← Military & Defence

Historical Military Events

Engravings depicting significant historical military events including attempts on monarchs' lives, parliamentary disruptions, and public reactions to trials.

Illustration showing the arrest of suspected Prussian spy in the busy Boulevard des Italiens, Paris, during the early stages of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1. William Simpson, one of the ILN special artists in France at this time, made sketches on cigarette papers so that he could smoke them or swallow them if he was arrested on suspicion of spying. Date: 1870

New York Volunteer Regiment, engraving

President Andrew Jackson survives assassination attempt, January 30 1835

Alexander II. Von Russland, der verstorbene Zar von Russland, der Trauerzug vom Winterpalast zur Festung St. Peter und St. Paul am 19. März 1881 über ...

The barricade of Chaussee d'Antin being overrun by two LV line companies, May 23, 1871. City of Paris, France, 19th century.

Illustration showing barricades in the Faubourg du Temple during 1870; civil unrest was destabilising Paris, even as the Prussian army was beginning its attack against France. Date: 1870

Retreat of troops of the French Loire army after the battle of Orleans, historical illustration, Illustrierte Kriegschronik 1870 - 1871 illustrated chronicle of war, German-French campaign

The Disturbances in Paris: soldiers at night in the Luxembourg Palace, 1870. 'Paris during the vote on the plébiscite was literally crowded with troops, the French Government having taken every precaution to suppress any kind of disturbances that might occur during the voting. Our Engraving represents a portion of the 95th Regiment of the Line on the grand staircase of the Luxembourg Palace, where they passed the whole of Sunday night on the qui vive, as it were'. From "Illustrated London News", 1870.

Engraving depicting the murder of José Ceballos, brigadier and the governor of the Spanish province of Coro the outbreak of the rebellion in Caracas on April 19, 1810.

Crimean War cartoon by John Leech; Punch, 1854, showing public opinion running ahead of the Aberdeen administration, and demonstrating the eagerness of the Guards regiments to get to grips with the Russians

NEW YORK

THE TERCENTENARY OF DUTCH INDEPENDENCE

Monuments in Berlin to the great German victories of the Franco-Prussian War at Sedan, Metz and Strasbourg. Date: 1871

Engraving depicting the Zaragoza uprising during the Peninsular War (1807ñ1814) was a military conflict between Napoleon's empire and the allied powers of Spain, Britain and Portugal for control of the Iberian Peninsula during the Napoleonic Wars. Dated 1810

Subscription, process of investors signing up and committing to invest in War bond vor the Crimean War, 1855, Paris, woodcut, France, Europe

Engraving of Jules Simon (1814-1896) a French statesman and philosopher, and one of the leader of the Opportunist Republicans faction, reading out the news of the Battle of Wesissenburg. Dated 1870

The Prince of Wales welcomes the King of Greece on the Serapis from illustrated world, Unknown

Illustration depicting the aftermath of an explosion in Rue des Bons Enfants, Paris. Dated 19th Century

Illustration showing schoolboys at Charterhouse boarding school celebrating the news of the Relief of Mafeking during the Boer War, 1900. The news reached the school shortly before 'bed time', hence their state of attire. Date: 26/05/1900

events Franco-Prussian War 1870 - 1871 occupation of Paris German troops entering the city 1.3.1871 contemporay wood engraving.

Colliery explosion near Accrington, North Lancashire, England, November 1883. Of the 110 men and boys below ground at the time, 30 men died. The main picture shows an injured miner (pitman) brought to the surface and his anxious wife rushing forward to greet him. Engraving from The Illustrated London News (London, 17 November 1883).

Roderick MacLean aims his pistol at Queen Victoria as she passes through Windsor in her carriage but is arrested and spends the rest of the days in Broadmoor Asylum. Date: 2nd March 1882

OUR IRONCLAD FLEET

General workers strike in Milan: Riots in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Illustrator Achille Beltrame (1871-1945), from La Domenica del Corriere, 1906.

General William Tecumseh Sherman being received by General John Gray Foster on board the Nemaha Ship, on the Ogeechee river, December 14, 1864, United States of America, American civil war, illustration from L'Illustration, Journal Universel, Volume 1146, Volume XLV, February 11, 1865.

Moscow fire, vintage engraved illustration. History of France 1885.

Engraving depicting firefighters battling a blaze in Knightrider Street, London. Dated 19th century

After Winslow Homer, News from the War, published 1862 News from the War

Eugenie de Montijo (1826-1920), 16th Countess of Teba, 15th Marchioness of Ardales (1826-1920). Last Empress consort of the French (1853-1871), as the wife of Napoleon III, Emperor of the French. Eugenie de Montijo arrives to England from South Africa where his only son was killed in a skirmish with a group of Zulus (1879). Engraving by Rico. "La Ilustracio_n Espan_ola y Americana", 1880.

