Period Photos of People with Ethnographic Arms

[Norman McCormick]

Weapons of the Maharajah of Scindia C1875.

[Iain]

Thank you to all for continuing to post fascinating photos. For me these images, from times when the items in our collections were still in use, is a true window into the history of what we have.

I'll continue with another.

Where: Congo
When: assumed early 1900s.
Who: Mongelima warriors
Weapons visible: Spears, shields, bow, long knife.
Source if known: Old Belgian postcard.

[David R]

Satsuma Samurai of the Boshin War period, ie the real "Last Samurai". Armed with Katana and Wakizashi.

[David R]

Estate Guards , Japan in the 1860's, armed with naginata, Wakizashi and Tanto, nb the leader might be carrying a katana but none of the others. Also mail armour rather than the lameller seen in studio photo's. Part of the Beato collection.
Both these photo's hand tinted at that time.

[David R]

Japan, I belive in the 1870's, katana and wakizashi, note the length of katana tsuka of the standing samurai in the casual pose, way over what's considered normal, apparently a fashionable affectation at this time. Btw, sorry if I am not managing to stick to the format, doin' mi' best. I collected these pics as costume reference for a guide to trad Wafuku. I have collected the odd (very odd) Japanese blade over the years, but an area too rich for me nowadays, alas.

[David R]

Manchuria, 1932, Japanese troops one carrying a trophy sword, dadao, taken from a Chinese soldier.

[David R]

A repeat of this one but with attribution, Shanghai 1937, Chinese soldier armed with rifle and Dadao.
By the way, I think this is a fantastic thread, as has been said, putting these things we collect into context.

[Norman McCormick]

More Khyber warriors. Latter 19thC.

[Norman McCormick]

Various Indian dignitaries. Late 19thC.

[kahnjar1]

Four more pics of Maori showing Taiaha, Patu, Tewha Tewha (Axe), and Muskets. All from late 19th and early 20th Century, Kaiapoi area, New Zealand, taken by my Great Grandfather.
Enjoy