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A .31” calibre Model 1853 'Pocket Colt' fitted with a 6” barrelmade at the London factory bearing the serial number 661 on all marked components. The top strap is marked 'AddressCol Colt London' 6”It bears London Proof marks. Colt openeda factory on the Thames embankment in Pimlico which heleased in 1851 and by 1853 he was starting to retail revolversmade at this site. He opened the factory hoping to gainmajor orders from the Ordnance Board but although two Navy orders was obtained in 1854, followed by a further two orders for the British Army in 1855 he did not achieve his aim and in 1856 the factory was starting to be dismantled and closed in 1857. There is some loss of definition on the rolled scene on the cylinder otherwise it is in overall goodcondition

WORLD WAR II: A rare World War II document issued under the orders of Field Marshal Montgomery, being the first Allied Cease Fire order in Germany, one page, 8vo, n.p., n.d. [4th May 1945]. The purple ink mimeographed document is an original field order headed CIPHER MESSAGE FORM and further marked GO 411A SECRET, which was transmitted from Exfor Main at 20.50 hours on 4th May 1945 to be received by 'FIRST CDN ARMY, SECOND BR ARMY, L OF C, GHQ AA TROOPS 79 ARMD DIV, EXFOR REAR…..' and reads, in full, 'All offensive ops will cease fire from receipt this signal. Orders will be given to all troops to cease fire 0800 hrs tomorrow SATURDAY 5 MAY. Full terms of local GERMAN surrender arranged today for 21 ARMY GROUP front follow. Emphasise these provisions apply solely to 21 ARMY GROUP fronts and are for the moment exclusive of DUNKIRK. ACK'. Unsigned. An historically important document representing the first publication regarding the German surrender (the printed press not having had time to run their copy). A vertical central fold and some light overall creasing, otherwise VGAt 18.20 hours on 4th May 1945 German field commanders surrendered all hostile forces in North West Europe to Field Marshal Montgomery's 21st Army Group at his Tactical HQ, then located on Luneburg Heath. Montgomery immediately ordered his Chief of Operations, Major General David Belchem, to issue a cease fire order to all subordinate units.The 79th Armoured Division, a specialist division operating armoured vehicles modified for specialist roles, originally intended to assist with the landings on the D-Day beaches. These included the Churchill AVRE and Crocodile, as well as the Sherman Crab.

A .44' CALIBRE MODEL 1860 COLT ARMY PERCUSSION REVOLVER, bearing the serial number 93598. It is fitted with an 8' barrel marked ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA The walnut grip bears parts of the U.S. Army Inspector's mark. Worn condition overall, but in working order. Its serial numbers match indicating it was made in 1863

A .44' REMINGTON NEW ARMY PERCUSSION REVOLVER, with a worn overall finish. It bears no makers name or visible serial number. It is fitted with a 8' barrel and is in working condition

