbing weapons could potentially plumes on either side of the skull. penetrate the areas of riveted mail. date c.18th century date early 17th century origin india origin india Mail Mail strip full view aventail Column of Lining of small plates red silk indian mail-and-plate jacket Known in India as a zereh bagtar, this jacket combines both plate and mail armor. Mail-and-plate combinations were in general use across the Islamic world from the Ottoman Empire to Central Asia by the 15th century, and they were the predominant armor of Mughal India. This example has columns of 60 to 65 small metal plates and a mix of welded and riveted mail. date early 18th century origin india weight 17¾ lb (8.1 kg) length 27¼ in (69.5 cm) Short mail sleeve Large steel plates Riveted mail covers waist 170 Iron helmet Silver korean helmet Gilt plume-holder frame cap Riveted seam joins Lacquered This lacquered leather helmet would two halves of skull rawhide have been worn by a wealthy Korean Coral and warrior, evidenced by the decorative turquoise Brass silverwork on the cap and peak. Three decoration plate fabric flaps containing internal iron Mail collar plates protect the neck and cheeks. reinforced The tube at the apex of the helmet by plates would have carried a plume. date late 16th century origin korea weight 2¼ lb (2.4 kg) height 13 in (33 cm) Gilt band around base of skull Cheek guard with brass- headed rivets retaining internal iron plates Riveted mail coat chinese zhou date 16th century with long sleeves origin china This helmet, or zhou, is from Ming dynasty China. The skull of height 13¾ in (35 cm) the helmet is made in two pieces joined by a riveted seam. This is a luxury item, elaborately decorated with precious stones and corals, and with a gilt holder at the apex into which a plume would have been inserted. Traces of blue silk remain at the base of the skull—probably all that is left of a neck guard. indian dhal Boss covers attachment This Indian round shield, or dhal, is of handle made of watered steel. It was held by passing an arm through two handles on the back. The handles are fastened by ring bolts, which are riveted to the four bosses on the shield’s face. Shields gave Indian craftsmen an irresistible opportunity to indulge their passion for chiseled and gilded decoration. date c.1800 origin india weight 8½ lb (3.8 kg) width 24 in (60 cm) full view Gilded decoration 1500—1775 4 124–125 samurai sword: wakazashi 4 126–127 great warriors: the samurai 4 120–123 japanese samurai swords the early modern world SAMURAI japanese samurai armor, which evolved from the Asiatic Armor tradition of lamellar (scaled) armor, consists of lacquered plates of metal or leather bound together by leather or silk lacing.This flexible armor gave adequate protection while sode (shoulder permitting the free and rapid movement needed by a sword- defense ) fighter. Samurai armor increased in complexity over time, achieving its pinnacle in the tosei gusoku (modern armor) style from the 16th century onward.Armor and helmets were intended for display as well as combat.At their most ornate in the Edo period, after the pacification of Japan, the samurai had then ceased to be active warriors. Shikoro (neck Suigyu-no-wakidate  Kote (arm protection) (gilt-wood buffalo defense) Sode horn ornament) (shoulder defence) kabuto (helmet) Leather-covered Gold lacquered fukigayeshi browplate (sweepback) Tekko  (hand defense) Skirts protect thighs Suneate  Cords attach Ressei men Tying (greaves) mask to the (“Furious bands head here power”) tosei gusoku  (modern armor) Yodare-kake  face mask This fine quality tosei gusoku armor is twinned (throat defense) with a helmet spectacularly topped by imitation 172 buffalo-horn wakidate, or side crests (antlers were suneate also popular as wakidate ). The black lacquered (greaves) half-mask, or mempo, has wrinkles and teeth but lacks one frequently found feature: a moustache. mempo (face defense) The mask protected the lower face, helped hold the helmet on the warrior’s head, and made the wearer look more frightening. Other details, such as the eyebrows embossed on the browplate, also helped to create an intimidating effect. An aesthetically pleasing color scheme is achieved through the use of gold lacquer and red silk. date 19th century origin japan weight helmet 6 lb (2.75 kg) front of do rear of do (Cuirass)   (Cuirass) Abiki-no-o  (shoulder cord) shoulder defense (sode ) Gattari (bracket Tateagi  for personal flag) (laced Kote (arm plate) defense ) Kusari  (plate in mail) Gold lacquered ito  (plates) fastened with red silk knots Yurugi-ito (lacing) for kusazuri  (skirts) Gold lacquered hide suneate 173 (greaves) the revolutionary world the revolutionary world In 1770, Europe was ruled largely by dynastic sovereigns, who irregular warfare continued to conduct politics and fight wars much as they had done 200 years before.Yet over the next century, revolutions— The British underestimated both political and industrial—transformed the face of warfare, the ability of their enemy’s as new technologies, ideas of nationalism and democracy, and colonial militias during efficient bureaucracies gave ever more power to those who the American Revolution possessed them and reduced to political ciphers or colonies (1775–83). Here, Benedict those who did not. Arnold—lying wounded— directs the assault on Bemis Heights in October 1777, with swords, rifles, and bayonets, which forced the British regulars to withdraw. 1775 1790s 1792–1815 c.1805 1815 1835 1840s Battles of Concord Henry Shrapnel French Revolutionary William Congreve Napoleon finally Samuel Colt Telegraph and Lexington and Napoleonic Wars defeated at patents his becomes begin American invents the develops first Waterloo breech- widespread, Revolution “shrapnel shell” effective rockets loading allowing packed with musket revolver communication balls (adopted by with battlefield British army 1803) commanders 1775 1790 1800 1830 176 1775 1781 1796 1805 1830s 1839 First submarine British surrender of Napoleon’s British naval French First Opium War Turtle used Yorktown signals successful Italian victory at Trafalgar; campaigns between Britain in American final defeat by campaign Napoleon wins in Algeria and China American forces Battle of Austerlitz Revolution beginning with the American Revolution, In the 1790s, the French army pioneered campaign of 1812, some 250,000 men fought the traditional order was challenged, the use of the division, a self-contained unit on a narrow front just 5 miles (8 km) wide, overthrown, and then, reconstituted. Britain of several regiments combining infantry, leading to heavy losses on both sides. fought a bitter war from 1775 to 1783 to cavalry, and artillery. Napoleon took this retain its North American colonies, which further, establishing