Post 1902 Royal Army Medical Corps Officers Full Uniform, consisting of officers blue cloth full dress tunic with silver gilt officers collar badges to the crimson collar with gilt braid. RAMC officers tunic buttons to the front. Officers knot cord shoulder boards with bullion rank pips. Interior collar with original tailors label having inked name. Post 1902 officers blue cloth home service helmet with gilt metal officers helmet plate to the centre. Rosette side bosses with ornate linked gilt brass chin scales. Cruciform spike base with rosette mounts and ball top. Interior with cream leather sweatband and Holt & Son tailors circle to the interior crown. RAMC pattern leather waist belt with two piece silver gilt officers waist belt clasp. Edward VII RAMC officers cross belt with black leather pouch having gilt metal cipher of King Edward VII to the centre. The lining to the tunic is mostly absent but the other parts remain in good condition overall. (4 items)
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Imperial German Hessian Other Ranks Pickelhaube, leather bodied pickelhaube with brass fittings. State of Hesse other ranks pattern helmet plate to the centre. Complete with other ranks pattern leather chinstrap supported by state and national cockades. Brass front trim and rear spine. Circular spike base and standard pattern brass spike as opposed to the Hessian pattern spike. Interior is complete with the leather liner to the interior and original owners name written to the underside of the rear peak. Interior of the shell is ink stamped “B.A XIV”, this is not an army group associated with the state of Hesse, so it would be possible that this helmet plate was changed at some point in its life, possibly at the time as all the fittings match in patina and the helmet has no extra holes. Some shellac missing from the shell but overall a good example. Late Gordon Anderson collection
6 Shot .44” Colt Army Single Action Percussion Revolver, No.43724 (matching), round barrel stamped ‘ADDRESS COL SAMl COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA’, underlever rammer, rebated cylinder roll with remains of engraved details of the colt pattern, ‘Pat. Sept 10th 1853’. Brass trigger guard, frame stamped COLTS PATENT, wooden grip. Barrel 20.2cms, overall 35cms. Generally good example. Action holds at full and half cock, working action. Brassware scratched with original owners initials ‘R M A’. PLEASE SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT SHIPPING OF ANTIQUE GUNS AND AIR RIFLES / AIR PISTOLS BEFORE PLACING BIDS IN THIS AUCTION.
WW2 German Army Officers Dress Dagger with Hanging Straps and Portepee by Robert Klaas, Solingen, good example with yellow / orange celluloid grip. Eagle cross guard and top pommel with oak leaves relief. Housed in the original scabbard with two hanging rings. Attached to the grip is the original officers dagger portepee. Attached to the scabbard is a set of velvet backed brocade hanging straps with oakleaves relief decoration to the metal parts. Double edged blade with Robert Klaas, Solingen makers trademark to the base. Blade 25cms, overall 40cms.
WW2 German Army Officers Dagger, having orange grip with the pommel having oakleaves relief. Cross guard in the form of a German army eagle. Attached to the grip is an officers bullion dagger knot / portepee. Housed in its polished scabbard with two hanging rings. Plain double edged unmaker marked blade which measures 24 ¾ cms, overall 39 ½ cms. Generally good example.
WW2 German Army Officers Dagger by Alcoso Solingen, the dagger is fitted with a black grip which is the type used on the so called 1st model railway dagger, but from our understanding these daggers were only made by Robert Klaas. This dagger is complete with the top pommel, eagle cross guard with pronounced central eagle, housed in its original scabbard with two hanging rings. Original officers dagger portepee / knot attached. Good full length double edged blade with Alcoso, Solingen makers trade mark to the base. Blade measures 25 ½ cms, overall 39 ½ cms.
WW2 German Armed Forces Parade Bayonet by Carl Eickhorn, Solingen, standard issue parade bayonet with two piece black chequered grips, plated pommel and cross guard. Housed in the original blackened steel scabbard with leather hanging frog attached. The bayonet has an army officers dagger portepee / knot attached. Plain blade with deep struck fuller to the back edge. The blade has Carl Eickhorn, Solingen makers trade mark to the base. Blade measures 25cms, overall 40cms (not including frog). Good untouched as found example.
Dinky - Matchbox - Hot Wheels - Majorette - Approximately 50 x unboxed models including Hot Wheels Redline Custom Camaro, Matchbox Lamborghini Miura # 33, 1 Ton Army truck # 641, 2 x Mini Cooper Police car # 250 and similar. Some have damage / parts missing. They appear in Fair condition overall. (This does not constitute a guarantee)
Four boxed Britains military metal figure sets to include No. 432 German Infantry (in field grey uniforms) (figures show some paint wear & repainting, pen to lid), No. 228 Types of U.S.A forces - U.S.A. Marines (figures gd but show repainting), No. 128 12th Royal Lancers (some paint chipping/wear, some repainting, tear to box) and No. 189 Types of the Belgian Army - Belgian Infantry (one incomplete bayonet, figures vg overall but repainted). Complete sets, boxes show age-related storage wear including scuffing to edges
Three boxed Britains ' Regiments Of All Nations ' metal figure sets to include 146 - Royal Army Service Corps Waggon (tatty box - possible repainting to wagon), 37 - Band, Coldstream Guards (tatty box) and a further 21-piece set (tearing & creasing to lid). Sets complete, figures gd overall with the odd area of paint chipping / wear
Four boxed Britains ' Regiments Of All Nations ' metal figure sets to include No. 1613 British Infantry In Action (charging) with gas masks (figures vg - possible repainting), No. 2072 King's Royal Rifle Corps (marching at the trail) (figures gd overall, some repainting), No. 195 British Infantry (at the trail) (figures vg but repainted, gd box) and No. 169 Italian Army - Bersaglieri Light Infantry (figures gd but repainted, gd box). Complete sets, boxes show some storage-related wear
Four boxed Britains ' Regiments Of All Nations ' metal figure sets to include 2 - The Royal Horse Guards (Review Order), 138 - The French Army Cuirassiers (tearing to lid), 1343 - The Royal Horse Guards (The Blues Winter Capes) and 1631 - Governor-General's Horse Guards (Canada). Complete sets, figures gd to vg overall but showing possible repainting, boxes show storage-related wear