Arrival of a Federal steamer, with flag of truce at Madisonville, Lake Portchartrain. The scene shows men, women, children and black servants with boxes and travelling bags waiting for the steamer. Date: 1863

Watercolor ink drawing by Fritz von Dardel. "In violation of 100,000 enemies ...". "Wraps between Luleå and Jockmock Aug. 1858". Nordic

Uprising leading to the establishment of the Paris Commune, 1871. The Paris Commune was established when the citizens of Paris, many of them armed National Guards, rebelled against the policies of the conservative government formed after the end of the Franco-Prussian War. The uprising was sparked by the government's attempt to take possession of the National Guard's cannons. The regular army and the government were forced to withdraw from the city to Versailles. The left-wing regime of the Commune held sway in Paris for two months until government troops retook the city in bloody fighting in May 1871. From a private collection.

The Eastern Question. Serbian-Turkish Wars (1876-1878). Serbia declared war on the Ottoman Empire on June 30, 1876. The Battle of Alexinatz. The Turkish army, commanded by Ali Saib Pasha, attacked the head of Alexinatz's fortified bridge over the Morav river, retreating the Serbs. Arrival of the injured at the St. Thomas Hospital, in the besieged city, which was in charge of the English section of the Red Cross. The new Sultan, Abdul Hamid II (1876-1909), was able to celebrate a victory over the Serbs on 1st September 1876 at Alexinatz. Engraving. La Ilustracion Espaola y Americana, September 15, 1876.

Sailors and soldiers at the start of peasant uprisings. Drawing by P. Vasiliev.

A new batch at Andersonville. Morgan collection of Civil War drawings. United States, History, Civil War, 1861-1865, Casualties, United States, History, Civil War, 1861-1865, Detention facilities, United States, History, Civil War, 1861-1865, Prisoners, Union, Soldiers, Union, 1860-1870, United States, South Carolina, Andersonville

The National Rifle Association prize meeting at Wimbledon: evening band in the volunteer camp, 1865. View of '...the band playing on the lawn in front of Lord Elcho's cottage'. From "Illustrated London News", 1865.

Reception of the Emperor and Empress of the French by the Municipality of Orleans, 1868. 'It was mentioned by our Paris Correspondent last week that the Emperor and Empress of the French had visited the city of Orleans on Sunday, on the occasion of the Septennial Agricultural Show in that place, which is the centre of an agricultural "region." The Emperor has a model farm of his own at La Motte Beuvron, in the same neighbourhood, but he has not, before this, appeared in public at Orleans since he was President of the Republic, in 1849. Their Majesties arrived by railway from Paris at

Cannon Revolver, exhibited in the Marine Museum, at Paris, 1854. '...an instrument invented some time ago. M. Frugier Coigny claims to have invented it, in 1828...It is easy to see at once the numberless inconveniences of the revolving barrel...In the first place, the weapon becomes foul more quickly; and this defect, after a certain number of discharges, clogs and arrests all the movements of the machinery...there is the risk of explosion from several chambers going off together. These inconveniences are not removable by any improvement of the mechanical or instrumental details, but belong to

Napoleon bids farewell to his Guard at Fontainebleau on 20 silver hake (1814), France, digital improved reproduction of an original from 1880, Europe

Numerous conquered guns of the French on the Place Torcy in Sedan, France , Franco-German War 1870/71 / Zahlreiche erbeutete Geschütze der Franzosen auf dem Place Torcy in Sedan, Frankreich , Deutsch-Französischer Krieg 1870/71, historisch, C:CC5historical, digital improved reproduction of an original from the 19th century / digitale Reproduktion einer Originalvorlage aus dem 19. Jahrhundert, Originaldatum nicht bekannt.

Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871). Siege of Paris (19 September 1870 to 28 January 1871). Entry of the Germans into the Fort Mont-Valerien. Drawing by Miranda. Engraving by Capuz. "Historia de la Guerra de Francia y Prusia" (History of the War between France and Prussia). Volume II. Published in Barcelona, 1871.

Manuel Cassola Ferna_ndez (1838-1890). Spanish general and politician. Madrid. Burial of General Cassola. Engraving by Rico. The Spanish and American Illustration, 1890.

Entry of the German troops into Paris on the Arc de Triomphe, on March 1, 1871, Franco-German war, woodcut, France, Europe

A dinner at a cheap lodging-house. February 28, 955.

Sketches and Drawings of WW I - 'Teaching the Young Idea How to Shoot'. American Officers at a Forward Ordnance 'Shop'.

Coversion from broad to narrow gauge on the Great Western Railway. Players and Surfacemen at work in the early morning on the line at Saltash. Date: 28th May 1892

Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905). The Japonese emperor Meiji (1852-1912) delivering the flag to his troops. Engraving.

