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The following items can be found on the A2Z Military Collectables website ,
with full descriptions, photographs and prices.
Pr Late Victorian Silver Plated Nut Crackers. A good pair of Victorian silver plated nut crackers. They are in excellent condition with no loss to the silver plate on the handles and just a little wear to the crackers. Measuring 6 inches long.
Scarce 1886 New Zealand Police Miniature Medal. Awarded to sworn New Zealand police and prison staff for 14 years service. This is a lovely quality sterling silver miniature which comes on its original silk ribbon. it is in excellent condition showing toning in areas.
Vintage No1 Dress Uniform Lieut Colonel Leicestershire Reg. A post war No1 dress Trousers, Waist Coat and Tunic worn by a Lieutenant Colonel of the Leicestershire regiment. the trousers are made of a dark woollen material with a red stripe and have leather foot straps at the bottom. The waistcoat is the same dark woollen blend with 4 original gilt and silver buttons showing the tiger from the Leicestershire regiment badge. The tunic is scarlet wool with dark facings, 4 gilt and silver buttons matching the waistcoat. It also has its two original shoulder epaulettes with matching gilt and silver buttons and bullion rank insignia. One Kings Crown is missing from the right shoulder. The whole ensemble was made by F. A. Stone & Sons, of Norwich and London and comes in superb condition. The Trousers have a 30 inch waist and the waist coat and tunic a 38 inch chest.
WW1 1915 Star Trio to Nurse Jones VAD. A 1914/15 star trio all correctly named to Nurse Dorothy Louise Jones of the Voluntary Aid Detachment. Dorothy was born on 15th February 1890 in Aberdare Glamorgan, but resided at Mydrim Vicarage, St Clears, Carmarthen when she registered for red cross service. In 1915 she volunteered for overseas service and on 11th September 1915 she arrived in Egypt serving at the military hospital, here she would have treated a lot of the sick and wounded from the Gallipoli campaign. As a rule, at the beginning of the war, all nonprofessional volunteer nurses could only serve a maximum of one year overseas, so after about six months she returned to England. On her arrival she was transferred to the Military Hospital Beckford on 24th May 1916 and stayed until Christmas eve 1916. On the 1st February 1917 she was briefly stationed at the Military Hospital, Prees Heath, Whitchurch, this was both a training camp and Military Hospital in the Great War and treated not only the wounded but also German interns and POW’s. she once again volunteered for overseas service, she must have had by now a lot of practical experience behind here, so from 27th May 1917 she was sent to France with the 128 VAD. She served on the western front until 9th May 1919 when she was found unfit for duty, probably due to sickness and she was discharged and awarded the silver war badge No B13103. After the war she became a school teacher and her last school, from which she retired was the Talbot heath School for Girls in Bournemouth. Sadly Dorothy Jones died 2nd December 1982 at the Christchurch Hospital in Hampshire. All three of her medals are in very good condition and on original ribbons. They comes with the original registered envelope in which her medals were delivered, and a rare officers transport pass in her name, for Harve in France, dated 4th April 1917. Plus various copy paperwork such as medal index card, red cross service cards etc. A wonderful trio to a working volunteer nurse, who was witness to two terrible campaigns, Egypt and France.
10 Assorted Commemorative Crowns. (2) 10 commemorative crowns including 1966 Commonwealth Games, Queens silver Jubilee 1977, queen mother 1980, Royal Wedding 1981 and other less common from Jersey, Isle of Man and the Falkland Islands. Every coin is different and uncirculated. A good collectors lot.
12 WW1 Era Gale & Polden History & Traditions Postcards Prior to the 1914 1918 First World War the military regiments of Great Britain each had quite distinctive uniforms and, in the years leading up to that war, a wide range of postcards were published celebrating the history and uniform detail of those British regiments. One of the most collected of such postcards are the various 'History and Traditions' series published by Gale and Polden and featuring illustrations by artists Ernest Ibbetson and John McNeill. Here we have 12 such cards, the earliest dates from 1911, they come in very good condition but with some signs of age and two have been written on.
15th & 19th Hussars Cap & Shoulder Badges. 15th & 19th Hussars solid brass cap badge, used from 1922 onwards, this one has a queens crown and comes with an original shoulder title. Both items date from the 1950’s period and come in excellent condition with a good untouched tone to the metal.
15th/16th C Spur Wheel. A decorated spur star wheel which must have been from a very highly decorated pair of spurs. A wonderful piece of history defiantly worn by a knight. It measures; 1.75 inches in diameter.
15th/16th Century Spur Parts. Bronze spur parts dating from the 15th / 16th century. It includes the main part of the spur body and the star wheel. It is a small size, so it may be a child’s spur, or were feet at that period that small. A great cabinet piece for anyone who has a love of history. the spur measures 2.75 inches long.
1792 John Wilkinson \'Iron Master\' Copper Token The famous Iron master John Wilkinson was the only person whose image appeared on coinage outside of Royalty during the 18th century, many of these copper tokens survive in varying conditions, from my research I have found conflicting information, this particular token has the Wilkinson name as 'Wilkison' one source suggests this error was acceptable and all tokens issued carried the error, another source suggests that copies were made of these tokens with various spelling mistakes and are considered forgeries, my feelings are that this token is right but has the miss spelling, either way it comes in good condition.
1798 Davidson’s Nile Medal. A wonderful example of the bronze medal awarded to naval ratings who were serving with Nelson’s fleet at the Battle of the Nile August 1778. This rare medal was commissioned by Alexander Davidson to celebrate the victory; it is inscribed around the rim ‘A Tribute of Regard from Alex’ Davidson’. This one comes in excellent original condition and with a nice even tone all over. This medal as well as all my items, comes with a full money back guarantee of authenticity. Terms and conditions apply.
17th - 19th Century Musket & Pistol Balls. 16 lead musket and pistol balls of various sizes all metal detector finds from around the UK. Lots may vary a little from picture but quantity the same.
1827 Pattern WW1 Rifles Officers Sword A superb WW1 Rifles officer’s sword. Steel hilt with a half basket guard, centre pierced with the light infantry horn with Kings crown above. It has a ray skin grip with twisted silver wire and the remains of a leather sword knot. It has a long very slightly curved blade which has a deep single fuller to both sides and very nicely etched with the Kings crown and cypher on one side and on the other the infantry horn with ‘Rifles’ written below. It carries the maker’s details on the ricasso on one side of F. W. Flight. 90 High St Winchester and on the other side the brass proof button. It has its original steel scabbard with two hanging rings. This sword is in lovely condition, no rust to the guard just some light pitting in very small areas. The blade is clean and free from rust, again just a few small areas of light staining and the etching is musch clearer than in the pictures. The scabbard is also very good, a little worn in places but no rust. A lovely example of this pattern of sword especially made for Rifle units. It measures 40 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only priced at £15.95 via courier
1853 Pattern Cavalry Sword & Scabbard. A wonderful example of this type of sword, issued just pre the Crimean war, this was the first sword that was issued to both light and heavy cavalry and when the 1864 pattern was issued to regular cavalry, these were mostly passed on to the yeomanry regiments. This one is in very good untouched condition and could do with a light clean, there are no major dings and dents to the scabbard and the blade is nice and clean; there are some markings on the guard but these are very difficult to make out and if original may have been cancelled out by the next regiment. A good scarce sword in very collectable order.
1854-95 Indian General Service Medal to Cheshire Regiment. A nice India General Service medal named in period script to 367 Private M. Martin Rochfort of the 22nd regiment, the Cheshire regiment. A good medal but with a later replaced suspender. The rim is a little knocked about so the naming is a little hard to read, but it is all still there. This medal was mounted at something, probably on a watch chain, so there is remains of silver at the 11 and 1 o-clock positions. The medal itself is in very good order, just wear to the high points. A very easy restoration to get this interesting medal back to a valuable collectable. You can buy very good solid silver replacement suspender bars online. This man is also entitled to the Burma 1887-89 clasp, which shows he was involved in the third Anglo-Burma war of 1885 to 1887; this was a conflict that took place during November 1885, with sporadic resistance and insurgency continuing into 1887. It was the final of three wars fought in the 19th century between the Burmese and the British. It took place in a territory known as Upper Burma, the region of Lower Burma having already been annexed by the British in 1853, as a result of the Second Anglo-Burmese War. This gave the British military its first taste of jungle warfare and only just over 3000 British took part, the rest of the force was made up from Indian Sepoys and the Royal Navy.
1860’s -70’s Norfolk Regiment Shako Plate. A British army OR’s Shako plate for the Norfolk Regiment; it was originally gilt covered brass, but now all the gilt has worn away leaving the brass base metal. It has suffered some wear to the surface and both lugs on the back have been replaced. This one comes from my own collection and I had two new lugs put on some time ago so it could be worn on a shako. This is not a perfect specimen but a perfect one would fetch a considerably higher price, as these plates are quite rare, worn on the last Shako issued to the British army. This one is a great gap filler to a collection or a super example if collecting on a budget. Please see detailed pictures for condition.
1872 Copy of the Daily Telegraph A complete copy of the daily newspaper dated Wednesday July 3rd 1872 distributed in London, it proudly says 12 pages one penny and of those 12 pages at least 10 are full of adverts for events, positions and accommodations to mention but a few, it comes in super condition just yellowed with age.
1882 Egypt Medal to KOSB’s Superb Egypt medal correctly named to 2574Private W Smith of the 2nd Kings Own Scottish Borderers. This is mounted with the Gemaizah 1888 clasp which is correctly mounted and confirmed. This is one of the scarcer clasps awarded for the Anglo-Egypt campaign. This medal is in wonderful condition showing only slight wear to the surface high points. the clasp is in the same order and the swivel suspender works well. A really beautiful example which comes with medal roll confirming entitlement and also Private W Smith was entitled to the Sudan medal and the India Medal the rolls for both medals are included also.
1882 Khedive's Star. A heavy solid bronze star which was awarded by the Khedivate of Egypt, to those who had participated in the military campaigns in Egypt between 1882 and 1889, and also for the military actions involving the British Army during the 1882 Anglo-Egyptian War, where recipients of the British Egypt Medal were also eligible for the Khedive's star. This one come’s excellent condition and it has been lightly scratch engraved with ‘R Holden Grenadier Guards’ on the back of the medal. There is a H Holden listed for the 38th coy Grenadier Guards for this period, but more research is needed if you want to pursue the naming.
1885 577/450 Martini–Henry Brass Cartridge / Case. This is a brass shell case or cartridge for the 577/450 Martini–Henry rifle. The .577/450 Martini–Henry was introduced with the Martini–Henry, in service it succeeded the .577 Snider cartridge and was used by all arms of the British armed forces as well British colonial forces throughout the British Empire until it was itself succeeded by the British .303 rifle. This is a rimmed, bottlenecked centerfire rifle cartridge developed for use in the single shot Martini–Henry service rifle, originally loaded with black powder later it used cordite propellant. It was loaded with a 480 gr (31 g) bullet made of an alloy of 1 part tin and 12 parts lead, driven by 85 gr (5.5 g) of RFG2 black powder and later 35.8 gr (2.32 g) of cordite size 3 at a muzzle velocity of 1,300 to 1,350 ft/s (400 to 410 m/s). The .577/450 Martini–Henry was still in British military service in World War I, in the early stages of the war it used by the Royal Flying Corps, both by observers and balloon busters and to shoot down Zeppelin’s and air ships. An interesting piece of ordnance history. Shipping to mainland UK only
1885 577/450 Martini–Henry Brass Cartridge / Case. Unused. This is an unusued & un-fired brass shell case or cartridge for the 577/450 Martini–Henry rifle. The .577/450 Martini–Henry was introduced with the Martini–Henry, in service it succeeded the .577 Snider cartridge and was used by all arms of the British armed forces as well British colonial forces throughout the British Empire until it was itself succeeded by the British .303 rifle. This is a rimmed, bottlenecked centerfire rifle cartridge developed for use in the single shot Martini–Henry service rifle, originally loaded with black powder later it used cordite propellant. It was loaded with a 480 gr (31 g) bullet made of an alloy of 1 part tin and 12 parts lead, driven by 85 gr (5.5 g) of RFG2 black powder and later 35.8 gr (2.32 g) of cordite size 3 at a muzzle velocity of 1,300 to 1,350 ft/s (400 to 410 m/s). The .577/450 Martini–Henry was still in British military service in World War I, in the early stages of the war it used by the Royal Flying Corps, both by observers and balloon busters and to shoot down Zeppelin’s and air ships. An interesting piece of ordnance history. Shipping to mainland UK only
1887 Pattern Mk1 Martini-Henry Sword-Bayonet. Mk1 1887 pattern bayonet, the last of the British true sword bayonets, made to fit the Martini–Henry Mk IV breech-loading single-shot rifle, used in the Zulu wars and in British service for over 40 years in various variants. This really is a superb example in excellent condition with no signs of rust, just slight wear and signs of use. It also comes with its original scabbard, which is also in very good order, this just has a small dent to the brass Locket and Chape, both dents are to the back of the scabbard. There are proof and inspection marks on both sides of the ricasso, Victorian crown on one site, it also has a manufacture date of 1887 and an inspection mark on the pommel. The whole piece measures 24.5 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only
1897 Kaiser Wilhelm I Centenary Medal. The medal issued to all serving armed forces and veterans of previous war to commemorate the 100th year of the birth of Kaiser Wilhelm I in 1797. The medal is made of gilded gunmetal from captured cannon of past wars, such as the Austro-Prussian War, and the Franco-Prussian War. This one is in very good condition and comes on its original ribbon.
1897 Pattern Boer War Officers Sword – Cheshire Regiment Engineers?. 1st Cheshire regiment Boer war officers sword of the 1897 pattern. It has a pierced basket type guard bearing Queen Victoria’s Cypher and a ray skin grip bound with twisted silver wire. The long straight steel blade is beautifully etched with foliage and ‘C’ scrolls; the centre of the etching on one side reads “ 1st Cheshire” and down a little further “R.E.V.” this may stand for the Royal Engineer Volunteers, please see further below. The blade is also etched with the original owners initials which looks like PD and below this the proof button. On the opposite side has the makers details of Hobson & Sons 1-3-5 Lexington St London W. This overall condition of this sword is very good, but obviously, it does have signs of wear and age. The ray skin on the grip has a small amount missing at the bottom of the grip. The guard has small areas of staining and inside the guard is quite heavily patinated. The blade is good and free from rust, however, again there is small areas of staining, this may be eliminated with some light cleaning. It comes in its original brown leather field scabbard which is also in very good order. R.E.V. There is a Boer War commemorative plaque on a wooden base in the Territorial Army Centre, Whitford Road, Birkenhead, Merseyside. It commemorates 60 men of the 1st Cheshire Royal Engineer Volunteers who died in the Boer war, the inscription reads; “This Plate Bearing the Names of Those Members of the First Cheshire Royal Engineers Volunteers Who Volunteered for Active Service and Served in the War in South Africa 1899-1902. Erected by The Corporation of Birkenhead as a Lasting Record of The High Appreciation by Their Fellow Townsmen of Their Patriotism Bravery and Devotion to Their Country. A rare and fine sword measuring 39 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only via courier priced at £15.95
18th C Laurie & Whittle Coloured Engraving HMS Brilliant at Battle A superb quality 18th century coloured engraving published 21st October 1798 by Laurie & Whittle 53 Fleet Street London. It shows three ships in battle in full sail, the title of the engraving reads; ‘Engagement between His Majesty’s Ship Brilliant of 28 guns, Capt H Blackwood & the L’Vertue & Renenue, French Frigates of 38 guns & 36 guns. Off Santa Cruz on the coast of Barbary, the 26th July 1798, when after a severe action which lasted from 2pm to ½ past 12, she obliged them both to sheer off. To Capt Blackwood, Lieut’s Cambell & F Trufcott, this plate is respectfully dedicated by their oblg’d friends.’ This refers to an action Between July 1796 and October 1798 Brilliant's captain was Henry Blackwood. On 27 July, at Tenerife, Brilliant observed the frigates Vertu and Régénérée preparing to sail for Rochefort.[6] At 6, the French frigates sailed and started firing on Brilliant; Régénérée was closing in on her opponent when Vertu, which had sailed large, touched the wind; Régénérée imitated her manoeuver, but lost her mizzen and bowsprit, allowing Brilliant to flee. Vertu gave chase, but could not overhaul her opponent and returned to Tenerife. There, Régénérée replaced her rigging, and both frigates eventually arrived in Rochefort on 5 September. This engraving is in excellent condition showing very little fading and no foxing. It was remounted with a hand wash line and framed sometime in the 1930’s and has been well looked after, it retains its original backing board and the frame is in good order. It measures 24 x 18. Laurie & Whittle. Robert Laurie Born about 1755, his background was the Lauries of Maxwelton, Dumfriesshire. He received from the Society of Arts in 1770 a silver palette for a drawing from a picture, and in 1773, 1775, and 1776 premiums for designs of patterns for calico-printing. His earliest portraits in mezzotint are dated 1771. He was a relatively early British user of the à la poupée method of printing in colours, extending the number of colours considerably, and for this received from the Society of Arts in 1776 a bounty of thirty guineas. Early in 1794, in partnership with James Whittle, he succeeded to the business carried on by Robert Sayer at the Golden Buck in Fleet Street, London as a publisher of engravings, maps, charts, and nautical works. He was the publisher of the charts of James Cook's Survey of the South Coast of Newfoundland (1776) and the Surveys of St. George's Channel, (1777). Laurie then gave up the practice of engraving. He retired from business in 1812, and the firm continued as Whittle & Laurie, but the business was run by his son, Richard Holmes Laurie, who, on the death of Whittle in 1818, became the sole proprietor. Sadly the glare on the glass in the photographs doesn't do justice to this wonderful historic print. Shipping via courier priced at £10.95
18th Century Brass Chamber Stick. A large 18th century chamber stick with long handle and rimmed base. It is decorated with a kind of hand wrought wriggle work on the handle and to the base, it also has a hole in the handle for hanging. This old piece has some wear to the surface but comes in very good condition with no repairs. The base measures 7 inches in diameter and the handle is 7.5 inches long.
18th/19th Century Apothecary Scales. Set of Iron Apothecary scales with glass pans, they come in their original wooden box and come in somnolent condition and need a bit of a clean-up. The box measures 6.75 x 3.5 x 1.5 inches high.
18th/19th Century Horn Powder / Shot Flask. A nice 18th century to early 19th century powder flask. Provincially made from cow horn to hold powder or shot. It has blacksmith made iron fittings and the closed end is made of chip carved wood. It is in superb condition and has a beautiful patination, the horn and wood is almost black in colour where it has been handled over the years. its original stopper is missing, which is its only fault. A real provincial antique in lovely untouched condition. it measures 6.25 inches long.
18th/19th Century Katar Dagger. A fairly primitive hand wrought Indian Katar dagger. The Katar originated in Southern India, and dates back to the 14th-century. This one is made from a form of steel and in no way embellished, so purely a fighting weapon. It shows the remnants of hammer marks from the forging and the blade remains very sharp but the tip is now slightly rounded. It is a smaller than usual size for this type of dagger, so maybe a boys first weapon. It comes in very good order for age and measures 12.25 inches long. Ship to UK mainland only
18th/19th Century Musket & Pistol Balls. 16 lead musket and pistol balls of various sizes all metal detector finds from around the UK. Lots may vary a little from picture but quantity the same.
18th/19th Century Musket & Pistol Balls. 16 lead musket and pistol balls of various sizes all metal detector finds from around the UK. Lots may vary a little from picture but quantity the same.
18th/19th Century Musket & Pistol Balls. 5 16 lead musket and pistol balls of various sizes all metal detector finds from around the UK. Lots may vary a little from picture but quantity the same.
1905 White Metal Medallion Anglo French Fleets Visit Portsmouth A white metal medallion commemorating the visits of the Anglo-French fleets, 1905. To the front Starboard broadside view of a French destroyer (foreground) and an English battleship, anchored side by side. Legend: 'PORTSMOUTH, AUG: 1905'. And below: 'RETURN VISIT OF THE FRENCH FLEET'. Reverse: A French (left) and English sailor (right) standing shaking hands; French and English ensigns, tied with a bow, flying behind them. And below: 'LIBERTY AND FRATERNITY'. Originally suspended from a bow fixing it comes in good condition with signs of age and the odd edge knock, it measures 1.25 inches in diameter.
1908 Issue Kaizer Franz Joseph 60 years Jubilee Medal –Rare Variant The Jubilee Medal (Signum Memoriae) was a military award of Austria–Hungary. Established on 21 October 1898 by Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria, it commemorates 50 years of his reign. The medal was awarded to members of the Austro–Hungarian armed forces. This example was issued on the occasion of the celebrations for the 60th year jubilee 1848-1908 a rare version of the medal given to the participents in the celebrations and the parade, it was designed by Josef Heu and struck by Schneider brothers in Vienna. It comes in very good condition but does have the wrong ribbon.
1914 Star & Bar Medal Group to Everson 1st Lincs & Scots Greys. A very interesting group to an Old Contemptable 8422 Drummer Frederick Arthur Everson of the 1st battalion Lincolnshire Regiment later transferring to the Scots Greys with a brief period during WW1 in the Durham Light Infantry. The medals are; 1914 star with original August – November bar, British war and victory medal correctly named to; 8422 Dmr (Pte on pair) F. A. Everson 1/Linc:R (Linc .R. on pair). WW2 Defence medal, unnamed as issued. George VI coronation medal, unnamed as issued and Army long service and good conduct medal with Regular Army bar correctly named to; _0264 (6630264 number partly obscured) Trooper F. A. Everson The Greys. Frederick Arthur Everson was born in Clerkenwell London around 1890 the first son of three to William Everson a cabinetmaker. Frederick was already serving in the Lincolnshire regiment when the war broke out in 1914, in fact he had served in India from 1908. He must have been on home service when the war started as he was posted with the 1st battalion and they were one of the first regiments to go over to France as they landed at Le Havre on 14 August 1914, part of 9th Brigade, 3rd Division. Frederick was amidst selling from the Germans as early as 23rd August, the 1st Lincs holding a reserve position just outside Mons. On the 24th Aug, they were in a rear guard position in the mining town of Frameries supporting the guns of the 109 battery RFA. The battalion had only two machine guns but the 1st let rip with everything they had against a vastly outnumbering enemy. They fought almost to the last with two officers killed and 130 men becoming casualties. The battalion now with ranks depleted, it wasn’t until 9th September they were in action again in a wooded area west of Bezu, where they took part in capturing a whole German field battery. The 1st Lincs took them completely by surprise and although the German artillery turned their Howitzers around to face them at close quarters, the Lincs were able to shoot a lot of Germans dead. But the British artillery seeing and hearing the engagement and thinking the Germans were trying to retake their guns, they fired on the Lincs position. The bravery of the men of the 1st battalion Lincolnshire’s was the only thing that saved the situation. Through heavy shellfire from British artillery, they still went forward to capture the entire German battery. The again sustained heavy casualties of 4 officers killed and 30 men killed or wounded. Later one of the German guns was presented to the Lincolnshire regiment and I believe it resides in the museum of Lincolnshire life in Lincoln. On the 14th September the 1st Lincs or what was left of them, saw action again on the Aisne. Again, with the 9th brigade they were outnumbered but fought well. With the casualties they received here, the 1st Lincs were withdrawn from the front line fighting for a rest. There was no August – November bar better earnt. With a severe lack of men, some of the remaining men and officers were transferred to other regiments. it may have been here or later that Frederick was relocated to the Durham Light Infantry as it wasn’t until June 1915 that the Bermuda Rifle Volunteer Corps sent a contingent of 2 officers and 125 men, who served with 1st Lincolns from June 1915 onwards. Personally I think he wasn’t transferred until nearer the end of the war, being the drummer of the battalion, almost the mascot, I think he would have stayed with his regiment until the last. The 1st battalion Lincolnshire regiment went on to fight at the 2nd battle of Ypres in 1915, the Somme in 1916, Arras and the 3rd battle of Ypres in 1917 and the Somme again in 1918. Overall the 1st battalion lost over 75% of its men and officers during the great war, Frederick survived, I don’t know how, maybe he was wounded which put him out of some of the fighting. He stayed in the Army transferring to the Scots Greys with a change of number to 6630264; here research is needed. I would think he was with the Greys in 1937 attending in uniform at King George VI coronation as the band of the then Royal Scots Greys played in the procession, perhaps Frederick was one of the drummers. He also served in Second World War, probably as home guard or ARP all this needs more research. But there is no doubt that Frederick Everson did more than his fair share for king and country. The medals come with a lovely original portrait photograph of Everson and various original insignia. Pages of research and a copy of his medal index card. The medals are in good condition but a little worn. Being in uniform for that period of time, he would have worn them on many official occasions, and kept them pristinely polished, and I hope after the wars were over he wore his medals with the pride they deserves.
1914 Star & Bar Trio to Bishop 4th Royal Fusiliers. Mons Star and (replacement) bar trio all correctly named to 6712 Private Edward J Bishop of the 4th battalion Royal Fusiliers. Edward Bishop first landed on French soil on 7th October 1914. The 4th battalion was raised in Parkhurst (Isle of Wight). Under command of 9th Brigade, 3rd Division. His first engagement must have been at Aisne, at the battle of La Bassee, in aid of the 2nd Cavalry Brigade, by then, the battle was already in full swing; this was part of an effort to outflank the Germans in France but the tables turned and the Germans outflanked the allies resulting in high casualties and POW’s. From here the 4th battalion moved on to Ypres, again in attempt to outflank the enemy, but it soon became a desperate epic fight east of the city of Ypres which finally results in stalemate and entrenched warfare. But in one action on the edge of Herenthage wood on the 11th November, the 4th had the French Zouaves on their left and the Northumberland Fusiliers on their right, the battalion now very weak from the losses at Mons receiving only a handful of replacements, they saw a heavy barrage of shelling, later described as a fire storm by the men who were there. The Zouaves were blown out of their trenches and forced back and the Germans got into the wood. The 4th being in the middle held back attack after attack until the 4th battalions Y company delivered a violent counter attack and penetrated the German trenches. Few men returned, the officers who led the attack and sixty two men were lost, but it was thanks to this charge that the line was held and restored. Later historians rated this day as the most critical day of the entire battle. During the early part of 1915 the 9th brigade was attached to 28th Division between 17 February and 2 April 1915 and moved to concentrate in the area between Bailleul and Hazebrouck. For Derek, 1915 saw him in action at 2nd Ypres, the first attack on Bellewaarde, the actions of Hooge and the second attack on Bellewaarde, the latter was made in support of the opening attack in the Battle of Loos. Somewhere during these actions, Derek was wounded, he was discharged due to wounds received on 13th March 1916. Apart from the above information, no detailed research has been done on this man. The war diary’s for the 4th battalion Royal Fusiliers are available to buy online, so a good detailed time line is possible for this man. 1914 star trios are becoming extremely hard to find now, these were the first men to see action in the Great War, known as The Old Contemptable’s. Along with the medal come two original photographs of Derek in uniform with his pals and what is believed to be his cap badge. It is also believed that Derek Bishop originated from Sussex. All now come mounted on card for display or safe storage along with a copy of his medal index card.
1914 Star Trio to Brown Essex Reg Died From Gas Attack 1915. Three: Private H. Brown, 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment, who died of wounds during the Second Battle of Ypres, the first successful German use of chemical weapons on a large scale on the Western Front. 1914 Star (10086 Pte. H. Brown. 2/Essex R.); British War and Victory Medals (10086 Pte. H. Brown. Essex. R.), the third with neatly erased naming. He should be entitled to the Mons bar; this is missing and I have added a good modern replacement. All medals are in very good original condition. Harry Brown, who was born at Romford, landed at Le Havre on 22 August 1914, in the 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment, arriving just in time to provide infantry reinforcements at the Battle of Le Cateau. They were then heavily engaged at the Battle of the Marne, the Battle of the Aisne and at the Battle of Messines from 12 October to 2 November 1914, which was fought as a consequence of the race to the Channel and one of the engagements which decided the line of the Western Front. In April and May of 1915 the Essex Regiment fought in the Second Battle of Ypres and were charged with defending the lines of trenches which formed a jutting salient, overlooked to its south-eastern edge by the 150 foot high Hill 60 which acted as a valuable observation post. During the morning of 22 April the Germans poured a heavy bombardment around Ypres, but the line fell silent as the afternoon grew. However, towards evening at around 5 p.m., the bombardment began afresh; sentries posted among the French and Algerian troops noticed a curious yellow-green cloud drifting slowly towards their line; the Germans had released chlorine gas from 5,700 cylinders in front of their trenches. Panic-stricken French and Algerian troops fled in disorder creating a four mile gap in the Allied lines, which was quickly filled by Canadian and British troops, but at terrible cost; gas masks were non-existent at this time. The Germans similarly struggled with their own weapon, for when the gas valves froze due to the rapidly expanding gas, many Germans tried to open them and were themselves subject to burning of the mucous membranes of the lungs and eyes. In desperation, the men resorted to urinating on rags and placing them over their faces, with limited results; the Canadians suffered 6000 casualties alone. At 5 p.m. on 2 May 1915, the Germans launched another significant chlorine gas attack which fell directly upon the men of the 2nd Essex Regiment in the trenches previously occupied by the French and Algerians; the green smoke once again was seen drifting towards the Allied troops and the order was given to don respirators and hold the line. When the gas hit there was considerable panic with men getting out of the trenches and reeling to the rear. Captain Pechell, with 12 men from 'B' Company, including Private Brown, stayed in their position until relieved by the reserves. Such was the intensity of the gas that C.S.M. Tipler was killed during this action. Harry died of wounds on 13 May 1915, eleven days after this chlorine gas attack, it is likely that he was one of the first British casualties of this new type of warfare. Private Harry Brown is now remembered with honour on the Ypres Menin Gate Memorial. A sad and dreadful loss of this old contemptable.
1914 Star trio to Callighan ASC Ambulance Driver Died 1918 An interesting and unusual 1914 star and (Copy) Mons bar trio named to T/23593 Lance Corporal (Driver on star) Thomas Callighan of the 18th Field Ambulance Army Service Corps. There is a note on him medal index card the correct spelling of his name was Callican. But this must have been missed when naming. In fact after a lot of research the correct spelling of his surname was Calligan. Thomas Calligan was born 1889 in Dundee, Forfarshire and enlisted or he was already serving in the Army Service Corps. He was a driver, that would at the time been with horses and attached to the 18th Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps, who served with 6th Division. They arrived in France on the 10th of September 1914, landing at St Nazaire. They then marched at once to the Aisne to reinforce the hard-pressed BEF. They moved north to Flanders and were in action at Hooge in 1915. In 1916 they were again in action at Battle of Flers-Courcelette on the Somme, and again in The Battle of Morval and The Battle of Le Transloy, in 1917 they were in action at Hill 70 and Cambrai. Sometime during the latter part of 1917 Thomas was transferred to the Balkans probably to there being more motorised ambulances in France and Flanders and horse driven ambulance drivers were needed in the Balkans. He was sent there to help in the relief of Salonika and northern Greece when the 60th, 65th and 66th General Hospitals being established in the area. In June, July and September 1918, other hospitals were brought to the high and healthy country beside the Salonika-Hortakoi road, but in the September of 1918, the influenza epidemic began and raged for three months killing hundreds and filled three-quarters of the cemetery. Thomas being very close to the sick and wounded probably contracted the flu, and died on 19th September 1918, which was a tragic was for this man to die, after he had served all through France and Belgium collecting wounded during the worst battles of the war and just three months from the Armistice. Thomas is now remembered with honour at the Kirechkoi-Hortakoi Military cemetery. This group is in excellent condition and comes with what is believed to be one of his original cap badges and two photographs, one of Thomas in uniform and the other with his mates.
1914 Star Trio to Dvr/Sjt Rooney Royal Horse Artillery. A very interesting 1914 star trio correctly named, 1914 star to 36401 Driver Wilfred Rooney Royal Horse Artillery. British war and Victory medal to 35401 Serjeant Wilfred Aubrey Rooney Royal Artillery. Wilfred Aubrey Rooney was born in Shorncliffe Kent 1891. He may have been born into a military family, in the 1901 census at the age of 10, he is living with just his mother and 5 other siblings, father not present but his mother Susan is listed as married and not widowed, and no members of the family are listed as working. So if his father was in the army he was probably serving in South Africa at the time. The other reason I believe he came from a military family is that he was admitted into the Royal Artillery at the age of 14 years old in 1905 and before that he was educated at the Duke of York’s Royal Military School, Chelsea. After enlistment in 1905 he was trained at Woolwich until October 1909, Canterbury until September 1910, Trowbridge until October 1912 and them back to Woolwich until November 1913. At this point I would imagine he was fully trained in all aspects of light artillery. He was, as we say, a bit of a lad and in 1909 was treated for Gonorrhea and in 1911 and September 1914 for Syphilis, but this was not enough to stop him from overseas service. When the first world war broke out in 1914 he was with O battery of No 5 brigade and they were on manoeuvres in Ipswich, Suffolk attached to the 5th cavalry brigade; he entered in France on 5th November 1914 with the 8th Division as a driver with his battery. Being a driver was a highly skilled job in the RHA, not only did the ride and control the team of horses, unhitch the horses from the guns and take the horses to a safe point but they also became a member of the gun crew. When the gun was to be moved, they collected the horses hitched the team to the gun and manoeuvred them to the next position, most of the time under fire. He served with the division on the Western Front until January 1917, however Wilfred was transferred and promoted around the end of December 1914. While with the division, he saw action at the battles of Neuve-Chapelle (Moated Grange Attack, 18th December 1914). At the end of December Wilfred was promoted to Acting Serjeant and transferred, I believe to B battery RHA, 15th Brigade and under the 29th Division, also acting as Quarter Master Serjeant. His pension papers say he was sent to the Mediterranean, but this was probably the route the division took Gallipoli. They went via Malta to Alexandria and on 7th April the first units to have arrived at Egypt began to re-embark for the move to Mudros, a deep-water harbour at the island of Lemnos that was going to be used as a forward base for operations at Gallipoli. The Division landed at Cape Helles on Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. The 15th Battery became the senior Battery in the 29th Division and in April 1915, the Right Section of B Battery was the first Horse Artillery unit ashore during the Gallipoli landings. During the battle, the battery fired more ammunition from their 18-pounder guns than any other battery, and when the Allied forces pulled out, B Battery was the final Battery to leave the peninsula. After the hard fighting in France and Gallipoli he was then sent to Salonika, unfortunately his papers do not give a battery or brigade he was serving with, probably with a Field Artillery battery. He served the rest of the war on the Macedonian front, between 1915 and 1918, British troops were part of a multi-national Allied force fighting against the Bulgarians Turks and Germans in the Balkans. Although disease and the harsh conditions took a heavy toll, boiling summers and freezing winters and of course heat and disease was the biggest killer. Wilfred suffered from bouts of Dysentery and Malaria. Today we talk about these diseases, and they mean very little, but they were very serious and debilitating. Dysentery is a type of gastroenteritis that results in bloody diarrhoea, severe abdominal cramps, fever, shock, and delirium and causes dehydration, not good when water is in short supply. Serious bouts can cause emaciation due to not being able to process food in the stomach. Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease and causes symptoms of fever, tiredness, vomiting, and headaches, In severe cases, it can cause jaundice, seizures, coma, and death. In Salonika mosquitos and flies were everywhere. Malaria alone caused 160,000 British casualties during the campaign. The army in the Balkans was criticised at the time as a waste of men and material, with the troops there having an easy time. However, drained of strength and morale by the harsh conditions, the poorly supplied BSF managed to bring about a successful conclusion and although Wilfred suffered from these illnesses, he stayed until the end and didn’t arrive home until October 1919, where he was posted to the Labour Corps A Battery RHA depot at Earls Court. He still felt the effects of the diseases he had suffered in the Balkans and was medically considered unfit for service and was discharged on 27th June 1920 after 15 years and 42 days with the colours. But it only counted as 11 years and 42 days as an adult. He was still only 29 years old, but he did received a pension for his service. His military conduct is described as “Exemplary”. After the war, I can not find any record of him, I do not know if he ever married, a tricky prospect with his contracting Syphilis. Sadly, Wilfred Died in 1958 at the age of 67, a fair age for someone who had suffered such diseases. What stories he must have told of his time as a young boy until his discharged, serving in some of the worst places in the world at the time. His medal trio comes mounted as worn and subsequently the medal rims have contact marks and a few light knocks. The faces of the medals are still in very good order. The 1914 star has a period silver rosette sewn on and the victory medal has a mentioned in despatches oak leaf, the latter is the wrong type of device for the first world war. So these may have been added by Wilfred himself. There is no evidence I can find that he was ever issued either of these devices. All three medal come suspended on their original silk ribbons. There is a large original photograph that comes with the medals, it shows a driving team with a funeral gun carriage. On the back of the picture it is dated May 1910 and I believe this is the gun carriage in training for the funeral of King Edward VII. And I believe Wilfred was the lead driver. This is a supposition on my part, however I have spent time (too much time really) on the web and looked at pictures of the kings funeral and although the main procession the Navy pulled the carriage, the RHA did transport the Carriage some of the way. One of the drivers must be Wilfred, but it does not say which one. An unusual and rare picture nevertheless. The medals also come with various copied research 17 pages including pension papers, medal rolls & medal index card, census and death information.
1914 Star Trio to Ellis MT ASC from North Wales. An interesting WW1 1914 star, British war and victory medal all correctly named to M1-08819 Private Thomas Richard Ellis of the Army Service Corps. Thomas Ellis was born around 1892 in Bangor, Caernarvonshire, North Wales. He enlisted on 30th October 1914 into the Army Service Corps, before he enlisted he was employed as a Motor Lorry Driver, so it was a natural choice that he was enrolled into the newly mechanised ASC to drive the Albion Ammunition trucks for the 79th Motor Transport Company attached to the 4th cavalry division, joining them in the Armentières area. His MIC states that he entered the Theatre of war on 18th August 1919. But this is an error, it was probably 10th November 1914. During 1915 his division saw action at the Second Battle of Ypres and in 1916 the Battle of the Somme including the actions at Albert and Le Transloy. During 1917 it saw action at Arras and back to the Ypres area and in the December 1917 Thomas was driving for the MT Supply Column, again with the 4th Cavalry division for a few weeks before being transferred to the 1st Cavalry Ammunition park before being sent to the No 12 GHQ Reserve Motor Transport Company until he was discharged in May 1919. During the first stages of WW1 motor drivers were incredibly short and there job was not without great danger delivering ammunition to the front line troops under shell fire. This wonderful trio of medals is well worth further research. I have found lots of really interesting stuff online relating to the ammunition supply columns on You Tube and on the Imperial War Museum website, both articles really brining to life the important role of these men. The medal trio comes in very good original condition and it doesn’t look like they have ever been mounted and worn. The medals come with printed copies of his medal index car, service papers and medal roll.
1914/15 Star to Turner DCM 4th Yorkshire Regiment. Born Tipperary Ireland An extremely interesting single 1914/15 star correctly named to 2418 Private Joseph Turner of ‘Y’ Company, the 4th Battalion Yorkshire regiment. He is also entitled to the British war and victory medal; both of these medals would have been named to rank of Serjeant. The 4th Battalion Yorkshire regiment was a Territorial battalion and when war broke out in the August of 1914, Joseph was probably serving with them when they had just departed for their annual summer camp. They were at once recalled to their home base in Northallerton and proceeded to France on the 18th April 1915, landing at Boulogne. They arrived in Flanders as the enemy attacked Ypres with poison gas for the first time and went straight into action. They remained in the Ypres sector throughout the Second Battle of Ypres. On the 14th of May 1915 the York & Durham Brigade, Northumbrian Division, of which the 4th Btn were part, was renamed 150th Brigade, 50th (Northumbrian) Division and in 1916 they saw action in the Battle of the Somme. Joseph Turner was wounded twice the first time was in May 1915 and the second on 3rd November 1916, he was authorised to ware a wound stripe for both occasions. Sometime after this he was transferred, probably to the North Lancashire regiment, (but to be honest I am guessing) and sent to partake in the East African campaign. Another forgotten campaign of the great war, this involved a series of battles and guerrilla actions, which started in German East Africa and spread to portions of Mozambique, Rhodesia, British East Africa, the Uganda, and the Belgian Congo. The campaign all but ended in German East Africa in November 1917 when the Germans entered Mozambique and continued the campaign living off Portuguese supplies. The east African campaign is interesting and just as terrible as those fought in Gallipoli or Salonika and many troops suffered from the climate and tropical diseases, for every man the Allies lost in battle, a further 30 were lost through sickness. During the East Africa campaign, British Empire forces lost over 10,000 men. German losses were about 2,000. East Africans suffered the most. One estimate is that around 100,000 carriers and camp followers died on both sides. There were also thousands of civilian casualties. Now Serjeant Turner was awarded the DCM “for marked gallantry in action at Numarroc, Portuguese east Africa. On the 24th August 1918, he led a counter attack when the face of the square was broken, thereby enabling a new line to be formed. He has proved himself most reliable in previous actions. (25.2.20)”. The action for which he received the DCM was around the Battle of Lioma. By August 1918, the German Colonial troops the Schutztruppe was heading north to return to German East Africa, while the British under Jacob van Deventer had begun to concentrate their forces in the area of Regone and Lioma in an attempt to encircle their enemy. Though Gen. Maj. Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck had received intel about the British plans, his forces were once again in dire need of supplies and Regone harbored a large supply depot. As result, the German commander planned a quick assault against the vulnerable village in order to capture as many supplies as possible: Speed was crucial for this plan, as Lettow-Vorbeck would have to outrace the British before they could reinforce Regone or catch up with him. Rough terrain, rain and fog hindered and delayed the Schutztruppe, however, so that when it reached Regone on 26th August, the British had already fortified and reinforced it. At this point, the Germans could only have taken Regone by a prolonged siege for which they had no time, so that Lettow-Vorbeck chose to call off the attack. His forces bypassed Regone and instead began to march to Lioma, another supply depot. Unknown to the Germans, a British battalion (1/1st KAR) already managed to reinforce the village on 28 August, while two other battalions also force-marched toward Lioma. Between the British forces at Regone and the units that gathered at Lioma the Schutztruppe would be trapped, and if everything went according to van Deventer\'s plans, destroyed. While British skirmishers harassed the approaching German forces, the 1/1st KAR under Maj Alexander Charles Masters dug in at Lioma: They formed a square defensive perimeter south of the village, and three small platoon outposts were also set up west, east and south of the British positions. Thus prepared, the Lioma garrison waited for the Schutztruppe to arrive. Around 16:30, the Germans launched their determined attack on 1/1st KAR\'s main position with around 1,000 men and 30 machine guns. The assault began with Abt Müller attacking from the east and north, followed by Abt Poppe from the south. At the same time, 3/2nd KAR launched a number of counter attacks against the Germans, capturing Abt Müller\'s baggage and reserve ammunition, and blocking Abt Göring\'s attempt to also flank 1/1st KAR. Unable to advance further, Hptm. Karl Göring consequently ordered part of his force to oppose 3/2nd KAR, while the rest charged 1/1 KAR\'s western perimeter. The vigorous, unnerving German attacks scattered 1/1 KAR\'s carriers and caused many casualties, among them several senior officers of the battalion killed or wounded, including Major Masters, who had to be replaced by Captain Stanley Conway John as commanding officer of 1/1 KAR. Nevertheless, the 1/1st KAR\'s askari held firm and reportedly displayed \"excellent\" shooting. One small German group actually succeeded in breaking into the northwestern corner of the British defensive square, but they were quickly killed. The Schutztruppe continued its attacks until 22:30, when the mounting casualties among his troops led Göring to the conclusion that a continued engagement was futile, whereupon he ordered a withdrawal. The German units subsequently retreated south to re-join the rest of their forces. Although the official dates are slightly astray, it is undoubtedly this action that Joseph received his DCM. I could spend a lot of time on this man as his service history appears very exciting. This medal comes in very good original condition and on its original ribbon. It comes with some copied research confirming his award and medal entitlement, also a copy of his citation and wounds received. Sad that it has become detached from the rest of his medals, but a great way to obtain a winner of a high gallantry award without the vast expense and a scarce award for a much forgotten campaign.
1914/15 Star Trio to Broad Army Cyclist Corps. An interesting 1914/15 star trio all medals correctly named to 3940 Private Charles Broad of the Army Cyclist Corps. Charles was born around 1895 and on enlistment he resided in Chester and was employed as a carter. He enlisted at Winchester in August 1914, so he must really wanted to join the Cyclist corps. After training and probably a little home defence he embarked from Southampton on the 19th May 1915 and arrived in France a day later with the 6th battalion ACC, part of the 14th Light Division. The primary roles of the cyclists were reconnaissance and communications. They were armed as infantry and could provide mobile firepower if required. Those units that went overseas continued in these roles but also during the less mobile phases of war had settled down into entrenched warfare and spent much time in trench-holding duties and on manual work. However during the spring of 1918 they found themselves fighting as infantry in the trenches, as every man was needed against the German spring offensive. Charles served through the whole of the war with just three leaves home. Research is needed to discover what the cyclists of this division did. They were in the region of Hooge in 1916 and the Somme in 16. During 1917 they stayed in the Somme area and on the whole were very active at both battles of Passchendaele. The three medals come in very good condition and come on their original ribbons. The BWM has some light contact marks, so this trio was probably mounted for wear at some point. With the medals come printed copies of his medal index card and what was left of his service papers. A lovely untouched trio.
1914/15 Star Trio to Burnet Devon Regiment Served Salonika. 1914/15 star, British war and Victory medal pair all correctly named to 18996 Private William James Burnett of the Devonshire Regiment. William John Burnett was born around 1881 in Wellington Somerst and first entered the war in France on the 21st December 1915 as part of a draft of troops for the 9th battalion Devon’s, who had been in France since 28th July 1915. The 9th battalion formed part of K2 attached to 20th light division as divisional troops. at soon as his arrival in France, William was transferred to the 10th service battalion of the Devon’s, they formed part of the 79th brigade, 26th division. The division concentrated at Flesselles and moved to Salonika via embarkation at Marseilles. On 26 December 1915, units began to move from Lembet to Happy Valley Camp and all units were in place there by 8 February 1916. The 26th Division remained in the Salonika theatre for the rest of the war. Although the Allies had 250,000 men they lacked the necessary equipment and supplies to fight along a 250 mile front. The front stretched from Albania to the mouth of the River Struma in Greece. In the beginning of August 1916 three French and one British divisions with 45,000 men and 400 guns launched an offensive against the Bulgarian positions at Lake Dojran. The attack began on 9 August with heavy artillery fire on the positions of the 27th Chepino Regiment and 9th Plovdiv Regiment. All four attacks that followed on 10th, 15th, 16th and 18th August were repulsed by the Second division and the Allies were forced to retreat to their original positions with heavy casualties. The only real success was the 7th Battalion of the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry took Horseshoe Hill. Up until the start of 1917, positions pretty much remained the same, but attacks were planned for February, a major assault in the direction of Vardar and Doiran and on 9th and 10th February the Allies attacked the 33rd Svishtov and 34th Troyan Regiments but were repulsed by a decisive counter-attack by the Troyan Regiment. The British advance on 21st February was repulsed by Bulgarian artillery after a heavy two-day battle. The Allied command found that the Bulgarian positions were better fortified than in the previous year, so it ordered a systematic artillery barrage on these defenses. In the meantime, it continued the development of their forming-up ground which was 800–1,500 m from the defensive lines of the Pleven Division. To make the breakthrough, the British concentrated three divisions, the 22nd, 26th, 60th, with its artillery and more than 43,000 men. The battle for a breakthrough in the Bulgarian positions began on 22 April and continued intermittently until 9 May 1917. It was a arduous battle with attacks and counter attacks, in between long artillery barrages from both sides, one barrage, the Bulgarian artillery fired 10,000 shells in one hour. Due to criticism by their high command, the British made new attempts at a breakthrough. On 8 May, after a long artillery barrage, they began another attack. The main assault started at 9 pm with five waves of British troops including the Devon’s attacking the Bulgarian positions. After four attacks during the night of 8th and 9th May the British were defeated and suffered enormous casualties. A Times correspondent wrote that the British soldiers called it "the valley of death". In early 1918 the division lost a number of units, sent back to France to bolster the losses on the western front. The 10th Devon’s stayed in Salonika and further efforts were made to take the Bulgarian line near lake Doiran, once again the British-Greek assault failed, with the attackers sustaining over 7,000 casualties, but the Serbs broke through in the mountains to the west. With no reserves and a starving population at home, the Bulgarians were forced into a general retreat, harried by the pursuing Allies. Bulgaria finally signed an armistice on 28 September 1918. Somehow, Private William Burnett survived the Salonika campaign, called “the side show” by troops serving on the western front, it was anything but. The conditions for the men were terrible, lack of supplies, disease and the extremes in weather conditions. overcoats were frozen hard, and when some of the men tried to beat theirs to make them pliable to lie down in, they split like matchwood. The men could hardly hold their rifles as their hands froze to the cold metal and many lost hands and feet due to frostbite. In contrast, these same men faced a boiling summer climate and many succumbed to heatstroke; that all aside from the heavy casualties during the fierce fighting that took place, and of course the Mosquito. The 26th Division had suffered casualties of 8,022 killed, wounded and missing during the war but vastly larger numbers sick with malaria, dysentery and other diseases rife in the Salonika theatre. William would have been discharged on 24th may 1919 after serving three years in one of the worst places on earth. Sadly William died on 28th February 1929, where he lived at ‘Redlands’ Queens Road, Salisbury. He was 48 years old. He never got to see much of the freedom he fought so bravely for. His medals are in excellent original condition and have been court mounted with modern ribbons on a Firmin medal bar. They comes with copied medal index card, medal rolls etc, and copied divisional information.
1914/15 Star Trio to Sterling 7th Manchester Regiment. A weird little group comprising of a 1914/15 star renamed and period engraved to 3602 Private L Sterling Manchester regiment. British war and victory medal correctly named to 5128 Private Louis Sterling of the 7th battalion Manchester regiment. WW2 Defence medal unnamed as issued. All mounted on a brooch bar for wear. I can confirm that Louis Sterling is only entitled to the pair for his world war one service. He served with the 7th Manchester’s and I estimate he must have joined the regiment when they returned to France in 1917. Not taking anything away from this man, the 7th Manchester’s had a pretty rough time in France after serving in the Gallipoli campaign. Forming part of the 127th Brigade, 42nd (East Lancashire) Division in 1917 they saw action at the Third Battle of Ypres, or more popularly known as Passchendaele and were constantly in the thick of the fighting until the end of the war. His medal index card shows he was later transferred to the Royal Fusiliers, this was probably when the battalion was partly split to form the Army of Occupation in Germany after the war. He was also later promoted to Acting Serjeant, which shows he was a good soldier. I can not fathom why he had a star named to him, perhaps he felt left out of the Gallipoli action. The medals are in good condition some light wear to the high points but in no way over polished. An interesting group for research; it comes with copies of his medal index card and medal issue roll.
1918 Dated German Newspaper This Berlin issue German newspaper is dated for December 1918 so just after the war was ended and must contain much information regarding the German's situation in the world, one small paragraph headline that I could translate is about Britain supplying food. A small sized paper with four sheets, on the back page someone has highlighted a story about the cadet corps. Comes in very good condition for its age, it has been folded and well stored.
1920’s Royal Corps of Signals Cap Badge. The first pattern large bimetal badge issued from 1920. In very good condition showing virtually no wear. Ref. F18
1923 German Emergency Inflation 100,000 Mark Note I have a few of these notes mainly in good to fair condition. Reichsbank note, valued at 100,000 marks, distributed in Germany from February to November 1923. The front medallion depicts German artwork, Portrait of the Merchant Georg Gisze, created in 1532, by Hans Holbein der Jüngere. German efforts to finance World War I sent the nation into debt. Following their defeat, the Treaty of Versailles obligated Germany to pay reparations, which increased the nation’s financial struggles. The German government attempted to solve this problem by printing more money, which led to severe inflation. The inflation grew to critical levels between 1922 and1923, when the exchange rate of the mark to the United States dollar went from 2,000 marks per dollar to well over a million in a matter of months. The government printed higher and higher denominations, but were unable to keep up with the plunging rates. Germans began using the worthless bills as kindling, wallpaper, and children’s crafts.
1928 German White Metal Tinnie – Bowling Championship A well made pressed out white metal tinnie for a bowling championship held in Kiel 5.12 August 1928, comes in very good condition just needs a clean.
1928 Issue ‘Ten Years After’ from the Answers Illustrated Newspaper These four pencil drawings were produced by the soldier artist Adrian Hill and were featured in the illustrated newspaper known as the ‘answers’, they depict four locations in France in 1918 in their ruinous state and 1928 when they were under restoration, the locations include, Ypres, Arras, Albert and the Menin road. These examples come in very good but aged condition and measure double A4 size when open. they would all look great mounted and framed as a fine group of prints.
1929 German Trade fair Badge – Leipzig A very good quality white metal badge for a trade fair in Leipzig 1929, well marked to the back with A.E.G. Metallerke oberspree, herbstmesse 1929 beginn 25th August, it also has the issue number 000919. Comes in super condition and measures 1.25 inches long.
1930's Era RAF Elaborate Sweetheart Brooch This pretty RAF sweetheart brooch has been elaborately made, the body is white metal and the centre is decorated with coloured enamels, the wings have been stone set with multiple Marcasites, it comes in fair condition but has lost a few of the stones and the white enamel has a little damage, it measures 2.25 inches long.
1930's Silver and Enamel Zeppelin Brooch A beautiful silver brooch enamelled in transparent and opaque enamels with a zeppelin ship, the silver is also engraved to give the image texture and depth of clouds and the waves of the sea. The condition is wonderful and its only fault is a scratch on the back where someone has been less than sympathetic when testing the silver content which is 9.25 sterling. The pin and catch on the back is also perfect and it measures 2 x 1 inches and it is a good heavy gauge of silver.
1930’s Aircraft Sweetheart Brooch. A wonderful little pin back brooch, hand-made from brass, I think to represent an early civil aircraft like the Comet, but I could be wrong, it could be military. It comes in perfect original condition and measures 1.5 inches long.
1930’s Era Royal Corps of Signals Cap & Shoulder Badge Set. A nice early set of two badges for the Royal Corps of Signals. The cap badge in bi-metal with two lugs on the back comes with the three-line brass shoulder title. Both badges are in very good original condition.
1930’s German Army Officer’s Sabre by Alcoso. (2) A 1930’s – WW2 German army officers sword. By Alcoso pattern number 119, it has a cast white metal hilt which was probably originally plated with eagle langet to one side and cartouche langet to the other. It has a very good long curved blade with a single fuller to bother sides and the Alcoso makers mark can be found on the ricasso under the Langet, but can be clearly seen. It has a steel scabbard, which if it had any kind if paint finish on it, this is now gone and the metal has pitting. This sword is in very good original condition, do damage, just wear to the surface of the hilt The blade is clean with very light staining. It also comes with its original sword knot, the strap is black leather with two lines of metal wire with a red line to the centre. The knot or acorn itself is silver metal bullion with green lines, this also has a green centre. This knot I believe was issued to Reich Municipal Protection Police, but as most officers served as Municipal on Jersey, this is a nice little oddity with this sword. The knot is in good order with wear and some loss to the bullion wire in places. It measures 38.5 inches long From the Jersey Collection. Shipping to UK mainland only via courier priced at £14.95
1930’s German Army Officer’s Sword by Alcoso A 1930’s – WW2 German army officers sword. By Alcoso pattern number 119, it has a cast gilt metal hilt with eagle langet to one side and cartouche langet to the other. It has a very good long slightly curved blade with a single fuller to bother sides and the Alcoso makers mark can be found on the ricasso under the Langet. It has a black steel scabbard, which still retains all of its original black finish. This sword is in excellent original condition, do damage, just a little loss to the gilt finish on the hilt. The blade is perfectly clean with no sign of rust or staining. It also comes with its original sword knot, the strap is black leather with three lines of metal wire and the knot or acorn itself is silver metal bullion with a black centre. This is also in superb condition. It measures 38.5 inches long From the Jersey Collection. Shipping to UK mainland only via courier priced at £14.95
1930’s German Army Officer’s Sword by Alcoso. (4) A 1930’s – WW2 German army officers sword. By Alcoso, it has a gilt metal hilt with scarcer engraved decoration and an engraved eagle langet to one side and cartouche langet to the other. It has a very good long slightly curved blade with a single fuller to bother sides and the Alcoso makers mark can be found on the ricasso under the Langet. It has a black steel scabbard, which still retains all of its original black finish with some scratches This sword is in excellent original condition, no damage, just a little loss to the gilt finish on the hilt. The blade is clean with some light pitting. It also comes with its original sword knot, the strap is black leather with two lines of metal wire with a red line to the centre. The knot or acorn itself is silver metal bullion with green lines, this also has a green centre. This knot I believe was issued to Reich Municipal Protection Police, but as most officers served as Municipal on Jersey, the knot is in excellent original condition. It measures 41 inches long From the Jersey Collection. Shipping to UK mainland only via courier priced at £14.95
1930’s German DAF Cap Badge. A DAF, Deutsche Arbeitsfront or German labour Front cap badge. made of embroidered cloth and mounted in a metal frame it has two prongs on the back to fix it to the cap. it also has the RZM mark which is obscured by slight rusting and it is also marked with Lieferant 357 at the bottom. Apart from the rusting on the back it is in very good condition, the front of the badge has no damage. It measures 1.5 x 2 inches.
1930’s German Kyffhäuserbund Stick Pin. A lovely quality enamelled Veterans pin which comes in very good condition, no damage to the enamel, just a little dirty and the pin is slightly bent.
1930’s German Tinnie or Day Badge National Military Sports Shooting A nice quality, very typical 1930’s German tinny or day badge for the 2nd national military sports shooting day in the town of Oberursel Taunus, made from a lightweight pressed out metal it carries the Swastika to the bottom, no makers mark and it comes in very good but lightly tarnished to the top condition, it measures just over two inches long at the longest point.
1930’s Hitler Youth Drum & Hanger. A scarce side drum used in Hitler youth bands and corps of drums. This one is a lovely example and in good used condition, no damage just wear from use and it comes with its original eagle hanger in brass. The island saw many German bands perform during the occupation, this drum somehow remained on the island after the Germans had left. It measures 15 inches in diameter. Shipping via courier priced at £14.95
1930’s Japanese Army Officers Kyu-Gunto Parade Sword. A lovely example of this pattern of sword used from the Russo-Japanese War to WW II. It has a gilt brass hilt decorated with cherry blossom and a horn grip bound by silver wire. It has a very good chromed steel blade which has been tempered, which was a special request in the day and cost extra. It has a steel scabbard with two hanger rings. This sword is in very good condition. it has some of its original gilt remaining on the guard and back strap. the blade is very good with no rust or staining just a couple of nicks and some wear to the chrome near the tip. the scabbard has lost most of its original plating and has a few dents near the bottom and it has numerous small dents at the bottom edge of the scabbard. A very attractive sword in good order, which measures 36 inches long Ship to UK mainland only via courier priced at £15.95
1930’s Manchester Regiment Cap Badge. The all brass badge of the Manchester regiment issued from 1923 to 1945. This one is in excellent condition with a good even patina. Ref. D36
1930’s Polo U L Lift Arm Petrol Lighter Here is a good example of the 1930’s Polo UL lift arm petrol lighter, it is well marked to the base and appears to be complete so should work if serviced, it comes in very good but aged condition.
1930’s RAF Cap Badge. A very good quality gilt brass badge with rounded king’s crown. It is in excellent condition still retaining most of its original gilt finish. Ref. L21
1930’s Royal Devon Yeomanry Cap Badge. A smallish bronze badge issued from around 1924 when the two Devon yeomanry regiments were merged to form this one and made into volunteer Royal Artillery or Royal Field Artillery. This badge is seen in many variants, Artillery instead of RFA at the bottom, the ‘N’ form Yeomanry is sometimes missing and later badges have a voided centre. This one comes in excellent used condition, quite heavily toned both front and back. Ref. H14
1930’s Silver Boot Button Hook. A silver handled boot button hook, with a long steel hook and the silver engine turned handle clearly hallmarked for London 1931. It comes in very good condition with no damage. 9 inches long.
1930’s St Johns Ambulance Association Medal & Chain to Mabel Worsley. A bronze St Johns Ambulance qualification medal with six year bars which form a chain. They date from 1930 to 1935. The medal has engraved naming to; 313946 Mabel Worsley. The medal and chain bars are all in excellent condition. A great interwar nursing collectable, which measures 5.25 inches long.
1934 5 Reichsmark Coin German .900 grade silver 5 Reichsmark 1934 with Berlin mint mark. First year anniversary coin of Nazi rule. Good condition, very nice detail on both sides, light scratching to surface, circulated.
1934 French Sterling Silver Medal – Long and Faithful Service Instituted in 1886 to reward long and faithful service the sterling silver example for 20 years service, this one is dated 1934 and was issued to G. Beaufils. The medal was designed and engraved by Alfred Borrel and is marked on the bust, it also carries French silver marks. The medal comes in very good but used condition and measures one inch in diameter.
1935 Brass Silver Jubilee Error Issue Caddy Spoon A commonplace Royal commemorative brass caddy spoon for the silver jubilee celebrations in 1935 with an enamel crest to the top but instead of reading ‘1935’ it has ‘1835’. It measures 3.25 inches long and comes in very good condition.
1935 German Jugendfest Hitler Youth Tinnie or Day Badge A nice quality, very typical 1930’s German tinny or day badge for the Jugendfest or Hitler Youth, made from a lightweight pressed out metal it carries the Swastika to the centre, no makers mark and it comes in very good but lightly tarnished to the top condition, it measures just under 1.75 inches long.
1935 German Workers Tinnie or Day Badge – Maker Marked A nice quality, very typical 1930’s German tinny or day badge for the Tag der arbeit or workers, made from a lightweight metal it carries the Swastika to the bottom, maker marked to the back with Wilhelm Schwann Hanau and it comes in very good but lightly tarnished to the top condition, it measures 1.75 inches long.
1937 Edward VIII Coronation Procession Souvenir Ladies Purse Mirror Royal commemoratives come in an abundance of styles but I have not seen these before, designed as a mirror to go in a ladies handbag or purse and issued in commemoration of the coronation of King Edward VIII in 1937, to the front is a scene from the Coronation procession with Buckingham palace in the background and the reverse is a mirror, it comes in very good condition with signs of age and edge staining on the mirror, it measures just under 3 x 2 inches.
1937 George VI Silver Crown. The 1937 crown, George VI the first crown of his reign. This one is uncirculated but has a certain amount of light toning, it retains all of its original frosting, an all-round very nice collectable coin.
1937 Japanese China Incident Medal with Bar Awarded for service in China, 7 July 1937 (the Second Sino-Japanese War) until the Japanese surrender in 1945. It comes with its original combatants bar, which reads "War Medal". It comes on its original ribbon and in very good condition.
1937 Royal Life Saving Society Medal A good bronze life saving medal issued to J. A. Povey and dated July 1937, comes in its original box of issue which includes a small card for the Life Guards Corps inviting the medal recipient to join their society. The medal is in very good condition.
1938 E 2 Reichsmark Coin German .62 grade silver 2 Reichsmark 1938 with Dresden mint mark. Very Fine condition showing some original lustre.
1939 Dated Marked Silver Hong Kong Rifle Association Medallion An interesting medallion given as a prize for a rifle shooting competition in Hong Kong 1939, the medallion is made from silver and is marked on the rim with ‘90’, the back has been engraved with ‘founders prize aggregate 1939’. It comes in good condition with light contact marks and requires a clean, it is of a good size measuring 35mm or just under 1.5 inches in diameter.
1939 G 2 Reichsmark Coin German .62 grade silver 2 Reichsmark 1939 with Karlsruhe mint mark. Very Fine condition showing some original lustre but dirt marks on one side.
1939 German Aluminium Tinnie or Day Badge – Maker Marked This is an aluminium day badge for the 1st May 1939, it has a female figure to the front with the eagle and swastika, it is maker marked on the back with A. Donner Wuppertal-E, because it is made from a soft metal it has pitted and is a bit flat to look at, it measures just over 1.25 inches in diameter.
1940’s Green Peppiatt One Pound Note This good vintage 1940’s green Peppiatt one pound note has been in circulation but is still in collectable condition with signs of age and the odd fold, it carries the facsimile signature of the chief cashier K.O. Peppiatt. I have a few of these so the serial number will be different from that photographed.
1940’s Royal Canadian Army Cadets Cap Badge. An attractive all brass badge for the Army Cadets of Canada. This badge was issued from 1942 to 1953 when a Queens crown badge was issued. This one is in excellent original condition with a nice even patina. Ref. D25
1940’s Silver Gilt Friendly Society Medal. Hallmarked silver gilt and enamelled Friendly Society medal. engraved on the back ‘Bro B. A. Goulter 1948. It has its original ribbon and silver gilt suspension bar at the top, which is marked ‘silver’. It comes in perfect condition, a wonderful little medal.
1941 Dated WW2 Anti-Gas Eyeshield in Packet of Issue Good original anti gas eyeshields in the packet of issue, I think there were a few in the packet when new but just the one pair now, they come in very good condition the packet showing signs of age.
1942 Large Booklet – Cloud Atlas for Aviators Issued by the department of transport air services branch meteorological division with Canada 1942 at the bottom, it basically describes and shows with photographs cloud formations enabling safe flying. A4 sized booklet with 23 pages, comes in ok but used condition and has been folded with creases.
1949 Pattern Battle Dress Blouse – Lieutenant East Surrey Regiment A very good condition 1949 pattern battle dress blouse owned and worn by a lieutenant in the East Surrey regiment, made from wool serge it is dated 1955 inside, the condition is very good with no moth damage and light signs of age and wear, the lable inside says size No 10 and has the measurements of chest 35-37 inches, and waist 31-32 inches.
1950’s British Army Waterproof Cape. 1954 dated waterproof cape, almost identical to those used in the Second World War. It is made of a rubberised this cotton twill. It is buttoned down the front and has a storm collar. Made for the army by S Trauss & Sons Ltd and has a makers stamp with broad arrow inside. I think these were pretty must one size fits all, it quite large to take a pack and kit under the cape. It is in good original used condition, great for a reenactor in bad weather.
1950’s Enamel Civil Defence Instructor Badge, a great little queens crown badge that comes in perfect condition.
1950’s Green Howards Cap Badge. A small white metal badge, worn on the beret from 1950 to 1958. This one is in very good but used condition. Ref. Y24
1950’s Hallmarked Silver Wallace Clan Brooch. A lovely clan plaid brooch with the motto ‘Sperandum Est’ meaning ‘It is to be hoped’, for the Wallace clan. The back is hallmarked for Edinburgh 1951 and the maker Thomas Kerr Ebbutt, a fine silversmith working from 1900 until 1969. It is in excellent condition with its original working pin on the back. It measures 1.25 inches in diameter.
1950’s Knotmaster Ships Log. A complete and in its original wooden box, Walker’s Knotmaster Log Model KDO Mk III. Most of the pieces are still in the original cellophane and it comes with instructions and oil bottle. Still very usable or an interesting collectable. The wooden box measures 12 x 6.6 x 6 inches high..
1950’s Smiths Pocket Watch & Chain. A Smiths gilt pocket watch with matching chain. This watch comes in excellent working condition, they were known for being reliable inexpensive watches in their day.
1950’s/60’s Lesney Scammell Breakdown truck No64 A good vintage tin plate truck dating from the late 1950’s early 60’s from the Lesney range, it comes in fair condition, there is some loss to the paint in places and it originally had a hook on the back, it measures 2.25 inches long.
1952 Dated Royal Engineers Sports Medallion A good quality gilded sports medallion depicting a javelin thrower to the front and on the back the King’s crown with and Egyptian scene under and is engraved with ‘Engr. GR (E) 1952 2nd’, it comes in very good condition and measures 35mm in diameter.
1952 Reuters Press Photo – Princess Royal & WRACS An interesting Reuters press photo showing the Princess Royal meeting a WRAC who was due to fly to Gibraltar to join a mixed anti-aircraft battery, the first to do so. The Princess Royal was the Aunt of the current queen and during WW2 was the chief controller of the ATS, she later became the 'air chief commandant' of Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service. A good clear photo with a full typed description on the back, measures 10 inches x 6 and comes in very good condition.
1953 Issue Queen’s Coronation Miniature Medal 129,000 Queen Elizabeth coronation medals were issued in 1953 to nominated individuals, this is the miniature version in Sterling silver, it comes in very good condition just requiring a clean.
1958 Pattern Webbing Pistol Holster. The 1958 green webbing holster for the Browning Hi-Power single-action, semi-automatic pistol. It is in good used condition with all straps etc in place.
1960’s Ford Consul 315 Sales Brochure. An original colour sales brochure for the New Ford Consul circa 1961 to 1963. It is around A4 in size and comes in excellent original condition with no damage.
1970’s Nurses Cape. A lovely quality 1970’s State Registered Nurses cape. Made of dark blue wool and lined with red wool lining and cape ties. Made by Wells & Co London it comes in excellent condition, this style was used from post WW2 onwards, this one is dated 1976. A wonderful piece of nursing history, it was great to see the nurses coming off duty wearing these capes, they looked so smart. A traditional piece of uniform no longer required. One size.
1970’s Onyx Book Ends, Ash Tray Etc, A pair of very unusual book ends in the form of crouching Mexicans, probably taking a siesta under the shade of their Sombrero’s. They are both carved from solid onyx, the marble of the 1960’s 70’s; as well as book ends they can also be used as ash trays, which is something I have never seen before. They are both in very good condition and here’s a little something different for the book shelf or coffee table. The largest measures 6.5 inches tall. These are quite heavy so postage will be £8 to UK mainland.
1970’s Sales Brochure Volvo 144. An original coloured sales brochure dating from around 1975 for the Volvo 144 and including the 142. It is in excellent condition with no damage and measures about A4 in size.
1980’s 2nd Parachute Regiment Plaque. A 1980’s era 2nd Para regiment plaque, it consists of a large solid brass para wings with queens crown mounted onto a wooden disc. A nice piece for the para collector in excellent condition, the brass shows just a little wear. It measures 7.25 inches in diameter.
1980’s British Black High Combat Boots. A pair of Falklands war era British leather combat boots. These are unused and as new, size 276M using an online converter this translates to a size 12. But please check this out for yourself.
19th C Hand Coloured Print – Lifeboat. A Scarce mid-19th Century print of a Lifeboat going to the rescue of a foundering ship. This picture is an engraving that has been beautifully hand coloured with water colours. It shows a lifeboat with a eleven man crew, two men having to hold the rudder in the terrible storm. On the front of the boat one crew member is preparing to fire a rocket line to the wreck, whose crew are hanging desperately from the ships rigging. It comes in very good condition and has been reframed and glazed at some point quite recently. It has a good quality gilt frame and it has been well mounted, which includes double ink lining. It measures 21 x 18 inches.
19th Century Brass Dog Whistle. A little brass dog whistle made of brass but now heavily patinated, originally it may have been silver plated. It works very well and gives a good high pitch tone. it measures; 2 inches long.
19th Century Brass Keg Tap. A heavy brass Keg tap marked Fiddian. It appears to be in good working order. Measuring 6 inches long.
19th Century Brass Pistol Powder Flask. A superb little late 19thC pistol size powder flask. Bade of brass in this fluted design with a long adjustable measuring spout with good working spring. It is in wonderful condition; no damage or split seams and it has a nice mellow patination. It measures 5.5 inches including spout.
19th Century Copper Conical Grain Measure. Used by beer brewers for measuring the malted grain. It is made of copper with a dovetail type seam and iron riveted copper handle. A lovely old piece seldom seen anymore. It measures 13 inches long and 4.25 inches in diameter at the top.
19th Century Large Bore Pocket Percussion Pistol. A beautiful little 19th century pocket pistol, probably of Belgian origin. It has a high-quality walnut grip, a box lock with integral large bore barrel. It comes in wonderful condition; the lock works well and has a half and full cock. These were never an expensive pistol in its day, nearly everybody carried a defensive weapon in one way or another, streets were dangerous especially at night and these Belgian imports were a lot cheaper than British or American guns, and this one is a lovely example of its type. It measures 7.25 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only
19th Century Mameluke Bandsman Type Sword. A mid-19th century Bandsman’s Type sword; it has a solid brass Mameluke type hilt with decorated grip and langets. It has an unusual long curved thin blade with a pipe back and if it wasn’t for the brass grip I would say it is Napoleonic. It has a lovely quality leather scabbard with brass fittings and two ring hangers. There is no decoration on the blade or maker’s marks unless it is under the langets, which I cannot see due to years of crud. It is in wonderful condition, the blade has no rust and has a nice grey patination, the hilt has been recently polished and the engraved decoration has a little wear. An interesting piece with potential. It measures 36 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only via courier priced at £15.95
19th Century Mancur Scales. Mancur or Manacle scales made of wrought iron with a brass dial; these scales were used to weigh just about anything, they were the ultimate design in portable scales of the time, although they were not calibrated, they were quite accurate and used for weighing anything from potatoes to coal. The scale is in pounds for the small hook and Stone for the large hook, they could be hand held or hooked to a rafter or beam. In very good original condition and working order.
19th Century Mid Shipman’s Brass Telescope This is a nice example of a 19th century brass telescope as used by the Navy mid shipmen, it has three draws and day and night section on the end. It comes in good physical condition given its age but I cant get it to focus, from the bottom end you can see through but the business end has problems, it may be missing a lense or one is out of place so some sympathetic restoration required, it comes in its original leather case and measures 8 inches closed and 25 inches fully extended.
19th Century Pepperbox Revolver by Smith of London. A good six-barrel Pepperbox percussion revolver by Smith of London with revolving barrel stamped with proof marks, flared nipple shield, engraved side plates, plain hammer, single trigger and trigger guard, walnut grips with heavy and engraved butt cap, circa 1850. The engraved side plates have the makers name of Smith London, this refers to William Smith of No.59, corner of Princes Street, Coventry Street, Leicester Square, London Formerly of Lisle Street, London. He was first registered in 1820 and became gun maker to his Majesty George IV, H.R.H. the Duke of Gloucester, the Emperor of Russia & the King of Bavaria. It looks to be in an untouched condition, it has a beautiful deep dark patination, it is in working order, although the trigger is a little sticky, but it dry fires and revolves when firing. The walnut grips, again are well patinated and have a non-original screw retaining one side, but this screw looks antique itself so was probably replaced a very long time ago. With a few small tweaks it could become a very valuable piece. It measures 8 inches long.
19th Century Percussion Pocket Pistol by Briscoe of London. A very fine large bore percussion pocket pistol with turn off barrel, slab hard wood grip and blued steel box lock, which is engraved on both sides with flags and pennants and the maker’s name of Briscoe of London. It has a nice tight lock which dry fires well; for some reason it does not half cock, this might be the way it was made or the notch on the hammer for the half cock is worn; but as the rest of this little pistol is in such excellent condition, I would think it was made with a single cocking facility. It has both sets of proof marks under the barrel and the whole piece is free from any rust and has a wonderful patination. It measures 6 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only
19th Century Powder Horn. A large size powder horn made from a whole cow horn. It is a lovely slightly twisted shape and it is a very attractive bi-colour. What is nice, is it still retains its original stopper, this is also made from carved cow horn, and a leather strap to carry the flask. It comes in perfect condition with no damage, just a little wear and obviously age. It is a Biggy measuring approximately 16 inches long.
19th Century Prattware Pot Lid in Frame. Shepherd Boy. A good Prattware pot lid showing a Shepherd boy with his sheep and dog. It comes in perfect condition and it is mounted in its original 19th century wood frame. It measures 6 inches in diameter. Every one of the printed designs had a name, and with a little research, the official name of this print could be found. Felix and Richard Pratt discovered or invented a way that coloured transfer prints could be fired under glaze. Before this any coloured decoration had to be hand painted. This revolutionized the pottery industry; no long did that have to employ professional decorators to paint their wares. In addition, these coloured prints could be applied to low cost pottery as well as porcelain. Just like today with crazes, the public went mad for this new and quite beautiful printed wears; Pratt produced 100’s of different printed lids for potted food and cosmetic products as well as plates and all kinds of utilitarian wares. Pot lids were highly collected in their day but when tin cans were widely introduced, this killed the potted goods industry.
19th Century Prussian Infantry Hanger. German infantry hanger and scabbard from around the 1880’s. it has a solid brass guard with a short downturned quillon. It has a good steel plain blade with no fullers. The blade is marked W K & Co for Weyersberg, Kirschbeum and Company and it bears the joint mark of the two makers, which was in use from 1883. The black leather scabbard has a brass top locket and centre band with hanger rings and a brass chape with a shoe piece. This sword is in excellent condition, there is no real damage to report, the blade is clean and free from any rust or pitting and its only fault I can see is a shallow dent to the chape on one side. It is a fabulous example of this type of sword which was popular in Europe the 19th century; this style of hanger was used in Germany, Holland, France Sweden, Denmark, Spain, Turkey and Great Britain in the early 19th century. It measures 34.5 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only via courier priced at £15.95
19th Century Steel Leather Punch. A steel punch for decorating leather engraved with monogram HW. It measures 4 inches long.
19th Century Tirolian Meacham Pipe. A Late 19th century Tirolian pipe out of Meacham or Sepiolite, which is a soft white clay like material which is sometimes found floating on the Black Sea, hence its name ‘Meacham’ meaning sea foam. This pie is beautifully carved with a horse running through a village, the base of the large bowl is carved with a wave of scrolls, also the date of 1809. The stem is mostly wood covered with mother of pearl with copper fittings and a horn mouthpiece. The bowl cap is made of brass with a stamp of XL, which I think just means extra larg. Back to the date of 1809. I do not think this is the date of manufacture but the date of the Tyrolean Rebellion of 1809. This was a rebellion of peasants in the County of Tyrol led by Andreas Hofer against the occupation of their homeland by the French and Bavarian troops during the Napoleonic wars. This pipe is in beautiful condition no cracks or chips to the bowl and the bowl is a wonderful amber colour. The metal parts have some wear but no damage and its only fault as far as I can see is; at the bottom of the stem, this is removable so the pipe will fit into a pocket. What holds the stem in place is a cork surround, this has obviously shrunken and broken down over the years and has been wrapped with sellotape at some point. a beautiful used pipe in just splendid condition, measuring 8.5 inches from tip of mouthpiece to base of bow.
19thC Figural Copper & Brass Powder Shot Flask Probably a hunting shot flask due to the imagery on the front and back of hanging game including a hare, pheasant and birds, it has the word patent around the top with a potential makers name rubbed away, it comes in good condition for its age with signs of use and it measures 8 inches long.
19thC Ottoman Kard Dagger. A superb mid 19th century Ottoman Kard dagger used in Persia, Turkey, Armenia and all the way to India. It has a hilt made of a light coloured horn at the top and silver at the bottom, (the silver tests below .925 grade but higher than .800) with the steel tang passing through the grip. No guard and it has a very well made steel straight single edged blade, which has been inset with the same grade of silver and decorated. This was mostly used as a stabbing weapon, the point reinforced to penetrate chain mail. The sheath must be a latter replacement or the leather has shrunk so it just fits, but I’m sure a dagger of this quality would have had a more ornate sheath. The dagger itself is in wonderful condition with no damage, just slight wear. It measures: 13.5 inches long. Ship to UK mainland only
19thC Prisoner-Of-War Work Miniature Bone Dominoes I love the history of these kind of items, made by the French prisoner-of-war in the early 1800's from scraps of cow bone to either while away the time gaming or to be sold for food money. This part set comes in a delicate light wood box with a sliding lid, they are a miniature size measuring just 15mm long x 8mm wide. The condition is excellent but a few are missing from the set, there are 22 in all one being duplicated.
19thC Staffordshire Pottery Nelson Toby Jug The first thing to say about this figure is what wonderful condition it is in, it would date around 1830 and is a hand painted example, it stands 11.5 inches high and has Nelson in typical pose with his right arm tucked into his jacket and holding what looks like a bottle or perhaps a scroll in his left hand. He is in super condition with just some very mild crazing to the glaze.
1st Royal Dragoon Guards Cap Badge. This one is the larger brass badge with single breast wreath, issued from 1948 to 1969. It is in excellent condition, retaining all of its original detail. Ref. C9
2 Portrait Photos Berkshire Volunteer Rifle Corps. 2 beautiful portrait photographs of a young man of the 2nd Berkshire Volunteer Rifle Corps around the 1880’s. He stands poising in his new blue/grey uniform and home service helmet. The photographs were taken by Alfred D Kissack of 130 High Street Eton Windsor. Both photographs are in wonderful condition and it shows good detail of the uniform. Each phot measures 4.25 x 6.5 inches.
2 RAF Queen’s Crown Cap Badges. Here we have two examples of the RAF Queens Crown cap badge, the first in brass, note, a lot of the deep definition of the badge has gone on this thinly made badge, manufacturers still feeling the lack of brass from the war, used for a short time from 1953 to 54. Next the adonised badge which was introduced from 1954. Obviously, there were a few years of change over with the RAF as in the 1950’s they were serving all over the world. Both are in excellent condition. Ref. L22
21st County of London Btn 1st Surrey Rifles Cap Badge. An interesting, blackened brass badge worn by the 21st battalion London Regiment the First Surrey Rifles. Part of the London territorials was formed in 1908. This badge was discontinued in 1935 on conversion of the battalion to Royal Engineers and then to the Royal Artillery, however after 1945, still a gunner unit the badge was brought back for a short time. This one is a nice WW1 era example in very good order. Ref. L7
2nd Afghan War Medal + Kabul to Carley 2/9th Foot (Norfolk’s) A Victorian 2nd Afghan war medal 1878-79-80 with Karbul Clasp. Correctly named to 1573 Private H Carley of the 2nd – 9th of Foot. East Norfolk regiment. H Carley born 1854 believed to have come from Bungay in Suffolk, then Norfolk before the boundaries changed. The 2nd Afghanistan War Medal, was sanctioned on 19 March 1881 and awarded to members of the British and Indian armies who served in Afghanistan between 1878 and 1880. Throughout the 19th century, the British Government was convinced that the extension of Russian influence over Central Asia constituted a real threat to its Indian domains. This had led Britain to first invade Afghanistan in 1839 with disastrous consequences. In 1876, the spectre of Russian interference appeared once more when the Emir of Afghanistan, Sher Ali, was visited by a Russian diplomatic mission. When he then refused to accept a British envoy, the Viceroy of India, Lord Lytton, decided to act. In September 1878, Lytton ordered a diplomatic mission to set out for Kabul, where he hoped to establish a political resident. This was a cost-effective way for British India to control the foreign relations of 'buffer' states. When the mission was turned back at the eastern end of the Khyber Pass, the British decided to replace Sher Ali. In November 1878, three British columns, consisting of 40,000 men, invaded Afghanistan. One column marched through the Bolan Pass and seized Kandahar, a second occupied Ali Masjid fortress to secure the Khyber Pass before advancing to Jelalabad, while the third advanced along the Kurram Valley towards Kabul. Sher Ali fled from Kabul, only to die of a heart attack soon after. He was succeeded as emir by his son, Yakub Khan, who signed the Treaty of Gandamak in May 1879. In return for British support, he accepted the presence of a British envoy, Major Sir Louis Cavagnari, and British control of Afghan foreign affairs. Neither the new treaty nor the new emir was very popular in Afghanistan. In September 1879, mutinous Afghan soldiers from Herat appeared in Kabul demanding back-pay from the British and Cavagnari refused their request. Accompanied by rioting Kabulis, the soldiers attacked and fired the British Residency, killing its 200 occupants, including Cavagnari. Yakub Khan did nothing to intervene. When news reached India, Lord Roberts was recalled from leave and put in command of a new force. Its mission was to reach Kabul and identify those responsible for the attack. Suspected rebels were to be tried and, if found guilty, executed. Robert’s force defeated the Afghans and reached Kabul in October. Trials and executions began, but supporters of Yakub Khan and opponents of British occupation rose in revolt. Several Afghan armies then marched on Kabul. The city had to be abandoned for the more defensible Sherpur Cantonment, situated to the north. Just before Christmas, around 50,000 tribesmen attacked the 7,000-strong garrison. By dawn on Christmas Eve, the tribes had been dispersed. Roberts then re-occupied Kabul. The British left Afghanistan in the hands of Abdur Rahman, who agreed to conduct his foreign policy through the Government of India. They also seized several Afghan districts in the Khyber and Kurram border areas. However, the provocative policy of maintaining a British resident in Kabul was quietly dropped. The last British and Indian soldiers left the country in April 1881. The Afghanistan medal, I think is one of the most attractive medals of the period. This one is in very good condition with one edge knock and one rim knock. The medal has very good detail and good clear naming. A lovely example which comes with a copy of his medal roll confirming the medal and clasp.
3 Books Personal Accounts WW2. Three interesting books of personal accounts of the second world war. Troop Target by J. H. Fullarton. Royal Artillery in North Africa, Greece and Crete. Blue linin bound average condition. The Second World War – The Struggle for Europe by Chester Wilmot. Dark blue linin bound in very good condition. Crusade in Europe by Dwight D Eisenhower 1948. Red linin bound in good condition.
3 Medal Ribbon Bar, with a long brooch pin on the back, this bar is for three full size medals. Most other sizes available.
3 Vintage Naval Interest Books. Three interesting vintage titles with naval interest. The Admiralty Regrets… by Warren & Benson 1958 green linin bound in VG condition. Under the Red Sea by Hans Hass 1953 English edition, dark blur linin bound, in VG condition. And One of Our Submarines by Edward Young 1952 first edition, green linin bound, in VG condition.
3 x Edwardian Berkshire School Medals to Girls. Three very attractive solid bronze school medals awarded by the Berkshire education committee. They are named to; Winnie Stanley, Emily Jones, and Dorothy Bedwell. All are in good condition buy they vary in the amount of patination, one still retains its original lustre. They measure 1.5 inches in diameter.
3 x Miniature Medal Mounting Bars. 2 x 8 medal and 1 x 6 medal mounting bars, all with a pin and catch on the back and all three are in perfect condition.
4 Victorian Solid Silver Half Crowns. A group of four Victorian young head half crowns. The years are 1845, 1874, 1879 and 1884. All are in good grade with obverse and reverse still nice and visible.
5 Original War Time Unused German Field Post. Quite a rare find, but being sold as all one lot to clear. Here we have two pieces of unused WW1 German Field Post and three piece from the WW2 era. The two WW1 pieces have very light water staining but the three WW2 pieces are in pretty much perfect condition.
5 WW1 German Postcards Another case of wishing I could read German! Here we have 5 postcards, two photographic showing soldiers in uniform and 3 general ones all having been sent by Feldpost and date 1915/17, they come in good but postally used condition.
56th (London) Infantry Division Cloth Patch. A post WW2 divisional sleeve patch embroidered on to a red silk backing and worn by the 56th (London) Infantry Division from 1951 to 1961. This one is in lovely original condition and measures 2.25 x 2.5 inches.
7 Volumes The Times History of the War (WW1) Seven various bound volumes of the Times newspaper history of the great war. for any scholar or researcher of the Great war, these are a must, they hold in depth information that you never find in historical accounts. They include just about every detail of the war from weapons used to the diseases and sickness that plagued the hospitals. From Victoria crosses won in the war to aerial photography. And of course the reports for the Times were on the front line so here we have genuine accounts in sometimes vivid detail. All are in very good condition and each roughly contains around 500 hundred pages with photographs and illustrations, bound in red linin. A superb reference work. Please note these are incredibly heavy so shipping will be via courier.
8 Victorian Threepence’s. Eight Victorian three pence pieces from 1871 to 1894, conditions vary. An interesting lot.
9ct Gold ladies Ring set with Garnets. A lovely vintage Victorian style 9ct gold ring set with seven garnets and hallmarked for Sheffield 1969. It is in excellent condition and has been cleaned and sanitised. Size N
9ct Gold Victorian Style Gipsy Ring. A wonderful 9ct gold hallmarked Gipsy ring set with small garnets and diamonds and hallmarked Birmingham 1966. It is in lovely condition and it has been cleaned and sanitised. Size O
9th Royal Norfolk Regiment Wooden Shield A good display shield made from light oak and painted in colours with the crest for the Royal Norfolk regiment and in particular the 9th battalion, below is a very brief bit of information regarding the 9th. The shield comes in very good condition with light signs of use, it measures 7 inches long. The battalion was renumbered as the 9th Battalion in October and was assigned to the 220th Independent Infantry Brigade, part of Norfolk County Division in early 1941
A collection of US Cloth Badges Original and Used. A collection of various American military cloth badges, ten in all. All are post war, probably Vietnam era, earlier and later. All have been used and taken from a uniform, so condition varies. Please see pictures. A good lot for the US collector.
A Pair of Military Marked 1953 Dated Civil Defence Corps Arm Band Made by Atwell & Jenner Ltd these Civil Defence Corps Welfare arm bands are cloth with sewn not printed detail, they are marked to the back with the makers mark and CD/48 the broad arrow, 1953. They come in very good condition on the cloth but the metalware has some rust.
A PWL – Price Western Leather Police Baton Holster This is an all leather Police baton holder made by the company PWL or Price Western leather, it has a serial number of Z-147 on the back and the possible production date of 1995, the condition is very good however the previous owner has shortened the top leather strap by cutting and glueing it back in a shorter position, it measures 5.5 inches long.
A Vintage Red Cross Medal for Nursing. British Red Cross Society enamelled medal awarded for proficiency in Red Cross Nursing. It comes on its original ribbon with a five year service bar. The reverse of the medal id engraved 32089 B. Rabson. It is in very good original condition and retains its original pin.
Adjutant Generals Corps (Female) Lanyard. Twisted cord lanyard worn by the female soldiers of the Adjutant Generals Corps. A scarce one to find. It comes in very good condition.
Admiralty Gunnery Branch 1935 Ammunition Pocket Book Issued by the Admiralty gunnery branch in 1935 to supersede any previous issues this ammunition pocket book includes a pull out ‘colouring of projectiles’ page at the back, it comes in good but used condition with rust to the staples.
Afghanistan Medal to 12th Bengal Cavalry. A really beautiful medal, one of the best Victorian medals ever produced and when you see one in good condition, it is a joy to behold. It was awarded to all those who took part in the 2nd Afghan war 1878-79 & 80. This one is correctly named to Sowar (trooper) Jaf Ram of the 12th Bengal Cavalry. This medal has no bar, this doesn’t mean this man is not entitled to one or many with this medal. The 12th cavalry were one of the leading regiments in the battle of Kabul and the battle of Charasiab in 1880 and 1879, the latter was the inspiration for the reverse of this medal; it shows the elephant battery of Artillery advancing through the mountains. This medal comes in lovely original condition, still showing wonderful detail to the reverse, however it does have a couple of edge knocks which are obvious from the obverse or queens head side, but from the other side, the side with the elephants, the knocks are not obvious at all, and this medal displays very well. Please see pictures.
Air Training Corps badge & Button Set. All original, 13 white metal buttons and cap badge for the Air Training Corps. All in good condition.
Aldington Bonnington War Memorial Ltd Edition Collectors Coin (3) This is a limited edition war memorial collectors coin issued in 2016 by the Aldington Bonnington and Hurst war memorial to commemorate the fallen of the two wars, it comes in its capsule of issue and signed certificate by Lieutenant Colonel F.W. Fifield who was a local resident, superb condition.
Amazing WW1 Trench Art Silhouette ‘Bombs’ The word trench art has come to mean a whole host of different items usually made from the discarded shell casings of spent projectiles; here we have trench art in its truest form. Each leaf has been painstakingly picked out with a small needle leaving behind a silhouette of trench life on the front line during the Great War. In this example we see wounded being brought back from the trenches, you can see the men wearing their Adrian Helmets and even the blanket draped over the soldiers body. One man on a stretcher looks like he is wearing a Pickelhaube, maybe this is to show the medics caring for the enemy. Below, to emphasize the title is a bomb and other symbols with the title ‘Les Bombardes 1917’ The must have taken the man who created these wonderful pieces of art hours upon hours, and how have they survived for 95 years, the leaf is so delicate and thinner than a piece of tissue paper. I have had them carefully mounted between two sheets of acid free Perspex, hopefully to keep them safe for another 95 years, I have never seen anything like it before and I doubt I will ever again, each is totally unique. This one measures 10 x 7.5 inches mounted.
Amazing WW1 Trench Art Silhouette ‘Cards’ The word trench art has come to mean a whole host of different items usually made from the discarded shell casings of spent projectiles; here we have trench art in its truest form. Each leaf has been painstakingly picked out with a small needle leaving behind a silhouette of trench life on the front line during the Great War. In this example we see French soldiers relaxing with a game of cards, they are drinking and one is even smoking a pipe, it has a title at the bottom of the piece which reads ‘Aux Cartes 1917’. The must have taken the man who created these wonderful pieces of art hours upon hours, and how have they survived for 95 years, the leaf is so delicate and thinner than a piece of tissue paper. I have had them carefully mounted between two sheets of acid free Perspex, hopefully to keep them safe for another 95 years, I have never seen anything like it before and I doubt I will ever again, each is totally unique. This one measures 10 x 6 inches mounted.
Amazing WW1 Trench Art Silhouette ‘Machine Gunner’ The word trench art has come to mean a whole host of different items usually made from the discarded shell casings of spent projectiles; here we have trench art in its truest form. Each leaf has been painstakingly picked out with a small needle leaving behind a silhouette of trench life on the front line during the Great War. This leaf is a little smaller than the rest, here the artist has used an oak leaf which must has been a little harder to form, as the silhouettes on these leaves are a little less detailed. In this example we see a machine gunner in his trench, this is also dated 1917. The must have taken the man who created these wonderful pieces of art hours upon hours, and how have they survived for 95 years, the leaf is so delicate and thinner than a piece of tissue paper. I have had them carefully mounted between two sheets of acid free Perspex, hopefully to keep them safe for another 95 years, I have never seen anything like it before and I doubt I will ever again, each is totally unique. This one measures 8 x 6 inches mounted.
An Important Officers Blue Cloth Helmet - RA Major KIA Boer War. A truly historically important Victorian blue cloth home service helmet, which is named inside in period writing ‘J. F. Fisher. R.G.A.’ The helmet is in very good condition and comes just as found and totally untouched, this means the brass fittings, helmet plate and chin scales are heavily patinated and un-polished, so it hasn’t been touched since the officer put it away well over a hundred years ago. It belonged to Captain / Major John Francis Fisher of the Royal Garrison Artillery. He was born in the June of 1868, the eldest son of John Fisher of St Ediths, Wiltshire. He was educated at Winchester and joined the RA in July 1887. He was promoted to Lieutenant July 1890 and Captain in the April of 1898. He served on the North West Frontier 1897-98 under Sir William Lockhart with the Tirah Expeditionary Force earning the IGSM with 2 clasps. He served in South Africa from 1899 on special services where he was again promoted to the rank of Major. At this time he was commanding a battalion of Railway Pioneers at Villersdrop when it was suddenly attacked; Major John F Fisher was shot and mortally wounded on the 20th November 1901. History of this action and other research is included.
Ancient Roman Steelyard Weight Emperors Face . An ancient Roman Lead Steelyard weight, in the shape, of a mans face, probably an emperor. This is a metal detector find, so it is a little encrusted on the surface. A small iron ring which would have hung him on the scale, is missing, this would have rotted away in the ground, sadly. He measures 2.25 inches long.
Ancient Roman Writing Stylus. The ancient Roman’s wrote on wax tablets and these stylus’s were used to inscribe into the wax. It has a point at one end for writing and a little flat piece on the other end, for rubbing out or erasing. This one is a little finer that most, it has areas of turned decoration and probably made of bronze. It is in remarkable condition for its age, never been broken, just a slight bend at the erasure end. It measures; 4.5 inches long.
Ancient Romano British Silver Ring. A scarce find, this ancient Roman silver rings dates from around the 3rd century BC. It is made of nearly pure silver and is a typical style for the time. Sometimes you find the centre button engraved, depending what they are engraved with, they can make thousands of pounds; this one is blank and it looks like it has never been engraved. During the 3rd century BC in Britain, Saxons were raiding the southeast coast forts built at Reculver and Branodunum (Brancaster). The re-building of forts near Hadrian's Wall begins due to the increasing aggression of the northern tribes. The first mention on record of the Picts attacking from the north in Eumenius' Panegyrici Latini and Mausaeus Carausius takes power in Britain and proclaims himself Emperor. This ring for its age is in remarkable condition, with a lovely patination, there is one tiny area on the shank which has been cleaned, I had to do this to test it for silver grade.
Anodised Badge Set - Infantry A collection of 9 1960’s - 70’s Anodised badges of the then current infantry regiments. Included; the Queens Lancashire Regiment (J R Gaunt B’ham), the Royal Green Jackets (Dowler B’ham), Devonshire and Dorset Regiment (J R Gaunt B’ham), the Duke of Edinburgh’s Royal Regiment (J R Gaunt B’ham), Kings Own Royal Border Regiment (Dowler B’ham), Worcester & Sherwood Foresters Regiment (J R Gaunt B’ham), Green Howards (London Badge & Button Co), Queens Regiment (J R Gaunt B’ham) and the Kings Regiment (J R Gaunt B’ham). All badges are in excellent condition and have makers marks on the sliders.
Antique 12 Bore Wad Cutter. A good old steel 12 Boer wad cutter. In good condition, could still be used but it would need re profiling and sharpening.
Antique Chinese Wicker Coolie Hat (round) This interesting hand made wicker coolie hat was worn by the Chinese/Japanese rice field workers as a sun shade, probably dating from the early part of the last century it comes in remarkable condition and is just a bit grubby. It measures 14 inches on the longest side.
Antique Clay Pipe with Soldier Head Bowl A great 19th century clay pipe with the head of a soldier as the bowl, the stem is broken but retains most of the impressed makers mark along the top (which I cant make out) it has been used but otherwise the condition is good, it measures just under 3 inches long.
