Relic Martini Henri Cavalry Carbine (f.1338)

This came via our shop.  A customer brought it in and told us that it had reputably been found in the Elands River near the town of Swartruggens South Africa by his father some time in the 1970's.  

If this were to be true then it is most likely from the battle of Modderfontein which took place on the  17th September 1901 during the Second Boer War.

The Battle

On 17 September, as Smuts' commando threaded through a gorge that opened out into the Elands River valley, a 17-year old farmer named Jan Coetzer informed them that a British force held the pass at Elands River Poort in the next valley. Smuts commented, "If we don't get those horses and a supply of ammunition, we're done for." The British were C Squadron of the 17th Lancers. The Boers took advantage of a mist to encircle the British camp. When Smuts' vanguard ran head on into a Lancer patrol, the British hesitated to fire because many of the Boers wore captured British uniforms. The Boers immediately opened fire and attacked in front while Smuts led the remainder of his force to attack the British camp from the rear. The British party suffered further casualties at a closed gate that slowed them down. The Boers, who were the superior fighters due to a lifetime of warring with either British soldiers or African warriors, made maximum use of their skills. All six British officers were hit and four were killed, only Captain Sandeman, the commander, and his lieutenant Lord Vivian surviving. The 17th Lancers lost 29 killed and 41 wounded before surrendering. Boer losses were only one killed and six wounded. One Boer noted, "We all had fresh horses, fresh rifles, clothing, saddlery, boots and more ammunition than we could carry away, as well as supplies for every man. "The Boers destroyed a field gun that they captured, while two maxim guns were dumped in a dam after they proved to be too much trouble.

I have no concrete evidence that this piece is from the battle or if it was found in that particular river, or even if it was found in South Africa.

However it is Cavalry Carbine, it is of the period and has certainly been pulled out of a River. The customer seemed genuine enough but handed down stories can suffer from Chinese whispers!

So there you have it, A Relic Rifle with a story to tell, if it is true or not nobody knows!

Insured and Recorded Postage will be:
£10.00 UK ONLY

This item weighs 3.3 KG

Please email me for a postal price if you are outside of the UK

A Genuine Martin Henry 577/450 Head that was found in South Africa during the 1960's

You will get 1 head at random in a leatherette, glass fronted display case as per the picture.

Insured and Recorded Postage will be:
£2.50 UK
£5.00 Europe
£5.50 World
(I will combine shipping on multiple orders)

 Crimean War Period French Button (f.1259)

 

39th Erme Loire Et Cher Region

 Circa 1844-1871

Found in the flea market- Les Puces, Paris France

Insured and Recorded Postage will be:
 £2.50 UK
£5.25 Europe
£5.50 World
(I will combine shipping on multiple orders)

French National Guard Btn c1830-48 (F.1293)

 

Insured and Recorded Postage will be:
£2.50 UK
£5.00 Europe
£5.50 World

I will combine postage on multiple orders

£4.99

French National Guard Btn c1830-48 (F.1298)

 

Insured and Recorded Postage will be:
£2.50 UK
£5.00 Europe
£5.50 World

I will combine postage on multiple orders

£6.99

The Dominion Line was founded in 1870 as the Liverpool & Mississippi Steamship Co. In 1872 the name official name of the company was changed to Mississippi & Dominion Steamship Co Ltd. The sailings were advertised under the name "Dominion Line".

Insured and Recorded Postage will be:
£2.50 UK
£5.00 Europe
£5.50 World

I will combine postage on multiple orders

Dug D.C F.D Button (F.1274)

 

District Columbia Fire Department

Insured and Recorded Postage will be:
£2.50 UK
£5.00 Europe
£5.50 World

I will combine postage on multiple orders

£5.99