THROUGH THE "NEW WEST", A TOUR WITH THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA OVER THE CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY: THE ARRIVAL OF THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL IN WINNIPEG, "ON THE THRESHOLD OF THE NEW WEST", 1889.

General Fitzhugh Lee's arrival in Washington during Spanish American War

Engraving depicting the Rise of Granada during the Peninsular War (1807ñ1814) was a military conflict between Napoleon's empire and the allied powers of Spain, Britain and Portugal for control of the Iberian Peninsula during the Napoleonic Wars. Dated 1809

The Battle of Ciudad Rodrigo,19th January 1812. Engraved by D.Pound after G.W.Terry. From England's Battles by Sea and Land by Lieut Col Williams, The London Printing and Publishing Company circa 1890s

Municipal canteen at the corner of the Boulevard Poissonnière, Paris, 1871. The Siege of Paris, Franco-Prussian War. '...we present an illustration...from the sketches of our clever French Artist, M. Jules Pelcoq, sent out of that city by balloon post. The canteens or booths for the supply of soup, bread, and other provisions...have been much frequented by the poorer classes of the people...Admission is obtained by showing a ticket to the young woman in the box inscribed "Controle,"...in the foreground...is a veteran of the National Guard, wearing a pea-jacket with a militar

Panoramic scene of Paris and the barricades at Trone, with soldiers patrolling and citizens going about their business. One French soldier can be seen showing off his war trophy, a Prussian spiked helmet. This illustration was sent out of Paris by balloon post. Date: 1871

Execution of Louis XVI, January 21, 1795 Execution of Louis XVI, January 21, 1793 ". Anonymous water.

The Suray Restaurant / After Explosion

Crown Prince Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy and Princess Elena of Montenegro laying the cornerstone of the University of Naples, Italy, October 28, 1897, drawing by Edoardo Matania, from L'Illustrazione Italiana, Year XXIV, No 42, October 17, 1897.

Spain. Catalonia. Barcelona. Uprising against the conscription in 1870. The barricade built at the foot of the Espana Industrial (Sants neighbourhood) is attacked by the troops. Engraving by Laporta. "La Ilustracion Espanola y Americana", 1870.

Grand Review at Madrid, 1845. '...Cavalry and Infantry, in the Court-yard of the New Palace at Madrid; her Majesty Isabella II of Spain and suite witnessing the spectacle from the balcony of one of the principal windows of the palace. As they defile, the troops salute her Majesty with long-repeated shouts, waving of swords, &c., in token of their loyaly and attachment to their Sovereign'. From "Illustrated London News", 1845, Vol VII.

THE VICTORIA RIFLE CORPS

Printing Of The Hanging Of John Brown, 1859.

Arrest of a man who has attempted to murder Angeliqur foulguier.

Illustration depicting the execution of Thomas Wentworth, 1st earl of Strafford (1593-1641) leading adviser of England's King Charles, at the Tower of London. Dated 17th Century

Cartoon depicting the strict Italian control over the movement of plants. Dated 19th Century

George Smith, a garrotter, receives the sixth of thirty lashes of the cat-o'-nine-tails in punishment for his crimes. Date: 1872

The anniversary of Thorvaldsen's birth is celebrated with a torchlight procession to his tomb through the streets of Copenhagen. Date: 1770 - 1844

THE RIOTING IN THE WEST END OF LONDON, FEBRUARY 8TH, UK, 1886: 1. BUSILY EMPLOYED, A SCENE IN THE STRAND. 2. A SLIGHT POLITICAL DISAGREEMENT AT TRAFALGAR SQUARE. 3. THE WAR OFFICE PROTECTED. 4. "WHO STRIKES FIRST"

This engraving illustrates the manner of drafting during the Civil War. The names of those liable to the draft were written on cards that were placed in the cylinder, made of tin, in which was a door. The drawing was public. A person, blindfolded, stood by the cylinder, and when it was turned several times, so as to mix the cards, he thrust in his hand and took out one. This was handed to the marshal, or his deputy, the name on the card distinctly spoken, and then recorded. This process was repeated, until the required number in the township or ward was drawn.

Polish uprising 1863 - 1864 insurgent in Czestochowa 1863 contemporary wood engraving,

The policemen of London in 1875, England, digitally enhanced reproduction from an original from the 19th century, historical, exact date unknown.

The Relief of Lucknow by General Havelock September 25 1857 Major General Sir Henry Havelock 1795 to 1857 Britsh General From The History of the Indian Mutiny published 1858

Photographic Copy of a Drawing of an Execution by Charles Wirgman; Felice Beato (English, born Italy, 1832 - 1909); Yokohama, Japan; December 1864; Albumen silver print

Salvation Army march led by a drummer being barracked by onlookers in Paris, 1892. Artist: Unknown

A woodcut engraving depicting the Dublin volunteers saluting the statue of King William III on College Green, November 4th, 1798. Dated 18th century

Franco-Prussian War

Demonstrators invading Sanpierdarena station and blocking the Milan train, General strike in Genoa, Italy, Red week, drawing by G d'Amato, from L'Illustrazione Italiana, Year XLI, No 25, June 21, 1914.