Antique Dray Horse Martingale & Blinker Brow Band Cups. The title says it all really, these are good original fittings used on the dray or heavy horses and probably date from the early part of the 20th century or a little earlier. The condition is very good on the brass and the leather, no damage, just a little wear.
Antique Fireable Brass Desk Cannon on Wood Base This antique brass barrelled cannon measures 9 inches long, the barrel which is hollow with a taper hole on the top looks like it is firable and based on the colour inside has I think been fired in the past, it is mounted on a stepped wooden carriage and attached by a tight string. Ideal for a desk ornament it is heavy and comes in good condition with signs of age and use.
Antique German Hand Painted Porcelain Bowl Bavarian Pipe Probably dating from the turn of the last century this German made porcelain and wood stem pipe comes in four sections, known as a Bavarian pipe the bowl has been hand painted with a floral garland and a German inscription which basically translated to ‘burn the souvenirs of my youth’, the bowl sits into a porcelain reservoir and this in turn houses the wood stem, above this is a wood mouthpiece with string tassels. It comes in very good condition for its age with just some light wear to the gilding, it measures 8.75 inches long.
Antique German Pipe. The typical German pipe with horn and wooden stem and porcelain bowl, this one decorated with a hand-coloured print of horses. It comes in good condition, it looks unused. There is a small chip to the horn mouth piece and a hair line crack to the bowl, neither are bad, please see pictures. Complete this pipe measures 10 inches long.
Antique HMS Ganges Teak Pot or Display Stand with Plaque HMS Ganges was an 84-gun second-rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, launched on 10 November 1821 at Bombay Dockyard, constructed from teak. She was the last sailing ship of the Navy to serve as a flagship, and was the second ship to bear the name. She was broken up in 1930 and much of her wood was used to make souvenirs mostly with brass plaques attached such as this however all of the examples I can find are much smaller this pot or display stand measures 7 inches in diameter. It has the plaque to the front edge which reads ‘from the teak of H.M.S. Ganges the last sailing ship to serve as a seagoing flagship’. It comes in very good condition.
Antique Iron Kitchen Hook. 18th/19th Century or earlier wrought iron Kitchen hook. For hanging produce or meat on Kitchen Jack over fire. It measures 5.5 inches long.
Antique Priory ¾ Wad Cutter. A good old steel ¾ inch wad cutter made by Priory England. In good condition, could still be used.
Antique Spanish Navaja Ipaya Ibi Pocket Knife A good antique Spanish made pocket/pen knife, the blade is marked Ipaya Ibi, the only one I can find of this type was sold through a Spanish auction. This example with a steel blade and wood hafts, one side inset with a white metal shape comes in good condition, the blade however has a nick in it and has been much sharpened, it measures 6.5 inches open and 3.75 closed. Shipping to UK mainland only
Antique White Metal Sunday School Award of Merit Medal Dating from the early part of the last century this base metal medal was awarded for regular and punctual attendance at Sunday School, around the inner rim it reads ‘patient, continuance, in well doing’/ It comes on its original ribbon and is in good but well used condition the metal being a little worn. It measures 1.5 inches in diameter.
Arab Tribal Stirrup. A late 19th – early 20th century wrought iron stirrup worn by the Arab tribal horsemen on the plains of Mesopotamia. It is hand wrought and decorated with incised geometric lines. A good historic piece, measuring 4.5 inches wide.
Army Emergency Reserve Cloth Badge An interesting screen printed cloth badge which has been cut but remains un-used and in perfect condition.
Art Deco Era Wooden Hand Painted Cigarette Box/Dispenser A lovely little box which has a little dogs head on the front, it is designed as a cigarette holder/dispenser, it has a sliding top lid, when opened a drawer comes out of the bottom and a cigarette would be picked up and placed in the dogs mouth, close the lid and everything goes back in place leaving the ciggy on offer. The box is made from a light soft wood and the top lid and the inner lid have been hand painted with a mountain and house in a landscape scene. It comes in very good condition for its age just a little faded on the paintwork on the top, it measures 4 inches long and just under 3 high.
Art Deco Period Scotty Dog Corkscrew A nice example of an Art Deco period corkscrew in the form of a scotty dog, he has a white metal body and has a registration number on one leg, measuring 4.25 inches long he comes in good condition, there is some loss to the metal on the body and the tail is rusty however the worm (screw) is complete.
Art Nouveau Pewter Inkwell This ornate Art Nouveau pewter inkwell has some lovely stylised decoration of flowers up the body and on the lid, these are obscured by years of tarnish but I’m sure in the right hands this will clean up a treat, it has the original glass inkwell this however has a large chip in the rim, it measures 6.5 inches wide.
Artillery Training Vol II Gunnery 1934 This version of the book was reprinted in 1939 with amendments from the 1934 issue but still carries the ’34 title, issued by the war office it was for use strictly by holders of an official position within his Majesty’s service. 277 pages of text with diagrams, it comes in good condition for its age with signs of use.
Artist Signed Print – HMS Vanguard 1947 – Frank Berresford A nice framed print of HMS Vanguard which has been signed by the artist Frank E. Berresford, it is entitled ‘home again’ HMS Vanguard Portsmouth Sunday May 11th 1947 and it is signed bottom right. A well respected artist Frank Berresford produced works of many different kinds with just the occasional military themed examples. This is framed and ready to hang, it measures (the print) 11 inches x 8 and the frame is 16 x 13.
Attractive Pair of Vintage Framed & Glazed Prints ‘Officers of the British Army. An attractive pair of prints taken from the series 'officers of the British army' and dating I should think from the early to mid 20th century. The first is an officer from the '1st life guards' and the second an officer from the 13th Light Dragoons. Both were printed by W. Kohler. They come in very good condition, some light foxing to the paper, the measure 15 inches x 11.5 and are strung ready for hanging.
August 4th 1915 The Times Newspaper –Review of the First Year of the War This is a four page supplement issued by the Times reviewing the first year of the war, the inner pages are full of maps and the back page has the full list of key dates, it comes in very good but aged condition and has been folded, the largest size of newspaper and a very handy tool for anyone who is interested in the first battles of the war.
Austrian Franz Joseph Jubilee Cross Austrian Franz Joseph Jubilee Cross The gilt bronze Jubilee Cross was founded by Emperor Franz Joseph on 14 August 1908 in preparation for his approaching 60th anniversary of reign. This one comes on a white ribbon with red stripes for the military forces. This, a most underrated medal comes in perfect condition, no loss to any of the gilt surface and the original silk ribbon is still clean and free from damage, a real beauty.
Beautiful 9ct Gold Stone set Brooch This is a really pretty high quality 9ct gold brooch which has been stone set most likely with a diamond but as I don’t have a diamond tester I cant say for sure. It has a full set of hallmarks on the back which are so small, I can see 375 for 9ct and Birmingham anchor and it does have a date letter and a makers mark but as I say, really tiny. The brooch comes in superb condition with no faults I can find, it measures 30mm in diameter.
Beautiful Imperial German Naval Medal & Badge Group. When I saw this set, I just had to have it, it has all been so beautifully fitted into this velvet and silk lined case. Imperial Kaiserlichemarine group awarded to a Senior Wireless Operator and Petty Officer 2nd class, which includes the Iron Cross 2nd Class, a rare gilt metal Senior Wireless Operator and Petty Officer II badge, this is complete with its backing cloth, the scarcer widows cross of the honour cross and a scarce Kaiserlichemarine Silver Wound badge all in wonderful condition, and as mentioned, all in this beautiful fitted case which, by the look was done a very long time ago. A wonderful set, something you just don’t see every day, I have priced the set at what you would pay for each individual item, even though there is usually a premium for a set or group.
Beautiful WW1 Silver and Rose Gold Sweetheart Brooch – Royal Artillery This is a high quality sweetheart brooch for the Royal Artillery, the body is made from sterling silver and is marked 'sterling' to the back, the central part with the badge for the RA is silver with a covering of rose gold, it comes in super condition and measures one inch in diameter. It will be sent in a gift box.
Belgian King Albert War Veterans Medal. The Belgian Federation National des Veterans du Roi Albert medal awarded for long service in the war veterans organisation. This one has one bronze palm for three years and two silver palms for five years each, so a total of thirteen years’ service. It is in very good condition with just slight wear to the original gilt finish.
BEM Group to Mrs A Oliphant WVS. A scarce group of three awarded to Mrs Ann Oliphant for her service in the Women’s Voluntary Service during the Second World War and after. The group is comprised of the QEII British Empire Medal, this is named to Ann Mrs Oliphant, the naming looks worn as someone has tried to erase the naming but haven’t done a very good job as the naming is still very visible, please see pictures; the WW2 defence medal and the Women’s Voluntary Service, Long Service Medal. Women’s Voluntary Service for civil defence was established in 1938 by Lady Reading for the enrolment of women for Air Raid Precaution Services of Local Authorities, but after war broke out the service was renowned for any job needed doing, it was done, which included a whole host of war work by the women volunteers. The WVS played a key part in the evacuation of civilians and children from urban areas, collecting clothing required for the needy, known as "Bundles for Britain", When troops returned to ports after the evacuation at Dunkirk, members of the WVS were there to greet them and hand out food, drink and warm clothing. By the time of the Blitz, women in the WVS were adept at providing food and drink around the clock. While ARP wardens and firemen fought the fires, women in the WVS set up mobile canteens to keep them refreshed, thus placing themselves in serious physical danger with collapsing buildings a constant threat. When the raids ended, the WVS also played a part in looking after those who were injured and had lost their homes. Records indicate that the WVS dealt with and helped over 10,000 people every night of the Blitz, in the streets and at rest Centre’s around London; but working so near to the Centre of the bombing inevitably led to casualties, 241 members of the WVS were killed during the Blitz and many more were wounded, 25 WVS offices were destroyed, but these women continued to work on. Needless to say, I have only touched on the work of the WVS and WRVS during and after the war and into the present day. The BEM or its official title ‘The Medal of the Order of the British Empire for Meritorious Service’ is a hard earned and prestigious order not given lightly, so I am sure this wonderful woman’s group will prove to be a great research project, as no research has been done on this lady who served during the war and for a good many years after. All three medals are in excellent condition and mounted on a brooch back bar to be worn. Lastly on her medals still resides her WW2 WVS Civil Defence badge, this is also in very good condition.
Bisley Air Rifle Cleaning Kit Boxed Bisley air rifle cleaning kit, includes attachments for .177 and .22 and suitable for rifle or pistol. Possibly missing one rod but otherwise in good order.
Boer War Era Commemorative Mug – Union is Strength This is a wonderful condition Boer war era commemorative mug , it was made by J.G. & N. London and features to the front the motto ‘ union is strength - peace with honour’, along the top edge is South Africa 1899-1900, it comes in super condition with no chips or cracks, it is transfer printed and there is slight wear to the transfer, it stands 3.25 inches high.
Boer War Era Commemorative Tea Spoon General French A super quality silver plated commemorative tea spoon depicting General French on the handle with a Beaver on the top of the terminal. On the back is the makers mark of R.C. Co (probably Rogers and Co) with the retailers name of Bravingtons. Comes in very good condition with some light surface scuffs.
Boer War Era General French Lapel Badge – USA Made An interesting Boer war era lapel pin badge with the image of General French a British officer who was a hero in both the Boer and Great wars, the badge has a lable in the back for Whitehead & Hoag of Newark New Jersey with the date of 1896, it comes in very good condition with some rust on the metal on the back and it measures 22mm in diameter.
Boer War Era Gentleman in Kharki Plated Sugar Tongs A good pair of silver plated sugar tongs or nips decorated down the arms with the image of a gentleman in khaki, below is a history for the saying and the poem from which it was taken the absent minded beggar, the tongs come in good condition with signs of age and use. The Absent-Minded Beggar is an 1899 poem by Rudyard Kipling, set to music by Sir Arthur Sullivan and often accompanied by an illustration of a wounded but defiant British soldier, \"A Gentleman in Kharki\", by Richard Caton Woodville. The song was written as part of an appeal by the Daily Mail to raise money for soldiers fighting in the Second Boer War and their families. The fund was the first such charitable effort for a war.
Boer War Era Souvenir of South Africa Cabinet Photograph Lord Roberts Issued post the South African war 1899-1900 as a souvenir possibly to raise funds the cabinet card has the photo of Field – Marshal Lord Roberts V.C., G.C.B. usually seen in sepia tones this one is in black and white, it comes in very good condition and measures 6.5 inches x 4.25
Boer War Pair to Robinson RAMC A superb 1899 – 1902 Anglo Boer War Queens South Africa Medal and the Kings South Africa Medal both correctly named to; 11936 Private J. Robinson of the Royal Army Medical Corps. The QSA has the Cape Colony, Transvaal and Wittebergen clasps. The KSA with the South Africa 1901 and 1902 clasps. All clasps on both medals properly attached. The Boer War highlighted the importance of medical care for the army; the medical services treated 22,000 wounded and a staggering 74,000 for dysentery and typhoid fever alone. The advice of the new hygiene officers was ignored and as a result, consequences were fatal; water purification was defective, sanitation deplorable and rations inadequate, yet they saved thousands of lives and each man was dedicated to caring for the wounded and sick regardless of their rank or employment. I haven’t done a lot of research on this man but his bars show he served right through the war in the Cape Colony 1899 to Wittebergen 1900 and the KSA covering serving in 1901 and 1902. If you take a look at the RAMC with www.angloboerwar.com you can see just what these medical units had to endure. Both medal are in excellent condition and come on their original ribbons and with copy of medal roll.
Boer War Pair to Trimnell Wiltshire Reg. POW Casualty. A scarce Boer War Queen South Africa and Kings South Africa pair to a man who died while a Boer prisoner of war. Both medals are correctly named to 5232 Private Albert Trimnell of the 2nd Battalion (The Duke of Edinburgh's) Wilshire Regiment; the QSA has three clasps, the Cape Colony, Orange Free State and Transvaal; the KSA has the South Africa 01 & 02 claps. Upon arrival, the 2nd Wiltshire’s were with the 12th Brigade under Major General Clements. The brigade was used as an independent force dispatched to the Colesberg district, they were soon on the defensive against Boer raids once the cavalry were withdrawn to be used to use in the relief of Kimberly. They were assigned to defend an exposed position at the town of Rensburg where they met some very heavy fighting, the 2nd Wilts lost 14 men killed, 57 wounded, and more than a 100 taken as prisoners, of which private Trimnell was one. The Boers were even less prepared for prisoners of war than were the British. The first crop came in the first few days of the war, at Kraaipan. Officers were held at the State Model School in Pretoria and NCOs and men were held separately at Waterval, north of Pretoria, in the Transvaal region. Most of the time the Boers just let their prisoner go after a couple of days, the Boers stripping the prisoners of their boots and equipment, those that were held were kept in pretty poor conditions in a barbed wire enclosure with little if no shelter and food and water were scarce so the handful of British prisoners that did die in captivity (only 97) died of disease or wounds suffered in the action they were taken prisoner, unfortunately there is no record to say in which circumstance Albert Trimnell died. Both medals are in very good condition, the KSA has a light edge knock over the ‘W’ of Wiltshire, but it’s not unsightly and doesn’t really affect the value. A very interesting pair well worth further research, one of only 97 POW’s who died in captivity. It comes with the Boer war medal roll confirming his medal and clasp entitlement, his entry in the casualties of the Boer war list and the Boer War Prisoners 1899-1902 - Soldier details.
Boer War Period Lead Soldiers – Scottish Regiment Here are a set of ten, most likely Brittains lead soldiers, they have been base painted in cream and are a Scottish regiment, they came from a diarama and were inset into a scene so are missing their bases, good condition, some wear to the paintwork.
Book - First Edition The Zero Fighter T/W a Corgi Zero Model This 1958 first edition book on the Japanese Zero fighter by Masatake Okumiya, Jiro Horikoshi with Martin Caidin details the history of the Zero aircraft used by the Japanese Naval and Military Air Forces and is mainly concerned with the design and technical progress of the aircraft and with their eventual achievements. It comes with a Corgi die cast model of the Mitsubishi Zero aircraft, this is in good condition but has some paint loss, the book is also in very good condition with its outer dust cover.
Book Knights of the Iron Cross by Gordon Williamson A history from 1939-1945 of the winners who became Knights of the Iron Cross written by Gordon Williamson and issued in 1989. 153 pages of text and photographs, the book comes in very good condition.
Book – 1st Edition the Desert Rat Sketch Book by Clifford Saber 1959 An excellent large sketch book with text covering the Desert Rat campaign in North Africa 1942-43, ‘written and illustrated on the spot, in full colour by Clifford Saber’, it comes in its original yellow protective cover, 183 pages in super condition, the outer protective cover has some damage and age related wear.
Book – A History of the Royal Army Ordinance Corps 1920-45 Written by Brigadier A. H. Fernyhough CBE MC during the 1950’s, the book details the history of the Royal army Ordinance Corps from 1920 – 45, 473 pages of text which comes in good condition with some marks to the outer cover.
Book – Air Facts and Feats by Guinness Superlatives 1970 In 1970, Guinness Superlatives launched the first in a series of books, known as the "Facts and Feats Series", as spin-offs from the popular Guinness Book of Records. The Facts and Feats books were full volumes dedicated to a single topic, which could provide greater depth to their subject matter. The first book published was "Air Facts and Feats". This example has 199 pages of facts, figures and pictures, it comes in good condition but has signs of age and use on the outer cover.
Book – Firearms by Howard Ricketts An interesting book published in 1972 which covers the history of firearms starting with the primitive matchlock and the progressive inventions of the wheel-lock, flint-lock and percussion cap and the development of the revolver. 97 pages with extensive pictures. It comes in very good condition with wear to the dust cover.
Book – History of the Baltic Campaign of 1854 A semi recent issue by Naval and Military press Ltd this book covers the history of the Baltic campaign of 1854 from documents and other materials furnished by Vice-Admiral Sir C. Napier K.C.B. Over 600 pages of text the book comes in very good condition with signs of light use and originally retailed for £22.
Book – History of the Queen’s Royal Regiment Ninth Lancers This book is a bit of a pickle, the inner contents are Victorian in date, the outer cover probably from the late 1980’s when it was rebound. On the spine it reads ‘Cannon History of the Queen’s Royal Regiment Ninth Lancers’ Cannon being Richard Cannon Esq adjutant generals officer Horse Guards, the inner Victorian frontispiece has ‘by command of his late majesty (William IV) her majesty the Queen historical records of the British army’ on another leaf ‘historical record of the ninth or the Queen’s Royal regiment of Light Dragoon Lancers from 1715 to 1841’ and this is what the book appears to be about. I think it was originally in a library and was subsequently cancelled then rebound, someone has noted a missing plate and there is a loose page at the back otherwise it is in very good condition.
Book – Kaiser Wilhelm II and His Navy. Published in Germany in 1912 it tells the history of the Imperial German Navy and the involvement of the Kaiser. The book itself is in poor condition but it still has some interesting features; all of its coloured plates still remain, these are usually removed and framed, also it has a screw back imperial German U-Boat badge attached to the front, this was added after the First World War as a memento, no doubt. This book comes totally as found, some of the pages inside have come loose and a section of the back is missing, but it is untouched and still a rare find.
Book – Marching with The Tigers History of the Leicester Reg 1955-1975 A good sized book entitled Marching with The Tigers the history of the Royal Leicestershire regiment 1955 -1975 by Michael Goldschmidt, published in 2009, nearly 400 pages of text and photographs. The book comes in very good condition.
Book – Order of Battle of the British Armies in France Nov 1918 Issued by the Imperial War Museum as a facsimile reprint number 1 in 1989, the original book entitled ‘order of battle of the British armies in France’ was a secret serial publication compiled by the General Staff for use by the General and Staff Officers. With this copy originating from the Imperial war museum is an introduction letter about the history of the book. 121 pages of lists of regiments, it comes in very good condition.
Book – The 1st Household Cavalry 1943-44 by Garry O’Connor Subtitled ‘in the shadow of Monte Amaro’ and taken from the war diaries of 1st Household Cavalry officers. 184 pages of text with some photographs published in 2013, the book comes in excellent condition.
Book – The 7th Queen’s Own Hussars by J.M. Brereton From the ‘famous regiments’ series this 1975 issue of the 7th Queen’s Own Hussars by J.M. Brereton comes with its original dust jacket and contains 220 pages of text and photo’s, it comes in very good condition with light signs of use.
Book – The Bond of Sacrifice – Officers who fell in the Great War Vol 1 & 2 These two volumes entitled ‘the bond of sacrifice’ are a biographical record of all British officers who fell in the Great War, volume one covers August to December 1914 and vol 2 January to June 1915, between them there are best part of a thousand pages of text most if not all with photo’s of the officers, an incredible sad waste of human life. Both books are in excellent condition and are hard cover editions, large and weighty they will be £8.95 to ship.
Book – The Complete Encyclopedia of Hunting Rifles by A.E. Hartink Published in 1997 the book is a comprehensive guide to shotguns and other game guns from around the world. Over 300 pages with pictures and descriptions including a brief history, it comes in very good hardly used condition.
Book – The Grenadier Guards by R.H. Whitworth From the ‘famous regiments’ series this 1974 issue of the Grenadier Guards by R.H. Whitworth comes with its original dust jacket and contains 120 pages of text and photo’s, it comes in very good condition with light signs of use.
Book – The Last Post – Officers who Died in the South African War This book entitled ‘The Last Post’ is subtitled ‘A roll of all officers (Naval, Military or Colonial) who gave their lives for their Queen, King and Country in the South African War 1899-1902’ by Mildred G. Dooner. This edition was issued in 1980 by J.B. Hayward & Son and comes in excellent condition with a well fitted plastic protection cover.
Book – The Trafalgar Roll – The Officers –The Men – The Ships This book was first issued in 1913, this modern undated edition is a direct reprint of the original containing an a-z listing of the participants. The inner cover reads, ‘The Trafalgar Roll containing the names and services of all officers of the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines who participated in the glorious victory of the 21st October 1805, together with the history of the ships engaged in the battle’, compiles and written by Colonel Robert Holden Mackenzie. The book comes in very good virtually unused condition.
Book – War memoirs of David Lloyd George Vol 2 A nice clean example of the book issued circa 1936 entitled ‘the war memoirs of David Lloyd George’ Volume two, a comprehensive recollection of the late Great War years and beyond, over 2000 pages with some pictures, it comes in good but used condition.
Book.. Firearms Past and Present by Jaroslav Lugs Issued in two volumes and written by Jaroslav Lugs, entitled ‘firearms past and present’ and subtitled ‘a complete review of firearms systems and their histories’. Printed in 1973 the two volumes cover the earliest matchlocks to post WW2 weapons. The two books are housed in a stiff card outer cover, they come in very good condition with the outer cover having wear and a split to one edge. Together they weight heavy so shipping will be £7.95
Booklet – Coronation & Royal Commemorative Medals 1887-1977 Issued in 1977 to coincide with the silver jubilee and compiled by Lieutenant Colonel Howard N. Cole in conjunction with J.B. Hayward & Sons medal specialists London, 68 pages of text with odd pictures explaining the issue of the medals. Booklet size in very good condition with dust jacket.
Border Fine Arts Labrador Dog Figure. Hand painted Labrador dog figure by Border Fine Arts of Scotland. Dated 1983 this lovely dog comes in perfect condition and measures 4.25 inches high.
Boxed Collection – Squadrons of the RAF Coin Collection Issued by the Westminster mint and made from copper with 24ct gold plate this set of six cased coins were struck in 2013 to celebrate the squadrons of the RAF, from what I have seen there are 24 in the set broken down into sets of six contained in a purpose made wood effect case designed to take the coins and a wallet with the certificates of authenticity, within this case there are the following squadrons: 101, No1, 617, 39, the aerobatic team of the Red Arrows and RAF memorial flight, there are 5 certificates 39 squadron being omitted but No1 being duplicated, possibly an error from the factory. All are in super condition and the box measures 10.5 inches x 9.
Britain’s Collectors Club Norfolk Yeomanry. Mint. From W Britain Collectors club comes this exclusive set only available to club members and to become a member you must first pay a fee of $75 a year to be offered these wonderful detailed sets, which are now no longer available. This set is the special collector’s edition (1996) of The Norfolk Yeomanry. This set has never been out of the box and a comparable item retails for $139. See www.wbritain.com. These sets were not available in shops and all hand decorated metal figures with great detail, for collectors and investors. The Horse measures 3 inches long.
Britain’s Collectors Club WW1 German Over the Top. Mint. From W Britain Collectors club comes this exclusive set only available to club members and to become a member you must first pay a fee of $75 a year to be offered these wonderful detailed sets, which are now no longer available. This set is the special collector’s edition WW1 German Over the top. This set has never been out of the box and a comparable item retails for $195. See www.wbritain.com. These sets were not available in shops and all hand decorated metal figures with great detail, for collectors and investors. It measures around 2.75 inches high.
British No 4 MkII Spike Bayonet. A No 4 MkII spike bayonet, scabbard and white webbing frog. The No 4 came into service in 1942 to replace the MkI Cruciform and the much loved 1907 pattern. Made to fit the range of No 4 Enfield rifles the No 4 was an all-round cheaper version to produce and they were produced in vast amounts, being issued to all British and commonwealth personnel. This one is in very good issued condition and comes with its original scabbard and a later 1954 dated white webbing dress frog. It measures 11 inches long. Shipping to mainland UK only
British Pattern 1853 3-Band Enfield Socket Bayonet. This is a socket bayonet manufactured from the period of 1853 to about 1870. They were in service - in some form or fashion - until about 1875 passed on to Indian regiments. These were designed to fit the .577" calibre Enfield "3-band" Rifled Infantry Muskets of the period. All metal construction, these are attached by fitting them over the barrel muzzle, and fastened into position by means of a mortise slot and locking ring. It has a good clean 17 inch blade and the locking mechanism is all present and the who bayonet is in wonderful condition considering its age, free from rust and pitting. It comes with its original leather and brass scabbard, which is also in good condition. This has a little bit of damage at the bottom just above the chape, in the form of a crack in the leather; but this feel stable and not likely to brake. It has some marks to the side of the barrel, which could be some kind of regimental marks. On the scabbard are a few old museum or collection paper labels. A very historical bayonet, scarce to find in this condition and with its scabbard. Shipping is to inland UK only
British Pattern 1888 MkII Lee-Metford Bayonet by Sanderson. A Boer War era 1888 pattern bayonet Mk II with oil hole in pommel. Manufactured to fit the Pattern 1888 Lee-Metford Infantry Rifle, this one comes in superb original condition; the hilt is bright and rust free with very good wood grips which has been stamped with in inspection marks. The blade is clean and rust free, it is very nicely marked at the ricasso, with the makers mark, ‘Sanderson Sheffield’ and the date of January 1900. The scabbard is very good with just a little pitting around the frog button, the leather is excellent has been well kept. A wonderful Boer war bayonet now hard to find in this condition. It measures 17.5 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only
Bronze Field Marshal Lord Roberts Shooting Medallion Issued by the Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs in the Edwardian period, its president was field Marshal Lord Roberts of Kandahar who is depicted on the reverse. Comes in very good condition and measures 30mm or just over an inch in diameter.
BWM to Holdsworth – Machine Gun Corps. A good single British War medal correctly named to 3397 Private Edgar Holdsworth of the Machine Gun regiment. This medal is for the most part un-researched apart from a copy of his medal index card which confirms Edgar’s full entitlement as a BWM and Victory medal pair and also he later served in the Liverpool regiment and had a change of number. This medal is in very good condition with just a few very light contact marks.
Canadian Royal Armoured Corps Cap Badge. A gilt metal badge with Queens crown worn by the CRAC from 1954. It comes in near perfect condition with just a little use. Ref. F11
Carved Oak Wooden Box. A delightful hand carved oak box, an apprentice piece by a young wood carver in the 1930’s. It was wrought by a young man Stephen Blake at the age of 15. It is very nicely carved in the medieval style with scrolls, on the top and around all four sides. Inside there is a little tray the pulls out, this is also made of oak with little handles on the side. It is no Grinling Gibbons, but a charming piece, which measures 10 x 6 x 4 inches high.
Cased Vintage Civil Defence Medal – Un named with Instructions The Civil Defence Medal (CDM) is a long service award by the United Kingdom, instituted by Queen Elizabeth II in March 1961 and awarded for 15 years continuous service in a variety of different organisations including the Civil Defence Corps (CD), the Auxiliary Fire Service (AFS), the National Hospital Service Reserve . This example has not been named and comes mounted on its ribbon with two extra bits of ribbon and the original printed instructions for use and position of wear. The box was produced by the Royal Mint and is marked accordingly in the lid. The medal comes in very good condition, it has been worn and shows a little tarnish in places, the box is in good order with some staining to the silk in the lid.
Cased Vintage Six Piece Technical Drawing Set A good quality 6 piece vintage technical drawing set, it was made in Germany and the larger pieces are marked accordingly, it has a lable in the lid for a previous owner, D. Thompson form U3c Manchester grammar school. The set comes in good condition with signs of age and use housed in a leather case which opens by way of pulling out a pin on the side. The case measures just under 5.5 inches long.
Centurions of a Century. Suffolk 12th Regiment of Foot. By C. H. Gardiner. 1st Edition. Centurions of a Century (19th century) is an interesting book and covers the wars between 1748, the seven years’ war and 1902, the Anglo Boer war. It first describes how an army was raised and a little about army law and then a brief history up to the seven years’ war 1748. It is full of historical facts concerning every war from the date above and the roll in which the Suffolk’s played in important battles. It is not too heavy for an easy read and very enlightening to anyone who loves military history. all plates are present, the first plate “off to the Crimea” is loose. This book is in good readable condition, linen with light scuffing to the front cover and front and back boards slightly detached. Written by C. H. Gardiner who served with the Suffolk regiment as an officer for 27 years.
Circa WW1 Era George V Lighter – Customs & Excise Button WW1 or slightly later brass petrol lighter unusual in having a button for His Majesties Customs & Excise button on the bottom, it comes in good but well used condition and needs a clean, it measures just over 2.5 inches long.
Cloth Formation Patch – Northern Army Group A super quality embroidered cloth formation patch for the Northern Army Group, comes in super condition and has been mounted on a card.
Collection of Antique RE Buttons. Here we have a collection of Royal Engineers uniform buttons; 3 x Edward VII, 3 x George V and one rare Edward VII Royal Engineers Volunteer button. Seven in all.
Collection of Vintage Scouting Badges Etc. A nice collection of scouting badges and also a Jamboree silk handkerchief. Including Boy Scout cap badge, Be Prepared badge, 100 year jamboree commemorative badge 1957. Jamboree pin badge, three buttonhole badges and the handkerchief, this is made of silk and is screen printed with the Union flag with ‘Be Prepared’ and other patriotic sayings on each side; I think this date from the WW2 era or earlier. All of these items ate in very good condition and without damage.
Collection of Women’s Royal Army Corps Insignia. A framed collection of the cap badges worn by the WRAC, from the scarce kings crown badge issued from 1949 to 1953, a pair of kings crown officers collar badges, issued same date as cap badge. To the queens crown badges issued from 1953 to 1992, in their various metals and finishes. All are good original badges, which come in good but used condition; the officer’s collar dogs are particularly fine in gilt brass. All are now mounted and glazed in an attractive little wood frame, ready for display.
Complete Pair of German MG13 Magazines & Pouches. A pair of German MG 13 machine Gun pouches full of original magazines. The MG 13 was introduced into service in 1930, where it served as the standard light machine gun until 1935 and some were sold off to aid Spain in the Spanish Civil war, the rest were put in storage, these later saw use in World War II by second line German units. As it was easy to handle and reload, many second line troops could use the MG 13 with efficiency. This was one of the main weapons used in the machine gun emplacements during the German occupation. This full set of eight magazines and heavy weight pouches were left behind when the Germans left in 1945. They are in excellent condition; each magazine has the relevant German marking and the pouches, which are also in very good order have signs of wear and use but retain all their original straps etc. each pouch measures 15.5 inches long and both pouches together are quite heavy, so the shipping will be £14.95 to UK mainland. Ship to UK mainland only.
Complete WW2 German Officers Cap Insignia. Complete WW2 era German army officers cap insignia, comprising of; the Eagle. It is very good, used condition, still retaining both pins on the back. it is marked with the number 38 and the makers mark for Herman Aurich. The Wreath and Cockade. Is constructed in one piece structure with the cockade made up of two pieces with red cloth sandwiched between. It comes in very good used condition and still retains one of its original pins on the back. The Chin Strap. A lovely quality metal bullion strap of twisted bullion wire, which is cold to the touch. It has been used, so the silver colour isn’t as bright as it once was, but there is no fraying or brakes. A wonderful original complete set, in very good original condition, ready for a cap or it will look fabulous just on display in the cabinet.
Copy Miniature Afghanistan Medal with Kabul Clasp This is a good quality copy miniature Afghanistan medal with the Kabul clasp, the original medal was issued in 1878 -80, comes in very good unused condition.
Copy Miniature Ashantee Medal with Coomassie Clasp This is a good quality copy miniature Ashantee medal with the Coomassie clasp, the original medal was issued 1873 -74, comes in very good unused condition.
Copy Miniature Waterloo Medal This is a good quality copy miniature Waterloo medal, the original medal was issued in 1815, comes in very good unused condition.
Crimea era Paper Sampler from a Young Girl to Her Father A paper sampler which could be store bought was probably embroidered by a young girl at the time, the paper is punched with holes for the little girl to follow and these were sold in all sorts of subjects and sizes. This one is commemorating the Crimean war, my pictures don’t really do this piece justice but to each side of the embroidery stands a soldier and the centre is embroidered ‘God Defend The Right’ with the British and French flags. Like all silk thread it is prone to fading and parts have faded but are still visible; the whole thing is still in its beautiful little Victorian mahogany frame and glass, on the back is written ‘Crimea 1856 To My Father on Retirement from the War By Lydia Engligh’, this is written in pencil but under this is the name L. J. Goodwin written in pen. A wonderful historic piece which rarely survive today, this frame has never been opened and should be left, but is you with to make this piece really stand out, just a piece of dark coloured card behind the sampler would make all the difference.
Crimea Medal to Farnworth 44th Regiment (East Essex) Died A very interesting Crimean war medal with two clasps for the battles of Alma and Inkerman. The medal is correctly named to (3420 Private) Thomas Farnworth 44th of foot the East Essex regiment. Farnworth Died in the Crimea on 11th March 1855. In 1851 Private Farnworth was garrisoned in Malta and landed at Varna in summer 1854 for service in the Crimean War. the 44th East Essex formed part of the 2nd brigade, 3rd division under Lieutenant-General Sir Richard England. The 44th had been one of the earliest units into the field in the Crimea and at Alma the 1st and 3rd Divisions were deployed into line and took up the ground in rear of the Light and 2nd Divisions respectively, and in support but saw action in the latter part of the battle. At Inkerman England was one of the generals first upon the scene of action and though he was never in actual command there, his prompt action in sending up his troops, including the 44th at the critical moment to the assistance of the hard-pressed battalions on the Inkerman Tusk greatly contributed to the success of the day. After the battle of Inkerman, the 44th were sent back to Sebastopol to carry on the siege, and later distinguished themselves at the battle at the cemetery, but, Farnworth is not entitled to the Sebastopol clasp, which means he never got there. He must have been wounded at Inkerman, not a terribly severe wound, may be a bayonet or shot wound to an arm or leg, enough to put him out of action and to get him taken to one of the hospital stations or Hospital Ships. This was as good as a death sentence to any wounded man, even with minor wounds; the sanitary conditions in the hospitals was appalling. Men laid in their filth and field dressings were not changed for weeks, if disease such as Dysentery, Cholera and Typhoid didn’t take them then it would have been an infection in the wound causing Gangrene. Sadly Thomas Farnworth died in a Crimean Hospital on 11th March 1855. Medical incompetence and official indifference cost the lives of thousands of young men and it wasn’t until the November 1854 when Florence Nightingale and her staff arrived that things started to change, but this took time. Thomas would have probably been buried in a mass grave, with no head stone or any recognition that he had served his country in a pointless war. This Crimea medal is in good condition with a few light knocks to the rim especially where the regiment is named; all naming is still good and readable. Both sides of the disc are in lovely condition, excellent detail and not polished. The swivel is nice and free and both bars are correctly attached. This medal comes with copies of his medal and muster rolls.
Crimean War Casualty Rolls I have at my disposal the confirmed casualty roll for the Crimean war. This includes battle casualties, wounded and prisoners of war but does not include those who died of sickness, this information usually appears on the medal roll anyway. Also the roll of the Light Brigade, this includes confirmed chargers, casualties, wounded and non-chargers. I am happy to check any information on anyone who served in the Army, Navy or Cavalry during the Crimean war free of charge, but please contact me by text only with Name, Number and Regiment, I will get back to you with any information as soon as possible.
Crimean War Print – A Soldiers Return. A modern coloured print entitled The Soldiers Return. The original by Charles Joseph Staniland 1838-1916. It shows a 17th Lancer, obviously just returned for the Crimean war, telling his accounts of that infamous charge. It comes in super condition, framed and glazed. It measures 20.5 x 16.5 inches. Shipping via courier priced at £8.95
Daily Mirror September 9th 1915 – Zeppelin Raid on Eastern Counties Always an interesting read, this Daily Mirror newspaper dated September 9th 1915 details amongst other stories fire bombs dropped by Zeppelins on London and the Eastern counties with 56 victims including children. 12 pages of text and pictures with mostly war news and adverts. The paper comes in good but used condition with the paper yellowed with age.
Dated 1910 War Office Map Namur Belgium A super quality and condition linen backed map of the area around and including Namur in Belgium. It is dated War Office 1910 bottom right and geographical section General Staff bottom left. Highlighted are things like townships, hamlets, canals,forts, mines and road conditions. Comes in super condition for its age and measures 33.5 inches x 28.
Deagostini by Cassandra Die Cast Hand Painted Figure – Austrian Cuirassier (3) A super mounted figurine from Deagostini by Cassandra, die cast and hand painted, this one is an Austrian Cuirassier, comes in very good condition and stands just under 4.25 inches high.
Deagostini by Cassandra Die Cast Hand Painted Figure – French Cuirassier (6) A super mounted figurine from Deagostini by Cassandra, die cast and hand painted, this one is a French Cuirassier, comes in very good condition and stands just under 4.25 inches high.
Deagostini by Cassandra Die Cast Hand Painted Figure – French Grenadier (4) A super mounted figurine from Deagostini by Cassandra, die cast and hand painted, this one is a French Imperial guard horse grenadier, comes in very good condition and stands just under 4.25 inches high.
Deagostini by Cassandra Die Cast Hand Painted Figure – French Guard (7) A super mounted figurine from Deagostini by Cassandra, die cast and hand painted, this one is a French imperial guard Empress Dragoon, comes in very good condition and stands just under 4.25 inches high.
Deagostini by Cassandra Die Cast Hand Painted Figure – Prussian Life Hussar (1) A super mounted figurine from Deagostini by Cassandra, die cast and hand painted, this one is a Prussian life Hussar, comes in very good condition and stands just under 4.25 inches high.
Deagostini by Cassandra Die Cast Hand Painted Figure – Russian Guard (5) A super mounted figurine from Deagostini by Cassandra, die cast and hand painted, this one is a Russian guard cavalryman, comes in very good condition and stands just under 4.25 inches high.
Deagostini by Cassandra Die Cast Hand Painted Figure – Scots Greys (2) A super mounted figurine from Deagostini by Cassandra, die cast and hand painted, this one is a British 2nd dragoons – Scots Greys, comes in very good condition and stands just under 4.25 inches high.
Death Plaque & Pair to Keynton Berks / Warwick Reg. 1st Day Casualty Amiens 1918. A WW1 memorial Plaque, British war and victory medal all correctly named to 26547 Private William John Keynton 1/5th battalion Royal Warwickshire regiment; it comes with a few pages of research, the commonwealth war graves commision certificate, soldiers died in the Great War register and medal index card, so below is a brief account of this man’s service history. William John Keynton was born in Wootton-Under-Edge, Gloucestershire around 1899. He enlisted into the Gloucestershire regiment or was drafted sometime during 1916/17 and was later transferred into the 8th Royal Berkshire Regiment. Williams’s earlier service needs research when with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, he must have seen action at the Battle of Albert, the Battle of Bazentin Ridge, the Battle of Pozieres Ridge, the Battle of the Ancre Heights, and the Battle of the Ancre during 1916. During 1917 the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line, the Battle of Langemarck, the Battle of Polygon Wood, the Battle of Broodseinde, and the Battle of Poelcapelle. But here we join him after the February of 1918 when he was transferred into the 8th battalion Berkshires regiment, probably around the November of 1917; they formed part 53rd brigade of the 18th (Eastern) division. he was present at the battle St Quentin in the March of 18 his battalion was with the 5th army under Gough; then off to the Somme at Avre and the actions of Villers-Brettoneux, next came the Battle of Amiens, the battle opened on the 8th August 1918, William’s battalion, the 8th this time was with the Fourth Army under Rawlinson, this was a significant action of the war, Allied forces advanced over seven miles on the first day, one of the greatest advances of the war, with the 4th Army playing the decisive role. The battle began in dense fog at 4:20 am on 8 August 1918 the British Fourth Army was in the centre of the advancing front supported by a battalion of 72 Whippet tanks. The attack was so unexpected that German forces only began to return fire after five minutes. In the first phase, seven divisions attacked: the British 18th (Eastern) and 58th (2/1st London), the Australian 2nd and 3rd, and the Canadian 1st, 2nd and 3rd Divisions. Parts of the American 33rd Division supported the British attackers north of the Somme. The attackers captured the first German position, advancing about 4,000 yards by about 7:30 am. The British Fourth Army took 13,000 prisoners while the French captured a further 3,000. Total German losses were estimated to be 30,000 on 8 August. The Fourth Army's casualties, British, Australian and Canadian infantry, were approximately 8,800 of which William John Keynton was just one. He is now remembered with honour at the Vis-En-Artois Memorial, France. He was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Keynton, of Haw St., Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, he was aged just 19. Both the plaque and the medal pair are in superb condition, both medals are named to the Royal Warwickshire regiment
Decorative Edwardian Silver Vesta – Birmingham 1908 A smaller sized silver vesta fully hallmarked for Birmingham 1908 and having the makers mark of WHH, it comes in good condition but has a number of dents across the body, it measures just under 1.75 inches long.
Defeat of the Ashantees. 19thC Hand Coloured Print. A framed and glazed hand colloured print from around the 1830’s. it is entitled ‘Defeat of the Ashantees – the British forces under the command of Col’l Sutherland July 1824’. I will let the picture talk for itself, please see photographs. This print depicts an engagement from the 1st Ashanti War (1823-1825). The British wanted to stop the incursions made from the interior by the warlike Ashanti against the more peaceable Fanti tribe which inhabited the coastal region. The Ashanti was also opposed to British efforts to end the slave trade as they supplied most of Europe with slaves of peaceful coastal peoples such as the Fante and the Ga from that region of Africa. This print is in very good condition with slight signs of a crease down the centre. It has been in this frame for quite a long time but could be hung straight on the wall, but it would benefit from opening and cleaning. It measures 23 x 16 inches.
Devon & Dorset Regiment Officers Cap Badge. A very well made brass and white metal badge worn by the officers of the Devonshire and Dorsetshire regiment during the 1970’s. a lovely quality badge depicting Exeter castle and Sphinx a very attractive badge in very good condition. Ref. L15
Dorsetshire Regiment Cap Badge. The brass and white metal layered badge of the Dorsetshire regiment. This type of badge was issued from 1900 until 1951 when it became the Dorset regiment. This one is a WW1 to WW2 badge, it is a well made badge with no economy elements. It is in lovely original condition with a nice even tone. Ref. L11
Duke of Edinburgh’s Own Volunteer Rifles Cap badge. A south African regiment, formally the Cape Town Rifles, I believe. As the Duke of Edinburgh’s they fought through the Anglo Boer war with distinction. This super quality white metal cap badge was issued from around 1903 to 1913 and comes in excellent original condition.
Durham Light Infantry Cap & Shoulder Badge Set. All white metal cap badge and shoulder title for the Durham light Infantry. Both pieces are in excellent but used condition.
Early 1960’s Austin Sales Brochure Full Range of Cars. An original polychrome Austin sales brochure for their full range of cars; including the 1800, the Mini, A60 Saloon, A40, 1100 Saloon and the A110 Westminster. It was compiled by the Austin Distributors of London and Essex. It measures around A4 in size and folds out to A2 and comes in very good condition.
Early 1960’s L.K. O’Brian Five Pound Note Back when money felt and looked like money we had notes like this, issued in the early 1960’s when L.K. O’Brian was the chief cashier, this note has been in circulation, folded and had ‘35’ written on it, otherwise not bad condition for its age.
Early 19th Century Cast Iron Desk Pen Stand. A finely cast-iron desk pen stand, circa 1820-40. A simple design by elegant in its style, both sides are cast with a flowering vine decoration. A perfect piece for a pen collector to display the cream of the collection, also it will display WW1 souvenir miniature bayonets, holding four items. It measures 5 inches high x 3.5 4.5 inches at the base.
Early 19th Century Hair Curling Tongs Ever wondered how those Regency ladies got ringlets in their hair, well it was with a pair of these curing tongs. Made of a mild steel they are quite unrefined, they were heated by the fire of lamp and used to curl hair. Silver plated and decorated versions didn’t start appearing until Queen Victoria took up the practice in the 1840’s. this pair date around 1810-20. They come in very good condition and measure 11 inches long. An interesting curiosity.
Early 19th Century Percussion Pocket Pistol. A beautiful little pocket pistol, with a turn off barrel, which is approximately 75 bore. It has a lock, which is engraved with scrolls, and a hard wood slab grip with a small white metal cartouche let in. The action is in excellent working condition, nice and tight. It also is untouched and unrestored; it has a lovely all over dark patination and hasn’t been cleaned for many years. A superb little piece which is obsolete calibre, so completely safe and legal to own. It measures 6 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only.
Early 19th Century Print of the Battle of Camperdown 1797. An original hand coloured print circa 1800 of Admiral Duncan’s victory over the Dutch fleet in 1797. The Battle of Camperdown (known in Dutch as the Zeeslag bij Kamperduin) was a major naval action fought on 11 October 1797, between the British North Sea Fleet under Admiral Adam Duncan and a Batavian Naval fleet under Vice-Admiral Jan de Winter. The battle was the most significant action between British and Dutch forces during the French Revolutionary Wars and resulted in a complete victory for the British, who captured eleven Dutch ships without losing any of their own. This antique print is in very good condition, the white space is a little discoloured but this is nice and even and doesn’t look unsightly. It is framed and glaze in a 1950’s style of frame and measures 14 x 10.5 inches. Ready to hang.
Early 19th Century Tower Musket Flintlock Plate. A Georgian musket flintlock plate marked with the Crown with ‘G R’ under and it has the maker’s name of J & W Richards. It has a few lock parts luckily the hard to find bits; it has its original bolster, tumbler, bridle, hammer post and sear spring and comes in very good condition, no rust just a nice dark patina. It measures 5.75 inches long.
Early 19thC Shellac Town Seal Impressions. (3) During the late 18th century, collecting fever took over the middle and upper classes in Britain. All sorts of things were being collected, from butterfly’s and insects to lavish Greek and Roman antiquities from the grand tour. The less wealthy collected things such as these. They would go on a tour of their own in this country and visit town halls and take impressions of the country, grand and even royal charter seals, by permission of course. This was done with Shellac, the latex of the day. These were highly prized by collectors of the day, a unique souvenir of each town visited. Here we have a small collection of these Shellac impressions. It will take a little research to find out what they are, but each is a very interesting piece of antiquity. They are all in good order but being over 150 years old have some amount of fragility. The largest measures 1.5 x 3 inches.
Early 20th Century 5X Magnification Field Binoculars No obvious makers mark on these binoculars they are simply marked X5, they have brown leather grips and a blackened brass body. The optics are clear but could do with a clean, good condition for their age with signs of use and wear.
Early 20th Century Advertising Cloths Brush. An old natural bristle close brush, probably a free gift from Bradleys Taylors and Outfitters Chester. It measures 9.5 inches long and looks unused.
Early 20th Century Dress Moroccan Jambiya Dagger. A very good quality Moroccan Jambiya with a dark horn grip and embellished with a low-grade silver pommel and guard with elaborate engraved decoration. It has a curved steel blade with one long and one short edge which is better wrought than most. The scabbard is solid white metal or low grade silver this is highly decorated with geometric chased and engraved patterns. This dagger has been untouched for years and with a light clean and polish, it will look amazing. It comes in excellent condition; its only real fault is one of its belt loops are missing from the side. It measures 16.5 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only
Early 20th Century Flint Gas lighter. This little tool lit your gas burner in the 1910’s -20’s. an ingenious little device which holds a flint and strikes to light a gas flame. The metal construction is fitted into a wooden handle. All works well just needs new flint.
Early 20th Century French Binoculars Iris De Paris A good pair of early 20thC French binoculars marked on both barrels one has ‘ hippique’ and the other ‘marque iris de Paris’, they are brass bodied with black paint and leather grips, the optics are nice and clear but the body shows signs of age and use missing one of the leather grips.
Early 20thC 800g Silver Argentinian Gaucho Knife. A fantastic early 20th century Argentinian Gaucho Knife. The hilt is made of 800 grade silver with repousse decoration and further embellished with what tests as around 18ct gold flowers. It has a good steel blade with maker’s details for La Movediza, Argentina. The scabbard is the same, made of 800 grade silver and overlaid with 18ct gold flowers. The large and ornate belt clip is marked with the makers details and 800, for the grade of silver and the words Argentina Industria which was used up until the art deco period. A really beautiful piece which similar are still being made today, completely by hand by such renown silversmiths as Daniel Escasany of Buenos Aires but using .925 sterling silver and throwing off their earlier German influences. It comes in perfect condition, only the blade shows a little wear. It measures 9 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only
Early 20thC Blackened Brass Binoculars – Military Issue? Unusually these binoculars totally lack any makers details unless it is very well hidden under the black paint. The body is brass which has been blackened and the barrels are black leather clad, they are adjustable and the optics are very good and clear but would benefit from a strip down clean, they measure 6.5 inches closed and aside from general age use marks have a dent on one eye piece.
Early 20thC Bone Handle Multi Blade Horsemans Pocket Knife A much loved and well used pocket knife, designed for use around horses as it includes a hoof pick, on the pick is a series of 5 marks, I cant make any of them out but they must be maker details. Fitted with bone hafts and includes the pick, knife blade, corkscrew, smaller knife blade and a bradle type blade. It comes in well used condition, with issues on the handle and the knife blades, some rusting as well so could do with a refurb and clean, it measures 6 inches full open and 3.5 closed.
Early 20thC Bronze Army Rifles Association Medal A very good quality bronze medal for the Army rifles association, this example has not been engraved on the reverse for a recipient and comes in very good condition on its original ribbon, the disc measures 40mm in diameter.
Early 20thC Cased Casella London Anemometer Air Meter A finely balanced technical instrument made by Casella London to measure low speed air speed to 1000 feet, the anemometer measures air speed, air velocity or air flow and is used for sailing, water sports amongst other uses, this example comes in its original box with brass mount, the body is blackened brass and the wind veins are very finely balanced. It comes in working order and shows mild signs of age and use, the unit stands just under 3.5 inches high.
Early 20thC Queen’s Own Worcestershire Hussars Brass Button 6 A nice example of an early Pre WW1 brass button for the Queen’s own Worcestershire Hussars, it carries their battle honours for service during the Boer war, it is maker marked on the back for Jennens & Co Ltd London a mark which was used from 1912-1924, the ornate button comes in very good condition with some surface marks to the metal and measures 26mm in diameter. In 1837, Queen Victoria altered the title of the regiment which was for the future to bear the designation of the Queen's Own Worcestershire Hussars.
Early 20thC Solid Brass and Wood Carriage Desk Cannon This is a well constructed 1920's desk cannon made from a brass barrel mounted on a black painted wooden carriage, it has metal wheel which turn and the barrel moves up and down, it comes in very good condition just some light wear to the black paint and it measures 7 inches long.
Early Hitler Youth Knife By Grawiso An Early Model 1933 Hitler Youth Knife by Grawiso - Gebruder Grafrath of Solingen. It has the typical birds head pommel and composite scales, one side set with the enamelled HJ badge. The blade is good, free from rust and stamped with the maker mark “Grawiso Solingen” and “Ges. Geschützt” patent mark, both clearly visable. The acid etched “Blut und Ehre!” motto is faint but still just visible. It has the original scabbard, although this is missing all of its original black paint, however sometimes you find this, probably cleared of paint and polished for dress purposes. But this was done a long time ago as patination has built up on the surface. The leather belt loop attached to the scabbard is still in very good order with working stud. On the whole the condition is very good; it hasn’t been touched for years so with a light clean it will come up beautiful. A good original knife by a scarcer maker, measuring 10 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only
Early RAF PT Instructors Brass Sleeve Badge. This style of Physical Training Instructors badge was used from 1923 to 1949, however the later badges appeared in cloth. This example is in excellent condition. Ref. L23
Early Victorian Military Marked Pewter Soldiers Spoon A large bowled pewter spoon, it is stamped VR with 23 in-between on the inside of the bowl and has the broad arrow with 47 (possibly the year date) on the back of the bowl, it measures 7.25 inches long and has had an active life with dings and dents.
Early Victorian Plated Cheese Scoop. A good early Victorian silver plated cheese scoop with an ivory handle. It is in excellent original condition and a nice piece of dining history. it measures 9 inches long.
Early Victorian Sugar Loaf Cutter. Food preparation was labour intensive during the Victorian period as all foods were unprocessed and had to be prepared daily. So, in the days before cubed sugar, refined sugar was made in the form of a large cone called a sugar loaf, which was broken into smaller pieces by sugar cutters. And then ground in a mortar and pestle if the sugar was used in cooking. This is a good early pair made from stell with an integral spring in the handle. They in wonderful original condition and good working order. They measures 8.5 inches long.
Echoes, from the Battlefields of South Africa by Dudley Kidd 1900 Written from the prospect of SAGM the South Africa General Mission, a group of missionary based people who went among the soldiers on and off the battlefield and detailed the events as they happened, 192 pages of text and adverts at the back, good condition with signs of age and use.
Edwardian 9ct Gold Suffragette Brooch A very pretty 9ct gold stone set brooch dating from the Edwardian era, it is simply marked 9ct on the back, it is set with the three stones embraced by the Suffragette movement, a ruby, diamond and emerald, designed in two colour gold and decorated with flowers it comes in good condition, there is a possible repair to the pin on the back which carries through to the front but this is hard to detect, it measures just under 1.5 inches long.
Edwardian Brass Dress Belt Buckle. A good Edwardian infantry dress, two part belt buckle, used from 1901 to 1914. A lovely old buckle in excellent condition, showing just light wear to the surface. With 1.75 inch belt loops.
Edwardian Hallmarked Silver and Rose Gold ladies Brooch This very pretty brooch is clearly hallmarked on the back for Birmingham 1912 and has a makers mark of S Bros, the front is decorated with rose gold inter twinned hearts surrounded with gilded flowers, it comes in very good order but the silver is tarnished and this brooch will shine up with a good clean, it measures 1.75 inches long and will come in a display box.
Edwardian John Jaques Snap Cards. The original Snap game hand coloured playing cards by John Jaques. These cards from Jaques & Son c.1910 edition with square corners. Designed by John Tenniel (1820-1914), had joined the staff of Punch magazine in 1851 and contributed over 2000 cartoons. He also illustrated numerous books. His fantastic characters on the fast-paced game of Snap have captured the imaginations of children for over a century. He was knighted by Queen Victoria in 1893. This is a rare original set not a reprint, all cards have been hand coloured and come in very good condition. They come in the original box which is a bit scruffy.
Edwardian Large Brass Ink Stand. A large and heavy brass ink stand with a lovely cut glass ink well. The brass stand is of stepped designs with placings for four pens. On top stands a beautiful hand cut glass ink well with a white metal lid. The whole piece is in excellent condition with no damage. it stands 4.5 inches high x 6.5 x 6.5 inches at the base.
Edwardian Norwich City Specials Cap Badge. A rare early Norwich City Special Constabulary cap badge. A lovely quality badge used until 1914 when the city specials increased in number, then an enamel badge was issued. All white metal with the arms of Norwich in the centre and on each side is an angle holding a sword, defending the city. Below this is the constable’s number. A cracking example of this rare badge in superb condition.
Edwardian Royal Artillery Officers Home Service Helmet. A beautiful Edwardian home service worn by an officer of the royal artillery. This one comes in near mint condition, let’s start at the top. the ball and spike plate is gilded brass with silver rose studs and ball embellishments. All of the original gilt finish remains and the silver parts are heavily tone and looks as if it has never been polished. The only wear here is very slight to the top of the ball. The kings crown artillery plate with movable wheel is also in mint condition and never been polished, here again all the original gilt finish is still present. The chinstrap of gilded brass chain has a little wear but about 50% of the gilt is there. it has one gilt brass and one silver rose side bosses, these are again perfect and untouched. The inside of the helmet is just as good; you can see it has been worn as there is a little wear to the leather sweatband and there is a little split to the red silk, about an inch long, silk can deteriorate easily just through time. Inside are the maker’s details for Hawkes & Co London, which explains the overall stunning quality of this helmet. This helmet also comes in its original unnamed tin. If you are looking to buy a good home service helmet, you will not find better with this one and it holds great investment potential.
Edwardian Silver Name Brooch – LILIAN A lovely Edwardian silver ladies brooch, embellished with the name of Lilian. It has a small but clear hallmark for Birmingham 1907. A very pretty brooch, which also has engraved decoration. It measures; 1.75 inches long.
Edwardian West Somerset Imperial Yeomanry Brass Button A King’s crown brass button for the West Somerset Imperial Yeomanry, although a long standing regiment they went through various name changes becoming the WSIY for the Boer war and re named for the Great War so I am dating this button for the Edwardian period. No makers mark and it comes in very good condition measuring 22mm in diameter.
Edwardian/WW1 Naval Officers Sword Belt & Buckle A nice example of an Edwardian up to WW1 Navy officers leather sword belt with brass buckle, it includes the hanger with brass loop, it measures up to a 34 inch waist showing signs of age and use, there is some wear to the leather and is still quite supple.
Egypt with Alex Clasp and Khedives Pair to Hurton HMS Temeraire. A very interesting Victorian medal pair, Egypt medal correctly named to T. Hurton. Boy 1st Class. HMS Temeraire. With Alexandria 11th July Clasp. Khedives medal unnamed as issued. HMS Temeraire was an ironclad battleship of the Victorian Royal Navy, which was unique in that she carried her main armament partly in the traditional broadside battery, and partly in barbettes on the upper deck. She was commissioned at Chatham in 1877 for service in the Mediterranean, where she spent the next fourteen years with the exception of the winter of 1887-1888, when she was with the Channel Fleet. She was with Admiral Geoffrey Hornby through the Dardanelles in 1878, and remained in the vicinity of Constantinople for a year thereafter. After recommissioning at Malta in 1881 she was present at the bombardment of Alexandria (1882), firing 136 11-inch (280 mm) shells and 84 10-inch (250 mm). On 11 June, anti-Christian riots began in Alexandria. The city's European residents fled and the Egyptian ‘Urabist army began fortifying and arming the harbor. An ultimatum to cease this build-up being refused, the British fleet began a 10½-hour bombardment of the city without French assistance. Once the British had attacked the city, they then proceeded to a full-scale invasion to restore the authority of the khedive. As a Boy 1st class, he would have been aged 16 to 18 under training and who had previously served for between 9 months and 18 months rated as "boy 2nd class", shown sufficient proficiency in seamanship and accumulated at least one good conduct badge. His rate of pay was increased on being promoted. Both medals are in very good order, the solid silver Egypt medal has some surface pitting and a little surface wear, but still shows nice detail. The naming is till good and clear, however the naming of the ship has some wear, but again, still readable. The star is in excellent original condition. both medals are on replacement ribbons. A very interesting pair to a young boy who was starting his career in the Royal Navy, a great opportunity for further research.
Elegant 1930's Cut Crystal Whisky Decanter A super quality vintage cut crystal whisky decanter, look like it has never had any contents as the inside is so clean but there is evidence of use around the neck and there is a small chip to the base peg of the stopper, stands just over 10 inches high.
Embellished 1878 Afghanistan Medal. East Lancs Reg. An interesting Victorian Afghan medal, this one has been embellished with engraved lines around the Queens head, very unusual, I can only think it was going to be enamelled, there was briefly a fashion for this during the latter part of the 19th century. It has also at a much later date been remounted on the wrong suspender. The naming has also been erased but there is still a ghosting which can be seen. All I can see is the regiment’s number, which is the 59th regiment of foot, later to become the East Lancashire regiment. please see pictures for overall condition. An interesting oddity for the collection.
Excavated part of Short Sterling Crashed Suffolk 1943 From the collection of an Archaeologist who was part of the team that dug Norfolk and Suffolk WW2 aircraft crash sites in the 1970’s. Here we have a part of a browning Machine gun which was on board the Short Sterling III LK380 XY-Y of RAF 90 Squadron Mildenhall. It was on a routine training flight when it was involved in a mid-air collision with a Hurricane IV KW800 from the Air Development Fighting Unit. Both aircraft crashed. Sadly, there were no survivors. This piece comes in excavated condition and with detail of the aircraft and the horrific crash. It measures 4 x 2 inches.
Excavated part of Short Sterling Crashed Suffolk 1943 From the collection of an Archaeologist who was part of the team that dug Norfolk and Suffolk WW2 aircraft crash sites in the 1970’s. Here we have a part strut from the Short Sterling III LK380 XY-Y of RAF 90 Squadron Mildenhall. It was on a routine training flight when it was involved in a mid-air collision with a Hurricane IV KW800 from the Air Development Fighting Unit. Both aircraft crashed. Sadly, there were no survivors. This piece comes in excavated condition and with detail of the aircraft and the horrific crash. It measures 7 x 3 inches.
Excellent Quality Replica WW2 German Heer Officers Cap A super quality and condition replica cap for a Heer officer from the German army, it has a label with ‘60’ on it inside I am assuming this is the size which is medium to large. Perfect condition and a perfect vehicle for displaying original cap insignia.
Famous Original Watercolour Painting by Joe Crowfoot. Artist Joe Crowfoot was born in Suffolk in 1946 and is very famous locally for his paintings of ships, farm scenes and WW2 aviation themes, Joe sadly passed away in 2017 but was an accomplished artist and is much sought after all over the world. This original watercolour is probably his most famous. It was reproduced many times as prints and greetings cards. It shows a Norfolk US Air Base During the second world war the 446th Bomb group, one of Joe’s favourite subject. A B24 Bomber comes come from a mission, while an air force officer waits watching in his jeep. This is beautifully painted and well mounted and framed. It has Joe’s signature bottom left hand side. This particular picture was a presentation piece in 2007 and has a printed presentation on the back. It comes in perfect condition and measures 21 x 17 inches. Shipping via courier priced at £12.95
Famous Regiments – The Kings Royal Rifle Corps. One of a series of books giving a history of a regiment, in this case the Kings Royal Rifle Corps. It covers the period from 1755 to 1959 including the Peninsula wars, China, Zulu wars, the Boer war WW1 and 2. Quick and easy to read, not a concise volume but a lot packed into 145 pages, for a basic history highlighting the great battles, this is a great little book.
Famous Regiments – The West Yorkshire Regiment. One of a series of books giving a history of a regiment, in this case the West Yorkshire regiment and the old 14th regiment of foot. It covers the period from 1742 to 1956 including the Waterloo, the Crimean war WW1 and 2 etc. Quick and easy to read, not a concise volume but a lot packed into 77 pages, for a basic history highlighting the great battles, this is a great little book.
Fantastic Original Victorian Photograph Royal Horse Artillery with Cannon This is a super original Victorian photograph of members of the Royal Horse Artillery posing alongside a breech loading 12 pounder canon, each man has a different length of whiskers and most are holding a swagger stick. The canon is in spotless condition and you can see the ram rod and bucket underneath. Comes in a decent size measuring 11 inches x 9 and the mount measures 15.75 inches x 13. The condition given its age is very good, there are a few surface marks on both the photo and mount.
Fine Pair Victorian Binoculars by Negretti & Zambra. A beautiful pair of 19th century Binoculars made by Negretti and Zambra of Hatton Garden London, maker to the Queen; they have Galilean optics set in to a brass body with sliding eye pieces, these date from anything around the 1860’s – 90’s so in military terms these were probably a private purchase, they are also engraved with the original owners monogram and would have been very expensive in the day as well as carrying kudos with collectors today. The firm Negretti and Zambra was a producer of scientific and optical instruments and also operated a photographic studio based in London from around 1850, Henry Negretti (1818–1879) and Joseph Zambra (1822–1897) formed a partnership in 1850, thereby founding the firm which would eventually be appointed opticians and scientific instrument makers to Her Majesty Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and Edward VII, the Royal Observatory and the British Admiralty. This pair comes in quite remarkable condition considering their age and function, they are now heavily patinated and have not been cleaned for years, however the lenses are clear and clean and have quite good magnification with clarity better than some modern examples. A fabulous antique collectable that is still a joy to use.
Fine Sterling Silver Gilt Royal Engineers Pendant and Chain This is a very fine and delicate sterling silver gilt pendant for the Royal Engineers, it would date from the Great war era up to the mid 30’s as it is marked for George V, marked to the back with ‘Sterling’ the front has been very delicately engraved with the King’s cypher and the motto for the RE. Comes in super condition just needing a clean and it measures .75 inches in diameter.
Five British 1866 .577 Snider–Enfield Projectiles (3) Three period .577 Snider–Enfield Projectiles found at the site of the 19th century Blackpool Militia shooting range, used to test the new rifle in 1866. Here we have five fired lead projectiles, some with steel tips, all are in very good fired condition.
Five Good Vintage London County Council Ambulance Service Buttons Here is a good group of five, four large and one small button for the London County Council ambulance service from the early to mid part of last century, the four large which are not maker marked have I think a bakelite front with a metal back, the small is brass and marked for H. Lotery & Co London, they all come in very good condition.
Five Packaged Del Prado Men at War Series Lead Soldiers Here are a group of five still in their packaging Del Prado men at war series lead soldier, each pack includes its magazine relating to the particular soldiers unit. All are in excellent condition though the packaging varies in its condition, this group includes: French army WW1 – Infantry corporal Verdun 1916 German Army WW2 – Private 2nd machine gun battalion Tobruk 1941 The Scots – Piper Black Watch 1914 German Army WW1 – 1st Prussian foot guards Royal Air Force WW2 – fighter pilot 1940
Five Taylor & Barret Lead Soldiers The company of Taylor & Barret was established in the early 1920’s in London by two demobbed soldiers, they made lead toys and soldiers such as these, their factory was bombed out in 1940 and they never returned to the same kind of production so I can safely date these for late 1920 into the 30’s, they are hand painted and marked to the base, originally they would have had full bayonets on the rifles but sadly all are broken, otherwise they are in playworn condition standing just over two inches high.
Five Vintage Books Napoleon and his Regiments (2) These little books are remarkably informative, within this group of five we have: French Napoleonic Artillery The years of Napoleon French Napoleonic line infantry French Napoleonic Lancer regiments Foot regiments of the Imperial guard Issued mainly in the early 1970's they are all in very good condition.
Four Biggles Books by Captain W.E Johns Taken from the famous ‘Biggles’ series of books written by Captain W.E Johns, although carrying no reprint date these are not first editions and date from the mid 1950’s, all four have their dust jackets and come in good but used condition.
Four British Army Lanyards. Here are four British army lanyards in one lot. Maroon for the Royal Army Medical Corps, Yellow & Dark Blue for Royal Logistics Corps, Red Blue & Yellow for the Royal Electrical & mechanical Engineers and Red & Green for the Royal Tank Regiment. All as new and unused.
Four Circa 1970’s Aviation, Pilots and Instruction Books Here are four instruction books for pilots, they include: aviation law for pilots 1973, a checklist for Cessna 150 and 172, flying the VOR 1974 and identifying private aircraft since 1946 dated 1967, all come in good but used condition.
Four Packaged Del Prado Men at War Series Lead Soldier Collection Figure 1 Here are a group of four still in their packaging Del Prado men at war series lead soldier, each pack includes its magazine relating to the particular soldiers unit. All are in excellent condition though the packaging varies in its condition, this group includes: 1, The Italians in Africa, 1940-43, private 31st assault, marked ‘Guastatore’ Tobruk (Libia) Italy 1942 2. The old contemtibles, Lieutenant Grenadier Guards 1914 3. Foreign volunteers of the Allies WW2, lance-corporal French foreign legion 1942 4. US Marines in WW1 Sergeant 6th marine regiment.
Four Victorian United Service Club Brass Buttons & Two Others The United Service Club was a London gentlemen's club founded in 1815 for the use of senior officers in the British Army and Royal Navy – those above the rank of Major or Commander – and the club was accordingly known to its members as "The Senior". These four large brass buttons are of a very high quality made by Firmin of London they show the founding date of 1815 within the design, very good condition they each measure 26mm in diameter and come with two small ‘The Corn Exchange Company’ brass buttons, these are also made by Firmin and come in super condition measuring 16mm in diameter.
Four Vintage Books 19thC Uniforms and Regiments (1) These little books are remarkably informative, within this group of for we have: Uniforms of the Napoleonic campaigns Regiments at Waterloo The Prussian army 15th Kings Hussars Issued mainly in the early 1970's they are all in very good condition.
Four Vintage Russian Navy Badges and Patches Other than saying these are Russian Navy I know little else, the group of four consist of a metal faced shoulder board showing a ship, it is 4.5 inches long and has a small flag missing on the top, a full metal shield shaped badge, a black cloth patch and a small round badge, all are in good but used condition.
Four WW2 Era Pitman’s – Simply Explained – Booklets From the Pitman’s ‘simply explained’ booklets here we have four titles, air training maths, radio, camouflage and your car, all come in very good condition with light age and use.
Four WW2 Era \'Simply Explained\' Booklets These four booklets date from the 1940's and they come from the Pitmans 'simply explained' series, they include: Camouflage, radio, air training mathematics and your motor car, all are in very good but used condition.
Framed and Glazed Photograph - Proclamation of George V 1910 A large sized photograph taken at the parade for the proclamation of George V at Temple Bar, the three men in the foreground clearly show the Edward VII livery worn by the yeoman trumpeters. The picture is clear but has some damage to the edges and two sections missing, one top left the other at the bottom middle. The photo measures 11 inches x 9 and the frame is 15 x 13.
Framed WW1 Casualty Scroll – E. Wilcockson N’umberland Fus This WW1 casualty scroll was issued to commemorate the death and service of private 7/18883 later 292906 Ernest Wilcockson 2nd/7th battalion Northumberland fusiliers, he died in Cairo Egypt 24th October 1917, I’ve found a nice write up for Ernest online which outlines his life, he was born in Brampton Derbyshire and later became a ‘beerhouse’ keeper with his wife in Palterton Derbyshire, as a 38 year old in August 1916 he joined up possibly having territorial experience, sadly he died from a gastric ulcer in Cairo and is remembered with honour at the Cairo war memorial. The scroll comes in very good condition in a semi modern frame which measures 16 x 12 inches.
Framed WW1 French Silk Greetings Card. While the war raged in northern French, it was pretty much business as usual in the south. These cards were produced in their thousands by French workers and sent to the trenches in France and Flanders for the soldiers to buy and send home to their loved ones. This one comes just as I found it, very nicely framed and glazed, and it makes a really good display piece for the collector or decorator. I haven’t opened the frame, so I have no idea if this card is written on or what condition the back of the card is in, the front comes in excellent order, just a little faded. I have three of these which all came from the same house clearance; they are all in different frames but being sold separately, there is a postage discount if you want to purchase all three.
Franco-Prussian War Era Dated 1870 Silver Medallion An interesting piece dating from 1870 during the Franco-Prussian war, it features to one side a female figure in a landscape with the river around her and the legend ‘fest steht und true die wacht am Rhein’ which translates as ‘the watch on the Rhein’ this originates from a patriotic anthem used during the early war up to the first world war, on the reverse is the German cross with the date of 1870 within. The piece comes in very good condition but has been holed with a jump ring for wearing, it measures just over one inch in diameter.
Franklin Mint Eagle Bowie Knife. Produced in the late 1980’s I believe, these collectors knives have become very desirable and hard to find; and it’s not hard to see why, because the quality is just wonderful. It has a gold plated pommel and guard and an etched scene on the blade. This one comes in excellent condition with light scratching on the blade. it comes on its original display board and the knife measures 15 inches long. Shipping strictly to UK mainland only
Franklin Mint Heroes of the Wild West Bowie Knife Buffalo Bill. A superb quality small bowie knife with solid pewter hilt as a very detailed figure of Buffalo Bill Cody. it has a solid brass cross guard and a very good steel blade. it comes in perfect condition and measures 10.5 inches long. WARNING. Blade very sharp. Handle with care. Ship to UK mainland only; proof of age required on purchase.
Franklin Mint Heroes of the Wild West Bowie Knife Doc Holliday. A superb quality small bowie knife with solid pewter hilt as a very detailed figure of Doc Holliday. It has a solid brass cross guard and a very good steel blade. It comes in perfect condition and measures 10.5 inches long. WARNING. Blade very sharp. Handle with care. Ship to UK mainland only; proof of age required on purchase.
French 1866 Pattern Chassepot Sword Bayonet This bayonet was designed to fit on the French Model 1866 Chassepot Rifled Infantry Musket (It was manufactured from 1866 to about 1874 and was replaced by the French Model 1874 Gras Bayonet. This bayonet is brass-hilted with a spring steel latch on the right side. The cross guard is steel and has a screw-type latch to tightening the muzzle-ring. The lower quillon is the hooked blade-breaker type and the blade is steel, single-edged and fullered on both sides, with a re-curved or yataghan-shape. The blade is marked on the back-edge with the arsenal details, in this case, it looks like Mre d' Armes de St. Etienne 1870. The marks are a little worn, but still just readable. It isb also marked on the guard, quillon, and ricasso, please see pictures. The condition of the blade is good, some dark staining but no pitting. The hilt is also in the same good order and the brass grip is polished. It has its original steel scabbard, this is marked with the numbers L58874 and the scabbard is in very good order. A very good example of this type of bayonet and in a very collectable grade. It measures 28 inches long. Ship to UK only by UPS at £12.95 Proof of age required on purchase.
French 1874 Pattern Gras Bayonet A very good example of this 19th century French bayonet which was originally made for the French Model 1874 Gras Infantry Rifle, manufactured from 1874 to about 1885 It has a solid brass pommel with push-button latching mechanism. the grips are wood and the cross guard is steel with a muzzle ring and hooked quillon, which is numbered and stamped with proof marks. This is all in very good condition, the brass parts are toned and the grips show some wear but have a good untouched patina. The blade is steel and triangular, with two edges and a broad spine. The spine is clearly engraved with the arsenal, ‘Mre d' Armes de St. Etienne Janvier 1880’. The blade is nice, clean and free from any rust or pitting. There is some light wear, where it has been pulled from the scabbard countless times. The scabbard is basically a rolled steel tube with a ball finial, It is stamped with numbers on the back of the frog loop. All in all a good grade bayonet which is untouched from any restoration. It measures; 26 inches long.
French 1874 Pattern Gras Bayonet – Matching Numbers. A wonderful example of this 19th century French bayonet which was originally made for the French Model 1874 Gras Infantry Rifle, manufactured from 1874 to about 1885 It has a solid brass pommel with push-button latching mechanism. the grips are wood and the cross guard is steel with a muzzle ring and hooked quillon, which is numbered 51164 and stamped with proof marks. This is all in very good condition, the brass parts are toned and the grips show some wear but have a good untouched patina. The blade is steel and triangular, with two edges and a broad spine. The spine is clearly engraved with the arsenal, ‘Mre d' Armes de Chat Mai 1882’. The blade is beautiful, clean and free from any rust or pitting. There is some light wear, where it has been pulled from the scabbard countless times. The scabbard is basically a rolled steel tube with a ball finial, this still has around 98% of its original bluing still remaining. It is stamped with 51164 on the back of the frog loop. All in all a top grade bayonet which is untouched from any restoration. It measures; 26 inches long. Proof of age required on purchase. For sale to UK mainland only.
French Cross for Military Valour. An interesting medal which was established in 1956 to reward soldiers, sailors, and airmen serving in Algeria who had committed acts of valor or gallantry in combat, with extra recognition was given by way of stars and palm leaves on the ribbon. This one is the earliest version, in excellent condition and on its original condition.
French WW2 Commemorative Medal & Bar 1939-45. A commemorative medal of France established on 21st May 1946 to recognize individual participation in the Second World War. this one as the scarce ‘Defense Passive’ bar, awarded for those invalided following an injury or wound from and act protecting the civilian population. Decree 2nd August 1949. It is in very good order with original ribbon and bar.
Genuine 3rd to 6th Century Roman Ballista Catapult Shot Balls Here are three varying sized Ballista shot balls from a small collection recently acquired, used in both machines like onagers and catapults to hand thrown from leather slings, they were fashioned from sandstone and have a hand hewn appearance, the largest measures 6cm or 2.25 inches and the smallest is 3.5 cm or 1.5 inches, a rare opportunity to own pure ancient history.
Genuine 3rd to 6th Century Roman Ballista Catapult/Onager Shot Ball This is the largest example I have available having acquired a collection of ancient ballista shot balls all of varying sizes, this example is approx 7cm or just under 3 inches in diameter and has been fashioned from sandstone, not truly round it would have been fired from a Onager (also mangonel) was a kind of war machine used in antiquity, especially in the Roman army. Equipped with a “spoon” on a rigid arm, was able to throw stone missiles and burning logs on a long distance. Slightly larger than a tennis ball when thrown with power its effect would have been tremendous. Comes in very good condition, it has odd bits of silver paint on it which should clean off.
George II Farthing. George II Copper Farthing 1754. In fair condition, fair detail both sides.
George II Half Penny. George II 1731 copper half Penny. Good condition fair detail both sides.
George III Cartwheel Penny. George III 1797 Cartwheel copper penny very good condition slightly bent, good detail both sides.
George III Half Penny. George II 1807 copper half Penny. Good condition nice detail both sides.
George VI British Empire Medal to Miss Maud Tayt What a beautiful medal the British Empire medal is, especially the lady’s version on the ribbon bow, it was awarded to civil and military personnel for meritorious service and gallantry in some cases (see Medal Year Book .19) This one was awarded and correctly named to Miss Maud Tayt in 1950 for services at Fraser Hind & Sons of Norwich. Fraser Hind & Sons were a large cloth making factory that manufactured uniform cloth for the War Department and made parachutes for the Para Reg and the RAF. Mr Fraser was Mayor of Norwich at one time and miss Tayt’s award is listed in the London Gazette 8th June 1950, so she was awarded this medal in King George VI birthdays honour list; here she is described as a Warping Forewoman, whatever that may be; it is also accompanied with the original Buckingham Palace issue slip named to miss Tayt and comes in excellent condition.
George VI Penny 1940 Uncirculated. A very good 1940 George VI Penny, Uncirculated and retaining a lot of its original lustre.
George VI Period Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps Association Badge A scarce original King George VI period Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps Association silver plated badge inlaid with red enamel, marked to the back for J.R. Gaunt of London and having a double pin fitting. Comes in very good condition measuring 1.25 inches long. In 1949 the QAIMNS 'Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service' was renamed 'Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps' QARANC. In 1953 the badge was replaced with a Elizabeth II Crowned version.
George VI Territorial Efficiency Medal to Baker RA. A good George VI Territorial Efficiency Medal correctly named to 916938 Bombardier V. H. Baker of the Royal Artillery. This medal is unresearched but comes in perfect condition with no wear and on a piece of original ribbon.
George VI Territorial Efficiency Medal to Warfing RAPC A wonderful untouched example of the King George VI Territorial Efficiency Medal, with Territorial Bar; correctly named to 4615624 Private S Warfing of the Royal Army Pay Corps. Well someone had to do it. This medal comes in excellent original condition and suspended on its original ribbon.
Georgian Shoe Buckle. An ornate late Georgian shoe buckle set with marcasite and paste stones into a soft white metal. Every Marcasite stone has been hand riveted into the back of this piece, the work involved in making this shoe ornament, is quite incredible. It is also set with little blue paste stones, which a few are missing, but an interesting piece of fashion history. it measures; 2.5 x 2 inches.
Georgian Silver Sugar Nips. A superb pair of Georgian silver sugar nips hallmarked in London 1801. They have beautiful bright cut decoration and have no signs of wear. They come in perfect condition and measure 5.25 inches long.
German 1921 Notgeld or Emergency Money – Colditz Town and Postcard Here are a couple of items from the famous German town of Colditz, the first is a Notgeld emergency 50 pfennig note dated for 1921 this comes in really good condition and the second is a 1938 dated postcard for the town of Colditz showing views from the town, this comes in good but has been written on condition.
German 1936 Tinnie – Freedom and Bread A lightweight German tinnie or day badge for the 29th March 1936, the legend around the edge has ‘freiheit und brot’ ‘freedom and bread’, comes in good condition, has a loop on the back to take a pin, this is a bit buckled, measures one inch in diameter.
German DAF 1935 Labour Worker \'Tinnie\' made from Wood The German 'tinnies' where made in a variety of materials including wood and leather, this example made from wood is dated to the centre for 1935 and was worn by a labourer of 'hand worker'. Comes in excellent condition with a pin on the back. Measures 35mm in diameter.
German Dagger Cross Guards & Pommel A/F Here we have German dagger cross guards etc, one for a full size SA dagger, broken in two but both parts are present, this comes with its pommel in the same condition and the third piece is a cross guard from a Naval dagger, this has a piece missing. This lot may be of use to someone, all one lot.
German Dress Bayonet & Frog by Eickhorn. A superb German 1930’s Third Reich era Dress or walking out K98 Mauser bayonet. It is the long-bladed variant with typical birds-head pommel, composite grips and guard with upturned quillon; Guard and pommel are nickel plated and the plating is not pitted and still nice and bright. Pommel has rifle slot and catch; later models remove this feature as it wasn’t really needed. The blade is superb with a thin deep fuller on both sides and a spear point with clipped grind tip. The blade is also nickel plated and shows only slight wear to the plating, where it has been pulled in and out of the scabbard. It has the makers mark (Squirrel) for Eickhorn Solingen. The mark has ‘Original’ over the top, which I believe was used around 1935 to 41. The black painted scabbard is also in very good order, and it come with an original attached leather frog, correct for this bayonet. This is stamped on the back with a maker’s mark and dated 1943. The frog is in very good used condition. A really lovely example of this type of German bayonet in excellent totally original condition, measuring 14.5 inches with frog. Shipping to UK mainland only
German Dress Bayonet, Frog & Portepee. A superb Third Reich era Police or Fireman’s long dress bayonet; there is no makers mark but it is a wonderful quality piece in very good condition, no damage or rusting and it comes with its original scabbard, leather frog and Wehrmacht bullion Portepee. A wonderful example of this type of walking out bayonet. Measuring 14 inches long Shipping to UK mainland only,
German Fireman’s Long Dress Bayonet by Eickhorn. A superb quality German Third Reich era Fireman’s Dress bayonet. It is the long blade variant with the typical bird’s head pommel with no rifle slot or catch. It has composite grip scales held on by two rivets. It has this distinctive cross guards with opposite swept quillon. Guard and pommel are nickel plated, the plating is in very good order showing only very light wear. The blade is excellent, also nickel plated with only slight wear, where it has been pulled from the scabbard. It is single edged with a wide fuller on each side. It has the Eickhorn squirrel mark dating 1936 to 1941. It has its original black painted scabbard; this has some scratches to both sides on the bottom half. A beautiful example of this type of bayonet measuring 15.5 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only
German M1898/02 n/A Mauser Gewehr Sword Bayonet. An interesting and scarce bayonet made for use with the 8 mm. Mauser Gewehr 98 rifle and used during the first world war. This is the second pattern known as the n/A neuer Art or newer model which has the two-piece wooden grips. It has a ling slender blade with a pipe back and a narrow deep fuller on both sides. The ricasso has the makers mark of WK&C for Weyersburg & Kirschbaum of Solingen. It has an original scabbard but with non-matching regimental marks. One set of marks can be found on the cross guard, these are quite worn but re for the 138 infantry regiment (2nd Lower Alsatian) Infantry, part of the XXI Army Corps. And the scabbard is marked for the 89th (Grand Ducal Mecklenburgian) Grenadiers, part of the IX Army Corps. This bayonet is in lovely condition with no sign of rust, but it has come from a very good private collection. The only thing I can describe as a fault is, the grips may have been sanded at some point as they are a little on the thin side. A superb example of this hard to find bayonet. It measures 27 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only via courier priced at £10.95
German Made Brazilian 1899 Pattern Heavy Cavalry Sword An interesting German made 1899 pattern Brizilian heavy cavalry sword by Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Co of Solingen. It has a heavy steel guard engraved to the front E U B (Estados Unido Brazil) United State of Brazil. This has a tapering turned over quillon. It has a leather grip bound with white metal wire, a heavy steel pommel and back strap. there is no rust to the guard, it is nicely patinated with a few scratches. The blade is very good quality steel with a pipe back spine and no fullers. At the ricasso, it is marked with the makers details and on the spine a five pointed star, which is the Brazilian proof mark. the blade is clean and free from any rust or staining. It has a steel scabbard with one large fixed ring; the scabbard is a little bashed about with various small dents but no rust just a nice even patination. An interesting sword which measures 40 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only via courier priced at £15.95
German WW2 Mess Tin Dated 1943. WW2 German mess tin with original leather strap and hanger. It is a little bashed about on the front but still retaining most of its original paint. It is carrying the date of 1943, so the earlier pattern. The lid is a bit tight, and the leather strap is very dry and needs a good oil, but a good original piece of kit. It measures 6 inches high.
Girl Guides Pocket Knife. A vintage Girl Guide folding pocketknife containing a single blade and fid. It needs a good clean up and I’m sure it will come up quite nice. These are getting quite rare now, it’s been a long time since a girl guide was issued a knife. It measures 3.25 inches long when closed.
Glider Pilot Regiment Cap Badge. A scarce original Glider Pilot regiment white metal cap badge. there has been a lot of confusion over this badge, it was never worn during the second world war. during the war officers and NCO’s who piloted gliders wore the Army Air Corps cap badge. This badge was not introduced until 1950 and only lasted until 1957, long after gliders cease to be used in combat situation and pilots were flying powered aircraft. It is in excellent original condition. Ref. K24
Good Collection of WW2 WVS and Civil Defence Medal, patches and Ephemera This is an interesting group of items belonging I believe to one lady, Mrs I.M. Cole of Snailwell West Suffolk, she was awarded the Women’s voluntary service medal which comes in its box of issue and is in superb condition, there is a WVS uniform permit with her details on, a Civil Defence Corps Welfare arm band and a handy booklet for how to wear your uniform, there are a series of cloth patches including a National hospital service reserve example and finally a bundle of 1950’s Civil Defence paperwork, quite simple stuff like lighting stoves etc and a selection of ‘rest centre’ paperwork. All items come in very good condition for their age.
Good Early 20thC Hip Flask. A really very nice early 20th century hip flask. What struck me about this flask was its condition. It has a glass flask with a leather covered top. The lid and cup is silver plated, the has a bayonet fitting and the cup is gilded inside. It is in perfect condition with no damage or loss to the silver plate, just very light signs of use, but still useable, the lid has a good seal. It measures 5 inches high.
Good Early 20thC Silver Plated Royal Artillery Officers Mess Spoon A dessert size plated spoon with the intertwined initial for the RA to the top of the terminal with the Kings crown over and ‘Ubique’ under, dating from the early part of the 20thC possibly Edwardian it would have been used in the officers mess and is marked ‘RA Mess 30’ on the back of the handle. Comes in good but used condition and measures just over 7 inches long.
Good Inter War Era Hard Leather REME Suitcase This is a super high quality hard leather suitcase dating from the inter war up to WW2 era and would have suited an officer, there is the remains of a lable inside the lid which is partially missing but can be attributed to Reid & Todd 212 Sauchiehall St Glasgow and to the front is a coloured inset panel with the colours for the REME regiment. The case comes in good but used condition with some inner staining mainly to the corners, the catches work but there is no key. A good size case measuring 24 x 14 inches. A good sized case which will be shipped via courier priced at £8.95
Good large Dealer Lot of Mixed Cloth Patches Inc Sergeants Stripes 12 A good mixed lot of various cloth patches including sergeants stripes and trade badges, all you see in the photo’s, conditions generally very good.
Good large Dealer Lot of Mixed Cloth Patches Inc Sergeants Stripes 13 A good mixed lot of various cloth patches including sergeants stripes and trade badges, all you see in the photo’s, conditions generally very good.
Good large Dealer Lot of Mixed Cloth Patches Inc Sergeants Stripes 14 A good mixed lot of various cloth patches including sergeants stripes and trade badges, all you see in the photo’s, conditions generally very good.
Good large Dealer Lot of Mixed Cloth Patches Inc Sergeants Stripes 15 A good mixed lot of various cloth patches including sergeants stripes and trade badges, all you see in the photo’s, conditions generally very good.
Good Pair of Boer War Magic Lantern Slides – Generals Gordon & Roberts Numbered 49 and 50 from a series produced around 1900 and used to show the folks at home the famous generals of the Boer war these two slides depict generals Gordon and Roberts. Both come in lovely bright condition and measure 3.25 inches square (the whole frame).
Good Pair of French Military Spurs. A good pair of WW1 era French military spurs made of Nickle silver with leather straps. They have had the rowels removed, which is not unusual. They come in excellent condition, leather straps as new but could still do with a wax or oil.
Good Pair of Queen’s Crown VAD Collar Badges Pair of brass and enamel red cross ‘branch’ VAD collar badges each with the Queen’s crown, measuring just over one inch long they come in very good condition.
Good Pair of Royal Marines Cufflinks A nice brightly coloured pair of Royal Marines cufflinks, they have a yellow metal body and are the twist fix variety, no makers mark but the condition is super, the discs measure 21mm long
Good Pair of Vintage Eastern Command Cloth Patches The defiant bulldog. Eastern Command's wartime HQ was at Luton, it's territory covered East Anglia and the Central Midland Counties. Printed on linen this pair have never been used and are still attached to each other.
Good Pair of WW1 Era Cavalry Officers Leather Boots A super pair of WW1 era officers riding boots, they come complete with their top fastening strap which attaches to the leg, they have their laces but these appear broken and shortened. The pair are in very good solid condition, there are signs of age and use with some scuffs to the leather but a good feed and polish should get rid of some of the marks, I would estimate them to be a size 8 and a slim fit.
Good Pair of WW1 Era Ladies Leather Putties Worn at the top of the boot on the leg this pair of WW1 era ladies leather putties come in very good condition, each has the leather strap and should have three buttons per putty but a few of the buttons are missing and two are broken, still great for a display mannequin.
Good Pair of WW2 16th/5th Queens Royal Lancers Shoulder Titles Here are a good pair of all brass shoulder titles for the 16th/5 Queens Royal Lancers, they could date from 1922 up to the second world war, they come in very good condition and measure 2 inches long. The 16th/5th The Queen's Royal Lancers was a cavalry regiment of the British Army. It was formed by the amalgamation of the 16th The Queen's Lancers and the 5th Royal Irish Lancers in 1922 and, after service in the Second World War and the Gulf War, amalgamated with the 17th/21st Lancers to form the Queen's Royal Lancers in 1993.
Good Pair of WW2 Era British Army Mechanical Transport Goggles in Tin An original pair of early Second World War British Army MT goggles and box with yellow tinted lenses as worn by drivers, tank crews, dispatch riders and more. This pattern of goggles features grey stockinet sides as well as grey fur which denotes them as an early manufactured item, with the leather type more commonly seen coming into use later in the war. They are housed in a metal tin which is marked to the lid but is now obscured by discolouration to the metal, the goggles are in very good condition with some odd staining on the fur around the eye piece.
Good Pair of WW2 RAF Leading Aircraftman Cloth Patches A good true pair of cloth patches for a leading RA Aircraftman, they come in excellent condition and measure 3.5 inches long.
Good Pair of WW2 RAF Sleeve Patches These patches are sewn with a light colour thread on a blue background they are also backed with hessian, dating from the WW2 era they have been used but still come in very good condition just a little faded. Pictures to follow
Good Quality White Metal Cigar Cutter Made by ‘Gofa’ this white metal cigar cutter comes in super condition with a lovely sharp blade, it measures two inches long.
Good Selection of Vintage Royal Marines Insignia, Patches Etc A great group of Royal marines items to include patches and badges for a wireless operator and musician, there are two cloth patches for the wireless operator and one cloth for the musician, in brass we have two cap badges, a lovely all brass with back plate musicians cap badge, a pair of post war Royal marines Forces Volunteer Reserve collar dogs, a pair of brass buttons and a small button badge, all items come in very good condition.
Good Selection of WW2 St Johns Ambulance Items to One Man A64788 Philip Martin served with the Norfolk St Johns Ambulance from 1943 to 1960 and earned a label each year following a re-examination of his skills. With this large group is his WW2 defence medal, a large white metal probably sleeve badge, a white metal cap badge, two shoulder titles, his award chain named to him on the back, a Norwich district officers shield medallion dated 1933, a St Johns Norfolk cloth badge, a pair of St Johns pips and a booklet ‘the catechism of home nursing’ this is named inside to Alice Ball. A great collection in very good order.
Good Set of WW2 Era King’s Shropshire Light Infantry Brass Buttons Here is a nice set of six large and four medium sized all brass badge for the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry regiment. Four of the large buttons were made by the Army and Navy supply stores the other two by Pitt & Co of London, these two are a bit worn compared to the four, the other medium buttons are unmarked. Bar the two being a little flat the rest comes in very good condition.
Good Sized Edwardian Silver Vesta – Birmingham 1902 This is a larger sized fully hallmarked silver vesta, it carries the marks for Birmingham 1902 and has the makers mark of T.H, the body is decorated all over with a foliate design, the centre is engraved with RHL in period script. It comes in very good condition with just a few dings here and there, it measures just under 2.25 inches long.
Good True Pair of Hallmarked Silver Salt Spoons – B’ham 1919 This pair of spoons are clearly hallmarked for Birmingham 1919 and have a makers mark of E.S.R, used as salt spoons in open salt cellars they come in very good condition with some wear to the bowls, they measure 2.75 inches long.
Good Victorian Silver Table Spoon – London 1863 George Adams A very good example of a hallmarked silver Victorian table spoon in fiddle and thread pattern, it is clearly marked for London 1863 with the maker being George Adams, it also has the Victorian head mark, it has been engraved to the top of the stem with HJ from SW, measuring just under 9 inches long and weighing just over 3 ounces it comes in very good condition with just some light wear.
Good Vintage Airship Photograph 1909 – Espana Below is a bit of history for the production of airships including the Espana, on the back of the photo it has ‘Espagna wreck 1909’ and then a sentence possibly in Spanish, I cant find details for this ship being wrecked but in the photo it doesn’t look good! Comes in good order with some surface marks to the photo, it measures 7 inches x 5. In 1902, the Spanish engineer Leonardo Torres Quevedo published details of an innovative airship design in Spain and France. With a non-rigid body and internal bracing wires, it overcame the flaws of these types of aircraft as regards both rigid structure (zeppelin type) and flexibility, providing the airships with more stability during flight, and the capability of using heavier engines and a greater passenger load. In 1905, helped by Captain A. Kindelán, he built the airship "España" at the Guadalajara military base. Next year he patented his design without attracting official interest. In 1909 he patented an improved design that he offered to the French Astra company, who started mass-producing it in 1911 as the Astra-Torres airship. The distinctive three-lobed design was widely used during the Great War by the Entente powers.
Good Vintage Army Air Forces 41st Service Group Badge Below is a brief history for the group, this style of badge was worn on the sleeve of a dress uniform, it is marked on the back with A. Aubis. Lyon, the only example of this badge I can find is for sale in the states at $115, it comes in very good condition and measures one inch long. The 41st Tactical Group is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with the 7217th Air Division at Cigli Air Base, Turkey, where it was inactivated in 1970. From 1966 to 1970 the group controlled deployed fighter squadrons. During World War II, the unit was a North American B-25 Mitchell unit serving with Seventh Air Force in the Pacific. It was inactivated in January 1946 at Manila, Philippines.
Good Vintage Bronze Norfolk Constabulary Special Constable Badge A very good condition lapel pin badge made from bronze for the Norfolk special constabulary, has a King’s crown so is probably inter war era, measures just over two inches long.
Good Vintage Colour Sergeant Sewn Cloth Sleeve Badge Insignia This is a lovely quality Sergeants sleeve badge dating from the 1940’s/50’s, it is sewn cloth with bullion work embellishments, it comes in good condition with a paper back which has degraded over time, it measures 3.5 inches long.
Good Vintage Era Machine Gun Belt This machine gun belt is undated, definitely vintage, it would hold 50 shells and currently has small selection of 303 shells fitted into it. Comes in very good condition and measures 32 inches long.
Good Vintage Hand Painted Royal Artillery Oak Plaque Usually constructed with a transfer print this example has been hand painted with the badge for the Royal Artillery with a Queen’s crown above, the wood is oak and it has been varnished. The decoration is very well done and the condition is good however the varnish has worn in places making it look a bit tired, it measures just over 7 inches long not including the hanging hook.
Good Vintage Naval Bosun’s Call Pipe or Whistle on Chain This is a nice example of a boatswain’s call pipe or bosun’s whistle, it is silver plated and comes on a very long length of silver plated chain, it comes in very good condition with some light surface marks and a bit of wear to the plate on the ball, it measures 4.5 inches long.