a system of army corps, english tactics against napoleon demanded some share in their governance. each made up of several divisions.The corps During this period Napoleon’s enemies, too, George Washington, the commander of the system meant that parts of the French army, had learned and adapted their armies.The rebel army, knew that he could not match which “lived off the land” instead of relying British experimented with light infantry the British in open battle. But the British on fixed supplies, could take separate routes from the 1790s, and in 1800 an experimental depended on supplies reaching them by sea, to their objective, reducing the risk of corps was set up armed with new rifled and when French intervention in the war exhausting the ability of the areas they muskets, more accurate than the prevailing in 1778 hurt this, their control over North marched through to support them.This smooth-bores.The British favored line over America became tenuous.The Americans flexibility and the speed of the French column tactics and also paid more attention became a fighting army with the help of armies left Napoleon’s enemies often to logistics, not relying so consistenly on Augustus von Steuben, a Prussian army seeming sluggish. foraging, which, in the guerrilla-infested hills officer, who devised a simplified drill for of Spain, had badly failed the French forces. In Washington’s soldiers.The result was a Napoleon also expanded the French 1813 the Prussians created regiments of Jäger, humiliation for Britain and the loss of artillery, and by 1805 the army had 4,500 volunteer riflemen, as a riposte to the French most of its North American colonies. heavy guns and 7,300 medium and light. tirailleurs. Attrition, the exhaustion of French A string of victories, most notably Marengo resources, British naval superiority—most the french revolutionary wars (1800) and Austerlitz (1805), left the notably demonstrated at Trafalgar (1805)—and Revolution broke out in France in 1789, successive coalitions formed against him Napoleon’s strategic greed led to his downfall in part provoked by anger at unemployment reeling. Napoleon also realized the destruction in 1814, and his return from exile for the and high levels of taxation needed to fund of the enemy’s field armies should be his main “Hundred Days” ended similarly in defeat at the army, and Louis XVI’s inability to do objective, rather than allowing himself to be Waterloo in 1815. anything to remedy these problems. Most delayed by protracted sieges. army officers fled the country, or at least resigned their commissions. By that time Yet the strain on France’s resources France was at war with Austria and so fewer began to show. An estimated 20 percent of experienced officers were available.Their Frenchmen born between 1790 and 1795 replacements came from the middle and lower died in the wars. Increasingly, Napoleon’s classes, so that by 1794, only one in 25 officers soldiers were foreign, less well-trained and was a nobleman. A mass conscription in 1793 less motivated than the French. After 1808, in effect, militarized France, as all men of divisions were standardized to two brigades, military age were deemed to be in service. and the numbers of companies per battalion The new army adopted modified tactics— reduced to make command easier.The result from 1792 skirmishers or sharpshooters were was a less flexible force, and Napoleon’s introduced into infantry battalions.These later battles tended to be elephantine affairs, tirailleurs would harass enemy formations with large masses of men hurled headlong and screen the maneuvers of their parent against the enemy, and far fewer flashes of battalions. A string of French Republican sheer brilliance.At Borodino, in the Russian victories, most notably those of Napoleon Bonaparte in Italy from 1796, exhibited battle of the nations the new army’s ability to use these revised French cuirassiers charge at the Battle of Leipzig in 1813. combinations of line, column, and skirmishing The sheer size of the force opposing him—at 365,000 men tactics to great effect. —was too much even for Napoleon. The situation was made worse by the fact that his army sorely missed the veterans who had perished in Russia the year before. 1852–55 1855 1857–58 1862 1865 1868 1884 1898 1899–1902 The Allies capture Indian Mutiny First use of a Confederate The Meiji Hiram Maxim produces Spanish-American Boer War Crimean Sevastopol, threatens machine gun, commander restoration War effectively British rule in at Battle of Robert E. Lee paves way first practical War ends with ending India Seven Pines; surrenders at for Japan’s machine gun US occupation Crimean War first use of Appomattox, modernization of Cuba and the landmines ending 1871 Civil War Prussian victory Philippines at Sedan; Napoleon III overthrown 1850 1860 1870 1880 1900 1854 1856 1861 1863 1866 1870–71 1873 1890 1898 Battle of Bessemer process Confederate Union Austro- Franco- Alfred Krupp Battle of Battle of Omdurman; Balaclava; allows economic attack on victory at Prussian Prussian War develops improved Wounded Kitchener decisively “Charge of the production of Fort Sumter Gettysburg War recoil system for Knee marks defeats Mahdists Light Brigade” high-quality steel starts the field artillery in Sudan 177 American end of Civil War Indian Wars victories.The new technology saw its first real the prussian army test in the Crimean War (1853–55), in which Britain and France invaded Russia to prevent In Europe, meanwhile, Prussia, under von the tsar from picking bare the bones of the Moltke—Chief of General Staff from 1858 decrepit Ottoman empire. At Inkerman in —implemented a system of uniform education 1854, British Enfield rifled muskets slaughtered for all staff officers, and service in the army the Russians, who suffered 12,000 casualties was extended to five years, so that by the late to the allies’ 3,000.Yet the British neglected 1850s, the army had 504,000 troops (including logistics this time—their supply base at Balaclava reserves).The Prussians also invested heavily turned out to have a quayside of only 33 yards in railroads, laying down nearly 19,000 miles (30 m), and it was a 9-mile (15-km) journey to (30,000 km) by 1860.Their soldiers, moreover, the front line.The campaign became bogged were equipped with the Dreyse needle gun, down in a bludgeoning siege of the fortress- a breech-loader which could be shot from city of Sevastopol, whose defensive trench a prone position, and which fired up to five networks presaged those of World War I. times faster than muzzle-loaders. Although it was prone to misfire, the Dreyse gave the trench warfare the american civil war Prussians the edge on the battlefield and this, The final stages of the American Civil War degenerated along with their superior