 WORLD WAR II: An historically important original Cipher Message, one page, 4to, n.p., (Headquarters, British Main Second Army), n.d. (May 1945). The purple ink telex document, marked TOPSEC (Top Secret) and signed in facsimile by an unidentified Major General, Acting Chief of Staff, was sent to Main 8 Corps and states, in part, 'members of the so called German Government of Admiral DONITZ and of OKW at FLENSBURG will now be arrested by you as quickly as possible after consultation with head of SHAEF Control Party OKW…nominations of personnel to be arrested will be made by SHAEF Control Party OKW (.) total numbers of personnel for disposal are estimated to amount approximately to 470 off[ice]rs and 2400 OR (.) all arrested personnel should be held in a separate camp until such time as orders for their final disposal are issued by this HQ….certain special personnel nominated by SHAEF Control Party OKW estimated to number NOT more than 30 will be conducted to Main HQ Second Army for fwd transmission to ASHCAN….OKW personnel will not be arrested as yet(.)….archives at FLENSBERG will be seized and secured by you with a view to SHAEF intelligence exploitation(.) they will be disposed of as directed by the SHAEF Control Party(.)….treat as very urgent and report on progress of arrests as plans develop'. With various instructions at the base noting that the message is a priority and most immediate and is not to be signalled. A couple of pencil annotations appear at the head and the foot of the page. Two file holes to the left edge and with some light overall creasing, about VGAn historically important Top Secret Cipher Message issued at the end of World War II announcing the arrest of Dönitz and the end of the Flensberg Government. Karl Dönitz (1891-1980) German Admiral who played a major role in the naval history of World War II. Dönitz succeeded Adolf Hitler as the Reichspräsident of the 'Flensberg Government' (2nd May - 23rd May 1945).OKW - the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht ('Supreme Command of the Armed Forces') was part of the command structure of the Wehrmacht (armed forces) of Germany during World War II. Created in 1938, the OKW had nominal oversight over the German Army, the Kriegsmarine (German navy) and the Luftwaffe (German air force).SHAEF (Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force) - the headquarters of American General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Commander of Allied forces in north west Europe, from late 1943 until the end of World War II. Eisenhower ordered General Rooks, G-3 of SHAEF, to establish the SHAEF Control Party at Flensburg. Its purpose was to impose the will of the Supreme Commander on OKW in the areas of Germany occupied by the Western Allies. General Rooks issued the orders, supervised their transmission through German command channels, and compiled information about the German command system through the collection and safeguarding of all OKW documents at FIensburg.Camp ASHCAN - the Central Continental Prisoner of War Enclosure No. 32, code-named Ashcan, an Allied prisoner-of-war camp in the Palace Hotel of Mondorf-les-Bains in Luxembourg during World War II. Operating from May to August 1945, it served as a processing station and interrogation centre for the 86 most prominent surviving Nazi leaders prior to their trial in Nuremberg, including Hermann Göring and Karl Dönitz.On the morning of 23 May 1945, General Rooks summoned Dönitz, Jodl, and von Friedeburg to the liner Patria. Here they were greeted by a large crowd of press reporters, alerted by speculation of a Control Party action and SHAEF correspondents leaving from Paris. On entering the ships' conference room, they found General Rooks who informed them that they had been summoned on instructions from General Eisenhower, who in agreement with the Soviet High Command, had decided the Acting German Government and OKW should be arrested. This officially ended the 'Flensburg Government'. Now as prisoners of war, and under guard, they were told to pack and were escorted to an awaiting aircraft. When asked by Rooks if he had any statement to make, Dönitz replied 'Any word would be superfluous'. Meanwhile, members of the government, unaware of the proceedings on the Patria, had gathered for their daily conference. Fully armed British soldiers burst into the room shouting 'Hands Up'. All the Germans were then strip searched for concealed weapons and documents. The arrests were intended to make the headlines, with over sixty reporters invited to record the scenes. In the New York Times of the 24th May, Drew Middleton wrote 'The Third Reich died today'. The American Diplomat Robert Murphy summed it up as thus, 'After the arrest of Grand Admiral Dönitz and his associates, not even a remnant remained of any German government. The conquerors of the Nazis were in complete control and the administration of Germany was their responsibility.' That struggle was about to begin.  

WRIGHT ORVILLE: (1871-1948) American Aviator who, with his brother Wilber, invented and built the world's first successful airplane, making the first controlled, powered and sustained heavier-than-air human flight on 17th December 1903. D.S., Orville Wright, being a signed cheque, Dayton, Ohio, 14th July 1917. The partially printed cheque, completed in another hand, is drawn on The Winters National Bank and is made payable to The Dayton Gas Company for the sum of $6.80. A perforated bank cancellation only very slightly touches the first letter of Wright's signature. The cheque has been attractively contained within a large reproduction image depicting the first flight of the Wright Flyer I in North Carolina on 17th December 1903. Orville Wright can be seen piloting the machine as his brother Wilbur runs alongside. Also contained within the display is a small 0.5 x 1 swatch of pale beige fabric, apparently taken from the original Wright Flyer I. Framed and glazed to an overall size of 22 x 18. VG Orville Wright, along with his brother Wilbur, were the inventors of the world's first successful airplane, conducting their first controlled flight of a power driven airplane in 1903. They subsequently became successful businessmen, filling contracts for airplanes in both the United States and Europe. Orville Wright is also known for developing technology for the US Army and spent the last three decades of his life serving on boards and committees related to aeronautics, including the predecessor to NASA, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. Orville & Wilbur Wright are together considered the 'fathers of modern aviation'.