Good Vintage Photo Postcard German Airship LZ8 This is a great vintage photo postcard of the German airship LZ8 which had its maiden voyage on the 30th March 1911 and just under two months later was caught by a strong crosswind while being walked out of its hangar and damaged beyond repair on 16 May 1911. It comes in very good condition and has not been written on.
Good Vintage Photograph – British Army Dirigible No2A 1910 This photo taken around 1910 shows a British army dirigible, on the back of the pic it suggests that it is ‘No2A’ but my research indicates that it might be the earlier version known as Beta 1, below is a bit of history for the model. This picture comes in very good condition with signs of age and measures 7 inches x 5. The Beta 1 was a non-rigid airship constructed for experimental purposes in the United Kingdom by the Army Balloon Factory in 1910. Reconstructed as Beta II, it was used successfully by the British Army and then by the Royal Naval Air Service as HMA No.17, and was finally struck off charge in 1916
Good Vintage Sewn Cloth Patch – Somerset & Cornwall Light Infantry A good quality sewn cloth patch for the Somerset & Cornwall Light Infantry regiment , comes in very good but used condition and measures 5.75inches long.
Good Vintage United States Navy Boatswain Rating Bullion Arm Patch This is a super quality arm patch made from silver bullion work, probably dating just post WW2, it denotes a boatswain mate rating as denoted by the bullion anchor below the eagle. It looks like it has never been used and is in very clean condition, measures nearly 6 inches long.
Good Vintage USA 62nd Engineers Badge 3 This style of badge was worn on the sleeve of the dress uniform, this one is made from white metal and is marked on the back ‘Ira Green Inc G23’, the 62nd Engineers battalion has its origins at Fort Deven Massachusetts, it was activated in 1939 as the 2nd battalion, 18th engineers, In February 1942, the Battalion was the first unit assigned to a task force being organized to construct the Alcan Highway, a vitally needed overland supply route. This badge comes in good condition but has some surface marks on the front from storage, it will I think clean up, it measures just over one inch long.
Good Vintage USA 702 Division Badge..4 Below is a good history for the regiment during WW2, this is a vintage badge but very hard to be specific about the date, it is made from a brass type metal and is marked on the back ‘IE’, it comes in good condition with some surface marks due to storage, it measures just over one inch long. Motto: MEMOR ESTO or "Be Mindful" Unit History: The “Seven O Deuce” was activated 15 December, 1941, at Fort Benning, Georgia. Equipped with T70s (M18's) before shipping to the United Kingdom, where the battalion arrived on 25 February, 1944, only to be issued M10's. Landed at Omaha Beach on 11 June. Entered line at Livry on 2 July. Formed part of 2d Armored Division’s spearhead during Cobra breakout in late July. Fought at Mortain, established first contact with Canadians during encirclement of Falaise Pocket. Entered Belgium on 5 September and crossed German border near Gangelt. Fought against Siegfried Line along Wurm River in October and November. Re-equipped with M36's in late November. Supported drive on Roer River. Moved to Ardennes in December. Crossed Roer River on 28 February, 1945, and Rhine on 28 March. Participated in encirclement of Ruhr Pocket, reached Weser River on 4 April. Reached Elbe River near Magdeburg, after which they took on occupation duties. Attached to: 2d Armored Division.
Good Vintage Wood Handle Corkscrew with Brush Dating from the late Victorian/Edwardian era this corkscrew comes in really good condition, the handle is made from wood, I think rosewood, it still retains its original brush and the worm is straight and sharp,it measures just over 5 inches long.
Good WW2 Army B Class Tradesman Cloth Patch A good original WW2 cloth tradesman patch for a B class recipient, it comes in very good two part sewn construction, a bit grubby on the back and measures just under 2.5 inches across.
Good WW2 Army Special Proficiency Tradesman Cloth Patch A good original WW2 cloth tradesman patch for a special proficiency recipient, it comes in very good sewn construction, a bit grubby on the back and measures just under 2.5 inches across.
Good WW2 Era Solid Brass Model of a Spitfire This is a good period made solid brass model of the famous Spitfire, the base may have been used as an ashtray but is clean, it comes in very good condition with some light surface marks and a small dent in the base, it stands just over 5 inches high.
Good WW2 Military Marked Acme Thunderer Whistle This is a top quality white metal whistle well marked to the side with the military crows foot with C.N. 973-6266 and to the front with ‘the acme thunderer made in England’, comes complete with its wooden pea inside and is in working order.
Group 6 Anodised Cap Badges The Scottish Regiments. Here we have a group of 1960’s era anodised or stay bright badges all to the Scottish regiments, including Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders, Highland Light Infantry, Royal Scots, Kings Own Scottish Borderers, Black Watch and the Scots Brigade badge. All are in perfect condition and good original issues.
Group of 24 WW2 Era National Fire Service Buttons A great group of 24 NFS (national fire service) buttons, first founded during WW2 in 1941, they include 18 large and 3 small white metal and 3 bakelite examples, without checking them all some are marked ‘Cheney’ Birmingham on the reverse, all are in very good condition and the largest measures one inch in diameter.
Group of 5 WW1 German Postcards An interesting group of 5 WW1 era German postcards all used and dating in range from 1915 – 1918, 4 are pictoral and one is a photo card (not used) showing a group of men possibly in a German hospital.
Group of Eleven Georgian to Victorian Hand Written Letters An interesting group of letters written to various recipients the earliest dated 1790 and range through to 1840, the content can be hard to read and some are requests for payments for services rendered, a couple still have their red wax seals present, all pre dating the use of postage stamps as we know it and are all folded to form envelopes, signs of age and some have tears.
Group of Four Crested China Pieces Here is a good group of four crested china items to include: an Arcadian china shaving cup with the arms of West Hartlepool, a babies crib with the arms of Brighton (no makers mark), a seaside shell with the arms of Brighton (no makers mark) and an Arcadian blacksmiths anvil with the arms of Felixstowe, all pieces are in very good condition the tallest measuring nearly 2.75 inches high.
Gulf War Medal & Clasp & Medals to Snell Royal Navy. 1990/91 Gulf War medal with 16 Jan-28 Feb 1991 clasp awarded for the Liberation of Kuwait, correctly named to; AB (EW) M E J Snell D212369J RN. There were only 3,942 Royal Navy recipients to the 16 Jan-28 Feb 1991 clasp, which was awarded for seven days continuous service between these dates in the designated Theatre of Operations. This clasp signifies service during the actual war. Also this Royal Navy Able Seaman has a rare and interesting job, the EW stands for Welfare Specialist Electronic and they identify an enemy ship, submarine or aircraft by its electronic emissions. A very highly trained and specialised job. So this is a Gulf war medal which is a little special. It comes with his Saudi Arabian medal for the liberation of Kuwait and his Kuwaiti liberation medal. All three medals have never been mounted or worn and come in perfect condition. The clasp is correctly attached to the bar by side pins.
Hallmarked Silver 1935 Dated Life Saving Medallion – Boxed Issued in 1935 to a J. Martin for saving of a life in water this fully hallmarked medallion comes in its box of issue made by and marked accordingly Thomas Fattorini Ltd of Birmingham, the medallion is in super condition and the box is very good but with edge wear.
Hallmarked Silver Christening Mug – Birmingham 1928 A super quality hallmarked silver christening mug, it carries a full set of hallmarks for Birmingham 1928 with a partially obscured makers mark, the mug has been engraved with two sets of initials on either side, very good condition with no dings or dents and measures just over 2.5 inches high.
Hallmarked Silver Figure to Lieut Col Brierley M.B.E. M.C. A superb hallmarked silver figure dedicated to 53107 Lieutenant Colonel John Buckley BRIERLEY, M.B.E. M.C. M.A. J.P. The figure comprises of a soldier of the Kings African rifles in full combat uniform standing a solid silver column hallmarked for London 1957 and made by Garrards & Co London, then silversmiths to the Queen. He Commanded the Depot Worcestershire Regiment from August 1945 to October 1945. Commanded the 7th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment from May 1955 to April 1958. John Buckley Brierley was born on the 18th July 1912 in the Saddleworth district, West Riding of Yorkshire. He graduated from Cambridge University where he was in the OTC and joined the Worcestershire Regiment at Crown Hill Barracks, Plymouth. He was commissioned to the Worcestershire Regiment from Cambridge on 2nd February 1934, and was posted to the 1st Battalion at Crown Hill, Plymouth. After 2 years as a Platoon Commander, he was appointed Signal Officer in the 1st Battalion, which appointment he held at Aldershot, in Palestine in 1938, and in the Sudan in 1939-40. In 1940 he went to France but did not actually join the 7th Battalion until that Battalion also returned from France to the UK in June, 1940. On joining the 7th Battalion at Dewsbury, Yorkshire, on 23rd June 1940, he was successively Intelligence Officer, O.C. \"A\" Company, O.C. \"D\" Company, and 2/I.C. He sailed for India with the 7th Battalion, reaching Bombay on 5th June 1942, and was stationed at Poona, Secunderabad and Ahmednagar, until he entrained with the 7th Battalion for Burma in April 1944. He fought at the battle of Kohima, taking over command of the 7th Battalion during the battle, which appointment he held until the opening of the Imphal Road in July of that year. He was awarded the M.C. for gallantry during the Kohima action. On 24th December 1944, he was posted to 1st Battalion the Royal Berkshire Regiment, which was another Battalion in the 2nd Infantry Division, as its Commanding Officer, with which Regiment he remained until the fall of Rangoon. He again returned to the 7th Battalion, now stationed in India, as Commanding Officer. After the war he returned home and was appointed D.A.A.G., H.Q. Western Command. He graduated at the Staff College, Camberley, in 1947, following which he was appointed D.A.A.G., Central Malayan Sub District, Sereban—where he was awarded the M.B.E. In 1951 he came home to Command the Regimental Depot, which now re-opened again as the recruit training centre for the Regiment. In 1953 he was posted to the 1st Battalion at Bulford Camp, Wiltshire, as 2/I.C. (for the 9th time during his military service!) In January 1955, he left the 1st Battalion on being appointed Commanding Officer, 3rd Battalion, the King\'s African Rifles at Nanyuki Kenya. For the next 2 years he commanded this Battalion in the Mau Mau operations. At the conclusion of his command he returned to England, where he assumed the appointment, for the next 4 years, of Army Recruiting Officer for Worcestershire. Colonel John Brierley retired from the Regular Army after 28 years\' service with the Regiment on 1st June 1962. Colonel John Brierley sadly died suddenly on the 22nd of August 1984 (age 72) at Christchurch, Dorset. This figure is in perfect condition with nice clear marks and measures 7 inches high and 4.5 inches in diameter at the base.
Hallmarked Silver Mustard Spoon – London 1932 This silver mustard spoon has nice clear hallmarks for London 1932 with a makers mark of D.F, it comes in very good condition with some marks in the bowl, it measures just under 3.5 inches long.
Hallmarked Silver Pencil Holder A great little pencil holder fully hallmarked for Birmingham 1934 and having the makers mark of E.B for E. Barker & sons of Birmingham. Still retains a small piece of pencil, comes in good condition but does have a few dings on the body, measures just over 3 inches long.
Hallmarked Silver Regular Army Reserve of Officers Lapel Badge All of the examples of this lapel badge I have found all have the same date of 1939 with the same maker of J.F. for James Fenton of Birmingham, so I am assuming they were commissioned that year and despatched to the officers of the reserve army ahead of the outbreak of WW2. Comes in super condition and measures one inch long.
Hallmarked Silver Shell Shape Caddy Spoon A superior quality, heavy gauge hallmarked silver caddy spoon in a shell pattern, it carries a full set of hallmarks for Birmingham 1964 with a makers mark of P&H, it comes in super condition with no dings or dents and is a good weight, it measures just over 3 inches long.
Hallmarked Silver Spirit Measure. A silver double spirit measures hallmarked Birmingham 1990 and made byW. I. Broadway & Co. it comes in lovely condition with a couple of little faults, a small dent to the small cup and on the bigger cup the rim is slightly distorted in one area. It measures 4.5 inches tall.
Hallmarked Silver Trowel Bookmark – Birmingham 1912 A lovely little cabinet piece, used historically to mark pages in a book this trowel shaped bookmark carries a full set of hallmarks for Birmingham 1912 and the makers mark for James Fenton, completed with a mother-of-pearl handle it comes in excellent condition and measures 2 inches long.
Hallmarked Silver Vesta Case Birmingham 1904 This is a good quality hallmarked silver vesta case complete with a couple of period matches, it has a clear set of hallmarks for Birmingham 1904 and a makers mark of J.G probably for Joseph Gloster, the body has foliate engraved decoration and a central cartouche which has been monogrammed with EC in period script, it comes in very good condition with a couple of shallow dings and requires a good clean, it measures just under 1.75 inches.
Hallmarked Silver WW1 Era London Scottish Matchbox Holder A lovely silver matchbox holder set with the badge for the London Scottish regiment, the hallmarks are on the back but have been polished almost flat so I cant give an accurate date, the lion passant mark and part of the makers mark is all that is legible. Comes in fair condition, one side has a few dents to one end where it has possibly been compressed, would hold a traditional sized small matchbox.
Hand Made Wooden Toy Rifle. A vintage hand-made riffle, cut from ¾ inch plywood with added metal fittings and even a leather strap. It measures 36 inches long with no damage.
Hand Painted Water Colour German Albatross Bi-Plane. A beautifully executed hand painted in watercolours is this German Albatross C. XII Bi-Plane. This was a German military reconnaissance aircraft which saw service during World War One. It differed markedly from previous Albatros C-type aircraft by adopting an elliptical-section fuselage similar to that of the Albatros D.V. The C.XII also featured a tail plane of reduced area, but it retained the wings of the earlier Albatros C.X. Despite the aerodynamic advantages, no significant increase in performance was achieved over the C.X. Examples remained in service until the end of the War. This painting has lovely detail and was painted by a retired architect in the 1970’s. It is very good condition, no fading and measures 17 x 10 inches.
Hand Turned Oak Helmet Stand. (1) I collect WW1 and earlier helmets, and in the past have bought various hat stands and have found that over the years, the stands have marked the inside or misshapen the crown of the hat etc. so I had a selection of stands hand made in antique designs, used by museums and old milliners to make and restore hats. These have proven to be the best thing I ever did to safeguard my collection. The support the hat or helmet in the right places and even supports heavy steel helmets so the liners are not damaged. So here are a few extra I had made to offer out for sale. This one is a general style, used by antique hat stores to display hats. These are good for any hat or light helmet giving to the crown. It is hand-turned from solid oak and has been stained and lacquered with an acid free varnish. There is a choice of two. A) 13 inches high. B) 11.5 inches high. Please state which one A or B when ordering.
Hand Turned Wood Helmet Stand. (2) I collect WW1 and earlier helmets, and in the past have bought various hat stands and have found that over the years, the stands have marked the inside or misshapen the crown of the hat etc. so I had a selection of stands hand made in antique designs, used by museums and old milliners to make and restore hats. These have proven to be the best thing I ever did to safeguard my collection. The support the hat or helmet in the right places and even supports heavy steel helmets so the liners are not damaged. So here are a few extra I had made to offer out for sale. This one is a general style, used by museums to display helmets, it will take a heavy steel helmet and any hat giving to the crown support while not damaging liner. It is hand-turned from solid wood and has been stained and lacquered with an acid free varnish. It measures 10.5 inches high.
Hand Turned Wood Helmet Stand. (3) I collect WW1 and earlier helmets, and in the past have bought various hat stands and have found that over the years, the stands have marked the inside or misshapen the crown of the hat etc. so I had a selection of stands hand made in antique designs, used by museums and old milliners to make and restore hats. These have proven to be the best thing I ever did to safeguard my collection. The support the hat or helmet in the right places and even supports heavy steel helmets so the liners are not damaged. So here are a few extra I had made to offer out for sale. This one is a general style, used by museums to display any helmet or cap, it will take a heavy steel helmet and any hat giving to the crown support with no stress on the liner. It is hand-turned from solid wood and has been stained and lacquered with an acid free varnish. It measures 12 inches high.
Heavy Gauge Hallmarked Silver Antique Albert Pocket Watch Chain A good hallmarked on every link with the lion passant silver mark Albert watch chain, it has a graduating link and a small separate chain with a 1915 George IV 3 pence coin, the T-bar and clip are not marked, the total weight is 45 grams and it comes in very good condition with signs of age.
Heavy Gauge Hallmarked Silver Shell Dish. A really beautiful heavy gauge silver shell dish hallmarked for Birmingham 1908 by Joseph Gloster. It is in lovely condition with no damage or repairs and measures 4 x 5.25 inches.
Heavy Large Link Hallmarked Silver Albert Watch Chain B’ham 1919 This is a stunning hallmarked silver Albert watch chain, it carries marks on every link, the t-bar, clips and even the fob has the same date of Birmingham 1919 this having a makers mark of CU for Charles Usher of the Usher manufacturing Co B’ham, it comes with two watch keys to one end, it weighs in at 66.5 grams and comes in very good condition and measures 14 inches long including the clips, all in all a super piece.
Honourable Artillery Company (Infantry) Cap Badge. The white metal version of the HAC cap badge. This was a territorial unit that was originally proposed to be the 26th battalion London Regiment but the senior officers refused and they remained un-numbered. There are two divisions to the HAC the Infantry and Artillery, this badge was worn by the Infantry after 1954 until around 1969 when embroidered badges were issued for wearing on the beret. This one is in super condition although toned. Ref. L9
Hornby O Gauge Railway Engine Late 1940's to early 1950's Hornby tin plate O gauge railway engine, British Railways No3 engine 82011. This one has had the clockwork mechanism dismantled, probably for cleaning but never replaced. It, I am told is all there including the spring and key, all the relevant cogs are still attached inside the engine. The engine itself is in lovely condition and also comes with some track. A great simple little project for the railway buff.
Hornby ‘O’ Gauge Railway Buffer. 1950's Hornby O gauge railway buffer. This one is in near mint condition and looks like it has never been played with, the paint is perfect apart from a small spot of wear on the bottom. It also comes in perfect working order. It measures; just under 3 x 3 inches.
Hornby ‘O’ Gauge Railway Lumber Wagon. 1950's Hornby tin plate O gauge railway Lumber wagon, to take logs or sawn lumber, it was up to the child to collect piles of twigs to go on the wagon. This one comes in near mint condition, it has both original chains to hold down the lumber, these have gone black with age, but not rusty. The paint is good and the wagon is complete. It measures; 5.25 x 2 inches.
Hornby ‘O’ Gauge Railway Wagon. 1950's Hornby tin plate O gauge railway wagon. It comes in near mint condition, the paint is perfect, just the metal bar that comes across is a little rusty in places. It is complete, nothing missing. It measures 4.75 x 2.25 inches.
Imperial Austrian Frans Joseph 50th Anniversary Medal. The medal was instituted by Emperor Franz Joseph on 18 August 1898 on the occasion of his approaching 50th anniversary of his reign. Made of gilded bronze, it was awarded on this solid red ribbon to all members of the armed forces and Gendarmes who served under his reign from 2 December 1848 until 2 December 1898. This one is in very good condition just showing wear to the gild wash finish, but traces can still be seen.
Imperial German Baden Students or Veterans M1867 Schirmmütze. An Imperial German 1867 Schirmmütze or visor cap, this one dates from around 1875 85. We can tell that by a number of things; it has a wide plate like top a deep Pagri and a very small visor or peek. This is a very unusual cap as it has the colours of the imperial German flag as its Pagri. This is the only one of this kind I have ever had, one book says it was worn by Military students, in this case an NCO, around the 1870’s. and another book says it was worn by veterans of the Franco Prussian War around 1875 onward. But it is a find quality cap made of woollen felt with integrated Pagri. It has two cockades, one state cockade and another for the Grand Duchy of Baden. Inside is lined with silk with a leather sweat band. The condition is very good, it has had a very small amount of moth damage, please see pictures; and some light wear. Apart from in reference books, I’ve never seen another one, a good old historic cap with a tale to tell, I’m sure.
Imperial German Lion Head Officers / NCO Sabre. An imperial German Lion Head Officers Sabre: this was the most popular style of swords with officers, primarily with Cavalry and Artillery officers. Although senior non-commissioned officers had the right to carry officer model swords and commonly did so. The Lionhead sabre is seen in a huge number of styles in this case langets bearing crossed cannons to denote the owner’s branch, Artillery. This one is in excellent condition with most of its original gilt still remaining on the hilt. The lion’s head is set with red glass eyes and holds the top of the hand guard in its mouth. The whole hilt is decorated with oak leaves and foliate scrolls and it has a composite grip bound with 3-ply brass wire. The long curved steel blade has a single fuller on both sides and is not etched. It is beautiful and clean with no signs of rust. The scabbard is just as good retaining its original black finish with just light pitting, scratches and chips, natural wear. If this sword has a makers mark it would be found under the langets. I cant see one, this doesn’t necessarily mean there isn’t one there. A lovely example of this type of sword which looks fantastic on display, measuring 37 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only via courier priced at £15.95
Imperial German Officers Helmet Box – Maker to the Kaiser A very rare original helmet box from the uniform maker to the Kaiser, this has a wonderful label on the outside saying just this; on the inside of the box, what would be classed as the base, is missing its silk or velvet lining showing old German newspaper used as padding by the makers. The box is in very good order considering it has survived over 100 years of use, the only real fault is the main leather strap which goes around the box and secures the base to the main part is broken but not missing, so a repair could be done quite easily; it is in original untouched condition so it has never been repainted or seen any restoration. These are rare and hard to find and usually falling to pieces when you do manage to find one, a must for any German officer’s helmet, it keeps it dry and away from humidity.
Indian Mutiny Medal, 95th Regiment. A superb example of this medal correctly named to 3907 Drummer A. Taylor. 95th reg. it comes with its original Central India Clasp. This medal was awarded officers and men of British and Indian units who served in operations in suppression of the Indian Mutiny of 1857. Soon after the Crimean War ended the Sepoy Rebellion broke out in India in 1857. The 95th Regiment was on its way to South Africa and was diverted to India. Over the next sixteen months it marched 3,000 miles through jungle and desert and fought in fourteen actions. Private Bernard McQuirt won the Victoria Cross at Rowa. The 95th remained in India until 1870 after which they returned to England before becoming the 2nd Battalion of the newly formed Sherwood Foresters. The Central India clasp was awarded to all those who served under Major-General Sir Hugh Rose in actions against Jhansi, Kalpi, and Gwalior. Also awarded to those who served with Major-General Roberts in the Rajputana Field Force and Major-General Whitlock of the Madras Column, between January and June 1858. This medal is in just excellent condition, almost near mint for this age of medal, it shows very little wear to the surface and the naming is clear and easily legible, an all-round wonderful piece for investment and research.
Inter War Era Sterling Silver Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Sweetheart Brooch A super quality sweetheart bar brooch for the Beds and Herts regiment, it is marked sterling on the back and is decorated with blue enamel, this style of badge was used just after the great War through to WW2, it comes in very good condition and measures just over 1.75 inches long.
Inter War Period Royal Navy Sweetheart Badge A good vintage white metal and enamel Royal Navy sweetheart badge, comes in fair condition, shows signs of use, has a pin fixing on the back and measures two inches long.
Inter War Royal Navy Chief Sailmaker Trade Sewn Cloth Patch A good original Royal Navy chief sailmakers sewn trade cloth patch, constructed from blue thread on a white background and depicting the tools of the trade of a sailmaker, it comes in good but used condition and is a little grubby, it measures just under 4 inches long.
Inter War Suffolk Regiment Sterling Silver Sports Medal. An attractive 2nd battalion the Suffolk regiment sports medal, in tested sterling silver. One side shows a cross-country runner leading the pack, and on the other side the regimental emblem of the Suffolk regiment. What is interesting about this medal is, there is no where to engrave any winners details, so the winner has had his service number stamped below the castle, of the regiments emblem. So this little piece is probably researchable as well as being a nice piece of Suffolk regiment history. It is in very good condition and is of a good heavy gauge of silver, measuring 1.25 inches in diameter.
Interesting & Rare 19th Century Copper Token Kelly\'s Sadlery Kelly's of Middlesex were a manufacturer of sadles and horse related equipment and retailed from the Strand in London, they were saddlers and patent whip makers to the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York. This halfpenny copper token comes in very good condition and shows clearly a Postilion holding a harnessed horse on one side and an assortment of their other wares on the reverse.
Interesting 1941 Dated German Information Sheet on British Ranks and Uniform An interesting printed fold out stiff paper sheet I assume used in training German troops in the identification of British army ranks and uniform including head wear with text and detailed pictures of shoulder tabs. A good size measuring 19.5 inches x 17, it has signs of age and use and is creased from folding.
Interesting ANZAC Gallipoli Plaque 3rd Australian Light Horse. The WW1 ANZAC Gallipoli commemorative plaque or medallion awarded to 376 Trooper Maxwell Gordon Butcher of the 5th Australian Light Horse. There is so much to say about this man, I can only start at his birth in Epping Essex around 1892, as a young man he grew up on a farm but later got himself employed as a drapers outfitter working Sussex and a territorial with the Royal West Surrey Regiment. this was a young man who wanted something more for himself, so around 1912/13 he emigrated to New Norfolk Tasmania and looked for employment as a draper but before he could settle into any job, Brittan and her dominions declared war on Germany in the August 1914. It seems as soon as Tasmania called for men, Max joined up on 20th august 1914 into C squadron 3rd ALH. The regiment was raised in Hobart, Tasmania and it had an establishment of twenty-five officers and 497 other ranks serving in three squadrons. The Australian Light Horse regiments used cavalry unit designations, but were mounted infantry armed with rifles and mounted exclusively on the Australian Waler horse. In October 1914, the regiment left Australia, bound for the Middle East. After arriving in Egypt in December, they took part in the North African campaign defending the Suez Canal. They remained there until May 1915, when they left for the Gallipoli campaign with the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). The regiment left their horses in Egypt, and arrived at the Gallipoli peninsula on 12 May 1915. Here regiment fought in the Landing at Ari Burnu latter renamed Anzac Cove. Here the assault troops, mostly from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC), landed at night on the western, Aegean Sea side of the peninsula on 25th April 1915. They were put ashore one mile north of their intended landing beach, due to their landing craft drifting down shore in the misty darkness. The landing parties became mixed up, but the troops gradually made their way inland, under increasing opposition from the Ottoman Turkish defenders. Although they did not achieve their objectives, by nightfall the ANZAC’s had formed a beachhead, in places they were clinging onto cliff faces with no organised defence system. Due to their precarious position the divisional commanders ask to be evacuated, but were given orders to stay and best of the situation. They were finally sent to reinforce the 11th battalion who were digging in on MacLaurin's Hill and were told to hold this position at all costs. MacLaurin's Hill was a 1,000 yard long section of the Second Ridge, that connects Baby 700 to 400 Plateau with a steep slope on the ANZAC side down to Monash Valley, the troops that had to climb this slope, were grabbing the gorse branches or digging their bayonets into the soil to provide leverage, while the Turkish machine guns and artillery were raining hell on their position. The 3rd finally settled in on Popes Hill, Monash Valley and were under constant heavy fire, it was here that on the 31st May that Max was shot through the shoulder. He was taken to an aid post where he sat for eight days before he was transported to a casualty clearing station before he embarked for a hospital in Alexandra. He stayed in hospital until 25 August when he rejoined his regiment back in Gallipoli at Quinns Post. Quinn’s post was also the last trench in an Anzac line stretching up from Brighton Beach, along Bolton’s Ridge, across 400 Plateau at Lone Pine and Johnston’s Jolly and along Second Ridge. The Turkish front line lay on the other side of the road and in certain places approached close to the trenches at Quinn’s. Here the Turks had only to advance a few meters, breach the Anzac line and the whole Anzac area could be lost. the fighting at Quinn’s was of a ferocity and intensity unequalled on any other part of the line. Anzac attacks to push the line forward from the valley crest, bombing duels and aggressive tunneling below ground from both sides gave the post a fearsome reputation. Part of the incessant danger at Quinn’s lay in the fact that it was overseen by enemy positions on three sides and to raise one’s head here above the parapet of the trench was to invite instant death from ever watchful Turkish riflemen. Another feature of the fighting at Quinn’s was the bombing, it was relentless, and both Turk and ANZAC were constantly throwing grenades at each other night and day with no rest bite for eight months. Max was only back in the fighting for less than a month when he was back in hospital again, this time with Dysentery and Shell Shock. This time he was put on an hospital ship bound for England and then on to 3rd Western general hospital in Cardiff. The Gallipoli campaign for the AIF. The ANZACs had landed two divisions at Ari Burnu but over two thousand of their men had been killed or wounded, a similar number to the Turkish casualties. Trooper Max Butcher found himself in an Australian Hospital in the March of 1916, discharged with wounds, his Honorary Discharge Certificate is on file at the Tasmanian Archives. It took some time for Max to come to terms with what he had experienced in Gallipoli but when he started to recover, he must have felt that he didn’t do enough. He there for reenlisted back into the AIF on 8th January 1918. The enlistment officer, after viewing his previous record could not send him overseas to the war still raging on the western front. So he was put on home service in Australia and Tasmania, where his service was exemplary that when he was finally discharged on 5th December 1919 he was at the rank of Warrant Officer 1st class. His medal entitlement at this point is the WW1 1914/15 Star, British War and Victory medal. Max Butcher’s story does not end here; in fact it’s just beginning. After the war he joined the Australian Boy Scouts Association, date unknown, but it must have been sometime in the 1920’s. He married Dorothy Rosetta Glenorchy and he became a Orchardist maintaining and cultivating an orchard in Tasmania. With this plaque comes a copy of his WW1 service record, but the Tasmanian Achieves hold a whole host of original certificates and photographs from his WW1 service and through the second world war; these can be applied for, I just haven’t had time to do so, but they have forwarded to be a list of Max’s appointments included is the list below: Commissioner of the Boy Scouts Association of Tasmania 10th May 1934. Appointed Lieutenant of military forces of the commonwealth from 14th October 1936. Justice of the peace 1st June 1937 – 30th June 1937. Major in the No1 battalion Volunteer Defence Force 31st December 1943 – 15th January 1946. Awarded the CBE in the 1953 coronation Queen Elizabeth II birthday honours list. London gazette 1 June 1953. What an incredible man, his post great war history is ready to be completed. He gave so much, to his country and the commonwealth during two wars and in civil life, helping mold and influence men next generation. This plaque/medallion comes in perfect condition with several pages of research and a CD rom containing his WW1 service records.
Interesting Boer War Era Miniature Medal Martinus Steyn An interesting miniature medal the like of which I cant find another example of, below is a brief history for the man and his relation to the Boer war, my only conclusion is that this was struck in commemoration of his service to the Orange free state, it comes in very good condition on its ribbon of issue. Martinus (or Marthinus) Theunis Steyn October 1857 – 28 November 1916) was a South African lawyer, politician, and statesman. He was the sixth and last president of the independent republic the Orange Free State from 1896 to 1902. The beginning of the Second Boer War, in 1899, caused Steyn to link the fortunes of his state with those of the Transvaal, allying with it against the British Empire. While the Orange Free State was occupied by the British, Steyn ran his government from the field, playing a key role in continuing Boer resistance and the coordination of guerrilla warfare that made up most of the Boer War from 1900 onwards.
Interesting Boer War QSA & WW1 Pair to Stevens. A Queens South Africa medal for active service in the 2nd Anglo Boer war, correctly named to 3450 3rd Class Trooper George. W. Stevens of the South African Constabulary; with Cape Colony, Orange Free State and Transvaal Clasps. WW1 British war and Victory medal pair, correctly named to; M2/034259 Serjeant George W Stevens of the Army Service Corps. George W Stevens was born in London on 4th April 1879 and possibly travelled to South Africa under his own steam. He first served with the Warrens Mounted Infantry in South Africa, probably in the Cape Colony. Warren’s mounted infantry were stationed in the Cape colony in the April of 1901. There principle roll was to pursue scattered Boer Commandos and take prisoners. There is not too much information on this very small regiment formed by Lieutenant Colonel F. J. Warren in December 1900. It seems that the regiment was all but disbanded by the end of 1901 and its personnel scattered amongst other regiments, which is probably how Stevens was enlisted in to the South African Constabulary on 30th March 1901. He stayed in South African Constabulary until 1904 when he was discharged and received boat passage home. When he returned home it looks like he became a Domestic Chauffeur and married Nellie. It is more than likely he drove a motor vehicle in domestic service, so during the great war, he was drafted into the Army Service Corps M2 working in a Mechanical Transport unit, and as he had experience with motors and army service he was soon promoted to a Serjeant and served overseas. There is one aspect I cannot tie down, and that is, on his medal index card, it clearly states that he Died. I cannot find his name on the Commonwealth war graves or Soldiers died in the greats war. I can assume he was discharged or just before he was finally discharged, he died from the influenza epidemic that was rife at the time. There are 2 George W Stevens who resided in London, who died from influenza while still serving in the army and who died and buried at home. One at the December of 1918 and the other in the march of 1919. So this is difficult to confirm. So an interesting lot to a man who was obviously a pioneer skilled driver and mechanic.
Interesting but Unknown Victorian Photo Man In Uniform This Victorian cabinet card photograph is of a whiskered gentleman in uniform, I've had a good look around and cant find a match for this man I thought at first that he might have been police or perhaps prison officer but nothing matches, I think he is a high ranking officer and it would be interesting to know his occupation. The photo itself is in good condition but the card has suffered around the edges but particularly along the bottom. he has a very similar uniform to a high ranking police officer of the 1880's period.
Interesting Collection of Early to Mid 20thC Newspapers This group of newspapers dates from the 1920’s to 1940’s and look like they were saved either whole or in parts for their major news stories, for example there is a front page from 1953 with a report on 10 Rillington Place, 1938 talks to avoid war, WW1 reports, royal news etc. The condition of each is ok but well aged and as I said not all are complete papers but are still a fascinating read.
Interesting Edwardian Book for Marine Engineers A very specialist little book published in 1906 in its 9th edition dealing with all aspects of marine engineering. The property of a gentleman from Glasgow he has written his name to the front and has used the back 'notes' section to draw diagrams and formulae. 541 pages with some interesting adverts. Comes in fair but used condition.
Interesting Ephemera & Photographs to One Man – Armourer in Egypt My title does not do justice to this collection of ephemera and photo’s to one man spanning the late Victorian era into the Edwardian, I think that a descendant (his daughter) of this man put together a biography which helps greatly with the understanding of his career. John William Smith was born in 1870 he rose to quarter master sergeant with the corps of armourers with the army ordinance corps, he fought in the Nile campaigns and was entitled to the Khedive’s star, the Queen’s Sudan medal and a LS&GC, he was apparently ‘loaned’ to the Egyptian army where he served as chief armourer for many years and saw 17 years service abroad. With the collection are a number of period photo’s showing John in uniform, his waxed service paper and the biography letter, all come in good but aged condition, some of the photo’s are damaged.
Interesting European Cavalry Sword. An interesting and unusual mid-19th century cavalry sword. I’m not 100% sure the country of original as it has elements from a few European countries. The hilt has a guard that is all Austrian, brass, quite fine with a curled quillon and these unusual shield shaped Langets. It has a leather covered grips with a fine brass back strap leading to a very heavy unusual brass pommel, similar in style to the Hungarian pattern. It has a long slightly curved blade with a wide single fuller on each side and a spear point tip. It has no marks anywhere on this sword apart from a single small stamp on the back of the blade. This has a crown with a gothic letter under, see pictures. It has a steel scabbard with no hanging rings but a fog button on one side. The condition is very good showing no rust to the sword itself, the leather grip is just missing its twisted wire and the scabbard has a few shallow dents near the bottom. With the brass and scabbard cleaned, it will be a good looking piece and a nice example of whatever it is. It measures 40.5 inches Shipping to UK mainland only via courier priced at £15.95
Interesting Inter War 5 Per Cent War Stock Certificate £100 Value It appears that this type of certificate and purchase of war stock shares were issued post war in this case in 1930 to raise funds for reparations, this certificate is for a £100 purchase of shares by two gentlemen, a reverend from Ireland and a Major from Norfolk. The investment was to generate an income twice a year for the investor. This example comes in very good condition but has been folded, it measures 9 inches x 7.5.
Interesting Large Japanese Photograph WW2 Era A large mounted photograph showing Japanese military alongside civilians, it looks like a town scene and some sort of celebration as the background is adorned with flowers. The central figures are in uniform and some are wearing medals, the civilians are in black robes and the men are wearing the high stacked shoes. An interesting and intriguing piece in good condition, the mount measures 16.5 inches x 13.75 and the photo is 11 inches x 9.
Interesting October 1914 The Times Monthly Review of the War An interesting large pull out page from The Times dated October 1st 1914, it shows individual maps for battle locations on any individual day of September ’14 along with key dates and events in text down the side, it measures 37 x 24 inches and comes in good condition for its age with a couple of small holes on the creases and the paper yellowed with age.
Interesting Post WW2 Badge and Ephemera to Polish Nurse This little group of badges and paperwork belonged to sister Izabella Staroszczuk, in 1950 she was serving in Beirut and may well have served throughout the war, all of her correspondence is addressed to the Polish hospital in Denbighshire and following it chronologically following Beirut she returned to England, in 1958 she was fighting being made redundant and by 1963 she was applying to the BBC to work as a programme assistant in the Polish section. With the paperwork is her general nursing council for England and Wales badge which is named to her on the back and was made by Fattorini of Birmingham, this has her initials as M.S. not I for Izabella, there is also a certificate of registration card for Australia dated 1958 this is in the name of Maria, I believe these to be the same person. Also a pair of SRN pips. All items in good but used condition, one letter torn on seams.
Interesting Post WW2 Civil Defence Corps Welfare Arm Band Badge & Certificate This is a post WW2 Cold War era civil defence corps armband, badge and certificate, it was issued to Sylvia Brydon who completed her course of training for the welfare section in June 1965, the badge has I.C.D.S along the bottom and this stands for the Industrial Civil Defence Service, this was created in 1953 as a volunteer organisation trained to carry out civil defence duties at their place of work in the event of a nuclear war. All items come in very good condition, slightly grubby on the arm band and I include a sheet of history for the ICDS.
Interesting Set of 12 Victorian Hand Coloured Magic Lantern Slides This set of 12 hand coloured magic lantern slides date from the early Victorian period, they are most likely German in origin and consist of four small pictures on each slide depicting various indoor and outdoor scenes of people and animals in day to day life, they probably if used in a set order tell a story but there seems to be no logical order. Each slide is just over 5 inches long and the individual pictures are approx .75 of an inch in diameter, they come in very good condition, some of the pink paper wrapping the slides is loose in places.
Interesting Silver Medallion – Institute of British Engineers There is no date on this medallion but I would guess its from between the wars, it is not hallmarked but tests as 925 Sterling. On the front it has 'The institute of British engineers' and on the reverse 'presented to W.J.B. Soper on his election as an associate member'. Made by D. George Collins Ltd of London and comes in its box of issue. Medallion measures one inch in diameter and is in perfect condition.
Interesting Vintage 3 Inch Mortar Shell Desk Ornament The base of this lovely desk ornament is a British 3 inch mortar shell case, this carries a series of marks including ff1h d32 2-btt 84, it was the standard mortar used by the British army from the early 1930’s to late 60’s, this one has an added brass collar and a lovely turned wood top, it comes in very good condition the metal showing signs of age and original use, the wood top is clean and without damage, it stands 11 inches high.
Interesting Welsh Gold Pendant This is an unusual little piece, a pendant containing small fragments of Welsh panned gold, the like of which I cant find anywhere, it is unmarked but came to me via a clearance and this is what the family believed. Small in size just .75 of an inch long and in perfect condition.
Interesting Wooden Cross Section Model HMS Victory This good sized cross section model of HMS Victory apparently came as a model kit produced by ‘Corel’, it is very detailed including canon and ropes within the hull, the sails and even a man in the crows nest. It stands approx. 27 inches high and comes in very good condition, there appears to be no losses to the woodwork, it is dusty and needs a good clean but will polish up well and make a very interesting display piece.
Interesting WW1 and WW2 Group to Sharp RMLI An interesting group of six medals including the 1914/15 star, British war and victory medal all correctly named to CH 18201 Private G. W. Sharp Royal Marine Light Infantry. WW2 1939/45 Defence and war medal and the Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct medal correctly named to CH 18201 G. W. Sharp. Marine. Royal Navy. All medals are mounted as worn on a brooch bar, but some have been mounted in the wrong order, obviously not done by the recipient as he would never been allowed to wear them in this order.. George William Sharp was born in Islington London on 11th August 1895. Before he enlisted into the RM he was a Taylor’s Porter working in London. He enlisted into the Royal Marines on 1st October 1913. After a period of training at Chatham, his service papers say “Action Joe Chamberlain 1st Jan to 9th Feb 1915” this was an incident which happened in the Midlands where Joseph Chamberlain (brother of Neville) tried to take unionist control of the Midlands. There was a ruckus and the marines were sent to keep the peace. After another short period of training, Sharp was embarked on HMS Hibernia for the Dardanelles and the Gallipoli campaign, Sharp taking part in the in the amphibious landings but it is not known if he was part of the fighting force or one of the men manning the landing boats. What happened to him, it is hard to say as actions and particular squadrons of the RMLI are very hard to fathom, this will take more research, but he didn’t return to Chatham until the March of 1917. In June 1917 he was transferred to the 5th RM brigade (Nelson) 63rd RN Division and fought in France and Belgium until July 1919. Here he must have taken part in the battles of Passchendaele, the action of Welsh Ridge, the first and second battles of the Somme, the battles of the Hindenburg Line and the Final Advance in Picardy. Overall this Royal Naval division had nearly 48,000 casualties during the war. Luckily Sharp lived through the war and was back at Chatham on 6th July 1919. He was transferred to HMS Cameron in the August and remained there until January 1921. On the 5th April 1921 he married Marther at St Michaels Church in Islington and took a house in Chaplin road in Dagenham. Through his career, he served mainly with the Royal Marine Chatham division but also served aboard ships including HMS Cyclops, Ajax, Benbow and Valiant etc and in 1925 he was promoted to Acting Corporal and then Marine. He was awarded the LS&GC medal in 1928 and in 1935 when his time of service was up; he enlisted into the Royal Marine Police, probably as a driver and served through the second world war on Home Service. I have only touched on the man’s service in the Royal Marines, his conduct and character through his service is very mixed from satisfactory to superior and he was well qualified in many areas of military proficiency including Gunnery, Driving and first aid. I’m not sure if ever George Sharp retired from the Royal marines as his death has an authorisation code on his service papers, this relates to his death on 19th November 1956 and the release of his body on 4th December 1956. He was just 43 years old. There is a Sergeant Sharp who was serving with the Cyprus Police who was shot in the November 1956 during the Cyprus emergency, but this needs a lot more research, as I cannot find this man’s service number. There is another G Sharp who died around about the same time in the Royal Naval Hospital in Gosport, Hampshire. Obviously a little more work is required to honour George’s full service history and it would be well worth doing. The medals are in very good condition, some contact marks around rims but no major damage. These medals should be taken of the current bar and mounted properly. They come with a copy of his RMLI service records.
Interesting WW1 Ephemera to One Man Denyer West Kent & Labour Corps Here is a large collection of WW1 era ephemera all relating to one man Henry Alfred Denyer of Islington London, he was enlisted in April 1917 into the Royal West Kent regiment and subsequently attached to the Royal Engineers and eventually the Labour Corps, he saw service overseas and sent home postcards including two silk examples to his wife and children. The paperwork included mostly date from around 1917 his joining up and movements around the country. Before the war Henry worked for His Majesties Stationary Office and included are a number of ‘fund’ books that he belonged to most being post war, there are some papers and letters from the WW2 era and a print of a WW1 map of France perhaps where he served. An interesting archive of ephemera some of which I have not seen before, all are in fair but aged condition.
Interesting WW1 Era David Lloyd George Munitions Poster Headed ‘the passing show’ this was apparently a newspaper issued just post war by Odhams press in London containing cartoons by well known artists and cartoonists of the day, depicting LLoyd George in a go cart and having a dig at munitions with a double meaning caption which was probably very relevant at the time. The poster comes in very good condition with signs of age and it has been folded, it measures 30 inches x 20.
Interesting WW1 Era Liberation of Trieste Commemorative Handkerchief This printed cotton handkerchief was produced to celebrate the liberation of Trento and Trieste from the German army in November 1918, as far as I can see a complicated story of occupation, liberation and annexation, Google it! The handkerchief is made from printed cotton and shows the various towns involved, it comes in very good condition (needs an iron) and measures 14 inches square
Interesting WW1 Era Photo Postcard Royal Engineers Observation Balloon This is a great original photo postcard, fortunately someone has hand written on the back ‘Royal Engineers observation balloon Woolwich’ so we know exactly what is being shown, the card comes in very good condition with just some light signs of age.
Interesting WW1 Italian Political Satyrical Postcard By Rizzi From a series produced by the Italians to make political satyrical comment on the state of the war, designed by L. Rizzi, there appear to be very few of these available, this one is in excellent condition.
Interesting WW1 Officers Sword - Named Dublin Fusiliers. A very interesting WW1 era infantry officer’s sword and scabbard, the sword its self is the normal 1897 pattern sword with the George V cypher and brown leather covered scabbard, the blade is clean free from any pitting or bloom and very nicely etched with the usual infantry horn and kings crown etc, what makes this one just a little different from most is that it has an engraved dedication on one side of the blade, this reads ‘--------------------------------‘. Charles Rowland Macnamara was a captain with the Royal Dublin Fusiliers, he got his commision as a 2nd lieutenant in 1910 and rose to the rank of captain before the outbreak of the first world war, before seeing any service overseas, he was an officer with the Northern Protective force based in Dublin to help ease the tension and to protect the Unionists during the start of the troubles ignited by the tthird home rule bill of 1914. Weather Captain Macnamara was serving in Ireland during the Easter uprising, I cannot confirm, however he did later see service overseas and he is only entitled to the WW1 pair and silver war Badge, so it is possible that he didn’t arrive in France after 1916. The sword itself is in very good condition, the basket type hand guard is a little depressed on one side, this is not really noticeable, (please see pictures) but I still think it is worth a mention. A very interesting man that needs further research and a rare dedication on his sword, presented to him by his loyal troop, it comes with a copy of his medal index card, SWB roll and London gazette entry for his commission in 1910.
Interesting WW1 Photo Postcard Yorkshire Regiment Boxing Team This is an interesting photographic postcard showing a team of men from the 18th Yorkshire Regiment boxing team. At their feet you can see boxing gloves either side of a ball which says '3rd course'. On the back is written 'J. Garratt L/Sgt 18th Yorkshire Reg'. The card is in fair condition, one tear along the top edge and signs of wear.
Interesting WW1 RFC Pilot French Coin Identity Badge- KIA This is an interesting identity badge made from a French silver coin, to the front is the emblem for the Royal Flying Corps with 2nd Lieut J.E. Reynolds Oxf & Bucks L.I. ATTd R.F.C, to accompany the badge is extensive research paperwork for John Eric Reynolds which shows he initially joined up to the Royal Engineers then transferred to the Ox and Bucks and in June of 1917 joined the RFC to train as a pilot. On the 18th May 1918 he and his observer were flying around Cologne, they were involved in an action and the observer was killed, John managed to get his plane virtually back but crashed on landing and was killed, my assumption is that he had been shot and was flying mortally wounded. With the paperwork is a complete photo copy of the diaries of Captain Orlando Lennox Beater DFC 55 squadron from 14th Nov ’17 to July ’18 which includes a brief mention of John’s death but much info on the happenings of the RFC during that time. The badge comes in fantastic condition and measures just under 1.5 inches long including the pin.
Interesting WW1 Trench Art Shell Base –Dated 1916 – Borre Borre was a very small village in France with a population of 650 but which saw action from 1914 through to the end of the war, this 18 pounder shell case base commemorates the village of Borre and has a series of dates, engraved to the body is 1917/1918 and the shell itself is dated 1916 on the bottom, the base is very well marked (please see pictures) it comes in very good condition and measures 4 inches in diameter. In April 1918, the German offensive Operation “Georgette” (the Battle of the Lys), aiming to seize the key railway junctions at Hazebouck, brought the fighting front to within just six miles of Borre. The Merris and Borre North railway facilities had to be abandoned as they were now under shell fire, and the operation of the supply line to Ypres was rendered most hazardous. The remaining civilian population of Borre was evacuated. This situation remained unchanged until the Allies began offensive action during September and pushed the enemy further from the area.
Interesting WW2 Era Berlin Nazi Police Stamp These very high quality paper stamps are made from embossed paper and are the official stamps for the Berlin Police (Polizeiprasident) the backs are gummed for sticking. Super un-used condition and measure just over 1.5 inches in diameter. Ref. 19534
Interesting WW2 Stalag Prisoner of War Identity Tag – South African Soldier This double sided prisoner of war aluminium identity tag contains the information of the prisoner and the location held, it has ‘Stalag VIII-B’ which was the German POW camp at Lamsdorf which was later re-numbered Stalag 344, below this is Nr 80215, a search on Ancestry POW records shows this number relates to L/BDr Z.J. 104191 Gouws of the South African army, it says he was held at Stalag 8C, the tag comes in good condition for its age and material, it is legible but hard to read in places, it measures 2.25 inches long.
Interesting WW2 USA Sweetheart Powder Compact with Mirror A great brass finish sweetheart powder compact set on the top of the lid with a copper finish USA peaked cap, on the inside is a mirror and a lift up flap under which the powder would have been kept and the puff would have been on top of the flap. Comes in good condition, some wear to the outside metal and the mirror has suffered over the years, measures 2.25 inches x 2 inches.
Interesting WW2 WRAAF Group to ASO Fulton RAF Intelligence. A superb scarce Second World War group of medals all awarded to Eve Fulton WRAAF. The medals comprise of; 1939 – 45 star, Italy Star, Defence medal and 1939-45 War medal. Also included is her dog tags, set of miniature medals and a beautiful photograph of Eve in uniform, here she is at the rank of corporal. Not much research has been done on this lady, only her name search on the WW2 serving WRAAF lists, this shows Eve at the rank of Assistant Section Officer, Special Duties Branch. The date of this list was 18th April 1945. The special duties branch was another name for Airforce intelligence, she could have worked in the operations room or on photographic Interpretation and reconnaissance intelligence; any of the latter is likely considering her rank of Assistant Section Officer. So a wonderful rewarding project awaits. All of the items included are in very good condition and now come mounted on board for display or safe storage.
Irish 1917 – 21 General Service Medal. An original unnamed medal awarded to those who took part in the struggle for independence between the Easter uprising of 1916 and the 1921 independence from Britain treaty. This medal comes in superb original condition and it is covered with a nice even patination all over front and back. it comes on a piece of replacement ribbon.
Italian M33 Helmet. A very good clean helmet with original leather liner, chinstrap is missing. There is a set of numbers stamped into the back of the helmet, these read ‘BB5X’, please see pictures. I know these are difficult to identify from WW2 issue to post war examples, and I am no expert on these, so please take a good look at the pictures; but I believe it has certain attributes of a wartime helmet. The leather shims at the back of the liners open rivets. The rectangular chin strap loops and the overall shape. However, please make up your own mind, if it is, you have yourself a bargain.
Japanese Red Cross Cape Medal. WW2 era aluminium medal awarded to all serving Red Cross members. This one is in excellent condition and on its original ribbon.
JJRC Remote Control Military Transporter Truck for Display. New and boxed remote controlled military truck, this one has never been used and comes in box; but the box is shop soiled and the remote control is missing, however it does have the battery and charger cable. A nice big item for display, or you can buy the remotes separate from the manufacturer, if you want to get it going. It measures 16 inches long. Priced to clear.
Kings Own Borderers By James Grant. A late 19th century 1st edition low print run book by James Grant. It tells the story of the Scottish Borderers during the Peninsula war through a novel. It follows a young Scottish volunteer from Carrick going to war. it has everything a late Victorian novel should have, action, romance all set within historical facts. A nice little book. It is in good order, complete but all the pages are a little discoloured.
KO Royal Border Regiment Belt Buckle. A post 1959 Kings Own Royal Border Regiment belt buckle. Made of solid brass with queens crown brass badge. it comes in excellent but used condition.
Korean War Era No 4 MkII Bayonet Canadian Arsenal. An untouched Korean War No 4 MkII spike bayonet, one of the most common bayonets from the war you can find. They are Iconic and very reasonably priced as over three million were produced. But what is interesting about these bayonets, they were made by a host of different arsenals, British, Canadian, American and middle east, which makes collecting this type of bayonet quite interesting. This one is typical design with No 4 MKII markings, and what can just be seen above left is the Canadian circled A arsenal mark. Canadian Arsenals, Ltd. was the post-war successor to Long Branch. Canadian Arsenals produced a run of approximately 5,000 No. 4 Mk. II bayonets during the Korean War. These were the last No. 4 socket bayonets produced. It is in good order with some staining to the spike; the scabbard has some pitting to the lower end. It comes with an original webbing bayonet frog, this is in perfect condition. A good interesting example with a very low production number. Shipping to UK mainland only.
KOYLI Territorial Battalion Collar Dog. A brass and white metal collar dog worn by the territorial and volunteer battalions of the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry from 1908 until the end of the first world war. There are slight differences between the collar badges worn by the regular and territorial battalions. The regular battalions had some fleur-de-lis decoration on the horn, where for the territorials, the horn is left plain. Hardly noticeable, but it makes this collar a scarce piece.
Large & heavy Old Cast Iron & Brass Cannon. A large vintage cannon made of cast iron with a solid brass barrel. It probably dates to somewhere around the 1930’s and it is well made and would made a good fireplace or garden piece. The brass barrel id a little worn, where it has been polished over the years, but apart from that, it is in very good condition with no damage, cracks or breaks. It measures; 14 inches long x 7.25 inches high. Postage to UK mainland £10.95.
Large 16th Century Spur Piece The major part of a 16th century spur, probably lost in battle or skirmish. It measures 5 inches long, quite large for the period. A great piece for the cabinet.
Large group of 12 WW1 Era Royal Army Ordnance Corp Brass Buttons Here is a good large group of 12 brass buttons for the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, two large and ten small, the smaller ones are maker marked with a variety of good makers, they come in good but used condition.
Large Military Marked 1967 Stainless Steel ladle/Spoon A large sized spoon or ladle probably liberated from the canteen for other uses, made from stainless steel it is marked along the upper handle 37 63 315 S.G. & Co Ltd 1967 with the broad arrow mark, it measures 14 inches long and comes in good condition with signs of use.
Large Photograph of Abraham Lincoln A large photograph of Abraham Lincoln with a certificate of authenticity on the back from the mark Reuben gallery in California USA. It is in perfect condition, framed and glazed and measures 17 x 21 inches.
Large Selection of Pre and Post WW2 Ephemera Etc St John Ambulance Here is a large and interesting selection of items all relating to the St John Ambulance the dates range from 1933 to the mid 1950’s and may have been brought together by a serving member, the selection includes: a run of hallmarked silver year service bars, a hallmarked silver fob with 1941 bar, medal service stripes and bar with year service pips, cloth patch and British Legion badge along with a large amount of ephemera and photographs, conditions very good throughout.
Large Victorian Parchment Indenture 1870 Middlesex (1) I find these things fascinating if a bit ‘wordy’ this one is a huge four page document between Charles Blake and Frederic Snow with other names mentioned relating to property on Grosvenor street (I assume London but it mentions Middlesex), it has all the relevant stamps and comes in very good but aged condition, it measures 22 inches x 13.5.
Large Vintage American Style Bowie Knife. A large Vintage style bowie knife, this has a very good steel blade with one long and two short fullers to each side. It has a solid horn grip held on by three brass rivits and a heavy brass cross guard. The original leather scabbard has a retaining strap and a belt loop at the back. The condition is very good overall, the blade has several very small nicks which has lost the blades fine edge, also the very tip of the blade is missing, but due to the side and length of this blade, it can be easily re-profiled by someone who knows what they are doing. The grip and cross guard are in very good order and just need a good clean, the brass guard is heavily patinated. The scabbard is also good and I have given it a good wax recently because it was very dry and in risk of cracking, the wax has done a good job, but this needs repeating to keep it in this condition. a beast of a knife dating, I believe from the late 19th to the early part of the 20th at the latest. The knife measures; 15.25 inches long, out of the scabbard. Proof of age required at purchase Ship to UK mainland only.
Large Vintage East German Flag/Banner – Olympics 1972? This large East German flag/banner may have been used in the 1972 Munich Olympics, it has the eye holes along the long edge and would have been suspended as a banner rather than the traditional flag, it is constructed from three separate nylon sections with a material centre sewn on. The condition is very good but the edges are grubby through use and to one side there is a hole on the material section, large measuring 92 inches x 35.
Large WW1 Era Trench Art Candle Sconce – Royal Artillery This is a huge piece of trench art, the base measures just over 5 inches in diameter, it has a brass fan shape piece added to the back with a hook for hanging, the base has the badge for the Royal Artillery and a second badge added to the middle of the back, it is marked on the bottom with the broad arrow mark CF and Lot 102 but sadly no date, it stands 7 inches high and comes in very good condition.
Large WW1 General Service Brass Button Sweetheart Brooch Its hard to put a date on this piece it may be as early as WW1 but is more likely WW2 era in date, constructed from one large and two small highly shined general service buttons, the large button is marked on the back fro Sutton of Birmingham, one small one is Smith and Wright of Birmingham and the other is unmarked. A good chunky brass pin holds them together and they are in super condition, it measures 2.25 inches long.
Large WW2 Lot to Clark ATS & Husband RAMC. A wonderful lot all relating to Muriel Marie Clark (b 2.3.21) of the Auxiliary Territorial Service and her later husband Private Roger Skipsey (b 6.5.27) of the Royal Army Medal Corps. This lot includes Muriel’s WW2 medal pair, service pay book, photographs, photo albums, official paperwork and other ephemera. W257841 Clark II Muriel M Clark enrolled into the ATS on 26th March 1943. She served for nearly two years attached to the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers workshops as a clark and a shorthand typist. She was discharged on 28th January 1945 due to family reasons. Although there is some evidence that she re-joined after the war and was part of the Control Commission in Germany. It was after the war she met her future husband 14098650 Private Roger Skipsey. He joined the Royal Army Medical Corps in the December of 1945 probably under the National Service scheme. He served with the 101 military convalescent depot as a Physiotherapist. He was discharged in June 1948. An good unresearched lot with loads of interesting period photographs and paperwork all in good original condition.
Large WW2 Royal Armoured Corps Officer Cadet Training Unit Photo 1943 A good large sized group photograph of the 1943 Royal Armoured Corps officer cadet training unit at Sandhurst, the photo is attached to a card mount which carries the emblem for the Royal Military College. There are 27 men pictured and I wonder what happened to them all!, comes in very good condition with some signs of age and use, the photo measures 7.75 inches x 6 and the mount is 11.75 x 10.
Large WW2 TA Group to Park RA Norfolk Yeomanry Dessert Rat. A very interesting WW2 Territorial group comprising of the 1939/45 star, Africa star with 8th army eight device, Italy Star, France & Germany Star Defence medal, 1939/45 war medal and the QEII Territorial medal for Efficient service with territorial & Army Volunteer Reserve bar and the further six year service bar, medal named to 23860118 A. F. Park Royal Engineers. WW2 fibre do tag named to 1528016 A. F. Park. Pres. Original WW2 Desert Rats cloth patch, a scarce Norfolk Yeomanry cap badge, Royal Artillery cap badge, medal ribbon bars with devices and lots of other badges and driving medals for the 1950’s, plus a few pieces of ephemera, photos etc; please see pictures. I have tried to find out as much about this man as I can but he still needs further research. His full name is Alexander Park and he enlisted into the 53rd Worcestershire Yeomanry Anti-Tank Regiment on 15th February 1940. He was transferred to the 65th Anti-tank regiment around April 1941 and arrived in North Africa in May 1941, with 260th Battery serving with 22nd (Guards) Infantry Brigade. The Regiment joined 7th Armoured Division in July 1942 and served with it throughout the rest of the North African Campaign and in Italy. 7th Armoured Division, after eight months of fighting, needed a complete overhaul and the division was withdrawn to Cairo and temporarily ceased to be available as a fighting formation being replaced in the line by the 2nd Armoured Division. On 7 June, the division was again prepared for battle as part of Operation Battleaxe, having received new tanks and additional personnel. In the attack plan for Battleaxe, the 7th force was divided between the Coast Force and Escarpment Force. However, this Allied push failed, and the 7th Armoured Division was forced to withdraw on the third day of fighting. On 18 November, as part of Operation Crusader the whole of the 7th Armoured Division was concentrated on breaking through. They faced only the weakened 21st Panzer Division. However, the XXX Corps commander, Lieutenant-General Willoughby Norrie, aware that the 7th Armoured Division was down to 200 tanks, decided on caution. During the wait, in the early afternoon of 22 November, Rommel attacked Sidi Rezegh with the 21st Panzer and captured the airfield. Fighting was desperate and gallant: for his actions during these two days of fighting, Brigadier Jock Campbell, commanding the 7th Support Group, was awarded the Victoria Cross. However, the 21st Panzer, despite being considerably weaker in armour, proved superior in its combined arms tactics, pushing the 7th Armoured back with a further 50 tanks lost (mainly from the 22nd Armoured Brigade). On 27 June 1942, elements of the 7th Armoured Division, along with units of the 3rd The King's Own Hussars, suffered one of the worst friendly fire incidents when they were attacked by a group of Royal Air Force (RAF) Vickers Wellington medium bombers during a two-hour raid near Mersa Matruh, Egypt. Over 359 troops were killed and 560 others were wounded. The Western Desert Force later became HQ XIII Corps, one of the major parts of the British Eighth Army which, from August 1942 was commanded by Lieutenant-General Sir Bernard Montgomery. The 7th Armoured Division took part in most of the major battles of the North African Campaign, including both battles of El Alamein. The First Battle of El Alamein in July 1942, which stopped the Axis advance, and the Second Battle of El Alamein in October/November 1942, which turned the tide of the war in North Africa. By January 1943 the Eighth Army had reached Tripoli where a victory parade was held, with the 7th Armoured Division taking part. Among the witnesses was Winston Churchill, and General Sir Alan Brooke, the Chief of the Imperial General Staff. The division, now commanded by Major General George Erskine after Harding was severely injured in January, next took part in the Battle of Medenine, followed by the Battle of the Mareth Line in March. In late April, towards the end of the campaign, the 7th Armoured Division was transferred to IX Corps of the British First Army for the assault on Medjez El Bab. The attack was successful, with the 7th Armoured Division competing with the 6th Armoured Division of the First Army in a race to the city of Tunis. The fighting in North Africa came to an end just days later, with almost 250,000 Axis soldiers surrendering to the Allies and becoming POWs. The 7th Armoured Division took part in the early stages of the Italy campaign and came ashore at Salerno, on 15 September 1943, to help repel heavy German counterattacks during the Battle for the Salerno beachhead part of Operation Avalanche, after The division crossed the river Volturno in southern Italy, constructing a pontoon bridge. On the wishes of the British Eighth Army commander, General Sir Bernard Montgomery, the 7th Armoured Division was recalled to the United Kingdom to participate in the invasion of North Western Europe with the British Second Army. They left Italy in late December 1943, arriving in Glasgow, Scotland in early January 1944. When it returned to the UK in 1944, it was re-equipped with two batteries (257th and 259th) of 17 pdr Anti-Tank guns and two batteries (258th and 260th) were originally equipped with the US 76mm armed M10 Tank Destroyers mounting a 3" (76mm) gun, but in the middle of May 1944 260th Battery was equipped with the Achilles 17 pdr version of M10 Tank Destroyers, prior to it embarking for Normandy, in June 1944. The division, part of Lieutenant General Gerard Bucknall's XXX Corps, initially took part in Operation Perch and Operation Goodwood, two operations that formed part of the Battle for Caen, itself part of Operation Overlord. Sergeant park was wounded in action on the 20th July 1944 but released from hospital at the end of August and sent back to his regiment. During Perch, the division was to spearhead one arm of a pincer attack to capture the city. Due to a change in plan, elements of the division engaged tanks of the Panzer-Lehr-Division and the Heavy SS-Panzer Battalion 101 in the Battle of Villers-Bocage. Following the capture of Caen, the division took part in Operation Spring, which was intended to keep the German forces pinned to the British front away from the Americans who were launching Operation Cobra and then Operation Bluecoat, an attack to support the American break-out and intercept German reinforcements moving to stop it. After the Battle of the Falaise Gap, which saw most of the German Army in Normandy destroyed, the 7th Armoured Division then took part in the Allied advance from Paris to the Rhine. The 7th Armoured Division crossed the River Rhine near Xanten and Wesel and advanced on the German city of Hamburg as its destination, as part of the Western Allied invasion of Germany, where the division ended the war. On 16 April 1945, the 7th Armoured Division liberated Stalag 11B in Fallingbostel, which was the first prisoner-of-war camp to be liberated. The 7th Armoured Division's final battle of the war was the Battle of Hamburg. After the end of the war, Park was one of the men that were kept on to make up the British Army of the Rhine, here he stayed until at least December 1946. He was finally discharged on 19th August 1947. I am not sure if he went straight into the Territorial Army or join some years after the war, but he was still serving in the Territorials Royal Engineers in 1962. A very impressive group to a man who saw an incredible amount of action throughout the war, he was wounded and went straight back into the field. More research is needed to tie down just what this man went through. A true soldier who obviously shared his experience to young Territorials after the war. The medals are all in very good order and come mounted as worn, some of the original silk ribbons have become a little fragile and the war medal ribbon may have been replaced. All of the other items are in good used condition and this lot comes with copies of his service index cards etc.
Late 19th century Black Forest Carved Nut & Leaf Inkwell. A nicely carved wooden inkwell in the form of a nut with a double leaf stand. It has also been engraved on the top of the leaf ‘Hornberg’, this is a town in the Ortenaukreis, in western Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It is situated in the Black Forest, 35 km southeast of Offenburg, so probably a tourist piece in its day. It is in perfect order and it still retains its original glass ink fountain.
Late Victorian Night and Day Two Draw Telescope – Lione & Co London A good solid brass two draw telescope well marked on the top barrel with ‘ Lione & Co Brook Street Holbourn Day or Night’, the bottom barrel is covered with a light weight stained wood and to each end are protective sliding lense protectors, the optics are clear and appear to be all present, it measures 26.5 inches long fully drawn and comes in a leather protective case, the telescope shows nominal signs of age and use, the leather case is missing its top section and shows signs of age and use.
Late Victorian Royal Naval Sextant. An English, brass admiralty naval sextant in excellent original condition with all lenses and filter present and a shaped Mahogany handle suitable for all weather conditions. The radius sextant moves around its arc to aid navigation, Vernier adjustment, folding UV filters to protect against daytime sunlight and it comes in its original fitted Mahogany case with brass fittings. It has a final calibration certificate inside the lid of its box, done by Hughes & Son London on the 16th April 1900. This whole piece is in excellent condition, it shows some signs of use to various parts, but these are not worn. A fabulous maritime instrument in wonderful condition.
Length of Replacement 1914 / 1915 Star Medal Ribbon. A generous 6 inch length of good quality replacement ribbon. I have a short supply at this price so snap a piece up while it’s available.
Length of Replacement Military Medal Ribbon. A generous 6 inch length of good quality replacement. I have a short supply at this price so snap a piece up while it’s available.
Length of Replacement Military Medal Ribbon. A generous 6 inch length of good quality replacement. I have a short supply at this price so snap a piece up while it’s available.
Length of Replacement TFWM Ribbon. A generous 6 inch length of good quality replacement ribbon for the Territorial Force War Medal. I have a short supply at this price so snap a piece up while it’s available.
Lot Machine Gun Belts Parts Various machine gun belts or parts of. A long belt measuring 32 inches long containing fired blanks. Plus short parts including drill rounds. All you see here. Due to weight shipping will be £7.95 Shipping to UK mainland only
Lovely 1950\'s Gents Ramona 25 Jewels Automatic Incabloc Wristwatch This is a great looking vintage Ramona 25 jewel automatic incabloc gents wristwatch, it comes on a good quality expanding bracelet, the hands and face numbers look gilded and there is a very fine luminous section on the hands. It comes in good working condition, I've had it running for three days, and it has kept good time. but I didn't get round to adjusting the date. It has been used and shows signs of wear particularly on the inside of the bracelet, it would benefit from a good clean and it should make a very fine watch.
Lovely Antique Miniature Carved Treen Barrel Usually these kind of items are made from wood taken from ships that have been scrapped, I’m not sure if this is the case with this piece but it is very in keeping. Made from I think from turned oak this little barrel unscrews and when done up all of the grain meets, It stands just over two inches high and is in very good condition aside from a couple of small splits were it has been over tightened.
Lovely Victorian Boxed Game of Bone Spellicans/Jack Straws This is a lovely original late Victorian wood boxed game that I know as Jack Straws but is named as ‘spellicans’ on the box but also known as pick up sticks, the sticks are made from bone and there are 30 of them plus two hooked picks. The original lightwood box has a lable on the top naming the game and on the bottom is a retailers lable which reads ‘from Taylor’s fancy repository 27 King’s road Brighton’. The set comes in very good condition, the box has had a repair to the lid and is missing a small section of the wood on the end. It measures just under 5 inches long.
Lovely WW2 Era Silk Runner Royal Artillery A really pretty silk runner measuring 37 inches long having a green background with gold thread patterns, to the centre is a pink silk square with the badge and motto for the Royal Artillery, it comes in wonderful condition with no signs of moth damage.
Lovely WW2 Era Silver WRNS Sweetheart Brooch and Bow A really pretty sweetheart brooch for the Womens Royal Naval Service constructed from Sterling silver and coloured enamels, marked to the back 'silver' it comes in super condition and measures 1.5 inches long.
Lt Victorian Gilt Metal Artillery Officers Pouch Badge. A super piece worn on the officer’s ammo pouch. This one is beautiful quality and comes in near mint condition. it has movable wheel and three screw posts on the back for fixing, but the nuts for the posts are missing. It measures 3.25 inches wide. Ref. J1
Magnificent & Rare RN Surgeon’s 3 Complete Dress Uniforms. A very rare dress uniform that belonged to Surgeon Lieutenant Commander W. Greaves. RN. It comprises of; The Tail Coat this was for ceremonial and no 1 dress. This is a beautiful piece, embellished with gold bullion and gilt buttons, this dates from the early 1930’s but it was re-buttoned with Kings Crown buttons. It has the removable shoulder boards, again made from heavy gold bullion, these show some wear but still in good condition. This coat in general is in wonderful condition, it was last used during WW2 and since then it has been stored really well so there is no moth damage. It does have a few faults which I will list, but all of these were caused just by wear. The collar rim is worn a slightly tatty, some of the bullion braid has come loose, this is just because the original silk cotton that fixed it to the coat has perished, unfortunately fine silk cotton isn’t very hard wearing, so the bullion just needs re-stitching. The Mess Dress Jacket. Again a really beautifully made garment made of wool with gold bullion and it also retains its waist coat, this has gilt and silver buttons displaying the Kings Crown. Both of these garments are in excellent condition with no damage. The Frock or Morning Coat, this is my favourite piece, typical of the Edwardian period, the quality of this jacket is amazing, it is made from thick black mohair with a black silk lining and once again with gold bullion insignia and gilt buttons, the shoulder boards also can fit to this coat as well. This is in stunning condition with just a couple of very minor faults. The stitching to parts of the silk lining has come loose, so it needs re-stitching but this is not damage or worn. This coat was specially tailored by Gieves of London and it was last attended to by that company in 1936. The Trousers, wool with a gold bullion stripe down the outside of each leg, these are in excellent condition with no damage I can see, but the gold bullion is a little dirty. Bi-Corn Hat. This in itself is a fabulous collectable made of black felt and silk with gold bullion ends to the hat. This is in very good condition, the silk lining shows it has been worn, it is a little dirty but it has no major damage. The Sword Belt, made from silk covered leather embellished with bullion braid, the main part of the buckle is missing, I used an old badge just to hold it together for display but an original gilt buckle, shouldn’t be too hard to find for a reasonable price. A truly wonderful display uniform which being for a Surgeon Lieutenant commander it is very rare, and never seem to come onto the market. Apart from natural ware which has been caused by use, there is no damage to any of the garments and the quality is quite stunning and all completely hand tailored, I would advise this for display only, it is to important to risk damaging by wearing it, as we are only temporary guardians of these pieces of history, it must be looked after and maintained for future generations to admire and enjoy. I haven’t had the chance to research this man, it is obvious that he must have served during the First World War and held this rank by WW2, so his early years as a young officer must have been during the early 1900’s As with all my uniforms, they are checked for any damage and sprayed with a modern anti-moth preparation, which is perfectly harmless to old materials, the uniform is them placed into a ‘space bag’ and sealed this gives the uniform an air tight seal free from any dust, damp, bugs or moth, it is then stored at room temperature.
Magnificent Victorian Silver Musket Shooting Award. A really stunning hallmarked silver gilt award. On the obverse it is beautifully engraved with a cannon and in a ribbon swag above is written “Stand Fast”. Also on this side is the hallmark of London 1849. The reverse is covered with beautiful period engraving, which reads “Presented to the Artillery Division by Captain Robinson for the Best Shot at the Annual Musket Practice 10th July 1851”. Holding the round disk is a silver gilt suspender of crossed cannons bound with silver gilt rope and a piece of maroon silk ribbon. This piece is in superb condition still with its original gilt finish untouched, no damage or repairs. A beautiful and rare piece awarded just before the Crimean war. the main disk measures 1.75 inches in diameter.
Magnificent WW1 Belgian Gallantry Group. A really beautiful group comprising of 8 medals, which I will list in a moment, 4 original photographs of the recipient and a tested silver watch chain with locket containing a photograph of a young lady. The group is attributed to 1er Soldat and latter Sous-Lieutenant Armand Frimout of the Belgian Medical Corps and comprises of the King Albert’s Veterans medal, the Centenary of National Independence Commemorative Medal 1830-1930, the Allied Victory medal, Belgian issue, The Fire Cross, awarded to those wounded or those that performed an act of courage in WWI. The commemorative medal for WW1 service this has 4 silver bars and a red cross. The first silver bar was awarded for one year of front line service and each other bar was awarded for six months service on the front line’ the Red Cross was awarded for receiving a wound in battle. The Croix de Guerre with one bronze and one silver palm; this was awarded for bravery or other military virtue on the battlefield, or for serving three years of good service on the front line; the two palms were for two different citations. The Knight - Order of the Crown, Large crossed swords ribbon device denote a long service award to a World War 1 veteran. And lastly the Officer of the Order of Leopold II Gold medal; Awarded after 20 years of meritorious service to a non-commissioned officer (9 years for non-commissioned officers member of the flying personnel), and after 25 years of service for a private or corporal. The four original photographs show Armand in various poses, one studio picture at the bottom of the frame, Armand is wearing the silver watch chain which is also included. Now condition. All of the medals are in perfect condition and look as if they have never been worn, just stored, all eight have their original two tine pins on the back. The photographs are also in excellent order and the watch chain is in very good condition but looks as if it has had a few very minor repairs over the years; the photo it contains is a little faded and creased, but you can just make it out in the picture. A stunning collection to one man, the frame simply unscrews at the back so all of the medals etc can easily be inspected. The watch chain is much longer than it appears in the frame, each silver chain measure about 8 inches long with the locket in the middle. This is the first time this group has appeared on the market, it has come direct from Belgium with another to an army and resistance officer which I hope to have on sale in a few weeks. A marvelous lot which holds great investment potential.
Massive Vintage American Bowie Knife & Sheath. A substantial vintage American Bowie Knife. It has a long polished stag horn grip, which is has bolts running through the tang. The massive steel blade has no makers mark, but it is a very fine and well-made blade, measuring 11.5 inches long. It all fits snugly in a beautiful hand-made leather sheath, this has been embellished with native American beadwork. The whole piece comes in perfect condition and it measures a total of 21 inches long in its sheath. Ref. 22786 Ship to UK mainland only. Age required on purchase.
Medal Album - Brand New. Brand new padded medal album complete with 4 sheet medal wallets which will hold 24 medals, further sheets are easy to purchase from eBay etc, also included is the white spacer card, this can be written on or just used as added protection to the medals. This album is new and unused.
Mid 19th Century Enfield Type Percussion Carbine. Almost Identical to the 1853 Carbine used at the end of the Crimean war by British artillery and cavalry. This interesting Carbine has the standard shape stock with a Tower type percussion lock marked with Queen Victoria’s crown and other markings I cant quite make out. It has a 23 inch barrel, with ram rod underneath and it looks like the original sight has been removed an a fixed sight put on. It has two bands. One of iron and the other of brass, the bras band probably a replacement and also two fixed strap loops and a brass trigger guard, all in keeping with the 1853 pattern. This type of carbine was produced from 1853 to 1861 and in use for a lot longer, so bits were added and repaired while in service. This piece is in good order but with a little attention it could be made into a lovely example. The metal could be given a clean up and under the lock there is a crack in the stock. Where the barrel sits into the stock, it looks like the barrel is pitted. Water has got under the barrel at some point. Also it dry fires but the lock only with engage in half cock, but the spring is nice and tight and gives a very sharp snap when fired. So and interesting Carbine that needs a little TLC to make it a very good example. Total measurement 38 inches long. Shipping strictly to UK mainland only via courier priced at £15.95
Mid 20th Century Original Pen and Ink Civil War Drawings with Certificate Sold by Sulis fine art in the USA these 3 mid 20th century pen and ink drawings show elements from the American civil war, they include General Grants kerosene lamp, the bugle that blew the cease fire and a canon with dead bodies around, they come with their certificate of authenticity dated 2015, they come in good condition but have been stuck in something with tape on the corners, the largest measures 9.5 inches x 5.
Military Figures of WWII DVD Box Set. A 10 DVD box set highlighting the main players of the second world war, such as Mussolini, Rudolf Hess, Himmler, Bormann, Roosevelt and of course Churchill plus others. The box has been opened but DVD’s are unused. Hours of fun.
Military Medal (MM) to Kay L N Lancs Regt. For Passchendaele A superb MM awarded for gallantry and correctly named to Pte 4857 / 242292 Robert Kay. 2/5th Loyal North Lancs Regt: Robert Kay was born in Bolton in 1880 the third son of William Kay a cotton spinner and Margaret (nee Parker) of 18 Great Moor Street who were married at St Peters Church Bolton on 20th February 1875. In 1881 the family were living at 15 Gregson Field, Great Lever Bolton. Other children of the family were: Charles (b1875), Thomas (b1877), Mary E (b1882), Betsy (b1884), William (b1887) and Nathan (b1890). In 1901 the family had moved to 87 Plover Street, the father William now 50 years of age who had also worked in an Iron foundry was now back as a labourer within the cotton mill with the rest of the family, his wife aged 51yrs was the housekeeper. Charles 25, Robert 21 and William 13 were cotton piecers Mary 18 was a cotton doffer whilst Betsy 16 a cotton doubler, Nathan 11 was still at school. On New Year's Day 1904 Robert married Mary Jane Atkinson Jones (b1881) of 20 Plover Street at St Bartholomew's Church Great Lever, Atkinson was her mother's maiden name, no mention of a father. Robert's father William died in 1908 aged 57 years, probably from years of working in the cotton mills and iron works, life expectancy was not high for these workers in that time. While living in Bolton, Robert served for four years with the 2nd Volunteer Battalion of the L.N.L. he was obviously looking for an alternative life and seeing the local news advertisements were for the White Star Dominion Line showing regular sailings from Liverpool to Canada. Taking advantage of this in 1910 Robert and Mary Jane made the decision to relocate to Canada. Sailing aboard the 'Virginian' from Liverpool to Quebec landing on 3 rd June 1910 they settled in Hamilton Ontario. The 1911 Canadian census lists their address as 13 Edinburgh Ave, Wentworth Hamilton Ontario.When the sounds of war were in the air, Robert felt the call of duty. It is possible that Robert tried to join a Canadian regiment but for some reason this didn’t work out, but his wife Mary Jane returned to the UK on the RMS 'Empress of Britain' of the Canadian Pacific Line sailing on 6th August 1914 disembarking at Liverpool on 15th August 1914 three months earlier than Robert who later also returned to the UK travelling 3rd class aboard the SS 'Zeeland' of the White Dominion Line from Portland, Maine and disembarked at Liverpool on 15th December 1914 travelling on to the family home in Bolton. So on Friday 19th March 1915 at Bolton Town Hall Kay enlisted into the 2/5th Loyal North Lancashire Regiment as a private. He served on home service undergoing military training from 21st May 1915 until 8th February 1917 when he sailed for France serving there with the battalion in the field from the 9th February 1917. On the 24th October 1917 the battalion had moved up to Poelcapelle ready for the attack on the 26th. The battle took place in the Ypres salient around the village of Passchendaele and was the culminating attack of the third battle of Ypres. 'At 05.40am that day the battalion moved off from the tape line towards the enemy positions in atrocious weather conditions, the ground was heavy with mud after much rain, the conditions being described as dreadful'. (Extract from war diary). The battalion hadn't moved 50 yards before they were met by intense enemy machine gun fire causing many casualties. The enemy machine guns had been placed in strengthened shell holes, they and accurate sniping accounted for the casualties including all the company officers. The advance was continued by the NCO's and small pockets of soldiers had managed to find safety in shell holes 500 yards in advance. Their rifles and Lewis guns for the most part could not be fired back at the enemy due to the mud and shell holes filled half full of water. Attacks were carried out at the point of the bayonet. After a day full of fighting, it was decided for the attack to cease and to retire and consolidate their initial positions from whence they started, it was here that Robert won the Military Medal for gallantry and devotion to duty in action there are no surviving records to explain the exact action for the award. His photo accompanied with a short news item appeared both in the Bolton Evening News and the Journal & Guardian on 18th January 1918 and the official announcement of his MM appeared in the London Gazette of 23rd February 1918, Copies included with research. During his service Robert suffered from deafness and trench fever being treated at the base hospital Calais, he was medically classed as suffering 30% deafness debility attributable to his service. Trench fever is a moderately serious disease transmitted by body lice. The onset of symptoms is usually sudden, with high fever, severe headache, pain on moving the eyeballs, soreness of the muscles of the legs and back, the latter being the most constant symptom. Recovery takes a month or more and although lethal cases are rare, the persistent fever might lead to heart failure. Aftereffects may include neurasthenia, cardiac disturbances, and myalgia. Robert was transferred to the Labour Corps Pte 646353 on 10th April 1918 and was posted to 386 (H.S.) Labour Corps, at Colchester. On 15th April 1918 he was now at Heaton Park in Manchester a military camp used as a centre to rehabilitate injured servicemen working in fatigues as a saw filer and it was here that he was presented with his MM. He was discharged from the Labour Corps on 1st April 1919, the cause of his discharge being no longer physically fit for service He was to receive a pension of 8s 3d per week from 5th March 1919 to be reviewed annually. he briefly went home to Bolton residing at 73 Grecian Street before applying for passage back to Canada. On 30th January 1920 he embarked at Liverpool aboard the S.S. 'Metagama' of the Canadian Pacific Line at Liverpool for his return home to Canada. In the 1921 Canadian census Robert and his wife were now recorded as living at 47 Highland Street, Hamilton City, Ontario his occupation was as a saw filer. This is the address to which he requested his war medals be forwarded onto. Robert is also entitled to a British war and victory medals and a silver war badge No: B 302802 for the injuries he had sustained. This medal is in excellent condition and comes with a folder full of research relating to this brave young man, who was awarded for gallantry for one of the worst battles on the western front during the great war.
Miniature German M39 Dress Bayonet. A late 1930’s or wartime miniature German bayonet and scabbard a perfect miniature example of this type of bayonet. It is all metal with black composite grips held in place by two rivets, bird’s head pommel and a single upward swept quillon. It has a good steel blade with a single fuller on each side and a blued steel scabbard. it is in very good condition slight wear and staining to the pommel and a light rust bloom to an area of one side of the scabbard, but all in all a very nice piece which are now very scarce. It measures around 9 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only
Miniature Replica Civil War Cannon 1861 by Denix. This is a replica of an 1861 Civil War Cannon which has been made from metal. This model nicknamed as 'Napoleon' was the most popular one used throughout the American Civil War. This particular weapon was one of the most important pieces of the conflict that supposedly made up almost 40% of the ordnance of the artillery. It was widely admired for its safety, reliability and efficiency particularly in short ranges. A lovely edition to the cabinet or desk in mint condition and boxed and measuring 7 inches long.
Miniature Replica Gatling Gun 1861 by Denix. This is a miniature replica of a US Gatling Gun from 1861. You may wonder why you still know the name of a 19th Century weapon, well there are many reasons why this particular model has remained so popular and well known. The Gatling Gun is one of the best-known early rapid-fire spring loaded, hand cranked weapons and a forerunner of the modern machine gun and rotary cannon. It was invented by Richard Gatling and saw occasional use by the Union Forces during the American Civil War in the 1860's. This was the first time this weapon was employed in combat. Later, it was used again in numerous military conflicts such as the Boshin War and the Anglo-Zulu War. A lovely cabinet or desk piece, in mint condition and boxed, measuring just under 7 inches long.
Miniature Swiss M1889 Bayonet. 1920’s Miniature Swiss 1889 pattern bayonet. The full size bayonet was manufactured from the period of 1889 to about 1917 and they were in service until after WWII. This miniature example has good detail of the full size version and it even has a little working release catch, wood grips and muzzle ring. It has been fitted with a badge showing the Swiss army helmet above the Swiss white cross emblem in a shield below and the blade has been engraved Luzern. A lovely little piece in excellent condition measuring 8 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only.
Mixed Lot of WW2 Era Field Dressings Here is a good mixed lot of three WW2 era field dressings, the first is dated 1943 and is a single unit from a packed pair, the second is a package that would have been for a pair but now contains a single dressing, this is dated 1938 and the third is a small plain wound dressing authorized by the ‘Mines Dept’. All come in fair but aged condition.
MM Gallantry Group to Cradduck RE 7th Armoured. Dessert Rat Casualty. MM for Tobruk I believe a very important group comprising of medals, photo and Scroll all to 1870089 Corporal Kenneth Amos Cradduck of the 2nd Field Squadron Royal Engineers. This lot comprises of the 1939-45 star, the Africa Star, the Defence Medal, the 1939-45 war medal and a George VI Military Medal replacement copy. More about that later. Also his original death scroll, this is still in its original envelope of issue. Kenneth Cradduck was born in 1925, in London. He was a Kent Police Constable before the war started and in 1939 he volunteered into the army. Probably because he was in a responsible job and showing himself to be a good leader he was soon promoted to the rank of Corporal in the Royal Engineers. He must of undergone training in bomb and mine disposal and trained in infantry and close combat fighting to be posted with the 2nd Field Squadron RE. the 2nd Field squadron or Field Coy formed part of the 7th Armoured division (Dessert Rats) These were the units that went onto the battlefield and did activities (mostly under fire) like building bridges, installing the Bailey Bridge, laying or removing mines, repairing roads, demolishing roadblocks and bridges, plus lots of other general tasks in combat. They were also trained in close combat and to use a verity of weapons so that they could defend themselves if necessary. All an Engineer had to clear a minefield was nothing more than the tip of his bayonet to feel for mines with, until the arrival in the Western Desert a Mine Detector in 1942. To clear barbed wire areas they used Bangalore Torpedo's, Satchel Charges, or even just their wire cutters. Also they had to destroy anything that lay in the way of the tanks or armoured vehicles, they would also use TNT or Dynamite, so they were very well versed in all sorts of explosives and to cap it all, most of the work was done while under fire. On January 21st 1941 Corporal Craddock was in charge of an RE detachment of three sappers whose role was to put Bangalore Torpedo's in the barbed wire defences surrounding Tobruch (Tubruk). The party was in the charge of an Infantry Major (with a company of his battalion supporting). Having successfully accomplished their task, the party came under very heavy fire, the major in charge and all accompanying infantry became casualties. Corporal Cradduck rallied the remainder in the dark and found himself to be the only unwounded man. Carrying one infantryman with them, he directed the party through the very heavy fire to saftety. It is quite certain that had it not been for Corporal Cradduck’s cool direction of the remaining members of his part all would have been lost. For this action he was awarded the Military Medal. The above has been taken from his citation, on which his name is miss-spelt Craddock. After the action in Tubruk it seems Cradduck was in the Palestine area, Kenneth Cradduck died on 3rd October 1941 and he is now remembered with honour at the Khayat Beach War Cemetery Palestine. Here needs researching. I haven’t got too involved in his death, researching into the 7th armoured and the 2nd Field Squadron RE timeline will uncover some explanation on how he lost his life, but looking at his duties in his unit, it almost seems inevitable he would become a casualty before the war was over. He is also remembered on the Kent Police Second World War memorial. Also included is a copy of his MM citation, commonwealth war graves certificate and probate. This is probably the saddest part, it looks like Kenneth had no family, his estate was left to a fellow police officer Edward Ernest Dennett. Corporal Cradduck’s medals are still in their original box of issue addressed to Mr E Dennett, C/o 5 Hibernia Street Ramsgate; they come with just one small photograph of him. This is not in wonderful condition but shows Craddock in his warm weather uniform displaying his corporal strips. This was folded inside the medal box. The Military Medal was missing from his medals, this could mean a couple of things, one, his medal was sold or scrapped at some point, or, which I think may be true, he was never issued it. Having no blood next of kin it was never issued. It was an immediate award and because he was sadly killed soon after he was awarded the medal, it is very unlikely it was issued in the field. I have personally added this MM, it is a very good quality replacement. The best I could find without buying an erased medal. I just feel, the gallantry award should be with what remains of his effects. His medal group etc now comes mounted for display, framing, or safe storage. An amazing, and I think a very important piece of Royal Engineers and Desert Rat’s history. An extremely brave young man that lost his life in service for the cause of freedom at only 26 years old.
Modern Copy Miniature Medal – General Service with Palestine Clasp A good quality modern copy of the General service 1918-62 army and RAF with Palestine clasp miniature medal comes in excellent condition with ribbon.
Modern Copy Miniature Medal – Gulf War 1990-91 with Clasp A good quality modern copy of the Gulf war 1990 91 with 16th Jan to 28th Feb 1991 clasp miniature medal comes in excellent condition with ribbon.
Modern Small Arms by Major Myatt MC. Major Frederick Myatt’s books on firearms are some of the best books you can buy on the subject. This one on modern small arms covers the period from 1873 to the 1970’s when the book was produced. It has large detailed pictures of the weapon with an accurate and concise information, plus larger pull outs of rifles such as the SMLE. It covers everything from the larger machine guns to hand guns with wonderful illustrations. Coveted amongst expert and novice collectors as one of their main form of reference. 235 pages, in very good condition, original dust cover a little scruffy.
Modern WW1 Memorial Plaque to Colonel Beech. A modern Bronzed memorial plaque showing two soldiers bowing their heads in lament. It has a cartouche to the side, which reads; ‘Colonel Robert Beech Commanding 2nd Scottish Horse Died August 1916’. It comes in a black surround and hanger on the back. a nice piece for any study or war room. It measures 5 inches in diameter. WAS £16
More Photo's of the Naval Officer Surgeon's Uniform Click the thunmnail to view more photographs of the Royal Naval Lieutenant Commander's Full Dress Uniform. Tail Coat, Trousers, Mess Dress, Morning Jacket, Trousers, Bi-corn Hat and sword Belt.
Mounted German Badges Brought Back From War. Here is an interesting lot comprising of a wooden shield mounted with a 1930’s German Police Shako plate and what looks like the centre of the German Silver Cross. We purchased these recently from a lady who said her father brought them back from the war and she really didn’t want them in her house. The shako plate has some damage, weather this was done after it was mounted or it was found like this, I cannot say. There is a crack beside the swastika and the tip of the right wing is broken, also a piece missing from the top of the wing. The enamelled swastika seems to be in very good order. both items are quite heavily toned but I’m sure they will both polish up well if wished. The shield measures 7 x 8.5 inches.
Museum Quality Replica of Oliver Cromwell’s Sword. A superb quality museum quality replica of the sword used by Oliver Cromwell by John Barnett. John Barnett is a contemporary swordsmith producing a variety of very good quality swords for academic display. This one a faithful reproduction of the sword used by Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil war 1642 – 1652. A 17th century mortuary sword, made of a good heavy gauge steel with a fine steel blade and leather grip with twisted steel wire. The original is finely decorated with relief panels. In the centre a shield is surmounted by a mantled close helmet bearing the Cromwell arms and crest. On each of the two side shells there are engravings of a combat between two horsemen with a town in the background, this one is un decorated, but you can add whatever you want. The original is on display at the Cromwell Museum in Huntingdon, a fabulous place well worth a visit. www.cromwellmuseum.org This sword is in mint condition and would look fantastic with the replica Lobster pot helmet I currently have for sale. A full size piece measuring 39 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only via courier priced at £15.95
Named & Dated General Nursing Council Badge – Nurse Goddard A super condition white metal and blue enamel badge for The General Nursing Council for England & Wales issued to R.C. Goddard S.R.N. it has her number 176588 with the date 28.11.50 below with R.M.N. and then added in is 12796 with the date 22/10/48. The maker is Thomas Fattorini Ltd Birmingham. No condition issues and measures just over one inch in diameter.
New and Boxed Corgi C130 K, C1 Hercules RAF Desert Storm Model From the ‘Aviation Archive’ series this Corgi C1 Hercules model plane comes in good complete condition with just some light wear to the outer box.
New Mini 3d Metal Model – Early Bi Plane I did intend to make this model up but you know how it is….so its brand new and still in its packet, made from metal which you cut out and build, a nice little stoking filler.
New Mini 3d Metal Model – Lunar Landing Craft I did intend to make this model up but you know how it is….so its brand new and still in its packet, made from metal which you cut out and build, the picture on the back shows a lunar landing craft, ideal for something to do during the ‘isolation’.
New Mini 3d Metal Model – Titanic I did intend to make this model up but you know how it is….so its brand new and still in its packet, made from metal which you cut out and build, the picture on the back shows a four funnel ship so I think it’s the Titanic, ideal for something to do during the ‘isolation’.
NEXT LISTING FRIDAY 5TH MARCH 7.30pm To include The JERSEY COLLECTION. a collection of items left behind when the German military forces left the island. Found in the underground tunnels and bunkers and this collection consists of some very rare and unique items. Listing starts at 7.30pm.
Next Listing Saturday 22nd May. To include the usual diverse collection of interesting British and German medals and militaria.
Nine Antique Hand Painted Lead Soldiers – Scots Guards These lead Scots Guards have been hand painted, they come in very good condition with just some minor wear to the paintwork, they stand 2.25 inches high.
No 9 Rifle Bayonet Scarce South African Issue. An interesting South African made and issue No 9 Bayonet made by the Armaments Corporation of South Africa (ARMSCOR). The blade profile differs significantly from its British counterpart in that the tip has no clipped point, instead it has a spear point and a bit shorter. The scabbard differs too, instead of using the typical No9 scabbard, which was too long, they fitted it with the M1 bayonet scabbard, bit it is still too long for the blade. This wonderful example of a scarcer No 9 variant, it comes in excellent original condition, with just a slight rust bloom to one area of the bulk of the bayonet, please see pictures. The blade is nice and clean as is the scabbard, this has just some scratches. It measures 11 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only
Northamptonshire Yeomanry Cap Badge. A white metal badge used from 1908 to 1939. This badge is very good quality, just a little thinner than the ones I’ve had before and in mint condition so maybe a very good modern copy. Ref O7
Northumberland Fusiliers Shoulder Title. A superb quality bi-metal title which comes in perfect condition.
Official Naval Dispatches of WW1. A very interesting little booklet telling the story of the Admiralty’s story of the navy’s part in the Great War. It details battles and the ships that took part with drawings and maps. A fascinating little book which comes in very good condition.
Official War Office Issue 1924 Field Service Regs Book A handy little book produced by the war office in 1924 detailing the 'field service regulations Vol II operations' everything that an officer should know. Comes in fair condition, there is damage to the front cover and the spine shows wear. Of a small size measuring 5.25 inches x 4.25.
Old 16 Bore Shotgun Wad Cutter. An early 20th century 16 bore wad or patch cutter for a muzzle-loading shotgun. It has a light rust bloom on the outside of the cutter but the cutting edge is still quite sharp. It measures 4.5 inches long.
Old Aseeb Jambiya Dagger. An old Yemeni Jambiya dagger with Saifani horn grip from around the mid 20th century. The leather scabbard is decorated with white metal, filigree wirework and two Carnelian cabochon stones. It has quite a nice curved steel blade, much better than most with a wide central ridge. A super little dagger in excellent condition measuring 9.5 inches. Shipping to UK mainland only. Over 18's only
Old Rifle Pull-Through. An old rifle pull-through with jute cord and a metal weight on one end and on the other a brass toggle. In good order.
Old Steel Bench Vice. A lovely old small steel bench vice which comes in all good working, nice and clean and ready for use. It measures 4.5 inches long. It will fit a bench or table 1 inch thick and the jaws will open to just under 1 inch.
Original Framed Oil on Board by Suffolk Artist Joe Crowfoot – B24 Liberator Artist Joe Crowfoot was born in Suffolk in 1946 and is very famous locally for his paintings of ships, farm scenes and WW2 aviation themes, Joe sadly passed away in 2017 but was an accomplished artist and is much sought after locally. This painting is an oil on board and features a WW2 United States Air Force B24 Liberator named as the ‘brown knowser’ a basic search suggests that this is a known aircraft that was lost over Germany In June 1944, in the painting the aircraft looks to be venting smoke from an engine so possibly an image of just before it crashed. The work comes in very good condition and is in its original frame and stamped on the back with Joe’s gallery stamp, it measures in the frame 22 inches x 18. Due to the size and weight this will be sent via courier priced at £10.95
Original QEII Efficiency Decoration (Territorial) Miniature Awarded for 12 years’ service in the territorial and army volunteer reserve. This sterling silver medal was issued from 1969 to 1982, denoted by the ‘Territorial’ bar on the ribbon. it comes in good but used condition and on its original ribbon with sterling silver bar.