Five boxed Britains ' Regiments Of All Nations ' metal figure sets to include No. 2073 Royal Air Force - marching at the slope, No. 2074 1st King's Dragoon Guards, No. 1633 Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, No. 2019 Danish Army: Life Guards (Full Dress) and No. 1318 British Machine Gunners - sitting and lying positions. Complete sets, figures vg overall, showing some repainting, boxes showing some storage wear
Five boxed Britains ' Regiments Of All Nations ' metal figure sets to include No. 2083 The Welch Guards - at ease with mounted officer, No. 1730 the Royal Artillery - gun detachment with officer, No. 2021 United States Army - "Snowdrops" M.P., No. 2082 The Coldstream Guards - attention, with officer and No. 2071 Royal Marines - present arms. Complete sets, figures gd to vg overall but showing repainting, boxes gd overall with some storage-related wear
13 boxed military-related plastic model kits / figures sets to include 6 x Tamiya (No. 85 Flakpanzer IV Wirbelwind, No. 57 King Tiger, No. 23 Panzerkampfwagen V Panther & 3 x Military Miniatures - German Parachuter, Russian Infantry & German Army Officer), 4 x Airfix (No. 573 - 1914 Old Bill Bus, No. F203S - H.M.S. Manxman, No. F5S - H.M.S. Hotspur & No. 02553-5 - Polish Lancer 1815), UPC no. 2156-200 Anti-Aircraft Gun (partly built), The Lindberg Line no. 761 Scharnhorst and Matchbox no. PK-83 Hanomag sdkfz 251/1; plus a bagged & unbuilt Airfix Bren Carrier & 6 Pdr. Gun. Kits unbuilt unless stated, contents appear gd overall but unchecked for completeness, boxes show some storage wear / squash
10 Boxed Matchbox 75 Series diecast models to include 73 Ferrari Racing Car in red, 19 Lotus Racing Car in green, 46 Pickfords Removal Van, 1 Diesel Road Roller, 66 Harley Davidson Motorcycle and Sidecar, 70 Thames Estate Car, 55 Police Patrol Car, 49 Army Half Track mark II, 9 Fire Truck and 40 Long Distance Coach, diecast excellent overall, boxes vary but mainly gd-vg
LEOPOLD II: (1835-1909) King of the Belgians 1865-1909. A good A.L.S., Leopold, four pages, 8vo, Chateau de Laeken (Brussels), 27th July 1866, to his sister, Charlotte (‘Ma chere Charlotte’), on the King’s personal printed black bordered mourning stationery, in French. The King commences his letter by recommending Elisa de Try ‘jeune artiste appuyee tres fort par Servais et Liannard, couverte de succes dans les salons de Paris et 1er prix de notre Conservatoire’ (Translation: ‘a young artiste supported very strongly by Servais and Liannard, covered with success in the salons of Paris and 1st prize recipient of our music school’) and continues to provide news of the current political and military landscape in Europe, ‘cette belle armee autrichienne detruite, les prussiens devant Vienne….tout cela en moins de 30 jours de temps. La Prusse est a un moment preponderant en Europe. L'Empereur Napoleon occupe le second rang, la Russie le 3er at l'Angleterre le dernier’ (Translation: ‘this beautiful Austrian army destroyed, the Prussians in front of Vienna…..all that in less than 30 days. Prussia is at this time preponderant in Europe. The Emperor Napoleon occupies the second rank, Russia the 3rd and England the last’), further congratulating himself on the fact that public spirit and a feeling of nationalism has never been better in Belgium, although explaining that he would have liked to have put his army on a good footing, but ‘malheureusement je n'obtiens rien du cabinet et notre armee reste trop dependante des caprices et de la fortune’ (Translation: ‘unfortunately I get nothing from the Cabinet and our army remains too dependent on whims and fortune’). Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by the King ‘A Sa Majeste l’Imperatrice du Mexique’. Together with an A.L.S. by Felix Eloin, a Belgian diplomat and Chief of the Civil Cabinet of Emperor of Maximilian I of Mexico, two pages, 8vo, Vienna, 1st August 1866, to a Count, in French, also recommending Elisa de Try. Some light overall age wear and minor staining, G, 2Charlotte of Belgium (1840-1927) Belgian Princess, younger sister of King Leopold II. Carlota’s marriage to Archduke Maximilian of Austria, later Emperor of Mexico, resulted in her becoming an Archduchess of Austria (in 1857) and Empress of Mexico (in 1864).Elisa de Try (1846-1922) French virtuoso cellist who performed as a soloist in the second half of the 19th century.
CASTRO FIDEL: (1926-2016) Cuban revolutionary and politician who served as Prime Minister of Cuba 1959-76 and President of Cuba 1976-2008. Autograph Manuscript draft of an interview written and signed by the Spanish journalist Enrique Meneses (1929-2013), two pages, 8vo, n.p. (Cuba), 9th January 1958, in Spanish. The text states, in part, 'In an exclusive interview granted by Fidel Castro to Enrique Meneses for “Le Figaro” of Paris, the rebel leader answers the declarations…..of 8th January. Castro: To whom should I hand over the weapons that we have taken from the army? To the same army that has been fighting us for a year?......Those that we have captured from the army will be handed over when all possibility of dictatorship is discarded. We do not aspire to any political position, so we do not represent any danger of dictatorship. When the armed forces are reorganised and the dignified military have them under their control, when all fear that a military junta will replace Batista is discarded; the July 26 movement will hand over its weapons to those armed forces. Meneses: What do you think of the acceptance of Manuel Urrutia as provisional President? Castro: We are very happy that everyone agrees that Urrutia is the ideal person to preside over the Repubic…..Carlos Prio no longer counts for anything in Cuba. The revolution is in the hands of the new generation and not in those who want to chain their destiny to a disgraceful past. Meneses: Do you think that without the help of the rest of the opposition you will be able to defeat Batista? Castro: It will take longer but we will achieve it. The days when the troops came to look for us in the mountains are over. Today we have to go and look for them……here it is already safer than in the rest of the Republic. This is free Cuba'. Signed by Meneses at the conclusion and countersigned by Fidel Castro with his name alone in fountain pen ink. Some light overall creasing, minor age wear and a few stains, otherwise about VGEnrique Meneses (1929-2013) Spanish journalist, writer and photographer. In 1958 Meneses became the first reporter to live, for four months, with the Cuban revolutionaries in Sierra Maestra, at which time he met and interviewed Fidel Castro and Che Guevara. His reports on the Cuban revolution which appeared in French publications caused a worldwide sensation. The present document dates from just a few months before the military dictator Fulgencio Batista (1901-1973) fled from Cuba in the early hours of 1st January 1959. News of the fall of Batista's government was met with a jubilant reaction by Cubans and Fidel Castro and his army rolled victoriously into Havana on 8th January 1959.