Napoleon's coup triggers popular resistance : Republicans build barricades in the streets of Paris. Date: 3 December 1851

Suddenly a squad of Cossacks burst, vintage engraved illustration. Jules Verne Cesar Cascabel, 1890.

Street scene in Bordeaux, 1871. Franco-Prussian War. Illustration of '...the motley aspect of social life...in the Place des Quinconces...Here are provincial Gardes Mobiles, and Gardes Nationaux Mobilisés from different parts of the country, mixed with a few soldiers of the regular army...The man with the box is a pedlar of stationery, who sells paper, pens and ink, or pencils, to the recruits expecting orders for the march, that they may be able to write letters to their families while absent in the campaign. To the right hand is a charcoal-dealer, carrying on his shoulders a great sack

Serving out rations to our exchanged prisoners on board the "New York" / sketched by William Waud.. United States, History, Civil War, 1861-1865, Prisoners, United States, History, Civil War, 1861-1865, Military personnel, Union, Prisoners of war, Union, 1860-1870, Eating & drinking, 1860-1870.

THE LATE ZULU WAR

The Papal Palace at Rome is attacked by Republicans. Date: 16 November 1848

Scene in a New Hampshire court.--General Pierce examining a witness. Scene in a New Hampshire village.--Pierce the good Samaritan | Library of Congress

French Revolution, Guillotine

Second Boer War (1899-1902). Interview between Presidents Kruger and Steijn. Image from the illustrated supplement of the 'Petit journal'. Painting. FRANCE. ëLE-DE-FRANCE. Paris. National Library.

Siege engines of the crusaders in front of Jerusalem, first crusade, Historical, digital reproduction of an original from the 19th century

France French Revolution 1789 - 1799 storming of the Bastille 14.7.1789 contemporary engraving,

THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF CONNAUGHT AT BOMBAY, INDIA, 1883: THE ROYAL PARTY LANDING AT THE SHAMIANA

The Italians launch a final assault on Rome : storming a breach at the Villa Buonaparte. Date: 20 September 1870

Rioters Assaulting Lord Mansfield; Gordon Riots of 1780-Illustration from Cassell's History of England, King's Edition Part 34

Camp punishments--too fond of whisky sic--scene in the Army of the Mississippi. Illus. in: Harper's weekly, 1862 June 28, p. 412, top. United States, History, Civil War, 1861-1865, Military life, Confederate.

Engraving showing the arrival of the 'Tuck' cart at an Army Barracks, at Christmas. The 'tuck' man was obliged to have a pass from the commanding officer to allow him to bring his cart into the barrack yard and sell fruit, sweets and other Christmas delicacies. Date: 1894

700 pound shells for 38 ton guns at Woolwich Arsenal Date: 1879

Visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales to Denmark: concert at Christiansborg Palace at Copenhagen, 1864. The future King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra '...were present at a grand entertainment given in their honour by the King of Denmark father of the Princess of Wales at the Christiansborg Palace to the officers of the Burgher Guard, the volunteers, and the principal officers of the British Royal squadron. Prince Wilhelm, father of the Queen of Denmark, and the members of the Danish Royal family were present, with their respective suites...All the officers were in full uniform...As th

España. Catalunya. El general Prim dirigiéndose al pueblo de Barcelona desde el balcón del Ayuntamiento el 15 de junio de 1843. Juan Prim y Prats.

A group of French highwaymen take control of a passing carriage, blindfolding the victim and marching him away, with gun against his head. Date: 1899

The imperial maneuver in Strasbourg, the lunch of the peasants from Alsace in Tivoli, France, Historisch, historical, digitally improved reproduction of an original from the 19th century, digitally restored reproduction of an original from the 19th century, exact original date unknown, Europe

The National Rifle Association prize meeting at Wimbledon: the picket going camp rounds, 1865. View of '...the nightly picket of members of the Victoria Rifle Corps, fully accoutred and armed, going the round of the camp, as they did, with strict military precision, an hour or two before the usual bed-time'. From "Illustrated London News", 1865.

At Milwall Docks, London, a fight breaks out between English and German sailors - a foretaste of things to come! Date: 1892

Engraving showing the scene of devastation in San Francisco, California, when 125 buildings were destroyed and up to 1 million dollars worth of damage was sustained, 17th September 1850. Date: 1850

The Grand Review, General Philip Sheridan's veterans parade on Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington, D.C., May 23, 1865, from Harper's Weekly

WHITECROSS STREET PRISON, LONDON, 1870

of 3