Original Victorian Photograph HAC 1880’s A wonderful original Victorian Photograph of a company Honerable Artillery Company in barracks in London. You can see in the pictures they are wearing the typical brown fur busby’s with Slade Wallace cross belts and holding their Martini Henry Carbine rifles with their bayonets at their sides. At the back you can see onlookers from other companies wearing their stable caps. A superb look into military life in the 1880’s. The photo measures 8.5 x 6.
Original Watercolour Junkers Stuka JU87D By Hepworth A superb proof watercolour by the illustrator W. F. Hepworth, used in the 1970’s books on aircraft and aviation used by Harleyford Publishing. This one of a Junker Stuka Dive Bomber JU87D. This was a German dive bomber and ground-attack aircraft. Designed by Hermann Pohlmann, it first flew in 1935. The Ju 87 made its combat debut in 1937 with the Luftwaffe's Condor Legion during the Spanish Civil War of 1936-1939 and served in Axis forces in World War II (1939-1945). This is not a print but the original hand painted proof watercolour painting and the detail and quality is just stunning. It comes framed and glazed and in excellent condition, ready to hang. It measures 25 x 15 inches. Shipping via courier priced at £12.95
Original WW1 ID Bracelet of Lieut Col Burdett DSO. MC .A wonderful original item that belonged to a highly decorated officer Lieutenant Colonel James Charles Burdett of the 6th Battalion the Leicestershire regiment, winner of the Military Cross and the Distinguished Service Order and he is also entitled to the 1915 star. Apart from his medal index card which confirms his awards and his entitlement to the 15 star trio, this piece is un-researched, there is a lot of information I could of obtained online, but I thought it would be a great project for its new owner, and believe me when I say, it is well worth the research, even just putting his name into Google brings up several entries, so lots of places to start. This fine little piece comes in great condition; it has minor wear conducive to its age.
Original WW1 Solid Brass Trench Lighter A nice example of a WW1 brass trench lighter, it comes in good condition, it is missing a screw which fits into the tube on the side but the wick is present and the wadding inside for the petrol, it requires a flint, it measures just under 3 inches long.
Original WW2 German Portrait Photo SA Sports Badge. A scarce find this original WW2 photograph of a young Luftwaffe NCO in full dress uniform and wearing the SA Sports Badge badge. There is a name at the bottom of the picture, weather this refers to the man in the picture or the photographer, its hard to say. A lovely portrait in perfect condition.
Original WW2 Land Army Girl Breeches Original summer wear half length leg breeches made of khaki cotton twill, it has knee grips and its original 6 side buttons, they come in lovely condition with no moth damage. The waist measures 32 inches.
Pair 1937 Pattern Ammo Pouches. A true pair of mark III basic ammo pouches, these post war pouches are slightly longer than the mark I or II so they could hold 5 x 32-round STEN Machine Carbine Magazines. These are in excellent condition and have been covered with Blanco green.
Pair 58 Pattern Ammunition Pouches. A very good pair of the Mk1 58 pattern ammo pouches. In very good overall condition, although they have been used and were originally buff coloured and later coloured green. Only showing a little wear and padded out so they don’t lose shape. Ready to display.
Pair British 1937 Pattern Ammo Pouches. A true pair of British ammo pouches in buff / green webbing. Dated 1941 they both come in very good used condition. One has the original owners number on the back. A good find for that WW2 webbing set.
Pair Essex Regiment Collar Dogs. A good matching pair of Essex regiment brass collar dogs. This slightly smaller type was used from around 1920 until around 1938 when a slightly larger version was then in use until 1949. They are both in excellent original condition.
Pair German Honour Crosses with & Without Swords. Maker RV2 Here are two WW1 Honour crosses one with swords for combatants and the other without swords. Both are by the same maker known as RV2. Probably one of the most overlooked and under rated of all German medals. the Honour cross or Hindenburg Cross was issued in vast number but with numerous different variants and makers, it makes it an interesting and low budget collectable. It was instituted in the July 1934 by Paul von Hindenburg himself, and by government order, it replaced every other veterans medal issued. This medal is with cross swords, issued only to combatants who fought during WW1. The number of makers is unknown, but some estimate well over two hundred, many of which, no record survives. This one is marked with 2 RV Pforzheim. RV or Reichsverband numbers go from 1 to 91 and nearly all are unknown, these were all makers in the industrial town of Pforzheim. During the air raids of 1945, the town was almost destroyed and any list of medal makers with it, so who these makers were, may be something we will never know. Both are in excellent original condition, retaining all of its bronze finish.
Pair Japanese Chokin Plates – Birds A porcelain plate decorated and inlaid with copper, brass, silver and 24ct gold. This pair depicts birds, a hummingbird and a pair of swans. Chokin is an ancient Japanese art of inlaying precious metals and these pretty little plates date from the 1980’s and in their day very expensive. Both plates measure 4 inches in diameter.
Pair Japanese Chokin Plates – Flowers A porcelain plate decorated and inlaid with copper, brass, silver and 24ct gold. This pair depicts flowers in cart and flowers and butterflies. Chokin is an ancient Japanese art of inlaying precious metals and these pretty little plates date from the 1980’s and in their day very expensive. Both plates measure 4 inches in diameter.
Pair Kriegsmarine Administration Officer’s Shoulder Badges. Quite a rare little pair of badges, worn on the officers shoulder boards or epaulets. They are made of a light white metal, now with a nice dark tone. they look unused as both pins still remain flat and unbent on the back. They both measure 0.75 inches high.
Pair Kriegsmarine Administration Officer’s Shoulder Boards. A very good pair of shoulder straps worn by the officers of the Kriegsmarine Administration; white bullion wire mounted on blue wool and still retaining their original insignia. The pips are mis-matched, although they have always been together, I am reliably told that mis-matched boards are more common than matched as men were promoted throughout the war and I suppose they took what was available. Nevertheless, these are in very good untouched condition and quite rare.
Pair Lt Victorian Durham Light Infantry Officers Collar Badges Pair of late Victorian Gilding metal (originally highly gilded) Officers collar badges. These were worn on the scarlet frock coats from around 1890 until the end of the century. This pair are in very good condition, however, there is one part of the horn cords which is missing.
Pair of 19thC Hand Painted Oriental Pictures A good pair of well executed 19th century pictures of Oriental figures, each character has been painted in water colours, cut from its paper and applied to the background giving it a raised feel, both are in very good condition one having a small round stain to the card, but well framed they will look fantastic; they each measure 6 x 4.25 inches.
Pair of Early 20thC Porcelain Figures – Napoleon & Wellington A good pair of early 20th century porcelain bust figures of Napoleon and Wellington, both are hand painted then over glazed, they have no makers marks but I think are continental in manufacture, both come in very good condition with no chips or cracks and they measure just under 6 inches high.
Pair of Large Naval Photographs – 20\' x 16 Unusual to find such large such large photographs, both measuring 20 inches x 16 the first showing the H.M.S. King George firing a salvo. It is in fair condition, has been displayed using pins in the corners. The second shows part of the historic North Africa convoy, again in fair condition and has been displayed using pins in the corners. Both would make an excellent display cabinet back drops, especially to a WW2 collection. These will be sent rolled in a tube. WAS £22
Pair of Late Victorian Lithograph Prints Lancs and Middlesex Reg A lovely pair of lithographic prints dating from the late Victorian era, the first is of the 20th Middlesex artists regiment, drawn by G.D. Giles and dated 1887, the second is of the 30th East Lancashire regiment, drawn by Frank Feller. Both come in a cut mount and would benefit greatly from being framed. The prints measure 9.5 x 6.5 inches and the mounts are 16 x 13.
Pair of original Royal Artillery Cloth Shoulder Titles A good pair of red cotton sewn on blue felt background, they come in good but used condition.
Pair of Re-enactor White Canvas Braces or Suspenders Stamped to one side with ‘Kay Canvas Manufacturing 1944 airborne.com’ and having ‘long’ to the centre, this company appears to make re-enactor products for British, American and German uniform. Constructed from white canvas with brown leather ends, they come in very good condition with light signs of use and are adjustable.
Pair of Sterling Silver Revere Silversmiths Salt and Pepper Grinder Here is a great table cruet consisting of a salt shaker and a pepper grinder, both are marked for the American silversmith company Revere and carry the Sterling mark for .925 silver, they come in super condition with signs of light use and could do with a clean, they each measure just over two inches high.
Pair of Unusual Drinks Coasters with Shotgun Caps These unusual drinks coasters have been constructed from resin which has been inset with the bases of brass shotgun cartridges, they each measure just under 4 inches in diameter and are quite thick, mild wear and signs of use to both.
Pair of Victorian Plate and Ivory Handle Pickle Forks Something for the dinner table, a pair of Victorian silver plated pickle forks with ornate ivory handles and plated collars, they come in very good condition just needing a clean, one has a small split in the ivory near the collar, they each measure 8.75 inches long.
Pair of Vintage French Porcelain Figurines A good sized pair of porcelain figurines depicting French Infantry and Cavalry, they are unmarked so I cannot say where they were made but typical of the French porcelain of the 1950's - 70's, both come in excellent condition and stand just over 12 inches high.
Pair of Vintage Hand Painted Pottery Golly Musician Figures Associated to Robinson’s marmalade the ‘golly’ figure was used extensively in their advertising and spawned many collectables, from that range and dating probably from the 1970’s are these two hand painted pottery musician figures, one playing a trumpet the other a saxophone. Both come in good condition with a few chips and loss to the paint on the bases.
Pair of Vintage Military Bandsman’s Wings. A good clean pair of Military bandsman’s wings, worn on the shoulder of the No1 uniform. They are made of a dark blue wool with buff coloured cotton lace. They are both in excellent condition and the design hasn’t changed since the Victorian era, so they will fit most bandsman’s uniform of any age. They measure 10.25 inches long and there is a hook on both corners for attachment.
Pair of Vintage Sewn Cloth Shoulder Titles – East Lancashire A good pair of sewn cloth shoulder titles for the East Lancashire Regiment, they comes in good but used condition both having some loss to the red material on the left sides, they measure 4.5 inches wide.
Pair of Vintage St John Ambulance Collar Badges with Backing Plates A good pair of white metal collar badges for the St John Ambulance complete with brass backing plates, they both come in very good condition and measure just under 1.5 inches long.
Pair of WW2 1st Anti Aircraft Division Cloth Badges The sword was taken from the arms of the City of London. This was the first Anti-Aircraft Division and was raised in 1935, composed originally of Territorials from London and the Home Counties; in 1938 it became a purely London Territorial formation. An earlier pattern of this badge had a kahki background. Many surviving examples seem to have faded to grey. A good true pair of period patches in fair condition, a number of holes on the grey felt, signs of age and use and they measure just over 3 inches long.
Pair of WW2 Era Dated 1944 Soldiers Under Drawers Here are a super pair of unused WW2 era soldiers under drawers, they are marked on the inside of the waist with ‘size 4 I & R Morley Ltd 42 ins 1944’, made from a warm wool they were a standard issue in either a short or long leg, these I think are the shorter leg and would resemble shorts when worn, they come in super unused condition.
Pair of WW2 Era Suffolk Red Cross Shoulder Boards A super quality pair of WW2 era shoulder boards for the Suffolk Red Cross branch number 50, the all brass badges are fixed by pins on the reverse, comes in very good but used condition, and measures 5 inches long.
Pair of WW2 RAF Chief Technician Rank Cloth Patches A good unused pair of cloth patches for an RAF chief technician, they have not been used and measure 1.5 inches in diameter.
Pair old Bullion Sergeant Dress Stripes. A superb quality pair of Sergeant Stripes made from gold bullion tress on red woollen felt. Both come in excellent original condition, could have been used by a number of British regiments including the Guards regiments.
Pair Old Fusilier Collar Dogs. The generic brass fusilier collar badges, worn by most fusilier regiment through time, either vertically or horizontally. This pattern was introduced in 1891 to be worn on the collar of service dress but they have been continued on and off up until 1962 in stay bright. Handy if you have a Fusilier uniform with no collar badges, these make a good stop-gap. Both badges are in good used condition. Pics to follow
Pair Original Launch Photographs HMS Renown & Terrible. A pair of beautiful early 20th Century photographs in their original gilt frames, one of the launch of HMS Renown and the other of HMS Terrible. HMS Renown was launched in 1916, she was the lead ship of her class of battlecruisers. Quickly produced in an entirely new design to meet Admiral Lord Fisher's requirements and the builders agreed to deliver the ships in 15 months. They did not quite meet that ambitious goal, but the ship was delivered a few months after the Battle of Jutland in 1916. During the Second World War, Renown was involved in the search for the Admiral Graf Spee in 1939, participated in the Norwegian Campaign of April–June 1940 and the search for the German battleship Bismarck in 1941. She spent much of 1940 and 1941 assigned to Force H at Gibraltar, escorting convoys and she participated in the inconclusive Battle of Cape Spartivento. Renown was briefly assigned to the Home Fleet and provided cover to several Arctic convoys in early 1942. The ship was transferred back to Force H for Operation Torch and spent much of 1943 refitting or transporting Winston Churchill and his staff to and from various conferences with various Allied leaders. In early 1944, Renown was transferred to the Eastern Fleet in the Indian Ocean where she supported numerous attacks on Japanese-occupied facilities in Indonesia and various island groups in the Indian Ocean. The ship returned to the Home Fleet in early 1945 and was refitted before being placed in reserve after the end of the war. Renown was sold for scrap in 1948. HMS Terrible was the second and last of the Powerful-class protected cruisers built for the Royal Navy (RN) in the 1890s. She served on the China Station and provided landing parties and guns which participated in the Siege and Relief of Ladysmith in the Second Boer War in South Africa. A few months later she did much the same thing to help suppress the Boxer Rebellion in China. In July 1914, the month before First World War erupted, she was offered for sale. Thus, the offer was withdrawn, and she subsequently made one voyage as a troop transport in 1915 before becoming a depot ship. Terrible was assigned as a training ship in 1918 before being hulked and converted to suit the role two years later. The ship was sold for scrap in July 1932 and demolished several months later. Both photographs and their frames are in very good condition and ready to hang; two very elegant pictures of grand old ships, measuring 18 x 15 inches. Quite large and heavy so shipping will be £12.95
Pair Post War Essex Regiment Shoulder Titles. Pair of 1950’s embroidered shoulder titles for the Essex regiment. both are in good used condition.
Pair QEII RASC Officers Collar Dogs. White metal, brass and enamel collar dogs with Queens crown worn by an officers of the Royal Army Service Corps. A lovely pair of matching badges made by J R Gaunt London.
Pair QEII Royal Artillery Ceremonial Drum Sticks. A rare pair of Ceremonial Drum Sticks, with unmarked but tested (9.25) sterling silver tops supporting the badge of the Royal Artillery. The military standard drumsticks are ebonised in black and measure 17 inches long and may have been used in Queen Elizabeth II coronation in 1953. They come in excellent condition and they look as if they have been used but only once or twice. there is one small pin head size ding to the silver top on one of the sticks. Rare things to come onto the market and will go with any military collection.
Pair Replica Flintlock Duelling Pistols. A pair of replica Flintlock duelling pistols, they are unmarked, but look to me to be by Denix. They have wooden stocks and metal parts, the hammer will cock and dry fire. Both are in very good condition and will make attractive wall hangers, mounted on a nice piece of wood, they will look great. Each measures 15 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only
Pair Superb 19thC Cavalry Officers Spurs By Maxwell. A superb pair of gilt brass cavalry officers spurs made by the famous London Boot and Spur maker Maxwell. The body is half sold half chain with hinge and with leather over and under straps with gilt brass fittings. They have plain wheel rowels and they come in excellent condition. All 19th century officer’s uniform was private purchase, these are of a very high quality and would have been expensive in the day. Their only fault is the leather is dry and could do with a good oil and one strap has an old repair. Also I put them on a size 8 boot and the leather straps are a little short, so to use on a boot, they will need new starps.
Pair Victorian Brass Postal Scales. A lovely old set of brass postal scales, used in all old post offices up until around the Second World War. This set has no manufacturers details stamped on the beam, but they seem good quality and well balanced and stand on an oak base. They come with a set of period but non matching weights. The base measures 6.75 x 3.5 inches.
Pair Vintage Silver Plated Officers Box Spurs. A very nice pair of silver plated officers box spurs with finely spiked rowels. That are both in excellent condition, in need of a clean but the plate looks all-good. They should fit most officers boots with box spur fitting.
Pair WW1 Canadian Army Service Corps Collar Dogs. A scarce pair of WW1 collar dogs of the Army Service corps of Canada. Made of gilt brass they are a true pair and only issued, I believe from 1915 to 1918. The condition is excellent and both badges still retain a lot of their original gilt finish. Ref. D38
Pair WW1 German Tunic Belt Hooks. A Great War pair that were dug up together in France, they are in surprisingly good order considering their age.
Pair WW1 Middlesex Reg Shoulder Titles. A good pair of WW1 era brass shoulder titles of the Middlesex regiment. Both titles have been issued and used, so there is some wear. Ref. Y8
Pair WW1 Shropshire Light Infantry Buttons. A good pair of Kings Shropshire Light Infantry WW1 brass tunic buttons. They are both in good condition with slight wear to the surface. Made by J R Gaunt.
Pair WW2 German Army Ammo Pouches. Pair of WW2 German black leather three compartment ammo pouches made by Jobra and dated 1942, stamped on the back. They both come in excellent used condition with all straps intact.
Pair WW2 M38 American Marine Corps Gaiters. A pair of WW2 era US marine corps leggings or gaiters in kaki webbing. They have been used but comes in excellent condition, they just need laces. A great find at this price, I have only a few pairs so get them quick. Size R2.
Pair WW2 Muzzle Pegs for Horse Gas Mask. A large stock of these were left on Jersey, they are Nose pegs for a horse gas mask. These items went up the horses nose, one on each side, there was a filter attached to each one, these were made of paper and gauze, so disposable. They were strapped to the horses head or formed part of a larger canvas covering, which covered the whole head. But just the strap type only appears to be used on the island. The last picture shows the full kit which as far as I can find out was used mainly on the eastern front. This pair are in good order but have suffered some storage damage, found in the German tunnels poorly stored. They each measure 7.25 inches long.
Pair WW2 RAF Leading Aircraftman’s Sleeve Badges. A good pair of WW2 Leading Aircraftman / Woman’s sleeve badges. Embroidered light blur propeller onto a very dark blue woollen background. In excellent condition.
Pair WW2 RAF Leading Aircraftsman Embroidered Cloth Patches A good pair of WW2 RAF leading aircraftsman embroidered cloth patches, they come in good condition with some signs of age and use, they measure 3.75 inches long.
Part Avro Lancaster Bomber JB 652 Crashed Suffolk 1943. Here is an excavated part of the Avro Lancaster Bomber JB 652 part of "A" Apple No. 7 Squadron (Pathfinders) RAF Oakington, which crashed near Wissett Suffolk 1943. A very sad and heroic story that on the night of 20th December 1943, flying officer Donald William field and his crew, came under heavy attack on a night raid to Frankfurt, forcing them to return with a full bomb load which they were unable to jettison owing to damage in the hydraulic system. The pilot struggled for over two hours with the stricken aircraft before ordering his crew to bail out resulting in the death of warrant officer Richard Bradley smith DFC, whose parachute failed to open. Flying officer Field battled to keep height and valiantly steered his aircraft away from the populated area of Halesworth Suffolk. He baled out at a height of only 800 feet before the aircraft crashed into the countryside between Wissett and Chediston in Suffolk. His courage and tenacity saved Halesworth from severe damage and large loss of life by the huge bomb load the aircraft was carrying. An Archaeological dig took place in 1974 to locate the crash site; this was one of the pieces found. This is a small part of the fuselage measuring approximately 5 x 3 inches. It comes with a small amount of research on the aircraft and crew.
Post War 161st Independent Infantry Brigade TA. Cloth Patch A screen-printed cloth patch of this East Anglian formation; the badge design reflects the East Anglian connection of Boudicea and the Iceni tribe with the recruiting area of the Brigade. The Brigade was formed in May 1947 with the reformation of the TA. it is in very good condition but has been stuck in a collectors album at some time. it measures 2.5 x 2 inches.
Post War RNR officers Insignia. Post WW2 Royal Navy Reserve officers shoulder slides for a Lieutenant Commander and his bullion wire hat badge and band. Both items are in very good condition but have been used.
Post WW1 German Naval Veterans Cap. A post WW1 naval veterans cap, made of black wool with acorn and oak leaf band, and smaller similar band to front of cloth brim. It has a WW1 veterans association cap badge made up of a gilt wreath with silk embroidered centre. Inside it is silk lined with large makers makers label for ‘Prinz Heinrich Mutze’. It comes in lovely condition, no moth or damage just signs of light wear. It measures approximately a size 7 & 1/4 .
Post WW1 Soldiers Sailors and Airmens Families Association Badge A good white metal and coloured enamel pin badge for the SSAFA. The inclusion of ‘airmen’ in the title date this to just after the Great War and will place this between the wars, it comes in very good condition with some surface marks, measures 1.25 inches long.
Post WW2 7th Armoured Division Cloth Patch. A post World War Two 7th armoured divisional embroidered silk sleeve patch. This one is in excellent condition but has been used and taken from a uniform. Measuring 2.25 x 2.25 inches.
Post WW2 7th Army Group RA Formation Patch. A woven silk patch for the 7th Army Group (AA) Royal Artillery. It comes in excellent condition even though it has been issued and worn.
Post WW2 Blues & Royals Association Badge A nice brass and enamel badge for the association of the blues and Royals, comes in very good condition and has the makers name of J. Pinches London on the back, it measures just under one inch long.
Post WW2 Italian War Merit Cross Instituted in 1918 with an obverse having a 5-pointed star on a rayed background. The reverse differs from the WW1 & 2 version as it was issued by the republic of Italy. It was awarded to members of the armed forces with a minimum of one year's service in contact with an enemy who received the Medal of the Wounded, or to those who, when mentioned for war merit. It could be awarded three times and multiple awards were shown by bronze stars. This one possibly awarded for the Korean war. It is in near mint condition in envelope of issued with ribbon.
Post WW2 Royal Engineers Sergeant’s Leather Documents Folder Marked with a sticker on the outside this folder belonged to Sergeant P.P. Cole 122 field regiment engineer RE No 2278344, included in side was paperwork showing Sergeant Cole had served during WW2 with the service corps as a driver and by 1954 was serving with the RE territorial army. The folder holds various sized papers and equipment and includes his army book 153 ‘field message book’. The folder just over A4 size comes in good but used condition.
Post WW2 White Metal Home Guard Lapel Badge A good original circa 1953 post-war period 'Home Guard badge'; small white metal Crowned Order of the Garter bearing "Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense" motto, with embossed "HG" initials to the centre, comes in good condition but the back button has wear and is slightly out of shape, it measures one inch long.
Pr Scarce WW2 Orkney and Shetland District Defence Com Cloth Patches A pair of scarce WW2 cloth patches made of embroidered silk on to wool felt backing, for the Orkney and Shetland district defence command. This district command included anti-aircraft units and search light units, mainly taken from Northern regiments. These badges are in good original order, one has several old moth holes and the other only has slight moth damage to the top. each measures 2 x 2.5 inches.
Pre 1881 38th South Staffordshire Regiment of Foot Brass Button 2 First raised in 1705 the 38th (1st Staffordshire) regiment existed for many years before being amalgamated in 1881, active through the Victorian era below are some of the engagements they were involved with. This small brass button has the Queen’s crown with 38 below and the Staffordshire knot, made by Firmins London it comes in super condition and measures In 1854, it sailed for the Crimean War (1854-56), fighting at the Alma (1854), Inkerman (1854) and Sevastopol (1854-55). It was then briefly in Ireland, before being sent to India during the Mutiny (1857-59). It took part in the capture of Lucknow in 1858 and then stayed in India until 1871. During this time, it took part in the Black Mountain Expedition (1868).
Pre 1908 HAC Brass Belt Buckle. An Edwardian solid brass belt buckle worn by the Honourable Artillery Company. It is in very good condition just showing wear to the high points.
Pre WW1 1st Devon Yeomanry Pouch Badge. A lovely quality large white metal badge worn on the officer’s pouch from 1902 to 1920 when the regiment was amalgamated with the Royal North Devon Yeomanry to form the Royal Devon Yeomanry and simultaneously transferred to the Royal Artillery to form 11th (Devon) Army Brigade RFA. It comes in beautiful condition and measures 2.5 inches high. Ref L14
Pre WW1 German Booklet for Army Uniform Regulations Issued in 1899 and was probably still current at the outbreak of the war, this A5 size booklet is a German army uniform regulations booklet, I would imagine it is very strict in its instruction of what and how uniform should be worn. Comes in fair condition, there are 30 pages in all, none are loose but the spine is worn.
Pre WW1 German Stadt or Towns Letter Seals (1) These group of four paper seals would have been used to seal the back of an envelope in place of the old fashioned wax seal as an anti-tamper device, most were broken upon opening so to find them complete is quite rare. They come in very good condition.
Pre WW1 German Stadt or Towns Letter Seals (2) These group of four paper seals would have been used to seal the back of an envelope in place of the old fashioned wax seal as an anti-tamper device, most were broken upon opening so to find them complete is quite rare. They come in very good condition.
Pre WW1 King Edwards Horse Cap Badge. The badge for the King Edwards Horse, worn by the Kings Colonials. A very interesting white metal badge, the regiment was also known as the Kings Overseas Dominions Regiment, in fact the badge carries the names of the countries in swags amongst oak leaves; Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India. This badge was worn up to the outbreak of the First World War, then the regiment was broken up into squadrons, each dominium taking its own badge. This one comes in good used condition, it has some light wear to the high points and it has a nice even tone. The badge has been slightly bent to fit a cap comfortably. A very good example. Ref. V23
Pre WW1 Photograph Postcard Mounted Royal Army Medical Corps This is an interesting photo postcard showing a Sergeant in the Royal Army Medical Corps mounted, the card was sent in mid 1911 from Littleton-Parnell which is in Wiltshire and is hand written to his wife and suggests that they will be involved in a 'night attack'. Comes in good order, one fold on a corner.
Pre WW1 Photograph – Territorial Unit - London Reg A great group photograph of a territorial unit, probably one of the London regiments, taken between the Boer and Great war, a group of 9 young men including the bugle player to the front, on the back is written ' Alfred Sibley Page is seated on the RHS) (right hand side) Mounted on card it comes in good but used condition and the mount has a few dings to the edges, the photo measures 8 inches x 6 and the mount is 14 x 10.5.
Pre WW1 Postcard - French Air Ship the Patrie The ‘Patrie’ was the first airship built for the French military, she was completed in 1906 and had training manoeuvres in 1907, in November 1907 she broke her moorings in a storm and drifted from France to Ireland, she came to ground but was blown back into the air and vanished across the ocean never to be seen again. The postcard shows the ship in flight and is in very good condition.
Pre WW1 US Army Bandsman Photograph. A wonderful original photograph showing a US army bandsman standing to attention, holding his tuba in camp outside his tent. A great picture for students of US uniform. It is in very good condition, a little fades but still clear enough to pick out all the details. It measures 10 x 8 inches.
Pre WW2 era Graf Zeppelin Crew Cap and Tie. Two amazing pieces of Zeppelin memorabilia, the crewman cap with original tally embroidered with the ‘Graf Zeppelin’, the cap is in wonderful condition, no moth and on the inside lining is a good maker’s mark. The tie did not originate with the cap, I have put these two pieces together as they display so well. This is also embroidered in silk with the Zeppelin Logo and either side is a German flag with an iron cross, so a very early piece. This is also in excellent condition with no moth damage. Two very rare original pieces worn by crew on the Zeppelins, these very seldom come up for sale and never in this amazing condition.
Pre WW2 German Fund Raising Badge – Regimental Series This plastic badge was issued by the WHW or Winterhilfswerk to raise funds, below is a brief history for the event. The badge is from the regimental shields series and was issued during the 1930’s it is marked to the back and comes in very good condition, it measures 33mm wide. Winterhilfswerk (WHW), was an annual donation drive by the National Socialist People's Welfare (German: Nationalsozialistische Volkswohlfahrt) to help finance charitable work. Initially an emergency measure to support people during the Great Depression, it went on to become a major source of funding for the activities of the NSV and a major component of Germany's welfare state.
Pre WW2 German Hindenburg ‘faithfully beyond the grave’ Badge This small brass badge made in the manner of a tinnie so this pressed out metal has the image of Paul Von Hindenburg, around him in German ‘treu ubers grass hinaus’ which appears to translate to ‘faithfully beyond the grave’. It comes in very good condition and measures one inch in diameter.
Pre WW2 German Workers Book & Apprenticeship Book. x2 Two superb condition 1930's German identity books, the first is the more common workers party book and the second is a more unusual apprenticeship book. They both belonged to Arno Stopp (I think) who was born 1906 in Chemnitz in Saxony. Both are in very good condition.
Pre WW2 German Workers Book with Photograph A good example of a pre WW2 German workers book issued to Georg Schimk who joined the workers party in 1934, the book contains many paid up Nazi symbol stamps up to 1940, included also is a photograph of a young man in workers party uniform which I would like to think is Georg. Book comes in good but used condition.
Pre WW2 MkII Officers Compass A 1938 dated blackened brass officers compass made by F Barker & Sons of London. The condition is very good, it still works with a little tap at the dial and most of its original blacking is still intact. No damage to the glass and nothing missing, it just a very good example of of its type in a very good collectable grade.
Pretty 9ct Gold Double Sided Brooch with Soldier A lovely all original 9ct gold brooch with a picture of a soldier to one side and a very pretty lady on the reverse, also on the back it is clearly marked 9ct, it comes in very good condition but could do with a good clean to bring it back to its former glory, it measures 1.5 inches long.
Pretty Late 19thC Air Twist Stem Wine Glass A really pretty air twist stem drinking glass dating from the early part of the 20th century, the pontil has been polished back on the base and there is a makers mark within in it but I cant read it. Comes in super condition and stands 6.25 inches high.
Pretty Vintage Hallmarked Silver Bangle (small) A very pretty hallmarked silver ladies bangle decorated on one side and having a full set of hallmarks on the inside for Birmingham 1991 and a makers mark of RPH, it comes in good condition, there are a few dings here and there, the catch and hinge work perfectly but the safety chain has been broken and can be replaced quite simply. Would fit a slim to medium wrist.
Pretty Vintage Oriental Enamel Matchbox Holder A pretty enamelled metal matchbox holder I believe oriental in origin, nicely decorated with flowers and foliage, it comes in very good condition and measures 1.75 inches long.
Pretty Vintage Stratton Ladies Compact – Grenadier Guards Association This is a very pretty ladies compact made by the famous Stratton of London company specifically for the Grenadier Guards Association, it comes complete in its box of issue and has not been used for powder, it comes in very good condition with some very minor light signs of use, it measures 3 inches in diameter.
Pretty WW1 Era German Sweetheart Brooch – with Soldier A pretty pin brooch made from a base metal with a gilded finish showing the portrait of a young German soldier in uniform, comes in good but with some slight wear condition, measures 1.25 inches in diameter.
Printed Cloth Badge for British Air Formation Signals A single printed WW2 cloth badge for the British Air Formation Signals, comes in good but used condition.
Prussian 1897 Wilhelm I Centenary Medal & Bar. The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Medal also known as the Centenary Medal; established on March 22 1897, by Wilhelm II on the occasion of the 100th Birthday of his grandfather, Emperor Wilhelm I. Made from gilded gun metal taken from captured cannon and awarded to all military officers, non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel, which were actively serving in army, navy and Schutztruppe. Medals were also awarded to the surviving veterans of the First Schleswig War, Second Schleswig War, Austro-Prussian War, and the Franco-Prussian War. This one comes in good condition with wear to the gilt finish, it also comes with an original ribbon bar.
QE II Issue Womens Imperial Service Medal A lovely medal named to Ellen Hill Wilson, typically I have not been able to find her London Gazette entry so do not know what she did to be awarded the medal, comes in its box of issue and is in perfect condition.
QE II Royal Horse Guards Cap Badge A bronze cap badge with queens crown, very nice condition with a small fault on the crown, used from 1953. Ref. W12
QEII 12th Lancers Cap Badge. A very good quality bi-metal badge for the 12th Prince of Wales’s Royal Lancers. The queens crown badge was issued from around 1956 until the early 1960’s when they merged with the 9th Lancers. There was a small change in design of the badge, the Roman numerals between the lancers changed. This one comes in pretty much perfect condition. Ref. A23
QEII Border Regiment Cap Badge Post 1953 cap badge, worn by the border regiment until 1959. This is a superb quality white metal badge, which still has most of the red enamel to the centre. It has been issued and used, but this badge still remains in excellent condition. Ref. Z4
QEII Campaign Service Medal +1 to Greenhaigh Loyals. A QEII Campaign Service Medal correctly named to 24074081 Private D Greenhaigh. Loyals (North Lancashire Regiment). With the South Arabia Clasp correctly attached to the suspender. It looks like this medal was his only award as it comes mounted on a brooch bar for wearing. This medal is in lovely condition with just a very light edge knock over that latter part of the surname.
QEII Coin Set 1952 – 1963 x2 This Queen Elizabeth II coin set was issued in 1967, a complete set of the then coinage including half crown and florin, contained in hard plastic it comes in very good condition.
QEII General Service Medal to RN Malay Clasp. A good Queen Elizabeth II General Service medal correctly named to 062505 A. C. Seago Radio Opps 1st Class. Royal Navy. This comes with a swivel suspender and the Malay Peninsular Clasp. The condition is excellent, no damage, very little wear and a lovely tone.
QEII General Service Medal with Cyprus Bar to Browitt. A good Queen Elizabeth II general Service medal with Cyprus bar correctly named to; 23347619 Gunner N. Browitt. Royal Artillery. This medal is in lovely clean condition and it comes on its original ribbon.
QEII Imperial Service Medal to Dorothy Warne. A beautiful and under rated solid silver medal awarded for long and faithful service in the civil service; this one is correctly named and awarded to Dorothy Irene Warne in 1967 she was a Telephonist in the London region. It comes in mint condition, in its original box with copy of London gazette entry.
QEII ISM to Woman Photo Printer to the Admiralty. A very interesting Imperial Service medal awarded to Mrs Doreen Marguerite Perrett for service as Photo Printer to the Admiralty during the second world war. she joined in 1941 and retired in 1966, she received her awarded for 25 years devoted service. The medal is in mint condition and in its case of issue with copy of London gazette Entry and period newspaper cutting. A rare award to a woman for WW2 through to cold war service.
QEII Issue North Wales Police Helmet Badge The large sized vintage badge worn on the police helmet, issued in a white metal for the North Wales police, it comes in excellent probably unused condition and measures 4.5 inches long.
QEII Life Guards Cap Badge. Queen Elizabeth II Anodised cap badge which comes excellent but used condition. Ref. W15.
QEII Queens Own Hussars Cap Badge. The Queens crown bi-metal cap badge of the 7th Queens Own Hussars. This changed from the kings crown to the queens crown in 1957, so this badges dates sometime after that. It comes in very good condition and it has an even patina. Ref. D1
QEII Royal Artillery Officers Bronze Service Dress Cap Badge A super early QEII Royal Artillery bronze officers service dress cap badge, it comes with two pins on the back for fixing and a central wheel that should spin, very good condition but has been issued and used, it measures 2.5 inches across.
QEII Royal Canadian Engineers Cap Badge A superb quality bi metal badge, brass QEII cypher upon a wreath of white metal Maple leaves, the badge is in lovely condition with just light wear to the higher points. Ref: D22
QEII Royal Horse Guards Bronze Cap Badge For wear on the forage cap and issued up until 1969 when they merged with the 1st Royal Dragoons to form the Blues and Royals, this one comes in perfect condition. Ref. E6
QEII Royal Monmouthshire RE ( Militia ) TA Cap Badge Post ’54 example of this scarce badge in bi metal bearing the Queen’s crown, comes in good but used condition. Ref. E25
QEII Slade Wallis Type Belt & Buckle. A good post war Slade Wallis type white leather belt with brass buckle bearing the QEII crown and the motto ‘Dieu Et Mon Droit’ meaning ‘God and my right’ the motto of the British monarch. This belt comes in very good used condition and has the name and number of the original owner inside. It will fit up to a 36 inch waist.
QEII W.R.A.F. officers Cap Badge. A beautiful quality Woman’s Royal Air Force officers cap badge. made of gilt metal embellished with a little silver, backed by red and black silk velvet. It comes in excellent condition although it has been used. Smaller than a gents badge measuring; 2 x 2 inches.
QEII WRAF Officers Cap Badge The bullion cap badge worn by officers of the Women’s Royal Air Force. It comes in perfect condition and measures 2 x 2 inches
QSA + 3 Named to Sutton 2nd East Yorks Reg. A Queens South Africa medal with 3 clasps. Cape Colony, Orange Free State and South Africa 02. This medal is named to 6500 Private C. S. Sutton East Yorks Regiment. It has been partly renamed or it has been issued incorrectly and it has been privately corrected. On the rim some parts are engraved and some are the original impressed naming. The parts that are reengraved are underlined. 6500 PTE C. S. SUTTON E. YORKS REGT. I can confirm that private C. S. Sutton served in the Anglo Boer war and is entitled to Cape Colony, Orange Free State and Transvaal clsps. He is also entitled to the Kings South Africa Medal with the 1901 and 1902 clasps. This medal is in good order apart from the rim which has been filed to fit in the engraved naming. It also comes on its original ribbon.
QSA + 5 Bars to Burton Manchester Reg Casualty A great scarce queens South Africa medal correctly named to 5906 Private H. Burton of the Manchester regiment. the QSA has the bars; South Africa 02, South Africa 01, Transvaal, Orange Free State and Cape Colony, all original and properly fixed although they are in the wrong order. The medal comes with copies of his medal roll which confirms all of the bars and Casualties of the Boer War list for this man. Both state that he died in Elandsfontein in South Africa of ‘Enteric’ which was the old term for Typhoid, on 5th February 1902, while serving with the 3rd battalion. Apart from the medal roll etc, no other research has been done on this man, which is a great shame, the Manchester’s arrived in south Africa very early and were operational when the war began, taking a fundamental part in the opening assaults. It looks as if Private Burman was present all through the 3 year war and died so close to the end of the war. This medal is in excellent condition, nice and crisp with no wear, its only fault being an edge knock to the rim, but this is the only one and not bad enough to make a difference.
Quality German Badge - Reichstag Berlin 1930\'s Normally made from lightweight metal this one is different in its construction, made from a decent weight brass it shows the Reichstag in Berlin. These ere bought at the Reichstag as souvenirs in the 1930's - 40's and came in many different sizes. No makers mark and comes in very good condition, it measures just over one inch in diameter.
Queens Bays (2nd D G’s) Cap Badge. The regiment used the same badge for over sixty years, the only change was the king and queens crown, this one is from the WW1 – WW2 period, it is hard to say for sure a more precise date; the regiment was amalgamated with the 1st Dragoon Guards in 1959, then this badge was lost altogether. A super badge in excellent condition. Ref. R8 All my badges come with a full money back guarantee. Terms and conditions apply.
Queens Crown HM Armed Forces Veterans Badge A nice quality quite modern badge for the armed forces veterans, it comes in very good condition and measures one inch long.
Queens Crown Joint Norfolk Special Constabulary Cap Badge & Collars A very good white metal post WW2 vintage cap badge and pair of collar dogs for the joint Norfolk special constabulary, the cap badge is marked Firmin London on the slider. All three come in super condition, the cap badge measures two inches long.
Queens Korea Miniature Medal Pair. A good period miniature medal pair of the Queens Korea and the United nations medal for Korea. Both are in very good but used condition and both come on a very good length of original silk ribbon.
Queens South Africa + 5 Clasps to Everett Suffolk Imperial Yeomanry. A second Anglo Boer War Queens South Africa medal correctly named to 21417 Henry Frederick Everett of the 44th Coy Imperial Yeomanry. It has five correctly attached clasps; Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 01 and South Africa 02. Henry Frederick Everett was born in Hull Yorkshire around July 1879 but was working as a Grocer and living in Waveney Road Lowestoft Suffolk during the turn of the new century 1900. He was already serving in the 2nd Volunteer Battalion of the Norfolk regiment when the war broke out in 1899. It is possible that Henry served in South Africa with this regiment early on in the war, there is a Henry Frederick Everett that served with the 2nd battalion Norfolk regiment from 1899 to 1900, but this needs a little more research. Henry enlisted into the Suffolk Imperial Yeomanry on 28th January 1901 and was posted almost immediately and arrived in South Africa on 16th February 1901. He served in the Cape Colony and saw action when De Wet managed to cross the Orange River in February 1901. And also the Boer commandos in the Western Transvaal, they were very active after September 1901. Several battles of importance were fought here between September 1901 and March 1902. At Moedwil on 30 September 1901 and again at Driefontein on 24 October, General Koos De La Rey's forces attacked the British, but were forced to withdraw after the British offered strong resistance. A time of relative quiet descended thereafter on the western Transvaal. February 1902 saw the next major battle in that region. On 25 February, Koos De La Rey attacked a British column under Lieutenant-Colonel S. B. von Donop at Ysterspruit near Wolmaransstad. De La Rey succeeded in capturing many men and a large amount of ammunition. The Boer attacks prompted Lord Methuen, the British second-in-command after Lord Kitchener, to move his column from Vryburg to Klerksdorp to deal with De La Rey. On the morning of 7 March 1902, the Boers attacked the rear guard of Methuen's moving column at Tweebosch. Confusion reigned in British ranks and Methuen was wounded and captured by the Boers. Henry saw service in South Africa until his discharge in the July of 1902 serving a total of one year and 172 days, returning to his home in Suffolk. This medal comes in excellent condition with one light edge knock on rim. It comes with copied service papers and confirmation of all clasps.
Queens South Africa Medal, 4 Bars to Hudson 1st Suffolk’s Wounded. A Boer war QAS medal correctly named to 5730 Private C Hudson of the 1st battalion Suffolk regiment, it comes with 4 bars correctly mounted, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal and South Africa 02. The 1st Battalion arrived in Cape Town on 29th November 1899 and moved up to Colesberg on the railway between Blomfontein and Pretoria. Their first major action, a night attack on 5th/6th January 1900, was doomed to failure through lack of experience and a failure to reconnoitre properly. They attacked a Boer force entrenched on Red or Grassy Hill in a forlorn, but heroic, attempt to take the hill. The Commanding Officer and 36 others were killed outright; a further 99 were captured. The hill is now known as Suffolk hill. Those who died were buried in Colesberg Military Cemetery. The Battalion then joined Lord Roberts's force that advanced on Pretoria and then, later, the Battalion did duty protecting 35 miles of blockhouse line. Companies from all three Volunteer Battalions served for periods throughout the war. In February 1900 the Battalion provided two Mounted Infantry Companies for the newly formed Mounted Infantry Regiments. These were raised as a direct requirement to combat the Boers mobility; cavalry movement, with infantry firepower when dismounted could be used to take advantage. Near the end of the war one Suffolk Company rode 99 miles within 24 hours capturing the Boer General Botha and his Staff along the way. The regiment's losses throughout the conflict were 8 officers and 147 N.C.O.'s and men. The 1st Battalion arrived home on 29th September 1902; the War ended had ended with the signing of the Treaty of Vereeniging in May of that year. The South Africa casualty roll has Hudson as slightly wounded in the battle. A wonderful medal for further research; the medal is in lovely condition with one pin head size knock to the rim, the detail is still very good and sharp and the swivel suspender is a little stiff.
Radnor Home Guard Cap Badge. The 2nd pattern badge dating from the mid to late 1950’s, it comes in very good but used condition. Ref. R6 All my badges come with a full money back guarantee. Terms and conditions apply.
RAF 1st Pattern Service Cap Badge. 1918 first pattern NCO’s, Flight Sergeant and Flying Officer service cap bade made from gilt brass and should be supported by a red cloth cushion. This one is in excellent condition, probably never used. It measures just over 2 inches wide. Ref L19
Rare 1745 Pattern British Infantry Hanger. A very rare 1745 pattern infantry officers hanger sword. It has a solid brass hilt with a heavy ball pommel, twisted grip and heart shape guard, the small quillon is missing. It has a beautiful short steel curved blade with a fine fuller running on both sides. It has a cuttlers mark on both sides of the blade for Samuel Harvey of Birmingham and the mark dates to 1748. The condition of this sword is excellent for its age. As mentioned the small knop type quillon has been broken and is missing and there are a couple of cracks to the guard and some scratches. There is a small repair to the area where the guard meets the pommel; someone has put a bit of solder to hold it firmly in place; it most likely became a bit loose due to wear and use. The blade is very good, clean free from any rust or pitting and it amazingly still retains most of its original bluing. The sword on a whole is remarkably well balanced and it was probably a very effective weapon in its day. It is said that the heart shaped guard is designed on the Honourable East India Company logo of the time and some officers of the company defiantly used this type of sword. It was also used by British officers in the Indian wars and during the American Revolution, which a similar style was adopted by the American forces. This is in no way a highly decorative sword but I doubt there is a weapon with more historic value than this one. it measures 31 inches long. Ship to UK mainland only via courier priced at £14.95
Rare 1796 Pattern Cavalry Sword & Scabbard. A very rare and unusual cavalry sword dating from the latter part of the 18th century, the Napoleonic wars era. It is the 1795 pattern in looks with a single fullered curved blade. The hilt has a typical stirrup or ‘D’ shape brass guard of the period with half oval lagnet, a scrolled quillion and a solid iron grip. The latter must a have been used as extra weight for balance or as a handy skull crusher when in close combat with another cavalryman. I have never seen this on a sword of this age before, it is surprisingly well balanced and makes it easy to wield the long curved blade. Its original scabbard is made from black leather with ornate brass fittings, the rings are missing which has left a small hole on the middle fitment. Apart from that, and the odd small dent to the brass on the scabbard, it is in excellent condition. The sword itself is really good. The blade is pretty much free from rust or pitting, the tip of the blade is a little crimped; the hilt is undamaged apart from the usual wear and the odd small ding and scrape here and there, which must be expected from a trooper’s sword of this period. This sword is unmarked, so, as for country of origin, I’m not sure; it could be British as there were so many variants to this pattern at the time, but as a British sword, I would expect it to be marked somewhere, even if it was just regimental markings. In my opinion, I would say it is from the south German region or from the Low Countries, Flanders etc. regardless from where it started life, it is a rare and very interesting example in all round good condition. It measures 35 inches long. Blade measures 30 inches from ricasso to tip.
Rare 1882 Egypt Medal + 2 to Melville Army Hospital Corps. A scarce 1882 Egypt medal correctly named to 3204 Corporal C. E. Melville of the Army Hospital Corps with the Tel-El-Kebir and Suakin 1885 clasps. The Army Hospital Corps was raised in 1857 and provided the stretcher bearers and hospital orderlies under the supervision of the Medical Department. Although consisting of other ranks, it had officers commanding the various bearer companies. Men of the AHC were usually transferred from Line Regiments to Netley Hospital and allocated on a three month probation to either the Medical or the Purveyor Branch of the service. Privates or Orderlies in the Medical Branch of the Army Hospital Corps concerned themselves with nursing the sick, ensuring that the wards were clean and the patients well cared for. They worked under the supervision of non-commissioned officers styled Ward Masters. The men were trained in the transport of the wounded on stretchers and in various ways of carrying wounded men by one bearer, and two or more bearers, when no regular conveyances were available. They were also trained in the use of the wheeled stretcher, which had been invented by a sergeant of the Army Hospital Corps, and in carrying men with broken limbs in and out of ambulance wagons. Men joined the Army Hospital Corps after two to three years\' military service and had to undergo a probationary period of six months before being accepted into the corps. They enlisted for twelve years under the Army Enlistment Act of 1878, the AHC fell under the Cardwell Short Service System, and recruits served for 3 years with the Colours and 9 years with the Reserve. The duties undertaken by the AHC in war required its personnel to be separated into two classes, Class I (Hospital Attendants) and Class II (Bearers). Class I orderlies were trained in six to twelve months, although the highly skilled compounders of medicine and the higher grades of non-commissioned officers to whom were entrusted the duties of general supervision, required about two years instruction. Class II soldiers only required about six weeks training. Those who were to form the Bearer Companies were to be furnished by the Militia Reserve. The peace time establishment of the AHC in 1878 was 1,700 men. The strength of the AHC in 1882 was 95 men and the hospital establishments for an expeditionary force stipulated two field hospitals and one bearer company to each division entering upon active service. In all, four bearer companies and twelve field hospitals were established by hospital regulations for the expeditionary force to Egypt. The expeditionary force however only took half a bearer company instead of a full bearer company for each division as well as a reduced number of field hospitals. To bring the bearer companies and field hospitals up to full established strength, the medical department sent every available man to the seat of war. The service hospitals were depleted of their army staff. A field hospital was equipped to care for 200 sick soldiers and to each field hospital were allocated 37 men of the AHC, but of these 15 were cooks, compounders of medicine, store keepers and clerks, which left only 12 men for the nursing of 200 sick or one nurse for every nine patients. Corporal Melville was obviously part of one of the bearer companies, as he has two confirmed bars, so he was moving with a division. The action at Tel-el-Kebir, started on 13th September 1882 commanded by General Wolseley containing British, Indian and French Forces. The battle was a resounding success but with a total of 57 British troops killed. Approximately two thousand Egyptians died. The British army had more 100’s more casualties due to heatstroke, keeping the bearers extremely busy. Corporal Melville was either kept in Egypt or he may have been posted to Malta, either way he was back in the Sudan region in 1885 and was with the 2nd Suakin Expedition 1885. A week after its arrival in Suakin, the expedition fought in two actions: the Battle of Hashin or Hasheen on 20th March and the Battle of Tofrek on 22nd March. Killed: 4 officers, 66 men, plus 34 followers; Injured: 8 officers, 125 men, plus 18 followers; Missing 1 officer, 35 men, plus 122 followers. and the Battle of Tofrek on 22nd March. Figures for dead and wounded were almost certainly underestimates since they were produced immediately after the battle and therefore did not include those who subsequently died of their injuries, or those among the missing who were later found dead or injured. This medal is in very good original order with some contact marks on the rim for the Khedives star, which he is also entitled to (1882). It comes with copies of his medal roll.
Rare 18th C Satirical Print by West Napoleonic War Interest Satirical prints flourished in the late 18th and early 19th century especially in London. Most prints or cartoons showed the then current political scene as well as parodying theatre, royalty, and any other fashionable subject. These prints were produced by the big production houses as well as small independent works and were sold in black and white, but for a few pence more you could buy them beautifully hand coloured. To get the most from this interesting collecting subject, you have to have some understanding of social history of the time. this wonderful example is entitled ‘The Three Plagues of Europe’ and shows three figures, ‘The Turberlent Mr Fight All’ (Napoleon) The Honble Mr Tax All’ (the Prime Minister Pitt the Younger) and ‘The Worshipfull Mr Take All’ (the Devil). This particular print is a hand coloured engraving originally drawn by M. West and published by Roberts Caracature Warehouse of 28 Middle Row Holborn. (Please note. Spellings taken from the print itself). It comes in pretty good condition and comes in an old frame. There are a few faults, it has two tape marks to the top and a tear to the bottom middle and one about 4 inches from the left corner. The colour is still very good and it has suffered very little fading. This is a rare example with an original low print run. It would look amazing in a Georgian wooden cushion frame with a nice plain mount. I have left it just as it was found in this frame, which was probably done in the 1950’s. A fabulous piece for the collector of the Napoleonic era, a true piece of Georgian history.
Rare 1929 Commemorative badge Zeppelin LZ127 In 1929 the German Zeppelin airship LZ127 circumnavigated the globe, its starting point was Lakehurst New Jersey, from there to Friedrichshafen in Germany onto Tokyo (spelt Tokio on badge) then Los Angeles before returning to Lakehurst, the trip took 21 days and covered 30,000 miles. Commemoratives where produced and sold in most locations this one I think comes from Germany, it has a makers mark of FLL on the back, the condition is fair, some of the enamel is chipped on the edge and there are a few rough spots here and there. It measures 1.75 inches in diameter and is quite heavy.
Rare 1930’s Childs or Trade Sample Kriegsmarine Uniform. A 1930’s beautifully tailored small Childs or a Trade sample Kriegsmarine tunic and cap. made of dark blue wool with a silk lining and fitted with all original buttons and the embroidered insignia for a 1st class signaller in the German Navy. It comes with its original little cap with silk cap tally embroidered in gold with Deutsche Wehrmacht and with a little silver eagle and swastika. This is also made of dark blue wool with a blue silk lining. Although this is a child’s size, it was probably made by a tailoring firm as a sample to bid for a contract to make uniforms for the Kriegsmarine. The quality is just lovely, far better than any child’s costume or mini uniform I’ve ever seen. It comes on a child size mannequin with cap display, but it would look fantastic on an old Steiff Teddy bear and it would look amazing in any German collection. The condition is perfect, no moth damage and it has been treated against future insect infestation. The mannequin supplied has a wooden core and well stuffed, so it is quite heavy, this adds to the cost of posting. If the mannequin is not needed, please let me know, this will reduce the cost of posting. Shipping quoted is for the uniform and mannequin.
Rare 1938 Dated German Dr Goebbels Propaganda Poster Slightly larger than A4 in size this original 1938 dated German propaganda poster was one of a series, this one was taken from a statement made by Dr Goebbels, the translation of the statement appears to be ‘one day the time will come when we will also have to demand colonies from the world’. It has the publishers information to the bottom and carries the date of 20th February 1938, measuring 13.5 inches x 9.5 for its age it comes in very good condition, some minor edge damage and it has discoloured over time.
Rare 1982 Issue Badge for 125 Year Anniversary of Hodson’s Horse Regiment I cant find another example of this badge online, it was issued in 1982 I am assuming for an anniversary of 125 years of the Indian Hodson’s Horse regiment, below is a brief history for the start of the regiment. This badge is made from brass with blue enamel and comes in super condition, it measures an inch long plus the pin. It was raised by Brevet Major William Stephen Raikes Hodson during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, and exists today as the 4th Horse Regiment in the Indian Army.
Rare 1st Pattern Luftwaffe Officers Belt & Buckle. A very scarce item left on Jersey is this first pattern Luftwaffe officers belt complete with its original buckle. It has been well used but still remains in beautiful condition. The brown leather belt has wonderful patination and feel and the buckle has some wear especially on the back, the front is still in very good order with all of its dimpled finish still remaining. It measures 46 inches long.
Rare Antique Chamois Hoof and Goat Horn Pipe This is a rare piece, research suggests that it dates from circa 1880 and is probably Swiss or French in origin, it is constructed from a small goats horn with a Chamois goat hoof and a horn mouthpiece, set into the horn bowl is a Stanhope, a small round piece of glass which contained a miniature picture, the one example of this pipe I can find for sale in the United States at the bizarre price of $723 suggests that the Stanhope contained a picture of two nude ladies, scandalous in its day but sadly the picture has gone from this piece, it is in otherwise very good condition but has been used, it measures 5.25 inches long.
Rare Antique Photograph Commander Church Lads Brigade Nottingham This is a great mounted photograph showing a high ranking official from the Church Lads Brigade, he is in uniform with his belts and in his hand resting on the table a cap, swagger stick and gloves. On the back written very faintly in pencil is: Dr L D Clinch(?) 1905 Major Commander Church Lads Brigade Nottinghamshire. The picture comes in good condition, shows signs of age and some foxing on the back, the frame measures 9.75 inches x 8 and the photo is 5.5 x 3.75.
Rare Boer Prisoner of War Work Quill Photograph Frame This is a very well constructed Boer era prisoner of war work photo frame, it is made I think from porcupine quills or possibly bird feather quills which have been wired together and finished with little blue beads, to the centre is a small photo space with a glass front. It comes in very good condition for its age and stands 3.5 inches high the centre section being one inch x just under 1.25.
Rare Boer War Royal Reserve Regiment Light Infantry Cap Badge. The Royal Reserve Regiments were infantry and cavalry regiments formed for home defence during the Boer war and existence from 1900 to 1902. Royal Reserve battalions were formed from veteran soldiers in the United Kingdom for Home Service and comprised of time-expired officers, non-commissioned officers and other ranks between the ages of 21 and 45 who would enlist for service in the United Kingdom for a period of one year and they received a bounty of £22. This (originally) blackened badge was issued to NCO’s and other ranks of the light infantry brigade from 1901 to 1902 for the field service cap. It is in wonderful original condition, most of its original blacking has now gone but a rare badge used for just a short time. Ref. L5.
Rare Boulton’s Trafalgar Medal 1805 with Paperwork A very rare piece of original Trafalgar Militaria, it comprises of the medal issued by 19th century philanthropist and silversmith Matthew Boulton, he made one of these medals for every Naval rating that served in the battle, it is made of a base metal which at the time was more commonly known as Britannia metal a mixture of lead, pewter and zinc which could be given a high polished finish to resemble silver. This one is a wonderful example and it has been hand scratch engraved with the recipients monogram, due to wear this is quite faint now, but still visible to the naked eye. It comes with a very interesting piece of paperwork which gives it the most amazing provenance. Here is a quite unique piece of paperwork, printed and hand written on a sheet of parchment, it is dated for 1811 and details an accident and subsequent pensions allowance for one Charles Pearne who is known to have served at the battle of Trafalgar on HMS Britannia. The vellum is faded and the hand written sections are hard to read but not impossible.....on the 2nd April 1811 Charles Pearne who is described as a 'landsman' was 'scrapping the hull' of HMS Victory when an accident occurred, he fell from a 'port' landing on his arm, he severely damaged the Carpels and Metacarpals of his left hand, so severe was the injury that immediate amputation was called for. On the 28th may 1811 he was granted a pension’s allowance of £14 per annum and the document was signed by the major officers of the ship including the new Captain James Saumarez who was later to become a Vice Admiral of the fleet, the ships surgeon R Eden, a Lieutenant and the master J. Nelson (no relation I think!) Charles was 30 at the time of his accident and in 1830 at the age of 49 years he was applying for admission into Greenwich hospital as an 'in-pensioner' I'm not sure he was admitted as he applied twice in two months. Included with this package is Census information and a printed list of the men of Devonport who fought at the battle of Trafalgar, Charles is on the list as serving on HMS Britannia as a 22 year old Landsman. At the battle of Trafalgar HMS Britannia carried the flag of Rear Admiral of the white William Carnegie, Earl of Northesk, during the battle Britannia lost 10 men killed and 42 wounded. The parchment is just over 200 years old and is in excellent condition all things considered, as I said it is faded but legible, there is some foxing and the edges are rough but otherwise a unique piece of history. It was folded and kept in a small metal box with the medal, so the fold lines are still evident. This kind of piece never comes up for sale these days unless in an important auction, I am selling this for a member of the Pearne family, so a wonderful piece of 19th century naval history.
Rare Britain’s Collectors Club 4.5 Howitzer 4 Man Crew. Mint. From W Britain Collectors club comes this exclusive set from the Premier Collection. This set was only available to club members and to become a member you must first pay a fee of $75 a year to be offered these wonderful detailed sets, which are now no longer available. This set is the Mark I 4.5” Howitzer and Home Service Review Order Detachment 1914 . This set has never been out of the box and I had to break the seal on the tissue paper to photograph this lot. A comparable set retails through the W Britain Collectors club for $195. See www.wbritain.com. These sets were not available in shops are intended for WW1 diorama’s; all hand decorated metal figures with great detail for collectors and investors. The Gun measures 5.5 inches long.
Rare Britain’s Collectors Club French Machine Gun Section. Mint. From W Britain Collectors club comes this exclusive set from the Premier Collection. This set was only available to club members and to become a member you must first pay a fee of $75 a year to be offered these wonderful detailed sets, which are now no longer available. This set is the WW1 French Machine Gun Section (1997). This set has never been out of the box and I had to break the seal on the tissue paper to photograph this lot. A comparable set retails through the W Britain Collectors club for $140. See www.wbritain.com. These sets were not available in shops are intended for WW1 diorama’s; all hand decorated metal figures with great detail for collectors and investors. Each figure measures around 1.75 inches high.
Rare Britain’s Collectors Club RNAS Armoured Car. Mint. From W Britain Collectors club comes this exclusive set from the Premier Collection. This set was only available to club members and to become a member you must first pay a fee of $75 a year to be offered these wonderful detailed sets, which are now no longer available. This set is the Royal Naval Air Service Armoured Car. This set has never been out of the box and I had to break the seal on the tissue paper to photograph this lot. A comparable set retails through the W Britain Collectors club for $265. See www.wbritain.com. These sets were not available in shops are intended for WW1 diorama’s; all hand decorated metal figures with great detail for collectors and investors. The Car measures 5.5 inches long.
Rare Britain’s Collectors Club WW1 British Over The Top. Mint. From W Britain Collectors club comes this exclusive set from the Premier Collection. This set was only available to club members and to become a member you must first pay a fee of $75 a year to be offered these wonderful detailed sets, which are now no longer available. This set is the WW1 ‘Over the Top’ British trench with officer and two men. This set has never been out of the box and I had to break the seal on the tissue paper to photograph this lot. A comparable set retails through the W Britain Collectors club for $195. See www.wbritain.com. These sets were not available in shops are intended for WW1 diorama’s; all hand decorated metal figures with great detail for collectors and investors. It measures around 2.75 inches high.
Rare Britain’s Collectors Club WW2 British Field Gun & Crew. Mint. From W Britain Collectors club comes this exclusive set only available to club members and to become a member you must first pay a fee of $75 a year to be offered these wonderful detailed sets, which are now no longer available. This set is the British 25 Pound Field Piece and Crew. This set has never been out of the box and I had to break the seal on the tissue paper to photograph this lot. I can not find another example for sale anywhere, but See www.wbritain.com for comparable items. These sets were not available in shops are intended for WW2 diorama’s; all hand decorated metal figures with great detail for collectors and investors. The Gun measures 7 inches long.
Rare British No 7 Land Service Bayonet by Elkington These scarce bayonets were used with the Sten mk V submachine gun, even though they were designed for the No4 Lee Enfield, but when firing bullets, they struck the bayonet and obstructed the path of the bullet, so they proved unsuitable and were only used for ceremonial purposes. The No. 7 Mk. I/L was a very innovative and complex design, with a unique swivelling pommel. Part knife bayonet and part socket bayonet the grip is made of a resin impregnated cloth composite called Paxolin, it has deep finger grooves and a long steel blade with a single wide fuller on both sides which allow it to be used as a good fighting knife. This example is a good war time issue with mark one scabbard. it is marked on the ricasso one side with ‘No7 MK1/L’ on the other side it is marked ‘M/78’. The latter mark is for Elkington, their one time foray into bayonet making produced just 20,000 of these bayonets. It comes in very good order, no damage or rust, just signs of light use here and there. It measures 13 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only
Rare Bronze The Aldershot Cup Navy Medal The only other example of this medal I can find is in the National Maritime museum, they date their example for 1927 and it must be engraved to the recipient, this one is not but is identical, theirs comes in its box of issue and was made by the high end maker Elkington & Co, this one lacks a box. To the main side it has the Naval crown with ‘The Aldershot cup’ under. It comes in very good condition and measures 40mm in diameter.
Rare Complete The Second World War by Winston Churchill. The rare seven book all 1st edition collection of the Second World War by Winston Churchill. Volume One was publish in march 1948 and on release it was found to have some inappropriate content and some important facts were omitted. This book was recalled and a new revised edition was published in June 1949. Because this was a newly published book, this became a 1st edition in its own right. This collection contains both editions along with all the other volumes in the set, the last volume VI published in 1953. There is no more concise history on WW2, every aspect, political and strategic is described in Churchill’s own voice with his usual odd amusing quip from how and why the war began to its final conclusions. Each book has an index at the back, which makes it easy for researching any particular aspect. Churchill was a prolific writer, but without doubt, this was his greatest achievement in book form and a must for any book military collector. All seven books are in good condition and complete, first volume revised edition still retains its rare dust cover. These are very heavy so I will subsidise the cost and charge you £7.95
Rare Drum of the 5th Volunteer Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment. A rare drum from the 5th Royal Anglian’s. it is beautifully hand decorated with the regiments badge and title. The drum itself is made by Premier and was produced solely for military use, one of only a very few. The condition is great considering it would have been used many times on parade etc. it has no damage apart from the odd minor scuff here and there and it sounds superb. It measures; 14.5 inches in diameter x 14 inches high. The Royal Anglian Regiment was formed in 1964, making it the oldest of the Line Regiments now operating in the British Army. It was formed from the amalgamation of the four regiments of the East Anglian Brigade, the Norfolk’s, Suffolk’s, Northampton’s and the Essex, and later to encompass all of the East Anglian regiments. The regiment carried out tours-of-duty throughout the Troubles in Northern Ireland and was present on 'Bloody Sunday' in Derry in 1972, when 14 unarmed civilians were killed, also the Yugoslav Wars, Bosnia, Croatia, Sierra Leone and more recently Afghanistan. A large item so shipping will be £10.95 via courier
Rare Early 20th Century Mercury Light Bulb. A very rare piece of technological history, this dates from around 1910 and probably French. It was in its time a quirky novelty, when the filament gets hot, the mercury will jump about causing a light effect. It is in perfect working condition and looking at the thickness of the filament and glass, it will never blow. It measures 3.5 inches.
Rare Early 20th Century Pocket Globe. A rare tin plate pocket globe dating from around 1900 – 1910 or may be earlier dating to the late 19th century. It shows the world as it was and highlights the British empire in pink. It would of originally had a tin plate case which it sat in, this is now missing. The condition of this globe is very good, it does show a little wear to the surface but it still has good colour and it has a small shallow dent in the north Atlantic and another just over the Falklands, but with no loss to the surface. A very rare piece which measures approximately 2 inches in diameter.
Rare French Napoleonic Cartridge Pouch 2nd Light Regiment. A French black leather pouch dating from around 1810 and issued to a solider in the 2nd battalion of the 2nd light regiment and could have easily been used during the battle of Waterloo 1815. It is a cartridge pouch in very good condition. If you lift the front flap, there should be a second small pouch for percussion caps, this is missing, but you can see the holes where it was sewn to the main body. This could easily be replaced if you want to restore to original spec. but as it is it is untouched and beautifully regimentally marked inside. These are rare things, anything original to the Napoleonic wars is very hard to find and sort after. It measures 8 x 7 x 2.25 including the belt loop.
Rare George V Issue Miniature Distinguished Conduct Medal One of a small group of original miniature medals that I have acquired recently, A lovely example of an Original George V issue in solid silver of the Distinguished Conduct medal for gallantry in the field issued to 'other ranks'. This is the type II version with a swivel suspender and comes in very good condition, requiring a clean and the ribbon is a little worn at the top.
Rare German Franco-Prussian War Era Gents Bracelet. A wonderful unusual and rare piece of German memorabilia from the Franco-Prussian war (July 1870 to May 1871) it is made of silver plate and adorned with three charms, one is a wreath with the dates of 1870 and 1871 on alternate sides; cross swords and cross cannon. The bracelet is fastened by a jump ring and swivel catch. It probably originated as a watch chain that was shortened. The condition is very good, there is a little wear to the plate on the high points. This piece measures 10 inches long.
Rare Mauchline Ware Compass Scottish Souvenir Wood ware is known as Mauchline Ware because the vast majority of these small wooden items bearing pictures designed to appeal to 19th Century tourists were made in the Ayrshire town of Mauchline. This example is a lidded box which contains a functioning compass, acquired from a local collection it has a scene on the top of the lid showing ‘the bridge at Lowestoft’ still in existence today but a darn sight busier….., it comes in very good condition for its age with a small mark on the top of the lid, it measures just under 2 inches in diameter.
Rare Metropolitan Police Christmas Card 1923-1924 This is a lovely Christmas card produced for the Metropolitan police in 1923/24, to the front it bears the police badge but on the inside is a great scene of police through the ages from the ‘Robin Redbreast’ in 1796 to the ‘Robert’ in 1924, the card was sent by Mr & Mrs Sullivan, it comes in very good condition, there is rust to the staple and it shows signs of age, it measures 6.5 inches long.
Rare Napoleon 1804 Coronation Medal in Bronze. A good solid bronze Napoleon coronation medal, dating from 1804, to the front is the bust of Napoleon, the designers name of 'Andrieu F.' is on the base of the neck, below this stamped on the rim is the word 'bronze. On the reverse is the Eagle emblem and either side of the Napoleonic 'N' is 'Denon F.' and Jairy F. 1804'. It comes in wonderful condition, there is some light wear to the high points on both sides, measures 40mm in diameter. Ref. 15271
Rare Nazi Air Sea Rescue Officers Cap Badge. A rare badge made of the usual white metal displaying wings with crossed anchors to the centre, worn on a peeked cap by an officer of the Seenotdienst or Air Sea Rescue service. This was a German military organization formed within the Luftwaffe to save downed airmen from emergency water landings, the service operated from 1935 to 1945, the last active group served in the Baltic Sea in March 1945. It was the first organized air-sea rescue service to exist closely followed by Britain and the USA. The badge is in very good original and untouched condition although it is missing one of its retaining pins on the back, it is a large badge measuring 4.5 inches and a rare find.
Rare Original 1942 RAF Calendar – Full of Photo’s How this has survived I do not know and I cant find another original example anywhere. Issued by the RAF in 1942 each page/month is double sided and has 14 days to a side and features a different photo of airmen, planes and internal shots of aircraft. For its age it is in remarkable condition, there are no annotations, rips or tears just signs of age and storage, it measures 11.25 inches x 9
Rare Original 1943 RAF Calendar How this has survived I do not know and I cant find another original example anywhere. Issued by the RAF in 1943 it has the traditional calendar layout of one picture to a month and it features aircraft of the RAF. For its age it is in very good condition, the front cover page has come adrift and has damage with loss to the bottom right corner and has signs of age and storage, it measures 10.5 inches x 11.5
Rare Original WW1 Thanks Giving Programme Felixstowe July the 19th 1919, held at the Spa Pavilion at 10 am, musical accompaniments by the Salvation Army. So very few of these original programmes survive, this one comes in very good condition just a little discoloured. Ref.12412
Rare Photographic Booklet WW1 Bombardment of Lowestoft Issued not long after the end of WW1 this interesting photographic booklet is made up of a series of pictures copied from original photographs showing the devastation as a result of the bombardment of Lowestoft by the Germans on April 5th 1916. Printed in Lowestoft these are quite rare outside of the area. Comes in good but used condition.
Rare Silver King Sisowath of Cambodia Coronation Medallion 1906 Sisowath the 1st was king of Cambodia from 1904 to 1927, many varieties of medal and medallions were struck in commemoration but are considered quite scarce, this example struck in silver is 33mm in diameter, please see pictures for detail, it comes in very good condition and should polish up nicely.
Rare Silver Kings Medal 1911George V. 1911 hallmarked silver Kings medal awarded to G. Thomas from the County of London for punctual attendance for the year of 1911 and the previous seven years. Both the medal and suspender are hallmarked for London 1911 with a makers mark of W&S. These are rare and only a few were awarded each year; this one is in wonderful original condition showing very little or no wear. The medal disk measures 1.5 inches in diameter.
Rare Victorian Military Galvanometer by Elliott Bros. A beautiful late Victorian instrument made of brass with a brass dial and compass type hands. It has two screw connectors on the sides which are linked by a thick copper or bronze component inside the heavy glass casing. Basically a Galvanometer is an early Ammeter an instrument to measure electrical current. Used with detonating explosives and early telegraph communications in the military. This Galvanometer was made by the Elliott Brother London and patented in 1885. It has several markings on the side; first, the broad arrow with the numbers 27 with an ‘A’ added later. It also has ‘RA’ scratched into the side, so it was obviously at some point used by the Royal Artillery. These were also used during the first world war for measuring the electrical current used to detonate mining explosives. A very interesting and rare piece measuring 3.5 inches in diameter.
Rare Victorian Royal Dragoons Horse Martingale Plate. A very rare piece of cavalry horse harness furniture for the 1st Dragoon Guards circa 1840 – 60. It is a two piece badge made of solid bronze, and it has the lion standing on the crown to the centre with a garter strap around, this has the motto ‘Spectemur Ageno’ ‘Let us be judged by our acts’. Above all this is Queen Victoria’s crown. On the back it had five prongs to hold it on to the strap, these are for the most part gone and only parts remain. There is also a small ding to the centre of the badge, but as you can see this is hardy noticeable. A heavy piece which measures; 4 inches high.
Rare Victorian Royal Marine Artillery Officers Sabretache. The 1872 pattern Royal marine Artillery officers full dress Sabretache. Just a beautiful leather pouch, the front flap covered with gold bullion wire work, embellished with red silk velvet, to the centre and surrounded by wide gold bullion tress. Under the front flap reveals the pouch, all in red Morocco leather. Also, it comes in its original red Morocco leather case, 1872 pattern for undress. A superb piece of Victorian uniform, which comes in very good condition. there is no damage, but the whole piece is a little dirty after neaqrly 140 years, this can be restored, but why take away its history, it looks fabulous as it is. It measures; 11 x 13 inches.
Rare Vintage Scots Guards Officers Uniform and Bear Skin. It is a pleasure to offer this wonderful original Scots Guards officers uniform with its original Bear Skin. The uniform dates from the 1960’s and is to a 2nd Lieutenant and comprises of his dress tunic, belt, trousers and of course the Bear Skin which is a extremely rare piece and very seldom come onto the market, and when they do, they fetch very high prices; this also still retains its chin scales. Every item from this uniform comes in excellent condition and in fact, it comes from part of my own collection, so it is with some regret I have to sell to make space for a new cabinet. if I had to be very picky, there is a tiny amount of damage to the trousers, which is hard to spot, but I thought I would mention it anyway. This piece displays very well, and with the Bear Skin sitting on the tunic shoulders, it’s hard not to salute when passing. A really stunning lot and a scarce find to an officer.
Rare War Era Hertfordshire Constabulary Red Cross Large Badge I am saying this badge is rare as I cant find another example anywhere that has a constabulary badge incorporating the medical red cross, I am also assuming it is WW2 era but could be earlier. The main badge is white metal with a red velvet cloth interior, there is a copper backing plate and two metal wires, this I think is an old repair and would have had lugs originally, it comes in good condition for its age and measures two inches in diameter.
Rare War Era Northumberland Constabulary Maltese Red Cross Large Badge I am saying this badge is rare as I cant find another example anywhere that has a constabulary badge incorporating the medical Maltese red cross, I am also assuming it is WW2 era but could be earlier. The main badge is white metal with a red leather back, and has two lugs on the back, it comes in good condition for its age and measures 1.75 inches in diameter.
Rare WW1 & WW2 Medal Group to Gloucestershire Yeomanry. An interesting a scarce 1915 star trio and the WW2 defence medal all awarded to 3022 Lance Corporal Rayner H. G. Vicker of the 1st Royal Gloucestershire Hussars Yeomanry and Home Guard. The 1914/15 star is correctly named to 3022 L/Cpl. R. H. G. Vicker. Glouc. Yeo. And the British war and victory medal is correctly named as above by to Private R. H. G. Vicker. The ww2 defence medal is un-named as issued. Rayner Herbert Godwin Vicker was born in 1898 in Gloucester the 3rd son of Ernest a grocer’s manager. It seems at the age of 16 Rayner enlisted into his local yeomanry, probably only due to his age his miss out Gallipoli and went straight to Egypt landing at Alexandria on the 7th December 1915 only to find most of his old regiment had been killed or wounded at the Green Hill and Chocolate Hill sectors at Gallipoli, his regiment was so depleted it was allied with the 1/1st Warwickshire and 1/1st Worcestershire Yeomanry; they were camped at Mena, near Cairo and restored to a cavalry role, the Regiment strength was now 17 Officers, 316 O.R., and 354 horses and were re-named the 5th Mounted Brigade. By the end of March 1916 the Regiment was at Romani and on 1st April a report arrived of a 500 strong enemy force at Bir-el-Abd. The regiment now less one squadron and the Worcester Yeomanry were ordered to move to Qatia which lay about 6 miles away. April 2nd they left Qatia and found the enemy had fled, they sent scouting parties out to pin down the position of the Turks but all seemed quiet until April 23rd, the enemy attacked, the Gloucester Hussars commanded by Captain Lloyd-Baker, were only 101 men strong facing a mighty enemy force, with artillery, they attacked and inflicted heavy casualties, the other Squadrons attempted to help but after severe fighting the brigade had to fall back to Romani. February 1917 the brigade transferred to Imperial Mounted Division where they saw a lot of fighting in the Sinai and Palestine Campaigns, such as the Battle of Rafa, and with the victory’s at Romani and Magdhaba, including the recapture of substantial territory were followed by two defeats at the First and Second battles for Gaza. The 1917 British victory in October at the Third Battle of Gaza was followed by the capture of substantial territory during the Battle of Mughar Ridge in November, quickly followed in December by the capture of Jerusalem. In the August of 1918 the brigade was retitled the 13th Cavalry Brigade and transferred to 5th Cavalry Division, they remained in North Africa until the end of the war, when what was left of the regiment was returned home to England. It is amazing how Ratner survived the war, it seems he suffered no more from a bought of Tonsillitis when first arriving in Egypt and Scabies in 1916; the Egypt / Palestine campaigns were rife with disease due to poor sanitation, the lack of supply’s and fresh water must of made the situation almost unbearable, yet thousands of young men from the shires of Britain did their duty, still too few came home. Rayner Vicker also saw fit to volunteer for home service during the second world war, his service here is unknown, but, I am sure this will all become researchable one day; Rayner Died in 1979 at the age of 81. All four medals are in excellent condition, there is a few very light contact marks to the medals, so they may have been mounted and worn at some time.
Rare WW1 89th Battalion Canadian Infantry Collar Dog. The 89th Battalion (Alberta), CEF, was an infantry battalion of the Great War Canadian Expeditionary Force. The 89th Battalion was authorized on 22 December 1915 and embarked for Britain on 2 June 1916, where its personnel were absorbed by the 9th Reserve Battalion, CEF, to provide reinforcements for the Canadian Corps in the field. The battalion disbanded on 21 May 1917. The battalion recruited throughout Alberta and was mobilized at Calgary. The battalion was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel W.W. Nasmyth from 2 June 1916 to 1 August 1916 The battalion was awarded the battle honour the Great War 1916. This wonderful little badge has been used but still comes in excellent condition with a nice even mid-brown tone. Ref. E5
Rare WW1 ARRC & More to Matron & Lady Superintendent BRCS. A rare WW1 Associates Royal Red Cross to Matron & Lady Superintendent Annie Henderson Young. Also included is her WW1 Red Cross service medal, silver and enamel student nurses badge, BRCS Roll of Honour bar with its original certificate, BRCS for service badge, various bronze and sterling silver early NSPCC medals, plus a lot of original certificates, paperwork and photographs. Although this woman needs thorough research, there is enough paperwork and certificates here to get a very good start. In short, Annie Henderson Young (nee Walters) served with the British Red Cross Society during WW1, as Matron then Lady Superintendent from May 1915 to February 1919 at the Braintree Voluntary Aid Detachment Hospital Essex. During the war, she married Captain KeithYoung of the Royal Army Medical Corps, who served in France throughout the war. The ARRC was awarded to her by King George V at Buckingham Palace on the 13th April 1918 and she was instructed to attend Queen Alexandra for tea at Marlborough House afterwards, this was a great honour to be bestowed. She was awarded a place on the BRCS Roll of Honour on 1st April 1920. The documentation which accompanies this medal is; her Nursing qualification certificate from the Royal Infirmary Sheffield, this is dated 1905. The official BRCS directors report on which she is named, naming the persons to be awarded the ARRC and other awards, the telegram informing her of her award of the ARRC, other paperwork relating to this award, railway warrant etc. her invitation to Buckingham Palace and her invitation to Marlborough House. Copy newspaper cuttings relating to her and her award, one, she is pictured. And lastly some original photographs of Annie including a couple of her in later life. Also there is a certificate relating to the International health Exhibition named to her husband Keith Young. After the war, it is believed she became one of the original members of the fledgling NSPCC, then the Children’s League of Pity. She was awarded several medals from this organisation, which are included. The ARRC is in mint condition and in its case of issue and comes with its original sterling silver and enamel miniature. All of the other medals and badges are also in excellent condition and it looks like she did not wear any of them very much. The original paperwork is in good condition and has been stored well over the years. A rare lot to a truly remarkable woman who dedicated her life to the care of the sick and later to children, tending the sick and wounded during the great war to an extent that was noticed, to win her the ARRC while serving as a high ranking officer of the British Red Cross.
Rare WW1 Belgian Officers Miniature Medal Neck Chain. A beautiful set of original WW1 and later Belgian miniature medals set for an officer to wear between the collar close to the neck. They comprise of; 1. Knight Order of Leopold II with crossed swords for courage in combat. 2. Croix de Guerre. 3. WW1 Belgian Allied Victory medal. 4. Commemorative Medal for WW1 Service. 5 Civil Cross 1st class with long service ribbon. 6. Centenary of National Independence Commemorative Medal 1830-1930. All professionally set on a fine gilt chain with a pin at either end. It comes in excellent condition and only shows very slight wear in places. Belgian miniature medals are quite scarce, a set on an officers neck chain, are hard to find, especially a good gallantry group such as this.
Rare WW1 Canadian 1st Hussars Cap Badge. As with the Boer War, the 1st Hussars did not participate as a unit. At the outbreak of the war, some 66 members of the regiment joined the 1st Western Ontario Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force which was raised in late 1914. The Western Ontario Battalion was present at the Second Battle of Ypres. In November 1914, the 7th Canadian Mounted Rifles was raised. 'A' Squadron was recruited in London, 'B' Squadron drew men from Windsor, Sarnia and Amherstburg and 'C' Squadron was raised in Toronto. 'A' Squadron was attached to the 2nd Canadian Division in March 1915 as the divisional cavalry squadron. In June 1915, 7 CMR sailed for England. In January 1916, 'A' Squadron was renamed Special Service Squadron, First (Canadian) Hussars to reflect the unit's roots in 1st Hussars. By mid-May 1916, the squadron became part of the Canadian Corps Cavalry Regiment, later renamed the Canadian Light Horse, forming 'B' Squadron of the regiment. On 9 April 1917, the Battle of Vimy Ridge commenced. During the battle, the CLH was committed on the southern flank of the line where elements of the regiment were tasked with reconnaissance towards the village of Willerval to determine if a breakthrough would be possible, or if the village could be held. Two mounted patrols set out at around 4:30 p.m., one approaching from the north and the other from the south. The northern patrol entered the village and was able to take about 15 prisoners before withdrawing under fire from a German machine-gun. The southern patrol ran into a German position and was also forced to withdraw under fire. The two patrols lost six men killed, six wounded and another three missing. From 8 August 1918 to 28 August, The 1st Hussars of the Canadian Light Horse were tasked mostly as dispatch riders, traffic controllers and in other support roles in the rear of the Canadian Corps at Amiens. On 9 August, five members of 'B' Squadron attempted to capture a German ammunition convoy they had spotted while running messages. Although they were unsuccessful in capturing the wagons, they managed to take some 20 prisoners. The CLH moved into the Canal Du Nord area on the night of 26 September to 27 September. Some elements of the regiment performed costly reconnaissance patrols in the area while the unit waited in reserve just behind the lines for a breakthrough that the cavalry could exploit. On 9 October 1918, the Canadian Corps attacked the Germans near the French village of Escaudoeuvres on the L'Escaut Canal (north-east of Cambrai). The next day the First Hussars would participate in an action that saw the last of the few cavalry charges in Canadian history. The Canadian Corps continued to advance on the far bank of the canal. The village of Naves was captured by the 19th Battalion, CEF, which continued on to capture a ridgeline to the east of the village. The objective for 'A' and 'C' Squadrons of the CLH was to capture a portion of sunken road on the ridgeline and continue on to take a hill overlooking the village of Iwuy . 'B' Squadron was held in reserve. 'A' and 'C' Squadrons forded the Erclin River and charged up the hill towards the sunken road. The charge resulted in 23 dead troopers and 66 dead horses, but despite the losses, the hill was taken and held. As the Hundred Day's offensive continued, the 1st Hussars and rest of the CLH found itself often leading the advance, and letting the infantry pass through when resistance was met. Members of the 1st Hussars also participated in the following actions, among others: the Second Battle of Ypres, the Battle of Flers-Courcelette the Battle of Hill 70 and the Battle of Passchendaele. This cap badge is in beautiful condition, the front has a nice even tone just showing tint bits of original gilt in the recesses. The back still has all of its original gilt finish. Ref. E2
Rare WW1 Canadian Winnipeg Light Infantry Cap Badge. A WW1 era Cap badge of the 101st Battalion (Winnipeg Light Infantry), CEF. It was an infantry battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. The Battalion was authorized on 22 December 1915 and was recruited in, and was mobilized at, Winnipeg, Manitoba; it embarked for Great Britain on 29 June 1916, where, on 13 July 1916, its personnel were absorbed by the 17th Reserve Battalion, CEF, to provide reinforcements to other Canadian Corps in the field. It was commanded by Lt.-Col. D. McLean from 28 June 1916 to 21 August 1916. The battalion disbanded on 12 October 1917 and it was awarded the battle honour The Great War 1916. This badge comes in very good but used condition, it has a lovely even dark tone overall. Ref. E1
Rare WW1 Era Bavarian Ersatz Felt Shako. A good 1895 pattern Shako made of felt probably for a telegraph battalion. it is made of field green felt with leather rim, 1891 pattern side posts, air vents on either side and a poorer quality smaller brass plate, typical of WW1 Ersatz issue. It has a black leather strap, which I think this is wrong, it should be brown, this one was probably a replacement from a period Pickelhaube. It has its original State and Reich cockades, and cloth Feldzeichen. It has its original leather liner; this is sewn to the body of the helmet and not glued. The condition is excellent for this type of headgear, they didn’t wear very well and just about useless anywhere near the front line. It obviously has some wear to the felt and a little staining here and there. There is a small hole just above the tip of the plate, this is not due to moth but wear from the tip of the plate. The peek is a little splayed, it has been displayed flat with the weight on the peek, this is never a good idea for any helmet. Inside there is a stain on the crown of the shako, this I think is where there was once a paper label, but as soon as the cap got wet, the label came off. A rare piece, which is in excellent order and although felt didn’t shrink as much as leather helmets, this one I would say is about a 6 & ½.
Rare WW1 Era Bicorn Hat & Epaulets Royal Naval Surgeon Orwin. MORE PHOTOGRAPHS
Rare WW1 Era Bicorn Hat & Epaulets Royal Naval Surgeon Orwin. A very rare opportunity to purchase a historic piece of Royal naval dress uniform. It includes an Officers Bicorn Hat with all the gold bullion trimmings and the epaulets in gold bullion and sterling silver anchor highlighted with silver bullion. The whole set is made by Gieve, Mathews and Seagrove Ltd, London, Portsmouth and Devonport. It also comes in its original fitted and named tin to Royal Navy Surgeon Commander James Steward Orwin M.B. Ch. B. J. S. Orwin was educated at Edinburgh University and qualified in 1909. I am not sure when he joined the Royal Navy, but it must have been soon after. It looks like his first ship was HMS Clio from July 1911 serving as Ships Surgeon. During the first world war he spent a short time at HMS Vivid shore establishment and then served on HMS Illustrious as surgeon from 1st August 1914. In late July 1914, the Royal Navy began a precautionary mobilisation, as war seemed imminent. The Majestic-class ships were by then the oldest and least effective battleships in service in the Royal Navy. At first, it was planned that Illustrious would pay off to provide crewmen for the new dreadnought battleship HMS Erin, but instead she was placed in full commission to serve as a guard ship for the Grand Fleet once World War I began in August 1914. She began guard ship duty at Loch Ewe on 23 August 1914, transferring to Loch Na Keal on 17 October 1914, to the Tyne in November 1914, and to Grimsby on the Humber in December 1914. She remained on guard ship duty on the Humber until November 1915. From December 1916 he was the Lieutenant - Commander Surgeon on board HMS Concord. He served all through WW1 and stayed with the Navy in the inter-war years and around 1929 he was promoted to Commander Surgeon and during WW2 he served as a Surgeon Captain. I have not been able to obtain his service records as they are still listed as ‘Restricted’ and cannot be viewed. They are at the National Archives in Kew and I think they can be viewed at Kew but no copies taken, so all the information above come from the Royal Navy Officers lists, which are included. Just a superb lot which comes in amazing condition, the hat and epaulets look hardly worn and almost as good as new. The tin however has worn to the outside and signs of its age it has his name painted to the top and the Gieve, Mathews and Seagrove brass plaque also on the top. Inside it is all good and fitted to hold the hat and epaulets in red velvet. Just beautiful.
Rare WW1 era Cyclists Battalion Bugle. A very rare company bugle acquired via my local Suffolk regiment museum, it was originally given to the Yorkshire cyclist battalion by a Sergeant Haigh who was also a member of Ossett cycling club in Yorkshire; I think to commemorate the start of the First World War. The members of the Ossett Cycle club formed a battalion in the Yorkshire National Reserve; basically Home Guard on bikes, and this piece was the Ossett company’s bugle. It has an inscription in the front of the horn which reads ‘Ossett Cycling Club’ engraved in gothic text, and at the bottom rim it has another inscription which reads ‘Presented to the Ossett Companies National Reserve, by Sergeant Haigh August 1914’. The condition is good, it has the usual dings and dents found on a bugle of this age and it looks like it hasn’t been cleaned for many a year, but it still retains its original mouth piece and cord, so on the whole, an untouched rare and unusual item.
Rare WW1 Era Sterling Silver and White Enamel RFC Sweetheart Brooch This is a very unusual and scarce WW1 era Sterling silver with white enamel sweetheart brooch for the Royal Flying Corps, it is marked to the back F.R.G. Sterling silver and the front has textured white enamel, a very pretty and striking badge, it comes in very good condition with light signs of age and measures just over one inch in diameter.
Rare WW1 German Cloth and Gold Bullion Lion Button I cannot find another example of this type of button, it dates from the Great War era and has a silk German flag background with a gold bullion wire probably Bavarian eagle to the centre, the button itself is black metal with an off set fixing, it comes in very good condition and measures just under one inch in diameter.
Rare WW1 Group to an Assistant Surgeon. A fabulous group of four to a medical officer serving with the Indian Medical Department; the medals comprise of the 1915 star named to; A. S/G. E Duckworth. I.M.D. the British war and victory medals both named to; Asst. Surgn. G. E. Duckworth. I.M.D. and lastly the Army Long Service and Good Conduct medal, this is named; 1-CL. A.S. G. E. Duckworth. I.M.D. The history of the Indian Medical Department or Service (IMD or IMS) dates back to 19th century. Initially starting as compounders and dressers in the three Presidency Medical Services they became Sub Surgeons and later on as Indian Medical Assistants in Indian Regiments. In 1868, they were renamed as Hospital Assistants, In 1900 the Senior Hospital Assistants were granted the rank of Viceroy’s Commissioned Officers and in 1910 the designation was finally changed to Sub Assistant Surgeons officers of IMD or IMS they were primarily for work with the Indian troops and they were just as highly qualified as any other assistant surgeons although the work was harder, longer with less specialist equipment but they were devoted to their service. All four medals are mounted as worn so there is the odd contact marks on the rims but nothing terrible that could be called an edge knock. The IMS shoulder badge doesn’t belong with this group but as they are so rare and I had one, I thought it would go well with the group as a free item.
Rare WW1 Hand Sewn Flags of the Allies Excelsior Button I cannot find another example of this type of button, I’m fairly sure it is a hand sewn one off, it features the flags of the allies sewn to a yellow silk background, the metal button is marked ‘excelsior’ on the back, the work is tight and skilful, it measures one inch in diameter and is in super condition.
Rare WW1 Memorial Plaque to Bourton RN Killed Jutland. A rare WW1 bronze memorial plaque to P238629 Able Seaman Frederick James Bourton HMS Shark. Frederick Bourton was born in Croydon, Surrey on 27th March 1891. Before joining the Royal Navy, he was employed as a farm boy. In the late 19th century as a farm boy with a limited education, the Royal navy offered incredible opportunities. He enlisted in 1907 at the age of 16 and signed up for 12 years, however the 12 year term didn’t start until he was classed as an adult at 19. Starting as a boy at HMS Impregnable and other shore establishments until his first ship HMS Jupiter in May 1908. When the great war started, he was serving on HMS Shark a Acasta class destroyer part of the 4th Flotilla and part of the grand fleet based at Scapa Flow near the Orkney’s. On 15 December 1914, German battlecruisers, supported by the battleships of the main German High Seas Fleet set out on a raid against the coastal towns of Scarborough, Whitby and Hartlepool, with the intent of drawing out units of the British Grand Fleet, where they could be engaged by the battleships of the High Seas Fleet. The British, aware from radio intercepts that the Germans were planning a raid with their battlecruisers (but not that they were supported by the whole of the High Seas Fleet), sent out the battlecruiser squadron under Vice Admiral David Beatty with four battlecruisers and the Second Battle Squadron, commanded by Vice Admiral Sir George Warrender, with six battleships, to oppose the raid. Shark was one of seven destroyers that sailed in support of the British battlecruiser squadron. At 05:15 on 16 December, the lead ship of the British destroyers, Lynx, spotted a German destroyer, V155 (part of the screen of the High Seas Fleet) and set off with the other destroyers in pursuit of the German ship. In a brief exchange of fire, V155 hit both Lynx and Ambuscade, forcing both to break off. Soon afterwards, Shark and Hardy encountered the German light cruiser Hamburg. After Hardy was badly damaged by shells from Hamburg, Shark and the remaining British destroyers resumed station screening the British battlecruisers. They encountered five German destroyers at about 06:03, which they chased away, and at about 06:50 encountered the German cruiser Roon, screened by destroyers, and shadowed them, while reporting their position by radio, but when Shark attempted to lead her division in a torpedo attack against the German cruiser, the appearance of two more German cruisers, Stuttgart and Hamburg, and were forced to break off the attack with the German cruisers in pursuit, before losing contact with the Germans due to poor visibility. During the Battle of Jutland 31st May 1916, Shark was one of four destroyers from the 4th Flotilla assigned to cover the 3rd Battlecruiser Squadron. During the battle, at around 6 pm, Shark led an unsuccessful torpedo attack by the four destroyers on the German 2nd Scouting Group, with Shark firing two torpedoes. The other three destroyers escaped with little damage, but Shark was crippled by gunfire, having her fuel pipes and steering gear wrecked. The forecastle gun was completely blown away with most of its gun crew shortly before the captain, Commander Loftus Jones, declined an offer of assistance from the destroyer Acasta, as it would put Acasta in too much danger. Soon afterwards the aft 4-inch gun was also destroyed, and the bridge wrecked. Jones and three seamen continued working the midship gun, engaging nearby German destroyers and leading to the sinking of V48. The German destroyers closed on the ship and returned heavy fire, during which Jones lost a leg. Shortly before 7 pm he ordered the ship to be abandoned and around thirty of the crew got onto the rafts. Only seven were picked up six hours later by a Danish ship, but one died soon afterwards. Although there are reports that Jones went down with the ship, survivors told his wife that he was put onto a raft. In total, 86 men out of a crew of 92 were killed of which Frederick Bourton was one aged just 25 years. He is now remembered with honour at the Kviberg Cemetery Sweden. He was the Son of Alfred and Ellen Bourton, of The White Horse, Wokingham, Berks. This plaque is in excellent condition and comes with various research, service record. Commonwealth war graves details, casualty details etc.
Rare WW1 Miniature Memorial Medallion This miniature memorial medallion for the Great War was designed by A. Drury RA in 1919, cast in bronze it measures 1.75 inches in diameter, this design can be seen on the larger examples which were dedicated to Colonel Beech, this one has not been named and comes in very good condition with some light scratching and wear to the surface.
Rare WW1 Plaque & Pair to Trumpeter Ellison Northumberland Yeomanry Hussars. A rare and very interesting WW1 British war and victory medal pair and memorial plaque correctly named to; 1856 Private George Robert Ellison of the 1st Northumberland Yeomanry Hussars. George was born in High Westwood, Hamsterley Colliery, County Durham, around 1895. He must have volunteered for the 2nd/1st Northumberland Hussars soon after the war broke out in 1914. He must have undergone training and finally arrived in France in 1917 and transferred to the 1st/1st battalion soon after, either because they had become short of good horsemen or they were in need of a trumpeter. From August 1917 they were attached to VIII corps, November 17, transferred to III Corps and from 8 October 1918 : transferred to XII Corps. Obviously I have done little research on this man, mainly because, I think there is a lot to find out here. I think he was in a Colliery band before the war and he was a natural choice for trumpeter. The 1st/1st Northumberland Hussars remained mounted throughout the war in France and Flanders and I am in no doubt he saw action at the second battle of Cambrai in the October 1918. Here I am sure he was wounded and later died of his wounds in the either the 12th, 37th or 48th casualty clearing station. His date of death is the 15th November 1918, just 4 days after the armistice, I have been all through the battalion war diary for his death on this date, but there is nothing written, so he must have been wounded earlier. There is also another possibility he was taken prisoner, as many of the regiment were captured during the battle. They were taken to a prison camp in Germany and kept in very poor conditions, many died of sickness before they were liberated. How sad that would be if George died in a POW camp, only days before he could have been set free. In all the Northumberland Hussars had 62 casualties during their time on the western Front, of which George is one. George Robert Ellison is now remembered with honour at the Busigny Communal Cemetery Extention, Nord, France. He was the son of Joseph and Mary Ellison of 28 Yewdale Street, High Westwood, Co Durham. The medals are in very good original condition, never mounted or worn. The victory medal still retains around 99% of its original gilt finish. The plaque is in mint condition with a lovely even chocolate coloured tone and comes in its original brown card envelope. This lot comes with various copy paperwork, mic, medal roll, casualty roll, CWGC certificate and details, soldiers died in the great war details, and soldiers effects. A very interesting an worthwhile project awaits on a brave Durham man who gave his life at just 23 years old.