‘the care and diligence in averting and rejecting the plans of the malicious should always be praised’ PIUS III: (1439-1503) Pope of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 22nd September to 18th October 1503. At just twenty-six days, Pius III had one of the shortest pontificates in papal history. An exceptionally rare D.S., F[ranciscus]. C[ardinalis] de Piccolomineis, as Papal Legate to Rome and the Papal States, one page (vellum), slim oblong folio (32 x 12 cm), St. Peter's Basilica, Rome, 5th June 1464, in Latin. The manuscript document, issued in the name of Pope Pius II, and penned in an elegant script, states that the recipient's letters 'in which you have indicated to us certain suspicions cast by you….and also an account of what has been reported of Jacopo Piccinino' have been read, commenting 'We, beloved child, think that suspicions of this kind are vain, but we praise you for being cautious' and further continuing 'the care and diligence in averting and rejecting the plans of the malicious should always be praised, and We who are the ones who protect and defend you as we desire….Therefore, concerning the Corsicans who are trying to enter into your state, we ordered the governor of our Patrimony to seize them and punish them according to their demerits'. The document also states, 'As regards Piccinino, although he has received the….stipend from the King [Ferdinand I of Naples] and his Serenity needs his services for the establishment of his kingdom and his state, and as we have been informed he does not wish to let him go, nevertheless we shall not fail to protect you where necessary…..Our beloved son Antonio [Piccolomini], Duke of Amalfi……will soon arrive, who will station a part of our army in the territory of your country….' Adding that the Duke has been commanded to defend and protect their land and subjects if necessary. Autographs of Pope Pius III, the nephew of Pius II, are of the utmost rarity and the present document is also of historical significance for its references to Jacopo Piccinino and Antonio Piccolomini. Some light overall damp staining and two very small holes to the body of the document, the text remaining clear and entirely legible. Some traces of former mounting to the verso and with the (slightly indistinct) circular red stamp of the College heraldique de France to the verso. About VGThe recipient of the present document is unclear, however one valid candidate would be Marino Marzano (1420-1494) Italian nobleman, Grand Admiral of the Kingdom of Naples, and an ally of Pope Pius II. Pius II (1405-1464) Pope of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States 1458-64. A Renaissance humanist, and member of the House of Piccolomini, Pius II had achieved fame as an author in Latin before becoming Pope. Jacopo Piccinino (1423-1465) Italian condottiero, nobleman and feudal lord. In 1450 Piccinino became a General in the Venetian Army and in 1463 participated in the dynastic wars which tore apart the Kingdom of Naples. In 1465 he was called to Naples to receive the position as viceroy of Abruzzi and serve as leader of King Ferdinand I of Naple's troops, however he was treacherously arrested on the King's orders and condemned to death.Antonio Piccolomini (1435-1492) Duke of Amalfi. Italian soldier and politician. Brother of Francesco Piccolomini, the future Pope, and a nephew of Pius II from whom the Duke received numerous favours and investitures. Appointed Lieutenant General of Men-at-Arms of the Kingdom of Naples, at the time of the present document the Duke was engaged in eliminating the last resistances of Jacopo Piccinino and participated in various military campaigns involving the Kingdom of Naples.Ferdinand I (1424-1494) King of Naples 1458-94, one of the most influential and feared monarchs in Europe at the time and an important figure in the Italian Renaissance. Pius II had convened the Congress of Mantua in 1459 in order to plan a war against the Ottoman Turks, Christendom's common enemy, and in January 1460 the Pope proclaimed the official crusade. However, by November 1463, little progress had been made and the Pope, in an effort to organise the crusade himself, invited all of the Christian nobility to join. The Venetians immediately agreed, as did George Kastriot Skanderberg, leader of the Albanian resistance, who declared war on the Ottomans on 27th November 1463. The Pope did not succeed in securing the support of estranged France; the Duke of Burgundy breaking his promises; Milan was engrossed in an attempt to seize Genoa; and Florence cynically advised the Pope to let the Turks and the Venetians to wear each other out. Pius II was aware that he was nearing his end, and his malady most likely prompted the feverish impatience with which on 18th June 1464, less than two weeks after the present document was issued, he assumed the cross and departed for Ancona to conduct the crusade in person. Provenance: Previously contained in the archives of the College heraldique de France, a leading organisation in the studies of noble genealogy that was created in 1841 by Claude Drigon, Marquis of Magny (1796-1879). Its large collections, estimated to be 350,000 documents (including 60,000 charters from the 11th - 14th centuries) were dispersed at auction at the Hotel Drouot in 1935-37.
STENDHAL: (1783-1842) Marie-Henri Beyle. French writer considered one of the early and foremost practitioners of realism, whose works include Le Rouge et le Noir (1830). A.L.S., Beyle, with an ink blot at the conclusion of the signature, four pages, 4to, Rue Jacob, Paris, 23rd January 1809, to 'Mon cher camarade & ami', in French. Stendhal states that he has received his correspondent's letter from Pancorbo, explaining that he didn't want to answer it until he was sure of his destination, and continuing 'Le hazard m'a retenu un mois a Paris, ou plutot ce hazard est un trait de bonte charmant de Mme. D.....Mr. D. est arrive, m'a tres bien accueilli, et il parait que je vais etre employe ici a la liquidation des comptes (matieres) de la grande Armee. Tant que j'y serai employez moi je vous en conjure, a toutes les commissions que vous pourrez avoir a faire .......Votre lettre d'une main etrangere m'a donne beaucoup d'inquietude, donnez-moi de vos nouvelles en detail, dites-moi si vous voulez que je vous expedie les bottes..... Je vis accable de diners et de visites qui, pour la plupart sont des corvees. J'ai donne a diner lundi a 5 ou 6 de nos camarades, l'un d'eux rend ce diner lundi prochain. Je vous assure que les paroles ne manquent pas a ces diners, on y passe en revue de pres, tout ce qui s'est fait et dit a la grane Armee' (Translation: 'Chance kept me in Paris for a month, or rather this chance is a charming trait of kindness from Mme. D…..Mr. D. arrived, gave me a very warm welcome, and it seems that I will be employed here in the settlement of accounts (materials) of the Grand Army. As long as I am there employ me, I beg you, on all the errands you may have to do…..Your letter from a foreign hand has given me great concern, give me some of your news in detail, tell me if you want me to ship the boots to you….I live overwhelmed with dinners and visits which, for the most part, are chores. I hosted a dinner on Monday for 5 or 6 of our comrades, one of them hosts a dinner next Monday. I assure you that conversation is not lacking at these dinners, we closely review everything that has been done and said to the Grand Army'). Stendhal also provides news of mutual acquaintances, one of whom has got married, and concludes his letter remarking 'Les actions de ta banque etaient tombees a 118 fr, elles sont remontees a 120 fr de un jour apres l'arrivee de Sa Majeste [Napoleon I] qui a fait dire que les bruits de guerre etaient mal fondes' (Translation: 'The shares of your bank had fallen to 118 francs, they rose to 120 francs one day after the arrival of His Majesty [Napoleon I] who had it said that the rumours of war were unfounded'). Some light overall age wear and considerable show-through of ink to the pages, about VG