planning, enabled into a dogged campaign of entrenchment and siege. The American Civil War (1861–66) saw the them to win a crushing victory over the Here, Union soldiers wait in the trenches in front of the full flowering of industrialized warfare. It was Austrians at Königgrätz in 1866, which freed Confederate stronghold of Petersburg, Virginia. the North, which had over 70 percent of the Bismarck, the German Chancellor, to pursue undivided pre-war Union’s population and his goal of a united German state. technical advances almost all its industry—93 percent of pig- The Congress of Vienna (1815) ensured no iron and 97 percent of firearms production The attempts by French emperor Napoleon repetition of the revolutionary wars for several —that possessed critical advantages from the III to interfere with Bismarck’s ambitions led decades, and Europe relapsed into a sort of outset.The South had brilliant generals, such to the Franco-Prussian War (1870–71).The strategic slumber. Napoleonic drill and tactics as Robert E. Lee, and an army motivated by French were armed with the Chassepot rifle, were largely retained, but there were important the desire to defend its way of life.Yet victories a more reliable version of the Dreyse.The technical advances, including the invention of such as Bull Run (1861), and Fredericksburg Prussians exploited their superior staff numbers the cylindro-conic bullet, which expanded on (1862), and a near-run thing at Gettysburg to the full, and were able to deliver 380,000 firing, gripping the rifling of the barrel more (1863), amounted in the end to nothing. men—in large part by train—rapidly to the tightly, and doubled the effective range of The Union commander Ulysses S. Grant frontier.They also possessed steel breech- firearms to around 440–650 yards (400–600 m). realized that by cutting the Confederacy in loading cannons designed by Alfred Krupps, Adapted by Claude-Étienne Minié in 1849, the two and destroying its fledgling industries which had a range of up to 7,600 yards new rifles became the mainstays of European and railroad system, its capacity to resist—no (7,000 m) and could devastate French armies.The increasing firepower of troops, matter battlefield heroics—would be strangled. formations as they formed up far from the and the capacity of technologically advanced American Civil War soldiers could fire at a rate battlefield.The French were outmaneuvered at powers to produce large quantities of weapons of five to six rounds per minute and extended a strategic level, and when their last operational that could be used even by raw conscripts, led lines proved more effective than the massed field army was surrounded at Sedan (1871), its to an increasing industrialization of warfare, in columns of Napoleonic warfare.Temporary surrender spelled the end of Napoleon III’s which it was the output of factories, the laying earthwork entrenchments such as breastworks rule and any effective opposition to Bismarck’s down of railroads, and strategic planning, rather and rifle pits became more important, while plans for Germany. than élan or tactical brilliance that delivered the withering fire of Springfield rifled muskets meant that where infantry advanced the growth of european imperialism unsupported in the open, as in “Pickett’s Charge” at Gettysburg, they were simply Once Bismarck had forged a united country mown down. after 1871, he turned to acquiring an overseas empire, beginning with modern Namibia, Togo, and Tanzania in the 1880s.The late 1866 winchester The 1866 model Winchester was known as the “Improved Henry” and could fire 30 rounds a minute, double that of its predecessors. It remained in production right up until 1898, at the time of the Spanish-American War. 19th century was the high-point of European nationalism to the unification of Italy—with Garibaldi (pictured imperialism, which developed a momentum of here) playing a flamboyant role, and Germany in its own far beyond the need to protect trading The French Revolution unleashed a political virus 1867. Similarly, nationalist feelings contributed posts or suppress native opposition. Many of in Europe, with the notion that states should to the decay of the Ottoman Empire, from the Greek the wars fought in the last half of the century constitute the whole of a people or “nation.” declaration of independence in 1821. All these were imperial, in which Western technological Hence, France was the nation of the French and movements appealed to a national ideal, inspiring superiority and organization normally proved should include all of them. Multiethnic empires, a fervor that loyalty to a dynasty, or remote imperial decisive. At Omdurman in the Sudan in 1898, such as those of the Austrian Habsburgs or the power, had almost never been able to do. Kitchener, the British commander, simply Ottoman Turks, were threatened with extinction deployed his 25,000 men in tight formation, as this idea found political and military and when the opposing Mahdists charged, they expression. In 1848, a wave were scythed down by his Maxim machine of nationalist revolts burst guns: the Sudanese lost up to 30,000 men for across Europe, sweeping a the loss of only 50 of the Anglo-Egyptian force. revolutionary government to power in Hungary and Non-European armies did, occasionally, threatening to overturn emerge victorious. In 1896 the Italians were the Prussian and French defeated at Adowa by an Ethiopian army regimes. In 1861 armed with 100,000 rifles that the French nationalism contributed governor of Somaliland had obligingly sold to them.Where native armies adopted guerrilla insurrection in 1861 at warfare, such as Samori Touré in West Africa in Palermo which led to the 1880s and 1890s, European tactics struggled the unification of italy to overcome them. Eventually, however, even stubborn resistance was not enough.The boer picket Europeans or Americans had superior industrial It cost the British two years, the despatch of 450,000 men, and demographic resources, and could weather and 22,000 dead to win the Boer War (1899–1902). The defeats their opponents could not. Boers, armed with lethally effective Mausers, won a series of victories such as Spion Kop (1900). Even when their field Germany’s victories in 1866 and 1870 led armies were finally defeated, it took unconventional British German statesmen and generals to believe tactics such as the use of concentration camps to force the that rapid deployment and the exploitation of last groups of guerrillas to surrender. technology should override all other concerns. At the end of the 19th century, European countries became embroiled in an arms race that was ruinously expensive and contributed to a chilling climate of mistrust in international diplomacy.The rapid growth of the German economy, unaccompanied