Rare WW1 Scottish Horse Tam-O-Shanta Possibly Officers. A lovely scarce old WW1 era Tam-o-Shanta worn by the Scottish horse. The cap is made of black wool with a red toorie and a woollen chequered band, it has a silk bow with the white metal badge of the Scottish horse with Scottish crown and battle honours ‘South Africa 1900, 1901 and 1902. Inside it has a silk adjustable lining and a leather sweat band, it still has its original chin strap attached but this is detached on one side. The outside of the cap in in very good order considering its age, the silk bow is a little tatty and it has a little old moth damage here and there, although this in mainly on the chequered band. It measures approximately a size 7. A rare piece of world war one headwear.
Rare WW1 Silver Trench Taper Lighter By Aspreys- 2nd Lieu Holmes KIA The title here simply does not do justice to what is on offer here; as you work through this weeks listings you will notice a connection between the lots coming from a family group who came from Great Yarmouth in Norfolk; here we have some more……this very rare officers trench taper or flameless lighter, it was the property of Albert Edward Holmes older brother of Thomas William of the 11th Hussars, whose medals I am selling this week, Albert who was known as ‘Ted’ in the family, and was a casualty of the Great war dying in mid September 1918 at the age of 34, having survived for four years and who also saw service in India around 1910. The census information with Thomas’s medals shows the brothers at home in Yarmouth in 1891 and 1901, by 1911 Ted shows up on a list of personnel serving with the East Yorkshire regiment in India, at this stage he is a Sergeant; a roll for the East Yorkshire regiment shows Teddy as 7895 ‘CR’ sergeant embarking on 15th January 1915 and commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the 6th Yorks and Lancs 29-1-17 (the regiment in which he died). I struggled to find a medal index card for him until his service number came to light this then led to the medal index card contained and it muddies the water a bit further, this shows the same qualifying date, the same service number but being commissioned into the army service corps first, it also has MBE over his name but I cant find any evidence for an MBE award. The main thing that seals this for me as it all belongs to one man is the address given on the bottom of the medal index card as Waveney house, St Olaves Suffolk, St Olaves was formally in Suffolk now Norfolk and is around 4 miles outside of Great Yarmouth. Ted must have moved around getting promoted along the way and he would have seen much active service ultimately losing his life in late ’18. The trench taper is a wonderful thing, it is fully hallmarked for Birmingham 1915 and was made for Aspreys one of THE most highly rated retailers in London, it would have been a private purchase and would not have been cheap. The officers carried these as a flameless lighter to avoid the attention of snipers, this one has been used and has a series of dings and dents, the taper has a clean end and the hallmarks are crisp and clear, the silver measures 2.25 inches long and the taper is 5.5. I have had in the past only a couple of trench tapers, but these have all been made of brass, I have never seen a silver one, and to be retailed by Aspreys, is so incredibly unusual and very rare. It comes with various original photos of him, the main one has written on the back, ‘uncle Ted 2nt LT Albert Edward Holmes killed in action Oct 1918 Yorks and Lancs’. There is also a copy of the 1914 infantry training manual which on an inner page has C.S.M. Holmes E. York R. this has been much used and shows signs of age but interestingly has typed amendments added on odd pages. A super item belonging to a very interesting soldier and somewhere out there are his medals and death plaque, I hope they can be re-united.
Rare WW1 Somerset Veteran Reserve Cap Badge. A rare beautiful large bi-metal badge, the size of a glengarry badge, worn by the Boer war and later veterans who formed a kind of home guard in Somerset during the great war. They wore, I believe the old reservist uniform with a blue glengarry type side cap. This badge is in superb original condition and retains its original pin on the back, which is also in very good order. A rare find. Ref. C12
Rare WW1 Trio to Greeff Brands Free State Rifles. And interesting and scarce WW1 1914/15 star, British war and victory medal correctly named to; Private M. D. Greeff Brands Free State Rifles. The outbreak of hostilities in Europe in August 1914 was an enormous surprise, but the government of the Union of South Africa was well aware of the significance of the common border South Africa shared with the German colony of South-West Africa. Prime Minister Louis Botha informed London that South Africa could defend itself and that the imperial garrison could depart for France; when the British government asked Botha whether his forces would invade German South-West Africa, the reply was that they could and would. During the latter months of 1914, some prominent members of the government and armed forces tried a rebellion, stating they wanted a unified South Africa and sided with the Germans, this was short lived and soon put down by loyal forces. This was known as the Maritz rebellion, the Boer revolt and also the Five Shilling rebellion. After the rebels were put down the South African forces along with the Brand Free State Rifles were to concentrate on the South West Africa Campaign, the conquest and occupation of German South West Africa (now Namibia). By February 1915, with the home front secure, the South Africans were ready to begin the complete occupation of the German territory. Botha in his military capacity as a senior and experienced military commander took command of the invasion. He split his command in two with Smuts commanding the southern forces while he took direct command of the northern forces. The Brands Free State Rifles were reformed and now became the 5th Mounted Brigade in January-February 1915 and were numbered as 1-6th regiments B.V.S.S. Greeff being in the 1st Regiment. They served much of the time as front fighters and saw quite a lot of the action. After the campaign was over, South African casualties were 113 killed, 153 died of injury or illness and 263 wounded. German casualties were 103 killed, 890 taken prisoner, 37 field guns and 22 machine-guns captured. After defeating the German force in South West Africa, South Africa occupied the colony and then administered it as a League of Nations mandate territory from 1919. Private Greeff was then transferred to the western front, The Brigade sailed from Alexandria between 13th and 15th April 1916 and landed at Marseilles. By 23rd April, the leading units had de-trained and were arriving at Steenwerck in Flanders. The entire Brigade came under orders of the 9th (Scottish) Division, in which it replaced 28th Brigade. Its first major engagement was the Battle of the Somme. On 2nd July 1916, moved up from Grovetown to Billon Valley, relieving 27th Brigade which had been ordered up to the battle. Moved up to relieve 89th Brigade of 30th Division in Glatz (Glatz Redoubt / Chimney Trench) sector of front line near Montauban. They came under heavy shellfire. The 4th Bn involved in fighting for Trones Wood. The entire Brigade attacked at Longueval (Delville Wood) in afternoon of 14th July 1916. Fighting of the most severe kind in the wood, in which Private William Faulds of 1st Regiment won the Victoria Cross. Only some 750 of the 3153 officers and men that entered the wood mustered when the Brigade was finally relieved on 20th July. The Division was rebuilt with new drafts and spent most of the summer of 1916 in the Arras and Vimy areas. It re-entered Fourth Army area on the Somme in early October. The SA Brigade moved back into the front line there at High Wood on 9 October. Three days later an attack was made against Snag and Tail Trenches, just short of the Butte de Warlencourt, in appalling conditions and weather. Again, there was severe fighting that was continued with a rewnewed attack in the same area on 18 October. The cost to the South Africans in this dismal affair was 1150 casualties. The commander of the brigade, Brigadier-General Lukin, was appointed to command of 9th (Scottish) Division on 2 December 1916. In 1917 the brigade took part in the Battle of Arras and in the Third Battle of Ypres. In the latter battle, in a successful advance at Bremen Redoubt near Zonnebeke, Private William Hewitt of 2nd Regiment won the VC. Possibly the most impressive feat of arms by the South African forces in the war took place in March 1918, when the Germans attacked in Operation Michael. The brigade fought a staunch defence on the first morning of the attack – 21st March 1918 – at Gauche Wood, near Villers Guislain. By 24th March they had carried out a fighting withdrawal to Marrieres Wood near Bouchavesnes and there held on, completely unsupported. They fought on until only some 100 men were left, yet it was only when ammunition ran out that the remnant, many of them wounded, surrendered. When the enemy launched their second major offensive of 1918, on the Lys, the South African brigade – now in Flanders – was ordered to counter attack at Messines. It did so, with some success, but the enemy attack was overwhelming and over the next days the fight continued with the South Africans being pushed back from the Messines ridge and up the gentle slope to Vierstraat. The old brigade was effectively destroyed. 1st, 2nd and 4th Regiments were temporarily merged, while other, British, units were attached to carry on the fight. The composite battalion took part in further defensive fighting, at Mount Kemmel. Later in the summer, it took part in the capture of Meteren, as the British Army executed a successful advance in Flanders. On 11 September 1918, the brigade finally parted from 9th (Scottish) Division and moved to join the 66th (2nd West Lancashire) Division. The best known event while with this Division was the recapture of Le Cateau on 17th-18th October 1918. By the armistice, the South Africans had suffered some 15000 casualties in France, of who one third were dead. It must have been a shock to fight in the heat of their native South Africa to then fight in the mud and western front winters. Private Greeff Survived the war and little is known of him after the war, this is to research as well as a definite timeline of his wartime service. it is unlikely he came out of the war unscathed, but I have no information of any wounds or disease. All three medals are in excellent condition and come on a ribbon bar.
Rare WW1-2 Group to 2nd Lieut Vaughan SSZ Airship Pilot. A superb and rare group comprising of the WW1 British war and victory medal and the 1939/45 star, France & Germany star, defence medal and 1939/45 war medal. The WW1 pair correctly named to 2nd Lieut S. Vaughan RAF. Stanley Vaughan was born in Peckham, London on 6th November 1899. His father was a Taylor with his own shop. He was educated at the Westminster City School. The school had good army cadet training and in 1914 Stanley enrolled into the Queens Westminster Cadet Corps. His cadet school report said he was a very keen cadet, a good shot and signaller and earned an efficiency badge in his first year. In this report it also recommends him to make an efficient officer. After he left school he worked at his father shop and part time as a cadet. In January 1916 he enlisted into the RFC as an officer cadet, he must have shown great promise as he was given a commision in the September 1917 as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Flying Corps as a Free Balloon Pilot with the Naval wing at Roehampton. He later went on to fly RN air ships from Upton and pilot observation balloons. The pilots who flew the airships from Upton in Dorset, went out over the English Channel and played a vital role deterring the German U-Boats from attacking British ships. He flew the single engine sea scout zero SSZ airship. They were over 140 feet long, it carried a crew of three, the Pilot, in the nose was the wireless operator who also fired a machine gun and a mechanic sat near the engine. Patrols were exhausting taking 20 hours or more in freezing conditions. Patrols continued quite a while after the armistice because the U-Boats didn’t get the news the war had ended. Stanley flew operations from Upton and Polegate from July 18 to February 20. He was discharged in the march 1920 as no longer required for service. I don’t know exactly what he was doing between the wars, he may have gone back to work for his father in the tailoring business for a while or he may have continued his passion for flying. In 1939 he is listed on the 1939 register as a flying Instructor and he applied for a new flying licence on 16th January 1939, he is also listed as a mechanical engineer. So some clues are there. Ina 1941 RAF muster roll I have found Stanley as a FE (Flight Engineer), a valuable member of the flight crew with a host of ground and in flight duties maintain and monitoring the aircrafts engines and systems. I do not know how long he served during the 2nd world war, this needs more research. This group comes with copies of his WW1 service papers, 1939 census and Flying licence index card. The medal are in excellent original condition and although they are mounted as worn, they look hardly used.
Rare WW2 Era Booklet Uniforms Badges and Intelligence Data of the German Forces Printed by Bernards publishers Ltd The Grampians, London W.6 as part of a series of 31 issues 3 of which detailed war related themes this one being numbered 24, it comes as a small booklet detailing the uniforms and badges of the German forces, to the centre it has ‘compiled by ‘factus’ for use of H.G. & service personnel’. The only ones I can find online are hugely priced so I am assuming this to be a rarity, it comes in good condition for its age with signs of age and use, some of the inner pages are a little rough.
Rare WW2 Era Italian Silver Bullion Wing Badge – Observer Reconnaissance Operator This original WW2 Italian silver bullion work wings cloth badge was worn by either an observer/reconnaissance or photographer operator, from my research the style of badges were changed during 1943 so this would date mid war. Comes in very good but used condition.
Rare WW2 Era Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve Surgeon Captain Jacket & Trousers This is a super quality rare jacket and trousers for the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve with the insignia for a surgeon captain, it consists of a double breasted mohair jacket with silk lining and has one inside pocket, there is an attached medal bar with the ribbons for the 1939-45 star, the France and Germany star, Burma star with silver rosette for the Pacific bar, defence medal, 1939-45 war medal and a Royal Naval volunteer reserve decoration, it has gilt Queen’s crown RNVR buttons and bullion sleeve insignia. The jacket has signs of use and wear with a repair on the inside and no moth damage, the trousers have a button fly and braces buttons, they have an old darned repair to the right knee. The measurements are chest 38 inches and the trousers are 34 inch waist and a 30 inch inner leg.
Rare WW2 German Factory Workers Badge – HEINKEL. A very interesting and rare badge dating from the WW2 period, it would have been worn by a worker at the German aircraft manufacturing company founded by and named after Ernst Heinkel. The badge is quite large (1.75 x 2 inches) made of metal and displaying the workers number 794 with a red painted square each side of the number, this would probably relate to what work the worker did, under this is a white metal, possibly silver, RAD or Reich Labour Service badge. On the back it still retains its original pin and the Heinkel logo of a winged ‘H’. The condition is excellent when you consider that it was worn every day and needed to gain access to the factory, a fabulous piece, guaranteed you will not find another in this condition or at all.
Rare WW2 German Hitler Youth Training & Information Map I cannot find a comparison for this map, it is a genuine WW2 era German Hitler Youth training map in fact I have 16 of them, all different each giving different details to educate and inform, This example shows the map of Southern Europe featuring Italy and details the German advance in the South. Bottom left it has ‘Volk und Reich karte’ (people and Empire map), bottom left it has ‘karte fur die schulung der Hitler-Jungend’ (card for the training of the Hitler Youth). The main title translates as ‘the campaign in the South’, It measures 16 inches x 13.75, comes in very good condition tho the paper has yellowed with age and has an attached string for hanging. will be shipped loose rolled in a tube.
Rare WW2 German Hitler Youth Training & Information Map I cannot find a comparison for this map, it is a genuine WW2 era German Hitler Youth training map in fact I have 16 of them, all different each giving different details to educate and inform, This example shows the map of Europe and is colour coded into under the control of Germany, neutral countries and in black enemy states. Bottom left it has ‘Volk und Reich karte’ (people and Empire map), bottom left it has ‘karte fur die schulung der Hitler-Jungend’ (card for the training of the Hitler Youth). The main title translates as ‘the empire in the fight against the front of Western powers’, It measures 16 inches x 13.75, comes in very good condition tho the paper has yellowed with age and has an attached string for hanging. will be shipped loose rolled in a tube.
Rare WW2 German Hitler Youth Training and Information Map – Hitler’s Army I cannot find a comparison for this map, it is a genuine WW2 era German Hitler Youth training map in fact I have 16 of them, all different each giving different details to educate and inform, This example shows the map of Europe with Germany in red with the heading Adolf Hitler’s German empire along with a statement by Alfred Kofenberg which I have not translated. Bottom left it has ‘Volk und Reich karte’ (people and Empire map), bottom left it has ‘karte fur die schulung der Hitler-Jungend’ (card for the training of the Hitler Youth). It measures 16 inches x 13.75, comes in very good condition tho the paper has yellowed with age and has an attached string for hanging. will be shipped loose rolled in a tube or flat if requested.
Rare WW2 German Hitler Youth Training and Information Map – Poland Campaign I cannot find a comparison for this map, it is a genuine WW2 era German Hitler Youth training map in fact I have 16 of them, all different each giving different details to educate and inform, This example shows the map of Poland in black with Germany in red with the heading of ‘the campaign against Poland’. Bottom right it has ‘Volk und Reich karte’ (people and Empire map) and the date of May 1941, bottom left it has ‘karte fur die schulung der Hitler-Jungend’ (card for the training of the Hitler Youth). It measures 16 inches x 13.75, comes in very good condition tho the paper has yellowed with age and has an attached string for hanging. will be shipped loose rolled in a tube or flat if requested.
Rare WW2 German Radio Battery A very rare WW2 German single terminal radio battery, used in all kinds of German Field Line Communication Equipment. These just do not exists on the market, most can only be seen in museums, I have only a few of these that were left by the Germans In Jersey when they left. They are on the whole in good order but were left down the tunnels on Jersey and have been subjected to damp. Incredible they survived. It measures 2.25 , x 2.25 x 5 inches.
Rare WW2 Hallmarked Silver City of Manchester 613 Squadron Badge Below is a WW2 history for the squadron, this large sized and rare badge has a full set of hallmarks for Birmingham 1945 and with the makers mark for Thomas Fatorrini of Birmingham, it comes in excellent condition just needing a clean and it measures just over 1.5 inches long. No. 613 (City of Manchester) Squadron was an Auxiliary Air Force later Royal Auxiliary Air Force squadron formed on 1 February 19397 at the then new municipal airport at Ringway, nine miles south of Manchester. The squadron served at first in the army cooperation role, and later during the Second World War became a tactical bomber unit. After the war the squadron reformed as a fighter unit and as such flew until its last disbandment in March 1957. In April 1940 it converted to the Westland Lysander and saw support operations to the besieged troops at Calais undertaking close support bombing operations and food drops. In 1941 it changed role to tactical reconnaissance converting to fighter aircraft including the Mustang and in 1943 changed its role once again to night intrusion sorties and daylight precision bombing with the De Havilland Mosquito. During the early post war years it operated from it’s original base RAF Ringway flying Spitfires FR 14’s and later MK22’s.
Rare WW2 Italian White Metal Air Force Wireless Operator Badge Part of a private collection of Italian badges purchased recently, this one is a rare white metal Air Force wireless operators badge, comes in good condition just needing a clean, it measures just over 3 inches long.
Rare WW2 Luftwaffe Officers Back Pack / Suitcase A very rare fine, left behind by a Luftwaffe officer in Jersey, this Suitcase come back pack is designed to take the officers No1 dress uniform. Inside there is also an attached cap bag and a small bag for toiletries etc. It is in excellent used condition and it retains all of its original leather traps, its only fault apart from a little wear is, on the front it should have two small toggles to hold the top envelope flap down, these are missing. A unique case with a hard base / top, which could be worn on the back or carried as a Suitcase, rarely seen. It measures 20 x 24 x 5.5 inches shipping via courier priced at £14.95
Rare WW2 Spitfire Oil Pressure Gauge. An original WW2 oil pressure gauge fitted to Spitfires and Hurricanes of that era. This one is rare as it comes complete with its original capillary still intact. The unit itself is in excellent condition, obviously I have no idea if it would still work, what an amazing find.
Rare WW2 Spitfire Radiator Temperature Gauge. This is the early type of war time gauge used on mark one Spitfires and Hurricanes of that period. It comes complete with its capillary and in excellent condition; obviously I have no idea if it is still in working order. A very rare piece of spitfire history.
Re-enactors Civil War Lobster Pot Helmet. Re-enactors Civil War Lobster Pot Helmet. A very good full size replica of a 17th century Lobster Pot helmet, used all through Europe and Great Britain from around 1600 to the end of the century in some parts. Known for its use during the English Civil war by the Parliamentarian officers and cavalry. This one is in as new condition and come complete with a stand.
Reach For the Sky - Douglas Bader 1954 Edition. An August 1954 edition of Douglas Bader’s life story ‘Reach for the Sky’ by Paul Brickhill. It is blue linin bound with original paper dust cover. It is in very good condition although the dust cover is a little tired. A fabulous story about this amazing airman.
Replica 17th Century Spanish Main-gauche Dagger. A very good quality replica of the early 17th century Spanish Main-gauche Dagger or Cup Hilt Rapier dagger. It is made of all heavy gauge metal with gilt hilt and very nicely decorated. It has a good steel blade with a fine spear point. the whole piece is in perfect condition and a nice desk or cabinet piece. It measures 13 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only. Age required on purchase.
Replica Colt Single Action Army Revolver The Peacemaker. A good modern full size replica by Denix of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver (M1873) known as the Colt Peacemaker. It is made of all metal with wooden grips and it cocks and dry fires and comes in mint condition. The Colt M1873 has been offered in over 30 different calibres and various barrel lengths. Its overall appearance has remained consistent since 1873. Colt has cancelled its production twice, but brought it back due to popular demand. The revolver was dubbed the \"Peacemaker\", and is a famous piece of Americana and the American Wild West era, due to its popularity with ranchers, lawmen, and outlaws alike. Today, they are mainly bought as memorabilia by collectors and re-enactors. A great display piece, I’ve seen these toned down and made to look old, they look fantastic. Shipping strictly to UK mainland only
Replica US Army 1911 Service Pistol. A very good full-size replica of the US Army 1911 pattern Colt service pistol by Denix. This was a single-action, recoil-operated, semi-automatic pistol Designed by John Browning and served as the standard-issue sidearm for the United States Armed Forces from 1911 to 1985. It was widely used in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. This one is a good quality replica made of metal with wooden grips. It will cock and dry fire and is a god piece for display or re-enacting. Shipping strictly to UK mainland only.
Replica WW2 Era Webley Mk IV Service Revolver. A good full size modern replica of the WW2 era Webley service revolver by Denix. This one cocks and dry fires and it and a great piece for display or to fit into an original holster and it comes with an authentic lanyard ring. A wonderful revolver for reenactors, comes in mint condition. Shipping strictly to UK mainland only
RMS Mauretania The Old Lady of the Atlantic Teak Letter Opener A nice teak letter opener taken from the salvage of the decking from the RMS Mauretania known affectionately as ‘the old lady of the Atlantic’ and the sister ship of the Titanic, set with a brass plaque it comes in very good condition and measures 9.5 inches long.
Roman Coin Marcus Aurelius Mausaeus Carausius 286 – 293 Roman bronze coin of Marcus Aurelius Mausaeus Carausius. He was an officer in the Roman military service who created a short-lived independent state in Britain. Born in Menapia, a district between the Scheldt and Meuse rivers (now in Belgium), Carausius was a Naval pilot by profession. He had won honour in the Roman war against the Bagaudae. About AD 285, Maximian, coruler with the emperor Diocletian, had assembled a naval force to counter the Franks and Saxons who were then plundering the coasts of Spain and Gaul. Carausius was given command of this fleet, which was based at Gesoriacum (modern Boulogne). Carausius was accused of waiting until after the pirates had carried out raids, then attacking them and seizing their cargoes for himself. Enraged by this, Maximian ordered Carausius’s death, but Carausius escaped with his troops into Britain, where he set himself up as ruler, with the title of Augustus. He trained the local barbarians as sailors and soon controlled the western sea and ruled Gaul as far as Rotomagus (modern Rouen). Maximian failed in several attempts to dislodge him and acknowledged him as ruler of Britain in 290. Constantius I drove Carausius from Gesoriacum, his European base, in 293, and that same year Carausius was slain by his finance minister, Allectus, who succeeded him for three years. This coin is in good condition and measures approximately 2cm indiameter.
Roman Silver Coin Antoninus Pius 138 – 161AD Roman silver coin (probably a Denarius,16 asses) of Antoninus Pius 138 – 161. Obverse; emperor’s head. Reverse; Legionnaire with shield and spear. Antoninus Pius 19th September 86 – 7th March 161. He was the fourth of the Five Good Emperors from the Nerva–Antonine dynasty. Born into a senatorial family, Antoninus held various offices during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. He married Hadrian's niece Faustina, and Hadrian adopted him as his son and successor shortly before his death. Antoninus acquired the cognomen Pius after his accession to the throne, either because he compelled the Senate to deify his adoptive father, or because he had saved senators sentenced to death by Hadrian in his later years. His reign is notable for the peaceful state of the Empire, with no major revolts or military incursions during this time. A successful military campaign in southern Scotland early in his reign resulted in the construction of the Antonine Wall. Antoninus was an effective administrator, leaving his successors a large surplus in the treasury, expanding free access to drinking water throughout the Empire, encouraging legal conformity, and facilitating the enfranchisement of freed slaves. He died of illness in 161 and was succeeded by his adopted sons Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus as co-emperors. This coin is in superb condition and measures 1.8cm in diameter
Roman Silver Coin Claudius 41 – 54AD Roman silver coin (probably a Denarius,16 asses) for Claudius 41 – 54 AD. Obverse; emperor’s head. Reverse; figure with staff. Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus 1st August 10 BC – 13th October AD 54. He was the fourth Roman emperor, ruling from AD 41 to 54. A member of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, Claudius was born to Drusus and Antonia Minor at Lugdunum in Roman Gaul, where his father was stationed as a military legate. He was the first Roman emperor to be born outside Italy. Nonetheless, Claudius was an Italian of Sabine origins. As he had a limp and slight deafness due to sickness at a young age, he was ostracized by his family and was excluded from public office until his consulship (which was shared with his nephew, Caligula, in 37). Claudius's infirmity probably saved him from the fate of many other nobles during the purges throughout the reigns of Tiberius and Caligula, as potential enemies did not see him as a serious threat. His survival led to him being declared emperor by the Praetorian Guard after Caligula's assassination, at which point he was the last adult male of his family. Many authors contend that he was murdered by his own wife, Agrippina the Younger. After his death at the age of 63, his grand-nephew and legally adopted stepson, Nero, succeeded him as emperor. This coin is in excellent condition and measures 2cm in diameter
Roman Silver Coin Tetricus II 270 – 273 Roman silver coin (probably a Denarius,16 asses) of Tetricus II 270 – 273. It has the radiated head of the emperor on the obverse, the reverse has what is known as priestly implements. Gaius Pius Esuvius Tetricus was the son of Tetricus I, Emperor of the Gallic Empire. In 273, he was raised to the rank of Caesar, with the title of princeps iuventutis, and in January 274 he started his first consulship, together with his father. After the defeat and deposition of his father in the autumn of 274 by the Emperor Aurelian, he and his father appeared as prisoners in Aurelian's triumph, but the emperor spared their lives. According to some sources, Tetricus II also kept his senatorial rank. This coin is in excellent condition and measures 2cm in diameter
Royal Air Force 1918 – 2018 £5 Coin 1 Issued in 2018 to commemorate one hundred years of the RAF, manufactured by the Westminster coin collection Co and legal tender in Jersey this coin comes in its original plastic protective wallet and is in superb condition.
Royal Anglian Regiment White Metal Belt Buckle A good quality white metal belt buckle for the Royal Anglian regiment, the central badge attached by a plate and pin at the back this being a little loose, it comes in very good condition and measures 3.25 inches wide.
Royal Berkshire regiment Cap Badge. Gilt brass cap badge of the Princess Charlotte of Wales Royal Berkshire regiment. This badge was used for a long time, until 1959 when it was merged with the Wiltshire regiment. I would think it probably dates from the either pre WW2 or post WW2 when brass badges were gilded. It is in wonderful condition still showing a lot of its original gilt finish. Ref. L6
Royal Engineers Belt & Buckle. The webbing belt of the Royal Engineers with plated queens crown two-part buckle, it comes in perfect condition and will fit up to a 42 inch waist.
Royal Fusiliers Cap & Shoulder Badge Set. All brass cap badge and shoulder title for the Royal Fusiliers. Both pieces are in superb original condition.
Royal Leicestershire Regiment Beret Badge. The scarcer smaller bi-metal beret badge, issued from 1946 until 1958 when the regiment was merged into midland brigade, then they wore the brigade badge. It comes in perfect condition. Ref. A19
Royal Logistics Corps Belt & Buckle. The webbing belt of the Royal Logistics Corps with Gilt plated queens crown two-part buckle, it comes in perfect condition and will fit up to a 38 inch waist.
Royal Logistics Corps Lanyard. A vintage yellow and blue twisted cord lanyard worn on the service dress of the Royal Logistics Corps. Comes in very good condition
Royal Naval Auxiliary Service Button Badge- Gaunt of London A very good vintage button hole badge for the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service (RNXS) maker marked to the back for Gaunt of London, made from brass with coloured enamels, below is a brief history for the service. It comes in very good condition and measures just under 1.25 inches long. The RNXS was formed in 1963 from the amalgamation of the Royal Naval Mine Watching Service RNMWS and Admiralty Ferry Crew Association in response to the perceived nuclear threat to British ports. It was disbanded in 1994.
Royal Navy LS&GC Medal QEII. An original era miniature Naval long service and good conduct medal, made of sterling silver and being the QEII issue. It is in lovely condition and on its original ribbon.
Royal West Kent Regiment Cap Badge. A superb quality cap badge for the Queens Own Royal West Kent Regiment worn through both world wars until the regiment joined the Home Counties brigade in 1958. The quality relates this badge to be an earlier version, probably between the wars. Ref. L18
S.M.L.E. Rifle cleaning Pull-Through. A rifle barrel cleaning pull-through, for the short magazine Lee Enfield .303 rifle. This one is complete and in unused condition.
S.M.L.E. Rifle cleaning Pull-Through. A rifle barrel cleaning pull-through, for the short magazine Lee Enfield .303 rifle. This one has been used but it still remains whole and in good useable condition.
Scarce 1907 Pattern SMLE Bayonet with Hook Quillon. The scarce sword bayonet for use with the .303 Short Magazine Lee Enfield No I Mk. III rifle. This bayonet was modelled after the Japanese Type 30 bayonet, which Britain had obtained in 1906 for trials. We began production in 1908 but the quillon was extremely unpopular with the men in the field, so it was officially abolished in 1913. Most of the earlier bayonets that were made with the hooked quillon were recalled and the quillon removed before being reissued. This one is a superb example of this type of bayonet. It has several marks, the date of manufacture for September 1909 and the makers mark for Sanderson’s, plus other proof and blade testing marks. It is in superb condition with must of its original bluing remaining on the metal parts. The blade is clean and free from any rust or stains just a few light scuffing where it has been slid in and out of the scabbard. The scabbard is in the same excellent condition with just a little wear to the surface, the leather could do with a little polish which will bring it up just perfect. It measures 23 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only Pictures to follow shortly
Scarce 1914 Star Trio & TFEM Group to Suffolk Regiment. A scarce and interesting group comprising of the 1914 star correctly named to 17 Private Frederick Harrison 1/4th Suffolk Regiment. The British war and Victory medal, correctly named to 17 Private Frederick Harrison, Suffolk Regiment and the territorial Force Efficiency medal, correctly named to 41096 Private Frederick Harrison. 4th Suffolk Regiment. Frederick Harrison born in Ipswich in 1891, most of his younger life, he spent with his two brothers, Ernest and Edward and his sister Gertrude in St Johns Home for Boys and Girls, a home for pauper Children; the boys were taught to work on the land, and in tailoring and shoe-making. The girls were taught needlework and other household skills to equip them for domestic service, otherwise known as the ‘workhouse’, our Frederick chose to join the army when he came of age. He joined the 4th territorial battalion Suffolk regiment on the 2nd March 1908 and he was still serving when the Great War broke out, Frederick was called to duty and arrived in France on 8th November 1914, at first he was to undergo training for mobile warfare and a course of musketry; on the last day of November the battalion marched in the rain and wind over bad roads to Lambres and then on to Vieille Chapelle here joining the Jullunder brigade before moving on to the trenches at Bethune and La Beuvry. The battalion’s first real action was in the defence of Givenchy in the winter operations of 1914-1915. On the 10th March 1915 the 4th battalion took their place in the trenches at Neuve Chapelle; the attack began at noon the next day, the battalion fought hard, sometimes under fire from our own guns, but they drove the Germans from well-established positions in a trench by trench attack, but sadly it made little ground and the attack was deemed as failed, losing 217 men in the process, however Sergeant Sones was awarded the DCM for carrying messages for 48 consecutive hours under very heavy rifle and machine gun fire. Later sir John French congratulated the 4th battalion on their bearing at Neuve Chapelle. The rest of spring 1915 was spent roughly in the same area supporting attacks on the enemy at Aubers ridge near Arras and Biez Farm and distillery at La Tourelle, here suffering over one hundred casualties; and on to Ypres where the battlefield was hell, there was hardly no respite from German shelling, the days must have seemed like months, but getting through the battle of St Julien with a total of fifty casualties, the battalion considered themselves very fortunate in deed. After this, day to day life in the trench was mundane, carrying out trench duties, marching back and forth from billets in the village etc. On June 21st the Germans bombarded the 4th battalions trenches with 5.9 Howitzers, an officer and three men were killed, and many anti – aircraft gun were put out of action. From here to the end of September the front line was pretty quiet, the 25th September saw the battalion involved with the main operations at Loos and in that battle Frederick was wounded by a gunshot wound to the neck and shoulder. It is unclear how long he was hospitalised or if he returned to blighty for rest and recuperation, but he was not officially discharged until 20th August 1918, from the nature of his earlier wounds. It always amazes me how any man could survive this war, the life of the soldier was a mixture of being bored to fighting for your life, at least Frederick survived, but what happened to him after, this is up to the new owner to find out. He was on the western front for two years and saw more than his fair share of the horrors, I’m sure, it is not known how severe his wounds were, did this have a major effect on his future life. This group comes mounted on card for display and with copies of the 1891 and 1901census information, medal index card, medal roll card for the TFEM and the roll for the silver war badge. The trio are mounted on a brooch bar as worn but the TFEM is separate, he was awarded the TFEM on 1st August 1918 All medals are in excellent original condition but they do have a few contact marks where they have been mounted together.
Scarce 1919 Ration Books – Haverhill Suffolk Interesting collection of 3 Ministry of food National ration books named to the Barrett family of Haverhill Suffolk, each have been used but still come in fair condition given their age. To go with the ration books is a 1934 copy of the South West Suffolk Echo newspaper addressed to the Barretts, not sure of the connection but possible one of the family are mentioned in an article.
Scarce 1922 Dated National Association of German Officers Magazine Translated as 'magazine' this is more a mini newspaper, entitled 'Deutsche treue' which again translates as German fidelity this periodical was intended for veteran German officers. My very broken German can pick out words relating to 'war in the air' and political information. 8 pages of information which for someone who can read German will find interesting I'm sure. Comes in good but yellowed condition.
Scarce 1924 Alvin Keech Signed Banjulele with Case Scarce 1924 Alvin Keech Signed Banjulele with Case One for the music lovers, here is a 1924 dated and signed Alvin Keech Banjulele, below is a brief history of the instrument. This is the model ‘A’ and the patent number has /24 for the year, it is signed on the back and comes with its original carrying case. The general condition is good shows signs of wear and use, the skin has a hole in it so the piece will need restoration, they retail p to £150 online so priced for the restorer. Measures 22 inches long and the case is 22.5. A banjulele is a cross between a ukulele and a banjo. It is reported that “Alvin Keech” invented the instrument and name in 1917. Players of ukuleles in the music halls wanted more volume but wanted the ease ofplaying with an ukukele – hence the banjulele was born Early Keech banjuleles date from 1917 to 1930 and generally were manufactured in three models, “A”, “B” and “C”. “A” was the base model and “C” was the top model. Generally Keech banjuleles have the model and serial number stamped into the heel of the neck and the last digit of the patent number on the tuning peg section denotes the year e.g. 219720/2 is 1922.
Scarce 1924 Bronze Centenary Cavalry School of the Italian Army Medallion I cant find another one of these on the internet but the info on the medallion tells me enough to be sure that it is a centenary issue for the Italian army cavalry school, cast in bronze it has ‘Scula di cavalleria pinerolo’ around a scene with St George and the dragon and on the reverse the Italian shield with the dates 1824-1924 and the legend ‘non ristare’. It comes in very good condition and measures 28mm in diameter.
Scarce 19thC Artillery Tunic Button. A superb gilt brass button used from 1802 until the 1830’s. this one is remarkably in perfect condition and made by; Jennens & Co, London.
Scarce 1st Pattern (1837) Brunswick Sword Bayonet. Designed to fit the Brunswick Rifle and variants manufactured from 1837, this one is well marked by the maker Enfield and dated 1842, along with various other marks, please see pictures. It has a brass hilt with down turned quillons, a plain wide blade with a single fuller on each side and the blade has a double edge with a spear point. The catch has a distinctive proud (nail head) button on one side attached to a steel spring held by a single screw. The whole bayonet is in excellent condition, it shows some wear and use and the blade has some staining and very light pitting, but on the whole it is a very good untouched bayonet in original condition. very hard to find. it measures 26.75 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only via courier prices at £12.95
Scarce 7th Queens Own Hussars Cap Badge Q/C A good bi-metal badge only used for a short time after the change to the Queens crown in 1957 when the regiment merged with the 3rd Kings own hussars. This cracking original badge comes in perfect condition. Ref. Y14
Scarce and Unusual Book of Postcards on Aluminium Production Entitled 'the lighter way illustrated' this book of postcards was produced during the 1920's for the William Mills Ltd factory of Birmingham, William Mills was best known for his invention of the Mills grenade during the Great War but fundamentally he was a metal worker who opened one of the first factories in the country working with aluminium. This booklet contains at least 30 postcards which could be detached from the book to be sent by post, each card has a different picture and subject matter but all concern aluminium and its wondrous properties. The book is complete and in very good order.
Scarce Booklet – The Soldiers Pocket Companion 1917 Edited by the Earl of Meath and issued in 1917 with a message from H.R,H. the Princess Royal the book has a sub title of ‘a little book with a wide range for the man on active service, to assist his work, to equip his mind, to preserve his soul’. This is the fourth impression and it comes in really excellent condition given its age and where it must have travelled. Small measuring just 6 inches long.
Scarce Cheshire Rifle Volunteers Shoulder Belt Plate. A scarce white metal shoulder belt plate for the Cheshire Rifle Volunteers. The regiment was formed around 1860 and over the course of 20 years founded numinous battalions from different admin areas. In 1887 the regiment was designated to become the Volunteer battalions of the Cheshire regiment and all various insignia was changed. This shoulder belt plate was worn by an officer from around 1860 to about 1880 and it is in very good used condition, the two threaded posts on the back, have been replaced at some time with lugs. A good rare Victorian badge which measures 4 inches high.
Scarce Connaught Rangers Glengarry Badge 1880’s A scarce original solid brass Glengarry badge worn by the Connaught Rangers circa 1880’s / 1890’s. At this time nearly all line regiments wore their home service helmet plate centre discs on their Glengarry’s; the Connaught Rangers were one of only a few regiments that had a separate Glengarry badge made at their own expense, of which two different examples exist, this one being the first. This one is in superb original condition, showing only very light wear and retaining both lugs on the back. Beautiful detail that you would expect from a Victorian badge. It measures 3 inches high.
Scarce Davidson’s 1798 Nile Medal awarded to Petty Officers. A rare medal which was a privately-issued in commemoration of the British victory at the Battle of the Nile, in 1798. The medal was commissioned by Alexander Davison, whom Admiral Nelson had appointed the sole prize agent for the ships captured at the Battle of the Nile, he commissioned the medal from his profits. Various grades were made, gold was presented to Nelson and his captains, silver to lieutenants and warrant officers, gilt bronze to petty officers and copper to Royal Marines and seamen. This one is the gilt bronze version only awarded to Petty Officers, the gilt has now mostly worn away but there is still a good amount to show it was this issue. This one has also had a ring and ribbon added this is often seen, just because the recipient wanted to wear the medal, which was awarded as a medallion. A very fine medal very rarely seen in this grade issued for petty officers and in a good collectable condition, ideal for investment.
Scarce Early WW2 German S-Boat Badge. A scarce early solid bronze S-Boat badge also known as the 1st pattern E-Boat badge, but the latter is wrong only know as E-boats by the allies. The S-Boat (Schnellboot) was a fast attack boat and these nimble torpedo boats caused much concerns to the allies. Less than U-Boats though, but they still made dangerous all approaches of the occupied coast of Europe, roamed the Baltic, the black sea, Mediterranean, and all along the Atlantic wall, from Norway to the bay of Biscaye. They were especially active in the English channel, and obscured by the "big naval battles" that made headlines, there met in countless unnamed naval clashes against British light gunboats (MGB) and MTBs. They obliged the Royal Navy to develop and maintain a massive fleet of light boats. Somewhat overlooked for their action in the Kriegsmarine, they did performed quite a sizeable damage of their own: S-Bootes in total for WW2, on all fronts, claimed 101 merchant ships (214,728 GRT), 12 destroyers, 11 minesweepers, 8 landing ships, 6 MTBs, 1 torpedo boat, 1 minelayer, 1 submarine, and many smaller craft. They damaged 2 cruisers, 5 destroyers, 3 landing ships, 1 repair ship, a naval tug and many, many merchant vessels. The criteria for this award was good conduct, distinction in action, and participating in at least twelve enemy actions. It was also awarded for particularly successful missions, displays of leadership or being killed in action. It could be awarded under special circumstances, such as when another decoration was not suitable. This fine example comes in excellent original condition, all of its original gold and silver wash is now gone leaving a very attractive solid bronze badge, which shows light wear to the high points, but still with superb detail. It does not have any marks, but with a little research on the design of the pin, it could be identified. A beautiful piece with a lovely wide pin on the back.
Scarce Ed VII 1892 Pattern RAMC Officers Sword. A scarce Edward VII 1892 Pattern Royal Army Medical Corps officer’s sword with Brown leather field scabbard. It has a typical gothic style hilt of the 1892 with the cypher of Edward VII, gilded with a gold finish to the guard, pommel and back strap. It has a ray skin grip bound with twisted gilt wire and it still retains its original brown leather sword knot. The hilt is in superb order with only slight wear and use and still showing most of its original gilt finish. The top half of the blade is nicely etched with the monogram/ family crest of the owner, the medical corps emblem and Edward VII’s cypher amidst foliate scrolls. The blade is good but does have areas of dark stained but light pitting on the bottom half. At the ricasso, on one side there is the proof button and on the other side the makers mark of Hobson & Sons 1-3 & 5 Lexington Street, Golden Square. London. This sword was probably made with two scabbards, a plated steel scabbard for formal wear and this brown leather scabbard for field service. The scabbard is in lovely original condition just with signs of wear and use and no damage. Hobson & Sons really were the top end of military outfitters in the 19th and early 20th century. They had their own factory in Woolwich and made everything to order and supplied officers of the Royal Horse Guards and Foot Guards plus many cavalry and yeomanry regiments, well only the officers who could afford it. A good unusual sword in overall very nice order. It measures 40 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only priced at £15.95 via courier
Scarce Edward VIII Life Guards Cap Badge Blank. A scarce King Edward VIII bronze Life Guards Cap badge. These were never issued, and most you see are later fakes, however a few did get out as souvenirs and are rare. This one got out of the factory unfinished, it has never had the slider on the back and it retains its original finish. A rare genuine example.
Scarce Edwardian Norfolk Yeomanry Breast Plate. A heavy solid brass plate worn on the cross section of the Cavalry horse’s breast strap, which attached to the front of the saddle and between the horses front legs to the girth. This style was used from 1901 to 1910 and comes in excellent original condition. it shows light wear to the front and signs of age and use on the back, where one of the fixing prongs has been replaced. A scarce piece of yeomanry insignia of beautiful quality, measuring 3.25 inches long. Ref. G10
Scarce Geo VI GSM Palestine and Bomb Clearance Clasps. An interesting single King George 6th General Service Medal correctly named to 14081559 Sapper Desmond Herbert Williamson of the Bomb Disposal Squadron, Royal Engineers, with the Palestine and Bomb and Mine Clearance 1945-1956 clasps. The medal comes in its original box of issue, army service and pay book, release book, cap badge and various other paperwork including issue slips for the GSM, Palestine clasp and the B&MC 1945 – 56 clasp. So all awarded is confirmed. Sapper Desmond Williamson was born and came from Kings Lynn in Norfolk, he was born in 1927 so he grew up through the war years but as soon as he reached the age of 18 he joined the army in the October of 1945. He went through specialise training in rifle shooting, light machine gun, swim tests and even the gas chamber test all before he was sent overseas. All in all he spent just over three years in the army, being discharged towards the end of 1948. A very interesting and scarce medal for future research complete with paperwork and the relevant provenance.
Scarce George V Indian Territorial Efficiency Medal. A scarce Indian Territorial Efficiency Medal correctly named to Private E. A. Heppolette. 2. G. I. P. RY. R. A.F.I The regiment translates as; 2nd Great Indian Peninsular Railway Regiment. Auxiliary Force India. Now this scarce medal is not without its faults, the rim has contact marks and its original suspender and Indian bar are missing. This may be because the suspender broke, so now it has been made into a watch fob or pendant. The medal itself is in very good condition and shows very little wear. There were a very limited amount of Territorial Efficiency Medals awarded to Indian Auxiliary Forces; I don’t know the exact amount but no more than a handful. It’s just a shame the medal is incomplete, but with such scarce awards, we have to take what we can get. If it did have its suspender and India bar, this would be a valuable medal. We have all seen images in films etc of the armed guards usually perched on top of the trains, that were bursting full of passengers, in a time of great civil unrest in India. This man probably went on to serve in the second world war, so a possible great research project.
Scarce German Chassepot Remington Rolling Block Bayonet An interesting sword bayonet for use on the Egyptian Remington Rolling Block Rifle produced by Remington for the Egyptian government. It is a clone of the French 1866 pattern Chassepot bayonet, the Egyptian Remington bayonet is distinguished from the French M1866 by the lack of a chamfered mortise and lack of the tenon slot at the inside top of the muzzle ring. These bayonets were made by three Germany firms; Alexander Coppel, Gebruder Weyersberg, and W. R. Kirschbaum all of Solingen. The markings have gone on this example, apart for the letter "O" on the forward face of the crosspiece and a set of numbers on the quillon. Please see pictures. It comes in good order, the cross guard and quillon is pitted and the blade is completely rust free but needs a clean. A rare variant which is hard to find. Shipping to UK inland only at £9.95
Scarce India General Service Medal to More Durham Vol RA Rocket Section. An India General Service Medal 1895-1902, 2 Clasps: Punjab Frontier 1897-98, Tirah 1897-98, awarded to 46329 Gunner Joseph More of the 5th Company, Western Division, Royal Artillery. This regiment was previously the Durham Artillery Volunteers and later Durham Territorial Royal Garrison Artillery. by 1890 the regiment consisted of eight batteries and their HQ was in Sunderland More was present during the operations on the Punjab Frontier including on the Samana Ridge and with the Tirah Field Force during 1897 to 1898. The medal comes with a copy of his medal roll which confirms his entitlement to the award and bars but also it states that Gunner More was part of the Rocket section RA. Rockets were used in battle, defiantly since the Napoleonic wars, when they used the Congrave rocket. During the 19th century the British army were firing the Hale rocket. An Englishman named William Hale was the first rocket designer to adopted a combination of tail fins and secondary nozzles through which exhaust could pass. Hale rockets became the first spin-stabilized rockets, and quickly became standard equipment for both the United States and British armies, the latter especially in British colonial wars. The rockets were carried in special sacks on the backs of mules and 24-pounder had an explosive warhead and could be useful for both anti-personnel use and bombardments of small structures. Their average range was about 1,200 yards, though depending upon firing angle and other factors could range up to 4,000 yards. This medal is in lovely original condition, just showing light wear to the high points on the surface. It has the correct engraved naming and both bars or clasps are fixed in the correct manner. It comes suspended on a piece of replacement ribbon and as mentioned comes with a copy of his original medal roll.
Scarce Inter War Era Royal Navy Photographer Sewn Cloth Trade Patch This is a rare sewn cloth trade patch for a Royal Navy photographer 1920's / 30's, constructed from red thread on a black background with a white cloth backing, it comes in good but used condition and measures 2.5 inches long.
Scarce Inter War Period Badge Air League of the British Empire The Air League of the British Empire was established in 1909 to further the cause of aviation in Britain and badges of this design were worn by the supporters of the organization. Made from brass with white and blue enamels, comes in fair condition with some wear to the gilding on the eagle and a bit of loss to the blue enamel. A large sized badge measuring 1.75 inches across.
Scarce Large WW1 Savoy Crested China British Trench Mortar Gun – Brighton This is a very good example of a WW1 crested ware British trench mortar gun, it has the arms of Brighton to the base and the marks for Savoy china Stoke on Trent to the base, it comes in very good condition, there is a firing fault in the barrel but otherwise very good, it measures 4 inches long.
Scarce Mons Star Trio to Cpl/Sjt Barrett 10th Hussars / Tank Corps A superb WW1 trio comprising of the 1914 star with the August to November Mons bar. The WW1 British war and victory medal; all correctly named to 2228 Serjeant (Corporal on star) William. G. Barrett. Of the 10th Prince of Wales Own Hussars. This trio comes with various research including a copy of his mic and the 10th Hussars war diary on Cd Rom in pdf format. William Barrett served with the 10th Hussars until the introduction of the Tank Corps when Barrett was transferred to the new unit, but a brief history of 10th Hussars and Serjeant Barrett’s service can be found below. William Barrette boarded HMS Bosnia from Southampton on the 6th October 1914, bound for Ostend. His shop docked during the night of the 8th and the 10th Hussars gradually came ashore and by 9am on the 9th October, they were ready to be assigned billets. On the 13th October they were on the march to Ypres with the 6th Cavalry Brigade, on rout it was reported that one Bavarian cavalry division was spotted at Warneton. 20,00 all arms at Tournai, 20,00 at Hazebrouck and heavy fighting reported at Lille and the Germans were bombing that town. On the 19th the regiment was ordered to advance east at Ledegham, ‘A’ squadron to the advance guard and ‘B’ the baggage guard. They drove the enemy to the outskirts of the village. The enemy received strong reinforcements and the cavalry was forced to retire. The next day the regiment took up a defensive line with the 7th brigade and the French cavalry running south from Westoozebeke, but once again they were forced to retire. Either on the advance of the 19th or the defensive action of the 20th, William Barrett was wounded. I do not know to what extent, but he must have made a full recovery as he returned to his regiment. With the establishment of trench warfare, the Regiment couldn’t be used in a traditional cavalry role for parts of the war. The 10th Hussars were in and out of the front line trenches and suffered a constant stream of casualties. The 10th Hussars took part in the Battle of Frezenburg Ridge at the Second Battle of Ypres and suffered heavy casualties on the last day of the battle, 13th May 1915; these casualties amounted to 138 officers and men and included their Lieutenant-Colonel. In the September 1915 they took an active part in the battle Loos 26th to the 28th of September and although most of the historic accounts say that the 10th didn’t really take part in any engagements during 1916 the regimental diary says different. They didn’t take part as a regiment, but the men and horses were used in all different rolls, many were subbed out to the machine Gun Corps, the horses used to carry Lewis guns. At this time, the regiment was constantly receiving reinforcements, and subsequently these reinforcements needed training. It was probably around here, Corporal Barratt was promoted to Serjeant. He would have been of great use for training the new arrivals, ready for the battle of Arras, which was the next major engagement for the 10th. Orders were received on the 9th April 1917, “to saddle up at once” and move to the Arras area, here to take part in the attack on Monchy le Preux. The 10th set off on the 9th of April up near the front line ready to advance on orange Hill and found the infantry had not yet arrived. Here they halted for a few hours, dismounting and watering the horses in the river Scarp. At 2.30 am on the morning of the 10th, the moved back along the main Arras road about 1 Km west of Arras and tethered the horses in a nearby field. At 10.30am they again got orders to advance to the first objective, orange hill, this they did, but again were halted, the infantry had not advanced to attack Monchy-Le-Preux. At 3pm, Lieutenant Lord W Scott took a patrol through heavy machine gun fire, to try and find out the situation and located the infantry coming up behind with the remainder of the brigade. The 10th were ordered to push on around the side of Orange hill but came under a crossfire of machine guns. The squadron wheeled about trying to find another route to their objective but met, the diary says; “with high explosives being wield”, this was probably a barrage of grenades. The squadron met with very heavy casualties, men and horses and were only saved by a very heavy snow storm coming on at that moment. At 8pm the whole brigade moved back just north of Feuchy Chapel. The next day, the brigade was given the task to advance, seize and hold the high ground villages and woods, east side facing the river Scarp. The 10th Hussars along with the Essex Yeomanry charged, meeting heavy machine gun fire coming from the north of the Scarp canal. Still both regiments continued forward despite heavy casualties. Reaching the outskirts of the villages, they again hit heavy machine gun fire, but undeterred the 10th followed the Essex Yeomanry to the centre of Monchy-Le-Preux. They then turned due north until reaching the outskirts of the village. On emerging from the village, they were face with another enemy machinegun emplacement, it was now quite apparent that the infantry were not holding the villages and were pin down in a nearby Chateau. Soon after the remainder of the two regiments arrived in the village, they were met with German artillery, but behind them came our machine guns, Hotchkiss’s and automatic rifles. 189 men of the 10th fell that day, who knows how many horses, remarkably Serjeant Barrett wasn’t one of them. Their numbers were diminished, so the rest of 1917 was spent in and out of trenches, receiving new recruits and training. 1918 saw the brigade in action again at the Battle of St Quentin 21st to 23rd March, but between 22nd and 25th March 1918 the Division provided the 3rd Dismounted Division, organised into three dismounted brigades. It also provided a mounted detachment under “Harman’s Detachment” and then “Reynolds’s Force” between 23rd and 29th March. Here I am going to stop with the accounts of the 10th Hussars, it seems logical that at this point Serjeant Barrett would have transferred to the Tank Corps. It, in my opinion, couldn’t have been any earlier, or his medal pair would have been named to the later regiment. And, as now the regiment is totally dismounted, here seems likely. The 10th went on to the German Spring Offensive, and during 1918, the 10th Hussars also took part in the Hundred Days Offensive and suffered 70 casualties during the attack on the village of Honnechy on 9th October 1918. (Oops couldn’t help myself) Weather Barrett saw any action with the Tank Corps, I do not know, as there was still plenty of fighting to come, he probably did. He survived, he was one of the blessed; he lived to receive his trio and probably, hopefully wore them with pride. All of the online regimental histories tell a very different story to the one in the original war diary. It leads me to think, that no one has actually read through this edifying document. Yes this regiment was dismounted and fought as infantry on occasions in the early and latter part of the war, but the bulk of their action, they saw on and with their horses. These actions were fierce and bloody and should not be in any way taken away from them. The medals are in excellent original condition. a few minor contact marks from the star on the BWM, but nothing that could be considered as damage. They now come nicely mounted on card for display or framing with an engraved brass plaque with the medals detail. Code: 22904
Scarce Original WW2 Civil Defence 1939 Information Leaflet – Food Issued from the Lord Privy Seal’s office in July of 1939 this Civil Defence public information leaflet No 4 is entitled ‘your food in wartime’ and details the plans for food in the early stages of the impending war. It comes in very good condition with some very light foxing to the paper and is A5 in size.
Scarce Pair 3rd / 6th Dragoon Guards Shoulder Titles. 3/6 Dragoon Guards brass shoulder titles. The 3rd and 6th Dragoon Guards merged in 1922 to form the above. In 1928 they were reformed as the 3rd Carabiniers (the Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards) so these titles were only in use from 1922 to 1928. This pair have been issued and worn, so there is some wear and one lug is missing from the back of one title, but a hard to find pair for the collection. Ref. Y10
Scarce Pair WW1 Officers Binoculars by Voigtlander & Sohn Germany. A scare and interesting pair of WW1 Officers field binoculars. They are made by Voigtlander & Sohn of Brunswick Germany, an old company that made optical instruments since 1756. They were of the highest quality and in 1925 sold its interests to the Carl-Zeiss-Foundation. This pair was obviously a private purchase by an officer at the beginning of the first world war. they were retailed by an equally prestigious company of optical equipment, Callaghan & Co London. So a well to do officer going to one of the best shops to by his field gear. They come in very good condition, the makers details of Voigtlander & Sohn on on the top eye pieces and in the tubes are all the retailers details. They come in their original leather case, which has also got Callaghan’s details in the top cover. They work perfectly, the lenses are clear and free from scratches and with all good binoculars, they unscrew for cleaning. An interesting pair bins with an interesting angle.
Scarce Pr 14th /20th Hussars Shoulder Titles. Probably dating from the 1920’s these are the older style brass titles worn by the two regiments after they merged post WW1. Nice heavy gauge brass and in perfect condition.
Scarce Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps Marcasite Set Brooch A scarce fine quality 'Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps’ regimental unmarked silver and marcasite brooch,it has a Q E II crowned wreath the centre displaying the Dannebrog lettered "A" for Alexandra with "Q.A.R.A.N.C" title below. Super condition, with a pin fitting incorporating safety roller catch in good working order, complete with all stones, it measures 1.25 inches long.
Scarce Queens Crown Canadian Le Regiment De Chateauguay Cap Badge This regiment was formed as early as 1869 in Quebec Canada and saw service throughout the various campaigns, it was a predominantly French speaking regiment, in 1954 it was amalgamated into the 22nd Royal Regiment, if these dates are correct then this badge can only have been in production for 2-3 years as it has the modern queen’s crown to the top. It has a two part construction, a white metal background with a brass cross attached. No makers mark and comes in excellent condition, it measures just over 1.5 inches long.
Scarce Queens Sudan Medal to Slemen RAMC Died on Service. A nice scarce Queens Sudan medal correctly named to 8024 Corporal Patrick Joseph Slemen of the Royal Army Medical corps. Patrick was born in Ireland around 1869, I do not know when he enlisted but I assume when he was around 18 – 20. He is also entitled to the Khedives Sudan Medal with the Khartoum and Hafir clasps. This man saw service in operations at Battle of Ferkeh June 1896, Dongola 1897, Battle of Atbara April 1898 and the expedition to Khartoum 1898 commanded by Lord Kitchener. After the action retaking Khartoum, Corporal Slemen was either wounded in that action or succumbed to one of the many diseases he help treat. He died in the Roman Catholic Military Hospital in Cairo on 29th October 1898. He was laid to rest in the Military Cemetery in Old Cairo grave no 91. This medal is in perfect condition and comes with copies of medal rolls, Latin death certificate etc. A sad end for a man that cared for others.
Scarce Queen’s Institute of District Nursing Silver Bullion Cloak Cloth Badge A good original vintage silver bullion work cloth badge for the Queen’s Institute of district nursing, it has Queen Victoria’s Imperial cypher to the front in silver bullion embroidery and is lined on the back with a black paper lining, comes in very good condition and measures 2.25 inches long.
Scarce Roman Bronze Coin Emperor Galba 68 – 69 AD. A scarce roman bronze coin probably a Dupondius, 2 asses: the obverse with the head of Emperor Galba and the reverse Liberty standing with staff. Galba born Servius Sulpicius Galba; 24 December 3 BC – 15 January AD 69) was the sixth Roman emperor, ruling from AD 68 to 69. After his adoption by his stepmother, and before becoming emperor, he was known as Livius Ocella Sulpicius Galba. He was the first emperor in the Year of the Four Emperors and assumed the throne following Emperor Nero's suicide. Born into a wealthy family, Galba held at various times the positions of praetor, consul, and governor to the provinces of Aquitania, Upper Germany, and Africa during the first half of the first century AD. He retired from his positions during the latter part of Claudius' reign but Nero later granted him the governorship of Hispania. Taking advantage of the defeat of Vindex's rebellion and Nero's suicide, he became emperor with the support of the Praetorian Guard. Galba's physical weakness and general apathy led to him being selected-over by favorites. Unable to gain popularity with the people or maintain the support of the Praetorian Guard, Galba was murdered by Otho, who became emperor in his place. This interesting coin measures just over 2.8cm in diameter and is in very good condition
Scarce Somerset Light Infantry VB Shoulder Title. Worn by the volunteer battalion, this brass shoulder dates from around the WW1 era and comes in very good original condition. Ref. Y3
Scarce Victorian Manchester Regiment Collar Badge. All white metal Sphinx, quite unlike any of the similar badges worn by other regiments. This one is much longer the Sphinx’s tail comes from between the back leg and the word ‘Egypt’ is well spaced out. This badge was used by OR’s from 1882 until 1897 and it was also issued for use on the new field service cap. This one is in very good condition with slight wear.
Scarce Victorian Multi Blade Folding Knife – Sheffield Maker This is a super late 19thC probably around 1880 multi bladed folding knife, it is marked with the manufacturers name on a couple of the blades for Brookes & Crookes of Sheffield a well known and respected maker, there are 6 pull out attachments,plus a tooth pick and a pair of tweezers; it has two knife blades, a saw edge blade, a pointed blade, a corkscrew and a bradle with screw top, the handle is made from cow horn. For its age it comes in very good condition, there is no damage to the blades they are just dirty, to be picky the only fault I can find is one of the horn scales has lifted slightly and could do with re pinning or glueing, it measures 6 inches fully open and is 3.5 closed.
Scarce Victorian Royal Artillery Volunteers Officers Home Service Helmet. A superb and scarce home service, blue cloth helmet, worn by a high ranking officer of the Volunteer Artillery. Dating from around 1881 to 1890 this helmet has a makers label for Gardener & Co. Argyle Street, Glasgow. To it may have been connected to one of the Scottish Artillery Volunteer regiments. It is typically made of a cork shell covered with a dark blue woollen cloth, all if the fittings are in white metal, including the chinstrap chain, this is also backed in velvet. The original helmet plate bears Queen Victoria’s crown and the lower strap below the gun, has ‘Artillery Volunteers’ highlighted and backed with red wool fabric. As mentioned all of the fittings are all-original to the helmet and come in white metal, this helmet is pretty much untouched so some of the fittings are quite heavily toned. These will clean up a treat and look fabulous, if you want to bring it back to parade level. On the inside of the helmet, it retains its original red silk lining, although a little faded, with a deep leather sweatband. All of this is in very good order too. The only damage I can find on this beautiful helmet is a small patch of wear on the right side of the helmet, just behind one of the side bosses. (Please see pictures) This helmet comes in its original tin for safekeeping and I would say this helmet is around 6&7/8ths in size. A scarce piece of Victorian headgear which my pictures really do not do justice. Shipping via courier priced at £10.95
Scarce Victorian Seaforth Highlanders Collar Badges. A superb matching pair of brass (originally gilded) collar badges worn by the Seaforth Highlanders from around 1882 to 1898 when the same pattern badge but a different die was ordered by the regiment. This pair are the first type badge with defined edges and horizontal and vertical lines filling the ‘F’ and the tails of the swag. They are both in excellent original condition and some of the original gilt finish can be seen of the back.
Scarce Victorian Volunteers Belt Buckle. A solid white metal belt buckle bearing the royal lion over queen Victoria’s crown, with the motto ‘Diet Et Mon Droit’ around the outside. This is the Queens motto and means; ‘God and my right’ and was on all general service insignia. This buckle was worn by any of the volunteer regiments before the onset of the territorial force. It comes in good condition but has been well used, so there is some wear to the surface detail and high points of the buckle. It measures 4 inches wide.
Scarce Vintage British 3 Inch Inert Mortar Shell on Stand This is a lovely display piece an inert 3 inch mortar shell with transit fuse on a purpose made stand, it has a series of marks around the neck including BE 3 MK 2 and TV23.05, as far as I can work out the MK2 mortar came into use in the mid 1930’s and was used through the war and beyond including use with the parachute regiment for illuminating purposes, gas laying and shelling. This example has been over painted with green and black for display purposes and is on a wooden display stand. It measures 14 inches long and is very heavy, shipping will be to UK mainland only.
Scarce Vintage British European Airways Uniform Buttons British European Airways (BEA) was in existence from 1946 – 1974 before being merged with other airlines to become BA British Airways, so these buttons are at the latest 1970’s but as 12 of them are Bakelite I believe they date from the very earliest period of the company. No makers marks, 15 in total, 12 bakelite and 3 brass finish, all are in very good condition.
Scarce Vintage Cloth Trade Patch – Camera Operator I cant find a comparison or information on this cloth patch but I believe it is for a camera operator, it is a sewn badge and unfortunately the moth has been at the red material making it less detailed than it should be, measures 2.75 inches long.
Scarce Vintage Display Box for Willys Motors Jeep Spares A display piece only with no contents but for the petrol heads amongst you this is a great piece for a man cave, the outer box has ‘seal tested automotive parts’ and within it are three original Willys Motors Inc Toledo Ohio conn rod jeep parts boxes, the Willys jeep was the famous American WW2 vehicle. The inner boxes are nice and clean and the outer box has signs of age and measures 5 x 3.5 inches
Scarce WW1 Canadian 21st Btn Prince of Wales Own regiment Cap Badge. The 21st Battalion (Eastern Ontario), CEF, was authorized on 7 November 1914 and embarked for Britain on 6 May 1915, disembarking in France on 15 September 1915, where it fought as part of the 4th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Division in France and Flanders until the end of the war. The response by members of the regiment on the outbreak of World War I in 1914 was quite remarkable. Very quickly a contingent of 80 men was formed under Captain George T. Richardson, who became the PWOR’s first officer fatality. The history of the 21st Battalion, which the PWOR perpetuates, is far too long to relate here, however, it should be mentioned that the unit earned eighteen Battle Honours were won in three years of frontline service. The battalion was disbanded on 30 August 1920. Ref. D29.
Scarce WW1 Canadian 27th Infantry Collar Badge. A bronze collar badge of the 27th (City of Winnipeg) battalion Canadian infantry. It comes in beautiful condition and nicely toned. The 27th Battalion (City of Winnipeg), CEF was an infantry battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. The battalion was authorized on 7 November 1914 and embarked for Great Britain on 17 May 1915. It disembarked in France on 18 September 1915, where it fought as part of the 6th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Division in France and Flanders until the end of the war. The battalion was disbanded on 15 September 1920. Ref. H20
Scarce WW1 Canadian 30th Battalion, 2nd British Columbia Cap Badge. A WW1 gilt brass cap badge for the 30th battalion CEF. It is in wonderful original condition, although most of the gilt finish is now missing from the front of the badge. apart from that this badge is near perfect. The 30th Battalion, CEF was an infantry battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the Great War. The 30th Battalion was authorized on 27 October 1914 and embarked for Britain on 23 February 1915. It was redesignated as the 30th Reserve Battalion, CEF on 18 April 1915 to provide reinforcements for the Canadian Corps in the field. On 4 January 1917 its personnel were absorbed by the 1st Reserve Battalion, CEF. The battalion was subsequently disbanded on 1 September 1917. Ref. D27
Scarce WW1 Canadian 49th Battalion (Edmonton Regiment) Collar Dog. A rare little brass collar dog of the 49th battalion CEF. It is in excellent original condition with a lovely deep patina. The 49th Battalion (Edmonton Regiment), CEF, was an infantry battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the Great War. The 49th Battalion was authorized on 7 November 1914 and embarked for Great Britain on 3 June 1915. It disembarked in France on 9 October 1915, where it fought as part of the 7th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division in France and Flanders until the end of the war. The battalion was disbanded on 15 September 1920. Two members of the 49th Battalion were awarded the Victoria Cross. Private John Chipman Kerr was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on 16 September 1916 at Courcelette, France. Private Cecil John Kinross was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on 30 October 1917 during the Battle of Passchendaele. Ref. D37
Scarce WW1 Canadian Ross 1907 Patent Mark II Bayonet, Scabbard & Frog WW1 Canadian Ross Mark II bayonet for the Ross Rifle, complete with scabbard and leather frog. The bayonet measures 14 1/2 inches overall and has an officially modified 10 inch blade. The wood grips are undamaged though with the usual light scratches and marks. The left side of the pommel has a War Department arrow inspection mark and date stamp '12/15' (Dec 1915) plus with other inspection marks. The right side has manufacturer's details ' Ross Rifle Co. Quebec, Patented 1907'. The leather scabbard and integral leather frog has a large single belt loop and is in good condition with some divots down one side and it could do with a light wax. A scarce bayonet complete. Ship to UK mainland only. Proof of age required on purchase.
Scarce WW1 Era 1914 Austro Hungarian Railroad Personnel Cap Badge A nice quality brass badge with the motto ‘Viribus unitis’ or power in union, it was worn by the Austo Hungarian empire KuK railroad personnel as either a cap or button badge and was issued by the Austro Hungarian war effort office. It comes in very good condition and has some writing on the back in pencil which I cannot read, it measures .75 of an inch in diameter.
Scarce WW1 Era Arcadian Porcelain Crested Ware Mono Plane – Lowestoft Made by the Arcadian porcelain factory who were second in quality to the famous Goss factory, in fact Goss sold their moulds to Arcadian, this example is of a WW1 mono aeroplane, it carries the arms of Lowestoft on the top and has the Arcadian mark to the bottom, lacking its propeller, this was detachable and vulnerable and most are found without, it measures 5.75 inches long and is otherwise in good condition.
Scarce WW1 Era Ayrshire Yeomanry Cap Badge. A beautiful solid brass badge for the Earl of Carricks Own Ayrshire Yeomanry. This badge has the large letters in the name scroll at the bottom, so this dates it from 1915 to 1926. This example is in, pretty much perfect condition and has the makers mark of J. R. gaunt B’Ham stamped on the slider. A rare badge in this condition. Ref. A4
Scarce WW1 Era Edith Cavell Photo Postcard This WW1 era postcard of the famous Edith Cavell is constructed from a woven silk front attached to a card backing, it has one of her famous statements to the bottom ‘I have seen death so often that it is not strange or painful to me, I am glad to die for my country’ Brussels October 12th 1915. The card comes in good but aged condition with some light foxing and fraying to the silk on the edge.
Scarce WW1 Era Frederick August Saxony Medal. Instituted on 23 April 1905 by King Friedrich August III of Saxony, it was awarded to enlisted men for notable service on the field of battle, the civilian version is on a different ribbon. This one comes in near mint condition and still shows signs of its original lustre, it also comes on a small length of its original ribbon.
Scarce WW1 Era Royal Naval Air Services Sweetheart Badge This is a nicely constructed badge, to the centre is the emblem for the RNAS this is mounted on a disc of mother-of-pearl, surrounding this is unmarked sterling silver and to the back it is finished with a white metal dome. Comes in very good condition and measures just over an inch in diameter.
Scarce WW1 German 1898/05 Butcher Bayonet - Saw Back Removed The German Butcher bayonet made between 1905 to around 1918, although they were used during WW2. There are several variations of this bayonet, including; the Saw Back, Shortened and this scarce variety the Saw Back Removed. During the First World War there was an outcry regarding the horrific wounds left by the saw back bayonet. Both sides agreed that they would reframe from producing such weapons, so the infamous saw back was cut away in the manufacturing process. This one is in excellent condition; it has good wood grips but the pommel and the cross guard are slightly pitted. It has no muzzle ring, just two stubs known as ‘ears’. The blade is excellent with just a very small area of rust just under the cross guard. It retains around 98% of its original finish and its edge is still sharp. It has good makers mark for H. Mundlos & Co of Magdeburg, a very good maker, who concentrated on Butcher bayonets during the first world war. The steel scabbard has a beautiful polished finish, this has a few areas of rush bloom but on the whole it is in very good order. So all in all an excellent example of this rare type of bayonet. It measures 20.5 inches long in its scabbard. Proof of age required on purchase. Ship to UK only PLEASE NOTE Due to recent issues with certain courier delivery companies I am changing my pricing policy for the shipping of large edged and replica weapons , they will be sent within the UK only via UPS or Parcelforce, there will be a minimum charge of £12.95, this is the only way I can insure that your purchase reaches you safely and quickly.
Scarce WW1 German Honour Cross Without Swords. Rare Maker Probably one of the most overlooked and under rated of all German medals. the Honour cross or Hindenburg Cross was issued in vast number but with numerous different variants and makers, it makes it an interesting and low budget collectable. It was instituted in the July 1934 by Paul von Hindenburg himself, and by government order, it replaced every other veterans medal issued. This medal is with cross swords, issued only to non-combatants who served during WW1. This one is in mint condition and on a small piece of original ribbon. on the back is the makers stamp for Kallenbach, Mayer & Franke. The firm of Kallenbach, Mayer & Franke. Was located 30 miles south of Berlin. They were specialist making furniture fittings but during the first world war, they won a commision to make belt buckles, but they were never made official RZM or LDO makers. They made just a small quantity of Honour crosses before the company was closed as Messer’s Mayer and Kallenbach were of the Jewish faith and one of the logo’s used on furniture fittings was the Jewish candle holder the Hannukia. A beautiful quality cross in mint condition.
Scarce WW1 His Majesty’s Army Rates of Pay for Servicemen Document A rare document in fact I cant find another example available for sale online, it is dated for June 1915 and is a four sided document detailing the rates of pay for the private soldiers in the regular army and special reserve and is trying to drum up recruits from all trades and ex service people. There is an additional pull out small page detailing ‘separation allowances’, this is dated for March 1915. Both items come in very good but aged condition the larger one being just under A4 size.
Scarce WW1 Medal Trio to Mrs Black Served East Africa. A rare medal trio of the 1914/15 star, British War and Victory medal all correctly named to J. Black BRC & St J of J. Mrs Janet Black served with the British Red Cross and the Order of St John of Jerusalem from June 1915 in zone ‘4a’ which is the East African campaign. This fabulous trio comes with this lady’s medal index card, which shows no rank, such as ‘Nurse’ or ‘Sister’ etc, so she must have served in a non-medical role or a possibility she may have been a doctor or a surgeon. The East African Campaign was a series of battles and guerilla actions which started in German East Africa and spread to portions of Mozambique, Northern Rhodesia, British East Africa, Uganda and the Belgian Congo. The strategy of the German colonial forces, led by Lieutenant Colonel Paul Emil von Lettow-Vorbeck, was to divert forces from the Western Front to Africa. His strategy achieved only mixed results after 1916, when he was driven out of German East Africa and Allied forces became composed almost entirely of South African, Indian, and other colonial troops. The East African campaign was not a particular bloody one, but the workload of British and commonwealth doctors and nurses was horrific, as disease was rife, in fact British losses in the East African campaign was 3,443 killed in action, 6,558 died of disease; the losses of native carriers and porters was dreadful, in the realm of 90,000 The native carriers impressed by the Germans were rarely paid and food and cattle were stolen from civilians; a famine caused by the consequent food shortage and poor rains in 1917, led to another 300,000 civilian deaths in Ruanda, Urundi and German East Africa. Also the impressment of farm labour in British East Africa, the failure of the rains in early 1918 led to famine and in September of that year Spanish flu reached sub-Saharan Africa. In British East Africa up to 200,000 people died. The small allied hospitals which were set up to cope with low counts of wounded were having to deal with famine and the worlds flu pandemic, the relatively low numbers of allied professional and voluntary doctors and nurses must have been pushed to their limit as they fought a different war altogether than the one raging in Europe. This is a Lady needs a lot more research, regarding her service in this little known and rare campaign of the first world war; this is an area for me that I know very little about, so I cannot give this group the attention or justice it deserves. All three medals come in excellent original condition, it looks as if they were mounted and worn at one time, as there are a few contact marks on the rims, but nothing bad enough that would be considered as damage. They come nicely mounted on a red and black felt covered board, ready for display or framing. To find any medals awarded for this campaign are rare, but a woman’s trio, I have never come across another one.
Scarce WW1 MM to BQMS RFA for Mesopotamia. A scarce and interesting WW1 Military Medal awarded for Bravery in the Field correctly named to 905720 Battalion Quarter Master Serjeant Edward Francis Ball of the 337th Brigade Royal field Artillery. One on only 366 MM’s awarded for the Mesopotamia campaign. Ball came from Bexhill-on-Sea and he enrolled into the 1st Cinque Ports Artillery Volunteers in the November of 1914 and formed part of the 337 Brigade. In the early part of the war it performed home counties defence duties before being sent to Mesopotamia in 1917 where it joined the newly formed 18th Indian Division at Baghdad by February 1918. At the beginning of March 1918 the division began moving up the Tigris to join I Indian Corps, and 337th Bde went to Samarra with 55th Indian Brigade. By October 1918 the Turks were in retreat in Palestine and on the Euphrates Front in Mesopotamia. Rather than make a direct assault with the untried 18th Indian Division, the British Corps commander, Lt-Gen Sir Alexander Cobbe, VC, chose to outflank the gorge with a mobile column. Covered by the 55th Indian Bde, 337th Bde moved into position during the night of 22/23 October and by morning was within a mile of the Fat-Ha trenches, registering guns on its targets. Advancing after dark, the infantry found the outflanked trenches abandoned, and 53rd Indian Brigade passed through the gorge, followed by 337th Bde, despite the appalling terrain for hauling guns. The following day the division had reached Tell-ad-Dhahab, and cavalry patrols were across the Little Zab. Next day, 25 October, the advance continued, with 53rd Indian Bde and C/337 Bty reaching the Shumait Ford early in the morning, followed by the rest of the artillery. By noon the three field batteries of 337th Bde were in action, in the open in full view of the enemy but with magnificent observation posts on a nearby hill. 341 Battery reached the Tigris–Little Zab junction and came into action at close range, but was suddenly hit by accurate Turkish shellfire, losing all but two guns, most of its wagons and several men. However, its action allowed C/337 Bty to come into action a couple of miles away undisturbed and for more of the corps artillery to close up and support the infantry crossing. The following day 337th Bde was across the Little Zab and engaging enemy guns. Once again the position was outflanked by the mobile column, and early on 27 October patrols found the Turkish trenches empty. At dawn on 28 October the Battle of Sharqat opened, with the guns on the east bank firing across the river, A/337 Bty later crossing the Tigris by a ford and galloping up to join in. The following morning C/337 Bty also crossed to the west bank where an afternoon attack made good progress, A/337 Bty supporting a charge by the 13th Hussars. The force on the west bank was about to attack Sharqat on the morning of 30 October, when the Turks in the town surrendered. The commander of 18th Indian Division, Maj-Gen Hew Fanshawe, was immediately sent on with a mobile column including A/337 Bty to destroy the remaining Turkish forces and capture Mosul. The column forded the Tigris, with artillery horses assisting the mule carts, and pushed on to the city, which fell without a fight after news arrived of the signing of the Armistice of Mudros and the end of hostilities on 31 October. At the end of the war 18th Indian Division was selected to form part of the occupation force in Iraq but at some point after the armistice, BQMS Ball fell sick with one of the diseases rife in the country and he was discharged at the end of December 1919. Life was hard for all the soldiers in Mesopotamia, it was either burning hot or freezing cold on difficult terrain, adequate supplies were few and all manner of nasty diseases were the only thing in abundance. His MM was almost certainly awarded for the action along the Tigris, although a little more research with help to discover at what point, the battalion war diary would be of help. A more detailed account of this battle is included, along with a copy of his medal index card, medal roll, Military Medal index card and London Gazette entry for the 20th August 1919. The medal is in lovely original condition and looks as if it has never been mounted or worn. A scarce gallantry award for a very under rated campaign.
Scarce WW1 Pair to 1st County of London Yeomanry. An interesting and scarce WW1 British war and victory medal correctly named to 4057 Private Harry Janaway of the 1st County of London Yeomanry (The Middlesex Hussars). Harry Janaway was born around 1891 in Oxford, he was one of five children to William, a painter by trade and Elizabeth, who was born in Cornwall. Something dramatic happened to the family when Harry was about ten, at that time he was living with his mother in the workhouse, this may have prompted the family move to London. Harry enlisted into the 1st Country of London Yeomanry in April 1915 and probably went straight on to fight as infantry in Gallipoli with the 2nd mounted division as dismounted infantry; after the evacuation move to Egypt where the regiment was remounted. In January 1916 the Division broken up and the brigade moved to Suez Canal Defences and renamed 8th Mounted Brigade. It stayed here nearly all year when in the November it was ordered to Salonika here they served as GHQ Troops with the British Salonika Army. This was quite a dangerous job, spotting for artillery and scouting on and behind the enemy line. In June 1917 they returned to to Egypt, here the brigade came under orders of Yeomanry Mounted Division, a new division, a Territorial Force cavalry division formed at Khan Yunis in Palestine in June 1917 from three yeomanry mounted brigades. A new Machine Gun Squadron was formed in Egypt on 14th June, before the brigade moved forward and joined the new division on 21st July 1917 at el Fuqari. From 31st October it took part in the Third Battle of Gaza, including the Battle of Beersheba and the Capture of the Sheria Position. It took part in the Battle of Mughar Ridge on 13th and 14th November and the Battle of Nebi Samwil for 17th to 24th November and from 27th to 29th November, it withstood the Turkish counter-attacks during the Capture of Jerusalem. During mid 1918, “E” Battalion of the Machine Gun Corps was formed by the amalgamation of the 1/1st City of London Yeomanry and the 1/3rd County of London Yeomanry, in Egypt on 7 April 1918. In early June they moved to Western Front and were reformed. They became the 103rd Bn MGC on 19 August 1918. At some point during the latter part of the war, Harry was wounded, he was transferred back to England and put on light duties with the Army pay Corps. He was finally discharged on the 11th February 1919 with wounds, he is also entitled to a Silver War Badge, this is unfortunately missing. Both medals are in very good condition, but the both look as if they were mounted and worn; not too much, there is just some light contact marks on the rims. Both are suspended on original ribbons and come with various copy paperwork, medal index card etc. A scarce pair of medal which, if could talk, would tell a very interesting story about a man’s service in the Balkans and North African campaigns.
Scarce WW1 RE Officers Economy Cap Badge. A scarce WW1 era Royal Engineers solid bronze (economy) cap badge. it comes in good used condition, the front has a mostly even tone apart from the crown which is darker. The back of the badge is heavily patinated along with the slider. It also has a slight depression from the 11 o clock to the 1 o clock position, but this could be push back out if desired. Still a good collectable and scarce badge. Ref. E14
Scarce WW1 Territorial Medal Group to RGA – Low No An outstanding territorial medal group of four comprising of the British war and Victory medal pair correctly named to 414 Gunner Harold Thomas Royal Artillery. The Territorial War medal correctly named as pair to Royal Artillery and the scarcer Territorial Force Efficiency medal correctly named to 374112 Bombardier Harold Thomas Royal Garrison Artillery. Also included are his original territorial force badge and various photos of Harold in uniform and civy’s. For the most part, this group is un-researched, but it comes with a copy of his medal index card, this confirms his medal entitlement and gives various number changes throughout the war where he was transferred, at one point he was transferred to the Royal Engineers, unusual for a long serving artillery man, so it may be possible he did some kind of special service. All medals are in excellent original condition and they now come court mounted with his photos and badges ready for framing or display.
Scarce WW1 TFWM Trio to RAMC. A scarce Territorial Force War Medal, British War and Victory medal all correctly named to; 2607 Private John Mills of the Royal Army Medical Corps. John was born in Ashted, Birmingham Warwickshire around 1891, the only son of John and Lilly Mills. Before the war John was employed as an engineer, so it is unusual that he was not scooped up into the royal engineers, but going by his number 2607, he was a territorial before the war started. I have not had a chance to do much, if any research on this man apart from obtaining a copy of his medal index card, medal roll and 1911 census and these tell me very little, so a very interesting and worthwhile project awaits its new guardian. The medal are in very good condition, there is some contact marks to the rims of the medals, so John mounted and worn these medals on occasions. Alson with the medal are two portrait photographs of john taken in 1914, and what a dapper chap he looks, so full of pride, I’m sure any phots taken after the war showed a different face. Aa scarce trio to a long serving territorial, there were only 1,030 TFWM awarded to the OR’s and NCO’s of the RAMC compared to the 66,139 men that were serving in the Corps by December 1915.
Scarce WW1 Turkish-Shortened German Ersatz Bayonet. This one has the typical all metal hilt with the scarcer two part two step cross guard with muzzle ring. The two part guard and muzzle ring allows fitment on both the 8 mm. Mauser Gewehr 98 and earlier 8 mm. M1888 Commission Rifle. The blade is made of good steel with a shallow fuller to both sides. It has a pressed steel scabbard with the makers name impressed on one side, which I just can’t make out, please see pictures. a very interesting bayonet in good condition, it has all over light pitting and staining, but if necessary it should clean up. The scabbard is missing its mouthpiece at the top but the still has the inside drag. It measures 18 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only
Scarce WW1 Volunteers Arm Band. Now rarely seen in this condition, a WW1 arm band made of green serge with a red kings crown sewn to the front. The inside is linin lined and has a stamp, which reads; ‘Issued Under Authority of Army Council’. These were issued to new volunteers during the early part of the Great War; because of shortages of uniform and equipment caused by the massive influx of new recruits. This superb example is in excellent original condition, just a tiny amount of moth damage to the edges. It still has its original buttons and all stitching is in good condition.
Scarce WW1 Welsh Horse Yeomanry Cap Badge. The all brass badge of the Welsh Horse. This yeomanry regiment was raised in 1914 and by early 1915 it had moved to Diss (Norfolk) and been placed under command of the 1st North Midland Mounted Brigade in 1st Mounted Division. On 25th September 1915 they were dismounted and sailed from Liverpool on SS ‘Olympic’ for service at Gallipoli. After the evacuation, they served in Egypt and Palestine and later they served on the western front. This badge is in very good used condition showing light wear to the surface.
Scarce WW2 2nd Corps Head Quarters Cloth Formation Patch An interesting small cloth patch for the 2nd corps hq, below is a brief history for the naming of the corps. The patch comes in good but used condition, it is a bit grubby and quite small measuring just over 1.5 inches across. The sign, a brook with a leaping fish, was chosen after the name of II Corps' first commander, Lieutenant-General (as he then was) Sir Alan Brooke
Scarce WW2 Brass Greatcoat Button Stick. WW 2 brass button stick for polishing the large buttons on a greatcoat. In good but used condition. It measures eight inches long.
Scarce WW2 Cloth Formation Patch Scottish Command. A scarce WW2 patch worn only by the Scottish command HQ staff, probably and officers badge. In September 1939 consisted of Highland Area with 9th (Highland) Infantry Division and 51st (Highland) Infantry Division, and Lowland Area with 15th (Scottish) Infantry Division and 52nd (Lowland) Infantry Division, plus other troops.[8] By 1940 during the Battle of Britain the command was responsible to Commander-in-Chief, Home Forces. This badge is in very good condition but it has been used and taken from a uniform. It measures 2 x 1.5 inches.
Scarce WW2 Cloth Patch Northumberland County Division. A real rarity WW2 divisional cloth sleeve patch for the Northumberland County Division, made from embroidered silk on a wool felt backing. This badge is in excellent original condition but has been used and has been taken from a uniform. It measures 2 x 2 inches. This was a formation of the British Army formed in World War II on 24th February 1941. It ceased to function on 1 December 1941, and was disbanded on 21 December 1941. It was commanded by Major General R. C. Money and consisted of the 202nd Independent Infantry Brigade, 216th Independent Infantry Brigade and 225th Independent Infantry Brigade. It was commanded by X Corps until 9 April, IX Corps until 30 November and War Office control from then until disbandment.
Scarce WW2 Era Bronze Royal Navy Submarine Brooch Dating from the WW2 era this bronze metal pin badge was probably made on board from salvaged metal, as far as I can tell this style of badge was an unofficial issue and was worn mainly by officers. This example comes in very good condition for its age, it does have a lump of solder on the back holding on the pin and measures just under 1.75 inches long.
Scarce WW2 Era Middle Eastern Silver Niello RAF Sweetheart Brooch A very unusual example of a Second World War period Middle Eastern silver Niello 'Royal Air Force sweetheart brooch', not marked for silver but tests as 925, Niello is a black mixture, usually of sulphur, copper, silver, and lead, used as an inlay on engraved or etched metal, especially silver. It is added as a powder or paste, then fired until it melts or at least softens, and flows or is pushed into the engraved lines in the metal. It hardens and blackens when cool, and the niello on the flat surface is polished off to show the filled lines in black, contrasting with the polished metal (usually silver) around it. This example comes in very good condition with a simple pin on the back and measures two inches long.
Scarce WW2 Era Military Cloth Formation Patch & Card Part of the family group from Great Yarmouth. Tommy Holmes was a military police officer, it appears he was based in Cyrenaica during the occupation of Libya anywhere from 1943-51, below is a small bit of history for the occupation. Here we have a cloth formation patch for the Cyrenaica district and a Christmas card sent by Tommy with the same motif on the front, inside the card is Cyrenaica district M.E.L.F. 6. Both items come in very good but used condition. Cyrenaica was the name of an administrative division of Italian Libya from 1927 until 1943, then under British military and civil administration from 1943 until 1951, and finally in the Kingdom of Libya from 1951 until 1963. In November 1942, the Allied forces retook Cyrenaica. By February 1943, the last German and Italian soldiers were driven from Libya and the Allied occupation of Libya began.
Scarce WW2 Era National Fire Service Benevolent Fund Badge This does appear to be a scarce badge as I can only find one other example, made from white metal with coloured enamels it was issued by the National Fire Service to raise funds for their benevolent society, it comes in good condition with some surface marks and the pin needs attention, it measures one inch in diameter.
Scarce WW2 Era White Metal Royal Navy War Ship Brooch D14 Armada Dating from the WW2 era this white metal pin badge depicts the Royal Navy ship the D14 Armada, as far as I can tell this style of badge was an unofficial issue and was worn mainly by officers. This example comes in very good condition for its age and measures just under 2.5 inches long.
Scarce WW2 Fairbairn Sykes Commando Dagger by William Rodgers. A real beauty of a third pattern Fairbairn Sykes dagger by William Rodgers of Sheffield. It has a bronze hilt, which was finished in black, available from this company from October 1943 and the makers mark would suggest war time manufacture. (Please see pictures). Now a lot of the black finish is missing, worn away but the hilt and the blade are still in very good condition, the blade having no rust or pitting. It comes with its original sheath with side tabs still intact, however the elastic which held the top of the grip is missing. This is not unusual of a used dagger of this age. It measures, 13 inches long. Shipping to mainland UK only
Scarce WW2 German Luftschutz Helmet (Fire Dept) If you are looking for an example of this type of helmet, then you will not find better than this one. It is the Gladiator style helmet worn by the Luftschutzwarndienst or Air Protection Warning Service, this one is different from most because of its original comb worn by the fire branch of the service, which is very rarely seen and also the condition which is just superb. Its original and untouched Luftschutz decal on the front has virtually no wear or damage and it still retains its original liner which is also in excellent condition. There are no major scuffs to the paint anywhere on the helmet and the original chin strap is present. The white metal comb is also in wonderful condition and original to this particular helmet and not a later addition, as the fit is perfect; a scarce variant of this otherwise quite common helmet, a fabulous piece and NO disappointment guaranteed.
Scarce WW2 Lovat’s Scouts Balmoral Bonnet. A scarce WW2 era Balmoral bonnet worn by the Lovat Scouts. During the early years of WW2, the Lovat scouts underwent serious survival and special service training, including skiing; in 1944 they took part in the battle of Monte Cassino, as part of the 10th Indian Infantry Division, II Corps (Poland), and the recently arrived Jewish Brigade, the regiment took part in the remainder of the Italian campaign, and the German surrender in early May 1945. This bonnet is in very good original condition, it obviously has some wear but no moth or damage. it still retains its original badge, the Je Suis Prest in garter band in white metal. All in all a rare piece of WW2 headgear. Size approximately 6&7/8ths.
Scarce WW2 Silver with Gold Dunkerque Brooch with Propeller An unusual badge dating from the WW2 era, it has a rose gold front with the name ‘Dunkerque’ (the French spelling) to the front and the body is, in my opinion sterling silver although unmarked, there are a pair of wings crossed with a propeller so RAF connection, the condition is very good and it measures just under two inches long.
Scarce WW2 St Johns Ambulance Water Bottle. A very hard to find St Johns Ambulance water bottle, used by its members when serving in the field. The water bottle itself is a standard military issue bottle but this one comes in a black wool cover and black leather straps. It is in very good condition, showing wear in one spot under the black leather harness.
Scare WW1 Canadian 140th Battalion Collar Dog This is a scarce little WW1 brass collar dog for the Canadian Overseas Battalion the 140th St John, New Brunswick. The 140th battalion known as the St John's Tigers of the Canadian Expeditionary Force were based in St John New Brunswick, they began recruiting in late 1915 and by September 1916 sailed to England where they were absorbed into the 13th battalion, hence the rarity of this badge. It comes in very good condition with two lugs on the back for fixing, measures 1.25 inches high.
Second Anglo-Afghan War Medal to Drummer Yeoman 8th Reg Superb Afghan war medal correctly engraved to; 1575 Drummer W. Yeoman 2nd/8th Regiment of foot. Firstly I can not find any papers for this man, there is no bar on the ribbon and I cannot say if he was entitled to any. But being a drummer, he may have been a young boy and non-combatant. The 8th regiment of foot became in 1881, the Kings Liverpool regiment and in around 1879 the infantry as a whole spelled the end of boys being sent on active service by the British Army. But the death of young drummer boys in the Zulu wars is well known. So this medal is well worth researching. The medal itself is a beautiful example, in my opinion one of the best designs on a Victorian medal, the reverse showing the infantry, cavalry and an Elephant, which towed the larger field guns to battle. It comes in excellent condition, with just slight wear to the surface of the obverse. The ribbon is tatty and this medal was mounted in a frame at one point as the ribbon shows signs of glue. The war was split into two campaigns - the first began in November 1878 with the British invasion of Afghanistan. The British were quickly victorious and forced the Amir - Sher Ali Khan to flee. Ali's successor Mohammad Yaqub Khan immediately sued for peace and the Treaty of Gandamak was then signed on 26 May 1879. The British sent an envoy and mission led by Sir Louis Cavagnari to Kabul but on 3 September this mission was massacred and the conflict was reignited by Ayub Khan which led to the abdication of Yaqub. The second campaign ended in September 1880 when the British decisively defeated Ayub Khan outside Kandahar. A new Amir - Abdur Rahman Khan selected by the British, ratified and confirmed the Gandamak treaty once more. When the British and Indian soldiers had withdrawn, the Afghans agreed to let the British attain all of their geopolitical objectives, as well as create a buffer between the British Raj and the Russian Empire.
Selection of Five Various Books Five books to include: two air touring flight guides 1972 for Europe and the Middle East and 1974 United Kingdom and Ireland, a 1972 Observer’s military vehicles directory from 1945, a 1980’s soft back cartoons book called ‘up the Falklands’ and a 1987 American military auction catalogue, all in OK but used condition, due to weight shipping will be £8.95.
Selection of Post War Rifle Shooting Score/Record Booklets This group of booklets relating to rifle shooting includes ‘The Parker Hale service rifle score book’ which dates from 1949, a 1950 ‘skill at arms record book’ and a WW1 era ‘The Kingsway scoring book’ which belonged to Private 27049 J.W. Hammerton 11th Batt East Lancashire regiment and a motor car fuel ration book. All are in good condition apart from the WW1 era one which has wear and use.
Selection of Royal Army Ordinance Corps Badge Set Here we have a pair of shoulder titles for the ROAC together with two cap badge, one is a brass issue, kings crown comes in good but used condition, the other is a brown plastic economy issue, kings crown and in good condition. The titles are in fair condition, they are a matched pair and one has a couple of old moth holes.
Selection of Vintage Air Training Corps Badges The ATC started life as the air defence cadet corps in 1938 with the intention of training young men in various aviation-related skills, this proved very popular and in 1941 it became the ATC by Royal Warrant allowing teenagers and young men to train who might later join the RAF. This collection of four badges include: a large white metal cap badge, a small white metal button badge, a crowned brass and enamel pin badge and a small brass pin badge. All are in very good condition.
Selection of Vintage Silk Cigarette Cards - Flags An interesting group of approx. 17 silk cigarette cards all depicting flags, they date from the early part of the last century and come in very good condition with some signs of age and fraying, they roughly measure 2.75 inches x 2, there are some duplicates.
Selection of WW1 Era Field Walking and Metal Detector Finds An interesting mixed bag of WW1 era field walking and metal detector finds from the battlefields of France, including some ceramic pot, old leather and wood ware and rusty metal bits, all you see in the photo’s.
Selection of WW2 Era Black Bakelite Navy Buttons A good group of 16 WW2 Navy buttons in a black Bakelite, no makers marks but all are in very good condition, there are 3 large 27mm in diameter, 12 medium 21mm and one smaller 20mm.
Selection of WW2 Era Mixed Material Navy Buttons A good group of 18 WW2 Navy buttons in a mixed materials, there are large Bakelite 30 mm in diameter, 6 medium 23mm, 4 white plastic maker marked for ‘Grove Halesowen’ 21mm and 3 white metal, all are in very good condition.
Selection of WW2 Era Reproduction Posters – Women at War This is a mixed batch of three WW2 reproduction posters to include: Women balloon operatives, join the Wrens and Land Army recruitment. They all come in very good condition and measure roughly 23 inches x 16.
Selection of WW2 Soldiers Ephemera – Major R. Bell Served Nigeria A good selection of photo’s and ephemera relating to one man, Major Randal M. Bell who served with the senior supply offices 55th West Lancs division Royal Army Service Corps and later as the commanding officer 456 general transport coy RASC W.A.F.F at Abba Nigeria. To go with two photo’s of the Major is his officers release book and a selection of end of war and post war release papers. All items come in good but used condition.
Set 4 French Coloured Prints Military Uniforms. A set of four very interesting early 20th century coloured prints showing different French uniforms. One is of an officer of the lancers in parade uniform, two showing the uniforms of the Fusiliers, a Musiker or bandsman, an officer and O.R. Three the summer uniforms of the Grenadiers, O.R and sergeant. Lastly the infantry, sergent 2nd battalion, 2nd lieutenant and sergeant 3rd battalion. All are in very good condition and they were probably framed during the 1950’s. Each measures 9 x 12 inches.
Set of 12 Vintage Imperial War Museum Postcards, German Uniform Taken from the Imperial war museums WW1 series this set of 12 postcards cover the uniforms of the German army, printed by Raithby, Lawrence & Co, they come in very good condition.
Set of Four WW1 Era Bamforth & Co ‘Songs’ Series Postcards – When You Come Home Issued by Bamforths during the Great War usually in a set of four these ‘songs’ series postcards are of a sentimental nature with the lyrics under and a pair of young lovers the man always in uniform, this set entitled ‘when you come home’ come in good condition, some aging to the edges and have not been written on.
Set of Six Vintage Campari Glasses I’m selling these as a set of six but have a couple of extras spare if you would like them, decorated around the base with the ‘Campari’ name they all come in excellent condition and stand 5.25 inches high.