`I find that Dumouriez and Duval have deserved to lose their heads; and if we discuss their affair at the Convention, we can only come to this conclusion´ 985 CARNOT LAZARE: (1753-1823) French Physicist and Politician. Known as the Organizer of Victory in the French Revolutionary Wars. An exceptional content and lengthy A.L., four pages, 4to, Lille, 28th March 1793, to citizen Guyton de Morveau, in French. The present letter is written during the Reign of Terror, and while France is threatened in the north. Carnot sends the present private letter to his friend and correspondent Guyton de Morveau, both being from Bourgogne, and both being important scientists, as Carnot was Mathematician and Physicist, and Guyton was Physicist and Chemist. Carnot reveals an unusual strategic and political lucidity, with an organization capacity which will contribute to save the Republic, stating in part `Lille est un véritable chaos, le Général Bécourt qui commande, patriote excellent, est un bourru inabordable et un homme absolument inepte. Les fuyards de la Belgique encombrent cette place, il y en a en ce momentprès de dix mille qui ne savent pas ou feignent de ne pas savoir où est le noyau de leur bataillon. Si l´on neprend pas les mesures les plus fortes contre la lâcheté, l´indiscipline, la désertion et le vol, il faut licencier l´armée et reprendre nos fers…´ (Translation: “Lille is a real chaos, General Bécourt who commands, an excellent patriot, is an unapproachable gruff and an absolutely inept man. The fugitives from Belgium encumber this place, there are at this moment nearly ten thousand of them who do not know or pretend not to know where the nucleus of their battalion is. If we do not take the strongest measures against cowardice, indiscipline, desertion and theft, we must dismiss the army and take back our handcuffs”) Further, Carnot refers to some French generals he recommends to guillotine, stating `Vous voyez comment nos Généraux se conduisent, les uns ignores, les autres Fayétistes. C´est à qui nous mènera le plus vite à notre perte. Pour moi, je trouve que Dumouriez et Duval ont mérité de perdre la tête; et si l´on discute leur affaire à la Convention on ne peut aboutir qu´à cette conclusión. Cependant dans le désordre actual de nos affaires, il n´y a que Dumouriez seul qui soit en état de les rétablir, il n´y a que lui qui ait et qui mérite comme militaire la confiance du soldat; c´est un homme inépuisable en ressources. Si on met un autre général à sa place, il faudra nous retirer sur nos frontiers et renoncer à l´offensive, et c´est je crois ce qu´il ne faut pas faire´ (Translation: “You see how our Generals behave, some are ignorant, others supporters of la Fayette. The result is who will lead us to our downfall the fastest. For me, I find that Dumouriez and Duval have deserved to lose their heads; and if we discuss their affair at the Convention, we can only come to this conclusion. However, in the actual disorder of our affairs, it is only Dumouriez alone who is in a position to restore the situation, it is only he who has and who deserves as military officer the confidence of the soldier; he is a man inexhaustible in resources. If we put another general in his place, we will have to withdraw to our borders and give up the offensive, and that is, I believe, what should not be done”) Carnot recommends `une grande bataille” (“A great battle´”), and plans the different steps to take before the battle to be absolutely ready, and also what to do if they are defeated, further referring to the Revolution and making significant statements, saying `La revolution est un torrent que les Maratistes s´efforcent de grossir, que les Rollandistes s´efforcent d´arrêter, que les hommes sages s´efforcent de diriger par des digues solides. Les deux partis contraires tendent au même but qui est de tout submerger´ (Translation: `The revolution is a torrent that the Maratists strive to swell, that the Rollandists strive to stop, that wise men strive to direct by solid dikes. The two opposing parties tend to the same goal which is to submerge everything”) Before concluding Carnot explains where the French Republic could be if things would have been properly planned but shows his confidence in future stating `Vous pouvez apprécier maintenant, mon cher collègue, le système de ceux qui voudraient qu´on portât la guerre en Espagne avant le mois d´Avril. Vous voyez si avec les lenteurs inséparables du chaos de nos affaires il était posible que les préparatifs fussent faits. Il fallait à Dumouriez 20 mille hommes de plus, il fallait ne pas vouloir attaquer partout en même temps, nous serions aujourd´hui maitres de la Hollande et cette première expédition faite, il fallait reunir des forces immenses à l´armée de Custine, pour achever la conquête. Nous avons voulu tout faire à la fois et nous avons tout manqué. Mais nous y reviendrons, ne fraternisons plus, entrons en conquérants”) Small overall minor age wear, otherwise G Louis Bernard Guyton-Morveau (1737-11816) Baron of Morveau. French Chemist and Politician. He is credited with producing the first systematic method of chemical nomenclature.Charles François Dumouriez (1739-1823) Charles François du Périer Dumouriez. French General, victorious at Valmy, who would later desert the Revolutionary army and join the Royalists. Dumouriez was accused of treason and went into exile.Blaise Duval de Hautmaret (1739-1803) French General of the Revolutionary Wars. He was promoted to general of Division in February 1793, a month before the present letter was written. He was charged to take over the command of the Army in the event of a British landing.Adam Philippe de Custine (1742-1793) French General. The Committee of Public Safety investigated Custine in 1792 , but a vigorous defense by Robespierre resulted in his acquittal. A year after he was prosecuted in trial by Fouquier-Tinville, found guilty of high treason and guillotined.
BERNADOTTE JEAN-BAPTISTE: (1763-1844) French military commander during the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars, one of the original eighteen Marshals of the Empire created by Napoleon I. Bernadotte later became King Charles XIV John of Sweden and Norway 1818-44. D.S., J: Bernadotte, two pages, large folio, Rennes, 27th October 1801, in French. The manuscript document, issued by the 82 Demi-Brigade, is a memorandum of proposal for the retirement pay in favour of Lieutenant Francois Moniot 'hors d'etat de continuer son service par suite d'une blessure recue a la jambe droite a l'affaire de Savene' (Translation: 'unable to continue his service following an injury to the right leg received in the Savene affair') and provides details of his military service and campaigns from the age of 18 years in 1776, as well as details of his health following a medical examination. Signed by Bernadotte at the conclusion, adding one line of text in his hand, 'Vu et approuve par le General en Chef de l'armee de s'ouest' (Translation: 'Seen and approved by the General-in-Chief of the Western Army'). Also bearing the countersignatures of various members of the administrative council of the 82 Demi-Brigade. Some light overall age wear and a few small, neat tears and splits to the edges, about VGThe Battle of Savenay took place on 23rd December 1793 and marked the end of the Viree de Galerne operational phase of the first war in the Vendee after the French Revolution. The Republicans suffered thirty fatalities at the Battle and two hundred officers were wounded.
MONNET JEAN: (1888-1979) French civil servant, diplomat, administrator and political visionary who played a significant role as a representative of France, and adviser to Winston S. Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt, during World War II. An influential supporter of European unity during the 1950s, Monnet is considered one of the founding fathers of the European Union and is often looked upon as the 'Father of Europe' in recognition of his pioneering and innovative concepts. An extremely rare and historically important World War II date A.L.S., Jean Monnet, three pages, 4to, n.p., 25th September 1943 ('samedi soir'), to Henri Giraud ('Mon General'), in French. Monnet makes an impassioned plea to Giraud, 'En cette heure grave je viens vous prier de reconsiderer votre decision et de demeurer avec nous' (Translation: 'In the grave hour I come to ask you to reconsider your decision and to remain with us') and continues to set out his reasons, 'Je comprends mieux que personne l'amertume que peut vous donner la forme desagreable des relations entre certains membres du Comite. Je comprends aussi que parfois vous soyez las d'avoir toujours a soutenir des debats penibles. Mais nous sommes arrives au point ou la liberation de la France est prochaine. Il nous faut sans perdre une minute ni un gramme de nos forces preparer la rentree en France. Pour cela je suis convaincu que, entre autres, cinq questions sont essentielles: organiser le travail du Comite afin qu'il prepare enfin utilement toutes les mesures que nous devons prevoir et prendre pour la rentree en France; que nous precisions et fassions reconnaitre definitivement la responsabilite collective du Comite; que vous vous concentriez sur votre role de Commandant en chef sans etre tenu par une tache administrative; que nous precisions comment sera nommee l'assemblee provisoire qui nommera la Gouvernement Provisoire; qu'enfin nous precisions notre politique vis-a-vis de nos allies. L'objet des dispositions soumises au Comite etait de preciser les trois premieres questions. J'ai vote pour les mesures proposees car dans leur ensemble je les crois bonnes. Ainsi que je vous l'ai dit voici de longs mois je suis convaincu que le Commandent en chef des troupes francaises jouera un role allie essential lorsque les troupes alliees et francaises rentreont en France. Pour que la France ait le benefice complet de cette position il faut que le Commandant en chef soit vous' (Translation: 'I understand better than anyone the bitterness that the disagreeable form of relations between certain members of the Committee can give you. I also understand that sometimes your tired of always having to sustain painful debates. But we have reached the point where the liberation of France is near. We must, without wasting a minute or a gram of our forces, prepare