by a corresponding increase in political sophistication, led to a dangerous alliance of economic power, nationalist agitation, and technological prowess, which, when a spark set it alight, would lead to the appalling carnage of World War I. 1775—1900 4 104–107 european infantry and cavalry swords 4 110–111 european rapiers 4 112–113 european smallswords 4 62–65 european swords the revolutionary world european by the time of the French Revolutionary (1789-1799) and Napoleonic swords Wars (1799-1815), cavalry edged weapons had evolved into the long, straight, thrusting sword of the heavy cavalry, and the light cavalry’s Brass pommel curved saber that was designed for cutting and slicing. For the infantry, and back piece swords were already well on their way to becoming ceremonial weapons, but such was their status that they continued to be used as symbols of rank, carried by officers and senior NCOs. Having lost their practical function, infantry swords became increasingly decorative, some even harking back to weapons of the classical era. 1853 Pattern cavalry sword date 1853 full view origin uk Of fairly conventional construction, this weight 2½ lb (1.13 kg) weapon—the 1853 Pattern Cavalry Sword length 40 in (101.5 cm) —would have equipped British heavy cavalry regiments in the Crimean War and during some of Britain’s subsequent colonial campaigns. Oval rivet to help secure tang to hilt One of two langets fixed over cross-guard Leather grip Knuckle guard with two side branches model 1827 saber full view Three-bar steel hilt A copy of cavalry swords of the Napoleonic era, the Single- Russian Model 1827 Cavalry edged Sabre had a slightly curved blade single-edged blade with a single wide fuller and a brass hilt. The twin langets were useful in firmly securing the sword to the scabbard, as well as acting as a trap to an opponent’s sword. date c.1827 origin russia weight 2¾ lb (1.22 kg) length 40¼ in (102 cm) Upper quillon slightly curved toward blade Single-edged blade 180 Brass hilt comprising Serrated edge full view pommel, grip, and for sawing cross-guard wood Straight pioneer sword date 1847 quillons with origin germany circular finials The hilt of this Russian sword is based on weight 2½ lb (1.18 kg) the French Model 1831 infantry sword. Both length 25 in (63.5 cm) weapons reflect an interest in the classical world and clearly demonstrate the influence of the Roman gladius short sword. The all- brass hilt includes a simple cross-guard and a short wide blade with a single fuller. Brass full view pommel cap Straight single-edged model an iv cavalry sword date 1794 blade with two fullers origin france The brass hilt includes Known as the Model An IV (Year 4, after the weight 2½ lb (1.16 kg) the symbol of the French Revolutionary calendar) this sword length 44½ in (113 cm) Fasces, a reference equipped some French heavy cavalry and to Republican Rome dragoons during the Napoleonic period. It has a long blade, which, like other French swords, Long langets was narrower than its British equivalent. Heavy blade with hatchet point Leather-covered Rivet passing full view grip with steel through tang back piece and grip Stirrup-hilt Oval plate heavy cavalry sword knuckle guard guard Based on Austrian designs, the stirrup- hilt British Heavy Cavalry Sword of 1796 date 1796 equipped British heavy cavalry during the origin uk Napoleonic Wars. It received criticism for weight 2½ lb (1.13 kg) being unwieldy in action, although it was length 40 in (101.5 cm) considered a forceful cutting sword. 181 1775—1900 4 104–107 european infantry and cavalry swords 4 62–65 european swords the revolutionary world European swords D-shaped langets 1796 light cavalry sword date 1796 Curved blade origin uk thicker at tip Considered to be among the finest of weight 2¼ lb (1 kg) than hilt cutting swords, the 1796 Light Cavalry length 38 in (96.5 cm) Curved steel blade Sword was developed in tandem with the Heavy Cavalry Sword. The broadening of the blade near the tip gave greater power at the point of impact. Stirrup hilt napoleonic infantry sword date early 19th century Wood-lined origin france steel scabbard Carried by the ordinary foot soldier weight 2 lb (0.9 kg) during the Napoleonic Wars, this infantry length 29 in (74 cm) Forward-facing hanger, known as a “briquet,” has a quillon flowing simple, one-piece brass hilt and a curved from knuckle guard steel blade. It was also issued to sailors. Brass hilt Guard consisting of model 1804 naval cutlass date c.1804 twin discs of thin iron, origin uk sometimes known as a The British Model 1804 cutlass—issued weight 3 lb (1.32 kg) “figure-of-eight” guard a year before Trafalgar—is a utilitarian, length 33½ in (85.5 cm) straight-bladed weapon with a double disc guard and a serrated iron handle, painted black to protect against corrosion. Integrated cross-guard Langet with Phrygian cap grip and pommel cast emblem—symbol of liberty in bronze in Revolutionary France Decorative Counter-guard quillon knuckle (too fragile to be guard effective) 182 “Crowing cockerel” Brass pommel cap pommel full view full view Knuckle guard with three additional branches pioneer sword The sword’s one-piece brass hilt is surmounted by a crowing rooster figure that acts as the pommel. The steel blade includes a serrated or sawback edge—found on pioneer swords—and is slightly curved with a point reminiscent of a falchion. date c.1800 origin france weight 2¾ lb (1.22 kg) length 32 in (81 cm) Brass cross-guard with Steel blade downward-curving quillons with double fullers Curved, single-edged model an XIII sword steel blade with serrated edge A successor to the An IV sword, this weapon armed the French Unsharpened, double-edged dragoons and heavy cavalry in blade with blunt point the latter part of the Napoleonic Wars. The sword has a straight, single-edged blade with two prominent fullers running down its length. date 1810 origin france weight 7 lb (3.13 kg) length 44¼ in (112.5 cm) full view ceremonial cadet sword date 1794 183 origin france This ceremonial sword, designed by artist Jacques weight 2 lb (0.90 kg) Louis David, followed the classical Roman model length 26½ in (67 cm) popular at the time, and was issued to students of the French military academy. 