Set of Six WW1 Seaforth Highlanders Brass Buttons A good set of six brass buttons dating from the WW1 era for the Seaforth Highlanders, they are not marked on the back and all six come in very good condition.
Set of Six WW2 Officers General Service Pips A good quality and excellent condition set of six WW2 era officers general service pips, no makers marks and only one has its pin on the back.
Set Replica WW2 Airborne Cloth Insignia. A set of four pieces of insignia to be worn on the top of the sleeve, on the WW2 battledress. These are very good modern reproductions, screen printed on cloth, just like the originals, the only difference being, these are slightly better quality than the originals. I have only got a handful of these at this price to trial.
Set Three 19thC Black Forest Carved Wooden Bears. Mum, Dad and baby bears all hand carved during the latter part of the 19th century. For years we believed these beautiful carvings came from the Bavarian Black Forest of southwestern Germany, it has in fact been established that they are the creation of Swiss carvers, originating in the town of Brienz. They are incredibly detailed they have even got bone teeth and little glass eyes. They are all in very good condition although Mum has a chip to one paw. The largest measures 6 inches long x 4 inches high.
Set Vintage Military Themed Place Mats. Dating from around the 1960’s – 70’s printed metal place or dinner mats. The six are printed with images of the Grenadier Guards from different periods. They have been used but are still in very good condition and still usable. Each measures 10 x 7 inches.
Set WW2 Royal Army Ordinance Corps Insignia. This lot includes everything you see in the pictures, an early pair of brass shoulder titles in perfect condition, pair cloth shoulder titles, these are well used and a one has a little moth damage, early post WW1 shoulder slide, embroidered on to drab wool fabric. A WW2 era Brass cap badge in perfect condition and a late WW2 economy cap badge in Bakelite plastic, this is also in perfect condition. All seven items are excellent examples of their kind and would look great framed.
Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry Cap Badge. The Gilt brass badge of the Sherwood Rangers, which dates from around 1955 and used until 1967 when they form part of the Royal yeomanry regiment. In near perfect condition. Ref. K2
Silver Handled Cheese Knife. 1970’s silver handle cheese knife in Kings pattern and hallmarked Sheffield 1972 with the makers mark of HB. It is in perfect unused condition and measures 8 inches long.
Six lead Soldiers ‘On Guard’ Six old lead solders all the same in the on guard position and all in very good condition, retaining most, if not all of their original paint.
Six Victorian 13th Hussars Brass Buttons – Maker Marked Here are 4 large and 2 small flat brass buttons for the 13th Hussars, all are marked to the backs for Jennens & Co London and come in very good condition, the largest measures 20mm and the smaller 14mm.
Six WW1 Era Shooting Medals to One Man – Sergeant Hobbis Here are six WW1 era shooting award medallions all engraved to one man sergeant George Hobbis of the 4th volunteer battalion Yorks and Lancs regiment, sadly I have not been able to track any service details for George but he must have served during the great War. The medallions in date order include (the largest) a 1915 dated bronze 1st prize award engraved to Geo Hobbis, this one 1.75 inches in diameter, the next two are dated 1916 named to George and are from the Park district rifle club, the 4th is a shield shape fob dated 1917 this time with Sergeant, the last two one of which is hallmarked silver are from 1918 and have the first evidence of his regiment, these measure just under one inch in diameter. All are in super condition.
Small Cottage Iron Kitchen Jack. Early 19th century Kitchen or Fire Jack used to hold pots and kettles over the fire. This one made of wrought iron and adjustable to regulate the heat under the pot by raising it up and down. A small size for a cottage fire, it comes in excellent condition and measures 14 inches long.
Small Hallmarked Silver Specimen Vase. Small silver specimen vase hallmarked for Sheffield 1921. It measures three inches high and comes in perfect condition.
Small Sized Brass & Enamel Tank Corps Sweetheart Badge – Fearnaught A good WW2 sweetheart badge for the Tank Corps complete with the motto ‘Fearnaught’, it is made from brass with enamels and comes in good condition with one tiny loss to the red enamel on the crown, of a smaller size it measures just under one inch long.
Small Vintage Brass and Copper Bossun’s Whistle This small sized Bossun’s whistle measures just 3.5 inches long, constructed from brass and copper it has two nautical anchors either side of the ball, it comes in fair condition having a welded repair along the pipe and is suspended on a white metal chain.
Small WW2 Brass Button Stick. Small size WW2 brass button stick. It is unmarked and in used condition measuring 6 inches long.
SMLE Lee Enfield Brass Oil Bottle A well marked brass oil bottle for the SMLE Lee Enfield rifle, it is well marked to one end with the crown over the letter B for the royal small arms factory Sparkbrook and the date of 79 under. It comes in very good condition.
SMLE Rifle Bayonet India Pattern 1943. This is the shortened 1907 Short Magazine Lee Enfield Rifle Bayonet MKII, blanks sent to the Rifle Factory Ishapore and blades shortened to 12 inches. This one is a nice clean example with good markings on the ricasso. It has no scabbard but these were just shorted 1907 leather and steel fitted scabbards. It measures a total 17 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only
Solid Brass Desk Cannon. A nice vintage solid brass model desk cannon, which looks like it would date somewhere around the 1970’s. it is quite nicely constructed and measures 9 inches long.
Solid Brass Kitchen Jack Hook. Victorian Brass Kitchen Jack hook. Beautifully made for holding a jack above a fireplace to hold pots or kettle. These can be used for all sorts of things now as it folds flat against the wall, so good for holding towels or hanging baskets etc, this one measures 12 inches long.
Solid Silver 1937 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Coronation Medal The King George VI Coronation Medal was a commemorative medal, instituted to celebrate the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. This medal was awarded as a personal souvenir by King George VI to commemorate his and Queen Elizabeths coronation in 1937. It was awarded to the Royal Family and selected officers of state, officials and servants of the Royal Household, ministers, government officials, mayors, public servants, local government officials, members of the navy, army, air force and police in Britain, her colonies and Dominions. A beautiful solid silver medal in great condition on its original ribbon, very light surface marks and requires a clean, the ribbon shows use towards the bottom.
Solido WW2 USA Army Willys Jeep Made in the 1/18th scale this Solido model of the WW2 American famous Willys jeep comes in super condition, sadly lacking it’s box online the boxed examples are priced at £25-50, it measures 7.25 inches long.
Southampton University Air Squadron Cloth Patch A modern but interesting cloth patch for the Southampton university air squadron, the university trains students as cadets if they wish to join the RAF even teaching them to fly light aircraft but with no obligation to pursue the occupation if it doesn’t suit. The patch is in excellent condition and measures 3 inches long.
Stanley of London Prismatic Marching Compass – Nato Issue A Gulf war era Stanley of London army issue prismatic marching compass, it carries a Nato stock number of 6605-99-537-9034 and an additional number of st88328, it has a green finish over brass body and was most likely a private purchase. It comes in very good condition.
Sterling Silver & Mother-of Pearl HMS Ganges Sweetheart Badge A good quality badge marked on the back fine Sterling silver and constructed from a disc of mother-of-pearl, white metal and enamel colours, dates I would think from the WW2 era. Good condition some light wear to the front anchor, measures just over one inch in diameter.
Stunning 1930’s SA Presentation Dagger by Spitzer This item now available due to non payment A superb 1930’s German Sturmabteilung Dagger, the pommel and guard beautifully engraved with oak leaves and acorns, the hard wood grip has the original SA enamelled rune and eagle, both in excellent condition and well seated. It has a good steel blade with no defects, one side is etched with ‘Ulles Fur Deutschland’ ‘All For Germany’, and on the other side is the makers mark of Gustav Spitzer of Solingen. The blade has a few marks, wear, where it has been pulled in and out of the scabbard. The scabbard is also in great condition, the white metal fitting have also been highlighted with engraving. The main body of the scabbard is rust free but has a few scratches and a very shallow dent to one side. One edge of the scabbard has had three chips to the enamel paint and at some point been touched up, the colour is a fairly good match and it does not shout. A scarce and beautiful dagger in very good excellent condition. it measures 14.5 inches. Shipping to UK mainland only.
Stunning Anglo/Indo Flintlock Blunderbuss / Musketoon A superb Antique flintlock Blunderbuss of Anglo/Indo form and made to a very high quality. The word Blunderbuss has Dutch origins and comes from the Dutch word ‘donderbus’, which is a combination of donder, meaning thunder, and bus, meaning Pipe. This one is in beautiful condition and has a large swan neck lock which is marked with George III crown and the Tower Proof mark. The lock is fully functioning and in good working order. it also includes a Brass trigger guard and military pattern fittings including butt plate and ramrod pipes complete with original ram rod. The flared barrel is inlaid with brass in a Grecian key pattern on the hexagonal section near the lock and a scroll pattern half wat at the end of the barrel. It has a full length Mahogany stock, which is chequered around the wrist, the end is decorated with a carved floral pattern, this may be a little later addition. The condition is beautiful with a nice deep patina which spreads evenly over the wood and metal parts. Obviously with a piece which is around 200 years old it has a few little faults. It has a screw missing at the top of the barrel and the trigger guard strap has broken in two places. But any gunsmith will have a replacement screw and the trigger guard can be easily and invisibly braised by someone who knows what they are doing. Lastly there is a small hole drilled through the stock, this was probably to take a sling ring at some point. That’s it that is the total of the faults to this amazing piece, measuring 42 inches long. More Photographs available on request. Shipping to mainland UK only via courier charged at £14.95
Stunning Edwardian Silver Cigarette Case This is a beautiful case, fully hallmarked for Birmingham 1904 and having the makers mark for Samuel Levi of Birmingham. Both front and back have been elaborately engraved with flowers and leaves with a large vacant cartouche to the centre. A couple of very small dings on two corners but other wise perfect, measures 3.5 inches long and weighs 75 grams. A real Stunner.
Stunning Pair of Victorian Dress Gold Bullion Shoulder Boards This superb pair of dress shoulder boards were worn by the Royal Artillery, they are large and heavy being constructed from a large brass ring with a silver officers flaming bomb badge to the middle, the top section is gold bullion work and to the centre of this a small brass RA button with a Queen’s crown over and VR to the centre. They are housed in a black painted metal tin and this has preserved them very well, they are in superb condition, a little dulling to the goldwork and they show little signs of use and wear, they measure 7.5 inches long and are 5.25 inches wide at the base.
Stunning RA Officers Home Service Helmet in Tin. Near Mint. A truly stunning Edwardian Royal Artillery Officers Home Service or Blue Cloth helmet which comes in its original tin with original padlock and key. The helmet belonged to Captain S. M. Gully RA. He is listed in the army lists from 1882 as Captain; he served in India from 1898 to 1912. So, it looks like he only wore his home service helmet but a few times. The helmet and all of its fittings, Ball spike, plate, side bosses and chinstrap, are all in mint condition, you will not find an original helmet in better order. It is complete, totally untouched and unpolished; the inside of the helmet is clean and looks like it has been worn no more than just two or three times. It came locked in its tin with the key still attached to the carrying handle at the top. It bears a brass nameplate which reads ‘Captn S. M. Gully’. The nameplate is toned and has never been polished. The tin itself is also in good order and it still retains much of its original black paint.it is quite a large size, larger than a size 7. A fabulous piece of Edwardian Home Service Uniform, if you are stickler for condition, then this one is the best you will find. Please see pictures. Shipping will be via courier charged at £10.95
Stunning Vintage Trifari Choker Necklace This is a very high quality costume choker necklace made by the company Trifari, below is a brief history for the company, this piece dates I think from the 1970’s and is constructed from a gilded metal base set with cut glass amber coloured stones flanked by small cut glass black stones. It comes in very good condition but there are 5 small black stones missing, it measures 14 inches long. Since the 1920s, Trifari has been one of the most respected and admired producers of costume jewelry in the United States. Founded in the 1910s by Gustavo Trifari, the Italian-immigrant son of a Napoli goldsmith, the company has designed jewelry that’s been worn by countless high-profile clients, from Mamie Eisenhower to Madonna.
Super Delicate WW1 Era Silk Handkerchief Embroidered with Badge of the MGC This is such a delicate piece, made from silk it is a handkerchief embroidered with the badge for the MGC, given it‘s age and vulnerability it comes in very good condition with no holes and just some light staining to the edges.
Super Edwardian Hallmarked Silver Vesta Chester 1907 This is a super quality hallmarked silver vesta case, it is clearly hallmarked for Chester 1907 with a makers mark for James Deakin & Sons. It has foliate decoration to the front and back with a curved back to fit a pocket and a jump ring to the side for a watch chain, it comes in really excellent condition with one small ding to the top, the hinge works perfectly, it measures 1.75 inches long.
Super Edwardian The Gourmet Pie Cup A great piece of kitchenalia, dating from the Edwardian era with a registration number for 1901this ‘gourmet pie cup’ was used as a pie funnel to keep the pastry from sagging, it comes in very good condition no chips or cracks but it does have fritting in the glaze caused during manufacture, it stands just under 3 inches high.
Super Hallmarked Silver Vesta Case B’Ham 1920 – Warwickshire Reg This is a lovely hallmarked silver vesta case displaying the regimental badge for the Royal Warwickshire regiment, it carries a full set of hallmarks for Birmingham 1920 on the inner lip along with the makers mark of S.B.&S Ltd for S. Blackensee & Sons Ltd of Frederick Street & Great Hampton St Birmingham. It comes in good condition with one dent on the top corner and a few light surface marks, it measures just under two inches long including the jump ring.
Super Hallmarked Silver Vesta Case – B’ham 1918 This is a lovely hallmarked silver vesta case which has been decorated front and back with scrolls it has an engraved central panel which has ‘M.C.S. S. 1919’ it is clearly hallmarked for Birmingham 1918 with a makers mark of S&B, it comes in very good condition with signs of age and use, it measures just under two inches long.
Super Large Framed Photograph - MGC at Shornecliffe 1930 A lovely large photo of a company from the machine Gun Corps in 1930 at a summer camp at Shornecliffe, some of the lads are very young and most probably saw service in WW2. Two machine guns proudly on display and 34 men in the company. Comes in very good clean condition, the photo measures 11 inches x 8.5 and the frame is 17.25 x 13.25.
Super Mixed Lot of Eleven Sterling Silver & Stone Set Items of Jewellery 1 A great dealer lot of 11 sterling silver and mostly stone set pieces of jewellery, all are marked 925 for Sterling silver and include pendants, earrings and brooch, the largest piece is 1.75 inches long and all are in good unused condition. All you see in the pictures.
Super Mixed Lot of Eleven Sterling Silver & Stone Set Items of Jewellery 5 A great dealer lot of 11 sterling silver and mostly stone set pieces of jewellery, all are marked 925 for Sterling silver and include pendants, earrings and two on a chain, the largest piece is one inch long and all are in good unused condition. All you see in the pictures.
Super Mixed Lot of Twelve Sterling Silver & Stone Set Items of Jewellery 3 A great dealer lot of 12 sterling silver and mostly stone set pieces of jewellery, all are marked 925 for Sterling silver and include pendants, earrings and two on a chain, the largest piece is one inche long and all are in good unused condition. All you see in the pictures.
Super Mixed Lot of Twelve Sterling Silver & Stone Set Items of Jewellery 4 A great dealer lot of 12 sterling silver and mostly stone set pieces of jewellery, all are marked 925 for Sterling silver and include pendants, earrings and one on a chain, the largest piece is one inch long and all are in good unused condition. All you see in the pictures.
Super Mixed Lot of Twelve Sterling Silver & Stone Set Items of Jewellery 6 A great dealer lot of 12 sterling silver and mostly stone set pieces of jewellery, all are marked 925 for Sterling silver and include pendants, earrings and two on a chain, the largest piece is one inch long and all are in good unused condition. All you see in the pictures.
Super pair of 9ct Gold Art Deco Sunburst Design Cufflinks A lovely quality pair of 9ct gold cufflinks, oval shape with an Art Deco sunburst design, they are marked 9ct on the backs and come in their period box of issue, having mild wear they come in very good condition and weigh just over 5 grams.
Super Quality Early 20thC Miniature Model 1902 American Sword Letter Opener There appears to be a few of these available mostly in the United States but the stand out difference with this one is that the scabbard is named, it has been engraved with ‘Lieut J.R. McGowan Fort Monroe, VA’. Constructed from high quality white metal with a German made blade which has been engraved with a pattern, an eagle and US, it comes complete with its sword knot. Apart from some light wear to the black paint on the handle it comes in super condition, it measures 9.75 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only
Super Quality Pair of Manhattan-Windsor Merchant Navy Cufflinks A really high quality pair of cufflinks for the Merchant Navy made by Manhattan-Windsor and housed in their original named box. A yellow metal body with coloured enamels, maker marked on the backs, they come in super probably unworn condition and the ovals measure 20mm long.
Super Vintage 1960\'s Greville Gents Wristwatch – 21 Jewels This is a really lovely vintage gents wristwatch, dating I believe from the 1960's, it is marked to the face with: Greville 21 jewels – antimagnetic waterproof. A Swiss made watch wound manually with luminous hands and number highlights, second hand and magnified date. This came to me from a customer who has recently had it serviced, it appears to work very well and has kept perfect time. Shows signs of use and wear, one small scratch on the face, comes with a leather strap.
Super Vintage Sterling Silver Heart Shaped Vesta This is a very pretty vintage heart shaped vesta or match safe, it is marked 925 for Sterling silver on the inner rim and has been decorated front and back with flowers, comes in very good condition with the hinge working perfectly and measures 1.75 inches long.
Super WW1 Trio to Nurse Fletcher. V.A.D A wonderful untouched 1915 star trio correctly named to M. Fletcher. V.A.D. Miss Muriel Fletcher arrived in France with the Voluntary Aid Detachment on the 17th October 1915 and probably served on the western front for most of the war. Accompanying the trio is her original Red Cross ID Tag officially named 6433 Muriel Fletcher, these are very rare and for some reason and it comes on the cord she used to suspend it around her neck. A few Red Cross badges etc and a wonderful photograph of her in uniform, this comes in an old leatherette wallet. This is a wonderful group for research, a letter and donation to the red cross will get her service record and discover where this lady was station, her name does appear on the BRCS overseas Register, so it is confirmed she served in France, also on her medal index card, which is included, it states that at some point during the war she was married and her surname changed to Ewing, it will be very interesting to find if it was a soldier or perhaps an officer she met while in France. All three medals are in very good condition, mounted as worn and it looks as if they were worn with pride on many occasions, the original ribbons are now a little tatty. All of this is mounded on card for display or framing.
Super WW2 Era Hallmarked Silver Royal Engineers Cigarette Box A lovely little silver box fully hallmarked for Birmingham 1938 and having the makers mark most likely for William Neale & Sons Ltd, probably the property of an officer of the Royal Engineers as it has been set with the RE badge in silver with blue and re enamel, it comes in good condition, there are a few dings to the metal but the hinge is good and it retains its wood inner lining, it measures just under 3.5 inches wide.
Super WW2 Territorial Group to BQMS Gray RA. A lovely WW2 mounted territorial group with the Territorial Efficiency medal correctly named to 1442567 Battery Quarter Quartermaster Sergeant. E Gray. Royal Artillery. The group includes the 1939-45 star, the Africa star, the Italy star, the Defence medal, 1939-45 war medal and the Territorial Efficiency medal, named as above. Also with this group came various original WW2 brass insignia, including a cap badge, shoulder titles and collar dogs. A wonderful group for research, on the Territorial Efficiency medal roll it states that Gray was serving with a heavy anti-aircraft battery, which is a little something to go on when looking at his WW2 service. All of the medals are in excellent original condition and come mounted on a brooch ribbon bar, all with original silk ribbons. The various insignia is also in very good but used condition.
Superb 1864 Pattern Cavalry Troopers Sword. This is probably one of the best 1864 pattern cavalry swords I have ever had, its not the condition, its because this sword is the whole package when it comes to this particular pattern. It has a steel bowl type hand guard pierced with a Maltese cross, it has a single slot for a sword knot at the top of the hilt, the grip is basicly a slab of leather cross-hatched and held with five rivets on each side, a wonderful curved blade which is free from pits and rusting; the blade has the makers mark for Mole of Birmingham and the blade is stamped with many and various inspection stamps, some dated 88 and 90. The two ring scabbard is good, although it does have a few dents, the top of the scabbard also has various marks, again some are dated and letters which may be regimental ID marks. Because of my great enthusiasm for this sword, please don’t think it is mint, it is not, it obviously has been very well used in its life and probably has seen a lot of action, but it is untouched, it hasn’t been cleaned, the blade hasn’t had work and the scabbard has a little pitting, this has never been sanded clean, it has the patination and feel of pure history like it has never been touched since the last day it was drawn. Please note: This item is for UK shipping only, due to changes at customs it is no longer possible to send edged weapons by post or courier internationally.
Superb 1914 Star & Bar Trio & More to 11th Hussars - Mons & Charge at Nery. Here is a magnificent group of medals and a whole load of personal items all belonging to 6032 Private Thomas W Holmes of the 11th Prince Alberts Own Hussars. This lot comprises of; his 1914 star & Mons bar trio. The same ribbon bar, family photo/post card album, this contains WW1 photographs of Thomas and his cavalry troop in France, postcards sent home during the war, later his wife and family, many postcards sent to and from himself and his wife and children. His WW1 army issue diary, his spurs, WW1 issue document wallet. WW1 army Jack Knife, WW1 era Cigarette case with some original Cigarettes. 1914 Christmas tin and other bits and bobs which you can see in the pictures. Thomas William Holmes was born in Great Yarmouth Norfolk around 1890, the third of Seven sons and one daughter of Johnathan and Rachel Holmes. Johnathan a Yarmouth Ships Chandler. His Brother 2nd Lieutenant Albert Holmes was KIA in September 1918 on the Somme. Please see my other listing. Thomas first entered the theatre of war in France on the 15th August 1914 with the 11th Hussars, part of the 1st Cavalry Brigade of the 1st Cavalry Division. Thomas’s first engagement was at Mons and he took part in the Great Retreat. The Retreat from Mons is the name given to the long withdrawal to the River Marne, in August and September of 1914. The battle of Marne ended the British retreat 5th to 12th September, this forced the German armies to retire towards the Aisne river and fight the First Battle of the Aisne, 13th to 28th September 1914. Thomas also took part in the famous cavalry charge which led to the capture of eight German guns at Néry in September 1914. The 11th were sent on patrol early in the morning, they spotted a column of Geman Ulans 150 yards away. One of the men fired on them unaware it was a main body of German cavalry, so 2nd Lieutenant Tailby ordered a charge. Surprisingly the Germans retreated but it had given the British position away. A German cavalry division of about twice their strength attacked shortly after dawn. The British artillery was mostly put out of action in the first few minutes, but a single gun of L Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, successfully kept up a steady fire for two and a half hours against a full battery of German artillery. The 11th Hussars endured a heavy German bombardment that left many of its soldiers buried in a trench, while another squadron from the regiment used a vantage point at the top of a building to train a machine gun on the advancing Germans. The 1st cavalry division suffered 81 casualty’s that day, the mounted 11th Hussars gave a cavalry charged with drawn swords, that helped to rout the German forces and capture the guns with what was left of the 2nd Dragoon Guards, but it would be very unjust of me not to mention; it was the efforts of L Battery, Royal Horse Artillery who really won the day. It lost over a quarter of its men and all five officers, of which three men won the VC for their actions. One of the guns still survives in the Imperial war museum; it carries the title of the ‘Nery Gun’. From here Thomas would have gone on to an area near Ypres, between October 19th and 23rd 1914 the 11th fought successfully in the Ploegsteert area, helping to stop the advance of 3 German cavalry divisions. From here the regiment was dismounted, due to a lack of infantry, the British were gravely outnumbered by German forces, the Germans brought in 6 new divisions to make an all-out assault on the British line between Messines and Gheluvelt. Here they fought bravely and Sergeant T Frane won the DCM. A period of rest and training followed and the regiment more or less stayed in the salient. At the Second Battle of Ypres in April 1915 the regiment, working with the Durham Light Infantry and 9th Lancers, held the village of Hooge despite being under attack from the German forces using poison gas. Later in March the 1st Cavalry Division were ordered to hold at all cost, the ground between the Somme and the Ancre. The fighting was so hard around Sailly Laurette that the 11th were pulled back across the Somme to hold the line at Hamel to block the German advance on Amiens. They took, what was said to be one of the heaviest German bombardments of the war, they took part in intense hand-to-hand fighting. This battle, lasting 2 weeks had cost the 11th three officers and 24 other ranks killed and 86 officers and men wounded. At this point, I do not know what happened to Thomas, this needs further research. I think it is very unlikely he wasn’t wounded during his time in France, but as his medal index card shows he was renumbered, it is possible he stayed with the regiment throughout the entire conflict. Most regiment history’s say that the cavalry did little from 1915 until the latter part of the war, when they were mounted and charged again against impossible odds; but the regimental diary’s say different. They took part in many different skirmishes and suffered very many casualties in their part. Thomas survived the war and after married Carrie Lamb and had two children Tom and Lillian, Tom when on to serve in the Military Police, please see my other listing for Tom Juniors medals photographs and effects. Carrie sadly out lived Thomas, Thomas died in 1957 in Gt Yarmouth. Carrie went on to be a prominent member of the Cobholm Women Methodists. Their Daughter Lillian died recently, all of this family effects have come from her estate. The medals are in excellent condition and were professionally mounted in 2008. The rest of the items are in good condition, but obviously do show some age. The photo / post card album as mentioned earlier, contains photographs from the first world war period, along with a whole host of family photos and greeting cards from Thomas, Carrie, Tom and Lillian, they were all great card senders, later photographs of Carrie with the Women’s Methodists and a few historic pictures of the famous Gt Yarmouth Scot Women, the women who processed the fish on the docks. An incredible complete record of one man and his family and his Great War history. To accompany this lot is the usual research, a copy of his medal index card, census records and family history and record of Tom’s death. There is still a lot more research needed to be done on this man, a very interesting project awaits. PLEASE SEE MORE PICTURES BELOW.
Superb 1915 Star Trio to Shelly Norfolk Yeo, MGC, RAF 2nd Lieut. A scarce and interesting 1914/15 star trio correctly named to; 1914/15 star 1722 Private George Alfred Shelley. Norfolk Yeomanry. British War and Victory medal to; 2nd Lieutenant George Alfred Shelley. Royal Air Force. Al so included is, what is believed to be his original Norfolk yeomanry Cap badge. I haven’t had the opportunity to do much research on this man, just the basic, but from I have done, it appears this man has one hell of a service history being involved in some of the fiercest battles of the war; which I can only wonder in amazement, how this man survived. When war was declared in august 1914, George enlisted, or it is possible he was already serving in the 1st Norfolk Yeomanry. After training at Woodbridge in Suffolk, the 1st sailed for Gallipoli from Liverpool on SS Olympic on 25th September 1915. On 10th October 1915, they landed at Anzac cove whereupon brigade came under orders of 54th (East Anglian) Division; arriving as reinforcements of the Suvla landings. But the allied commanders has already decided this was a fruitless cause and decided to evacuate the peninsular as conditions grew worse for everyone as the summer heat and poor sanitation resulted in an explosion in the fly population. Eating became extremely difficult as unburied corpses became bloated and putrid. The Allied billets were poorly situated, which caused supply and shelter problems. A dysentery epidemic spread through the Allied trenches at Anzac and Helles. Evacuation for the 1st Norfolk Yeomanry started on the 15th December and they were sent to join the Eastern and Southern Mounted Brigades and formed the 3rd Dismounted Brigade, on Suez Canal defences. in the July of 1916 they move to join the Western Frontier Force on the coast of the Western dessert of Egypt to fight in the little known Senussi Campaign. In the summer of 1915, the Ottomans persuaded the Grand Senussi Ahmed Sharif es Senussi to declare jihad, attack British-occupied Egypt from the west and encourage a rebellion in Egypt, to divert British forces from an Ottoman Raid on the Suez Canal from Palestine. It was at some point here that George was promoted to Lance Corporal in the machine gun section, later transferred to the 209th battalion Machine Gun Corps. As far as I can tell, George remained here until the regiments return to France in May 1918. He was given a commision in the RFC and became a flight cadet 2nd Lieutenant on 21st June 1918. He trained in England and before the end of the war flew seaplanes, finally qualifying as a Flight Lieutenant on 6th May 1919. What a history, and I have only grazed the surface. A copy of part of his RAF service papers are included, it looks like part is missing. Also included are copies of his medal index cards, he has two and his London Gazette entry for his commision into the RAF. The medal trio is in excellent original condition, it has been court mounted for display. It would have been wonderful to talk to this man, I bet he had a story or two to tell of his exploits during the Great War; now a very exciting and worthwhile research project awaits.
Superb 1917 Early Bruce Bairnsfather \'Old Bill\' Plate by Grimwades Towards the end of 1917 the Bystander magazine granted Leonard Grimwade permission to reproduce a limited number of cartoons from the 'Fragments from France' publications and place these on items from the Grimwades range of pottery then in production. The first piece to be made by the Staffordshire firm was their 'wartime butter dish for a family of ten' followed quickly by a whole range of pieces from plates to teapots, it was a huge success and became known as 'Bairnsfather ware'. Many of the early pieces featured on the back a stamp which read 'made by the girls of Staffordshire during the winter of 1917 when the boys were in the trenches fighting for liberty and civilisation', when the war ended in 1918 this stamp was changed to 'a souvenir or memento of the Great War'. This example is entitled 'give it a good ard un Bert,you can generally ear em fizzing a bit first if they are agoing to explode' it comes complete with the early backstamp and has the Bruce Bairnsfather signature bottom left. Very good condition with no chips or cracks, measures just under 10 inches in diameter. Ref.19842
Superb 3rd Carabiniers Cap Badge Issued from 1928 when the Carabiniers merged with the 3rd Dragoon Guards to produce the 3rd Carabiniers Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards, worn by the regiment until 1971 when they had another merger with the Royal Scots Greys and another badge change. This badge is wonderful quality, 3 part construction with a solid back. Ref. E19
Superb 4 Bar QSA Medal to Walker Border Regiment. A Queens South Africa Medal with Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal and South Africa 1902 clasps correctly named to 4840 Corporal S. M. Walker of the 1st battalion the Border Regiment. The 1st borders had a hard war and saw extensive service; the battalion were serving in Malta when war was announced, they were returned to London and thence by steamer to Durban landing in the December 1899. Along with the 1st Inniskilling Fusiliers, 1st Connaught Rangers and the 1st Dublin Fusiliers made up the 5th brigade lead by Major General Hart. At once the Borders were put in a support position in an attack at Bridle Drift where the battalion lost six men and one officer killed, the battalion was specially mentioned in General Butlers dispatches. On 20th January 1900 the battalion was heavily engaged at Venters Spruit, this little known battle went on until the 26th, here 133 men and 4 officers were wounded with 7 men and 1 officer killed. Around the middle of April 1900 the battalion was moved to Cape Colony on the outskirts of Kimberley here they were involved in heavy fighting on the 22nd and 23rd losing 7 wounded. From here they were moved by train to the Transvaal western border, the Border’s and Connaught Rangers went to Irene both battalions engaged the enemy and pushed them back beyond Bronkhorst Spruit. The battalions were tired but still they were marched back to Pretoria to help clear the country north of the region; so with the KOSB’s, 2nd Berkshire’s, 1st Argyle’s the 1st Borders were put in this new column under Ian Hamilton. They saw some very stiff fighting in the hilly areas. They covered an area of 25 miles north of Pretoria and then swinging to the right forming the left side of the army’s eastern advance. It is noted that the battalion preformed splendidly being mentioned in lord Roberts dispatches of the 10th October. The Border regiment suffered losses of 6 killed and 15 wounded. The battalion continued to operate in the south west Transvaal until April 1901 when they were detailed to guard the Klerksdrop-Krugersdorp Railway. In January 1902 after a visit from lord Kitchener, the battalion built a line of blockhouses from Venterdrop to Lichtenburg. The battalion garrisoned this line until the end of the war. No Boers crossed it although some thirty attempts were made. In Lord Roberts Final dispatch, 11 officers and 16 non-commissioned officers and men were mentioned in his dispatches. The 1st Border Regiment played a major role in the defences of the Transvaal region in the latter part of the war and stopped the Boers braking through the line. After his return to England Corporal Walker was discharged into the Army reserve. It looks like he never wore his medal, as it comes in wonderful original condition with all four clasps attached correctly and on its original ribbon. Tt looks like it has never been polished and all detail is beautiful and crisp. This medal comes with a copy of Walker’s medal roll confirming all four clasps.
Superb and Rare 1870 Pattern Royal Artillery Full Dress Sabretache. A magnificent Victorian 1870 pattern Sabretache, worn by a mounted Royal Artillery officer in full dress uniform. The leather pouch is made from black morocco leather, with the face elaborately embroidered in gold and silver bullion wire with queen Victoria’s royal crest of arms on a black velvet ground. The lions face and artillery gun are in gilt metal and above the gun are sprays of oak leaves; above this, is the motto ‘Ubique’ and below the gun, the motto ‘Quo Fas Et Gloria Ducant’. All of this is surrounded by a border of gold bullion train lace. What makes this piece unique is, it still has the officers sword belt attached, this part is so very hard to find. This is made of black leather covered with gold bullion lace. It has the three straps for the Sabretache hanging from three ‘D’ rings and a pair of hangers for the officer’s sword; every buckle is gilt metal with a lions head motif. It still retains all of its gilt brass fittings and the snake belt clasp. The whole piece comes in excellent condition for its age, as you would expect it has a little fading and the bullion has toned over the years. Please see pictures for overall condition. The ultimate piece for display, the Sabretache measuring; 11.5 x 12.75 inches and the sword belt measures 26 inches long but it will extend a further 9 inches.
Superb Boer War & WW1 Group to BQM Sjt Emmott RFA A wonderful Boer War and Great War medal group comprising of the Queens South Africa medal with the Relief of Kimberly, Paardeberg, Dreifontein, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill and Wittebergen clasps correctly named to 24634 Corporal Arthur Emmott 76th Battery Royal Field Artillery. Kings South Africa medal with the South Africa 1901 and 1902 clasps correctly named 24634 Corporal Arthur Emmott Royal Field Artillery. 1914/15 Star, British War and Victory medal correctly named: 79014 Battalion Quarter Master Serjeant Arthur Emmott Royal Field Artillery, Royal Artillery on BWM and Victory. Arthur Emmott was born in Burnley Lancashire around 1875 and his early employment was as a Cotton Weaver. By 1886 it was claimed that Burnley was producing a greater length of cotton cloth than any other town in the world and it was obviously the main source of employment in the area. The only other option for a young man with aspirations was the army and Arthur enlisted into the RFA on the 13th December 1897. He was serving with the 76th battery RFA when they were sent to south Africa on 1st January 1900. Along with the 81st and 82nd arrived at the Cape on 21st January 1900 and went up to Modder River. Formed a brigade division for Kelly-Kenny's Vlth Division, and took part in the pursuit of Cronje, the action at Paardeberg, and Bloemfontein. Two officers and 1 gunner of the 76th were mentioned in Lord Roberts' despatch of 31st March 1900 for gallant work up to that time. These three batteries along with the 74th accompanied Ian Hamilton on the march to Pretoria, taking part in his numerous actions; he travelled four hundred miles from Bloemfontein to Pretoria fighting ten major battles with Boer forces and fourteen minor ones. In the operations against Prinsloo the 76th did well on 24th July, in supporting the Seaforth’s near Retiefs Nek. In August, September, and October 1900 the 76th was in a column under Bruce Hamilton based on Kroonstad. In 1901 four guns were in a column under Colonel Thorneycroft which operated mainly in the Orange River Colony, and very frequently saw heavy fighting. This list of engagements that the 76th was involved in are too numerous to describe, the website BritishBattles.com is an excellent source to research individual battles of the Boer war, it gives information regarding uniform, weapons as well as detailing the battle itself. Arthur Emmott received a promotion to Bombardier in September 1900 and to Corporal in November 1902 and was discharged 24th November 1902. On his return home he gained employment as a Coachman in Birkdale Lancashire, working for a domestic house. Arthur married Sarah around 1910 and had three children, Richard, John and Gladys. On The outbreak of the first world war, Arthur reenlisted into the RFA. His medal index card records that he first entered the theatre of war in Egypt on 12th July 1915. I can not find any unit information for WW1 for this man but look at the date and place of entry into the war he must have served with either 10th, 26th or the 92nd battery of RFA all were part of the 17th brigade, 29th Division. After arriving in Egypt they were sent on to Gallipoli and subsequently evacuated 7th – 8th January 1916. All units returned to Egypt where orders were received on 25th February for a move to France. Embarking in March they arrived at Marseilles and moved to concentrate in the area east of Pont Remy between 15th and 29th March. The Division remained on the Western Front for the remainder of the war. Here they took part in the battle of the Somme, Arras, 3rd Ypres, Cambrai, Lys, the advance and final advance into Flanders. Arthur was discharged on 17th February 1919 and received a disability pension. He went to live in Southport with his wife and children and was in 1921 employed as a Petrol Motor Driver for a haulage company. Sadly, Arthur died in 1940 at his home in Southport at the age of 64. The medals are in very good condition and come mounted as worn and untouched. All on original silk ribbons, so the ribbons are a little tired, especially the QSA ribbon and some of the rims have contact marks. The medals come with a nice collection of copied paperwork including Boer war service records, medal index card, medal rolls, confirmation of all medals and clasps. Census records and pension details. A very interesting group to a man who saw the brutality of two wars, both of which he saw extensive service.
Superb Boer War – Edwardian Norfolk Regiment Lieutenants Tunic This scarce and wonderful Norfolk regimental Tunic dates from the Boer war into the Edwardian period up to the Great war and could not be more ‘Norfolk’ if it tried…it was made in Norwich by R.H. Mason & Son Castle Meadow Norwich and has really never left the area. It is a Lieutenants jacket and possibly carries the name of the owner ‘Walsh’ on a period little sticky label on the inside of the collar. The body is quality Melton wool and the inner is lined and quilted with a cream silk, it is emblazoned with gold and silver bullion work and is complete with its full set of original buttons and collar dogs. For its age it is in super condition, there are no holes and it shows light signs of age and use. Remember people were much smaller back then so for its age it is of a reasonable size, the chest measures 32 inches, the collar is 15 and 30 inches long from collar to bottom at the back. This will make a great display piece.
Superb Decorative Gladius Type Dagger. Lovely quality wide bladed dagger of the Roman gladius shape. It is made all of metal with a very decorative hilt with eagles, lions heads and a pommel of foliage and acorns. It has a very good quality wide spear point blade and the whole thing measures 12 inches long and in perfect condition. Ship to UK mainland only
Superb Early WW1 Era Framed Photograph – Cheshire Regiment (king) This superb original framed and glazed photograph dates from very early in the Great War in fact just before the troops were sent abroad, it features the Cheshire regiment being inspected by the King at Aldershot. It comes in its original frame and the condition is very good. The photo itself measures just over 11 inches x just over 8, the frame is 16.25 x 12.25, there are signs of age to the frame but the photo is bright and clear.
Superb Framed & Glazed Display Personal Effects of an Amazing Woman Flyer I have great pleasure in being able to offer for sale this wonderful framed display, obtained from a Bonhams estate sale some years ago; she was, still is, my hero and this lot has been in my collection for well over a decade. I am only offering this for sale now, due to another project I am trying to finance. This wonderful framed display has the personal effects of a most amazing women, Mary Lady Heath, she was instrumental in furthering the cause of both women pilots and women atheletes. Included in the frame are her leather flying hat and flying goggles, two framed original photographs, one showing a huge crowd attending an appearance of the aircraft she flew on her flight from Cape Town and the other showing her in the cockpit of her plane, note the fur coat and gloves!. Plus the backing is a union flag, this was the one she held on the street procession after she set her world altitude record. all items come in the original frame the cap, goggles and flag was originally framed in; I have over time cleaned and rearranged the frames contents to as you see it now. On the back of the frame is a wonderful biography for Lady Heath, she led an amazing life and if you go online you can see loads of photographs and read huge amounts of information about this wonderful woman. The wonder of the internet. I have included below a copy of the biography. Please note this is a large and heavy oak frame and will be expensive to ship internationally, potential buyers abroad should get intouch first for a shipping quote. The amazing Mary Lady Heath (a.k.a Lady Icarus) Born Sophie Catherine Theresa Mary Pierce-Evans on the 10th November 1896 in Knockaderry County Limerick was one of the best known women in the world for a five year period during the 1920's. She lead an amazing life but had an inauspicious start, when just one year old her father Jacky Peirce-Evans murdered her mother by bludgeoning her to death with a large stick, declared insane he spent the rest of his life in Dublin's lunatic asylum, Sophie was sent to live with her Grandfather and was raised by two maiden aunts, well educated she attended the royal college of science and achieved a top class degree in science specialising in agriculture, here she also became an accomplished sportswoman. At the age of 20 she married Captain Eliot-Lynn a British soldier 20 years her her senior, just six months later she abandoned her studies and husband to join the women's auxiliary corps as a dispatch rider, she spent two years in England and France later becoming an ambulance driver. After the war she joined her husband on a coffee farm in East Africa, the marriage however was not a happy one and she returned to Britain where she became a founder member of the Women's Athletics Association and campaigned for womens sports. In 1924 she held a (disputed) world record for the high jump and was the first British javelin champion using the unusual two handed throw. In 1926 she took her first flying lesson and soon became the first woman to hold a commercial flying license. Not content with this she very quickly set altitude records earning herself the name 'Lady Icarus', she was the first woman to parachute from an aeroplane landing in the middle of a football match, she also flew newspapers to France during the General Strike. Another triumph was the first flight by either a woman or man in a small open cockpit plane from Cape town to London, she believed it would take three weeks, it took three months! She subsequently sold the plane to Amelia earhart who took it back to the USA. Briefly she flew as first officer at KLM on European routes becoming the first woman to fly a commercial aircraft unfortunately the public were not ready to accept women pilots and after an aggressive press campaign she quit. This took her to America where she accepted and invitation to lecture and promote flying and ended up selling Cirrus engines to USA aircraft manufacturers all over the United States. In 1929 she married her second husband Sir James Heath who was 45 years her senior, she became Mary Lady Heath, the same year she attended the National air show in Cleveland and was due to take part in a women's air Derby race, much rivaly existed and a number of the womens planes were tampered with and whilst on a training flight Lady Mary's plane stalled and crashed through the roof of a factory, she was seriously injured and thought might not survive, months of medical treatment followed including brain surgery and plastic surgery and although she recovered her health was never the same. She divorced her husband on 1930 and in 1931 married for the third time, this time G.A.R. Williams with whom she returned to Ireland and set up her own aircraft company, Dublin Air Ferries Ltd. By 1939 her health was failing probably due to the plane crash and had also developed a serious drink problem, in May of 1939 she died following a fall on a tram car in London, a post mortem suggests a blood clot and possible stroke as the cause. In accordance with her wishes her ashes were scattered by plane over Newcastle West in Ireland, the only memorial to this wonderful adventurous and pioneering woman is a plaque on a wall of a bank in Limerick Ireland. It is with great pleasure to say, she has gone back home to Ireland and will be on display in the near future in Limerick museum.
Superb Georgian Hallmarked Silver Sugar Nips C1770 A wonderful pair of George III circa 1770 hallmarked silver sugar nips, they carry the hallmarks on the inside of the ring handle and comprise, the makers mark for Thomas Wallis of London, and the lion passant, super condition for their age and they weigh 31 grams and measure just under 5 inches long.
Superb German 1924 Dated Shooting Prize Badge This is a really well made badge and I am having to guess at its use, the obvious choice is a shooting prize award based on the cross rifles and central target. It is made in 3 sections from brass and enamel with a sandwich of green wool in the middle, on the bottom is written ‘burger schutz 19. Verein.24 Materborn’ a very rough translation gives me ‘civil defence club’ and Materborn being a place. For some reason the information on the reverse has been completely covered and spoiled, no idea why. It comes in very good condition and measures just under 1.75 inches in diameter.
Superb German Army Officers Dress Dagger by Klass. An 1930’s German army officers dagger by Robert Klass, Solingen. Adopted in 1935, this dagger has all high quality nickel plated fittings and a yellow grip. It has a long thin blade with spear point and the (kissing Cranes) makers mark for Robert Klass; and it comes with its original scabbard, portepee and hangers. The condition of this dagger is excellent, obviously some signs of use, but hardly any wear. Its faults are only slight wear on the blade where it has been withdrawn from the scabbard, no rust or staining what so ever. The scabbard has some light pitting or plate loss on the edges. The portepee and hangers have signs of wear, which you would expect on a dagger of this vintage. It is complete and untouched. Not polished or messed about with, a very fine example. More pictures available on request. Shipping strictly to UK mainland only
Superb Hallmarked Silver ladies Powder Compact B’ham 1920 This beautiful hallmarked silver ladies powder compact has engine turned decoration to the body, it has a partial set of hallmarks inside consisting of the lion passant and a date letter ‘V’ this is most likely for Birmingham 1920 which ties in with the design. Inside it has a mirror and the original pull out powder holding mesh, it comes in very good condition, has a couple of shallow dings and measures 3 inches in diameter.
Superb Inter War Era Sterling Silver Half Hunter Pocket Watch 5th Fusiliers This is a lovely half hunter pocket watch, the Swiss 925 Sterling silver case is fully marked on the inside back cover and this has been engraved with ‘Fus Robson from the mess members 5th Fusiliers 1934’. The face is clean and free from any damage and it has a seconds dial part visible from the front. It winds, ticks and runs and is in lovely condition. There is an English hallmarked jump ring and a white metal (probably) silver Albert chain for wearing. A super half hunter in great condition.
Superb Korean War / St Johns Group to Medical Corps. A scarce group all awarded to 22404541 Private Sidney Clark of the Royal Army Medical Corps. It comprises of the queens medal for Korea, the United Nations medal for Korea, the service medal of the Order of St John with a five year service bar, total service 20 years and lastly the order of St John, serving Brother’s Breast badge, the latter two are mounted to be worn. Also his St Johns Ambulance Examination badge, St Johns cap badge, the issue slip for the UN medal for Korea, the issue slip for the Queens medal for Korea and the British forces in Germany medal. This wonderful collection of medals makes for a very interesting research project and a good investment for the future, the Queens Korea medal is the only medal here named to Sidney, all others are just as issued, both Korea medals come in box of issue with issue slips named to S Clark; all medals here are in near mint condition.
Superb Large Bore Flintlock Pistol by Sommers & Stanley London. An early 19th century Flintlock pistol with a 3.25 screw off barrel and an approximate 31 bore, a real man stopper. It has a two-stage box lock in perfect working order, which is decorated and marked on either side with the maker’s details. It has a Walnut slab grip with a sliding safety set into the top. there is a little scuffing to the wood beside the safety on one side, see pictures. There are two proof marks under the barrel and it has a decorated steel trigger guard. It comes in beautiful condition and with an old auction ticket from Buckland Gun Auctions dated October 1961, lot 116. A fine Georgian defence weapon that meant business, measuring 8.75 inches long. Shipping to Uk mainland only
Superb Military Drum AAC Arborfield – REME Superb Military Drum AAC Arborfield – REME A fantastic piece, all military drums are rare and seldom come onto the market. This is one of two I have and it is extremely rare. It is from the band of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, of the Army Apprentice School, Arborfield. The military college at Arborfield was opened in the 1920’s and served to train all army specialists, and it obviously played a significant roll during the war. The college was closed many years ago, but the old soldiers that I have had the pleasure to talk to, who were educated there, loved it, and it left them with many happy memories. This drum is in very good condition, there are a couple of scratches on the skin but this was used on very many military occasions. There is, in my opinion, no sight like a military drum, this one would look good in the corner of any war room. The last drum I sold was turned into a display table; at the time, I wasn’t too happy about it, but on seeing it, it looked fantastic. A really beautiful piece which measures; 14 x 14 x 12 inches. Shipping by UPS courier at £12.95
Superb MM Medal Group to Taylor – From Ipswich. A really wonderful lot of personal items and medals awarded to a young man who really went through hell and came out the other side with his life and a gallantry medal. The medal pair are both correctly named to 52011 Gnr. F.C. Taylor. R.A. and the Military medal is correctly named to 52011 Bmbr. F.C. Taylor. 130/HY: BY: R.G.A. Frederick Craven Taylor was born 1895 and raised in Ipswich Suffolk, one of four children to Ernest a Railway Carman and Edith a Washer Woman, Frederick himself being employed as a Warehouseman at the age of 19. He joined the Royal Garrison Artillery in Great Yarmouth in the November of 1914, he must have been eager to join traveling that distance up the coast. He stayed at home for a year training on the big guns until finally landing on French soil in the April of 1916 with the 124 Heavy Battery as a Gunner, later promoted to Bombardier in November 1916. He was seriously wounded on the 13th April 1917 with a gunshot wound to the chest; it was in this particular action where he was wounded he won the military medal. I haven’t been able to find his citation, but to be honest, I haven’t tried too hard as the MM is confirmed a few times in his service papers, which are included. He wasn’t always a modal Soldier; he was charged and confined to Barracks for 7 days for going absent without leave for 48 hours, quite a lenient charge for the time. He was wounded in May of 1918, being once again admitted to the Military General Hospital in Rouen having been gassed. It doesn’t say how long he spent out of action, but he is back behind his heavy gun for the final push in the august and September of 1918. He was finally discharged 15th May 1919 having caught the Spanish Flu, this pandemic killed more human lives than the war and claimed many a soldier who had escaped death on the battlefields of the Western front, however Frederick also survived this and went on to have a wife and family and did not pass away until 1974 still resident in Ipswich. All three medals are in excellent condition, they are all toned and look like they have never been polished or not polished for many years, the Victory medal has a slightly diferent style of naming, this could be just due to a latter issue, they come with his original Brass cap badge which is now damaged, Brass shoulder title, various postcards which he sent home, two are written on, just birthday greetings, a couple of photos, one is interesting and shows royal artillery with horses and a cart, this looks to been taken in England, possibly in Suffolk; and a wonderful portrait photo of Frederick in uniform, this really brings home how young he was, and lastly his WW1 service strips, these are getting so rare, they never seem to come on the market these days and are a nice original accompaniment to the group.
Superb Order of St Johns Medal Pair. Over 30 years Service. A superb Order of St Johns Serving Brother Breast badge in silver and enamel 4th type and Order of St John service medal, solid silver with straight bar suspension. This is correctly engraved to 74838 Corporal E. C. Ardley Number 10 District. St Johns Ambulance Brigade. 1941. The ribbon also has five silver bars, each for five years’ service. Along with the medals comes Corporal Ardley’s St John’s service chain, this contains the main medallion engraved; 299797 Edward Ardley. This has 33 year links from 1929 to 1962. There is also a small box of badges etc which came with this lot, it contains a WW2 era Civil defence button badge in original box, pair collar dogs in small box, order of St John Brother Breast Badge miniature button badge, in original box. Pair 10 SJAB shoulder titles, two small buttons, 2 Blood Donors badges, silver and gold class and Order of St John service medal ribbon bar with two crosses. This wonderful lot is unresearhed, so it comes with no paperwork, but a lovely project for someone. There is a lot of solid silver in the medals and bars, so always a good investment. A good long service pair which comes in excellent condition with no damage, just one very light edge knock to service medal. Please see pictures.
Superb Pair 19th C Hand Coloured Print - Ship Wreck Royal Charter A really wonderful and scarce pair of mid-19th century hand coloured prints The Foundering of the Royal Charter. This print is an engravings that has been beautifully hand coloured with water colours. It tells the story of HMS Royal Charter foundering off the coast of Anglesey. The Royal Charter was a steam clipper which was wrecked off the beach of Porth Alerth in Dulas Bay on the northeast coast of Anglesey on 26 October 1859. The ship was used on the route from Liverpool to Australia, mainly as a passenger ship although there was room for some cargo. There was room for up to 600 passengers, with luxury accommodation in the first class. She was considered a very fast ship, able to make the passage to Australia via Cape Horn in under 60 days. The ship initially grounded on a sandbank, but in the early morning of the 26th the rising tide drove her on to the rocks at a point just north of Moelfre at Porth Alerth on the north coast of Anglesey. Battered against the rocks by huge waves whipped up by winds of over 100 mph, she quickly broke up. One member of the crew, Maltese-born Guzi Ruggier also known as Joseph Rogers managed to swim ashore with a line, enabling a few people to be rescued, and a few others were able to struggle to shore through the surf. Most of the passengers and crew, a total of over 450 people, died. Many of them were killed by being dashed against the rocks by the waves rather than drowned. Others were said to have drowned, weighed down by the belts of gold they were wearing around their bodies. The survivors, 21 passengers and 18 crew members, were all men, with no women or children saved. It comes in very good condition and has been reframed and glazed at some point quite recently. It has a good quality gilt frame and it has been well mounted, which includes double ink lining. It measures 21 x 18 inches.
Superb Pair of Mini Antique German Hand Blown Schnapps Glasses Here are a great pair of mini hand blown German Schnpps glasses, they have a long hollow foot with a ribbed effect and a flat hollow stem, this is an unusual size standing 4.75 inches tall, they come in very good condition, one has a very minor chip in the bottom of the foot. They date between 1890 - 1910.
Superb Pair of Tall Antique German Hand Blown Hock Glasses Here are a great pair of tall hand blown German hock glasses, they have a tall hollow foot with an applied spiral twist, a hollow stem with three prunts, all very technical and skillful work, this is an unusual size standing 8 inches tall and they date between 1890 - 1910, they come in very good condition, one however does have a chip in the bottom of the foot.
Superb Quality Vintage Officers Service Cap. A beautiful quality officers service dress cap. it is made from a drab green wool felt with a leather chin strap with brass fitting. Inside it is lined with silk and has a brown leather sweatband. Inside has the makers name and it is dated 1982. This cap is mint and is as new and has never been worn. A lovely private purchase cap with around a size 7 & ½.
Superb Replica of a WW2 Sten Gun. A really good modern replica of the Iconic WW1 Sten Submachine Gun. Made of a heavy gauge all metal construction which cocks and dry fires and the magazine will eject. The Sten was designed by Major R. V. Shepherd, OBE, Inspector of Armaments in the Ministry of Supply Design Department at The Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, (later Assistant Chief Superintendent at the Armaments Design Department) and Harold John Turpin, Senior Draughtsman of the Design Department of the Royal Small Arms Factory (RSAF), Enfield. Shepherd had been recalled to service after having retired and spending some time at the Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA). After the evacuation of Dunkirk, Britain had to leave the majority of it armaments behind, Britain then bought all of the Thompson machine guns that the US could spare, but these cost around $200 per unit, then about £100 and the cost of producing the Sten was around £7 a unit. The Sten was a temperamental weapon and prone to all kinds of problems but well-maintained and properly functioning Sten gun was a devastating close-range weapon for sections previously armed only with bolt-action rifles. Stens were air-dropped in quantity to resistance fighters and partisans throughout occupied Europe. Due to their slim profile and ease of disassembly/reassembly, they were good for concealment and later variations were adopted by most countries in Europe and all over the world post war. This is a full size replica and in perfect order. Shipping strictly to UK mainland only.
Superb Set of Six Antique German Hand Blown Hock Glasses Nice to find a full set of six of these antique German hock glasses, dating from around 1900, they have been hand blown and include a hollow stem with three prunts, the darker glass on the foot would have been applied when molten and the control and skill needed was considerable. They come in excellent condition with no chips, as they are hand blown there are very slight differences in the form and colour, they measure 5.25 inches high.
Superb Victorian Harris & Son London Day or Night 3 Draw Telescope This is a lovely Victorian era brass telescope marked on the top barrel for Harris & Son of London, it pulls out in 3 draws and has an additional slide out end with a good wood probably oak hand piece, both ends have their slide protective covers, the optics are clear and sharp but given its age could do with a clean, it measures 37.75 inches fully open and a compact 12 inches closed. Signs of age to the wood and the odd dent but otherwise in super condition.
Superb Victorian Helmet Plate Officers Cadets Sandhurst. A beautiful Victorian helmet plate worn on the blue cloth home service helmet by officer cadets at Sandhurst. It is a three-part brass plate with an enamelled centre, this plate is in wonderful original condition with all original lugs on the back.
Superb Victorian Officers Sword Belt & Sash in Original Tin. A fabulous lot of beautiful gold bullion work. Here is a black painted metal tin lined with red velvet. It contains a gold bullion and scarlet leather high ranking officer’s sword belt with matching hangers and parade sash. The belt buckle is very fine quality gilt metal with a white metal lion standing over Queen Victoria’s crown. It all comes in excellent condition, it has been very well cared for over the years and the only wear is to the sword hangers which have a little friction wear. A stunning set, which is unmarked, which is a little surprising considering the quality. The belt will fit up to a 34 waist.
Superb Victorian Silver & Mother-of-Pearl Fruit Knife 1869 G. Unite This is a really lovely quality hallmarked silver and decorated mother-of-pearl fruit or quill knife, it is marked for Birmingham 1869 with the makers mark for George Unite along the blade, the handle has an inlaid silver cartouche which has not been engraved, the hafts of the handle have been decorated with flowers and leaves, it comes in super condition, the blade has signs of age and use and the hinge works well, it measures just under 6 inches long open and 3.25 closed.
Superb Watercolour of Bell Airacobra Mk1 by W. F. Hepworth. A superb proof watercolour by the illustrator W. F. Hepworth, used in the 1970’s books on aircraft and aviation used by Harleyford Publishing. This is of the WW2 Bell Aircobra MkI No 601 Squadron, Duxford, September 1941. An interesting aircraft, the first used by the Americans in the battle of Britain, but on the whole, the aircraft wasn’t a success and was only used in a few other operations. This beautiful watercolour has stunning detail and comes glazed and framed. It measures 25 x 15 inches, an imposing piece for any aviation collector.
Superb WW1 & WW2 Father & Daughter Group. A very interesting group of original photographs and medals belonging to a Father and Daughter serving through both world wars. A WW1 British war and victory medal pair to Louis J Adams who served with the British Red Cross & St John of Jerusalem as a Hospital Orderly in France from February 1917 to April 1919. He was aged 46 when he joined, this was probably the only way he could get into the war at the time, being an older man. His address at the time was in Malvern, Worcestershire. These were sometimes unqualified men who did most of the donkeywork around the hospital or clearing station, but most got close to the sick and wounded of their ward and became invaluable to them, running errands, supplying paper and writing material, cigarettes etc, so they helped with morale as well. This pair of medals are in very good order, the victory medal still retains most of its gilt finish and they come mounted as worn. WW2 1939-45 star and the 1939-45 war medal to 2013834 Beryl Kathleen Maiden (nee Adams) of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force, she enlisted in the May of 1941 and served until the war ended in 1945. She married during the war to Bob Maiden, a Radio Ops Sergeant. Her medals come in named box of issue, addressed to Sussex, but with a change of address to Malvern Worcestershire. RAF badge & Buttons etc. This lot comes with a quantity of original WW2 photographs of her, including one of her marriage, which shows her father to right hand side. A really lovely untouched lot, ready for research, comes with copy of Louis Adams medal index card and also a copy of his BRCS service index cards and Forces War Records info on Kathleen Maiden, which confirms her maiden name etc.
Superb WW1 Era Officers Silver Case Half Hunter Wristwatch - This WW1 officers half hunter wristwatch or as they were known at the time wristlet has it all going on, the outer case is Sterling silver and is Swiss in manufacture, it is marked on the inside of the lid with Brevit, the Swiss cross and a series of numbers, the lid is hinged and is opened by a small release button in the six o’clock position, pocket watches were cumbersome and awkward to use in the trenches so a transitional instrument was needed hence the invention of the pocket watch to wristwatch. The face has luminous hands and a secondary seconds dial, a later leather strap has been added and this shows signs of use. The watch winds, ticks and has been cleaned and serviced. The outer case measures just under 1.5 inches including the winder.
Superb WW1 Era Silver Officers Half Hunter Wrist Watch. A really beautiful officers private purchase wrist watch, the silver and enamel front case has Arabic numerals around the outside, this case covers and protects the main face of the watch, which has a black dial with luminous hands and numbers, it also has a second dial to the bottom. The back of the silver case is the unscrew type, so no chance of the case popping open, unscrew and this reveals a very good quality 15 Jewel Swiss movement and I wouldn't trust it for constant wear. I have been wearing this watch for about a week, it runs very well and keeps good time, it still retains what looks to be the original strap, I have left this on for the authenticity of the piece but it is a little worn and I wouldn't trust it for constant wear. Please Note. I can in no way guarantee this watch and it is sold as seen, I have sold very good watches in the past that have arrived at their new home to be mishandled, over wound or damaged, that is the only reason why I do not guarantee this piece.
Superb WW1 Fret Cut Watch Stand. A fabulous piece handmade and fret cut to resemble an earlier French mantle clock but made and dedicated to the Great War; I think the pictures speak for themselves. It retains its original pocket watch, this has been modified to fit the stand, it has its original key so I have had this watch running for about 5 weeks, it runs really well, I have kept it going and it hasn’t faltered; its case was once silver plated, the silver is now all polished away just leaving the brass, but I think it looks much better this way. The wooden case is in superb original condition and looks wonderful against a coloured wall, in fact if I had any spare room, it would be staying with me, but unfortunately I just haven’t the space to place it in a position where it can be enjoyed.
Superb WW1 German Pickelhaube Helmet –Wurttemberg. Thinning my own collection and I have no longer any space for this scarce WW1 helmet. It is everything typical of an early wartime helmet. Thick Leather shell with brass fittings all original with a Wurttemberg plate. Although the plate, as the rest of the helmet, 100% genuine, I can’t say the plate is the original plate it was issued with. Having said that, the fittings and shell are all correct for a helmet from the German state of Wurttemberg. The only things that are not original on this piece is the spike retaining plate on the inside of the helmet. I had these made up some years ago, to stop the pins of the spike rivets from scratching the leather. Similarly I have used modern washers on the plate pins etc. The rare original Wurttemberg helmet plate is stunning, wonderful detail which shows very little wear, only slight softening to the high points. It has some markings on the back peek, they are quite faint and I have spent many an hour trying to work them out. It looks like ‘R124’ or ‘RL24’, I can’t say for sure. You have to hold it to the light and get it on the right angle to see it. I would think these markings are a battalion or regiment number. The condition is just super, as long as I have had it, it has been kept in a relatively cool room, I’ve kept it well waxed and polished. I like to see things sympathetically cleaned, nice and bright but still retaining some of its original patination. So it’s ready to display with no work to do on it. A fabulous piece of imperial German history rare and unique in this condition.
Superb WW1 German Silver Gilt Sweetheart Bracelet with Iron Cross A lovely sweetheart bracelet fashioned from a solid 800 grade silver centre piece which has a miniature Iron Cross surrounded by oak leaves, the bracelet is made from a fine flexible series of silver links, the whole piece has been gilded and it comes in very good condition, there are a couple of minor faults on the bracelet links and some light discolouration on the central section which I think will clean, it would fit a small to medium wrist.
Superb WW1 German Trench Art Brass & Copper Book Shape Lighter This is a great piece, constructed from brass and copper in the shape of a book but inside is a petrol lighter, to the front is a white metal Imperial German crown and on the other side a Bavarian brass button. The condition is excellent, the mechanism inside is a bit crusty but could be made to work with a flint and petrol if desired. Quite large measuring 2.25 inches square.
Superb WW1 German Trench Art Shell 1915 This well decorated shell case is full of marks on the base, it is clearly dated for 1915 and originated from a 7.7cm field canon, it was manufactured in Karlsruhe and has inspection marks and lot number etc amongst others on the base. The case has been decorated with a basket with branches and leaves. It comes in excellent condition and stands 9 inches high.
Superb WW1 Hallmarked Silver Gilt Army Service Corps Sweetheart Brooch This is a super quality sweetheart brooch for the Army Service Corps, it has a full set of hallmarks on the back for Birmingham 1915 with a makers mark of W.J.D. the front has been enamelled and gilded, an expensive gift in its day, it comes in very good condition and measures 1.25 inches in diameter.
Superb WW1 Magic Lantern Slide – Norfolk Regiment I wish I had the means to view this slide on a projector from what I can see just holding it up to the light is a group of 12 men from the Norfolk regiment posing for the photograph standing on the platform of a railway station either just coming back or heading out to the front, they seem clean but their boots are grubby. The slide measures just over 3 x3 inches with the photo being smaller, it comes in excellent condition.
Superb WW1 Trio to Nurse Dodd, Served Egypt. A wonderful WW1 1915 star trio all awarded to Nurse Dora Dodd of the Voluntary Aid Detachment. Dora Dodd served with the Red Cross VAD in Egypt from 11th September 1915, Egypt was hard place for voluntary nurses to start during the war, most likely she was posted to the 15th general hospital in Alexandria, this was the largest hospital and more likely to take probationary nurses. Not only did they have to deal with the wounded but also with most horrible of diseases, the nurses being no more immune to the diseases than the soldiers serving in the area. Although Dora Dodd is for the most part un-researched, it is easy to imagine the conditions she worked in, alongside nurses from Australia and other commonwealth countries as well as TFNS and QAIMNSR nurses. This lady needs further research to bring to life her experiences during the Great War. The medals are in excellent condition, also included is a couple of pages from her own photo album which contained few of her nursing service in Egypt, but I was allowed to take the photos relevant, there are two or three wonderful pictures of her with her patients, a view of a hospital ship, and one of the ambulances that brought and took the wounded from the battlefield and to the hospital ships docked in Alexandria. The photographs are rare and very valuable by themselves and the temptation to keep them is great, but I do hate splitting anything from its rightful place, so the original photos are included.
Superb WW1/2 German Gallantry Medal Group & More. A wonderful original group of medals all awarded to one man for his service through the Great War and into world war two. The medals were awarded to Heinrich Knief, he was born in 1897 in Feld, near Kiel in northern Germany, but at the outbreak of the war, Heinrich with his family were living in Hamburg. When he Joined the army for war in late 14 or early 15 he was a 2nd Lieutenant, given he was probably a NCO in peace time as all German men saw a kind of national service when they came of age. The medals and awards include, Iron Cross 1st Class EKI, Iron Cross 2nd Class EKII, Black Wound Badge, the Honour Cross with Swords, Nazi 12 Year Service Medal, the SA Sports Badge in Bronze and a medal bar containing ribbons of the EKII, Honour Cross and 12 Year Medal; he is also entitled to the 1939 Spange to the Iron Cross EKII, which is missing. The Iron Cross EKII and Honour Cross are court mounted together the 12 year service medal is un-mounted; all medals and badges are in excellent original condition, that is they have been worn many times but have no major damage. Also with this lot comes a large amount of original photographs from the first world war to his service in the second world war, it makes a wonderful complete group with his post war ID card also, which means here is a super group for research. Most photos are written on, giving date and place taken, there are some great clear photos which detail his uniform insignia, and so with a little time and patience you should be able to put together this man’s service history ending with a promotion to Captain during WW2.
Superb WW2 German Pilot / Observer Badge. A beautiful badge which comes in a fitted case made by C. E. Juncker of Berlin. This badge comes in totally untouched condition, it looks as if it has never been out of its case, I would describe it as mint for just a minor amount of tarnishing to the surface of the metal. A very fine piece and an asset to any collection. Don’t forget, every item I sell comes with a full money back guarantee. Terms and conditions apply.
Superb WW2 Scottish Officers Trench Coat. A beautiful wool officer’s trench coat. It was worn by a major in the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders as it has all its original buttons apart from one on the sleeve, this must have been lost during the war as it has been replaced with a WW2 economy general issue button. The coat itself is made of a thick drab green wool, inside the coat, it is lined with a tan wool under coat with an inside pocket and the rest is wool same as the outside. It must have been very warm in its day. Inside it has its original label which is dated 1945. The condition is excellent although it does have a few small moth holes here and there. It has been recently treated against any further insect infestation this treatment is guaranteed for a year. It measures; Length 44 inches. Chest 42 inches and 18 inches across the shoulder.
Superb WW2 Silver & Enamel Sweetheart Badge Royal Navy This is a lovely high quality Royal Navy sweetheart badge, marked to the back on both sections with silver and finished with red and blue enamels, it comes in excellent condition and measures just under 1.25 inches long.
Superb WW2 Silver & Enamel Sweetheart Badge Wiltshire Regiment This is a lovely high quality sweetheart badge for the Wiltshire regiment, marked to the back with silver and finished with red and blue enamels, it comes in excellent condition and measures just under 1.25 inches long.
Superb WW22 USAAF V-44 Survival Knife The V-44 survival knife was issued to US Army Air Force personnel in case that they were shot down and needed to survive in the jungles of the South Pacific. This knife was manufactured by the Kinfolks Company and consists of a black composite handle secured to the tang by three brass rivets. It has a straight brass cross guard with ball finials finishing in an imposing wide Bowie type blade. It comes in its original brown leather sheath with its belt loop still attached. The whole piece is in excellent original condition. It shows a little very light wear but no damage or rusting to any of the metal. The grips is also in the same very good order with no damage. A beautiful piece scarce in this amazing condition. Proof of age required on purchase.
Territorial Efficiency Medal 1921-1930. 9th A & S H The scarcer TEF which bridged the gap between the Territorial Force Efficiency Medal and the Territorial medal for Efficient Service. this one is correctly named to; 2969522 Warrant Officer 2nd class. A Simpson. 9th battalion Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders, the The Dumbartonshire battalion. In 1914 to the early part of 15, 1/9th were being trained and equipped in preparation for their departure to France. On the night of 19/20th February 1915 the Battalion sailed to Le Harve and was soon engaged in the Ypres Salient, attached to the 81st Brigade, 27th Division. On 10th March 1915 the Battalion took its first casualties, with 5 men wounded. 10 days later a Corporal MacKay became the first 9th Argyll to be killed in action. For the first two months of their posting in Ypres the 9th’s casualties were relatively light, it was their turn to suffer. From the 10th to the 17/18 May 1915 the Battalion took part in fierce fighting and had to bear heavy German bombardment. On the 10th of May itself the Battalion losses amounted to 12 officers and 300 men, including the CO Colonel Clark. Sadly the losses continued to mount. A terrible gas attack which was launched by the Germans on 24th May all but overwhelmed the men, who had been ordered forward to support the Royal Dublin Fusiliers. When the Battalion was formally withdrawn from the front that day its strength mustered just 2 officers and 85 men. Tragedy haunted the Battalion even at home. Captain Findlay and Lieutenants Jackson, Kirsop and Bonnar left the front for a spot of leave that same month of May. Two days after their departure 3 of them were killed in the train disaster near Gretna. By the end of the terrible month of May 1915 the 1/9 were instructed to amalgamate with the 7th Battalion, who had also suffered heavy losses, under the title “The Composite Battalion of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders”. The amalgamation was intended as a temporary measure and would exist until such times as reinforcements could come from 2/9th Battalion. Six months after the terrible losses of May 1915, the Battalion had been brought up to a strength of 25 Officers and 461 other ranks. But the Battalion could not be brought up to its required strength. Because of the great demands of industry in the county, the problem of obtaining new recruits in Dumbartonshire was apparent to all. Eventually the Battalion had to be disbanded. Everything was done to preserve the local identity of the Dumbartonshire Territorials but sentimental feelings could not be allowed to stand in the way of the efficiency of the Army as a whole. The Battalion no longer existed but the Officers and Men of the 1/9th continued to serve in other battalions and other regiments. In its short time in France it was mentioned in dispatches 3 times and personally complimented by Field Marshall Sir John French. A very interesting medal for research, which comes in very good condition apart from some contact wear on the rim, which would suggest that it was once mounted as a part of a group at some time.
Territorial Efficiency Medal to Phillips RA MID. An interesting George VI Territorial Efficiency medal correctly named to 780315 Battalion Quarter Master Sergeant T Phillips Royal Artillery. He enlisted in to the Territorial Royal Artillery in March 1928 It looks like BQMS Phillips served during the second world war in North Africa and Italy and towards the end at home with the 227 Anti- Aircraft battery part of the 71st AA regiment, RA. Coastal Artillery and Anti-Aircraft Regiment of RA. He was mentioned in despatched which appeared in the London Gazette on 23rd May 1946 and he was awarded the LS&GC on 13th October 1948. Below is some unit history. 1 (Forth) Anti-Aircraft Brigade RA (TA) was formed in November 1938 at Dunfermline. It was re-designated as 71 Anti-Aircraft Regiment RA (TA) in January 1939 and had the “Forth” title restored in the July. In June 1940 it was re-designated as 71 (Forth) Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment RA (TA). The Regiment served in Anti-Aircraft Command until May 1942. In December 1942 it moved to Algeria and then Tunisia and on to Italy. 71 (Forth) Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment RA (TA) was placed in suspended animation somewhere between October 1945 and February 1946. It was reconstituted as 471 (Forth) (M) Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment RA (TA) in January 1947. It is likely he is entitled to the 1939/45 star, Africa star, Defence medal. 1939/45 war medal and the long service and good conduct medal. Unfortunately, the TEM is all that has survived. This medal is in excellent condition with no sign of it ever been mounted.
The Daily Mirror Newspaper – December 7th 1915 1 A WW1 era issue of the Daily Mirror newspaper dated Tuesday December 7th highlighting the allies march to the Danube to save Serbia, 16 pages of war news, adverts etc, it comes in good condition for its age with some wear to the outer cover and a bit of damage on a couple of inner pages.
The Fight for Gallipoli – Admiral Sir Roger Keyes This book was published in 1941 and was taken from the Naval memoirs of the Admiral of the fleet Sir Roger Keyes, entitled ‘the fight for Gallipoli’ it was first published in 1934 and republished in this form in ’41. 341 pages of text with the occasional picture and maps it comes in good but aged condition with yellowing of the pages and the odd stain on the outer cover.
The Great War Remembered – Gary Sheffield – Imperial War Museum 10 A large boxed book – the centenary edition which contains 30 facsimile documents and a DVD with a documentary film and first hand accounts, really nicely packaged and in super condition.
The Kings Own Regiment Badge Set. WW2 issue Cap Badge and shoulder title both in all brass and come in good but used condition.
The Queens Bays (Cavalry) Cap Badge. K/C The Queens bays used the same design of cap badge for 60 years, until 1959. This all brass badge was used until 1953 It comes in very good but used condition, with a good even tone. Ref. Y13
The Queens Bays (Cavalry) Cap Badge. Q/C The Queens bays used the same design of cap badge for 60 years, until 1959. This one was used from 1953 to 1959, so although Queens crown it is the scarcer badge. It comes in very good but used condition with a good even tone. Ref. Y12
The SPHERE Illustrated Newspaper – August 1914 A large illustrated newspaper known as ‘The Sphere’ this issued dated August 15th 1914, the early months of the The Great War so filled with very early reports on the Navy, the first sight of the new Naval air-services uniforms, so early in the war the news is almost tame with little knowledge of what was to come. A very large paper the equivalent of two A4 pages, it comes in good condition for its age with some damage to the spine,full of text and pictures. Due to its size I will have to send it flat priced at £4.95.
The SPHERE Illustrated Newspaper – December 1914 A large illustrated newspaper known as ‘The Sphere’ this issued dated December 26th 1914, the early months of the The Great War so filled with war news including the German bombardment of the East coast at Hartlepool, European war news, a feature on dogs on the battlefield etc, so early in the war the news is almost tame with little knowledge of what was to come. A very large paper the equivalent of two A4 pages, it comes in good condition for its age full of text and pictures. Due to its size I will have to send it flat priced at £4.95.
The Times Newspaper November 3rd 1915 The large broadsheet newspaper The Times dated 3rd November 1915, 20 pages of mainly war news, adverts and a London Gazette list, comes in very good condition for its age just yellowed.
Three Books RAF Interest. Three interesting reads all relating to WW2 RAF. The Dam Busters by Paul Brickhill; brown linin bound in good condition. Tail-End Charlie by John Wainwright, blue linin bound in good condition. Reach for the Sky, the story of Douglas Bader by Paul Brickhill 1954. Blue linin bound in good condition.
Three Books – Denis Richards & Hilary Saunders The Royal Air Force 1939-45 Issued in 1953/4 this trio of books were produced by the HMSO, book one by Richards is entitled ‘the fight at odds’ vol 2 by Richards and Saunders is ‘the fight avails and vol 3 by Saunders ‘the fight is won’. All three come in good but aged condition and I expect will make an interesting read.
Three Early 20th C Lead Bandsmen Figures Here are three marching band figures all cast in lead and hand painted, on the belly of the black horse is made in England, as you see two are mounted and one on foot, they come in good but playworn condition and the tallest stands 3.5 inches high.
Three Edward VII Commemorative Badges & Medallion Here are a good group of three Edwardian royal commemoratives including a 1902 Coronation medallion issued by the mayor of Ipswich a photographic pin badge and a rarer coloured pin badge, all come in good but aged condition.
Three Generation Family Group to Lukey A fantastic Victorian, WW1 & WW2 grandfather, father and son medals, now, this takes a little explaining so please bear with me. The first medal, Victorian Volunteer Force Long Service medal, privately named to; No 7 Private Edward Lukey of the 2nd London Rifle Volunteers (dated) 14th January 1895. This medal was awarded for 20 years’ service in the volunteer forces. Edward Lukey enlisted around 1875, he worked has a Cloth Worker and was married to Francis and lived in Marylebone London. With a number as low as number 7 he must have been one of the first to enrol after the reforms of 1872 when the regiment was taken under the wing of the 48th Middlesex RVC. This medal is in superb condition and it is now court mounted. WW1 group comprises of the British war and Victory medal correctly named to; 118362 Private Albert. E. P. Lukey. (son of Edward Lukey) Machine Gun Corps. WW2 Defence medal, unnamed as issued and a large very heavy solid silver sports medal with an image of Ugallu the storm demon with a sun at his back with the number 17 within it and at the bottom ‘Babylonia’. On the reverse is engraved ‘Pte A Lukey 1st Tug of war’. All medals have been court mounted obviously within the last ten years or so and come with original cap badge and photograph of Albert in uniform. Plus box of issue for his defence medal with issue slip. Albert Edward Lukey was born in London around 1884 and in civilian life, he was a wood polisher. He was probably drafted into the army in 1916 and found his way to the MGC. If the ’17’ on the tug of war medal is a unit or battalion, there was no 17 battalion or company of MGC fighting in Mesopotamia only the 17th Motor Machine corps. The 17th MGC was formed February 1918 and only served in France and I can find little information regarding the 17th MMGC battalion, only that later in the war they served under the command of General Sir Frederick Maude. Anglo-Indian troops advanced back up the River Tigris recapturing Kut and Baghdad on their way. This offensive, culminating in the Battle of Istabulat and the capture of Samarra, this was a great boost to the British war effort, although at a great cost. This man need more research and the information above only my opinion. Private Albert Lukey survived and discharged in the May of 1920. A lot of MMGC and Armoured car units stayed in Mesopotamia after the Armistice the Iraqi revolt devolved from several secret societies that had been formed in the region during 1918 and 1919. WW2 Group of three comprising of 1939/45 star, Africa star and 1939/45 war medal, all court mounted unnamed as issued but with casualty medal issue slip named to 6916783 Rifleman A. E. Lukey. Also included is a WW2 era Rifle Brigade cap badge. Rifleman Albert Edward Lukey born 1917 (the son of Albert E. P. Lukey) served with the 1st battalion Rifle Brigade; it was in England on the outbreak of the Second World War, originally part of the 1st Support Group, part of the 1st Armoured Division. In late April 1940, however, the battalion transferred to the newly created 30th Infantry Brigade and landed in France the following month within the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) but was lost at the defence of Calais, due to the lack of food water and ammunition, however the brigade slowed the German advance and enabled the Dunkirk evacuation to proceed. The battalion was reformed in the United Kingdom and became part of the 2nd Armoured Brigade of the 1st Armoured Division and took part in many battles in the North African Campaign which took place from 10th June 1940 to 13th May 1943. It included campaigns fought in the Libyan and Egyptian deserts. When the division arrived in Egypt in mid-November 1941, the latest British offensive Operation Crusader had already started. By the end of that year's December, Operation Crusader had concluded with an Axis withdrawal to western Libya. The 1st Armoured Division moved into eastern Libya, took over the front line and was reinforced with the 200th Guards Brigade. Apart from small infantry forces, the division was the only force within 100 miles of the front line. In early January 1942, the division was subjected to an aerial attack and on 21st January 1942, Axis forces attacked the 150-tank strong division and forced it to conduct a fighting withdrawal. The division, along with the rest of the Eighth Army, retreated until the army regrouped at Gazala in February. The division had lost 42 tanks in combat, with a further 30 damaged or abandoned. On 26 May 1942, Axis forces struck the Allied positions and initiated the Battle of Gazala which took place west of the port of Tobruk in Libya, from 26 May to 21 June 1942, the allies facing an enemy of German and Italian troops of over 80,000 men. Here Albert was probably taken prisoner by an Italian contingent around 21st January 1942 and he would have been placed in a pow camp in north Africa for a while before being shipped off to Italian-controlled territory, either to Italy or to Greece by ship, either on naval units or on homeward bound Italian merchant vessels. At the time there was a top secret British Submarine operation in progress off the coast of north Africa to stop munitions and supplies reaching the Axis fighting forces. This could be dangerous, since POW transports were not marked. Albert was probably put on board the Italian steam ship the Ariosto. The Ariosto was sunk, hit by two torpedoes, and going down after a few hours in the early hours of 15 February. As the prisoners were crammed into the hull of the ship nearly all souls were lost, Albert Lukey being just one. His death was not confirmed until March of 42. He is now remembered with honour at the Alamein Memorial although his death is recorded ‘at sea’. All medals are in excellent condition and all come court mounted. Along with the medals etc comes many pages of research including medal rolls, index card and commonwealth war graves certificate confirming above.
Three Interesting WW1 Era Sporting Photograph Postcards A great group of three photo postcards showing military sporting teams, the first is dated 1916 on the back and has ‘No 12 platoon hockey team C coy 1916’, the second has the bayonet fighting team and the third is the football team for 12 platoon with a ball dated 1917 in the centre. They come in very good but aged condition the hockey team having a pin hole in the top margin.
Three Super Antique Edwardian Essex Regimental Dance Cards These three wonderful antique dance cards date from the Edwardian era, two of them are for the Essex regiment. The first card is dated April 1903 and is a dance programme for ‘H’ company 1st Volunteer Battalion and was called the ‘volunteer dance’ held at the drill hall Hornchurch, inside is the dance programme with the initials of the prospective dance partners, physically the piece is in very good order but it has been written fortunately in pencil with lists and pictures. The second one is a programme for the ‘annual ball’ held in December 1903 by the same company at the same location, this one is also in very good condition and has the list filled in inside. The third one I’m not sure of, again a dance programme from June 1905, it has ‘c’ squadron with a crown with N.C under and pro patria under this, the closest I can get relates to a Canadian regiment. This card is in fair condition, the spine has split and has been taped and the inside has been filled in. A unique little group the largest measuring 4.5 inches long.
Three Various West German NCO Army Cap Badges This style of badge was used during the 1950’s – the cold war era by West German Bundeswehr NCO’s, they are identical in shape and style but vary in colour, one has both its fixing pins intact the other two lack theirs, otherwise very good condition and measure 3 inches in diameter.
Three Vintage Darts Medallions one Hallmarked Silver Here are three darts medallions all awarded to S. I. Barnes in 1949/50, two are bronze and the third is hallmarked silver all are engraved on the back and depict a dartboard on the front, the largest measures one inch across.
Three Vintage Royal Artillery Cloth & Metal Badges First of the 3 badges is an embroidered cloth badge, comes in a good size and has been attached to a uniform showing signs of wear with rough edges it measures 3.25 inches x 3, the second is what appears to be a home made hand painted with gold paint cloth badge for the Royal Artillery Association, it has a pop stud sewn onto the back to simply ‘pop’ onto a hat or uniform, the third is a brass and enamel sweetheart badge which comes in good condition and measures just over 2 centimeters long.
Three Vintage Silver Plated National Rifle Association Spoons Here are three, a pair and a single, silver plated spoons for the national smallbore rifle association, usually given as prizes at events, the pair are marked EPNS to the back and carry the motto ‘look forward’ along the front of the handles, the single is a better quality spoon with red and blue enamels to the terminal. All three come in very good condition and the largest measures 4.75 inches long.
Three WW1 Era Issues of The Illustrated War News 1915 Here are three copies of the illustrated war news issued in 1915, the first is from June 9th, the second July 14th and the third December 8th, all come in very good but used condition, early on someone protected the spines with heavy tape which has stood the test of time and worked.
Two 1915 Daily Telegraph Supplement Sheets As issued later in the day and being only two pages long these two interesting Great War year papers are full of reports of incidences around the world, the first is dated June 5th 1915 and headlines are ‘France and the King: birthday greetings’, the second is July 10th 1915 and the headline is ‘Kitchener’s call to the nation’. Both come in used condition with some edge damage and creases.
Two 1945/46 Alamein Club Cairo Cricket Photographs An interesting pair of pictures that come with details on the back, the first has a lable that says ‘army V New Zealand. Alemein club, Cairo, Sunday Sept 2nd 1945’, it then lists the players from the British team. The second one has, ‘Egypt united services V Palestine united services. Alemein club June 29th and 30th 1946’, and then the list of players. Both photographs are in very good condition the frames less so, they show signs of age and use. They measure 10 inches x 8 and 11 inches x 9.
Two 2nd Infantry Division Cloth Patches 2nd Div's emblem was chosen in 1940 by its commander, Major-General H.C. Lloyd, who had previously commanded a Guards Brigade which had a single key for its badge. The crossed keys are the emblem of the Archbishop of York. The badges are not a true pair,one is slightly smaller than the other and has had a much harder life having been worn and roughly removed from a uniform, the other is in much better condition and measures two inches square.
Two Boxed Sets of 3 Silver Plated Rifle Association Prize Spoons Here are two original boxed sets of three each silver plated tea spoons for the National smallbore rifle association, these were usually given as prizes at events, each one is marked to the back with E.B & Co with the EP mark and to the front with the crossed rifles, the boxes are marked for the association. They come in good condition but the boxes are worn from storage.
Two Cased Winston Churchill Crowns – Isle of Man and 1965 Two cased commemorative crowns for Winston Churchill, the first dates from 1965 and the other was issued in the Isle of Man and is dated 1974, both come in very good condition.
Two De Agostini Atlas Editions Model WW2 Ships – American Two mint and boxed die cast WW2 British model ships from the Atlas Editions range by De Agostini, US Navy Missouri and USS Massachusetts, both come with their information leaflet and measure approx 7 inches long.
Two General Staff Cloth Collar Tabs Not a pair in fact one is King’s crown the other Queen’s crown, general service cloth collar tabs, both in good condition but both used.
Two Good large Size Inter War Naval Photo’s HMS Conway HMS Conway was a naval training school or "school ship", founded in 1859 and housed for most of her life aboard a 19th-century wooden ship of the line. The ship was originally stationed on the Mersey near Liverpool, then moved to the Menai Strait during World War II. While being towed back to Birkenhead for a refit in 1953, she ran aground and was wrecked, and later burned. The smaller of the two pics shows the Conway’s boat race racing crew, taken in June 1929, each man is named some with their crew positions, it has been signed ‘love Derek’ bottom left and this ties in with the larger picture which has on the back ‘Derek right hand corner of picture’ I am assuming that this is the complete ships compliment of the Conway including the nurse, two other ladies and one man in civvies, some of the boys look so very young but would probably have served in WW2. Both pics come in very good condition, the larger measures 13.5 inches x 8 and the smaller is 8.5 inches x 6.5 with the mount being 12 x 9.
Two Large Size Magazine Articles \'Women and Wartime\' One of these articles covers women and their role in the Great war including: Red cross, volunteer police, mechanics and Land girls amongst others, the other covers WW2 nurses, bus conductors, land girls and transport. Two large sized sheets in very good condition.
Two Modern Zeppelin Postcards from Original Photo’s These are French issue postcards, fairly modern showing the French airship ‘Spiess’ and the other a German zepellin airship which was forced to land at Luneville both pictures taken from original photo’s. Both come in very good condition.
Two Post War Navy Cloth Trade Patches – Gunner Here are two super quality Naval cloth trade patches for a Navy gunner, the first is a super gold bullion on black cloth with a decorative Queen’s crown and the other a red sewn on black cloth also with the Queen’s crown, both come in super condition and the largest measures just over 4.5 inches long.
Two Post WW2 European Voluntary Worker Stamped Envelopes Following the end of the second world war this country was short of manual labour so continental Europeans were invited over to plug the labour shortage, they mostly came from the Ukraine, Poland and Latvia having already been displaced by the war, they became known as E.V.W's (European voluntary workers) from 1946-49 91,000 people came to the UK under various schemes. These two envelopes are addressed to the same man, Josef Rehuk, the brown stamped one was sent to him in early March 1948 when he was living in Baden, by the end of march of the same year he was at the E.V.W. Holding hostel at the RAF site at Wrattling common Cambridgeshire,how long he stayed is anyones guess, he may have returned to Germany or remained and has family living today. Something a bit different, both are in good condition.
Two Pre WW2 Photo Postcards – LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin Both of these postcards have the date of 1943 on the back but by then the Graf Zeppelin had been retired for 3 years so I am assuming the date to be an error. Both photo postcards come in very good condition.
Two Rare Victorian all Hand Painted Magic Lantern Slides – Arctic Exploration Here are two super quality and excellent condition all hand painted Victorian magic lantern slides, they are housed in box wood frames and each has a scene from an Arctic exploration, one has two ships moored in a bay of ice with figures on land and a large mountain in the back, the other has two figures with a grounded boat having loaded up a sled. These will have come from a large series of similar scenes depicting a famous Franklin exploration. Both come in very good condition with no breaks to the glass but show signs of age to the wood and require a clean, they each measure 6.5 inches long and are just over 3 inches in diameter.
Two Vintage Britain’s Die Cast Yeoman Warden & Life Guards Here are two Britain’s Ltd die cast figures, the first is a Beefeater or Yeoman Warden and the second is a man of the Life Guards, he is dated on the base for 1973, both come in very good but playworn condition and stand 2.5 to 2.75 inches high.
Two Vintage Pictorial Porcelain Pots and a Bell Boy Egg Cup Here are two interesting pictorial porcelain china small pots each depicting famous scenes in London, the first is a small vase with a scene of the Houses of Parliament, the other a small pot with a scene of ‘new tower bridge’ both are in very good condition, on the base of one someone has written in pencil June 1922. The third piece is a bell boy holding and egg cup, probably Victorian in date he is made from porcelain and comes in fair condition with a hairline crack running up his leg. The largest stands just under 3.5 inches high.
Two Vintage RAF Squadron Badges -54 and 216 Waddington Lincolnshire Here are two vintage RAF squadron badges both being based at Waddington Lincolnshire, they are for LIV or 54th and 216 squadrons, both come in very good condition and measure 1.25 inches long. Number 54 Squadron (sometimes written as No. LIV Squadron) is a squadron of the Royal Air Force based at RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire Number 216 Squadron is a squadron of the Royal Air Force based at RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire,
Two WW1 Era French Booklets – Jutland and Zeebrugge From the collection ‘Patrie’ issued in France probably just post war these two booklets detail the naval combat at Jutland and the action at Zebrugge. All in French and 24 pages long they come in very good condition
Two WW1 Era Photographic Postcards Fargo Camp 1913 These two photographic postcards just pre-date WW1, they each show group shots of Fargo camp in 1913 with the 12th company Army Service Corps. Both are in very good condition.
Two WW1 Era Postcards – Sad Partings Two good WW1 era postcards both with a sad parting theme, one looks quite formal with the soldier shaking hands with his loved one. Both come in very good condition and have not been written on.
Two WW1 Photographs – The Esbekia Military Rink Hockey Team Here are two WW1 photo’s, the group shot has ‘The Esbekia military rink hockey team’ printed on the pic, below is a brief history for the Esbekia gardens in Cairo, the central uniformed chap looks to be from an Australian unit, the man bottom right has a second picture of him in uniform, he is a sergeant but lacks any other identifying features. The three front members of the team are all wearing roller skates and the goalie is wearing pads. Both pics come in very good condition, the group shot measures 5.5 inches x 3.5 and the sergeant is in a brass frame which measures 5.25 x 3.75. Esbekia Gardens in central Cairo was a popular recreational area for British and Anzac soldiers. There was a roller-skating ring and the New Zealand YMCA established canteen there. The area was also popular with prostitutes.
Two WW2 Era Air Training Corps Badges Here are two WW2 era air training corps badges, the first larger one in a white metal comes in super condition, it measures 1.5 inches in diameter and has a split pin on the back for fixing. The second smaller example is made from brass, carries the motto 'venture adventure' along the bottom, as far as I can tell there are four variations of this badge with the Eagle to the middle in different flying positions, this one also includes C1 above the bird, it measures one inch long and is in excellent condition.
Two WW2 Era Army Shooting Medallions Here are two army shooting medallions, the first made from bronze shows a lion to the front with ‘the army rifle association’ above, this one is blank on the reverse, the other made from a brass type metal has ‘command small arms meeting Egypt’ to the front and team championship runners up on the reverse. Both come in good condition and are 1.25 in diameter.
Two WW2 Era Horse Brasses – Our Monty and Victory Two interesting WW2 horse brasses, the first decorated with the head and shoulders of Field Marshal Montgomery, around him it has ‘El Alamein to Berlin our Monty’, the second one has ‘1939 victory 1945’, both come in very good condition and measure 3 inches in diameter not including the hanger.
Two WW2 Era National Savings Badges – one Ten Year Service by Fattorini First instituted in 1916 to raise funds for the war effort the National Savings movement continued into the 1970’s, these two badges date from the WW2 and later era, made from brass and enamel one has a ten year service bar, both were made by Fattorini & Sons of Birmingham and both come in very good condition, they measure (minus the bar) one inch long.
Two WW2 German Memorial Death Cards to Brothers These two memorial cards commemorate the deaths of brothers Michael and Georg Biberger. Michael who was 34 when he died on the 18th February 1945 in a field hospital was a mechanic in the Panzer regiment, Georg was only 20 when he died on 10th November 1943, he was a soldier. Unusual to find family death cards, Michaels is in very good conditon, georg's is a little worn.
Two WW2 United States .50 Calibre Browning Machine Gun Cartridge This pair of WW2 era United States made .50 calibre cartridge cases were used with the Browning machine gun on tanks, jeeps, half tracks and most aircraft. These examples are marked SL 43 to the base for the Saint louis plant USA, they come in good condition and measures 5.5 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only
Two WW2 United States .50 Calibre Browning Machine Gun Cartridge This pair of WW2 era United States made .50 calibre cartridge cases were used with the Browning machine gun on tanks, jeeps, half tracks and most aircraft. These examples are marked SL 43 to the base for the Saint louis plant USA and DM for Des Moines Iowa, they come in good condition and measures 5.5 inches long.
United States Air Forces in Europe Cloth Patch & Corporal Chevrons Two original Vintage cloth patches for the United States air forces in Europe and a pair of Corporal chevrons, both come in good condition but have been used, the Europe patch being a bit grubby, this one measures 3 inches long.
Unknown WW2 1941 Dated Boxed Electrical Component I have not been able to sort out what this item is, my best guess is something for a radio and is used to conduct a current, It has 8 metal pins for plugging in separated by 3 layers of Bakelite, two central cylinders that are marked with a series of numbers and various metal plates and wires. It is well marked with impressed numbers and letters including what I am taking as the date of ’41, printed it has T. rls. 43a in black and in red 2 August 1941. It comes in its original box, the piece measures 4 inches long and is in excellent condition the box having signs of age.
Unusual Antique Push Release Pickled Onion Fork Pickle forks come in a variety of designs, this one is unusual as it has a push release ball in the three pronged head, basically withdraw the ball up the prongs, spear a pickle and push the ball back down to release. Made from a silver plated top with an ivory handle it comes in very good condition and measures 9.5 inches long.
Unusual Antique Shot Flask, Horn with Leather This is an unusual shot flask and I cannot find a comparison, sadly there are no makers marks which would have helped, at first glance it appears a regular leather covered shot flask but as the leather has shrunk and moved with age you can see that the body is made from horn, the edges have been finished with metal and then leather covered, the top end fitments are brass, it has a flat back and a distinct domed front. Condition wise its not at its best, the metal clip on the top doesn’t work and the leather has a large hole on the back probably caused by storage over the years, it measures 7.25 inches long.
Unusual Gilded Metal & Enamel Women’s Auxiliary badge Dating probably between the wars this gilded metal and enamel badge has printed to the front ' women's auxiliary league licensed trade' as far as I can gather this was an association of ladies who established their league in 1918 to counter the activities of the women’s temperance movement and thus promote the interests of the licensed victuallers. Made by fattorini of Birmingham it measures one inch in diameter and comes in good condition with a few marks on the metal.
Unusual High Quality WW2 Era Silver Filigree & Gold RAF Sweetheart Brooch This is a lovely quality WW2 era RAF sweetheart brooch made from silver filigree wirework and an applied central plaque of rose gold, it carries no marks but that is not unusual as the nature of the work does not allow for marks to be added, it comes in super condition just needing a clean and it measures just over 2.25 inches long.
Unusual Made in the Field Swagger Stick This unusual swagger stick came with a parcel of items from a family who had a serving man in Gallipoli, it is understood by the family to have originated from there but to be honest I cant give proof that that is the case. The swagger stick is made from one piece of bamboo painted black, the knobbly top lending itself to being painted to resemble a face and head. Comes in good condition, the bottom being a little rough. Measures 29.5 inches long.
Unusual Style Antique Ebony Police Truncheon There seems to be many variations of style within the truncheon community and I have not been able to find this exact one, it is made from ebony and has distinctive flattened ends with only a light turned handle grip, it measures 13 inches long and comes in very good condition.