for the return to France. For this I am convinced that, among others, five questions are essential: to organise the work of the Committee so that it finally prepares usefully all the measures that we must plan and take for the return of France; that we specify and have the Committee's collective responsibility definitively recognised; that you concentrate on your role as Commander-in-Chief without being bound by an administrative task; that we specify how the provisional assembly which will appoint the Provisional Government will be named; that finally we clarify our policy vis-à-vis our allies. The purpose of the provisions submitted to the Committee was to clarify the first three questions. I voted for the proposed measures because overall I believe them to be good. As I told you many months ago, I am convinces that the Commander-in-Chief of the French troops will play an essential allied role when the allied and French troops return to France. For France to have the full benefit of this position, the Commander-in-Chief must be you'). Monnet concludes his letter with a particular appeal to Giraud, 'Maintenant permettez-moi de vous dire un mot personnel, car plus que qui que ce soit je suis votre compagnon de la premiere heure dans cette enterprise de l'unite francaise, et je sais que vous et moi n'avons qu'une seule pensee: servir la France: mon general, quelles que soient les deceptions des mois derniers, il nous faut demeurer a nos postes; il nous faut maintenir debout le Comite, et il nous faut conduire l'armee francaise. Je vous supplie de nas pas rendre votre decision definitive' (Translation: 'Now allow me to say a personal word to you, because more than anyone I am your companion from the start in this enterprise of French unity, and I know that you and I have only one thought: to serve France. My general, whatever the disappointments of the last months, we must remain at our posts; we must keep the Committee standing, and we must lead the French army. I beg you not to make your decision final'). A letter of truly exceptional content and excellent association written at an important moment for France during World War II. About EXHenri Giraud (1879-1949) French General and a leader of the French Free Forces during World War II.The committee to which Monnet refers in the present letter was the French Committee of National Liberation, formed by the French Generals Giraud and Charles de Gaulle on 3rd June 1943, as a provisional government of Free France. The purpose of the committee was to provide united leadership and to organise and coordinate the campaign to liberate France from Nazi Germany. Giraud and de Gaulle served jointly as co-presidents of the committee, which was based in Algiers, although the two men did not always see eye to eye (just as Monnet and de Gaulle experienced a multifaceted relationship). Eventually de Gaulle politically outmanoeuvred Giraud, asserting complete control and leadership, and in November 1943 the committee came under the chairmanship of de Gaulle. With a loss of support, Giraud retired in frustration in April 1944.The liberation of France would begin with Operation Overlord on 6th June 1944 (D-Day).
A .44 REMINGTON NEW MODEL ARMY PERCUSSION REVOLVER, CIRCA 1864, no visible serial number, with 8in. octagonal (probable working replacement) barrel without Remington legend, under barrel loading lever, one piece solid frame, the top strap with weld repair, two piece walnut grips, the brass cups missing and with a replacement screw, action at fault, the cylinder does not lock, quite sharp overall with a grey / brown patina.
* BILL WRIGHT RSW RGI DA (SCOTTISH 1931 - 2016), SCUDDING WAVE mixed media on paper, signed, titled label versomounted, framed and under glassimage size 50cm x 62cm, overall size 71cm x 82cm Label verso: The Glasgow Art ClubNote: Bill Wright's talent first became evident when he was a boy, drawing endlessly for amusement while bedbound with illness. He went on to study painting at Glasgow School of Art and became an award-winning watercolourist, constantly inspired by was seascape and ever-changing sky on the Kintyre peninsula where he had a second home. Glasgow-born Wright, the son of a shipyard plater, was brought up in Partick and started his schooling at the city’s Dowanhill Primary before being evacuated to Dunoon during the Second World War. After returning home he attended Hyndland Senior Secondary and despite being discouraged by his parents, who would have preferred him to have a “proper job”, in 1949 he began his studies at Glasgow School of Art. They were interrupted by national service – a duty he felt hindered the progression of his art career. He served at Catterick army garrison but was a pacifist who abhorred war and dismissed the opportunity to be promoted to Sergeant as an army career held no interest. His first teaching post was at East Park School in Glasgow’s Maryhill. He then moved in 1965 to St Patrick’s High School in Dumbarton where he spent two years before becoming art adviser for the area at the age of 36. Over the next two decades he fostered the idea of instilling a cultural interest in art among pupils. He formed working groups to reform teaching of first and second-year students, encouraged forward-looking principal teachers and recruited many young teachers. His ethos was that teachers were not just there to create artists but to give all children a good art experience. He also established a residential art course for school children, at the Pirniehall residential educational facility at Croftamie in Dunbartonshire, where youngsters from different backgrounds could investigate the idea of furthering an art career through experiencing a range of different mediums in an art camp environment. And he is said to have been instrumental in encouraging the implementation of Scotland’s Standard Grade art and design qualification. However, he suffered from the chronic arthritic condition ankylosing spondylitis which, by the age of 55, forced him to take early retirement from his post in the education department of Strathclyde Regional Council. Meanwhile, as he had strived to enthuse youngsters with his own passion for art, he had been elected, in 1977, to the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour. A member of the Glasgow Arts Club for many years, he was also an elected member of the Glasgow Institute of Fine Arts and Paisley Art Institute, served as president of the Scottish Artists’ Benevolent Association for 14 years and was a Scottish Arts Council lecturer, touring the country discussing art. But perhaps his own greatest inspiration was the view from a cottage he stumbled upon half a century ago, seven miles from Campbeltown on the Mull of Kintyre. He rented the property at Bellochantuy and set up a studio there where he drew on the vistas stretching 180 degrees, encompassing sea, beach, rocks and sky. He was utterly smitten by the area and was ultimately bequeathed the cottage by the owner who had become a close family friend. Over the years he came to know the area intimately and was fascinated by the constantly changing moods of the sea and light of the sky which formed the majority of his output. One large body of work, "Towards Islay", focused on the view from the back of the cottage. He captured the patterns and waves of the sea, sometimes adding a bird, limpit, mermaid’s purse, rock lines or some seaweed. But at times his works were very abstract and symbolic, concentrating on themes of nature and transience. He was hung in all the major shows in Scotland and in galleries across the country from Aberdeenshire to Edinburgh, Glasgow and south of the border. His work also features in public collections of Stirling and Strathclyde Universities, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and the Educational Institute of Scotland. And he was recognised with The Laing Prize for Landscape and Seascape and the RSW’s Sir William Gillies Award.
A possible British Rifle Officers Sword pattern 1892 with grenade cartouche on hilt, AMS on blade along with 11 battle names including Waterloo, South Africa E.Smith S Boyle St Savilerow W, on reverse of blade 13 battle names and on edge 14012, brown leather scabbard and brown leather swowrd bag, A.M.S possibly Assistant Military Secretary (Army Medical Staff), blade length 82cm, overall length 97cm
WW2 GERMAN ARMY OFFICER'S DAGGER WITH SCABBARD BY PUMA OF SOLINGEN, 1935 PATTERN. THIRD REICH. Features good condition nickel fittings overall, with dark orange grip and eagle cross guard. The guard is engraved with two Latin letters JJ. Puma of Solingen marked 25cm long blade in fine condition. Scabbard retains both suspension rings and do not have undented. An excellent artifact from the Third Reich.
WW2 GERMAN ARMY OFFICER'S DAGGER WITH SCABBARD BY E. & F. HORSTER OF SOLINGEN, 1935 PATTERN. THIRD REICH. Features good condition nickel fittings overall, with dark orange grip and eagle guard. The swastika has been removed on the guard (see photos). E. & F. H?rster of Solingen marked 25cm long blade in fine condition. Scabbard retains both suspension rings and do not have undented. An excellent artifact from the Third Reich.