1775—1900 3 220–221 great warriors: us civil war infantryman 4 180–183 european swords 1775–1900 the revolutionary world american the armorers of the new US Republic followed patterns for civil war swordmaking from a mixture of German, French, and British sources. Swords But from the 1840s onward, US swords were based almost exclusively on French designs, and it was these swords that armed the soldiers of the American Civil War (1861–65).While the forces of the Union North were well supplied with arms and equipment, the Confederate armies of the South were short of weapons of all kinds, including swords. They were forced to rely on captured Union stocks, foreign sources, and their own home-produced weapons. Knuckle guard Leather grip Leather grip wrapped in wrapped in twisted brass wire twisted brass wire Guard Engraved branches detail on brass hilt Guard with Ricasso the upper (unsharpened model 1850 Infantry sword quillon swept upper part of Edged weapons like this Model 1850 forward the sword) “Foot” Officer’s Sword equipped the majority of infantry officers on the model 1850 “foot” officer’s sword model 1860 light cavalry saber Union side. By the time of the American This sword would have equipped officers The Model 1840 Light Cavalry Saber Civil War, officers would rarely have on both sides during the Civil War, and was was a heavy, powerful sword whose used a sword in actual combat, but very similar to the Model 1850 “Mounted” weight made it unpopular with the such was its potency that it continued Field and Staff Officer’s Sword. Influenced troopers, who nicknamed it “Old Wrist to be worn throughout the 19th century by French patterns, this sword has a brass Breaker.” Its replacement, the Model as a symbol of rank. hilt and a grip made either from leather or 1860 Light Cavalry Saber, was not date c.1850 the skin of a ray or shark—material which considered much of an improvement, origin us gave a very good grip. The single-edged although it was an effective thrusting weight 2 lb (1.13 kg) blade is slightly curved. and hacking weapon. length 30 in (76.8 cm) date c.1850 date c.1860 origin us weight 2 lb (1.13 kg) origin us length 31 in (78.75 cm) weight 3 lb (1.36 kg) length 35 in (90 cm) full view full view full view Single-edged “False edge” blade with sharpened “false edge” 184 Guard with forward- full view facing quillon Curved, single- edged blade D-shaped single “foot” officer’s sword knuckle guard The artillery had its own distinctive swords. This Confederate artillery saber was made by Boyle, date c.1820 Gamble & McFee, who were based in Richmond, origin us Virginia, and the blade dates from the 1820s. weight 2 lb (1.13 kg) The sword was used by General William Miller length 29 in (73.6 cm) of the 1st Florida Regiment. full view Single-edged, Confederate Cavalry saber slightly curved blade The Confederate States of America manufactured many thousands of swords based on both the Brass basket hilt 1840 and 1860 models of cavalry saber. Although date c.1850 and guard an essential part of any cavalryman’s equipment, origin us on the battlefield, the sword was being replaced weight 3 lb (1.56 kg) by the carbine and revolver. length 35 in (89 cm) Pommel cap Guard with the upper quillon swept forward full view Single-edged blade model 1850 infantry sword date c.1850 origin us Knuckle guard The Model 1850 “Foot” Officer’s Sword was not weight 2 lb (1.13 kg) Swept-forward only a functional weapon of war, it was also an length 30 in (76 cm) quillon object of the finest craftsmanship, with intricate detail a feature of the hilt. The sword was carried Grip by company grade officers in the infantry, and continued in service until the early 1870s when it was replaced by the Model 1860 sword. full view Ricasso Knuckle confederate sword date c.1860 guard origin us The subscription purchase of weapons weight 2 lb (1.13 kg) for popular officers was a feature of military length 30 in (76.2 cm) life, and this fine sword, made by Leech & Rigdon, was presented in 1864 to General 185 D. W. Adams of the Confederate Army by the men under his command. 1775—1900 3 188–189 chinese and tibetan swords 3 190–191 indian swords 4 128–129 indian and sri lankan swords the revolutionary world Ottoman the ottoman empire, at its height from the 15th to the 17th century, empire was founded by Turks who migrated to Anatolia from central Asia.Their Swords curved swords reflect these origins, being derived from the central Asian Turko-Mongolian saber of the 13th century. Europeans encountered these curved blades in wars with the Ottomans, and collectively termed them “scimitars.” Many of the swords shown here date from the 19th century, but they are typical of the Ottoman Empire at its peak. Similar weapons were used across the Islamic world, from North Africa to Persia and India. Pistol-style hilt Cross-guard terminates in finial Grip decorated with precious stones Intricate decoration at top of blade Langet helps to attach blade to hilt more securely persian kilij date early 19th century origin persia Persian craftsmen were acknowledged masters weight 1¼ lb (0.6 kg) of sword making. The kilij was first used in the length 32 in (81 cm) Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Over time, its blade showed many variations. This example has a deep curve cut away along its back edge, and flares into a yelman toward the point. Suspension ring Deeply curved, tapering blade Pistol-style grip shamshir Ornate Cross-guard scabbard The form of saber known as a shamshir spread 186 from Persia in the 16th century. Its blade had the date early 19th century curve of a kilij, but tapered to a point. It was a origin armenia fearsome slashing weapon, whether used on weight 1½ lb (0.71 kg) foot or horseback. A horseman could also use length 37 in (94 cm) the point to run an enemy foot soldier through. Silver locket Chape embossed with flowers and foliage Forward-curving blade Turkish yataghan date mid-19th century Gold inscription from the Koran A yataghan has a type of forward-curving blade origin turkey known as a kopis blade, after the Ancient Greek weight 1¼ lb (0.6 kg) sword of that name. The yataghan is allied to the length 29 in (74 cm) Indian sosun pattah and the Nepalese kukhri. This late Ottoman example is identical in style to those used when the empire was at its height. The wooden scabbard is clad in leather. turkish saber Turqoise set into scabbard This ornate Ottoman sword bears the name of the master swordsmith who Narrow fuller on made its blade: Haji Gafur. Swords in the back of blade Islamic world were frequently inscribed with prayers and texts from the Koran. date early 19th century origin turkey weight 1¾ lb (0.81 kg) length 38 in (96 cm) Silver-covered hilt North African saif date late 18th century origin north africa Saif is simply an Arabic word for sword. This weight 1½ lb (0.7 kg) example is from North Africa, part of the length 32¾ in (83.5 cm) Ottoman Empire from the 16th century. Unlike a shamshir, it does not taper to a Wooden scabbard covered with sheet silver point, and the blade’s curve is shallow. The knuckle guard is made of four silver chains. Double-edged blade Silver-gilt hilt inlaid with Cut-away back coral and turqouise of blade Ottoman Quama Ornate jeweled scabbard Called a kinjal in the Caucasus and a kama in Georgia, this style of short sword is also known date 