Unusual Victorian Scots Guards Kilt/Shoulder? Button This is a very unusual button the like of which I cannot find another example, the back is stepped with two metal looped pins, it has a very specific design and therefore a specific use, made from brass for the Scots Guards it has the makers mark for Issacs & Co London, this tyle of mark was only in use from 1861 to 1865 so dates the button very accurately. It measures 26mm in diameter and comes in very good condition but is very tarnished.
Unusual Vintage Cased DOG Measuring Kit – Lufkin Rule Co USA This intriguing measuring kit dates from the 1920’s -30’s it is made from chromed metal and housed in a wood box, it was made by the Lufkin rule company of Saginaw Michigan, below is a brief history for the company. It has been suggested that this is a height measure for dogs and it was used at breed shows to measure the standard height of a breed, in this case breeds up to sixteen inches at the top of the shoulder. It is a very well made instrument, the central arm moves up or down and a steel rule measures the height of something. All pieces are present in the box and under one of the round feet is an old piece of paper that has an American connection. The condition is very good, the box shows signs of age and complete it is quite heavy, the box measures 19.5 inches long. The company was founded by Edward Taylor Lufkin, an American Civil War veteran of the Sixtieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry in Cleveland, Ohio 1869 and was originally named E.T. Lufkin Board and Log Rule Manufacturing Company. Its Canada-based plant was in Barrie, Ontario.
Unusual Vintage White Metal Kris Knife Brooch This is something different, made from a white metal but most likely silver this vintage brooch is in the shape of a Kris. Measuring 2.75 inches long the piece comes in very good condition just requiring a clean.
Unusual WW1 Dated 1917 German Trench Art Shell Case This is a most unusual WW1 trench art shell case for a number of reasons, firstly the base is made from steel, towards the end of the war brass was getting scarce so steel was used wherever possible, secondly the decoration on the outside has a central picture of a Medieval lady with full headdress (I am thinking possibly a saint) below this ‘Boilleux Somme’ I assumed the Boilleux was a place but I cant tie it down the closest I get is that it is a family name rather than a location. The base due to the steel has rusted but you can pick up the Sp61 Spandau mark and the date for 1916. It comes in very good condition and stands 9 inches high.
US Army 86th Infantry Cloth Patch, good quality WW2 badge for the ‘Black Hawk’ division, which is as new and unused.
US Civil War Model Cannon & Ammo Carriage A new and boxed model of the American civil war field cannon and ammo carriage. Both are in perfect condition and made of all metal by denix. Nice quality, the cannon measures 7.5 inches long.
Various 1959 Pattern Webbing. Various 59 pattern green webbing, all you see here, the main haversack plus assorted pouches in one lot. All in good used condition.
Various 19th Century & Later Silver-Plated Flatware. A nice collection of good quality silver plated flatware. From late Georgian Fiddle & Thread pattern to late Victorian pieces. All you see in the pictures. All pieces in good usable condition.
Various Pre Decimal Coinage. A lot of pre decimal coinage from the 1950’s and 60’s, including 7 two shillings, a one shilling, 2 three pence and 2 pennies. 12 coins in all. Grades vary but mostly good. Please see pictures.
Vast lot of medals Items and Photographs to Captain Buckley RE More Pictures of the Collection of medals, badges, certificates, photo albums and other personal items to Captain Buckley.
Very Good Selection of Large Sized Royal Naval Cloth Patches Here are six good vintage large sized Naval cloth patches, all you see in the pictures, the largest (blue and white stripes) measures 7 inches across and all come in very good condition.
Very Good Vintage Royal Horse Artillery Drivers Bullion Cloth Badge This is a super quality gold bullion on black cloth background, I think it is for a Royal Artillery driver, comes in super condition and measures 2.5 inches in diameter.
Very Interesting and Scarce WW2 German Christmas Message to Elite Regiments This is a simple single piece of paper dated for 1940, it carries the German eagle and swastika with J.R. 365 to either side, the message below translates as ‘in memory of the advance of the regiment from the Rhine to the Atlantic’, bottom left it has Weihnachten, in felde (Christmas in the field) and it was written by Dr. Hulle Oberstleutnant to the regiments. It comes in very good condition with some signs of age and has a crease along to the top edge, it measures 8 inches x 6.
Very Interesting Post War Medal Group to RAF. An interesting post WW2 medal group of three, mounted as worn, which must have been awarded to Volunteer Royal Air Force personnel. It comprises of three solid silver medals, the first; Queen Elizabeth II Coronation medal Solid Silver. British Army of the Rhine medal for the Berlin Air Lift 1948/49 (Hallmarked Silver). And the Voluntary Serves Medal 1993. (hallmarked silver) Established in 1993 this medal is available to all those who have volunteered in any of the three services, available to Officers and or non-commissioned men. All three medals are in wonderful condition and now have a dark tone to show they have never been polished. The Berlin Air Lift. At the end of the Second World War, U.S., British, and Soviet military forces divided and occupied Germany. Also divided into occupation zones, Berlin was located far inside Soviet-controlled eastern Germany. The United States, United Kingdom, and France controlled western portions of the city, while Soviet troops controlled the eastern sector. As the wartime alliance between the Western Allies and the Soviet Union ended and friendly relations turned hostile, the question of whether the western occupation zones in Berlin would remain under Western Allied control or whether the city would be absorbed into Soviet-controlled eastern Germany led to the first Berlin crisis of the Cold War. The crisis started on June 24, 1948, when Soviet forces blockaded rail, road, and water access to Allied-controlled areas of Berlin. The United States and United Kingdom responded by airlifting food, water and fuel to Berlin from Allied airbases in western Germany. The crisis ended on May 12, 1949, when Soviet forces lifted the blockade on land access to western Berlin.
Very Interesting WW2 Pair Etc to Gunnery Sjt Mjr &WO ATS. An interesting lot relating to W/27407 Serjeant Major later Warrant Officer Joan Russell Brown ATS. Joan Isabella Russell Brown was born November 9th 1921 in Tientsin China. Her father was a diplomat working for the British government. She enlisted into the Auxiliary Territorial Service in the December of 1939 and was trained as an expert assistant (Gunnery) with the Royal Artillery. She must have served her training on the ack ack guns possibly with the 26th AA brigade, as this booklet came with her things. She must have proved very capable as she was promoted to Company Serjeant Major and then to Warrant Officer II class, the latter around the end of 1940 and then she was then transferred to the MOD Experimental Establishment at Shoeburyness in Essex. Here heaven knows what she got up to or on what new bombing inventions that were being tested by the MOD. Shoeburyness has had an Artillery garrison there since the roman time, a very important spot, the entrance to the Thames estuary, vital to the defence of the the country. What when on there during the war, is still not in the public domain. She is included in a Photograph album containing 58 photographs relating to the Auxiliary Territorial Service Experimental Gunnery Assistants, Experimental Establishment, Shoeburyness, 1940-1941. At the National Army Museum, but several emails to them asking to purchase copies have gone unanswered. (Their catalogue number 1995-01-47). She was discharged from the ATS in 1943 under the termination of period of enrolment, her service conduct is classified as ‘Exemplary’. Which is all very strange. If she left to get married, which happened a lot, it would say in her service book. Being classed as an expert or XP in her field, why was she let go in the middle of the war, with no sign of the war ending. I have been collecting and researching woman’s medal groups for years and I believe she was discharged and entered into a civilian roll, possibly with an organisation like the SOE. It comes with various original insignia and two group photographs, aircraft recognition booklet and of course her service and pay book. For all contents, please see pictures.
Very Large Late Victorian Brass Scale rule – Troughton & Simms This is a huge two foot long solid brass (I think) mathematical scale rule made for military use as it has ‘guns shot’ at one end, it was made by the Troughton & Simms company of London and could date from the late Victoria era up to 1915 when the name was changed, it has different mathematical scales on both sides and comes housed in its original mahogany box of issue, below is a brief history for the company. This piece is in excellent condition, the rule measures 24.5 inches long and the box is 26.25 long this showing signs of age and use. Because of the size and weight of the piece the shipping will be £9.95. By 1887, Troughton & Simms employed 200 people at their Charlton works. Military production began to be important with production of coincidence rangefinders for the British government. Among their clients were the Italian Navy, the Russian government and the Austro-Hungarian Hydrographic Department Observatory.
Very Rare 18th century Anti French Satirical Half Penny Token. A very good example of this very rare token issued in 1794 to be used as small coinage. On one side it has an image of a foot and the words around it read; ‘A map of France’ there is also a square of rope and in each corner the words ‘FIRE’ inside the square also has words written, ‘Throne, Honour, Glory and RELI/GION written as so. On the reverse has a sunburst, a symbol of the French King Louis and the words ‘May Great Britain Always Remain the Reverse’. On the rim of the coin it has ‘payable in London, Bristol and Lancaster, so it was possibly in circulation from the 1890’s to the early 1900’s. It is in very good condition for this coin, formally in my own collection but I have just managed to upgrade, it is a very rare coin, full of 18th century political sarcasm which is a bit lost over time but shows the feeling towards the French republic at the time.
Very Rare Boer War Era Crested Ware Hull Memorial Statue Issued by ‘Waterfall china FCC’ to commemorate the fallen from the Boer war who originated in Hull, this piece bears the arms for Hull to the front and is a copy of the Hull Boer war memorial that stands in Paragon square, it reads to the side, ‘erected to the memory of the men of Hull who fell in the late South African war’. The piece stands 6.25 inches tall and comes in superb condition, some light wear to the gilding but no chips or cracks.
Very Rare WW1 Childs Kaiserliche Marine Cap. A beautiful and very rare cap worn by the young boy apprentices of the German navy from 1872 to 1918. This piece comes in just wonderful condition, as a dress cap it wouldn’t have been worn very often and even less at a time of war. It is made of a dark blue wool material and it still has its original Deutschland cap tally and its original cockade. The inside is also in very good order, you can see it has been worn but beautifully looked after. I wonder what happened to the young boy who owned this cap, did he graduate into the navy and serve at Jutland or any other sea battle. A very fine piece of German youth memorabilia in remarkable condition.
Very Rare WW1 Era De Havilland 6 Propeller Clock The De Havilland 6 was used extensively throughout the first world war, initially as a training craft but subsequently for many uses including home guard duties and off shore reconnaissance for submarines, decommissioned in 1918 many were scrapped but others found their way into civilian hands and had a useful life. This solid mahogany propeller is from a De Havilland 6 and is marked accordingly on the base, the marks are punched into the wood and read, 'DEC LP. 790.LH ...HP RENAULT ...AVILLAND.6' part of the wording has been erased where the base has been squared off so that it stands flat. The DH6's had a Renault engine used from 1917. The face of the clock has been studded with 8 bullet ends each individually marked 1917. The clock movement is a key wind which is included, I have had it running and it runs very well, appears to keep good time, there is a time advance and retard on the back of the movement. This is a solid piece of wood and is very heavy, it comes in wonderful condition, there are a couple of small chips to the wood on the face but otherwise it is excellent. It measures 10.5 inches high and is 13 inches wide at the base. The ultimate 'man cave' item.
Very Rare WW1 era Don Cossack Medal. A very rare Russian Don Cossack silver medal which tests around .830-.850 grade silver, given to the Don Cossack regiments for their service in the Russian civil war 1917 to 1922. The Don Cossacks came from a region of southern Russia and had a rich military tradition, playing an important part in the historical development of the Russian Empire and successfully participating in all of its major wars, including Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812. In 1916, over 1.5 million Cossacks enlisted to fight in World War I, but they were disbanded on Russian soil in 1918, after the Russian Revolution, but the Don Cossacks when on to serve with the White Army fighting against the Bolshevik Red Army during the civil war, still loyal to the crown. When the new Soviet regime took over the people of the Don Cossack region were either killed, deported or were left to starve during the Russian famine of 1932-33. This medal comes in excellent condition and has been residing in my own collection for around 10 years, it comes on its original ribbon, which is a little tatty but it is impossible to find a replacement. An interesting medal which very seldom come on to the market.
Very Rare WW1 Era Packet of Surgeon’s Needles Manufactured by Emanual Shrimpton & Fletcher at their premier works Redditch this very rare packet of surgeon’s needles is complete with 6 needles in their original wax paper, they are a half circle needle used for sewing wounds. The packet has the broad arrow mark to one side and for its age comes in very good condition with some staining to the outer packet, it measures just under 2.5 inches long.
Very Rare WW2 German Coastal Artillery Photograph with Negative JC2 During the occupation of the Channel Islands the German military had their photo’s taken and for whatever reason did not return to collect them so here is one from the collection, this man is shown in full uniform with the early pattern shoulder strap for the Marine Coastal Artillery, His photo comes with the negative, the photo and negative are in super condition, the photo measures just under 5 inches x 3.75 the negative being fractionally larger.
Very Rare WW2 German Kriegsmarine Photograph with Negative JC4 During the occupation of the Channel Islands the German military had their photo’s taken and for whatever reason did not return to collect them so here is one from the collection, this man is Kriegsmarine he is shown in full uniform complete with battle badge on his chest, His photo comes with the negative, the photo and negative are in super condition, the photo measures just under 6 inches x 4.5 the negative being fractionally larger.
Very Rare WW2 Named German Coastal Artillery Photograph with Negative JC1 During the occupation of the Channel Islands the German military had their photo’s taken and for whatever reason did not return to collect them so here is one from the collection, this man is named on the packet as Robert Hicker he is shown in full uniform with the early pattern shoulder strap for the Marine Coastal Artillery, His photo comes with the negative and the packet of issue dated 1945, the photo and negative are in super condition and the packet shows signs of age, the photo measures just under 6 inches x 4.55 the negative being fractionally larger.
Very Unusual Vintage Arnold & Son Folding Safety Penknife I cant find another example of this type of knife, it dates I would think from the 1950’s/60’s, made from white metal it has the most unusual opening mechanism, firstly the middle folds out, turn the outer cover full back on itself and the blade appears. Maker marked on the body and housed in its original leather holder it comes in good but used condition, the blade having scuff marks. It measures just over 4.5 inches fully open.
Vict LS&GC Medal to McGill 79th Cameron Highlanders 1837-59 An interesting army long service and good conduct medal correctly named to Sergeant Robert McGill 79th Highlanders. Robert McGill was born in Galashiels, Selkirk Scotland in 1817. He enlisted in Edinburgh on 23rd October 1837 into the 79th (Cameron) Highlanders. Although he was trained as fighting man, he was also employed as the company tailor. When he returned to Britain after his two tours (see regimental history below), he was promoted very quickly, to corporal 11th December 1854 and to full sergeant on 14th December 1854. This was I believe, because there had to be a company of the regiment to stay behind when the rest went off to the Crimea in 1854. According to his character and conduct sheet he was a very good soldier and he was the recipient of three good conduct stripes. It is surprising that an old regular soldier like McGill didn’t go to the Crimea, but there is no record of him on the Crimea roll. 1417 Sergeant Robert McGill was discharged on 26th February 1859 after 21 years and 127 days with the colours. He went home and resided in Peebles Scotland. There is a record for a Robert McGill who enlisted into the Tweeddale Volunteers in 1861. But there is no further information on this man. In the 1861 census we see Robert married to Margaret and working as a Finisher in a Woollen Factory and listed as a Chelsea Pensioner and listed with four children. The medal is in superb original condition with beautiful detail. It is suspended on a good piece of replacement ribbon. Regimental History. In the month of June, 1840, the head-quarters of the regiment moved to Haydock Lodge near Warrington with detachments at Bolton, Liverpool, Wigan, and Stockport. In the month of August following the regiment received orders to hold itself in readiness to proceed on foreign service to Gibraltar, and consequently on board the Boyne and Prince Regent transports, under the command of Major the Honourable Landerdale Maule arrived at Gibraltar on the 25th and 26th of January, 1841 , respectively on the 7th of June 1848 the regiment embarked on board H.M.S. Resistance at Gibraltar for Canada, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel the Honourable Landerdale Maule; and, after a prosperous voyage, arrived at Quebec on the 27th of July following. On the 28th the regiment disembarked and occupied the Citadel barracks. Previous to the embarkation of the regiment for Canada a handsome marble tablet was erected by voluntary contribution of the officers and men in the Wesleyan Chapel at Gibraltar to the memory of those non-commissioned officers and soldiers, who died during their period of service on the Rock. The following is the inscription thus recorded on the tablet : - TO THE MEMORY OF THE UNDERMENTIONED NON- COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND PRIVATES OF THE CAMERON HIGHLANDERS, A.D. 1841-1847. Cuimhne Nan Sonn Nach Maireann. In the month of June, 1851 , the service companies received orders of readiness to embark for England, and on the 4th of August they embarked accordingly, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel the Honourable Landerdale Maule, in the freight-ship Herefordshire, and, after a highly favourable voyage, arrived in Leith Roads on the 30th of the same month. When the regiment was about to embark for England a highly complementary letter was addressed to Lieutenant-Colonel the Honourable Landerdale Maule by the Magistrates and Council of Quebec, of which the following is a copy: Quebec, 29th July, 1851 . “ To Lieutenant-Colonel the Honourable Landerdale Maule, Commanding the 79th Highlanders. “ The Magistrates of this city have learned with regret that the expiration of your period of service here will shortly cause the removal of yourself and your distinguished regiment from amongst them. “ They avail themselves of this occasion to acknowledge their obligation to you for your willing and efficient co -operation with them upon all occasions when your aid was required to assist them in the performance of their duties, nor can they pass over without acknowledgment the cordial manner in which you and your officers have at 79TH CAMERON HIGHLANDERS. 101 all times contributed to the amusements of the citizens of Quebec. “ It is with great pleasure that the Magistrates bear testimony to the excellent conduct of the men of your regiment during their sojourn in Quebec, where they will be long and favourably remembered. “ With our warmest wishes for your welfare, and that of the officers and men of your corps, we beg to subscribe ourselves, &c. SIGNED BY THE WHOLE OF THE “ MAGISTRATES AND COUNCIL.”
Victorian 12th Regiment (East Suffolk Reg) Glengarry Badge. An all brass badge worn on the 1874 pattern Glengarry from 1874 to 1881. Worn by the 12th regiment of foot, the East Suffolk regiment. This badge is in excellent condition for its age, there is some light wear to the surface high points, the back shows signs of age and use with both original lugs intact. A super example. Ref. G7
Victorian 1887 Silver Crown. The 1st of the Jubilee crowns, the 1887 crown was issued to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the reign of Queen Victoria. The Jubilee itself took place on 20th and 21nd June. This one is in fine condition, circulated.
Victorian 20th Foot East Devon Glengarry Badge. A superb Victorian all brass Glengarry badge for the 20th of foot the East Devon regiment. this badge was issued from 1874 to 1881 when the Glengarry was introduced as the new undress cap and these were the last run of badges to show the regimental number. This one comes in lovely original but used condition. Ref. L1
Victorian 2nd Afghan War Medal to 12th Bengal Cavalry A Victorian Afghanistan medal 1878-80, correctly named in engraved script to Sowar Jot Ram 12th Bengal Cavalry. This medal is in very good condition with a couple of light rim knocks visible on the obverse. This man is probably entitled to clasps, but these are missing, otherwise a very good example.
Victorian 34th County of London Btn KRRC Glengarry Badge. 34th County of London Battalion, Kings Royal Rifle Corps Glengarry badge; worn by the regiment from 1898 to 1901. A volunteer regiment that became part of the territorials in 1908. Due to being a volunteer battalion, they were not entitled to wear any battle honours. A lovely bronze badge is very good used condition. Ref. L4
Victorian 96th Regiment (2nd Manchester Reg) Glengarry Badge. A superb all brass badge worn on the 1874 pattern Glengarry and issued from 1874 to 1881. It is in very good original condition, some wear to the surface, especially the high points, the back with signs of use and age with both original lugs intact. A good Victorian piece worn by the 96th regiment of foot that was the 2nd battalion of the Manchester regiment. Ref. G6
Victorian Army Pay Corps Brass Tunic Button A medium sized tunic button with the Queen’s crown for the Victorian army pay corps, all brass construction, no makers mark, comes in very good condition measuring 19mm in diameter.
Victorian Boer War Print; The New Recruit. An original Victorian coloured print, ‘the new recruit’; it shows a father returning from the Boer war greeted by his young son and wife; his father stands in the background, he has a wooden leg, a wound from the Napoleonic wars perhaps. A charming vision, which comes in excellent condition and in its original glazed frame that measures 23 x 31.5 inches. Shipping will be by courier charged at £14.95 due to size and weight
Victorian Brass Army belt Buckle. A Victorian solid brass belt buckle used by infantry and corps from around 1881. This one is in very good condition with some wear to the high points.
Victorian Brass and Leather Bound Three Draw Field Telescope Here is a good probably mid Victorian in date brass and leather bound three draw field telescope, there is no makers mark that I can find, the optics are very good and you can focus it easily, it comes in fair condition with cosmetic issues, the main bottom barrel has three dents, this has no effect on its performance, some of the leather shows signs of age and use but it comes complete with its top and bottom lense covers, the lenses themselves could do with a clean. It measures 11 inches closed and 29 fully extended.
Victorian Brass Iron Trivet. A lovely old Victorian solid brass Iron trivet, pierced with a design of a fox and tree. You would put your iron on the fire to heat before ironing your clothes, when iron was hot and not in used it would be put on the trivet, also used to cool down the iron. To think ever house had one. This one measures 8 inches long.
Victorian Brass Travelling Ink Well. A very good quality brass travelling or pocket inkwell. Up until the self-filling fountain pen was invented, you had to take your writing equipment with you, either by way of a writing slope or if you needed something smaller it was a pocket inkwell and folding dip pen. This one is in superb condition, it all works well and still has a good seal. The original glass fountain is without damage and nice and clean. It measures 1.75 x 0.5 inches x 1.75 inches high.
Victorian British and Foreign Sailors Society Medallion. Issued in 1888 this commemorative white metal medallion was given to commemorate 70 years of the British and foreign sailors society who had as their patron Prince Edward. It comes in good condition, there are some dark stains on each side, it is a good sized medal measuring 1.5 inches in diameter. Ref. 16910
Victorian Bronze Sea Gallantry Medal - Possible Proof. A rare Victorian medal originally authorised by parliamentary legislation under the terms of the merchant shipping act of 1854 and 1894. The former gave monetary rewards for life saving at sea, from 1855 this was changed into the award of this medal. There were two category’s, it was given for gallentry where the rescuer placed their own life at risk or for humanity, where the risk to life was minimal. These early medals were table medals and not for wearing, later silver medals were awarded suspended on a ribbon. This medal was the one awarded for gallantry, the difference in the two, is found in the inscription around the outside of the reverse of the medal. “Awarded by the Board of Trade for Gallantry in Saving Life” This one is an original issue but has not been engraved to a recipient. most were issued named, so I think this one may be an original proof. The rim is clean and free from any marks, so I can confirm 100% it has not been erased. A rare example of this medal. The condition is very good, but it has been stored uncased, so it shows some wear and some dirt build up. If only it had been kept in its original case and kept in mint condition, this would be a very valuable medal indeed. As it is, still rare and a great example for anyone who collects gallantry or lifesaving medals. As will all my items, this medal comes with a full money back guarantee that it is described as genuine. It measure just over 2.25 inches in diameter.
Victorian Cheshire Regiment Collar Dog. All brass (originally Gilded) acorn and leaves collar dog worn by the Cheshire regiment from around 1881 to 1897. This one is in very good condition still with traces of the original gilt on the back.
Victorian Crown 1889 Jubilee Head. A very fine Crown, Victoria Jubilee head dated 1889. A lovely coin in a very collectable grade, please see pictures.
Victorian Day or Night Telescope – Spencer Browning & Rust This two draw telescope is marked on the eye piece with SBR possibly for Spencer Browning & Rust of London, if so this scope pre dates 1840 when the company name was changed. The barrels are silver plated with a stitched leather hand grip, on the bottom barrel someone has scratched their name ‘Rodwells Hall rd Sheffield. The optics are dirty, light will pass through but I cant focus the piece so it will need a clean before functioning properly, it measures 23 inches fully open and is 10 inches closed, the top slide over cover is missing.
Victorian East Kent Regiment (The Buffs) Brass Tunic Button – Firmin A good Victorian all brass tunic button for the East Kent (the Buffs) regiment, marked on the back for Firmin & Sons London. Approx 21mm in diameter, it comes in very good condition.
Victorian Era Lead Bust of a German Officer with Pickelhaube Maybe a childs toy or perhaps a game piece this little lead bust of a German officer with pickelhaube stands just under 1.5 inches high, it has been hollow cast from lead and would have been painted in colours as residue blue, red and black can be seen faintly. Comes in good but used condition.
Victorian Golden Jubilee 1887 Silver & Enamel Pin Brooch A well made silver and enamel brooch produced to commemorate Queen Victoria’s golden jubilee in 1887, it is not hallmarked but tests as 925 sterling silver, it comes in good condition but shows signs of its age and wear, the enamels have a few small losses, the pin is present and in good order, it measures just over 1.25 inches in diameter.
Victorian IGSM Releif of Chitral to Hadwin East Lancs Reg. An interesting Victorian Indian General Service Medal with Releif of Chitral 1895 clasp correctly named to 2437 Private A Hadwin of the 1st battalion East Lancashire regiment. Hadwin enlisted 1887 / 1888. A new regiment formed from the old 30th foot on 1st July 1881. Alfred James Hadwin enlisted into the 1st battalion east Lancashire regiment at Burnley on 10th July 1888 at the age of 18. Before he was a Collier or Coal Miner residing in Barrow in Furness. His education was obviously quite poor and joining the army was probably the only way for this young man to escape a life down the pits. He spent the first few years training on home service but in the June of 1891 he was sent to India and served on the North West frontier. In 1895 the 1st East Lancs were involved in the relief of Chitral; this followed the Chitral Expedition, a military expedition in 1895 sent by the British authorities to relieve the fort at Chitral, which was under siege after a local coup following the death of the old ruler. An intervening British force of about 400 men was besieged in the fort until it was relieved by two expeditions, a small one from Gilgit and a larger one from Peshawar, Hadwin was part of the larger force of around 15000 men commanded by Major-General Sir Robert Low. On 3 April they stormed the Malakand Pass which was defended by 12,000 local warriors. There were significant engagements 2 and 10 days later. Colonel James Graves Kelly, who commanded the smaller force got to Chitral first it was the massive size of Low's force that forced the enemy to withdraw. This fascinating little campaign is well worth researching. After the incident in India, Hadwin returned to England for another period of home service in 1898 his period of service was up, so he enrolled for a further term. On 13th January 1900 Hadwin along with his battalion were sent to South Africa and fought the Boers until June 1901. He is also entitled to the Queens South Africa medal with Johannesburg, Cape Colony and Orange Free State clasps. This IGSM is in wonderful original condition. It has one edge knock only visable from the reverse at the 4 O’ Clock position and one very light and very small graze to the rim on the obverse. Please see pictures. this medal come with copies of his service records and medal roll for the QSA.
Victorian Infantry Mounted Officers Breastplate Badge. A solid brass breastplate badge worn by the specialised unit of the Infantry mounted officers around 1885. This one is in good condition but has some amount of wear to the surface. A nice unusual piece, measuring 3.25 inches high. Ref. I2
Victorian Infantry Officers Belt Buckle. A stunning Victorian infantry officer’s belt buckle circa 1880. These were used as a general service buckle worn by most infantry officers during the period. They are not uncommon, but what is different about this one is the condition. it is made from a solid brass back plate with a separate sterling silver wreath featuring Queen Victoria’s cypher. This buckle looks hardly used and comes with its original brass belt loop, so it is ready to fix to a belt. It measures 2.5 x 2 inches, not including the belt loops.
Victorian Infantry Officers Sword with Field Scabbard. A very good Victorian 1897 pattern Infantry officer’s sword. Always interesting these swords were used during the Boer war, in fact their issued steel scabbards were replaced with field brown leather scabbards for use in the war. Unusually this one has a picquet weight blade, a lighter blade ideal for combat situations, it had to be worn but not necessarily used unless in desperation as the Webley revolver was standard issue by this period. It has a standard hilt with Queen Victoria’s latter cypher, and a ray skin grip. The blade is just beautiful, clean and bright with deep etching which is unworn and shows the Queens cypher and the arms of Great Britain with decorative scrolls and geometric patterns; plus, the proof button at the ricasso. The brown leather scabbard has some wear but it is still in good order and this was the first sword and scabbard to be worn with the Sam Brown Belt. The leather has a few knocks and scrapes, as you would expect for a sword of this vintage. It measures 41 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only via courier priced at £15.95
Victorian Inlayed Writing Box for Restoration. A fabulous Victorian writing slope with parquetry inlayed top and parquetry veneers around the sides featuring all kinds of rare woods and the front still has its ornate escutcheon. The inside is now void but in good order and on the side of the box is a secret draw. The main damage is on the back edge, the veneer is missing and the lock is missing, plus as already noted, the inside slop is also missing. A beautiful box in its day, but still worth restoring a box of this quality. It measures 16 x 10 x 5 inches high and is quite heavy so shipping will be £12.95
Victorian Jubilee Beaker by Keeling & Co. A Victorian 60 year commemorative Beaker, printed in monochrome with Queen Victoria’s with fags either side. It comes in lovely original condition, no chips or cracks. It measures 4.25 inches high.
Victorian Jubilee Commemorative Glass Dish. An amber pressed glass dish ‘For the Queens Jubilee 1837 – 1897’. Superb quality for pressed glass and it comes in perfect condition.it measures 9.5 inches in diameter.
Victorian Khedives Star 1882 The Anglo–Egyptian war is an interesting campaign to study, but in brief it all started when an Egyptian rebel army officer initiated a coup against Tewfik Pasha, the Khedive of Egypt and Sudan in 1878,the Egyptians were very unhappy at their rate of pay, minimal compared to any European worker. The French and British declared their allegiance to the Khedive's authority; mainly due to British interest in the Suez Canal; after a riot occurred in Alexandria in the May 1882 that killed over 50 Europeans, the British sent a small fleet of war ships which bombarded the city of Alexandria; a large part of the city was destroyed partly by the bombardment and partly by the rebels that set fires to property, so the British had nothing to take over. The medal comes in very good condition just some light wear on the high points, overall it has a good even tone. Ref. 17735
Victorian Light House Keepers Kepi Badge. Solid brass Victorian light house keepers badge, a crowned lion holding a sword surrounded by a garter strap with the Motto ‘Trinitas In Unitate’. The detail on the badge is beautiful and it has suffered very little wear, however the three prongs on the back are missing. It measures; just under 2 inches in diameter.
Victorian Lincolnshire Regiment Helmet Plate Centre. A good original badge which formed the centre to a home service helmet plate, this one is in poor condition as it was a metal detector find; I’m sure it could be easily restored back to its former glory.
Victorian Loyal North Lancashire Reg Helmet Plate Centre. A Victorian all brass centre for the home service helmet plate. This one is for the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment and was used from around the late 1880’s until 1901 when it changed to a Kings crown. It is in perfect condition, showing virtually no wear.
Victorian LS&GC Medal to George Betts Norfolk Regiment. An interesting Victorian Army Long Service and Good Conduct medal correctly named to; 199 private George Betts 2nd Battalion Norfolk Regiment. The medal, 2nd type with swivel suspender and private purchase engraved sterling silver brooch bar suspender. George Betts was born and lived in Notting Hill London around 1833, before joining the army he was employed as a Coach Painter. He joined the army on 22nd January 1858 and attested into the 2nd battalion 9th Foot the Norfolk Regiment. he served in Japan guarding the European settlement at Yokohama during the Japanese Civil War (1863-68); also in Gibraltar, Hong Kong and in India around 1874 and joining the Jowaki expedition (1877-78). He was promoted to Corporal on 1st April 1859 but in 1862 he was court martialled, for something I cannot read on his papers, it was serious enough for him to be demoted back down to a private. He served as a private for the rest of his career in the army and was finally discharged 1878 after serving 20 years. It looks like he tried to reengage for another 12 years, but was found unfit. What does a long serving soldier do after serving most of his adult life in the army. It seems that George tried to go back to the only other thing he knew, coach painting, we see him as a painters labourer in the 1881 census, married with children. In 1906 George now 73 is on his own and destitute, he is taken in by the Royal Hospital, Chelsea. Sadley George died as a Chelsea pensioner in 1912 at the age of 79. The LS&GC medal is his only entitlement, although a long serving soldier spending most of his service in foreign climes and probably seeing his fair share of minor skirmishes, he did not take part in any specific campaigns. The medal is in superb condition with original suspender and private purchase brooch bar, which is engraved with foliate scrolls; the ribbon is a replacement. It comes with copies of Georges service papers, census and death details etc. The 2nd type LS&GC medal with scroll suspender is a beautiful medal, the best of all LS&GC’s and only awarded for 18 years of exemplary service, which shows what kind of soldier George was, even though he was court martialled and demoted.
Victorian Medal Trio to Grenadier Guards, Crimean War Interesting trio of medals awarded to 6470 Corporal Thomas Charles of the 3rd Battalion Grenadier Guards. The medals are the Victorian Long Service and Good Conduct medal correctly named to Charles, the Turkish Crimea medal, this is also correctly named to Charles and the Crimean War medal, this is an original erased medal which has been added because his original medal was lost. The medals comes with a copy of his service papers which gives the details below and two copy photographs of Charles with his old comrades, these are delightful and were obtained via the Grenadier Guards Museum. Also included are two very old letters written by his family, his Daughter I believe, to his old friends after his death, it appears that he was a Chelsea pensioner in later life; and lastly the best, an old original photograph of Thomas in full dress uniform; this is quite faded but is an image of him as a young guardsman so it must have been taken around the 1860’s by a professional portrait photographer, what a very rare thing to have accompanying Victorian medals. Thomas Charles was born 1829 in Cambridge, before joining the army he was employed as a labour, probably on local farms. He enlisted in to the Grenadier Guards in Cambridge 1853 at the age of 24 years; he served in the Crimean war earning two clasps, Alma and Sebastopol and in North Africa. Over all he served a total of 22 years earning the Long Service and Good Conduct medal. Both of his original medals are in good condition for their age, the Crimea medal is also in very good condition but looks erased. It is unknown what happened to Thomas’s Crimea medal, one of the pictures featuring him clearly shows him wearing all three medals and the other picture was taken with, the then Prince of Wales, later Edward VII. A wonderful Victorian trio to a long serving Guardsman which could be further researched if wished, if not a great group for future investment.
Victorian Norfolk Regiment officers Uniform & Helmet. A very rare full dress uniform for an officer in the 2nd volunteer battalion Norfolk regiment, it comprises of the blue cloth home service helmet, this has all silver fittings including its original helmet plate; it has the owners name as ‘Arnold’ inside on a paper label, I have tried to research this officer but there are a couple of possibility’s with the same name; the helmet is in excellent condition, showing some wear, but this is only conclusive of its age. The tunic, this is beautiful scarlet Melton woollen cloth, embellished with silver bullion ornamentation, silver buttons and collar dogs; the tunic is in just wonderful condition showing only a little wear. Lastly the trousers, these are mohair and again in superb original condition dark blue/black with a red pinstripe down the outside legs. All three pieces are 100% guaranteed original and come from my own collection; they come completely untouched and in original condition, the silver parts are now toned, these are easily cleaned if desired but it was something I just never got around to doing. As you can see from the pictures it displays really well, this is a rare uniform of museum quality being sold for just the price of the helmet. More pictures available on request.
Victorian Officers Sword Belt. This is a Victorian officer’s under sword belt. The belt itself is worn under the tunic to take the weight of the sword without distorting the tunic. A bullion officer’s belt would have been worn above the tunic for show. The belt itself is made of a fine webbing with leather reinforced areas. The sword straps, the parts that can be seen are made of silver bullion with a red silk stripe and red leather backed. All the fittings, buckles etc are silver plated. The whole belt is in very good condition although it does show signs of use and age, but no damage. Worn by most infantry officers under their scarlet tunics during the latter part of the 19th century. It will fit up to 38 inch waist.
Victorian Pembrokeshire Police Hanger. Quite a scarce little sword dating from the late 19th century and worn by police and prison officers, this one is engraved on the blade ‘Pembroke County’. The condition over all is very good, a few little faults, (please see pictures) and no scabbard, but these dint use to be too hard to find, but then again it needs to be displayed with blade on show, which is probably how it got separated in the first place. A nice collectable sword.
Victorian Perthshire Rifle Volunteers Glengarry Badge. The white metal badge for the Perth Highland Rifle Volunteers. The regiment was formed in 1859 but this badge was used from 1880 until 1887 when the regiment was absorbed into the volunteer battalions of the Black Watch. A beautifully designed badge which comes in excellent original condition.
Victorian Rifle Officers Whistle, Chain & Boss. A stunning heavy gauge sterling silver, chain and lion head boss, worn by rifle officers during the 19th century, from the Napoleonic wars to the 1880’s. this one is in lovely condition, the boss has its original back plate and although it isn’t hallmarked, it tests as .925 sterling silver, even the chain. The back plate is silver-plated. The whistle unusually has a Tudor rose on the top, but obviously, this could be a Yorkshire or a Lancashire rose, so this may be connected to one of these county’s regiments. A very fine piece, which will look fabulous in any collection.
Victorian Royal Artillery Button. A good Victorian gilt brass button used from the 1870’s until 1901. This one is in very good condition and was made by; Smith & Wright Ltd Birmingham. 1 inch in diameter.
Victorian Royal Engineers NCO’s Belt Buckle. A good quality Royal Engineers NCO’s belt buckle, in solid brass. it shows Queen Victoria’s arms in a wreath with the motto Ubique (meaning everywhere) at the bottom. It is in lovely original condition, just showing light wear to the surface but it still has very good detail. This buckle would has been worn with Slade Wallis equipment and dates to around 1890 to 1900.
Victorian Ships Brass Bell From The Wild Flower, Famed Rescue Vessel LT557, The Wild Flower was a fishing smack out of Lowestoft and on the 30th January 1895 was involved in a famous rescue involving the German passenger ship the SS ELBE. In late January of 1895 the SS Elbe was enroute from Germany to New York with 354 passengers aboard, by a combination of bad luck and poor seamanship on the part of the steamship Craithie sailing from Scotland to Rotterdam there was a collision 50 miles offshore on a wild and stormy night. The Elbe had been firing warning rockets but the Craithie either didnt see them or choose to ignore them and ultimately ran into the Elbe at 5.30 in the morning with such force that the Elbe was sunk within 20 minutes. Two lifeboats were scrambled but one overturned, the Craithie didnt stop to help and although damaged carried on her journey. To far from land and their distress rockets having gone unseen the people in the lifeboat looked doomed, fortunately for them the fishing vessel Wildflower came to their rescue and took the 20 surviving passengers and crew aboard just in time as the lifeboat was beginning to break up. The crew of the Wildflower were rewarded by Kaiser Wilhelm II with a gold and silver watch and £5. When the Wildflower ceased sailing the bell went into private hands, it was in the possesion of a Mr H.J. Finch who bequethed it to the Reydon Sea Scouts in October 1948, this information having been engraved on the side. (Reydon adjoins Southwold in Suffolk) ultimately it was housed in the British Legion in Southwold and when that closed came to me. The bell is in superb condition, it is missing its clapper but comes with its original bracket and it is seriously heavy. The bell is 8 inches in diameter and comes with a selection of paperwork detailing the Elbe and one has a picture of the Wildflower.
Victorian Silver & Mother-of-pearl Fruit Knife This is a lovely quality Victorian fruit or quill knife, the blade is clearly marked for Sheffield 1878 and the makers mark of JF for John Fenton. The handle is covered with mother-of-pearl and has a shield inset which has been engraved with the initials 'AD'. It comes in good condition, the main blade is straight and the hinge works well, there is a second smaller blade, this is not hallmarked and has the tip of the blade broken, the mother-of-pearl is in good order with one small break on each side. Measures 6.5 inches long with both blades open.
Victorian Silver Blade & Mother-of-pearl Handle Fruit Knife A lovely Victorian example of a silver bladed fruit knife with a mother-of-pearl handle, the blade is clearly hallmarked for Sheffield 1895 and has the makers mark of HH for Hukin & Heath a highly respected Sheffield maker. The mother-of-pearl handle has pretty decoration on both sides and to the front is a silver cartouche which has been monogrammed with the name P.G. Bree. The condition is very good, the tip of the blade has been rounded with use and is slightly out of shape, the mother-of-pearl is in excellent condition. It measures 3.25 inches closed and 5.5 fully open.
Victorian Silver Infantry Officers Whistle. A fabulous piece of early Victorian Officers Kit, dating from around 1840 - 60 these were worn on the cross belt by infantry officers such as officers of the Rifle Brigade and if you are a fan of ‘Sharp’, he wears one on his dark green uniform. This one is in superb condition, made of white metal and it is not hallmarked, there is makers details on the back of the lion head boss, please see pictures. This would look wonderful remounted on a leather cross belt, back where it belongs.
Victorian Silver Plate Stag Brooch. A Victorian silver plated Stag brooch. These became fashionable with Queen Victoria’s constant visits to Balmoral and the highlands of Scotland. It is in lovely condition with nice detail, although the original pin on the back, is a little bent and there are tiny area of copper peeping through, which gives it a lovely tone. It measures 2.5 inches long.
Victorian Small Brass 12th Royal Lancers Coate Button A lovely quality Victorian Coate button for the 12th Prince of Wales Royal Lancers, a quality produced product maker marked for Hawkes & Co London, it comes in very good condition with very mild signs of use, it measures 20mm in diameter.
Victorian Solid Brass Horse Harness Swinger A lovely decorative piece used on horse harness and swings with the movement of the animal, it measures 4 inches long and comes in very good condition with some signs of age and use
Victorian Spectacles & Case. A pair of Victorian spectacles in their original case supplied by Aldred & Sons Opticians Gt Yarmouth. Both spectacles and case are in very good condition. An interesting curio.
Victorian Sterling Silver & Enamel Jubilee Badge A super quality Victorian 1837-1887 jubilee badge, it is marked on the back ‘sterling silver’ and the front has been enamelled in colours, it comes in very good condition with no loss to the enamel and just requires a clean, it measures 1.25 inches long.
Victorian Sterling Silver Rifle Brigade Cross Belt Set. A stunning lot all made of solid silver, the pieces that are not hallmarked have been tested as .925 sterling silver. The cross plate badge for the Prince Consorts Own Rifle Brigade, is all sterling silver, even the large back plate is sterling silver as are the posts and nuts. This is in good condition, it shows signs of wear to the surface and it has a small piece of the Princes crown missing. The Whistle boss, solid silver but the posts are plated brass, but the nuts are solid silver. This bares the Lions mask which is silver. The ring I haven’t tested, as there is no where I can do a deceit test with out it spoiling the look. The treble chain is sterling silver and the whistle and holder are also, this part is hallmarked for Birmingham 1887 and a makers mark for Joseph Jennens & Co. a maker renowned for making military buckles and cross belts. Both the boss and the whistle are in excellent condition, slight wear to the surface, but less than you would expect on a piece of this age. I have had it all mounted on a piece of good black English leather with a silver eyelet at the top for hanging. The whole piece measures 16.75 inches long.
Victorian Volunteer Force Long Service Medal. This medal was awarded to OR’s for 20 years’ service and issued from 1894 to 1908 when it was replaced by the Territorial Efficiency Medal, so quite a short lived medal. This one is a very fine example of this medal, un-named as issued, it is in excellent original condition and on a length of its original silk ribbon.
Vintage 1950 Drill and Ceremonies United States Army Field Manual Issued in 1950 by the United States department of the army Washington DC covering all aspects of drill and ceremonies, it has 280 plus pages of text and odd pictures, A5 pocket size it comes in very good condition with signs of use.
Vintage 1975 Airfix M.R.C.A. Multi –Role Combat Aircraft Model Kit Acquired from a recent house clearance this 1975 model kit appears to be complete with all parts still attached to its frame and in its original plastic bag of issue, it makes into a M.R.C.A. multi-role combat aircraft in 1/72 scale, other than a little damage to the box due to storage it is in excellent condition.
Vintage 1979 ladies Ernest Borel Kaleidoscope Cocktail Watch with Paperwork This is a lovely ladies cocktail watch, very unusual on the face, it is called a kaleidoscope and when wound the middle circle rotates producing a kaleidoscope effect, the back has clear glass showing the mechanism. It comes with its original paperwork showing it was retailed in 1979 at Spritzer and Fuhrmann with the maker being Ernest Borel and is a gold filled ladies wristwatch, it is also in its box of issue. It winds and runs and keeps good time, the strap shows signs of use so to make this the ultimate present a new strap would be a good idea.
Vintage 3rd Infantry Division Cloth Formation Patch A good printed cloth patch for the 3rd infantry division who have a long history, below is a brief history for their activities in WW2. The Patch comes in good but used condition and is faded on the black. During the Second World War, the division (now known as the 3rd Infantry Division) fought in the Battle of France including a rearguard action during the Dunkirk Evacuation, and played a prominent role in the D-Day landings of 6 June 1944.
Vintage 562nd Air Defence Artillery Regiment Badge A nice badge for the United States army 562nd air defence artillery regiment, below is a history for this regiment, the badge comes in good but used condition and has a simple maker mark of S-21 on the back, it measures just over one inch long. The 562nd Air Defence Artillery Regiment was an air defense regiment of the United States Army. It was organized under the Combat Arms Regimental System. 21 AAA Battalion (AW)(SP) was constituted 5 September 1928 in the Organized Reserves as the 2nd Battalion, 562nd Coast Artillery Regiment (Antiaircraft). Redesignated as the 2nd Battalion, 917th Coast Artillery Regiment (Antiaircraft) and organized in Virginia on 30 November 1929. Allotted to the Regular Army, redesignated as the 2nd Battalion, 70th Coast Artillery Regiment (Antiaircraft) and activated at Fort Monroe, VA on 4 November 1939. During World War II, the 70th Coast Artillery landed on Guadalcanal with the XIV Corps on 23 May 1943. On 10 November 1943 the 70th Coast Artillery Regiment was reorganized and redesignated as the 70th Antiaircraft Artillery Group.
Vintage Arabian Scimitar Cutlass Sword. A well-made vintage Arabian scimitar type cutlass sword carved horn grip with bird’s head pommel and inlayed with silver pique work, steel guard and this large, unusual blade lightly hand engraved to one side with wiggle work. It is in lovely condition, no damage and measures 23.5 inches long. Shipping to UK mainland only.
Vintage Army Wool Mittens with Trigger Finger A good pair of vintage wool army mittens which includes the additional ‘trigger’ finger. Good size and very good condition just one small hole on a thumb.
Vintage Army Wool Socks A good pair of vintage wool army socks. Good size and very good condition.
Vintage Boosey & Hawkes Military Brass Bugle This brass bugle could date anywhere from the Great War era onwards, these are called cavalry bugles in some older books. It is marked on the bell for Boosey & Hawkes London, the body is brass and the mouthpiece is silver plated, it has had a hard life and is quite dented especially along one section of the pipe travelling down to the bell. It measures 16.75 inches long.
Vintage Boxed John Beswick Pig Band Collection – Andrew Cymbalist 4 Issued by the famous Beswick factory in the 1990’s and known as the ‘promenade band collection’ each figure is modelled as a member of the band, this one is Andrew the cymbalist (PP4) a Gloucester old spot pig he comes in his original box of issue and bears a gilt coloured hand signature to the bottom (most examples are unsigned) and his unique authenticity certificate, he stands just over 5 inches high and is in pristine condition. I have 7 of the band members available, any or all would make perfect Christmas gift/s for the pig collector.
Vintage Boxed John Beswick Pig Band Collection – Christopher Guitar 9 Issued by the famous Beswick factory in the 1990’s and known as the ‘promenade band collection’ each figure is modelled as a member of the band, this one is Christopher the guitar player (PP9) a grey coloured pig he comes in his original box of issue and bears a gilt coloured hand signature to the bottom (most examples are unsigned) he stands 5 inches high and is in pristine condition. I have 7 of the band members available, any or all would make perfect Christmas gift/s for the pig collector.
Vintage Boxed John Beswick Pig Band Collection – Daniel Violinist 5 Issued by the famous Beswick factory in the 1990’s and known as the ‘promenade band collection’ each figure is modelled as a member of the band, this one is Daniel the violinist (PP5) a black and white striped pig he comes in his original box of issue and bears a gilt coloured hand signature to the bottom (most examples are unsigned) he stands over 5.5 inches high and is in pristine condition. I have 7 of the band members available, any or all would make perfect Christmas gift/s for the pig collector.
Vintage Boxed John Beswick Pig Band Collection – John Conductor 1 Issued by the famous Beswick factory in the 1990’s and known as the ‘promenade band collection’ each figure is modelled as a member of the band, this one is John the conductor (PP1) a Vietnamese pot bellied pig he comes in his original box of issue and bears a gilt coloured hand signature to the bottom (most examples are unsigned) and his unique authenticity certificate, he stands 4.75 inches high and is in pristine condition. I have 7 of the band members available, any or all would make perfect Christmas gift/s for the pig collector.
Vintage Boxed John Beswick Pig Band Collection – Matthew Trumpeter 2 Issued by the famous Beswick factory in the 1990’s and known as the ‘promenade band collection’ each figure is modelled as a member of the band, this one is Matthew the trumpeter (PP2) a large white pig he comes in his original box of issue and bears a gilt coloured hand signature to the bottom (most examples are unsigned) and his unique authenticity certificate, he stands just under 6 inches high and is in pristine condition. I have 7 of the band members available, any or all would make perfect Christmas gift/s for the pig collector.
Vintage Boxed John Beswick Pig Band Collection – Michael Bass Drum 6 Issued by the famous Beswick factory in the 1990’s and known as the ‘promenade band collection’ each figure is modelled as a member of the band, this one is Michael the bass drum player (PP6) a large black pig he comes in his original box of issue with his unique authenticity certificate and bears a gilt coloured hand signature to the bottom (most examples are unsigned) he stands over 5.25 inches high and is in pristine condition. I have 7 of the band members available, any or all would make perfect Christmas gift/s for the pig collector.
Vintage Boxed John Beswick Pig Band Collection – Richard French Horn 8 Issued by the famous Beswick factory in the 1990’s and known as the ‘promenade band collection’ each figure is modelled as a member of the band, this one is Richard the French horn player (PP8) ( the horn being made from gilded metal, an old fashioned Pietrain pig he comes in his original box of issue with his unique authenticity certificate he stands over 5.55 inches high and is in pristine condition. I have 7 of the band members available, any or all would make perfect Christmas gift/s for the pig collector.
Vintage Brass & Copper Bosun’s Whistle on Chain Here is a vintage Boatswain's call, pipe or bosun's whistle, made from brass and copper with the Naval anchor to the ball, it comes on a brass chain and is in very good condition with mild signs of use.
Vintage Brass Harrier Jump Jet Good quality solid cast brass model of a Harrier Jump jet, this is a weighty piece in very good condition, it measures 7.25 inches long.
Vintage Brass Telescope by Thompson London. A nice old vintage telescoped, excellent quality, single draw, leather covered and with day or night cover. The lenses are good and undamaged, they just need a clean. This piece is in lovely condition, it looks like the leather has been replaced at some point, but with a bit of wax polish will tone down the newness. It is marked on the single draw with W. H. Thompson. London. It measures 26.5 inches when fully drawn and 18 inches when closed.
Vintage Britains Special Collectors Edition – 8842 27th Punjabs A 1995 issue from Britain’s special collectors edition (now obsolete) this box contains six soldiers from the 27th Punjab (Rawalpindi) regiment of the Bengal infantry, these items were only available to club members who were subscription paid. They come in super condition never having been used.
Vintage Britains Special Collectors Edition – 8844 25th Cavalry A 1995 issue from Britain’s special collectors edition (now obsolete) this box contains four mounted soldiers from the 25th Cavalry Frontier force, these items were only available to club members who were subscription paid. They come in super condition never having been used.
Vintage Britains WW1 German Machine Gunners. Britain’s Special Collectors limited edition of the WW1 German machine Gun set 2005. They come in the original box and in mint (never been out of the box) condition. These were produced in limited numbers for the Britains collectors club, now obsolete, for dioramas or for investment collectors. It measures 4.25 x 2.5 inches at the base.
Vintage Britain’s Die Cast Gun Turret Issued as part of an artillery set this individual die cast gun turret by Britain’s comes in fair but playworn condition, there is some damage to an edge, it measures 4 inches long.
Vintage Britain’s Die Cast – Blues and Royals Here is a Britain’s die cast figure of a member of the Blues and Royals mounted guard, the piece is marked for Britain’s on the inside of the back leg of the horse, he comes in very good but playworn condition and stands 3.5 inches high.
Vintage Britain’s Die Cast – Mounted Life Guard Here is a Britain’s die cast figure of a member of the life guards, the piece is marked for Britain’s on the inside of the back leg of the horse, he comes in very good but playworn condition and stands 3.5 inches high.
Vintage Britain’s WW1 German 84th Reg at Mons 1914. Britain’s Special Collectors limited edition of the German 84th Infantry regiment advancing at Mons 1914. They come in the original box and in mint (never been out of the box) condition. These were produced in limited numbers for the Britain’s collectors club, now obsolete, for dioramas or for investment collectors. Each figure measures 2.75 inches high.
Vintage British South African Police Brass Cap Badge Below is a brief history for this police force, the all brass badge comes in very good but used condition and measures 1.75inches long. The British South Africa Police (BSAP) was, for most of its existence, the police force of Rhodesia (renamed Zimbabwe in 1980). It was formed as a paramilitary force of mounted infantrymen in 1889 by Cecil Rhodes' British South Africa Company, from which it took its original name, the British South Africa Company's Police. Initially run directly by the company, it began to operate independently in 1896, at which time it also dropped "Company's" from its name. It thereafter served as Rhodesia's regular police force, retaining its name, until 1980, when it was superseded by the Zimbabwe Republic Police, soon after the country's reconstitution into Zimbabwe in April that year.
Vintage Bronze Royal Medico Psychological Assoc Mental Nursing Medal Dating from the inter war period and named to M. Lovell this medal was awarded by the royal medico psychological association for proficiency in mental nursing, made from bronze it comes in very good condition measuring two inches long and lacking its ribbon.
Vintage Bronze St Andrew’s Ambulance Association Bronze Medallion There is a comprehensive history for the association online but basically the St Andrew’s ambulance association was the first Scottish volunteer ambulance service founded in 1882, members must have been issued with this type of medallion which were individually numbered, this one being 693, as it comes in its packet of issue I can attribute it to a Mary A. Watson. The medallion comes in very good condition and the packet is worn.
Vintage Bullion Merchant Navy Breast Patch A good vintage possibly WW2 era bullion breast patch for the Merchant Navy, comes in good but used condition with some discolouration to the bullion work, measures 3.25 inches long.
Vintage Bullion Royal British Legion Breast Badge A very well made gold bullion breast cloth badge for the Royal British Legion worn I’m sure with pride by an ex service person, it has a dark blue background attached to a black cloth backing, comes in super condition.
Vintage C1930’s Driving/Aviator Goggles in Case A good pair of vintage probably circa 1930’s driving or aviator goggles, they have green tinted lenses with a fur lined eye piece with green material sides and elasticated head band, they come in their original box which has protected them really well so they come in super condition.
Vintage Canadian Essex and Kent Scottish Glengarry Badge. A large white metal badge for this Canadian regiment. it comes in very good but used condition. A very attractive badge with good detail. Ref. J18
Vintage Cased Sphygmomanometer – Blood Pressure Gauge Called the Dominion model this cased sphygmomanometer or blood pressure gauge has a makers mark that is partially obscured but it could be Jewell & Croyden London, there is a ticket inside showing it was last checked for functionality in 1957, it appears in good condition and is complete, the case measures 12.5 inches long.
Vintage Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Badge A good vintage badge for the Society of Physiotherapy, made from brass with coloured enamels, it has the recipients number on the back and comes in good condition measuring 1.75 inches long.
Vintage Civil Service Motoring Association Members Button Badge Super quality white metal and blue enamel button badge for a member of the Civil Service motoring association, no makers mark and very good condition measuring .75 of an inch long.
Vintage Cold War Era Royal Observer Corps Uniform A good vintage uniform for a chief observer in the R.O.C. having 10 level pass insignia from the No5 group. The Cold War Era zip up jacket has full insignia and R.O.C. long service medal bar. It is dated 1972 and comes in good condition, the jacket measures 46 inches on the chest and the trousers are a 40 inch waist with a 29 inside leg (the zip is slightly corroded and requires cleaning)
Vintage Coldstream Guards Association Pin Badge This is a good quality badge made from white metal and coloured enamels for the Coldstream Guards Association, no makers mark but the condition is very good with little signs of use, it measures 1.25 inches long.
Vintage Colt 45 Single Action Black Firing Pistol. A super quality blank firing pistol by SMG. This is a replica of the 1873 Colt 45 single action army revolver. It is made of good gauge nickel plated metal with wooden grips and blocked barrel it has a working cartridge ejector and it will fire .45 blanks. This one has never been used and comes in its original box without lid, in fact it looks like it’s never been out of the box and displayed like this. It comes in perfect working order. A lovely piece for the collector and it displays very well. It measures 10.5 inches long. Ship to UK mainland only. Proof of age required on purchase.
Vintage Copper & Brass Military Bugle with Lanyard This is a good quality genuine military bugle made from seamed copper and brass complete with an original lanyard, it is not marked but shows signs of use and function, there are a few shallow dents here and there and some wear to the metal, it measures 11.5 inches long.
Vintage County of Lancashire Rifle Association Medallion A great bronze medallion issued by the County of Lancashire rifle association as a prize award, it has not been engraved and comes in its box of issue with a manufacturers name of John Bagshaw & Sons of Liverpool. Super unused condition and measures just under 1.75 inches long.
Vintage Curved Blade Throwing Knife. An interesting little knife, it has wood and brass grip, hard wood scales with a brass ends. It has a good stainless steel curved blade with a sharp point, ideal for throwing. It is in good condition with some pitting to the blade. It measures 7.5 inches long. Ship to UK Mainland Only. Proof of age required at purchase.
Vintage Dated 1955 Brass Button Stick A well marked button polishing stick, it has the makers mark of J.R.G.&S. WD with the broad arrow between and the date of 1955, comes in good but used condition and measures 6.75 inches long.
Vintage Desk Pen Stand – HMS Vanguard Constructed from a white metal with an early plastic base this model of HMS Vanguard desk pen stand has been well modelled and is quite detailed down to the turrets all being able to turn. It comes in very good condition with the metal being tarnished which should clean up well, it measures 8 inches long.
Vintage Ever Ready Fish Eye Torch An interesting pre WW2 Ever Ready ‘fish eye’ torch, an unusual looking item with a bulbous glass ball lense to amplify the light, marked to the bottom with Ever Ready made in England, it pops open at the bottom to fit the batteries and the top I assume to change a bulb, it comes in good order for its age with signs of use and is lacking a bulb and wires inside. It measures 5.5 inches long.
Vintage Four Function Pen Knife This four function pen knife dates from the inter war period, it has a faux ivory or ivorine handle, it has two pull out blades, a corkscrew and a pointed pipe cleaner, it comes in used condition and has a few minor issues, the tip of the corkscrew is missing the same for the pointed one, the knife blades are sharp and in good order but the large one has lost its back stop, it measures just over 5 inches open and 3 inches closed.
Vintage German Automobile Club Hamburg Board of Directors Enamel Badge 12 This is a super quality badge made from brass and coloured enamels for an automobile club in Hamburg, a translation of the word ‘Vorstand’ suggests its from the board of directors. As with all things German it is very well made with quality enamel work, it is maker marked on the back with ‘Nurnberg Berlin L. Chr Lauer’. It measures 35mm long and aside from one small flake to the black enamel is in very good condition.
Vintage German Made Brass Finish Pocket Compass A nice vintage German made pocket compass having a brass finished case and adjustable lock still mechanism, it measures 1.75 inches in diameter and comes in good but used condition with some wear to the metal.
Vintage German Metal Badge No Parking? This little metal badge seems to be about no parking but I cant see why anyone would have needed to wear a badge for that purpose! A crossed out 'P' on the front and 'parkverbot' on the back. Comes in fair condition and measures one inch in diameter.
Vintage German Military Stein -2nd Batt Field Artillery Regiment Always superior quality this very well marked German lidded stein was made in commemoration of early battalions, to the base it has the makers name of Alt-Grenzau and dates I think from the 1970’s, to the front around the top rim it has ‘2nd Battr. Grossch hess. Feld. Art.reg’ there is the number 19 in a red shield within the german eagle and crossed cannons, around the base it has ‘reservist Heurer’. The ceramic body fitted with a prewter hinged lid comes in superb condition, no chips or cracks and stands 9.75 inches high.
Vintage German Postcard – Graf Zeppelin at Dock Original photo postcard of the famous Graf Zeppelin at dock with numerous soldiers marching past, with official stamps on the back. It comes in very good condition.
Vintage German Webbing Spade Cover. Green webbing spade cover, made of olive green webbing with press clasp on the front, this is marked ‘Knip Hier’. It is in very good order, looks like it has never been used.
Vintage Girls Life Brigade Good Service Medal The Girls Life Brigade later the Girls Brigade first came into being in England in 1902 having been started in Ireland in 1893, Scotland came in 1900 and during the 1960’s the various services were amalgamated, this style of medal was awarded in the earlier years for good service, it is un named and comes in very good condition with a bit of dirt on the ribbon.
Vintage Grenadier Silver Plated Riding Boot Shot Measure A great novelty shot/drinks measure in the form of a grenadier riding boot with a removable plastic interior cup, simply marked ‘Silver plated England’ on the heel, it comes in very good condition with mild signs of age and use and it measures 3.5 inches high.
Vintage Hallmarked Silver Ladies Powder Compact B’ham 1957 This is a super quality hallmarked heavy gauge silver ladies powder compact with internal mirror, it carries the hallmarks for Birmingham 1957 and has the makers mark of T&S. The lid is hinged and inside this it has the mirror and a lock down second hinged lid to protect the powder, lift the second lid and you find the well for the powder and the remains of the pull out powder base, under this is the full set of hallmarks. To the outside it has engine turned decoration and has been engraved to the lid with a capital ‘F’. It comes in excellent condition with no obvious dings, it measures just under 3 inches on diameter.
Vintage Hand Painted Metal on Wood Ship’s Crest HMS Mercury This piece is a little bit of a conundrum, there is a web site about ships crests that is very emphatic that ships crest are within a circle and land bases are within a diamond, HMS Mercury was both a ship (in fact lots of them including a WW1 and WW2 example) and a land signals training base, but based on the web site info I am assuming this is most likely WW2 era ship crest. It is made from a metal plaque which has been hand painted and mounted on an oak shield. It comes in good condition with signs of age and having one crack to the wood towards the top, it measures approx. 7 inches long.
Vintage Indian Navy Officers Gilt Brass Belt Buckle A nice clean example of a vintage officer of the Indian Navy belt buckle, made from gilded brass it has no makers mark and is in very good condition with only light sign of age and use, it measures 2.5 inches long.
Vintage Institute of Hygiene Pin Badge – Gaunt A good vintage Institute of Hygiene pin badge, marked to the back for Gaunt and numbered to the recipient M1130, it comes in very good condition measuring .75 of an inch long.
Vintage Keegan & Baldwin Triple Horse Brass Strap – Armed Forces 1945-1995 A really lovely vintage horse brass made in 1995 to commemorate 50 years since the war, each brass is marked on the back KB for Keegan & Baldwin a Worcestershire heavy horse company and each brass covers an element of the armed forces, air force, army and navy. Mounted on a leather strap they come in very good condition and measure 16 inches long.
Vintage Kings Crown East Suffolk Police Reserve Badge Probably dating from the inter war period this white metal and blue enamel badge was issued to members of the East Suffolk police reserve, it comes in very good condition, some staining on the back and could do with a good clean, it measures 1.5 inches long.
Vintage Large Sized Shell Case NATO 308 Winchester This large sized shell case measures just over 4.25 inches long, it is simply marked to the base LC77, research suggests that it is for the NATO 308 Winchester first used in the 1950’s, the LC stands for the Lake City ordinance plant in Missouri and 77 as the year date. It comes in very good condition.
Vintage Matchbox Lesney Service Ambulance No 63 A nice example of a vintage Matchbox Lesney service ambulance, also marked on the bottom with ‘Ford 3 ton 4x4’ and numbered 63, it comes in playworn condition with some loss to the paint, it measures 2.5 inches long.
Vintage Military Band Brass Lyre Shaped Music Sheet Holder As used by the marching military bands in the brass section, it would strap over the instrument to hold the sheet music, I’m not sure for what instrument but the brass lyre shaped holder is set off centre to accommodate the relevant instrument, there are no maker marks and it comes in used condition, the leather strap which has been white dubbed is well used and the brass needs a clean , hard to measure but roughly 5 inches long.
Vintage Military Tunic Sergeant Royal Engineers. A vintage Circa (1990’s) Royal Engineers Sergeant’s No 2 dress tunic complete with stripes and Queens crown stay-bright buttons. It comes in very good condition and has a 40 inch chest. It would make a good WW2 reenactors tunic with a change of buttons and it’s a good modern size.
Vintage Nato Cold War Era Hudson Whistle – Military Marked Marked to the barrel with J. Hudson & Co Birmingham 973-7001 and the broad arrow under this vintage whistle dates from the cold war era and was issued by the NATO forces, it comes in very good condition and measures 3.25 inches long.
Vintage Novelty Brass Door Knocker Cat & Fiddle. A vintage brass door knocker featuring the cat and fiddle. I am not sure how old it is, it is new old stock and came from an old Iron Monger’s in our town which closed about twenty years ago and was trading since the 1900’s. It came in its original brown paper wrapping and is in as new condition. it measures 3.75 inches high.
Vintage Novelty Brass Doorknocker Winking Cat. A vintage brass doorknocker featuring the A Winking Cat. I am not sure how old it is, it is new old stock and came from an old Iron Monger’s in our town which closed about twenty years ago and was trading since the 1900’s. It came in its original brown paper wrapping and is in as new condition. it measures 3.25 inches high.
Vintage Oil on Board of the Schooner Lilla Dan. A very attractive oil on this wooden board of the Schooner, the Lilla Dan. The Lilla Dan is a 35-meter topsail schooner built in 1951 by J. Lauritzen as a training ship, she has been with the same company ever since. Taken out of service as a training vessel in 1996, the Lilla Dan was completely renovated and put to work as a charter ship, and she is still sailing today. This painting is very well executed in traditional maritime style. It is dated October 1951 and was probably commision by the company. It measures; 15 x 10 inches and comes in good condition.
Vintage Opisometer (map measure) With Compass Dating probably from the 1950’s/60’s this cased opisometer or map measure is double sided and twinned with a compass on the back, it comes in a morocco brown leather holder and comes in good but used condition with a spot of rust on the hands of the compass, it measures just under 3 inches long.
Vintage Oriental Carved Wood Devils Ball I am calling this a Devil’s ball as the principal is the same but generally they are ball shaped, this one is elongated with an applied top and bottom, such a clever thing to create, so involved and easily messed up, the carver takes a single piece of wood and carves individual moving balls with the frame, there are at least 3 balls contained and the outside has a dragon scale type pattern. This one is made from sandalwood and hung in a wardrobe to keep clothes smelling nice and to keep the moths away. It comes good condition with a age crack on one side and measures just under 5 inches long.
Vintage Polish Communist Medal Below is a brief history for the introduction of this medal, this example comes in very good condition. Medal of the 40th anniversary of People's Poland - Polish civilian state decoration of the communist period. The Medal of the 40th anniversary of People's Poland was established by the Act of April 26, 1984 on the 40th anniversary of the establishment of People's Poland in order to express recognition for the effort of people working in building and strengthening the socialist state, socio-economic development and national culture . The Resolution of the Council of State of May 10, 1984 defined the rules of broadcasting and the description of the medal badge.
Vintage Polish Order of Polonia Restituta 1944 Order of the Rebirth of Poland is a Polish state order established 4th February 1921. It is conferred on both military and civilians as well as on foreigners for outstanding achievements in all forms of art and defence. This one is the knights cross or fifth class and comes in very good used condition and in its original box of issue.
Vintage Postcard Shots of American Airships 1946 Two vintage photo postcards dated 1946 showing American airships at I assume an airshow in this country as the photographers details are for Liverpool, one shows the airship ‘resolute’ and the other the ‘macon’, there is a third small photo of part of the resolute, this is a bit worn on the surface, the postcards are in very good condition.
Vintage Printed linen Union Flag (1) Quite distressed and faded from use this vintage union flag is printed on linen but would still serve as a good back drop in a display cabinet or similar, it does have some holes and has lost some colour, it measures 42 inches x 30.
Vintage Printed linen Union Flag (2) Quite distressed and faded from use this vintage union flag is printed on linen but would still serve as a good back drop in a display cabinet or similar, it does have some holes and has lost some colour, it measures 32 inches x 21.
Vintage Printed linen Union Flag (3) A bit distressed and slightly faded from use this vintage union flag is printed on linen but would still serve as a good back drop in a display cabinet or similar, it does have some holes and has lost some colour, it measures 38 inches x 24.
Vintage QEII RAF Medical Services Staff Sergeants Uniform A No1 dress staff sergeants uniform for medical services with the RAF, it includes full insignia including the collar badges and GSM bar. It comes in very good condition with no moth and the measurements are: Tunic…40 inch chest, trousers 32 inch waist and 30 inner leg.
Vintage RAF LM (Loadmaster) Aircrew Padded Brevet Badge An aircrew brevet (officially known as an aircrew badge) is the badge worn on the left breast, above any medal ribbons, by qualified aircrew in the Royal Air Force, this example has LM for the rank of Loadmaster, this is the person responsible for the safe loading, transport and unloading of an aircraft. This one is a sewn badge that comes in super condition.
Vintage RAF QM (Quartermaster) Aircrew Padded Brevet Badge An aircrew brevet (officially known as an aircrew badge) is the badge worn on the left breast, above any medal ribbons, by qualified aircrew in the Royal Air Force, this example has QM for the rank of quartermaster. This one is a sewn badge that comes in super condition.
Vintage RAMC Lanyard. Maroon cord lanyard worn on the service dress of the Royal Army medical Corps. Comes in very good condition.
Vintage Rarden Autocannon 30mm Shell 2 The L21A1 Rarden autocannon is a British weapon used on combat vehicles, much more information is available on google, this example is marked to the base with MR 69 008 F, 69 would denote the date, the shell case has had three holes drilled through and the fuse removed and the tip painted black, It comes in good condition and measures just over 11 inches long. Ship to UK mainland only
Vintage Recuerdo Mallorca Pen Knife A decorative little pen knife marked to the blade with Recuerdo Mallorca so Spanish in origin, the blade is further decorated to one side, the hafts of the handle are made from an early coloured plastic and it has a lift up release for the blade. The piece comes in good condition but shows signs of age with some rust to the metal, it measures 5.25 inches open and just under 3 closed.
Vintage Republic of Zaire Women’s Mother’s Medal Issued to a female recipient and mounted on a women’s bow this medal comes from the republic of Zaire and is most likely for breeding success, it has ‘merite conjugal’ on the reverse, comes in very good condition.
Vintage Rifle Cleaning Kit A good quality vintage rifle or gun barrel cleaning kit complete with brushes and pull through chain, there is an oil bottle but this is empty, comes in good but used condition.
Vintage Royal Engineers Lanyard. Dark blue macramé lanyard worn on the service dress of the Royal Engineers and Corp of Signals. Comes in very good condition.
Vintage Royal Engineers Sergeant No1 Mess Dress A scarce and interesting vintage No1 mess dress belonging to Sergeant Gooding of the Royal Engineers. The tunic is made from red and black Melton wool with a red quilted silk lining and made by Costello of London, it comes with matching trousers and a wool and silk waist coat (shirt and bow tie not included). The uniform comes in very good condition and is of beautiful quality with bullion insignia. The tunic measures 42 inch chest and the trousers are 34 waist and 30 inch leg. Sergeant Gooding was also a qualified compressed air diver and a close combat expert
Vintage Royal Order of Buffaloes Neck Collar with Jewels A great Royal Andalusian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB) neck collar set with six jewels (medals) one of which is hallmarked silver and various badges mostly all named to the same person Brother George Batty but coming from various lodges, the silver example dates from 1937 and the other jewels carry on into the war years. A really good display piece measuring 18 inches long and coming in very good condition.
Vintage Scots Guards Tunic Kings Crown. A good old Scots Guards tunic dating from around the WW2 ear. This tunic is in good order, no sign of moth what so ever, but it will need a little TLC there are some small holes due to wear and It has some buttons missing, but I found three, so there’s a start. All original buttons are Kings Crown with two GS buttons on the epaulettes and some of the main buttonholes have been sewn up, probably a reissued tunic after The war. The cloth is a little dull and it could do with a light steam, just to brighten it up. But a superb original OR’s tunic in original condition, measuring a 36 inch chest.
Vintage Sekonda 17 Jewel Gents Wrist Watch. A very nice Gents Sekonda gold plated wrist watch dating from the 1970’s-80’s. it is a manual wind with a cream coloured face with gold hands, with second hand and numerals. It also has a date window and a gold plated stretchy metal strap. It has just been cleaned and serviced and in very good working order. The condition of the watch is lovely, there is a little wear to the gold plating on the strap but on the whole, the plating is unworn.
Vintage Ship In A Bottle A very nice example of a many masted ship in a bottle bearing the name ‘Rachel’, originally I think a whisky bottle the glass has been reverse painted on the back and even the sea is painted and textured, it comes in very good condition for its age with just some wear to the paint on the back and it measures ten inches long.
Vintage Small Childs Size Russian Ushanka Hat A lovely piece designed for a small child probably around 10 years or so, it has a brass and red enamel badge to the front and tie up ear flaps, it comes in good but used condition.
Vintage Small Linen Scottish Flag A well loved vintage Scottish linen flag, with odd holes but will still display well, it measures 34 x 18 inches.
Vintage Smith’s Bezel Wind Car/Cockpit Clock This style of clock was used in the 1920’s/30’s in the dash board of cars and sometimes in the cockpit of planes, it is wound from the front on the bezel and the time is changed by a pull out button at the bottom. Some bright spark realised that these clocks could be placed in bespoke cases and this one has been placed in a solid mahogany Edwardian case with inlaid decoration to the front. The clock was made by Smith’s of London and is marked accordingly on the front, it has P-151.359 either side of the hands. It winds and runs, I have had it running for a few hours and it has kept good time although a professional clean is recommended, the case and clock are both in very good order, it is a heavy piece which measures 11 inches across the front.
Vintage Sterling Silver Dr Barnardo’s Young Helpers League Badge Issued to the children of the ‘middle and upper classes’ who helped to fund raise on behalf of children of the ‘waif class’ (Dr Barnardo’s actual words) this example is marked on the back for Sterling silver with a makers mark and is decorated with blue enamel. It comes in very good condition with some light wear to the surface, it measures one inch long.
Vintage Sterling Silver Scottish Clan Brooch This is a large Scottish clan brooch, marked to the back with silver and 925 for Sterling and it has also been tested and it tests as sterling silver; the brooch depicts a garter belt with a hand holding a heart, not sure to which clan this belongs, it comes in super condition is very heavy gauge and measures just over two inches in diameter.
Vintage Straw Filled Teddy Bear. An old teddy bear with yellow coloured plush fur. It has material pads and is either straw or saw dust filled, as the filling is hard and crunchy. It probably dates from the 1950’s / 60’s I would think. He comes in very good condition and still has both original eyes a black embroidered nose and a distinctive red mouth. There is no moth damage and no rips or tears, he or she has been well looked after, although he has been played with. Our bear stands 13.5 inches high.
Vintage Superb Quality Sterling Silver Masonic President Medal 1970 Festival The Masonic pieces are always superior quality and this is a lovely example, it is dated for a festival in 1970 and was awarded to the president, it has a full set of hallmarks for Birmingham 1969 with a makers mark of V&S which ties in with its box of issue made by Vaughtons limited goldsmiths of Birmingham. It has not been engraved and comes in near perfect condition with just the ribbon showing slight signs of use, the medal measures 1.5 inches long and is 4.5 inches long with the ribbon.
Vintage Tank Periscope Possibly Russian This is the top section of a tank periscope, the closest comparison I can find is for a cold war era Russian tank, it is heavy and solid with its mirrors in place, it measures 4.25 inches long and comes in good condition with some signs of wear and use.
Vintage The Acme Thunderer Whistle A good example of a vintage ‘The Acme Thunderer’ whistle, marked accordingly on the top, complete with original pea and in good working order, there are a few surface marks and rust on the jump ring, comes attached to a piece of black ribbon. It is marked with just England on the bottom which dates it from 1891 to 1929.
Vintage the ECMA City Police Whistle – J. Hudson & Co This vintage police whistle is well marked with ‘the ECMA city whistle England’ to the body, made from base metal with a white metal covering sadly it has had a lot of use and is worn down to the base metal in places. Interestingly Hudson & Co are very well known for the ‘ACME’ whistle and for some reason decided to reverse the name to ‘ECMA’ as shown on this example.
Vintage The St John Ambulance Association Large Cap Badge A large sized white metal cap or sleeve badge for the St John Ambulance Association, it is of a domed shape and carries a registration number to the front of 111905, this would date it to 1889 but I think that must be its inception date, it comes in good condition and a previous owner has scratched his name on the back ‘Smith’, it measures just under two inches in diameter.
Vintage Trio of White Metal & Glass Arm Bracelets I would date these bracelets from the 1970’s, they are designed to be worn either up the arm or loose on the wrist, although sold as white metal I’m fairly sure they are silver and probably Indian in manufacture, each is set with a run of cut glass stones in three colours, they come in very good condition and measure 3 inches in diameter.
Vintage United Sates Army Tank Periscope This is the top section of a tank periscope, I believe based on the hand written letters and numbers inside the item that is from a WW2 to cold war era United States army tank , written inside is ‘O.W.L/TD. 31914/2/5’ it is heavy and solid with its mirrors in place, it measures nearly 4.5 inches wide and comes in good condition with some signs of wear and use.
Vintage United States Vietnam Service Medal Below is a brief history for the criteria of award for this medal, this example comes in very good condition, it has a makers mark on the back of the pin bar and has its original ribbon, the medal is 1.25 inches in diameter. The Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) is a decoration of the U.S. military presented to personnel of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces who performed military service during the Vietnam War and meet specific qualifications laid out by the United States Department of Defense. To be eligible service members must have completed 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days of service relating to direct support of ground operations or maritime service directly aiding military operations within specific regions of the Republic of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand between the dates of November 15, 1961 - March 28, 1973 and April 29, 1975 - April 30, 1975. U.S. Air Force members who flew in missions over Vietnam Airspace are also eligible for the award.
Vintage US Military Issue Otis M9 9mm Pistol Cleaning System A hardly used cleaning kit, comprehensive description below from a current advert retailing at £24.99, this one is clean and hardly touched but the oil has been used. THIS CLEANING SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN M9 9mm PISTOLS AND SUB GUNS. NOW AUTOMATICS CAN BE CLEANED CORRECTLY FROM BREECH TO MUZZLE WITHOUT DISASSEMBLY. MEMORY FLEX CLEANING RODS, PANOPLY PATCHES AND A HEAVY DUTY BORE BRUSH EASILY STRIP THE COPPER FROM BORES. SPECIAL HANDLE WITH SCRAPER, PICK AND BRUSHES CLEAN THE RECEIVER, TRIGGER GROUP AND BOLT.
Vintage USA 469th Field Artillery Unit Crest Badge The 469th saw active service in the Korean war 1950-53 and were part of the 7th cavalry regiment based at different locations including Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Camp Drake, Japan; Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; Pusan, Korea. This vintage badge has a bit of age to it and is simply marked IE on the back, it comes in good condition but is a bit grubby and measures just over one inch long.
Vintage USA Unit Insignia Badge 122nd Aviation Support Battalion Probably dating from the 1980’s this distinctive unit insignia badge is for the 122nd aviation support battalion, marked Denmark N.Y. D22 to the back, it comes in very good condition and measures just over one inch long.
Vintage Webbing Rifle Sling. An old rifle sling, one end loops over the rifle’s sling loop and the other end has a hook catch. There is a stamped mark on the webbing, this looks like GTK2 39. Please see pictures. it measures; 52 inches long.
Vintage Welsh Guards Officers No2 Uniform with Sam Brown Belt A good vintage Welsh Guards officers No2 uniform complete with Sam Brown belt, anodised buttons with Queen’s crown and rank insignia. The uniform was made by Meyer & Mortimer Ltd of London and carries a date of 1988. It comes in very good, ready to wear condition, the jacket measures: chest 34 inches, waist 34, the trousers have an inside leg of 29 inches and a waist of 30
Vintage White Metal & Enamel West Ham Fire Brigade Cap A two part construction white metal and enamel cap badge for the West Ham fire brigade. It has some damage to the enamel and is missing a lug on the back.
Vintage White Metal Double Bladed Commemorative Penknife This is a very good quality double bladed pocket or pen knife, it is marked on the haft C.B.W.D. Jubilee 1954, I haven’t been able to find who or what cbwd were. The knife was made by Harrison Brothers & Howson and is rustless steel, it is marked on both blades with the above and also ‘cutlers to his majesty’. Aside from some very mild marks to the metal it comes in super condition and measures 7 inches fully open and just under 3.5 closed.
Vintage White Metal Gettysburg Peace Memorial Ashtray Made from a soft white metal and embossed with a scene of the peace memorial at Gettysburg this commemorative ashtray would have been a tourist piece probably from the 1920's/30's. Comes in fair condition there is some staining to the metal in places, measures just under 4.5 inches in diameter.
Vintage Wood and Bone Inlaid Travelling Cribbage Board A handy travelling cribbage box which contains a set of cards and modern pegs, the box folds open to create a full playing board and has been set with 12 bone panels to take the pegs, it comes in good condition with signs of age and use and measures 5.5 inches long.
Vintage Wood Shield/Plaque T.S. Mercury The Training Ship Mercury, or TS Mercury, was a naval training establishment founded as a ship in 1885 and then a shore-based school at Hamble in Hampshire from 1892 until its closure in July 1968. Although one of over thirty pre-sea training schools founded during the Victorian period, it was the only privately owned establishment training boys for both the Royal and Merchant Navies. This solid oak shield/plaque has the motto ‘men are the souls of ships’ to the bottom, it comes in excellent condition and measures 7.5 inches long.
Vintage WRVS Boxed Medal and Badges This Women's voluntary service medal was awarded to Mrs I.W. Dixon from Staffordshire for services rendered in the WRVS, this type of medal was first issued in 1961 for 15 years service and I think this selection of items dates from the late 1960's/70's. The medal is in pristine condition and appears not to have been worn, it comes in its box with spare ribbon and a letter explaining the protocol for wearing it, there are also two badges a large WRVS white metal and red enamel sleeve badge and a National Hospital Service Reserve badge in brass and green enamel. All items are in excellent order.
Vintage ‘The Acme’ Whistle with Pea J. Hudson & Co A nice example of an early ‘ACME’ white metal whistle made by the famous company of J. Hudson & Co and marked with the factories initials on both side barrels, an early style complete with rattling pea it comes in very good condition, a few blemishes on the sides and works perfectly, it measures 1.75 inches long.
Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) Patch and Badges Post WW2 VAD arm patch badge and two Red Cross brass and enamel 'Branch' and 'Division' badges, all three are in excellent condition.
W2 Iron Cross 2nd Class EKII A WW2 EKII typical construction made from a frame, of 800 grade silver (tested) with a solid magnetic iron core sandwiched between the silver frame. It is in very good condition with a large type unmarked suspender ring. It comes on a piece of original ribbon, although this is a little on the scruffy side.
Wanted Kitchener Memorabilia Any Memorabilia relating to Lord Kitchener, anything but pictures. Jugs, Plates, Postcards, medals and medallions etc.
Wanted; German Battle Badges. Genuine German WW2 Battle Badges, Luftwaffe, Heer, Kriegsmarine etc. Contact website
Welsh Guards Cap & Shoulder Badge Set. All brass Cap badge and shoulder title of the Welsh Guards. The shoulder title is in excellent original condition, the cap badge has signs of light wear.
Welsh Interest – WW1 Era Postcard V.C Winner Williams Presentation This WW1 era photographic postcard shows a large crowd scene attending the presentation of a gold watch to Victoria Cross winner seaman W. William of Amlwch 28th June 1917, below is the description of the action in which Williams earned his V.C. At some stage a good quality blow up photograph of the postcard has been made showing the people in more detail. The postcard comes in very good condition. On 7 June 1917, HMS Pargust (a Q ship) was out in the Atlantic Ocean when her engine room was damaged by a torpedo fired from the U-boat SM UC-29. The explosion loosened the gun covers and Seaman Williams, with great presence of mind, took the whole weight on himself and physically prevented the covers from falling and betraying the ship to the enemy. The Pargust\'s \'panic party\', the decoy crew carried on every Q ship for the purpose of leaving it apparently abandoned when attacked, took to the lifeboats and the U-boat then surfaced, believing the Pargust to be a crewless and defenceless merchant vessel. When the U-boat was about 50 yards (46 m) away, the captain of HMS Pargust gave the order to fire and the submarine was blown up and sank.
White Metal RAF Seletar (Singapore) Tankard to Flight Lietenant RAF Seletar was a Royal Air Force station in Singapore between 1928 and 1971. Plans for establishing an airfield, flying boat and naval base in Singapore were first agreed by the RAF in 1921. This silver plated tankard was presented by Flight Lieutenant L.T. Chapman to the officers of the mess, sadly lacking a date I would place it post war up to the 60’s, it comes in very good condition just needing a clean, it stands 5 inches high.
Wonderful Group of WW2 Prisoner of War Items – Stalag Belt Bible Etc Here is an excellent group of items all belonging to one man who was taken as a prisoner of war at El Alamein and transferred to a German Stalag and was a POW for nearly 2 years……… To start at the beginning…….Gordon Hanger came from Rushden in Northamptonshire, he was a talented and fancied young boxer with a series of wins under his belt but the outbreak of war curtailed his career, he joined up to the Northamptonshire regiment and was later transferred to the Queen’s Royal Regiment serving with the 1/7th battalion who saw action in France and Belgium and who subsequently were evacuated from Dunkirk, after regrouping in England the division was sent to North Africa taking part in the battle of Alam el Halfa and later the second battle of El Alamein where Gordon was taken prisoner first having been shot in the right shoulder and arm which ruined his boxing career, he was taken prisoner by the Italians, fortunately there is a lovely newspaper article and an annotated bible which gives a clear and interesting timeline for the events which followed. Gordon was unimpressed by the treatment received from the Italians and the article refers to them stealing the Red Cross parcels for their own use and not using anaesthetic on the British prisoners if they needed an operation, he was issued with a POW bible in which he kept a list of dates and locations starting from his capture at El Alamein through 4 Italian run hospitals to Lamsdorf in Germany in Stalag 8B which later became Stalag 344, his release in August of ’44 and coming home via Sweden arriving home in September ’44. During his imprisonment Gordon kept a notebook in which he listed all of the letters received from family and friends and how many he wrote back he also handmade the wonderful POW work belt which has been hand sewn showing his regiment, Egypt, Stalag VIIIB 1943, Italy and P.O.W. No 32536. With this group are his medals, his pre war boxing identity card, a war era boxing medallion, the bible, various newspaper articles, a religious cross and some later paperwork regarding his boxing career. A super interesting group which comes in good but aged condition.
WW1 & WW2 Group to Nurse Christie. A fabulous group which includes WW1 British War and Victory medals correctly named to Nurse E K Christie, 1939-45 star, Defence and war medal, WW2 Belgian Red Cross Service badge, named box of issue for WW2 medals, named to Sister Evelyn K Christie 20th G/H 1st Eastern, Cambridge. Apart of 2 different medal index cards for this lady, no other research has been done; the first mic states the award of both medals to E. K. Christie issued by the Government India, her rank being a Temporary Nurse with the Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Reserve, the second mic, which I am 100% sure is the same lady is dated 1923 and shows her at the No3 general Hospital, still as a temporary nurse for the VAD, in the remarks box, it states her two medals were issued from India. During the second world war she is serving again, maybe totally voluntary with the Belgian Red Cross or she may have been sent overseas to aid the Belgian red cross, however after the war she has the rank of sister working at the Cambridge general. All medals are in excellent condition and look as if they have never been mounted or worn, I have left them totally as I found them many years ago, in the box of issue and an old cardboard box with various bits and bobs which I have no idea how they relate, only that all were once her property, it includes everything you see in the pictures. To be totally frank, research on this lady is going to be time consuming, I have obtained everything that can be obtained online, the next step being the national archives at Kew or this is a group for future research as I’m sure every document in the public domain will be online someday. This is no doubt a very interesting lady, who was not afraid to go overseas to nurse the sick and wounded during both wars and nothing is known of her work in between, a great project which offers superb investment potential.
WW1 & WW2 Medals & Insignia to; Lieut Dawe RGA & Civil Defence. A superb group of medal and effects all belonging to Lieutenant Thomas Dawe of the Hampshire Territorial Royal Garrison Artillery, Wessex Brigade. It comprises of the WW1 British War and Victory medal pair correctly named to Lieutenant T Daw. Both medal come in mint condition and in their box of issue, which they have never been out of. Both boxes are named to Lieut T Daw. Also included is a nice portrait photograph of Thomas in uniform. WW2 Defence medal in box of issue with issue slip, box named to Mr T Dawe. 25 Park View Gardens, Hendon, London. Various WW2 Civil Defence and ARP badges and insignia for the Hampstead Area. Here is some quite rare original insignia, including cloth badges for Control and Intelligence & Operations, so it looks like Thomas held and important position during the Second World War with the civil defence. There is also a group of press photographs showing cadets a large artillery gun. These date around the WW2 era and Thomas is in one of the pictures in overalls. Apart from a copy of his medal index card and medal roll, no other research has been done on this man, I believe this man has a very interesting service history, especially during WW2 when he was chief warden with the civil defence and served with control and Intelligence and operations. As already mentioned all the medals are in mint never worn, never polished condition and come in all of their boxes of issue. the insignia is used and worn and have evidence they have been taken off a uniform. A very interesting lot in need of research.
WW1 & WW2 Red Cross Medals & Badges to Nurse Stanton Smith. A comprehensive group of Red Cross medals and awards to a lady that served with the British Red Cross Society through both world wars. This lot includes the BRCS medal for Great war service, this is in mint condition and in box of issue. BRCS medals: Proficiency in Red Cross Nursing with 1937, 1939 bars and the 1939 bar for Anti – Gas Training, named to M. S. Smith. Proficiency in Anti-Gas Training medal. Unnamed as issued. BRCS medal For Merit, named to M. S. Smith. WW2 Defence medal, unnamed as issued and the Sterling Silver Voluntary Medical Service Long Service and Good Conduct medal with 4 bars, named to Miss Mable Stanton Smith. This medal along with the for bars equates to 35 years’ service. Also the is a quantity of Red Cross badges and buttons, Red Cross cap badge and Red Cross arm band. Mabel Stanton came from and worked in Henley on Thames when the great war broke out, through the first world war she served in Red Cross parties at Park Place, Henley on Thames, this was a grand house, then owned by the Noble Family (Noble's Paints & Varnishes) it was converted to a temporary Red Cross hospital during the war taking, I believe both officers and ordinary men. At some point between the wars she must have married and took the name Stanton Smith, later, probably in later life she reverted back to miss. During WW2 she served again in her home county of Berkshire, undergoing extensive Anti Gas Training being awarded both the bar to the Proficiency in Red Cross Nursing medal and the Anti-Gas Training medal itself. Quite a rare, so it’s possible she may have helped train the civil defence, as there is also an instructors badge in her collection. A really wonderful group of awards to a very long serving member of the red cross.
WW1 / 2 Royal Navy Bullion Cloth Insignia for a leading weapons engineer, superb quality to be worn on the number one uniform, it comes in excellent condition.
WW1 / 2 Royal Navy Bullion Cloth Insignia for leading air macanic, very good quality gold wire work and this one comes in superb condition.
WW1 11th Hussars Cap & Shoulder Insignia. 1914 pattern 11th Hussars cap badge in solid brass, this comes with a shoulder title also in brass. Both pieces are excellent original and untouched condition, the cap badge has a good even tone to the brass. An interesting note. This badge was designed from the crest of Saxe-Coburg- Gotha, as the 11th were Prince Albert’s personal escort when he came to England to marry Queen Victoria in 1840.
WW1 12th Lancers Cap Badge. The WW1 all brass issue badge of the 12th Price of Wales Royal Lancers. It is in excellent original condition and with a nice even tone. Ref. L16
WW1 1914 Brass & Enamel On War Service Badge A good brass and enamel badge dated to the front for 1914 It was made by Firmin & Sons of London and is clearly marked for this on the back. Comes in good condition, has a few light scuffs to the front that may well polish out, has a button fixing on the back and measures one inch in diameter.
WW1 1914 Star Trio Medal Group – Bit of a Fibber Here is a WW1 1914 star trio to a man who served in the Royal Welsh Regiment, so proud of his service he awarded himself a 1914 star and had it privately engraved with his details, 10577 Private H. (Herbert) Parkin Royal Welsh Regiment, his medal index card shows his lawful entitlement to a British war and Victory medal and with no date of entry he probably went in post 1915. He obviously was very proud of his medals as they are very heavily polished, the star is quite flat on the front as is the victory medal, I’m not sure who mounted this group for Herbert but they managed to get the ribbons reversed on the pair, all in all a bit of a dogs dinner but he loved them and it makes a good display of how not to do it!
WW1 1914/15 Star Trio to Fleming 2nd Scottish Horse. 1914/15 star trio correctly named to 5107 Private (Lance Corporal on star) Murray Fleming of the 1st / 2nd battalion The Scottish Horse Yeomanry regiment. The 1st and 2nd Scottish Horse were expanded with the creation of the 3rd Regiment in August 1914 and the Scottish Horse Mounted Brigade was then formed with these three regiments in September 1914. By January 1915, the Scottish Horse Mounted Brigade was attached to the 63rd (2nd Northumbrian) Division on coastal defence duties in the UK. By August 1915 the regiments were ready for foreign service and took part in dismounted landings at Suvla Bay, Gallipoli on 2 September 1915, attached to 2nd Mounted Division. The division participated in the Battles of Suvla Bay: the Battle of Scimitar Hill and the attack on “W Hills on 21 August 1915. It sustained heavy casualties, which were soon exacerbated by losses to sickness and other wastage. The ever-reducing numbers of men forced a major reorganisation of the division. In December 1915 saw the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Regiments evacuated from Gallipoli and moved to Egypt. Due to heavy casualties, the Scottish Horse Brigade was absorbed into 1st Dismounted Brigade on Suez Canal defences in February 1916, now in the 52nd Lowland division, they took part in action at Dueidar on 22nd April and the Battle of Romani 4th & 5th August, part of the Palestine campaign On 29 September 1916, the 1st and 2nd Regiments formed an infantry battalion. Just over two weeks later, on 15 October 1916, it became known as the 13th (Scottish Horse Yeomanry) Battalion, the Black Watch. The now 13th Battalion was sent to fight in Salonika as part of the 81st Brigade in 27th Division and on 14 October 1917: the capture of Homondos. In Salonika the battalion were mainly used as scouts, a dangerous job, seeking up to the enemies lines and reconnoitring. A few of the men were picked out for sniper training including night sniping and Murray Fleming was one of the men chosen to become a sniper. Included with this lot is a copy of a written account by one of Fleming’s colleges in the sniper section, Pte James Scott Anderson. It tells of his time scouting and becoming a sniper in Salonika, it also includes and group photograph of the snipers, which includes Murry Fleming. In mid-1918 they were transferred to France and transferred to 149th Brigade in 50th (Northumbrian) Division, now this well travelled and battle harden battalion was to take part in the Battles of the Hindenburg Line in the Fourth Army under Rawlinson and the battle St Quentin Canal, on the 29th September to 2nd October 1918 and the battle Beaurevoir on 3rd to 5th October and following on to the pursuit to the Selle on 9th to 12th October 1918. The Division was at rest in Solre le Chateau on 11th November 1918. The demobilisation of the Division began December and the service of the Division came to an end on 19 March when the final cadres left for England. After this Murray’s history is just conjecture but around this time he decided to stay in the army and he was transferred to Royal Highlanders proper as a lance corporal and in January 1922 he was commissioned into the Royal Field Artillery as a 2nd Lieutenant. With these medals comes copied research including his medal index card and medal rolls etc. the medals are in very good order and mounted on a brooch bar as worn. A very interesting a rare trio to a small Scottish yeomanry unit.