After Charles Edwin Fripp (1854 - 1906) "Isandhlwana, 2nd January 1879", a study of the battle depicting the defeat suffered by the British Army during the Zulu War, limited edition print, 177/850, signed by Major General Colonel LAD Harrod (Colonel of the Regiment of Wales) on 22nd Jan 1979, published by The Naval & Military Gallery, in fancy gilt frame under glass, 89 cm x 66 cm overall
Slave Trade.- Pitt (William) The Speech of the Right Honourable William Pitt, on a Motion for the Abolition of the Slave Trade, in the House of Commons, on Monday the Second of April, 1792, title with ink inscription trimmed at head, tiny hole (not affecting text), gutter split at A2 and B11 with majority of contents loose, the odd light spot but overall a clean copy, later printed wrappers, chipped and soiled, joints split at head and foot, [Sabin 63097], James Phillips, 1792 § Sheridan (Richard Brinsley) The Speech of Richard Brinsley Sheridan, Esq. in the House of Commons...on the Motion for the Army Establishment for the Ensuing Year, light soiling to title and final f., light scattered spotting, a little brittle and chipped at edges, unbound, for John Stockdale, 1802; and 2 other 19th century pamphlets, 8vo (4)⁂ The second mentioned speech is by the prominent Whig politician, poet and playwright Sheridan, in which he responds to the recent French violations of the Treaty of Amiens.
US Army / Unidentified Photographer V2 No.3, the first American rocket to reach outer space leaving ground after being ignited at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, 10 May 1946Vintage gelatin silver print on fibre-based paper, 20.8 x 25.3cm (8 x 10 in), original US Army Ordnance Proving Ground photograph, with printed caption "V-2 leaving ground after being ignited 10 May 1946" and "US Army Ordnance Proving Ground, White Sands, N.M." below imageFootnotes:The official boundary of space is the Karman line which lies at an altitude of 62.5 miles (100 km). Von Braun's V-2 rocket was the first man-made object to reach space, at an altitude of 189 kilometres (102 nautical miles) on a June 1944 test flight at Peenemünde in Germany. After WWII, Von Braun and several of his key co-workers were recruited as part of Operation Paperclip, securing critical missile and rocket technology for the US Army. Captured V-2 rockets were shipped to the United States. Firing from the Army's Proving Ground at White Sands, New Mexico, began in 1946 and marked the very beginning of the American space program. Launched on May 10, 1946, this V-2 No.3 was the first American rocket to reach outer space, at an altitude of 70 miles (see LIFE magazine, 27 May 1946, pp. 31-35: https://books.google.fr/books?id=ZEsEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA31&hl=fr&source=gbs_toc_r&cad=2#v=onepage&q&f=false).Condition Report: Two filing holes, crease in upper left corner, overall good.Condition Report Disclaimer
A German WWII Army (Heer) / Waffen-SS Infantry Assault Combat Badge by Josef Felix Sohn ( JFS ). Marks, some loss of gilt in places, good condition overall and good detail, marked JFS at the back standing for Josef Felix Sohn. We believe this to be genuine wartime era, however bidders must satisfy themselves as to the condition and authenticity prior to sale.
A James I enamelled brass garter stall plate, dated 1603 with the arms of Esmé Stewart, 3rd Duke of Lennox (1579-1624), enamelled and gilded with the Arms of Esmé Stewart, 3rd Duke of Lennox: Quarterly of 4, 1&4: Arms awarded in 1427 by King Charles VII of France to Sir John Stewart of Darnley, 1st Seigneur d'Aubigny, 1st Seigneur de Concressault and 1st Comte d'Évreux, Constable of the Scottish Army in France: Royal arms of France within a bordure of Bonkyll, for the arms of the de Bonkyll family of Bonkyll Castle in Scotland (whose canting arms were three buckles), ancestors of Stewart of Darnley; 2&3: Stewart of Darnley: Arms of Stewart, Hereditary High Steward of Scotland, a bordure engrailed gules for difference; overall an inescutcheon of Lennox, Earl of Lennox, the heiress of whom was the wife of Sir John Stewart of Darnley, inscribed in Old French, 19 x 12.7cm***CONDITION REPORT***Losses to the enamel on the mantle and the central shield. Some wear to the gilding notably around the text. The metal panel is slightly convex with some dents to the corners and misshapen holes bottom left and bottom right.PLEASE NOTE:- Prospective buyers are strongly advised to examine personally any goods in which they are interested BEFORE the auction takes place. Whilst every care is taken in the accuracy of condition reports, Gorringes provide no other guarantee to the buyer other than in relation to forgeries. Many items are of an age or nature which precludes their being in perfect condition and some descriptions in the catalogue or given by way of condition report make reference to damage and/or restoration. We provide this information for guidance only and will not be held responsible for oversights concerning defects or restoration, nor does a reference to a particular defect imply the absence of any others. Prospective purchasers must accept these reports as genuine efforts by Gorringes or must take other steps to verify condition of lots. If you are unable to open the image file attached to this report, please let us know as soon as possible and we will re-send your images on a separate e-mail.
The Finsbury Rifles. An Edwardian silver and antler horn gimballed table lighter, retailed by Asprey & Co, London, 1907, engraved with the Regimental arms and inscribed 'To The Officers of the Finsbury Rifles/from Major A.H.Chifferiel/1922', 51cm. The Finsbury Rifles was a unit of Britain's Volunteer Force and later Territorial Army from 1860 to 1961. It saw action at Gallipoli, in Palestine and on the Western Front during World War I.***CONDITION REPORT***Overall condition is good, commensurate with age and some use.PLEASE NOTE:- Prospective buyers are strongly advised to examine personally any goods in which they are interested BEFORE the auction takes place. Whilst every care is taken in the accuracy of condition reports, Gorringes provide no other guarantee to the buyer other than in relation to forgeries. Many items are of an age or nature which precludes their being in perfect condition and some descriptions in the catalogue or given by way of condition report make reference to damage and/or restoration. We provide this information for guidance only and will not be held responsible for oversights concerning defects or restoration, nor does a reference to a particular defect imply the absence of any others. Prospective purchasers must accept these reports as genuine efforts by Gorringes or must take other steps to verify condition of lots. If you are unable to open the image file attached to this report, please let us know as soon as possible and we will re-send your images on a separate e-mail.
Somerset Light Infantry. A George V Sergeants Mess oak cigar box, with the Regimental arms and plaque inscribed 'Presented to/ The W.O.S. SERGTS & SERGTS/1/4TH SOMERSET, L.I./by LT.COL.W.C.COX/XMAS 1915', retailed by the Army & Navy, 36.8cm.***CONDITION REPORT***Overall condition is good, commensurate with age and some use.PLEASE NOTE:- Prospective buyers are strongly advised to examine personally any goods in which they are interested BEFORE the auction takes place. Whilst every care is taken in the accuracy of condition reports, Gorringes provide no other guarantee to the buyer other than in relation to forgeries. Many items are of an age or nature which precludes their being in perfect condition and some descriptions in the catalogue or given by way of condition report make reference to damage and/or restoration. We provide this information for guidance only and will not be held responsible for oversights concerning defects or restoration, nor does a reference to a particular defect imply the absence of any others. Prospective purchasers must accept these reports as genuine efforts by Gorringes or must take other steps to verify condition of lots. If you are unable to open the image file attached to this report, please let us know as soon as possible and we will re-send your images on a separate e-mail.
