Communication has always been one of the most important elements of warfare. During the Second World War and the decades that followed, armies, navies, and air forces relied on rugged mechanical communication systems to coordinate operations across land, sea, and air. Long before the digital age, soldiers depended on wired field telephones, headsets, microphones, and […]
You can see all three of the historic sub-machine guns discussed below in our latest video, where Raz examines each example in detail and places them in their historical context. Watch the full feature on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to see these iconic British weapons up close and in hand before reading on. British sub-machine
This is a continuation of our earlier blog, Understanding Firearm Deactivation: UK Spec vs EU Spec. It is recommended to read that article first for background on how deactivation standards have evolved and why they differ across Europe. Must Meet a Recognised UK Standard For a firearm to be legally sold in the United Kingdom
Firearm collecting has long been a popular niche interest in the United Kingdom, particularly among militaria collectors, historians and re-enactors. Because ownership of live, functioning firearms is extremely restricted, many enthusiasts turn to deactivated firearms - items that have been permanently rendered incapable of firing - so they can legally own a piece of history
Few names carry as much weight beneath the waves as Siebe Gorman & Co. Ltd., the British firm whose innovations defined professional and naval diving for more than a century. From the early brass-helmeted divers of the Royal Navy to post-war clearance teams and underwater engineers, Siebe Gorman’s craftsmanship shaped the way humans worked, fought,
Binoculars have played a critical role in military history, aiding soldiers, officers, and observers in battles and strategic planning. From World War I through World War II, advancements in optical technology resulted in the creation of durable and high-performance binoculars tailored for military use. In this post, we will explore seven fascinating military binoculars spanning
The Royal Air Force (RAF), established on 1 April 1918, was the world’s first independent air force, formed by merging the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS). Created during the final year of World War I, the RAF played a pivotal role in shaping the future of aerial warfare. From
Helmets are more than just protective gear; they are symbols of the times, reflecting advancements in technology, military strategy, and societal needs. Each helmet tells a story, from the trenches of the First World War to the skies of the Second World War and beyond. In this blog, we’ll explore ten iconic helmets that span
Recently we had quite the pickup come into our shop - a Switch from 'Q' Turret on HMS Lion... with plenty of history behind it - we decided to feature it as October's item of the month - and tell you a bit of history about the item, and the brilliant ship that was HMS
Our shop is filled with items that tell stories of the past, each with its own unique history. Today, we’re excited to highlight a selection of exceptional pieces that showcase the artistry and craftsmanship of bygone eras. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of antiques, these items are sure to capture
Maritime history is rich with tales of adventure, bravery, and innovation. Today, we delve into five unique artefacts in our shop that each tell a story from the past, shedding light on the lives of those who served at sea and the tools they used. From a letter signed by one of history's most famous
Christmas, a joyous time of festivities and traditions, brings warmth and togetherness to people around the world. But have you ever wondered about the history behind this beloved holiday? Join us on a captivating journey through time as we explore the origins of Christmas and its significance in different cultures. As you delve into the
Why is Portsmouth called Pompey? Actually, no one knows. The current theories are… The original colour of Portsmouth Football Club was pink so this led to references to Madame Pompdadour who often wore pink. Bombay was part of the wedding gift of Catherine of Braganza to Charles II. Portuguese seaman saw a resemblance between
~ HMS Victory - The Iconic Ship That Refused To Die! ~ Ok, we all know about HMS Victory, Nelson and the battle of Trafalgar. Absoultely humbling and history basics. But here is what HMS Victory went through post Trafalgar. 1) In late April 1854, HMS Victory sprang a leak and sank. All on board
The Plains rifle is an iconic firearm that played a significant role in the expansion of the United States westward during the 19th century. The rifle was developed specifically for the frontier, and its design reflected the unique challenges and opportunities of the region. In the early 1800s, the western frontier was largely unexplored and
~ A Short History Of Lumps Fort Or Now A Bed Of Roses ~ Originally a farm settlement occupied by Ralph Lump with a mill just to the North in what is now Canoe Lake of Southsea. The first fort to occupy the Lumps site was in existence in 1545 (2 years after Southsea Castle
Did you know that Portsea Island is probably the most geologically diverse city (am using my old school Geolgy 'O' level on this one!) in the UK, caused by the retreat of lowering seas from the last ice age, covering dinosaurs, their extinction and the birth of mammals in three sections? Walking from South to
How a former Victorian Southsea apprentice, who worked at Draper’s Emporium on the corner of King’s Road and St Paul’s Road between 1881 and 1883 (sadly levelled by WW2 German air raids on 10/01/1941), ideals inspired and more than influenced the creation of the United Nations and its key charters. In 1940, Mr W published
Another Portsmouth first, the British birthplace of free education for our children. John Pounds (June 17, 1766 – January 1, 1839) was a teacher and altruist born in Portsmouth, and the man most responsible for the creation of the concept of Ragged schools. A Portsmouth cobbler, he began teaching poor children without charging fees in
The Saxons settled on Portsea Island in the 6th century by a warrior called Coppa. He owned a stretch of shoreline, in the Saxon language an 'ora'. Today we put an apostrophe s at the end of a person's name but the Saxons put the letter 'n' so it was called Coppan ora. As Copenore,