19th century as a “Cossack dagger.” This example, with its origin turkey splendidly decorated hilt and scabbard, was weight 1½ lb (0.7 kg) designed to display its owner’s wealth and status. length 24 in (61 cm) full view 1775—1900 4 120–123 japanese samurai swords 4 128–129 indian and sri lankan swords 3 190–191 indian swords 4 66–67 japanese and chinese swords the revolutionary world chinese for the chinese, the four major weapons of a fighting man and tibetan were the staff, the spear, and two swords: the single-edged dao swords and the double-edged jian.While the straight-bladed jian was the more prestigious of the two sword types, the curved dao Guards with was more practical and easier to use. As in Europe, by the 19th quillons century swords in China were becoming primarily ceremonial items.The military tradition of Tibet is often forgotten, but the Tibetans fought many wars and developed their own significant tradition of sword manufacture, which was loosely related to Chinese models. Ring pommel One- or two-handed grip chinese dao Dating from the last century of the Ming dynasty, date 1572–1620 the single-edged, curved blade of this dao shows origin china its affinity with Indian talwars and shamshirs, weight 3 lb (1.35 kg) and with European sabers. The blade is of the length 41½ in (105.7 cm) form known as liuyedao (willow-leaf knife), with a longer, deeper curve than the yanmaodao Softer-steel (goose-quill knife), which can be seen below. back of blade Curved hilt Disc-shaped guard chinese dao date 17th century origin china This short dao has a near-straight yanmaodao weight 1¼ lb (0.52 kg) blade. Primarily a cavalry weapon, its single edge length 25¼ in (64 cm) was used for slashing, and its point for running Lobed quillon block through. The blade was layered, in a similar fashion to Japanese swords. The core of hard steel, which was exposed at the cutting edge, was sandwiched between layers of softer steel. Pommel attached Blade has diamond to tang of blade section, peaking at a ridge on each face Ivory grip Gilded collar full view Lacquered scabbard 188 chinese jian date 1736–95 origin china With its straight, double-edged blade, the jian weight 2¾ lb (1.25 kg) was the weapon chosen by Chinese swordsmen length 42¼ in (107.1 cm) to show off their skills. It was also worn by high officials and officers as part of their ceremonial regalia. This jian sword dates from the reign of emperor Qianlong, of the Manchu Qing dynasty. Iron guard Blade ends in rounded point Lobed pommel with turquoise Straight, single- Tibetan sword date 18th century bead edged, mixed-steel blade origin tibet The long blade of this Tibetan sword exhibits weight 2 lb (0.95 kg) Blade broadens Embossed elaborate swirled patterns of mixed steels on length 39¾ in (101 cm) toward tip gilded panel both faces. This was a weapon for a high-status individual, evidenced by the highly decorated pommel and the grip wrapped in silver wire. Coral bead Blade’s single cutting edge is TIBETAN sword date 19th century irregular and crudely angled origin tibet A large and elaborate sword with a poor quality weight 2¼ lb (1 kg) Silver-sheet quillon block blade, this was undoubtedly intended primarily length 38½ in (98 cm) for ceremonial use. The scabbard—which is made of wood and covered in brown leather—is finely decorated with silver, gilding, and coral. Scabbard with embossed gilded panels Hard-steel edge Central ridge chinese jian Trilobed pommel Cutting edge In the 19th century, the declining Qing Empire date 19th century was obsessed with developing firearms to match those of Europe. Though somewhat neglected, origin china swords continued in use as weapons and ceremonial arms. This sword has the diamond weight 2¼ lb (1 kg) profile of the traditional jian blade. length 30¾ in (77.8 cm) Blade decorated with silver inlay Leather strap 189 1775—1900 4 128–129 indian and sri lankan swords 4 186–187 ottoman empire swords 4 188–189 chinese and tibetan swords 4 120–123 japanese samurai swords the revolutionary world INDIAN Long pommel Single swords spike cutting edge during the late 18th and early 19th Velvet-covered wooden centuries, the British East India Company scabbard extended its control over most of India, paving the way for the establishment of the British Dish-shaped Chape decorated Raj.These political changes had limited impact pommel in gold koftgari upon Indian swordsmiths, who continued to produce swords in a great diversity of forms. khanda These included not only mainstream Influenced by the Hindu Maratha culture, this swords in the Muslim and Hindu khanda has a straight, watered-steel blade traditions, chiefly forms of talwar that widens toward the tip. As is common in and khanda, made for the Indian khandas of this period, the light, elastic blade princely courts that survived is stiffened by reinforcements that run two- under British suzerainty, but thirds of the length of one edge and a short also many regional or tribal way up the other. variants—some distinctly date 19th century strange to Western eyes. origin india British officers often took weight 2¾ lb (1.3 kg) swords home with them as length 39 in (99.3 cm) souvenirs, many of which have ended up in museums. FULL VIEW Guard Hindu-style lined with velvet gilded basket hilt Embroidered wrist strap Large gilded langet vechevoral date 19th century origin india The Indian subcontinent abounded in varieties of weight 2¾ lb (1.3 kg) cutting implements for warfare and general length 24½ in (62.1 cm) agricultural use. This ornate vechevoral has a handle of wood and ivory, and a sickle-shaped blade with a concave cutting edge and a band of brass and decorative scrolling along the back. Cutting edge Bass rosette on ricasso Reinforcement decorated with floral pattern 190 Medial fuller See detail talwar V-shaped hilt detail mouth The iron hilt is exquisitely decorated with gold koftgari overlay, The blade inscription of this talwar suggests that it with leaf-fronds arranged in a scalelike pattern. The grip is lozenge- was made for one of the Nizams of Hyderabad, date 18th century shaped in cross-section and made of a single piece with the quillons Muslim princes who ruled part of northern India origin india and langets; a dish pommel and knucklebow are attached. from 1724 to 1948. The blade is unadorned; the weight 2½ lb (1.1 kg) hilt has fine traditional Indo-Muslim decoration. length 37¼ in (94.9 cm) Forward-curving Iron hilt decorated blade with silver inlay Fuller sosun pattah date 19th century origin india A traditional form of Indian sword, a sosun pattah weight 2¼ lb (1.05 kg) has a forward-curving blade—the reverse of, for length 34¼ in (87 cm) example, the curve of a talwar. Swords known as sosun pattah exist in both Islamic and Hindu Wooden collar variants. This one has an