Vinyl - Over 80 Rock, Pop, Soul 12" singles including promos & factory samples including Joy Division, Madness, Blondie, New Model Army (sealed), Talking Heads, Prince, Pallas, Pet Shop Boys, Duran Duran (sealed in foil), Mink DeVille, Elvis Costello, Sugarhill Gang, The Who, A Taste Of Honey and many more. At least Vg+ overall with many better.
Vinyl - Over 60 Rock & Pop LPs including gold stamped promos and factory samples including Focus, Yes, T-Rex, Leonard Cohen, The Stranglers, Caravan, U2, Travellin Wilburys, Tubeway Army, Roxy Music, Steve Hackett, Simple Minds, Genesis, Steeleye Span, Ultravox, Santana and many more. At least Vg+ overall with many better.
The group of three miniature dress medals worn by Conductor W. Parsons, Commissariat and Transport Staff, ‘the Real Hero’ of the Defence of Lydenburg South Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp 1879; Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, no clasp; Khedive’s Star, dated 1882, mounted as worn; together with an unmounted miniature South Africa Medal 1877-79, no clasp, nearly extremely fine (4) £300-£400 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, February 2022 (when sold alongside the recipient’s full-sized medals) William Parsons was one of the three senior ranks besieged at Lydenburg in 1881 during the First Boer War. He was commissioned for his gallantry during the siege, newspapers of the time, with justification, calling him ‘the Real Hero’ of the defence. The Defence of Lydenburg
Lydenburg is a small town named after Leyden in Holland, 180 miles north east of Pretoria. Besieged at Lydenburg were 54 non-commissioned officers and men of the 94th Foot; a Sergeant and 7 Sappers of the Royal Engineers; and 8 N.C.O.s and men of the Commissariat and Hospital Corps, with Surgeon Falvey in medical charge, and Conductor Parsons in charge of supplies. In overall command was Lieutenant Walter Long, a 23-year old junior officer of the 94th Foot. Long’s force of 76 men were crammed into the town’s fort, which measured 78 yards by 20 yards, and under siege, by an estimated force of 700 Boers, between 5 January and 30 March 1881 (84 days). During the siege, Lieutenant Long, was reportedly frequently ill and as next senior Officer, Surgeon Officer Falvey took over command during such periods. As an experienced ex Royal Engineer N.C.O., Conductor Parsons contributed greatly to the organisation of supplies and fortifications, on the eve of and during the siege. Very like James Langley Dalton, V.C., often called real hero of the Defence Rorke’s Drift (and also an ex-N.C.O.), it seems Parson’s was very much the brains behind the defence. Not only was Parsons noted for his work on the defences throughout the siege, he was also noted for the gallantry he showed whist leading parties to dislodge the Boers from posts too close to the Fort, as the following records show: 9 January 1881. ‘Annoyance being experienced from the Day sortie, close vicinity of some of the enemy, who had established themselves among the ruins of the old Dutch laager, Conductor Parsons volunteered and gallantly led out a party to dislodge them. Starting at noon with six non-commissioned officers and men, three natives also going with them, the Boers were driven out and made to retire precipitately down the hill. Then throwing down some shelter the latter had constructed, the party returned under a heavy cross-fire, but with only one of the natives wounded.’ 11 January 1881. ‘Towards midnight Parsons again distinguished himself. Crawling out to the old Dutch laager, from which some Boers were, firing, he coolly lighted a hand-grenade and pitched it amongst them, causing a loud explosion and fresh stampede, with the good result that the enemy did not reoccupy that ground for some days.’ 18 January 1881. ‘Conductor Parsons, with Sergeant Day and five sappers, covered by a supporting party of eight men of the 94th Regiment, under Sergeant Cowdy, sallied forth cautiously to the ruins of the old Dutch laager which had been again occupied by the enemy intending to lay a mine. They, however, failed in this purpose, being discovered after working for some time, and obliged to fall back under heavy fire, though fortunately without casualty.’ 4 March 1881 ‘The wire attached to the mine by the old officer mess-building having become covered with debris and overgrown with grass. Conductor Parsons and Volunteer Holmes remained outside the fort, on the night of the 4th, for upwards of an hour, clearing it, while the enemy's rifle-fire continued. They, it was afterwards found, had managed to take up this fougasse without damage to themselves.’ The siege continued until 30 March, when a Lieutenant of the 3/60th arrived with despatches confirming the terms of peace. Casualties during the siege were four killed, including two volunteers and nineteen wounded, or nearly a third of the defenders. As far as recommendations for awards and promotions were concerned, the Transvaal Argus of 17 September 1881 stated:
‘Lieutenant-Colonel Winsloe has been made a C.B., besides receiving promotion, no doubt for his gallant defence of the fort at Potchefstroom. Men like him and Lieutenant Dalrymple Hay, like Captain Auchinlech, who so gallantly held the fort at Rustenburg, and like Conductor Parsons, the real defender of Lydenburg, should get some recognition of their gallant conduct.’ The following March, Parsons’ gallantry was indeed recognised and with a Commission of Quartermaster, as reported in the Yorkshire Gazette of 1 April 1882:
‘A Well-Earned Promotion.- The promotion of Conductor William Parsons, of the Commissariat and Transport Staff (Son of Mr. Robert Parsons, formerly of Coney-Street, dentist) to be Quartermaster was gazetted a few days ago, and rarely has a man in the British army better earned his laurels, Quartermaster Parsons was acting-commissariat officer at Lydenburg during the eighty-four days siege of the fort by the Boers a year ago. He rendered such important service during that period as to meet with the special approval of Major-General Sir Evelyn Wood, V.C., and was reported upon as “frequently displaying great gallantry.” Quartermaster Parsons also served through the Zulu War of 1879 and has a medal and clasp. He was formerly a non-commissioned officer in the Royal Engineers, and was employed on the Ordnance Survey in Cornwall and Devon for several years. He is Fellow of the Geological Society, and Associate of King’s College, London.’ Shortly after the War’s end, accusations that Lieutenant Long had behaved cowardly during the siege led to a Court Martial and he was given the choice of resigning his commission or facing a Court decision. It may well have been that his relative inexperience, combined with his frequent illnesses and the fact that his wife was also besieged with him, led to the more experienced Parsons, taking a more of a lead in the defence. However it was also reported that on 10 March, when two Boers appeared under a flag of truce, offering favourable terms of capitulation, Lieutenant Long was in favour of accepting but Surgeon Falvey and Conductor Parsons were strongly against. An argument ensued, during which Surgeon Falvey threatened to place Lieutenant Long under arrest for cowardice. The garrison did not surrender. Long resigned, tragically later taking his own life after the criticism of his conduct during the siege. His wife, Mary Long, who was the sole female present during the siege, worked tirelessly in the improvised hospital and was reportedly an inspiration to all during these desperate days. Indeed, the fortified post was named ‘Fort Mary’ after her. Shortly after the War, she wrote a book on her experience; ‘Peace and War in the Transvaal. An Account of the Defence of Fort Mary, Lydenburg.’ Of other books, ‘The Transvaal War’ by Lady Bellairs, contains a chapter on the Defence of Lydenburg, during the course of which, Conductor Parsons deeds are mentioned multiple times. Private Whalen, 94th Foot, and Conductor Charles Jurgenson, together with Sergeant Day of the Royal Engineers were all awarded the D.C.M. for gallantry during the siege of Lydenburg. Parsons was commissioned Quartermaster, specifically for his gallantry during the siege, which at the time was considered a far greater reward, both in rank and from a financial po...