WW1 1914/15 Star Trio to Kay Scottish Horse Yeomanry. A scarce and always interesting medal WW1 trio all correctly named to 150147 Private J A Kay Scottish Horse/ James Addison Kay was born in Newbottle Durham 1896. Newbottle was situated in the heart of the Collieries in Durham and when James came to a working age at 15 he was employed as a Pit Pony driver, living in Shiney Row a hamlet in Houghton-le-Spring parish, Durham. The lads that worked these poor ponies really did love them and gave them as much comfort as the could afford and they mostly took very good care of them, tending to any ailments and injuries, so James must have a good knowledge of horse husbandry. When the first world war was declared in August 1914, James enlisted into the Scottish Horse Yeomanry. The 1st and 2nd Scottish Horse were expanded with the creation of the 3rd Regiment in August 1914 and the Scottish Horse Mounted Brigade was then formed with these three regiments in September 1914. By January 1915, the Scottish Horse Mounted Brigade was attached to the 63rd (2nd Northumbrian) Division on coastal defence duties in Norfolk, the east coast expecting attacks by German Zeppelin ships. By August 1915 the regiments were ready for foreign service and took part in dismounted landings at Suvla Bay, Gallipoli (via Egypt) on 2 September 1915, attached to 2nd Mounted Division. The division landed at "A" Beach, Suvla Bay on the night of 17th/18th August and moved into reserve positions at Lala Baba on the night of 20 August. On 21 August they advanced to Chocolate Hill under heavy fire and took part in the attack on Hill 112 known as Scimitar Hill. This battle was the last offensive mounted by the British at Suvla during the campaign in Gallipoli. It was also the largest single-day attack ever mounted by the Allies at Gallipoli, involving three divisions. The purpose of the attack was to remove the immediate Ottoman threat from the exposed Suvla landing and to link with the ANZAC sectors to the south. Launched on 21st August 1915 to coincide with the simultaneous attack on Hill 60, it was a costly failure, in which the Turks were forced to use all their reserves in "severe and bloody fighting" far into the night, with some Turkish trenches lost and retaken twice. In the one day of fighting the British suffered 5,300 casualties out of the 14,300 soldiers who participated. The division returned to Egypt from Gallipoli in December 1915 and was reformed and remounted. Nottinghamshire with the Derbyshire Mounted Brigade left the division on 18th/19th January 1916. Due to heavy casualties, the Scottish Horse Brigade was absorbed into 1st Dismounted Brigade on Suez Canal defences in February 1916. On 1 October 1916, 1st Scottish Horse and 2nd Scottish Horse were amalgamated to form 13th (Scottish Horse Yeomanry) Battalion, Black Watch. The battalion was transferred to Salonika, arriving 21st October, where it joined 81st Brigade, 27th Division part of the British Salonika Army. The allied army lacked sufficient manpower, ammunition, equipment and supplies to fight a sustained campaign along a 250-mile front against an opposing force numbering almost 500,000 men. These troops comprised the Bulgarian army reinforced by varying numbers of Austro-Hungarian, German and Turkish units. Allied offensives led by French and Serbian troops were launched during late 1916 and spring of 1917. As part of these operations the BSF fought the First Battle of Doiran (24 April – 9 May 1917) suffering 5,024 casualties. Failure by the Allies to break Bulgarian resistance resulted in stalemate along the Salonika Front. Soldiers on both sides faced each other for three years across challenging terrain of wide-open valleys and plains, tangled masses of hills and ravines such as those at Doiran and towering mountains. A number of large lakes were also a feature of the region, which would have proven a haven for those dreaded mosquitos. Through extremes of climate in summer and winter; with the arrival of summer came temperatures of up to 112F in the shade. During winter, troops experienced blizzards, freezing winds, severe hailstorms and heavy rain mostly with inadequate winter clothing, frost bite was common. In 1918 the division took part in the Battle of Doiran one of many battles that was held in the Lake Doiran area during the campaign. Towards the end of the war, James was transferred to the Army Veterinary Corps. He was probably already serving with a Mobile Veterinary Section with his regiment, knowing his previous employment, horses were obviously of great interest to him. James Kay survived the war and married Florence in 1920 and definitely had a son and daughter if not more children later. He returned to coal mining at the Lambton & Hetton Collieries and later in his life, possibly when he was no longer fit for mining, he became a general labourer. In the 1939 register we see James in the Mental Hospital in Winterton, Durham and James sadly died on 4th October 1963 at the age of 67. The three medals are in good condition, although polished and the British war medal in particular has contact marks, so this trio was mounted as worn at some point. It comes with various copied research including medal index card, medal roll and all census information.
WW1 1915 Star Trio & Memorial Cross to Canadian Infantry KIA – Vimy Ridge? An interesting 1915 star trio awarded to 71240 Private Frederick Walter Boalch of the 27th Battalion (Manitoba Regiment) Canadian Infantry. Frederick Boalch was born in Bristol England in 1886 the son of George a joiner living and working in Bristol Gloucestershire, Frederick was working as at a saw mill before he decided to emigrate, sailing on the Royal George and heading for New Brunswick in Canada on Christmas eve 1913. He joined up on the 31st October 1914 into the 27th battalion Canadian Infantry in Winnipeg Manitoba, they were part of a second contingent recruited during the winter of 1914-1915 and in the spring of 1915 they sailed for England, but instead of sailing in a great armada like the First Contingent they left in separate smaller transports. The summer of 1915 was spent in training at Shorncliffe on the coast of Kent and in September they left for the France as the Second Canadian Division. Once in France after a short time training they were sent into battle and here they saw much action on the Somme, being involved in most of the major battles including the Battle of Thiepval and the Battle of the Ancre Heights. In the early months of 1917 the second Canadian division moved towards Arras and stopped a few miles north east from the town at Vimy, the town was Seized and held by the German 6th Army in 1914, it was of great military importance to both sides due to it overlooking much of the Allied-held ground. It was the subject of a failed French assault in 1915 and now it was now the task of the Canadian Corps, operating under British General Julian Byng to recapture Vimy Ridge. What followed was one of the most enthralling and astonishing large scale bloody battle of the war, involving not only infantry and artillery but bombardment from the air and the use of Tanks to overcome the enemy, I could write for ever about this action, if you haven’t done already, please at least Google this battle, you will get a taste of what a formidable task the Canadian divisions achieved that day, suffering over 10,000 wounded or killed. Weather Frederick went on to also serve at the attack on La Coulotte, Lens and the Battle of Hill 70, I do not know, or if he was severely wounded at Vimy and taken to a field ambulance or a clearing station nearby and later died, I am unsure, but now he is remembered with honour at the Vimy Memorial in France. This superb trio comes in very good condition however the victory medal has been erased for some reason, or this may be a replacement for a lost medal. The group comes with various research and a commonwealth war graves details etc. the memorial cross comes in good condition, this is just named on the back F. W. Boalch, when I got it, it was completely black and hadn’t been touched for years, I wrestled with myself should I clean or leave alone, in the end, well you can see the result, but now I can see it shows a little wear to the high points. Also included is a small book on Vimy Ridge, It is a good read, I’ve read it myself many times, it has some good pictures of the Canadians, battle plans and hard to find information regarding German divisions. A wonderful and scarce casualty group which holds excellent investment potential.
WW1 1916 The Times Newspaper – Anzacs and Suvla Hamilton’s Dispatch A snippet of history concerning the Anzac’s and Suvla landings from the Times newspaper dated January 7th 1916 and detailing Sir Ian Hamilton’s dispatch. It comes in good but used condition with a few tears on folded edges.
WW1 1st Monmouthshire Regiment Officers Cap Badge. A rare WW1 Bronze officer’s cap badge for this Welsh territorial regiment, which was used from 1908 to 1922. It is in very good original condition and nicely toned. Ref. Z19
WW1 7th Queens Own Hussars Cap Badge. The 1914 pattern Bi-metal badge of the 7th Queens Own Hussars. It is in very good original condition with slight wear to the white metal Q O monogram in the centre and the brass parts have a natural chocolate coloured tone. A nice example. Ref. J8
WW1 Army Ordnance Corps Officers Cap Badge. The solid bronze badge worn by the officers of the AOC during the first world war. this one is in perfect condition with a beautiful colour and tone. Ref. E10
WW1 Army Service Corps Cap Badge. A WW1 era ASC all brass badge worn by the OR’s and NCO’s of the regiment during the first world war until 1919 when the regiment was awarded the title of Royal for their services during the great war. this one is in very good but used condition and with a good even tone. Ref. E11
WW1 Army Signaller Brass Trade Badge A nice clean example of a WW1 army signallers all brass trade badge showing the crossed flags, it comes in very good condition and measures 2 inches long.
WW1 ARRC to Nursing Sister with certificate. The Associates of the Royal Red Cross awarded to Sister Esther Mahoney for her work at the Red Cross Hospital for Officers at 4 Percival Terrace, Brighton. Included here is her original Royal Red Cross medal in the Garrard & Co box of issue, her red cross medal for service during WW1 and a little red cross brooch which is pinned to the top of the medal, also her original award certificate from the British Red Cross and St John of Jerusalem joint war committee, this is named to Miss Esther Mahoney. A.R.R.C. and signed by the chairman of the committee. And lastly the entry in the London Gazette for her award dated 6th August 1918. The ARRC medal comes in near mint condition and looks as if it has never left its box, the war service medal is also in excellent condition, it also comes in its box of issue. A superb medal for research, she is named several times in the British Nursing Journals, but I just haven’t had the time to wade through all of the pages for her entry. There is also several documents stored at the national Archives relating to the Red Cross Hospital for Officers at 4 Percival Terrace, Brighton, this includes information on patients as well as staff, so this too is going to need some sorting.
WW1 Austro-Hungarian Karl Troop Cross Medal The Karl Troop Cross (German: Karl-Truppenkreuz) was instituted on 13 December 1916 by Emperor Karl I of Austria-Hungary. The cross was awarded for service up to the end of the First World War to soldiers and sailors of all arms of the Austro-Hungarian armed forces, regardless of rank, who had been with a combatant unit for at least twelve weeks and who had participated in at least one battle. This example comes in good condition, the ribbon being a bit worn.
WW1 Berkshire Yeomanry Cap Badge 1914 pattern brass badge showing an image of the white horse of Uffington which was cut into the chalk Downs, after the first world war the regiment became Royal Artillery gunners, this badge is in near perfect condition and is stamped on the slider J R Gaunt B’Ham. Ref. E16
WW1 Billikin Crested China Figure. Billikin a WW1 good luck charm that is said to give the purchaser luck, but to receive one as a gift would be better luck, sounds like a sales ploy to me. He originated from America but became popular here during the great war, as any good luck charm as, I’m sure always welcome. This little figure has the crest of Teignmouth and made by Carlton China. He comes in perfect condition and measures just under two inches high.
WW1 Brass Army Service Corps Trench Lighter A super WW1 era all brass trench lighter with the badge for the Army Service Corps to the front and the owners engraved initials of intertwined HM or MH also to the front. The piece comes in very good but aged condition and with a service could be made to work.
WW1 British War Medal to Bonner 5th London Regiment Private 4319 Harry E. Bonner of the 5th London regiment, having served with the 5th London regiment was transferred to the Labour corps and was renumbered 30256 , he was entitled to a medal pair. His medal comes in very good condition with some light wear to the surface metal.
WW1 British War Medal to Bullough North Lancs Reg later AVC A single British war medal awarded to private 37614 John Bullough of the Loyal North Lancashire regiment who later joined the Army Vetinary Corps. The medal comes in good condition with a few surface marks.
WW1 British War Medal to Hatch 6th London Regiment Private 8162 Frederick G. Hatch of the 6th London regiment saw service from May 1915 to August 18 and was then discharged due to illness still at the age of only 20 having served abroad so he must have joined up at 18 or even earlier, having served with the 6th London regiment he went to the Labour corps and was renumbered 574509, he was entitled to a medal pair and a silver war badge. His medal comes in very good condition with some light wear to the surface metal.
WW1 British War Medal to Jones 5th London Regiment Private 5259 George E. Jones of the 5th London regiment, having served with the 5th London regiment was transferred to the Labour corps and was renumbered ET/49276 , he was entitled to a medal pair. His medal comes in very good condition with some light wear to the surface metal.
WW1 British War Medal to Topping South Lancashire Reg WW1 British War Medal issued to 201497 Private W. (William) Topping of the South Lancashire regiment, William’s medal index card shows his entitlement to a pair but gives no further insight into his service, no further research has been done, the medal comes in fair condition but the suspender is broken at the back.
WW1 British War Medal – R. Whittle Royal Lancashire Regiment Here is a single British war medal awarded to 3278 private Rueben Whittle of the Royal Lancashire regiment, his medal index card shows he was entitled to a 15 star trio and joined in December 1915, it looks like he was discharged. No further research has been done on this man, the medal comes in good condition but has some edge knocks and surface marks.
WW1 Cameron Glengarry Cap Badge A lovely quality 1914 pattern all white metal badge which shows some wear to the high points, comes in very good but used condition. Ref: T2
WW1 Canadian For Honourable Service Silver Badge A nice little silver badge awarded to personnel of the Canadian expeditionary force who served abroad and were returned home due to injury or completion of service, very similar to our silver war badge. To the front it has ‘for honourable service’ and on the reverse the makers name of Caron Bros Montreal 1919, the recipients number is to the top 108697 and to the middle ‘penalty for misuse 500 dollars or six months imprisonment’. The badge comes in good but used condition with lots of old brasso in the detail, this should clean up, it has a pin back and has been well used, it measures one inch in diameter.
WW1 Canadian Memorial Cross to; Rutter 26th CEF DOW. WW1 sterling silver Canadian memorial Cross awarded to the next of kin of; 709786 Private / Acting Serjeant Arthur Murray Rutter of the 26th (New Brunswick) Canadian Infantry. He died of wounds 28th August 1918. Arthur M Rutter was born 26th February 1894 in Fredricton New Bruswick, and before the war he was employed as a telegraph operator. He enlisted in the 104th overseas battalion on the 17th November 1915. During his service he was transferred to the 166th battalion for a short time and then returned to the 104th and then on the 26th February he was posted to the 26th battalion part of the 2nd Canadian division. On the 26th August 1918 the 26th battalion were at Scarpe, the Canadian Corps advanced over 5 kilometers and captured the towns of Monchy-le-Preux and Wancourt. On the 27th there had been heavy rains overnight which hampered the troops in their advance, still, there was a lot of heavy fighting against the German’s heavily defended positions, however around a mile of ground was gained. On the 28th, the 2nd and 3rd Canadian Infantry Divisions seized an important portion of the German Fresnes-Rouvroy defence system after three days of intense fighting. Total casualties are reported as 254 officers and 5,547 other ranks. They captured more than 3,300 prisoners, 53 guns and 519 machine guns. But in this action Arthur Rutter received a gunshot wound to his left leg and one in the shoulder; sadly he died the next day in the 1st casualty clearing station. Arthur was just 24 years old. Arthur M Rutter is now remembered with honour at the Ligny-St. Flochel British Cemetery, Averdoingt. The cross comes in excellent original condition, never polished and toned. The GS badge is in the same superb order and unpolished. Along with the memorial cross comes Arthur’s original sterling silver general service badge, commonwealth war graves certificate, a copy of his attestation papers.
WW1 CEF Bronze Cap Badge. The generic bronze cap badge of the Canadian Expeditionary Force used during the great war. this one is a nice example it has been used and has a little wear to the surface, but it has a lovely mellow tone. Ref. I5
WW1 Council Issue Peace Mug – Sir David Beatty’s Historic Signal A nice condition 1914 -1919 peace mug this example being issued by a council, it includes the motto ‘Omnia Bona Bonis’ (to the good all things are good) with the name of the mayor E. Saunders. It includes Sir David Beatty’s historic signal and the key war dates. The mug comes in good but used condition with some wear to the gilding and one hairline crack to the rim, it stands 3 inches tall.
WW1 Croix de Guerre Unit Citation Fourragère Lanyard The fourragère is a unit award. This particular one is awarded to any unit that was cited two or three times in Army dispatches while operating in foreign theaters. All members of the unit wear it once it has been awarded to a unit. New members pass through an initiation before being allowed to wear the fourragère of the unit they are joining. This one is for the Croix de Guerre, made of silk cord with a brass bobbin on the end. It comes in excellent condition and It measures; 37 inches long.
WW1 Dated October 1915 Daily Mirror Newspaper A lovely example of a Great War newspaper detailing the up to the minute happenings in the war, this one is dated October 28th 1915 and covers British Submarines on the front cover and makes reference to the loss of Edith Cavell inside. 16 pages long and it comes in very good but aged condition.
WW1 Death Plaque & Pair to West. Royal Warwick Reg. WW1 Memorial plaque and British war and victory medal pair all awarded and correctly named to 2994 Private Herbert West of the 2nd 8th battalion the Royal Warwickshire regiment. Herbert west came from and enlisted in Birmingham sometime at the latter part of 1914. His battalion formed part of the 182nd Brigade, 61st (2nd South Midland) Division. The units of this second line, the 2nd South Midland Division, remained at home for some time; along with other second line Divisions they suffered greatly from lack of equipment and training was inevitably affected. They were moved to Chelmsford in the April 1915 and soon afterward were issued a full title and became 61st (2nd South Midland Division). The units were inspected by Lord Kitchener on 6 August 1915 and by the King when they finally moved to Salisbury Plain before being sent to the western front in the May of 1916. When on French soil they were subjected to the hard training and drills they lacked back in England, which included time on the rifle and bombing ranges and it wasn’t until June 1916 that they were moved to the front line trenches at Neuve Chapelle on the Somme. The 2nd 8th battalion got their first assignment on the 26th to take a party of the battalion and raid the German trenches opposite their line. This was to be aided by artillery shelling on the enemy’s position just before the raid at 11.40pm. The weather was bad and it was raining heavily which made visibility poor for their first engagement. Unfortunately the details of the raid are not recorded, needless to say it was not a successful venture, the casualties were heavy with the loss of one officer and two OR’s killed one of which was private Herbert West, plus 35 OR’s missing or wounded with two officers missing. 2994 Private Herbert West was killed in action on the 26th June 1916, on the very first action his battalion was to see. He is now remembered with honour at the Loos Memorial, France. The medals and plaque are in excellent original condition and come with a copy of his medal index card and commonwealth war graves certificate, a copy of the battalion’s war diary from their arrival in France until Herbert’s death at the end of June. Also included in a wonderful original WW1 Warwick’s bi-metal cap badge, this is not Herbert’s original, but one I have added, should the buyer want to mount and frame the group, it’s just a nice finishing touch to honour this man.
WW1 East Yorkshire Cap and Shoulder Badge. The WW1 era bi-metal badge and brass shoulder title of the East Yorkshire regiment. both badges are in very good but used condition but the shoulder badge has no lugs.
WW1 Embroidered Tea Cosy – Made by Wounded Soldiers. WW1 era silk Tea Pot Cosy embroidered on the front with the flags of the allies and the date 1914 – 15; on the back the makers has put his initials F.P.A. Recuperating wounded soldiers and soldiers being treated for shell shock were encouraged to sew and embroider as part of their recovery. This I believe was established by the Famouse WW1 female Doctor and Surgeon Louisa Garrett Anderson at her military hospital in London. This is a particular early piece dated 1914-15, it shows that it was wrought in 1915, when the practice was first discovered to help and sooth those who suffered trauma from their war experiences. This one is in great condition, there are two areas of the silk on the back which has split, but the front has no damage. a beautifully made piece, I hope the soldier who made this was proud of his work. It measures 12.5 x 15 inches.
WW1 Era 1908 India Pattern Cavalry Sword by Wilkinson Always interesting and scarce these India Pattern Cavalry Troopers Swords made for the Indian cavalry. This one is a scarce early pattern, modified from the general 1908 pattern cavalry sword in 19 18 especially for the Indian Cavalry and marked on the back of blade close to the guard with ‘IP 08’. The hilt is smaller than the general 1908 pattern to fit the smaller hand of the Indian cavalryman with a smaller gip which is usually made from a composite material, early plastics, but this one has the earlier walnut wooden grip. It has a steel guard, most have been polished but this one still has most of its original drab paint remaining. It has a long straight blade with a long single fuller on both sides. It is well marked on the ricasso with the makers mark of ‘Wilkinson Pal Mal’ on one side, the other side, along with various proof marks has the date of May 1918. The blade is in lovely condition with no rust and has a distinctive small of old oil. It has its original painted two ring scabbard, here there is some light pitting to the paint and some scratches, but again, most of its original paint remains. These along with everything else are being reproduced, so it is so good to see one in its untouched original state. It measures a total of 43 inches long in scabbard. Shipping to UK mainland only via courier priced now due to rising costs at £21.95
WW1 Era 1915 Dated Postcard – Grub\'s Going Up A sweet card with the header 'latest war news – grub's going up', designed by Reg Carter. This card was postally used in May 1915 and has been written on the back. It comes in good condition, some yellowing and a postal mark on the front.
WW1 Era all Brass Windproof Trench Lighter – Royal Berkshire Reg Here is a WW1 brass windproof trench lighter set to the front with the badge for the Royal Berkshire Regiment, a simple slide action reveals the wick and reversing the action would extinguish the flame. It comes in very good condition with signs of age and use, it measures 3 inches long.
WW1 Era Allies Brass Tray A nice little tray made from embossed brass showing a group of three allied soldiers shaking hands, it marked to the front with ‘S&Co Copyright’ and comes in good order with some shallow dents and requires a clean, it measures just under 5 inches in diameter
WW1 Era Army Service Corps Sweetheart Brooch A good quality WW1 era brass and enamel sweetheart brooch for the Army Service Corps, it comes in very good condition just some light signs of age and use, it measures just under 1.25 inches long.
WW1 Era Army Veterinary Corps Cap Badge. The first pattern badge of the Army Veterinary Corps, used from around 1902 until 1918 when the regiment was given royal status and a new badge was issued. This one comes in very good original condition. Ref. L17
WW1 Era Belgian Croix de Guerre Miniature Medal The Croix de guerre, translating as "Cross of War", is a military decoration of the Kingdom of Belgium established by royal decree on 25 October 1915. It was primarily awarded for bravery or other military virtue on the battlefield, this example comes in very good condition, the ribbon is a little faded on the front.
WW1 Era Brass Dress Belt Buckle. A very good quality solid brass dress belt buckle, worn by most of the British army ordinary ranks. It comes in very good used condition and with a good mid tone patina. Belt size 2 inches.
WW1 Era Brass Trade Musicians Badge A good WW2 era brass musicians trade proficiency badge, fitted with lugs on the back and complete with brass backing plate, it comes in very good toned condition and measures just over 1.75 in diameter.
WW1 Era Brass Trade Physical Instructor Badge A good WW1 era brass physical instructors trade proficiency badge, unusually fitted with a pin on the back, it comes in very good toned condition and measures 2.25 wide.
WW1 Era Brass Trade Proficiency Army Signaller Badge A good WW1 era brass army signaller trade proficiency badge, fitted with lugs on the back, it comes in very good toned condition and measure just under 2.25 inches long
WW1 Era Brass Trade Proficiency Assault Pioneer Badge A good WW1 era brass assault pioneer trade proficiency badge, fitted with lugs on the back, it comes in very good toned condition and measures 2.25 inches long
WW1 Era Brass Trade Proficiency Drummers Badge A good WW2 era brass drummers trade proficiency badge, fitted with two lugs on the back it come in very good toned condition and measures 1.25 inches long.
WW1 Era Brass Trade Proficiency Marksman Badge A good WW1 era brass marksman trade proficiency badge, fitted with lugs on the back, it comes in very good toned condition and measures just over 2.25 inches long
WW1 Era Brass Trumpeter Trade Proficiency Badge A good original WW2 era solid brass trade proficiency badge for a trumpeter, it has four lugs on the back and is in very good toned condition, it measures 2 inches long.
WW1 Era British Red Cross Society Cap Badge A nice clean example of a WW1 era Red Cross cap badge made from brass with red and white enamel centre, it carries the legend ‘inter arma caritas’ or humanity in war. It comes in very good condition with mild wear to the enamel and measures 1.25 inches long.
WW1 Era Brown Leather Drum Belt & Hanger. A rare field service Drum belt in brown leather. Worn with field service dress and produced during the First World War era. This one looks hardly used and comes with white metal fittings and complete and it will fit up to a 38 inch waist. It is in superb condition but the leather is quite dry and it needs a good oil or wax.
WW1 Era Brown Leather Pistol Holster. A WW1 field brown leather holster for the Webley service revolver. It has been used and only showing a little wear, mainly to the inside, it comes in wonderful condition. However, the leather is quite dry and stiff and needs a good oil or wax. The bottom muzzle end of this holster has been left open. There is a name inside which reads, G. P. Dolding and the number 177830. Interesting.
WW1 Era Bruce Bairnsfather\'s Fragments From France No 5 This is the fifth edition of Fragments from France published in July 1918, such was its popularity that it was kept in print throughout the duration of the war, below is a good history for the issue. This one comes in very good condition given its age. The fourth volume of Fragments from France appeared in bookstalls in the last week of August 1917,  and the advertisements for it were full of incredible statistics revealing just how popular the series had been: “Already nearly two million copies of the Fragments have been sold. These must have been read, at a low estimate, by fifty million people....printing machines have been printing Fragments, without ever stopping, for the last eighteen months. Of each volume 60,000 copies have gone to the Dominions, Colonies and America.” Fragments from France No. 5 was published in July 1918, almost a year after its predecessor Having devoted half page advertisements to the previous four volumes, it is interesting to note that The Bystander did not make any mention whatsoever of the release of this latest edition, or of Fragments from All the Fronts No. 6, which was published in November 1918 and featured the cartoons drawn by BB following his visits to the French, Italian and American fronts
WW1 Era Bullet & Button. Lucky Button ? I purchased a princess Mary’s tin full of contents and this intriguing little piece was in it. It is a WW1 general service button with a bullet projectile lodged in it. Weather this is someone’s genuine lifesaving button or something that was made up in the trenches, I don’t know. The bullet is well lodged in there, I’ve tried to pull it out and cant, it seems welded to the button, and whatever it is, it has been done a very long time. Either way, it’s an interesting and unusual bit for the cabinet and a good conversation piece.
WW1 era Cameron Highlanders Glengarry Badge. A lovely quality white metal badge which apart from very slight wear to the high points, it comes in excellent original condition. Ref. P8.
WW1 Era Canadian Engineers Bronze Cap Badge Part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force during WW1they were first raised in 1903, this badge is made from a darkened bronze, it should be noted that after the Great War the badge was changed to include the word ‘royal’, this example comes in very good condition and measures 1.75 inches across.
WW1 Era Canadian Expeditionary Force Cap Badge. The WW1 Canadian bronze general service cap badge worn by most of the CEF later during world war one. This one is a wonderful example with a lovely chocolate colour tone and still retaining both lugs on the back. Ref, H7
WW1 Era Canadian For Service at the Front Veterans Bronze & Enamel Badge An interesting little badge having an enamelled Union flag to the centre with CEF above for Canadian expeditionary forces, around the rim it reads ‘for service at the front’ on the back is ‘penalty for misuse 500 dollars or six months imprisonment’ with the issue number 195944 below. This badge was issued to members of the Canadian Expeditionary Force who had seen service at the front and been honourably discharged or were still on military duty in Canada. The badge indicated that the wearer was a veteran. It measures just under one inch in diameter and comes in good condition with some staining to the front which may clean up better, it also has a screw pin on the back.
WW1 Era Cheshire Yeomanry Cap Badge. WW1 Cheshire Yeomanry cap badge that has had a bit of a life. it originally would have started life just plain brass but it has now been white metal plated and a couple of repairs on the back. still a good academic example. Ref K3
WW1 Era Cloth Marksman’s Arm Badge Issued to those soldiers who were considered a first class shot and worn on the left sleeve, this example is all sewn onto a green cloth backing, comes in very good condition but has been used on a uniform.
WW1 Era Commemorative Peace Beaker – Treaty of Versailles 1919 A super quality WW1 era commemorative mug, to the front it has the dove with ‘peace’ and the date 28th June 1919 this was the signing of the treaty of Versailles which officially brought peace to the world. There is no makers mark on the beaker and it comes in excellent condition with no chips or cracks, the glaze is crazed and it stands 4 inches high.
WW1 Era Copper & Brass Bugle. Early 20th century copper and brass bugle. By WW1 most regiments still had a bugler to sound instructions in battle and to call Reveille etc, and of course there was the famous bugle call that sounded the end of hostility’s on the 11th November 1918. This one is in very good order and has a nice mellow tone. it has some wear and signs of use and it comes with its original mouth piece.
WW1 Era Crested Sir Francis Drake Figure - Plymouth Made by the Devonia Art china factory this crested china figure of Sir Francis Drake carries the arms for Plymouth to the front with his name under, comes in very good condition with no chips or cracks, it stands just over 6 inches high.
WW1 Era Crested Ware Military Tent – Arms of Norwich A good example of a WW1 crested ware military tent, it has the arms of Norwich to one side, the base is not marked for a factory, it stands 2.5 inches high and is in very good condition with just some glaze issues on the peak but it was issued this way.
WW1 Era Crested Ware Red Cross Ambulance – Arms of Cambridge A WW1 era crested ware Red Cross ambulance decorated with the arms of Cambridge Borough, unusually there is no makers mark to the base, it comes in good condition, there are two chips on the bottom of the wheels but these have been glazed which shows it was originally retailed like it and I think it had a radiator cap but this is missing, it measures 4 inches long.
WW1 Era Duchy of Wurttemberg Fieldmarshall Albrecht Medallion An interesting bronze medallion, so far I have not been able to find another exact example but a description of a 1916 similar one on the Imperial war museum website roughly reads: fieldmarshall Duke Albrecht of Wurttemberg, right profile, 1915 at base of head, reverse design lion and stag with ‘furchtlos und trew’ (fearless and faithful) ‘LH’ monogram. It comes in good condition, well toned and measures just over one inch in diameter.
WW1 Era Essex Regiment Officers Collar Dog. A superb WW1 era solid bronze collar dog worn by the officers of the regiment from 1905, through the first world war and smaller variants in gilt metal were worn by officers until the mid 1940’s. A lovely period badge in excellent condition.
WW1 Era First Life Guards Cap Badge An all brass badge issued for the Infantry forage cap used from 1896 until 1922, comes in very good condition showing just light wear and is nicely toned. Ref. W9
WW1 Era French Alpine Mounted Troops Badge There are a few modern versions of this badge available but I cant find a period one for sale, marked to the back for Drago Paris it is made from a base metal with coloured enamels and shows the climbing axe through a blue star, it comes in good but aged condition and is missing the pin on the back, it measures just over 1.5 inches long.
WW1 Era French Booklet – La Victoire de la Piave The French produced a series of booklets for the Great war covering battles, victories, men and machines, this one is entitled the victory at Piave, this was a battle that took place in June of ’18 in Northern Italy between the French and the Austro-Hungarian army. 24 pages all in French with the occasional picture, comes in very good condition and is A5 size.
WW1 Era French Booklet – Les Pontonniers sur la Marne The French produced a series of booklets for the Great war covering battles, victories, men and machines, this one is entitled the pontoon builders at Marne. 24 pages all in French with the occasional picture, comes in very good condition and is A5 size.
WW1 Era French Military Fold Out Map of Europe Postcard An interesting and different style of postcard issued during the Great War in France for use by the French military personnel, to the front is the map of Europe and on the back the usual space for addressing and writing of messages, this one opens up to show a double page map of France and its battle fronts. It has not been written on but shows signs of age.
WW1 Era French Postcard – German Soldiers In a Church A French postcard which shows German soldiers over running a church, one man is held at bayonet point another is being hit with the butt of a rifle and the priest who is ringing the church bell is held at gunpoint, the caption below 'le tocsin sonnait toujours' translates roughly as 'the bell is always ringing'. Unusually the sender has placed the postage stamp on the front of the card. The reverse has not been written on and the card is in very good condition.
WW1 Era German Coin Trench Art Brooch Here is a brooch made from three German coins, I think they are 5 Pfennig and 10 Pfennig coins, one has a visible date on the back for 1913 but it would have been made after this date, the centre coin has been cut to let the two smaller ones in and all three are fixed together by a back plate with heavy solder, this has been done in a messy way and some of the solder has bled through to the front, other than that it is in good condition and measures 1.75 inches long.
WW1 Era German Love Poem Feldpost Postcard A good example of a WW1 German Feldpost postcard sent from a soldier to his sweetheart, it includes a poem on the front and is fully written on the back, it is dated 17th November 1915 and comes in very good condition for its age.
WW1 Era German Matchbox Cover. An interesting WW1 era brass matchbox cover with the Prussian state crown and motto to the front. It is in very good used condition and the brass has a nice even tone. it measures 1.75 x 2.5 inches.
WW1 Era German Merit Cross for War Aid medal The Merit Cross for War Aid (German: Verdienstkreuz für Kriegshilfe) was a war decoration of Prussia awarded during World War I. Instituted 5 December 1916, the cross was awarded for patriotic war aid service, without regard to status or rank. This example comes in very good condition.
WW1 Era German Miniature Double Medal Ribbon Bar with Crossed Swords Device Worn by the German soldiers who had been awarded the Iron Cross and the Hindenburg cross this excellent miniature double medal ribbon bar comes complete with the crossed swords device denoting a combatant front fighter, it is mounted on a metal bar with pin and is in very good condition showing just some light signs of age and use, it measures just under 1.25 inches long.
WW1 Era German Miniature Double Medal Ribbon with Crossed Swords Device Worn by the German soldiers who had been awarded the Iron Cross and the Hindenburg cross this excellent miniature double medal ribbon comes complete with the crossed swords device denoting a combatant front fighter, it has the Iron cross ribbon to the top and the Hindenburg ribbon below along with the crossed swords deice all sewn together on a metal button which has ‘ solide neuheit’on the reverse. It comes in very good condition, slightly grubby on the top ribbon and measures 1.25 inches long.
WW1 Era German Trench Art Mauser Bullet – Anchor An unusual piece of WW1 German trench art, made from a Mauser bullet casing this piece has a copper insert in the top in the shape of an anchor, the base has a series of markings and includes ‘15’ for 1915, standing 3.5 inches high it comes in excellent condition.
WW1 Era German Trench Art Mauser Bullet – Obelisk An unusual piece of WW1 German trench art, made from a Mauser bullet casing this piece has a copper insert in the top in the shape of a pointed obelisk, the base has a series of markings and includes ‘16’ for 1916, standing 3 inches high it comes in excellent condition.
WW1 Era German Wilhelm I & II 1914 Commemorative Medal This German WW1 era medal is a 50 year commemorative for Wilhelm I & II, covering 1864-1914, they are depicted in profile to one side and on the reverse it reads ‘ 50 jahrige jubelfeier des rhein. Fussart.Reg Nr 8’. Made from a silver plated over brass metal it comes in fair condition with some loss to the plate on the high points, it measures 1.25 inches in diameter and has a replacement ribbon.
WW1 Era Grimwade’s Old Bill Souvenir Plate Bruce Bairnsfather Produced by the Grimwade’s factory Stoke on Trent as a souvenir of the Great war and depicting a cartoon by Bruce Bairnsfsther ‘plum and apple’ with punchline underneath, ‘When the ‘ell is it goin’ to be strawberry’. This example comes in fair condition for its age, there a chip on the underside on the edge and some discolouration to the glaze on the back, the front is nice and clear with the usual crazing, it measures just over 9 inches in diameter.
WW1 Era Hallmarked Silver Sweetheart Badge – Wiltshire Regiment This is a nice quality sweetheart badge for the Wiltshire regiment, it took me a while to find the silver hallmarks but they are to be found along the top edge of the bar behind the central emblem, to hard to read unfortunately. The badge is in very good condition and measures two inches long.
WW1 Era Hertfordshire Regiment Cap Badge. The all brass economy issue for this WW1 territorial regiment. This badge is in wonderful original used condition. Ref K6
WW1 Era Holborn Co London Stethoscope As used in the early part of the 20th century and certainly during the war years this medical stethoscope is marked on the arms with Holborn Co London, it is made from brown rubber tubing with a solid rubber head, metal arms and ivorine ear pieces, it comes in fair condition with a little rust in places and a small split to the tubing, however it still works.
WW1 Era Humerous Postcard - Egyptian Fruit Seller Taken from the 'Egyptian Humour' series this card depicts a fruit seller with the caption, 'oranges! Very sweet, very clean' this must have had a relevance in its time perhaps not sweet or clean, the card comes in very good condition.
WW1 Era Humerous Satirical Postcard \'Commandeered\' An interesting postcard showing a number of children in various styles of uniforms marching to defend the country, it is entitled 'commandeered'. It has been written on and was sent from Aldershot, it comes in fair condition but a little rough in places.
WW1 Era Imperial German Officers Sword. Imperial German Army Officer's Sword (Heer Mannschaftsabel) from about 1890 through to WWII. Used by the officers of various branches of service. These sabre type swords were made by a number of well-known German edged weapon manufacturers. This particular example was manufactured by WKC. Weyersburg Kirschbaum & C of Solingen, Germany. the hilt is a ‘D’ guard made from all metal and nickel-plated. It has a leather grip with decorative twisted silver wire wrap. The guard is down swept with a ball type finial, with langet’s or ears which extend over the scabbard throat. It has a good steel blade, which is single-edged with a single fuller on each side. There is no rust on the blade, but there is some pitting to the blade in small areas, nothing too bad. Scabbards were usually nickel-plated, with a single hanger-ring and attaching loop for a belt frog, this one has been later painted black and has a dent on the bottom half of the scabbard. The condition is very good overall, some pitting to the nickel finish on the guard, but nearly all the original plate still exists. The scabbard, is as mentioned painted black, also has one dent on each side. All in all a very good example of this type of Imperial German officers sword. Shipping to UK only via courier charged at £12.95
WW1 Era J.T. Coppock Military Issue Binoculars A period pair of military issue binoculars made by J.T. Coppock and marked accordingly but very faintly on one of the sides, the broad arrow mark is near the adjuster. These have had a hard life, one lense on the left side inner has a flaw, you can still see through them but it does affect the vision, the body shows signs of use and wear.
WW1 Era Kaiserliche Marine Boatswain’s Whistle & Lanyard. A WW1 era Kaiserliche Marine Boatswain’s white metal whistle or pipe attached to its original silver bullion lanyard. The lanyard medallion has been bound with maroon silk thread and has an anchor device to the front. It comes in excellent original condition, however both the whistle and lanyard shows signs of wear and use. A very interesting and scarce piece, which measures 30 inches long.
WW1 Era KRRC Officers Cap Badge, The blackened bronze cap badge worn by officers of the Kings Royal Rifle Corps from 1905 until the early 1920’s when the badge was issued with the WW1 battle honours. It comes in very good original condition, used with most of the black finish worn from the front. Ref. L1
WW1 Era Lancashire Hussars Yeomanry Cap Badge. A beautiful detailed bade in white metal worn by the regiment from 1908 until 1920 when the regiment became part of the Royal Horse Artillery and lost their Lancashire rose badge and wore the artillery gun. this one is inn excellent original condition. Ref. L3
WW1 Era Leather Buskins A super condition pair of WW1 era leather buskins, not military marked but perfect for the re-enactor, hard to gauge but probably will fit a medium size calf. They are both in very good but used condition, both straps are present and strong, the measure 11.5 inches long.
WW1 Era Leicestershire Regiment Cap Badge. A nice example of this badge, made of brass and layered with white metal. This type of badge was issued until just after the 2nd world war, when the regiment was granted the Royal title, then the bottom scroll read ‘royal Leicestershire regiment’. It is in lovely original condition with slight wear to the surface, which just adds to the badges appeal. Reg. L4
WW1 Era Lothian & Border Horse Cap Badge. A small brass badge for this yeomanry regiment worn from 1910 to 1956. It is a simple wheat sheaf, a symbol of the border farmlands where the regiment was recruited, this one is in excellent original condition, showing very little wear. On the back it is toned and a little dirty and the slider is marked J. R. Gaunt Birmingham. Ref. G14.
WW1 Era Lothians & Border Horse Officers Bronze Cap Badge. A superb Bronze badge showing the wheatsheaf, symbolic to the Lothian and Border farmlands from where the regiment was recruited. This one comes in perfect condition and the slider is stamped J. R. Gaunt Birmingham. Ref. B14
WW1 Era Lovat Scouts Collar Dog. A scarce all brass collar do worn by the Lovat Scouts Yeomanry. It is in very good condition apart from some verdigris on the front.
WW1 Era Mercantile marine Miniature Medal Original period medal awarded by the board of trade to members of the Merchant Navy who had undertaken more than one voyage through a danger zone during the great war. This one comes in near mint condition and on its original silk ribbon.
WW1 Era Military Bugle. A good WW1 era copper and brass military bugle. It is in very good condition, although it has a few small knocks and dents here and there. it has its original mouth piece and it has a nice tone. it just needs a good clean. It measures 12 inches high.
WW1 Era Miniature Silk Table Flag – Belgium Flag A wonderful miniature coloured silk flag, the Belgium flag dating from the Great War era and probably used as a table decoration at a celebratory function, the ball topped steel pole measures 7.5 inches long and the flag is 4 inches wide, as you can see from the pictures there are a few faults with the silk and it needs a gentle iron to get it flat.
WW1 Era Miniature Silk Table Flag – Russian Flag A wonderful miniature coloured silk flag, the Russian flag dating from the Great War era and probably used as a table decoration at a celebratory function, the ball topped steel pole measures 7.5 inches long and the flag is 4 inches wide, as you can see from the pictures there are a few faults with the silk and it needs a gentle iron to get it flat.
WW1 Era Newspaper – Daily Mirror November 1915 Always an interesting read, this copy of the Daily Mirror from November 1915 highlights photographs from Russia including the Tsar and the Tsarevitch, the paper comes in fair condition with a few holes on the edges.
WW1 Era Newspaper – Daily Mirror September 1915 Always an interesting read, this copy of the Daily Mirror from September 1915 highlights London’s fight against the Zeppelins and the Germans repeating the destructive nature of 1870, the paper comes in fair condition with a few holes on the edges.
WW1 Era Norfolk Constabulary Special Constable Bronze Badge A good chunky lump of a badge made from bronze issued to the special constables of the Norfolk constabulary, this is the button hole type and comes in very good but used condition, measures just over two inches long.
WW1 Era Officers Enbeeco Curlew 25x 40x Brass Field Telescope A lovely clean example of a WW1 era field telescope as privately purchased by officers during the Great War, it is a three draw scope with night and day option, it is marked on one barrel for Enbeeco and the model is the curlew with 25x -40x magnification. It comes in excellent condition, apart from some light surface wear to the leather case it is near perfect with good clear optics, it measures 29 inches long fully open and is just under 11 inches long closed.
WW1 Era Officers Tropical Tunic. A rare late WW1 era officer’s tropical khaki twill tunic. Not 100% sure what date this tunic came in, but it was towards the end of the war. Still roughly styled on the No2 tunic with pleated top pockets and lower bag pockets but made in a light-weight cotton twill and used in North and East Africa and Mesopotamia. This one is in very good condition, no moth damage just a few stains here and there, attached belt with later buckle. It measures a 38 inch chest.
WW1 Era original Photograph HMS Irresistible. Original WW1 era framed photograph of HMS Irresistible ready for battle. It is in good order although the mount has some foxing, or it could be on the inside of the glass. It measures 16 x 13 inches.
WW1 Era Photograph Postcard RFA \'Tifies\' A nice photo postcard showing a group of men from the Royal Field Artillery in front of their tents, it is marked to the front RFA 'Tifies' I have not been able to work out what tifies are perhaps just a slang name for their unit?, the card is marked to the back, France August 30th Cyril'. Comes in very good condition.
WW1 Era Photograph Postcard – The Q.O Cameron Highlanders Taken from the Aldershot tattoo series this card shows a regiment of the Cameron Highlanders with rifles and bayonets attached. The card comes in very good condition.
WW1 Era Photographic Postcard Army Small Bore Rifle Teams An interesting photographic postcard showing the winners of a small bore rifle shooting contest from different regiments including: Middlesex, MGC, Black Watch, RE, Lancashire Fusiliers etc. Card comes in good condition, rough on one corner.
WW1 Era Photographic Postcard R.F.A Royal Review 1920 A very clear photographic postcard issued in 1920 showing the Royal review of the 1st battery 37th brigade Royal Field Artillery. Has not been postally used and comes in ok condition, one corner has been folded and some roughness to edges.
WW1 Era Postcard – Crashed Zeppelin Suffolk 1917 An interesting photo postcard showing the remains of a crashed Zeppelin entitled 'the strafed Zepp' No 3 in a series, to go with it is a vintage hand written note detailing the survivors (all 3 of them) and all of the crew who died, 16 in total, the note makes reference to two different numbers for the Zeppelin, a quick Google of LZ95 brings up a full explanation of the number change. Postcard comes in very good not postally used condition.
WW1 Era Postcard – \'C.B. !-!\' A good WW1 era postcard with the slightly confusing title of 'C.B. !-!' Must mean confined to barracks, and showing a duck ankle tied to a post. This card has been postally sent and includes stamp and message, comes in good condition.
WW1 Era Queen Mary’s Needlework Guild Volunteers Worker Badge A good original First World War era 'Queen Mary's Needlework Guild’ volunteer worker's gilt and enamel badge, comes in the form of a Crowned MR cypher Tudor rose, suspended from a 'Q.M.N.G.' bar. Below is a brief history for the inception of the guild, this example comes in very good condition for its age and measures 1.75 inches long. The Queen Mary's Needlework Guild came into being after just a few days into the Great War, when Queen Mary's issued a letter on the 4th August 1914 through the Press, to the Women of the Empire asking that it might be rendered 'To alleviate all distress occasioned by the War!' which was the purpose of the guild to provide comforts and create articles of clothing and surgical equipment as well as other gifts to the troops fighting for King and Country at home and abroad.
WW1 Era Regimental Signaller or Signals Instructor Cloth Badge A WW1 era cloth badge for a regimental signaller or a signals instructor cloth sleeve patch, this one has seen better days, it comes in fair but well used condition, there is some loss to the white stitching on the right hand flag, but an historical badge, if only it could talk.
WW1 Era Rolled Gold Double Sided Photograph Pendant An endearing double sided photo locket worn I’d like to think by the sweetheart and sister of the two men in the photo’s, the pendant is made from and marked rolled gold and comes in two colour metal having a rose gold coloured band, the photo’s are both in good order but one side has a little damage to the celluloid covering, it measures 1.5 inches long.
WW1 Era Ross Binoculars in Leather Case Super pair of WW1 binoculars made by Ross of London, marked with the broad arrow on the top and called 'stereo prism binoculars power x 8' these are unusual in the fact that they have Bakelite eye pieces, made to resemble Tortoiseshell possibly private purchase by an officer. The optics are perfect, there is wear on the body where hands have held them many times, the field brown leather case is complete, a bit faded and stained but retains its original leather strap. Ref.15397
WW1 Era Royal Army Medical Corps Silver Sweetheart Bar Brooch A well made sterling silver (tested) and enamel WW1 era sweetheart bar brooch for the RAMC, comes in good condition, one small loss to the red enamel on the crown and measures just over two inches long.
WW1 Era Royal Army Medical Corps Sweetheart Badge. A super little brass sweetheart badge for the RAMC, unusally this one also has a swag with the regiments moto along the bottom; ‘In Arduis Fide Lis’; ‘Faithful in Adversity’, along with the regiments name. It comes in excellent condition with its original pin, which is also in good order. It measures; 1.25 x 1.25 inches.
WW1 Era Royal Berkshire Regiment Officers Cap badge. The solid bronze cap badge worn by the officers of the Princess Charlotte of Wales’s Royal Berkshire regiment during the great war. This is a wonderful example in very good used condition showing just a little wear to the high points of the badge. Ref. D14
WW1 Era Royal Fusiliers Cap Badge The Royal Fusiliers City of London Regiment all brass grenade badge, issued from 1901 to 1952 but this is the slightly larger badge with wide slider looking like a WW1 issue, the brass now has a dark tone and good patination and it comes in excellent condition. Ref. E21
WW1 Era Royal Horse Guards Cap Badge. A quality all brass badge which is in very good condition showing just a little wear to the high points. Ref. O14
WW1 Era Royal Irish Fusiliers Cap Badge. The 1914 pattern badge worn by the princess Victoria’s Royal Irish Fusiliers. It is a brass grenade with the prince of Wales plumes above the Irish harp in white metal; above this badge should be worn a separate white metal coronet, but this is missing. This type of badge was worn in various guises until 1953, when the regiment was put into the North Irish brigade. It comes in excellent condition with just very slight wear to the surface. Ref. I6
WW1 Era Royal Scots Fusiliers Glengarry Badge, A super all brass Glengarry badge worn by the Royal Scots Fusiliers from around 1902, this one with the George V crown, with slightly more sloping sides to the crown than the George VI. It comes in excellent condition and with a nice even tone front and back, but missing one lug on the back.
WW1 Era Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry Cap Badge. A WW1 era bi-metal badge for this most senior yeomanry regiment. this badge is in wonderful original but used condition. Ref. K5
WW1 Era Sergeants Cloth Arm Band An intriguing one this, it has a 'home made' feel to it as the centre stripe is nicely sewn on then the two outer ones have been added with less care. It could be a sergeants arm band or if turned the other way could be service stripes, I'm not sure either way it comes in good but a little grubby condition.
WW1 Era Silk Postcard – 1914 - 1918 A super WW1 era silk postcard decorated with all the year dates from 1914 – 1918 the main dates coloured as the flags of the allies, this is the lift flap type but lacks its inner card, it has a small dedication in pencil on the back ‘from Charlie with love to Flo’. Comes in good condition with some yellowing on the card.
WW1 Era Silk Postcard – 1917 Allies Flags A lovely WW1 era silk postcard depicting the date of 1917 which is made up of the flags of the allies, this is the lift up flap type but is lacking the inner card, it comes in very good condition with some light foxing to the silk and has not been written on.
WW1 Era Silk Postcard – Best Remembrance A pretty WW1 era silk postcard showing the flags of Britain and France with ‘best remembrance’ below, it has not been written on and comes in very good condition with some light yellowing to the card.
WW1 Era Silk Postcard – French Republique Right and Liberty A lovely WW1 era silk postcard depicting the flags of the allies with FR to the centre for the French republique and the words ‘right and liberty below, it comes in very good condition with some light foxing to the silk and has been written on with pencil on the back.
WW1 Era Silk Postcard – Grenadier Guards A lovely WW1 era silk postcard depicting the crest for the Grenadier Guards complete with motto, it comes in very good condition with some light foxing to the silk and has not been written on.
WW1 Era Silk Postcard – Souvenir De France A pretty WW1 era silk postcard, this is the lift flap type but is lacking the inner card, it is decorated with the flags of the allies with ‘souvenir de France’ in a banner below, it comes in good condition for its age, has not been written on and the card has yellowed with age.
WW1 Era Silk Postcard – Souvenir of Loos This is a super quality silk postcard having the British flag flying over a building with ‘souvenir of Loos’ below, it comes in the very best of conditions, has not been written on and has no foxing.
WW1 Era Silver & Enamel Canadian Sweetheart Badge A pretty little sweetheart badge fashioned as a maple leaf, it is marked to the back sterling silver and the front has been very well enamelled in colours with a King’s crown to the centre, it comes in very good condition and measures .75 of an inch long.
WW1 Era Somerset Light Infantry Jellalabad PA sweetheart brooch A lovely example of a WW1 era Sweetheart brooch for the Somerset Light Infantry PA (Prince Albert’s) regiment constructed from a gilded base metal with blue enamel, it comes in very good condition and measures just over one inch long.
WW1 Era Sterling Silver Army Service Corps Sweetheart Badge A very pretty and well detailed sweetheart badge for the Army Service Corps, marked ‘sterling’ on the back, comes in excellent condition and measures just over one inch long.
WW1 Era Sterling Silver New Zealand Sweetheart Brooch A delicate little badge marked Sterling silver on the back and decorated with blue enamel, it has the motto 'onward' for the New Zealand regiment. Comes in fair condition, there is some loss to the enamel on the left hand side, it measures one inch in diameter.
WW1 Era Sweetheart Brooch - 3rd King's Own Hussars A pretty sweetheart brooch for the 3rd King's Hussars, made from a white metal with blue enamel it comes in good condition just a small area of rust on the horse, it measures 1.25 inches long.
WW1 Era The Times – Empire Day Edition May 1915 This Times Empire day edition dates from 22nd May 1915 and was a ‘pull out’ from a main edition, it covers news from the dominion countries including Australia, Canada and South Africa. 7 pages of interes in good condition for its age, also included are two single sheets both from the Times one for April 30th 1915 and November 2nd ’15.
WW1 Era Trench Art Brass Tank A great hand made piece based loosely on the many variations of tanks used, the base is a sheet of brass and inscribed on it is 'souvenir of the Great War', the body is also brass with white metal runners and turret, the guns are copper rod and the sides are painted black. It comes in very good condition and the base measures 5 inches x 4.
WW1 Era West Riding Regiment Silver Sweetheart Brooch A really super quality WW1 Sweetheart brooch for the West Riding regiment, it is unmarked but tests as 925 Sterling silver, complete with its original pin it comes in very good condition and measures one inch long.
WW1 Era York & Lancaster Regiment Cap Badge. A wonderful period bi-metal badge issued until 1958 when the regiment was put into the Yorkshire brigade until their disbandment in 1969. A lovely example in excellent condition. Ref. D12
WW1 Era – The Children’s Story of the War – Booklet This is a booklet printed for children allowing them to understand various elements of the war, it is volume 9 part 192 of the series, printed by Thomas Nelson & Sons Ltd in July 1918, text and pictures 14 pages long and comes in very good condition, some signs of age and staples are rusty, just over A5 size.
WW1 Field Binoculars by Lemifre. A good pair of WW1 officers field binoculars by Lemifre. As officers had to supply their own equipment, they bought to their means and these would have been an expensive pair of binoculars in the day. They are the standard blackened brass and fully adjustable for focusing with shades on the bottom lenses. They are in lovely condition apart from a dent on the side of one of the bottom lenses. This has caused a small crack in the lens but it is not visible at all when viewing through the binoculars, so it wouldn’t have bothered the original owner. The lenses are clear and clean and they have great magnification. They come in their original brown leather field case and measure 6 inches long when closed and 7.5 inches when extended. Priced due to damage.
WW1 Frances Day 1917 Fund Raising Pin Badge Issued during the Great War to raise funds for various war related charities this gold toned base metal example was made by Fattorini of Bolton and is marked accordingly on the back, it comes in very good condition with its original pin fitting and it measures just under one inch in diameter.
WW1 French Coin Trench Lighter An interesting piece made from two French copper coins one side being dated 1909, the body is brass with brass fittings, there are many variations of style of this type of lighter and this one appears mostly complete, the screw thread on the top suggests something is missing, it comes in good condition for its age, needs a polish and measures 1.75 inches long.
WW1 French Médaille Militaire Unit Citation Fourragère Lanyard The fourragère is a unit award. This particular one is awarded to any unit that was cited two or three times in Army dispatches while operating in foreign theaters. All members of the unit wear it once it has been awarded to a unit. New members pass through an initiation before being allowed to wear the fourragère of the unit they are joining. This one is for the Médaille Militaire, made of silk cord with a brass bobbin on the end. It comes in excellent condition and It measures; 24 inches long but with separate shoulder lanyard.
WW1 French Postcard – Explosion in German Trench One from a series issued by France showing the Germans taking a beating, this one has soldiers being thrown into the air following an explosion from a sapped tunnel under their trench. Comes in very good condition and has not been written on.
WW1 French Postcard – Germans in Retreat – Battle of Marne One from a series issued by France showing the Germans taking a beating, this one has soldiers retreating following the battle of Marne, being thwarted by the French 75 Cannon. Comes in very good condition and has not been written on.
WW1 German / Austrian Unity Pin / Badge. A lovely little pin showing the German and Austrian Kings united in war, with the motto ‘viribus initis 1914’ below. The condition is very good with no damage just a little wear.
WW1 German Ammo Pouches. (1) A bank of three black leather German ammunition pouches. These have been very well used but remain in good order. The leather is quite dry and will need a good wax or oil. The maker and date on the back of the pouches is well worn but you can still just make out the date of 1914. The leather is a little thinner than the normal infantry pouch, so they may have been made for mounted troop. They measure 7.5 x 4 inches high.
WW1 German Ammo Pouches. (2) A bank of three black leather German ammunition pouches. These have been very well used but remain in good order. The leather is quite dry and will need a good wax or oil. One of the belt straps on the back looks like it has been replaced, as it does not match the other, but the rivet and stitches that holds it looks just as old. During the period when Germany was amassing an army, manufacturers used what they had. It may be from date of manufacture; it is hard to be certain. The leather is a little thinner than the normal infantry pouch, so they may have been made for mounted troops. They measure 7.5 x 4 inches high.
WW1 German Honour Cross with Swords. Maker 0.2 Probably one of the most overlooked and under rated of all German medals. the Honour cross or Hindenburg Cross was issued in vast number but with numerous different variants and makers, it makes it an interesting and low budget collectable. It was instituted in the July 1934 by Paul von Hindenburg himself, and by government order, it replaced every other veterans medal issued. This medal is with cross swords, issued only to combatants who fought during WW1. The number of makers is unknown, but some estimate well over two hundred, many of which, no record survives. This one is marked with W in an oblong box for J Wagner & Sohn of Berlin. Johann Wagner started as a court jeweler based in Berlin and produced some of the very best imperial orders and medals including the Pour le Merit. On most of these high awards his full name was used but by the time of WW1 when he started to produce lower awards he just marked with a ‘W’ and later a ‘W’ in a box, such as is marked on this Honour cross. It is in very good original condition, retaining most of its bronze finish and it comes suspended on its original court mounted style ribbon bar.
WW1 German Honour Cross with Swords. Maker G11 Probably one of the most overlooked and under rated of all German medals. the Honour cross or Hindenburg Cross was issued in vast number but with numerous different variants and makers, it makes it an interesting and low budget collectable. It was instituted in the July 1934 by Paul von Hindenburg himself, and by government order, it replaced every other veterans medal issued. This medal is with cross swords, issued only to combatants who fought during WW1. The number of makers is unknown, but some estimate well over two hundred, many of which, no record survives. This one is marked with G11 and it is in excellent original condition, retaining all of its bronze finish, and it comes on a small length of original ribbon.
WW1 German Honour Cross with Swords. Maker GG Probably one of the most overlooked and under rated of all German medals. the Honour cross or Hindenburg Cross was issued in vast number but with numerous different variants and makers, it makes it an interesting and low budget collectable. It was instituted in the July 1934 by Paul von Hindenburg himself, and by government order, it replaced every other veterans medal issued. This medal is with cross swords, issued only to combatants who fought during WW1. The number of makers is unknown, but some estimate well over two hundred, many of which, no record survives. This one is marked with a G inside a G for Gebrueder Gloerfeld of Ludenscheid. It is in excellent original condition, retaining all of its bronze finish and it comes on a good length of original ribbon.
WW1 German Honour Cross with Swords. Maker H & Co. L Probably one of the most overlooked and under rated of all German medals. The Honour cross or Hindenburg Cross was issued in vast number but with numerous different variants and makers, it makes it an interesting and low budget collectable. It was instituted in the July 1934 by Paul von Hindenburg himself, and by government order, it replaced every other veterans medal issued. This medal is with cross swords, issued only to combatants who fought during WW1. The number of makers is unknown, but some estimate well over two hundred, many of which, no record survives. This one is marked with H&Co.L. The mark found inside a circle. This is for Hymmen & Co of Ludenscheid, a good a well-respected maker. It is in excellent condition, no loss to its bronzed finish.
WW1 German Honour Cross with Swords. Maker RV24 Probably one of the most overlooked and under rated of all German medals. the Honour cross or Hindenburg Cross was issued in vast number but with numerous different variants and makers, it makes it an interesting and low budget collectable. It was instituted in the July 1934 by Paul von Hindenburg himself, and by government order, it replaced every other veterans medal issued. This medal is with cross swords, issued only to combatants who fought during WW1. This one is marked RV. 24 Pforzheim. The RV stands for Richsverband, meaning National Association. During the period 1919 to 1945 the Richsverband makers numbered between 1 to 91 and all RV makers resided in Pforzheim, a key medal making centre from the imperial through the NSDAP periods. During the air raids of 1945, the town was almost destroyed and any list of medal makers with it, so who these makers were, may be something we will never know. It is in excellent original condition, retaining all of its bronze finish.
WW1 German Honour Cross with Swords. Rare Maker O&B Probably one of the most overlooked and under rated of all German medals. the Honour cross or Hindenburg Cross was issued in vast number but with numerous different variants and makers, it makes it an interesting and low budget collectable. It was instituted in the July 1934 by Paul von Hindenburg himself, and by government order, it replaced every other veterans medal issued. This medal is with cross swords, issued only to combatants who fought during WW1. The number of makers is unknown, but some estimate well over two hundred, many of which, no record survives. This one is marked with O&B for Ochs & Bonn of Hanau a rare maker. It is in excellent original condition, retaining all of its bronze finish and it comes on a good length of original ribbon.
WW1 German Iron Cross Medal Pair. A good pair of German medals awarded for service during the great war; the iron cross was awarded as a gallantry or meritorious service award, this one comes in lovely condition, the typical three part construction, silver with an iron core in the centre, and it carries a good makers mark on the suspender ring of SW for Sy Wagner of Berlin. The Honour or Hindenburg with swords, this was established by Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg, President of the Third Reich, by an order dated 13 July 1934, to those combatants who fought during the great war; this example is in good original condition with only slight pitting on the reverse; it also carries a good makers mark of G4 for ??? a scarce maker of this cross I believe. Both medals came from Germany together with this imperial ribbon or helmet boss, unfortunately there was no ephemera to tie a name to the medals, so they are as you see them here, now mounted on black velvet, a wonderful pair of medals in super original untouched condition.
WW1 German M16 Helmet – Superb Condition. A really wonderful example of the German M16 steel helmet. This one is totally original and untouched. On the outside of the shell it still has its original painted finish, there is just a few areas of wear mostly to the top. On the inside it has its original liner and chin strap. the leather liner has its three original pads and it is attached to the helmet by a think leather band. The strap is the old Pickelhaube type with two buckles, the latch riveted on to the helmet. It is stamped on the inside of the rim with what looks like ‘TJ66’ probably made by C. Thiel & Soehne of Luebeck who numbered from 66 to 68.
WW1 German M1898/05 (Butcher) Bayonet by Simson & Co. The iconic German bayonet used on the 1898 German Mauser Carbines and Rifles and manufactured from the period of 1905 to about 1918. This is a pretty much untouched example, and it still retains all its original patination. It is in excellent condition but is was issued and used so there is signs of use and wear. It has the makers mark of Simson & Co Suhl and dated 1916 with the usual imperial proof marks. It comes with its original scabbard, this has a few dents, but again very nicely patinated. It measures 20.5 inches. A wonderful untouched piece that has never been cleaned or tampered with. Shipping to UK mainland only
WW1 German Mortar & Pestle 1915. A scarce WW1 German cast iron mortar with the date of 1915 and the iron cross symbol to the centre, this has been cast on both sides. It comes with its original pestle, which is solid bronze. The mortar has white metal plating, of which the majority remains. These are a bit of a conundrum, I have only ever had one of these before, it is suggested that they were traded in the (Gold gab ich für Eisen) the ‘I Gave Gold for Iron’ drive when the German state asked its citizens to donate their gold for funding the war and support families who lost relatives. People donated their gold jewellery, coins etc and received as a thank you iron medals or trinkets, but on all of these items is the slogan ‘Gold gab ich für Eisen’. There was definately room to cast this on these items and these would have been quite expensive to produce. Mortar & pestles were used in cooking but this is a medical pattern Mortar, much larger and deeper than those used for cooking. Wether these were produced for medical units in the field or were part of the Iron for Gold campaign, no one has done the definitive research, but they are rare and this one is in exceptional condition for one of these. The Mortar measures 6 inches high and 5.5 inches in diameter at the top. The bronze pestle is 7 inches long. A heavy piece.
WW1 German Patriotic Print & Iron Cross. A beautiful WW1 German print showing the mounted Kaiser giving an Iron Cross to a wounded soldier, while victory stands behind them, shrouding them both. Also mounted in the frame is an original WW1 EKII. I have opened the frame, to make sure the cross is original, which there is no doubt, but the cross has had a repair to the little jump ring. Apart from that, it is a very good example and it is suspended on its original ribbon. A superb display piece, it will looks fabulous on any wall.
WW1 German Trench Art Brass Shell Case Dated 1917 A well worked piece of WW1 German trench art,decorated to the body with a scene of two deer in a landscape, the base is nicely marked with the date of March 1917 and POLTE MAGDEBURG. Comes in good condition and stands 9 inches high.
WW1 German Trench Art Paper Knife. A very nice piece of WW1 German Trench art in the form of a paper knife. Made from a spent bullet with a tunic button added and a scimitar type blade this has been engraved with ‘Le Havre’ on one side. It comes in very good original condition and measures 8 inches long.
WW1 German War Aid Cross. An interesting award issue to military and civilians who greatly helped the war effort during the great war. This one is in very good original condition and on a small piece of original ribbon.
WW1 Grand Cross of Iron Medal Ribbon. Replacement WW1 Grand Cross of Iron neck medal ribbon, not that I have ever seen a real one. These ribbons just look nice in a display of iron crosses either WW1 or WW2 examples and at just £3 each, it can be used for a whole variety of things. the come in Black and While for service dress and Silver and Black for No1 dress. Please state which you would like. It measures; 25 inches long.
WW1 Grenadier Guards Cap Badge. All brass Great War era forage cap badge, it comes in perfect condition with a lovely even brown tone. Ref. W17
WW1 Hardback Cover for the Magazine The Great War Vol 11 This is the outer hardback cover for the WW1 issue magazine ‘The Great War’ in this case vol 11, it includes the inner front cover sheet and contents list and the frontispiece picture for vol 11 featuring the the print 'The Runner', it comes in good but used condition.
WW1 Hardback Cover for the Magazine The Great War Vol 8 This is the outer hardback cover for the WW1 issue magazine ‘The Great War’ in this case vol 8, it includes the inner front cover sheet and contents list and the frontispiece picture for vol 8 featuring a sea battle, the vol 8 issue would have been housed in this outer cover, comes in good but used condition.
WW1 Hertfordshire (Territorial) Regiment Cap Badge. A lovely little WW1 all brass badge for the Hertfordshire regiment. it is in great original condition with just slight wear to the high points. Ref. D19
WW1 Imperial German Army Belt Buckle. A super WW1 Imperial German army belt buckle totally untouched and still retaining a lot of its original field green paint and in very good original condition. it measures 2.5 x 2 inches.
WW1 Iron Cross 2nd Class, with Makers Mark. A superb example of the EKII, which has a nice clear maker’s mark of KO on the suspender ring, for Konigliches Munzamt of Berlin, which basically stands for ‘Royal Mint Department of Medals’, which is now believed that these were issued in the field. It is the typical three part construction with a magnetic iron core which comes in excellent condition and it is still suspended on its original silk ribbon, which is scruffy. An all original medal from a good maker a real beauty
WW1 Iron Cross 2nd Class, with Makers Mark. A superb example of the EKII, which has a nice clear maker’s mark of N with a small R after on the suspender ring, for Neun of Rösner, Sachsen a good scarce maker. It is the typical three-part construction with a magnetic iron core which comes in excellent condition with just a little rust to the corners of the iron core. A nice all original medal from a good maker.
WW1 medal Group to Sister Rowland French Red Cross. A wonderful great war medal group of four awarded to Nursing Sister Charlotte Rowland of the French Red Cross; the group includes the British war and Victory medal correctly named to Charlotte Rowland, the French medal for front line red cross service, this is silver plated on bronze and lastly the French Cross medal for meritorial service with one extra enamelled blue star, for further recognition, this is a silver medal and is quite scarce awarded to a British nurse; also included is a small photo album with pictures of Sister charlotte and soldiers in France, towards the back of the album it turns into more general snaps. I am slightly embarrass to say I have done no research on this lady apart from her medal index card which confirms her British medal entitlement and the date she first traveled overseas, which was July 1915, this is a little vague on the mic, mainly because she probably traveled to France by her own means to serve, possibly a lot earlier than the mic states but it was only in the July of 1915 that she was recognised by the British red cross society and war ministry, this is the same reason she was only awarded the pair of medals and no star. This will be, I’m sure a wonderful group for research, the medals come mounted on a brooch bar for wearing and in excellent original condition; this lady must be recognised for her service with the wounded in France, if they stay with me, it will be years before I will get the time and my main passion is with the Balkans campaign, so she deserves to be with someone more worthy.
WW1 Medal Pair to P West Worcestershire Reg Casualty This WW1 medal pair was awarded to Lance Corporal (private on medals) 30116 Percy West of the 3rd battalion Worcestershire regiment, sadly Percy was killed on the 1st November 1918 just 10 days short of the cessation of hostilities, he was only 21. There is little information for Percy, his parent at the time of his death were living in Small Heath Birmingham, census records show the family moving around probably for the fathers work as an edge tool grinder. The medals come in very good clean condition and I include some copy paperwork.
WW1 Medal Pair to Sapper Read Royal Engineers. A good WW1 British War and Victory medal correctly named to 541113. Sapper Henry. F. Read of the Royal Engineers. (There is an error on the victory medal, which has his number 241113, 541113 is confirmed in his mic). He was a territorial and his original number was 1957. Apart from a copy of his medal index card, no other research has been done on this man, but in my opinion, he was serving with the territorials well before the war; he is an older man, and probably a digger or from a field coy, and the reason he was sent overseas, after 1916, was to dig or repair trenches etc. Both medals are in very good condition, never mounted or worn and come totally untouched and pretty much all of the original gilt remains on the victory medal and the BWM has never been polished.
WW1 Medal Pair to Sumner Lancashire Fusiliers A British war and victory medal issued to private 202391 Frederick J Sumner of the Lancashire Fusiliers, I have found his medal index card but no further info so this chap needs more research, the medals come in good but used condition the war medal being a little flat on the front through polishing.
WW1 Medal Pair, Badges & Fobs to Hamilton DLI A lovely group of items all relating to one man. The British war and Victory medals are correctly named to 73842 Private James Hamilton of the 15th Battalion Durham Light Infantry. The 15th (Service) Battalion was Formed at Newcastle in September 1914 as part of Kitchener’s new Army’s K3 and came under orders of 64th Brigade in 21st Division. They moved to Halton Park, going on to billets in Maidenhead in December 1914 and then back to Halton Park in April 1915. Finally they moved to Witley in July. On 11th September 1915 they landed at Boulogne. James Hamilton was probably drafted into the army in 1916 and posted first with the 2nd battalion and then the 15th battalion of 21st division to replace the massive amount of men lost at the battle of Loos in 1915. During 1916 the battalion was no stranger to action seeing much of it during the battle of the Somme. During 1917 they were engaged in the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line 14th March – 5th April. The First Battle of the Scarpe, 9th – 14th April. The Third Battle of the Scarpe, 3rd – 4th May. The actions on the Hindenburg Line, 20th May – 16th June. Ypres, the Battle of Polygon Wood, 26th September – 3rd October, the Battle of Broodseinde, 4th October, and the Second Battle of Passchendaele, 26th October – 10th November 1917. During 1918, with the Russians now out of the war, Germany was able to transfer forces and at last outnumber the Allies on the Western Front before the arrival of the Americans in force. Large numbers of Stormtroopers were to be used, together with new artillery tactics. The Allies knew what was in store and began to prepare a defence in depth with varying degrees of effectiveness. As a result of manpower shortages, in February the British Army was reorganised from a four battalion to a three battalion infantry brigade structure, with many infantry battalions being disbanded to strengthen remaining battalions. At this point Hamilton was transferred to the 15th battalion still with the 21st division, 64th brigade. On 21 March 1918, when the German Army attacked on the Somme, the 21st Division was in reserve. Rushed forwards to the front, 15 DLI counter attacked, only to be driven back. In four days of fighting, 15 DLI lost almost 500 men killed, wounded or missing, including the commanding officer killed in action. Further fighting in April caused yet more casualties. In late April, the 21st Division was sent to recover near Rheims, but on 27 May it once more faced a massive German attack and was forced to retreat. In two days of fighting, 15 DLI lost over 450 men killed, wounded or missing. Drafts of conscripts arrived during the summer of 1918, as 15 DLI rebuilt and retrained, and in late August the battalion joined the British advance across the old Somme battlefield that pushed the German Army back towards Maubeuge. This fighting, however, cost the life of yet another commanding officer and Captain Lascelles VC, late of 14 DLI, who died in the battalion’s last fight of the war on 7 November 1918. I have mostly followed the history of the 21st division and the 15th Battalion in 1918, but the Durham Record office have a fantastic archive so it will be worth getting in touch with them to shed more light on this man’s history. Both medals are in very good condition and come on original ribbons. They come with his original cap badge, what looks like a silver cap badge which has been made into a sweetheart brooch. Also a hallmarked silver football fob and a bronze DLI sports medallion are in included in his things. Copies of his medal index card and medal roll are included. Avery interesting lot well worth further research.
WW1 Medal Trio to Nurse Hollingum V.A.D. Served HMHS. WW1 Trio awarded to Nurse Muriel Hollingum of the Voluntary Aid Detachment. Muriel Hollingum was born in Poplar London on June 15th 1884; she was one of five children born to Spencer and Hanna Hollingum, Spencer a Clerk and Emma a School teacher. Muriel was quick to volunteer for the red cross as her medal index card states she was serving on Hospital ships on the 15th December 1915; although it is not unique to see a VAD on a Hospital ship, it is quite scarce, so this lady is worthy of much more research. It must have been while she was serving with the VAD that she met her husband and married captain Henry Charles Roberts of the Royal Army Medical Corps in the July of 1916. Captain Roberts served in Mesopotamia from 11th February 1917 and his full medal entitlement is the WW1 British war and victory medal pair. All three medals are in very good condition but do have contact marks from where they have been mounted and worn, the BWM has a slightly different style of naming to that of the victory medal, but the BWM has no loss of metal to the rim or has any file marks from re-naming. A superb trio in need of much more research to make this lady’s history come to life, in good order and all three are mounted on replacement ribbons.
WW1 Memorial Death Plaque and Pair to RGA KIA 1917. An interesting plaque and British war and victory medal pair correctly named to 166345 Gunner Robert Norris of the 25th Siege Battery Royal garrison Artillery. He was the husband of Alice Norris and they resided at 8 Scarsdale road Camberwell, London, not far from where he was born in 1887. The 25th Siege battery arrived in France in the august of 1915, at this stage it is unclear if Robert was serving with them or he join or was drafted in the recruiting drive of 1916, and the latter is the more probable. As a gunner of a siege battery, he would have been employed with heavy howitzers using 6, 8, 9.2 or 12 inch shell, firing on the enemy’s artillery or destroying other strong points. I haven’t done much research on this man but it would be quite easy to track the actions that the 25th siege battery was involved in, on the western front. Robert died on the 30 September 1917, and he is now remembered with honour at the Outtersteene Communal cemetery Bailleul, France. This is located quite close to the battle grounds of Ypres and Passchendaele and going on the date he died it must have been the action known as the third battle of Ypres which that took his life. Both the plaque and the medals come in excellent condition, and now come mounted on board for display or safe storage. Also included is a copy of the medal index card, commonwealth war graves certificate, a lovely original photograph of Robert, his original British war and victory medal condolence issued slip, part of the original box of issue and a handful of silk postcards sent from France. These were written on, but someone has removed the writing at some point. An excellent group in need of more research, I’m sure an interesting project awaits to uncover the history of this brave young man.
WW1 Memorial Plaque to Herbert Goward. A WW1 bronze memorial plaque named to Herbert Goward. On the Commonwealth War Graves Commission web site there is only one man with this name: 30458 Private Herbert Goward 4th Battalion Bedfordshire regiment. Died 29 April 1917, remembered with honour at the Arras Memorial. From Griston in Norfolk. Also entitle to WW1 British war and victory medals. But on the Soldiers Died in the Great War list, there are two other names that do not appear on the CWGC site. These are: 290306 Private Herbert Goward 1st /7th Battalion (Territorials) Northumberland Fusiliers. Died 14th November 1916, died at home in Chevington, Northumberland. Also entitled to 1914/15 star, British war and victory medals. 202370 Private Herbert Goward 1st (City of London) Battalion (Royal Fusiliers). Killed in action 9th March 1917. No known grave, death listed as France and Flanders. From Marylebone, London. Also entitled to WW1 British war and victory medals. The plaque is in excellent original condition, it has a small hole drilled in the top at the 12 O’ clock position, probably for hanging
WW1 Middlesex Reg Cap and Shoulder Badge A scarcer WW1 all brass cap badge and a brass shoulder title of the Middlesex regiment. Both badges are in very good used condition.
WW1 Military Medal Group to Courtis RGA. A superb medal group comprising of the Military Medal for bravery in the Field, this is named; 329137 Cpl.W.F. Courtis. 286/SGE: BY. R.G.A. the British war and victory medal named; 329137 A. Sjt. W. F. Courtis. R.A. and a WW2 era Special Constabulary Faith Service medal, this is named; William F Courtis. All three medals come mounted on a medal bar, the medals are in very good original condition with some contact marks but no major damage or anything deep enough I could call an edge knock. 329137 Private William F Courtis RFA, was born and raised, I believe in Suffolk and he was probably enlisted into the RGA sometime in 1916, his early service needs research, I have concerned myself with the time and whereabouts of William when he won his MM, and this is in no way complete, but I hope I can give enough information for a grounding on which to start the much needed research on this brave young man. 286 Siege Battery, armed with 8-inch howitzers, was part of 77 Mixed Bde RGA from at least Feb 1918, (there is a War diary of this unit at Kew, but as yet it is not online) from the beginig of 1918 through until the end of the war, they were set firm on the Ypres Salient and for most of the time with the 2nd army, in August he may have been moved to the Fourth Army on the Somme for the Battle of Amiens, but by the October he had returned to Second Army in the Salient. It was with Rawlinson’s 4th army I think William was awarded this gallantry medal in the August of 1918 for the battle of Amiens while serving with the 12th Eastern division. Here the artillery supported the successful attack of the French 66th Division near Moreuil on 23 July 1918. It remained in action near Gentelles in covering the 2nd Australian Division, and between 8 and 25 August played a part in the highly successful attack by Fourth Army, the Battle of Amiens, so I’m sure his medal was awarded for this action. This wonderful group just comes with confirmation of the medals awarded, a copy of his medal index card and the entry in the London gazette on the 21st October 1917. Lastly, I haven’t mentioned the Special Constabulary medal, this shows William was active during the 2nd world war too, he was obviously determined to do his bit in this war as well; a very interesting group of medals which needs more research to really do this man justice.
WW1 Military Medal to Seaforth Highlanders. A wonderful gallantry medal correctly named to 240187 Pte. W. Neat. 1/5 Sea:Hdrs. William E Neat served in France from 1st May 1915; the 5th battalion of the Seaforth Highlanders or the Sutherland and Caithness territorial battalion, they served in France with the 51st Highland division, almost as soon as they landed they were hurried to the defence of Ypres, here the enemy using poison gas for the first time, the allies used every means open to halt the Germans in their surprise attack, the 51st division then moved to an area on the river Lys in an attempt to retake Aubers Ridge in the battle of Festubert around 15th May, still quite green and under-trained, from here on William’s battalion was pretty much constantly on the front line until they moved south just north of the Somme to engage in the attacks on High Wood and the battle of the Ancre in which the Division captured Beaumont Hamel and took more than 2000 prisoners. It was around April to early August 1917 at the battlefields of Arras that William earned his military medal for gallantry in the field. It was entered into the London Gazette on 28th September 1917, this along with a copy of his medal index card is included. *A hard winters frost was still in the ground when the Highlanders found themselves in the line near Arras, again at Roclincourt, braced up by a period of intensive training and unremitting rehearsal for the April 1917 attack on the enemy's lines in the valley of the Scarpe, where every Scottish regiment in the army was represented by the best, and in some cases by most of its battalions. The Battle of Arras; on a front twelve miles from Lens to Arras, started on 9th April at half-past five in the morning. The 51st Division, which was in the XVII Corps under Sir Charles Fergusson, and part of Allenby's Third Army, was opposite Thélus and facing the outer spurs of Vimy Ridge, in front of which, to the Division's left, lay four Canadian divisions, while on its right was the 34th Division. A fierce enemy barrage preluded the attack; yet Gordon’s, Black Watch, Argyll’s, Seaforth's, and Royal Scots swept through the first objective line of the German trenches as though they had been a triumphal arch. Only at one point called "The Pump" and the trenches east of it was the 152nd Brigade for a little checked by an appallingly concentrated, fire; two hours later they were assailing the second line with the invaluable aid of the tanks. Rœux and the Chemical Works were not permanently ours till 14th May, when the Fifty-first took them over from the 4th Division and held them through desperate counterattacks. Two days later a new division of the enemy thrust forward north of the Scarpe under an exceedingly heavy barrage, and for a while seriously menaced the Fifty-first in a very awkward situation alongside a railway embankment, flanking it and actually getting to its rear. But this force was virtually destroyed before its daring move had fully developed. "Convey to 51st Division my congratulations on their great gallantry at Roeux and Chemical Works," wired General Allenby to the Third Army three days later. At the end of May the Highlanders moved north to the Lys, and took part with the XVIII Corps in the Third Battle of Ypres, which opened on 31st July. For many weeks there had been formidable preparations in the Salient for an attack against the low Flanders ridges, of which the enemy was fully expectant, and for which he was prepared with an amazing concentration of "pill-box" fortresses. The Fifty-first advanced with a velour there was no withstanding on the dismal morning of the 31st. Every obstacle went down before them; they had learned all that was to be learned about "pill-boxes" and the tactics for them, and these much-vaunted devices of the enemy, with few exceptions, proved comparatively easy to circumvent and put out of action. Mopping up the ground behind them, the Highlanders reached their objective--- the line of Steenbeck---where they dug themselves in and beat off all counter-attacks. So far as the north of the Arras sector was concerned, that opening day of the Arras battle was a decided victory for Britain. A miserable month, for weather, followed; all active operations were impossible, and only once again on this front---on 20th September, on the Poelcapelle road---did the Fifty-first get into grips with the Germans. These were Prussian troops whom they handsomely thrashed. Before the Highlanders quitted the XVIII Corps at the end of September, the Corps Commander wrote to say how much he had appreciated their services throughout three months of strenuous fighting. "What has struck me most," he said, "is the thoroughness of the organization within the Division, and the fact that all usual war problems have been thought out beforehand, discussed in detail, and are embodied in simple doctrines well known to all ranks. The result is the Division always fights with gallantry, and can be depended on to carry out any reasonable task which may be allotted to it in any battle. For this reason I venture to place it among the three best fighting divisions I have met in France during the past three years." * A lot more research is needed to find Williams citation, I have written to the Highlanders museum to see if they could locate Williams’s citation, but I have had no reply, not even an acknowledgement of my letter, I won’t get on my soap box here, but you would think they would care about one of the highlander’s bravest sons. Anyway, if I hear anything I will add it or pass it on. The medal itself is in excellent condition and on its original ribbon; it comes not in its original case but a beautiful fitted medal case of the same period. A scarcer MM to a man of small territorial battalion which was grossly under-trained when arriving in France and one that earned the respect and admiration of every division on the western front. *Excerpts from the 51st Division War Sketches by Fred A Farrell. Text by Neil Munro.
WW1 Notts & Derby Shoulder Title. A single brass shoulder badge worn by the Nottinghamshire and Derby Regiment during the first world war era. It is in very good condition with all four lugs, although one lug is a little bent. It measures 2 x 1.5 inches.
WW1 Officers Compass Dated 1916. A very good WW1 Officers compass by Cruchon & Emons of London and dated 1916. It is in good order but most of its original blacking has worn away, so it was well used in its time. it comes in its original field brown leather case, the small leather strap which closes the case has had a repair. A great original war used compass.
WW1 Officers Pistol Lanyard. The army issue jute pistol lanyard in used condition. A have a few of these so they are priced to clear.
WW1 Pair & Stuff to Lieutenant RFC Flyer. A fabulous group of items including a WW1 British war and Victory medal pair correctly named to Lieutenant George Frank Custance of the Royal Flying Corps, his two training note books which are full of hand written information, a wonderful original photograph of him in uniform and lastly his original cap badge. George F Custance was born in Kings Lynn Norfolk in the December 1899 the only son of a Master Taylor. He joined the RFC as soon as he was of age and trained to become a pilot at the training centre at Hythe. Soon after qualification in January 1918 he was found unfit to be a pilot and was given the rank of Flight Observer, to accompany the Pilot in two seater aircraft serving with No 2 squadron in a reconnaissance roll. From June 1918 he was transferred to no 141 squadron serving in the defence of the home counties it is unclear in his service papers if he saw any overseas service, but the cap badge he is wearing in the photograph and included is the rare early royal Naval Air Service officers cap badge, so it is more than likely he was flying in reconnaissance missions for the navy, before the RNAS was merged with the RFC to form the RAF, here a lot more research is needed on this man. It looks as if he had a short career with the Air Force, being discharged in March of 1919, maybe because his heart was set on being a pilot or he wanted to return to the family business in Kings Lynn, whatever he did post war, it is unclear, it was a real shame he did not live to any kind of old age, as he died in 1937 at the age of only 38 years, again a little more digging is needed to discover what happened to him; he was buried in Wisbech Norfolk, not far from his birth place in Kings Lynn. The medals, cap badge and the ephemera is all in very good original condition, the note books are quite interesting both are full of notes and diagrams. A great and quite scarce lot of an early RAF observer that rarely comes available to purchase and it holds excellent investment potential.
WW1 Pair and SWB to Miller Seaforth Highlanders. A WW1 British war and victory medal with Silver War badge correctly named and numbered to; S/9635 Private John Miller of the 9th battalion the Seaforth Highlanders. It comes with a beautiful original photograph of him in his hospital blues. He is also entitled to the 1914/15 star, which is missing. The 9th battalion of the Seaforth Highlanders were part of Kitchener’s new army and formed at Fort George in October 1914. Moved to Aldershot in November and on 3rd December came under command of 9th Scottish Division as divisional troops. They became a Pioneer Battalion to same Division in early 1915 and moved to Rowledge (Farnham). They were ordered overseas in march and landed at Boulogne on 10th May 1915. However on John’s medal index card, it states he arrived on 4th November 1915. In 1916 they were in action in the Battle of the Somme, including the capture of Longueval, The Battle of Delville Wood and The Battle of Le Transloy. In 1917 they fought in the the First and Second Battles of the Scarpe during the Arras Offensive, the First Battle of Passchendaele and The action of Welsh Ridge. Private Miller was discharged with Bomb wounds on 3rd November 1917, probably from wounds received on the Somme battle field, here he received his silver wound badge which is numbered 295023. The medals are in excellent untouched condition, however the war badge has lost its pin, which happened a lot when worn. The medals come with copies of his medal index card, medal roll and SWB roll. A really lovely lot to this poor wounded man, it needs research to find the history of the war service this man endured.
WW1 Pair to Staff Nurse Doyle QAIMR Served Hospital Ship Gallipoli Mary E. Doyle from Dublin Ireland was a trained nurse working in the private sector when the war broke out, she joined the Queen Alexanders Imperial Nursing Service in January 1915 and was invalided out in January 1916, during that time she served on the hospital ship Letitia which was recorded as, 'serving with distinction in the Mediterranean and even coming under fire while evacuating wounded troops near the Dardanelles', the Gallipoli campaign ran from April 1915 to January 1916 so Mary would have been in the thick of the action. To accompany her medals are a bundle of National Archives paperwork which helps to piece together a time line for Mary. She returned to Britain in January 1916 and went before a medical board, she was described as having 'valvular disease of the heart' and was awarded a silver war badge, almost immediately she was released from service and the paperwork covers a series of handwritten letters from Mary, the authorities and even the parish priest in Ireland trying to get her back into service, Mary herself declares she is fit for service but is turned down and recommended back to private nursing. The letter from the parish priest is addressed to the Lord lieutenant of Dublin castle appealing for help from the ladyship on Mary's behalf and even suggests that had Mary been an English nurse she would not have been treated so poorly. I would love to know what happened to Mary, did she get back into nursing perhaps with the Red Cross or in a private capacity, she would have seen heavy action and in one of the papers is described as serving 'under fire'. The medals come in good condition, there is a small edge knock on the BWM, complete with ribbons and have been worn with pride.
WW1 Peace Mug – Rule Britannia A nice condition 1914 -1919 peace mug this example including the famous ‘Rule Britannia’ saying. The mug comes in good but used condition with some wear to the gilding, it stands 3 inches tall.
WW1 Period German/Austrian Commemorative Pin An interesting white metal pin depicting Kaiser Wilhelm and Franz Joseph, dated 1914 and having the words viribus unitis 'with united forces'. Issued I'm sure for the uniting of the German and Austrian Empires and coincidentally the motto of Franz Joseph. Comes in super original condition.
WW1 Photo Postcard – Rowe E Surrey Reg MM Winner KIA A simple WW1 photographic postcard that hides what must be a massive story, on the back it gives the man’s details and in his own hand it has ‘with my compliments A. Rowe love to all’, the man in question was Lance corporal Albert Rowe No 5295 of the 8th Surrey regiment, my research shows that he was killed in action on the 12th October 1917 and that he was awarded the military medal for his actions on that day, his body was never retrieved, he came from Bury St Edmunds Suffolk. If you wish to research this further Google 8th battalion East Surrey regiment 12th October 1917, I found that this took me to the war diary for that month and it made very interesting reading. I include some basic research for Albert and the photo card comes in fair condition with some condition issues.
WW1 Photograph French Infantryman. A wonderful WW1 studio photograph of a French infantry volunteer NCO. Although the photo is black & white, he is wearing their ever practical red and blue uniform and soft kepi. He is proudly wearing his volunteers armband and standing to attention with his Gras bayonet and rifle. A lovely piece of Great War memorabilia that is nice and clear and in good condition.
WW1 Plaque & Medal Pair to Brett 9th Suffolk’s KIA. WW1 Bronze Memorial Plaque named to Torrance Brett with original Carboard Envelope. British War and Victory medal correctly named to 19658 Pte. T. Brett Suff. R. Torrance was born in Felmingham Norfolk in 1897, he was the second of two sons born to Frederick and Ellen Brett. His father was a farmer and their children all worked on the farm when they were old enough. Torrance enlisted into the Suffolk regiment pretty much as soon as war was declared into the 9th battalion Suffolk regiment. This battalion was actually raised in Shoreham Sussex in September of 1914 from contingents from all parts of Suffolk and Norfolk. They formed part of Kitchener's Third New Army. They joined 71st Brigade in 24th Division. The division suffered from a lack of equipment and a lack of trained officers and NCOs to command the volunteers, so many men were in despair that the war would end before their services would be needed. In late June 1915 they moved to Aldershot for final training, and they proceeded to France, landing at Boulogne on the 30th of August 1915. The 24th Division concentrated in the area between Etaples and St Pol on the 4th of September and a few days later literally marched across France, at one stage covering seventy miles on four night marches. On one such march, the battalion fell-out without orders, exhausted, dirty and soaked through a Major from the regiment called them a “Dammed Rotten Mob”, but the diary described them as still in high spirits and ready to fight. Now in the summer of 1915 and nearing the front, it was decided by high command that an attack should be made on a six-mile front between La Basse canal and the village of Grenay to link up with the French 10th army. On the night of the 24th/25th September they made their way along the Rue d’ Aire where they met streams of German prisoners and British wounded. The intention was to be in reserve but they did in fact take part in the main battle, the only battalion of the Suffolk regiment to do so. Here they suffered many casualties of officers and men, and Serjeant Saunders of the 9th battalion was awarded the Victoria Cross for Gallantry, many men were mentioned and lots of other gallantry medals were awarded to the 9th battalion for this action. Not bad for a battalion that had only arrived in France just twenty-five days before. After Loos the battalion were marched to the Ypres Salient, where they went into line at the Forward Cottage and St Jean trenches. When not on the line the battalion were at or near Poperinghe furnishing everlasting working parties at night; the weather was atrocious, and they had to grope their way up to the front in rain, mud and complete darkness and under persistent shell fire and gas attacks. On the 11th of October 1915 the 9th Suffolks transferred with 71st Brigade to 6th Division and on the 19th December while the battalion were in the trenches the enemy became very active, the battalion underwent a twenty- four hour bombardment of heavy shell fire, which started with gas attack but through it all they held their trenches and were congratulated by the company commander, however they took over eighty casualties. The new year opened with the 9th still in the Ypres area, they spent their time in and out of trenches and had a spell of “harassing duties” which cost numerous casualties. After this in April 1916 they took a spell of rest, but the German artillery would regularly shell the rest camps, so no one ever really got away from the carnage. But finally on 18th May they were in Bollezeel and Houtkerque for the purpose of recuperation and training, however this was short lived, and they were back on the front line in early June. In August 1916 the 9th battalion was taken out of the raging inferno on the salient and thrown into the simmering cauldron of the Somme, reaching the Albert sector on the 4th they took over the trenches near Mailly Maillet wood and later in the month they had the distressing task of clearing the battlefield of the fallen of the Ulster Division. On 13th September the battalion took part in the attack on the ‘Quadrilateral’ a formidable enemy strong point protected by machine guns, after many casualties including several officers, no progress could be made and they dug in just half a mile from the jumping -off trenches. A much larger assault later took place with the addition of eleven British divisions and a bombardment which lasted three days and with the use of British tanks, the result was the same. On leaving the trenches the troops came under extreme machine gun fire and it was impossible to make any headway. All of the senior officers were killed or wounded and the command came under Lieutenant Allerton who managed to get the men dug in but unable to move forward. Here Lieutenant Colonel Mack was killed plus over one hundred other ranks were killed or missing. This was known as the battle of Flers Courcelette. The Quadrilateral was finally taken a few days later by the 6th division, the 9th played a supporting roll, but it cost the division 3500 casualties. The rest of 1916 the 9th Suffolk’s were once again moving from trench to trench, it took a reserve position at the battle of Morval and Le Transloy but scarcely involved, after this they gradually moved their way back to the Loos area and spent Christmas near Bethune. During the early part of 1917 the 9th battalion were in the Loos-Hulluch sector and in March the 9th with the rest of the 6th division took over the front line northwards from the Double Crassier at Loos for a distance of about six miles, this was a long and trying time for the battalion of raids and bombardments, of which many gallantry medals were awarded. During the night of June 8th/9th the enemy attempted a raid on Newport sap but were repulsed by a platoon of A coy, leaving many enemy dead on the wire. Two nights later B coy under captain Canning raided as far as the German’s support trenches but found them empty, but a certain amount of vital information was obtained, and a vast amount of material damage was done. On the 18th the battalion was marched from Verquin / Vaudricout to Maroc the 9th temporarily joined 18th infantry brigade for “Tactical Digging Duties” this was probably making track ways and bridges for the cavalry to pass over trenches, ready for the battle of Cambrai; this was very dangerous work as the men were working close to the German trenches. On the days where the battalion were carrying out these duties, there were always casualties usually caused by sniper. On the 24th June the battalion was continuing the same duties, this day there were six killed and 14 wounded, one of those who was killed was Private Torrance Brett. The next day, the battalion was taken off the line. Private Torrance Brett is now remembered with honour at the Maroc British Cemetery, Grenay. He was 20 years old. Torrance had seen and been part of some horrendous fighting and lived at times in terrible conditions in the two years he served on the western front. He had fought in the same actions as VC, DCM, MC and MM winners on the Ypres salient, Loos and the Somme and was just as brave and like so many, lost his life before it had begun. The plaque and medals are in excellent condition and comes with various copied research.
WW1 Princess Mary’s Christmas Tin. WW1 brass Christmas gift tin, issued Christmas 1914 and into 1915, the fund headed by the Wonderful Princess Mary Countess of Harewood the only daughter of King George V and Queen Mary. She did so much for the War effort during the Great War and WW2 and was a tireless worker for Girls and Women’s movements. This tin is in excellent condition, just slight wear to the high points and nice and clean. It contains what remains of its original Christmas card, a great example to add too.
WW1 Punch Poster of Victory by Bernard Partridge Sir Bernard Partridge was most renowned for his association with Punch magazine. He joined the Punch staff in 1891 and became chief cartoonist in 1910, a position he held until his death in 1945. His cartoons usually featured one or two stately figures centre stage as in this example dated November 1918, the heading has ‘Punch or the London Charivari’ and shows victory and peace in human form with the countries of the allies around the edge, it measures 17 inches x 11 and comes in very good condition for its age with fold lines but no tears.
WW1 RAMC Silver & Enamel Sweetheart Badge A very good quality silver and enamel sweetheart badge for the Royal Army Medical Corps, it is a small size measuring .75 of an inch long, I think it is hallmarked on the back but the application of the pin has partially obscured what I am taking to be the sterling mark. Comes in very good condition.
WW1 Red Cross Nurses Apron. I have recently been very lucky and cleared an old store in a local cottage hospital. The hospital was used as a red cross VAD hospital during the Great War and treated both civilians and soldiers during the Second World War. So in the old linen store was found a small quantity of WW1 Red Cross nurse’s aprons, this sale does not include the blue dress which is not of the same period. Matching starched collar and head square are being sold separately, please see my nursing uniforms etc. The condition is great; some areas have a few yellow spots just where it has been stored for such a long time,and some fraying to the material, but a superb original item for the re-enactor or collector. size 26'' waist but this can be enlarged to any size. Ref RC1
WW1 Royal Berkshire Regiment Cap Badge. WW1 era solid brass cap badge featuring the China Dragon from the campaign of 1840-42. This badge was issued until the regiment merged with the Wiltshire regiment in 1959. It comes in very good original condition with a good even tone, but it does show some residue of old polish in the ridges of the badge. Ref. Z22.
WW1 Royal Engineers Officers Badge. WW1 era RE officers bronze badge. this badge is in very good order and has a nice chocolate colour tone to the front, but it is heavily patinated on the back. Tt also has a slight depression to the centre of the badge, the GvR part of the badge; but not really noticeable though. It has been worn and used, still a good collectable grade. Ref. E13
WW1 Royal Fusiliers Sweetheart Badge. A lovely WW1 era Sweetheart brooch for the Royal Fusiliers; originally this with have been brass overlaid with a gilt finish, unfortunately the gilt has almost all gone from the front. Having said that, this badge remains in very good condition overall. It measures 1.25 inches high.
WW1 Royal Guernsey Light Infantry Cap Badge The all brass cap badge worn by the Guernsey contingent of the channel Islands Militia, this badge was issued until the outbreak of the war in 1939 when a totally different badge was put in use, all the channel island units were disbanded in 1947, this badge comes in wonderful original condition with a nice even patina. Ref. E13
WW1 Royal Sussex Regiment Cap Badge The bi metal badge for the Royal Sussex regiment used the same design from the late 19th century until 1958 when the home counties brigade badge was used. This one is the size and form of a WW1 example, it has been used with slight wear but still remains in good order. Ref: D24
WW1 Sam Brown Leather Sword Frog. WW1 era officers sword frog, Sam Brown in brown leather. It is in good order, nothing is missing but the leather is a bit