This website is using cookies
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.
×

Rare 19th Century Gãschãn Shield

***NOW SOLD***
Array
Description

Rare 19th Century Gãschãn Shield.

The hide is incised with geometric patterns. Late 19th century, the period of colonial war with Britain. Large for these at 14” diameter of near flat form with raised center and up turned edge. The face tooled in basket work geometry. Reverse with hide hand grip retaining its original cloth wrap. Excellent with some edge distress including light marking from a British bayonet and bullet graze mended by its owner. Somalia lies on the Horn of Africa, literally the dividing line between Africa and the Arab countries. Historically Muslim, it was supported by the Arabic nations and the Ottoman Empire against England.

Somali warriors carried an iron spear, a short sword called a belawa, and a shield called a gãschãn. Typical small Somali shields are made from giraffe or oryx and are concealed with concentric circles and short parallel lines.

Likely a memento of the Sudan campaign. A particularly handsome example.

UK postage included.

YOU MAY BE ALSO INTERESTED IN

Latest Blogs

ᛋᛋ  A superb mid-period example (1939) WW2 German Enlisted Mans SS Dagger by Karl Tiegel, Riemberg (M7/81). A really nice honest example with a mint blade and great fittings.   Nice SS dagger's are very hard to find and ...
***CUT AWAY MILLS GRENADE NOW SOLD*** Some lovely WW1 German and British examples here including armourer instruction example. All are in trends original condition and very scarce.  All available to view in our antique shop in Tavistock, De...
A really nice WW1 '1916' daed and maker marked example with WD mark to top loop. A rare original example that are now highly desirable.  A superb addition to any serious WW1 collection.  ...
***JAMES RANDALL PLAQUE NOW SOLD*** Two very poignant WW1 Death Plaques to two very brave men. Both are in lovely original uncleaned condition and researched.  These can be viewed in our antique shop in Tavistock, Devon.  ...
Some great items have just arrived! Zoom in and you will see there are a few items amongst the collection that are both are and desirable.  Over 70 new stock items that will not be all listed on our website and will only available to view a...
Two (2) WW1 Royal Flying Corp cap badges, both are in lovely original condition and with the two lugs to the rear. Both are in super condition and ready to enjoy.  These can be viewed with 1000's of other original cap badges in our antique ...
WW1 Medal and Kings Badge Medal Grouping South Staffordshire Regiment. A lovely family WW1 pair of medals, King's badge and cap badge are to The South Staffordshire Regiment to a '357593 PTE. C. E. Paul. S. Staff. R'. All in lovely con...
A superb and robust antique Senior Leaders German hunting hanger by 'WKC'. A wonderful example in super condition. Superb etched blade.  In very fine condition. ...

About Us

Welcome to Armoury Antiques and Militaria and Binky’s Barn. This is a dual website with two distinct shopping experiences. Armoury Antiques and Militaria deal with all things related to swords, daggers, armour and military collectables, whilst Binky’s Barn is the Antique Furniture and Objet D'Art side of our business.

Read More

Sale of Edged Weapons

We will require documentary evidence that you are over 18 years of age to comply with the current legislation when purchasing any edged weapons or antique flintlock/ percussion items. We will, in addition, require, a scanned copy of either your driving licence or passport as part of pur due diligence checks and legality checks. 

Read More

Contact Us

Armoury Antiques and Militaria
4 The Pannier Market (Perimeter Shops)
Tavistock
Devon
PL19 0AL

Telephone: 07887 852523 Email: [email protected] 

Contact Us