A battle damaged port hole from the Royal Navy Black Swan-class sloop HMS 'Amethyst' (U16): the glass with small calibre Nationalist Chinese fired bullet hole, the frame over painted white and mounted on a wooden plinth, 46cm overall diameter, with note of provenance.*Notes- The 'Amethyst' or 'Yangzte' Incident took place with several ships of the Royal Navy during The Chinese Civil War. On the 20th April, 1949 HMS Amethyst was making her way from Shanghi to Nanking when she was fired upon by The People's Liberation Army. She remained trapped in China until slipping away under the cover of darkness on the 30th July.
A WWI Ottoman Turkish Army officer's sword, with brass-mounted hilt inset with Ottoman crescent and star, composite ribbed grip, etched blade with crescent moon and star motif, maker/retailer marked to Constantinople Company to blade edge, blade 74cm, 87cm overall, with metal scabbard having two suspension rings.
Britains 1335 Army 6-wheeled Lorry - finished in dark green including hubs with white tyres, silver radiator surround with dark green grille, comes with correct figure driver - overall condition is generally Good to Good Plus (drivers door requires slight attention to repair) in a generally Fair to Good (grubby around edges) hard to find maroon lift off lid box with paper label - see photo.
Matchbox - 4 x boxed and 8 x unboxed vehicles including Cadillac Fleetwood # 27, Chevrolet Impala Taxi # 20, Ferrari Berlinetta # 75, Army Ambulance # 63 and similar others. The models appear in Good condition overall with signs of use, the boxes all have missing / damaged end flaps. (This does not constitute a guarantee)
Brian Sanders (British, B. 1937) "Boy Scouts" Watercolor on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Great Britain Boy Scouts stamp issued March 24, 1982. Probably the world's most famous youth movement is the 1982 marked its 75th anniversary and anniversary of the birth of its founder, Robert Baden-Powell. By the year 1908, Powell's experiences in the British Army convinced him that British boys needed far more physical training and experience in outdoor life. Having previously written a military manual for British recruits called "Aids to Scouting," Powell decided to rewrite his manual for younger readership. The new version, entitled Scouting for Boys, became a tremendous success. Practically overnight, thousands of Scout Patrols sprang up throughout Britain to try out Powell's fun and adventurous ideas. Powell's original intention was that Scouting should be for boys between the ages of eleven and eighteen. But younger boys, seeing the fun and adventure older brothers and friends were having as Boy Scouts, began asking to join too. Thus, in 1914 Powell announced his plans for "Junior Scouts," since changed to Cub Scouts, to include boys under eleven years of age. Since then, numerous other sub-groups of the prestigious Scout movement have been added. And today, the excitement and magic of Scouting has never been stronger, for there are now over fifteen million Scouts, ages eight to twenty, around the world, with well over 650,000 in the United Kingdom alone! Image Size: 12 x 14.25 in. Overall Size: 13.75 x 19 in. Unframed. (B06249)
Charles A Knotek (American, 1933 - 2008) "First Airship Flight Around the World" Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Signed lower middle. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood Commemorative Cover for the Man's Conquest of the Heavens series issued in 1983. After World War I the first dirigible airship Germany was allowed to build for her own use was the Graf Zeppelin. Her commander, Dr. Hugo Eckener, set out at once to prove her superior worth as well as the feasibility and comfort of long-distance travel in the huge airships. His chosen method of proof: a trip around the world. At that time, the feat had been accomplished only once, by two American Army airplanes making 72 stops over a 6 month period. To finance his voyage, Eckener gleaned the profits from the sale of thousands of commemorative postage stamps; charged passengers a fee of $2500 each; and got the backing of publishers. One of them, William Randolph Hearst, contributed one hundred thousand dollars, with the stipulation that the flight begin and end on American soil. Thus, the Graf Zeppeling began its amazing journey from Lakehurst, New Jersey. Traveling at an average speed of 70 mph, 20 passengers and 41 crewmen dined on gourmet foods and fine wines as they drifted above the barren wilderness of such places as Russia and Siberia, passing over many lands never seen by people from the air before. In a total of twelve days in the air, the Zeppelin covered 20,500 miles, landing once again in Lakehurst on August 29th. A fabulous tickertape parade up Broadway in New York greeted the passengers and crew, and praise came from many sources including the new American President, Herbert Hoover. Dr. Eckener had made his point and the age of the great airships began anew.Image Size: 12.75 x 16.25 in. Overall Size: 15 x 20 in. Unframed. (B08802)
Dean Ellis (American, 1920 - 2009) "Robert E. Lee" Signed middle right. Original Oil painting on Masonite. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This artwork was originally published on the Fleetwood Commemorative Cover for The Shapers of America series issued in 1987. Distinguished in family, in presence, and in character, he seemed to have every virtue. His father was the famous "Lighthorse Harry" Lee of Revolutionary fame. His wife was the great-granddaughter of Martha Washington. He presided over a magnificent Arlington estate. He went through West Point without a single demerit and served with distinction in the Mexican War. He was -- almost inevitably -- Superintendent of West Point Academy. Robert E. Lee was, indeed, an ardent patriot, devoted to the Union. But when Beauregard fired on Fort Sumter, Lee made the only decision he could, siding with his home state and the cause of its people. But, throughout the war, he was free of any private hostility. He referred to the Union troops as "those people," not the enemy. As Commander in Chief of the Army of Northern Virginia, he proved himself a brilliant combat general and skillful strategist, loved by subordinates and soldiers alike. "I would go through Hell for General Lee," Stonewall Jackson said. Against odds sometimes of two to one, Lee repeatedly took the offensive, and shattered one Union Army after another. "It is well war is so terrible," he said, "else we should get too fond of it." When he was forced to surrender, Lee bade farewell to those who had been "faithful to the last." "Take satisfaction in the consciousness of duty faithfully performed," he said. After his retirement, Lee was appointed President of Washington College in Lexington, Virginia.Image Size: 18 x 21 in. Overall Size: 24 x 27 in. Unframed. (B11254)
Steve Ferguson (American, B. 1946) "Martin MB Series Airplane" Signed lower right. Original Acrylic painting on Cold Press Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood Commemorative Cover with the U.S. 29c Flag stamp issued August 15, 1994. The MB-1 was designed in 1918 as a multipurpose bomber with long-range observation capabilities. Yet it was so versatile that the post office purchased several for use in its fledgling airmail service. An evolution of the MB-1, the MB-2 was the only production bomber ever specifically designated as a night bomber by the U.S. Army. The MB-2s were similar to the MB-1 but featured larger wings and other modifications to permit carrying heavier bomb loads. The MB-2 was America's primary bomber following World War I, a period that saw no combat operations. They nevertheless proved the effectiveness of bombers against warships when General Billy Mitchell used them to destroy the decommissioned World War I German battleship Ostfriesland in a demonstration raid off the coast of Virginia in 1921.Image Size: 16.5 x 14 in. Overall Size: 20 x 15 in. Unframed. (B13374)
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