Indo-Muslim-style hilt. with tuft of black hair Ricasso Flat tip ends in central point Double-edged, Wooden Tang diamond-sectioned cross-guard blade assamese dao date 19th century origin india The swords, or daos, made by the metal workers weight 2¼ lb (1.05 kg) of Assam’s Naga people were versatile implements length 32 in (81.1 cm) used for both cutting wood and combat. The owner would have fitted his own wooden handle to the tang, probably decorated with goat hair. Horn pommel section Tapering wooden grip Reeded executioner’s sword Last third of blade copper band is double-edged By the 1800s the ruler of Oudh in northern India Tubular leather- was under the effective control of the British, but date 19th century covered grip executions were still an area in which he could origin india assert his status. This heavy blade, bearing the weight 2¼ lb (1.05 kg) ruler’s arms, would have severed a neck at a blow. length 28 in (71 cm) 191 1775—1900 4 130–133 european daggers 4 134–135 asian daggers 4 68–69 european daggers the revolutionary world Indian and the indian subcontinent is the source of some of the world’s Nepalese most effective and original melee weapons.These include a range of daggers fearsome sharp-pointed knives with double-curved blades and various forms of fist dagger, which allowed the user to deliver a stabbing blow to an enemy with a punching movement. Parrying sticks were a feature that Indian armies had in common with African tribal forces. Nepal made its contribution with the very effective kukri, an implement with many practical non-military uses, as well its role as the weapon carried by all Nepalese Gurkhas. Ivory hilt Iron blade tapers to a point Central ridge and grooves indian double-edged knife date 19th century origin india Made in Vijayanagar, this knife has a weight 1¾ lb (0.83 kg) typically sinuous Indian blade. The hilt length 20 in (51 cm) is skilfully shaped to fit the hand and fingers, giving a firm and comfortable grip. The blade thickens into a diamond shape behind the tapering point. Steel parrying stick Forward-angled blade Notch at base of blade has religious significance Cutting edge Sheath Turquoise gemstone nepalese kukri date c.1900 Silver decoration origin nepal With its wooden handle, broad, angled weight 1 lb (0.48 kg) blade, and notch or cho, this is a typical length 17½ in (44.5 cm) example of the Nepalese Gurkhas’ kukri. 192 The cho has religious significance as the symbol of the destructive Hindu god Shiva. The quality of the sheath suggests this was the property of a wealthy man. Double-curved steel blade Diamond Indian bich’hwa date c.1900 cross-section origin india at point The name of this dagger derives from weight ½ lb (0.3 kg) bichwa—a scorpion—whose deadly sting length 12 in (30.5 cm) the blade is presumed to resemble. The four bagh nakh or tiger’s claws, attached to the steel rings on the handle, offer an alternative mode of attack. Steel ring with claw Central grip Indian parrying weapon Parrot-head Broad blade Cleaning This weapon combines a steel parrying stick for pommel implements defense and a fist dagger for attack. Holding the grip with knuckles toward the dagger, a man Wood and silver could fend off blows, using the stick as a shield, scabbard and deliver punching stabs with the dagger. date c.1900 Indian pichangatti date 19th century origin india origin india weight 1¾ lb (0.82 kg) This broad-bladed knife is notable for its silver hilt and weight ½ lb (0.28 kg) length 18½ in (47 cm) striking pommel—the parrot’s eyes are uncut red stones. length 12 in (30.6 cm) Attached by a chain to the scabbard are five implements for Bowed hand cleaning the ears and nails. The knife was brought to Britain guard by an army officer as a memento of the Indian Mutiny. Dagger blade Steel head Finger grip Buck horn buck-horn parrying stick date late 18th century 193 Known as a madu or maru, this parrying weapon from origin india Mysore is made from two antelope horns riveted together, weight ½ lb (0.2 kg) length 18½ in (47.3 cm) with a space between for the fingers. It could act as a shield against missiles and blows, and steel heads on the horn tips make it a potentially dangerous offensive weapon as well. the revolutionary world 1775—1900 the sword bayonet with its long blade, became increasingly popular in the 19th century, replacing the hanger sword and 3 284–285 bayonets and knives 1914–1945 socket bayonet of the ordinary infantryman. But the 19th century also saw the development of mass-produced, long- european range firepower that rendered the bayonet irrelevant as a military and american weapon. Despite this, armies continued to place great emphasis bayonets on the bayonet, not least because it was believed to encourage an aggressive, offensive spirit among the infantry. It was this attitude that, in part, led to the mass slaughters of 1914, where soldiers, with bayonets fixed, were pitted against quick-firing artillery and machine guns. Leather grip Straight quillon Knuckle guard Muzzle ring with volunteer infantry sword bayonet date 1810 Brass pommel fore sight slot origin uk with press stud During the Napoleonic Wars, the regular British Army was weight 1¾ lb (0.50 kg) Muzzle ring equipped with the Baker rifle and its sword bayonet; volunteer length 30½ in (77.5 cm) units, however, had to draw upon other sources for their rifles and bayonets. This sword bayonet was made for the London gunmaker Staudenmayer and features a gilded hilt and straight steel blade. Its use of the knuckle grip to lock the rifle to the bayonet proved less effective than the mortise slot and muzzle ring of the Baker rifle/bayonet, and it was this latter system that continued to set the pattern for most bayonet attachments. Twin fullers sword bayonet date mid 19th century Locking ring Socket Hilt comprising D-ring This French sword bayonet is unusual in having a origin france and two branches basket hilt that was usually associated with a cavalry sword. The long, narrow blade has twin fullers running weight 1¾ lb (0.79 kg) down the length of the blade to strengthen it. length 45½ in (115.5 cm) Mortise slot Elbow Brass handle Muzzle ring with locking screw Locking-bolt spring Tang stud 194 chassepot bayonet Steel cross-guard with curved “blade-breaker” quillon This bayonet was designed for the famous Chassepot breech-loading bayonet charge rifle that armed the French during Prussian troops (left) attack French lines during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–71, a battle in the Napoleonic Wars, August 27, 1813. and which continued in service The bayonet charge was much beloved of military until the arrival of the 1874 model. painters of the 19th century, although they were The distinctive “Yataghan” recurved rare occurrences in practice. blade influenced designs throughout Europe and the United States. date 1866–74 origin france weight 1¾ lb (0.76 kg) length 27½ in (70 cm) Steel pommel Locking-bolt Steel cross-guard with Serrated edge for Broadening of last spring muzzle ring (top) sawing wood third of blade for chopping purposes elcho bayonet date 1870s origin uk While the Martini-Henry rifle was undergoing weight 1½ lb (0.65 kg) acceptance trials for the British Army, Lord Elcho, length 25 in (64 cm) in a private initiative, submitted this bayonet to go with the firearm. Elcho extended the bayonet’s full view range of tasks to include those of hacking down brush and sawing wood. later elcho bayonet Despite initial success—and the arming of some date 1870s infantry units—the Elcho bayonet was not taken origin uk up as an official model, being considered too weight 1½ lb (0.64 kg) expensive and too ungainly. Even this model with length 25 in (64.2 cm) a more conventional blade failed to persuade the Steel cross-guard with authorities in its favor. muzzle ring (top) Steel pommel Locking-bolt spring Serrated edge for Fuller sawing wood Conventional bayonet blade martini-henry socket bayonet date c.1876 origin uk Lighter, cheaper, and as efficient as a sword weight 1 lb (0.45 kg) bayonet, socket bayonets were issued for use with length 25¼ in (64 cm) the Martini-Henry rifle (although senior NCOs were allowed their more prestigious sword bayonets). Long triangular-section blade They were attached to the barrel muzzle and held in place with a mortise slot and locking ring. Trowel blade Steel single-edged Locking collar incorporating blade with wide fuller bridge and mortise slot trowel bayonet date late 19th century origin us Designed to fit over the muzzle of the US 1873 weight 1 lb (0.50 kg) “Trapdoor” Springfield rifle, this ingenious length 14½ in (36.8 cm) implement was intended as an entrenching or general digging tool, although it could also 195 be used as a very broad-bladed bayonet. Constructed from metal, it has a blued finish. 1775 — 1900 4 74–75 asian staff weapons 4 142–143 indian and sri lankan staff weapons 4 72–73 european staff weapons the revolutionary world indian staff the domination of india by British forces in the late 18th and weapons 19th centuries, armed at first with muskets and later with rifles, rendered staff weapons increasingly obsolete on the subcontinent.To be effective, Indian armies had to deploy artillery and firearms.Traditional varieties of battle-ax and mace continued to be found in the armouries of Hindu and Muslim princes, and among the weaponry of tribal peoples. Many of these weapons were more ceremonial than practical, their elaborate decoration being an indicator of their owner’s wealth and status.They also proved attractive to European collectors of exotic weaponry. Decoration shows long- tongued beast emerging from tiger’s mouth ankus date mid-19th century This ankus, or elephant goad, is of traditional origin india form, with the spike and hook designed for weight 1¼lb (0.59kg) controling the animal by pressure on the hide. length 14½in (37cm) The goad is so splendidly decorated, however, that it was probably intended for display rather Iron shaft than for practical use, being carried in a similar manner to a ceremonial mace. Gilded brass pommel Silver and gold inlay unscrews to reveal a hidden blade Hollow shaft conceals a screw-in dagger attached to the pommel Heavy, two-edged blade bhuj Metal shaft The knife-like battle-ax known as a bhuj date 19th century Brass elephant’s-head decoration was used from earliest times in tribal origin india India and adopted by Hindu and Muslim weight 2lb (0.87kg) armies. It is often called an “elephant’s length 27¾in (70.4cm) head” because of the characteristic decoration between shaft and blade. two-pointed tongi date 19th century Wooden shaft reinforced by origin india bands and a copper strip The two-pointed steel head of this ax, weight 1½lb(0.7kg ) or tongi, bears traces of punched length 33½in (85cm) Bifurcated head decorations but is otherwise unadorned. The nature of the head reflects an abiding Indian attraction toward elaborately shaped weaponry. four-pointed tongi Shaft of polished wood Four-pointed blade 196 Broadly similar to the two-pointed axe date 19th century above, this tongi has a steel head that origin india diverges into four points. This is a basic weight 0.5kg (1lb) and functional weapon, possibly used by length 95cm (37½in) a member of the Dravidian Khond tribes. Ivory terminal Shaft decorated Curved stem in shape of with scale patern Band of gilded lotus flower leaf decoration FULL VIEW tabar date early 19th century origin india The carved wooden shaft of this weight 1½lb (0.7kg) battle-ax, or tabar, is covered in length 24¾in (65cm) green velvet at the grip and tipped Fine grey-steel blade with carved ivory at each end. The broad steel blade would have been effective in combat, but the fine decoration suggests that display was its prime function. Spike Symmetrical decoration Quadrangular Spikes are of animals and foliage top spike arranged in seven Floral engraving horizontal Steel hook, bands or fluke spiked mace FULL VIEW 197 Bearing 118 individual spikes, this mace would have delivered a devastating blow to an opponent. This particular mace is a Maratha weapon. The Marathas’ greatest triumph was the victory over the forces of the British East India Company at Wadgaon in 1779. date 18th century origin india weight 5¾lb (2.66kg) length 30¼in (76.9cm) 1775—1900 3 280–283 african edged weapons 1900–2006 3 202–203 oceanian clubs and daggers the revolutionary world african at the end of the 18th century Europeans were an influence only edged at the coastal margins of Africa.African states and tribal societies carried weapons on traditional forms of warfare, despite the presence of imported firearms. By 1900 European colonial powers had carved up the continent between them, but even then most Africans were still largely unaffected by European ideas and technology.Traditional forms of weaponry were being made well into the 20th century, with African metalworkers displaying their skills in the forging of blades and heads for missile weapons. Copper-sheathed handle Openwork iron blade rival tribes in ethiopia congolese ax This European engraver’s impression of tribes at war in southern Ethiopia was not based on any first-hand This is a ceremonial ax of a kind often knowledge of their weaponry or fighting techniques. carried by chiefs of the Songye people The sword has the look of an Islamic scimitar. of southeastern Congo. The axes were made by the Nsapo subgroup, who were Shaped metal eye skilled at working iron and copper. date c.1900 origin dem. rep. of congo weight 3 lb (1.35 kg) length 16¾ in (42.8 cm) Metal collar Patterned Club head in metal blade form of animal head 198