WORLD WAR II:An extremely rare and historically important original flow-chart, the partially printed document, completed in typescript, is entitled Gliederung Oberkommando d. Wehrmacht, one page, oblong folio, n.p. (Flensburg), May 1945, in German. The organisational diagram showing the composition of the German Army High Command (OKW) as at 10th May 1945, with Generalfeldmarschall Wilhelm Keitel as Chef OKW/Chefgruppe and Generaloberst Alfred Jodl as Chef Wehrmachtsfuhrungsstab and also identifies the ranks of various other German officers within the structure of the OKW including Hermann Reinecke, Rudolf Lehmann, Siegfried Adolf Handloser, Leopold Bürkner, Erich Dethleffsen and Heinz Assmann. Some light overall creasing and some tears and areas of paper loss to some edges and corners, professionally restored in places, GProvenance: The present document was previously the property of Major General Sir Kenneth Strong, General Eisenhower's Chief of Intelligence, and retained by him as an historical souvenir of the end of World War II in Europe.The present document was produced at the insistence of the Allies when a SHAEF Control Party visited Doenitz’s headquarters at Flensburg on 12th May 1945. The team comprised fourteen Americans led by Major General Lowell W. Rooks and eleven British under Brigadier E.J. Foord. A meeting was convened between 8.25pm and 8.45pm on the 12th May with the OKW representative, Colonel Meyer-Detring. As a result OKW were ordered to produce by 10am on the 13th May a number of documents relating to the composition of the Armed Forces and their senior commanders. The present document was one of those so produced and is historically significant in that it is the last OKW organisational diagram to include Field Marshall Keitel as its chief. However, by midday, Germany’s new Chancellor, Grand Admiral Döenitz, was advised that the Supreme Commander of the Army High Command, Field Marshal Keitel was, on the instructions of General Eisenhower, to be relieved of his post immediately and treated as a prisoner of war. Colonel General Jodl assumed Keitel’s position until both the Acting German Government and the German High Command were dissolved, and its members arrested, on the 23rd May 1945.Four days after the surrender at Reims, General Eisenhower ordered General Rooks, a deputy G-3 of SHAEF, to establish a Control Party at Flensburg in order to impose the will of the Supreme Commander on the OKW in the areas of Germany occupied by the Western Allies. Headed by General der Infanterie Friedrich Fangohr, Rook’s orders were to compile information about the German command system through the collection and safeguarding of all OKW documents at FIensburg. Following Field Marshal Keitel’s arrest, General Jodl assured the Allied general that he would undertake to carry out SHAEF directives in the interests of maintaining order and saving the German people from catastrophe. Meanwhile, Doenitz declared that the German armed forces had taken an oath to him personally and would obey his orders. He understood the critical situation that the Reich now found itself in, with severe shortages of food, currency, and fuel. The focus had shifted from military to civilian needs, in which Doenitz felt compelled to organised through a central German authority. General Rooks brushed suggestion aside, stating that SHAEF army group commanders would organise their own zonal affairs, and that the OKW would only be involved in matters common to all Allied zones. On the 17th May, Doenitz’s censored statement to the German people removed any doubts or aspirations the fledgling continuation government had of leading its citizens, "The German Reich has had to capitulate because it was at the end of its power of resistance. The first consequence that we have to draw is the most loyal fulfilment of the demands made on us. There must be no officer and no soldier, who would try by illegal means to evade the consequences which have arisen out of the last war and an unconditional surrender." Despite these evidences of co-operation, messages of were still being transmitted from inside the OKW enclave that were angering the Allies, including arrangements made to established a German chain of command through which it could carry out the initial steps of disbanding the enemy forces. This prompted the imposition of censorship of Flensburg radio and its ultimate closure. Other criticisms arose when senior Allied officers were photographed in friendly poses with high-level German commanders and when reports were printed that enemy leaders were receiving special treatment, and that some members of the old regime might be perpetuated in power. On 19th May, the Supreme Commander directed the 21 Army Group to consult with the SHAEF control party at Flensburg and then to arrest the members of Doenitz' "so-called government" and of OKW. On the morning of 23rd May, General Rooks summoned Doenitz, Jodl, and Friedeburg to his office and informed them of the Supreme Commander's order. The officers were then put under guard, but, despite all precautions, Admiral Friedeburg killed himself by taking poison. With the arrest of Doenitz and members of his staff, the main work of the SHAEF Control Party at Flensburg was ended. General Rooks indicated his intention of leaving the area about 27th May and handed over local control to a small joint U.S.-British Ministerial Control Party. However, he retained general policy control of the southern branch of OKW which was still in existence and made attempts to disband German forces in that sector. Wilhelm Keitel (1882-1946) German Field Marshal who served as Chief of the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (Supreme Command of the Armed Forces) for most of World War II, making him the Chief of Defense for Germany.Alfred Jodl (1890-1946) German General, who served as the Chief of the Operations Staff of the Armed Forces High Command (OKW). After the war, Jodl was indicted on the charges of conspiracy to commit crime against peace; planning, initiating and waging wars of aggression; war crimes; and crimes against humanity.The Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (or OKW), part of the command structure of the German armed forces during World War II. It served as the military general staff for Adolf Hitler's Third Reich, coordinating the efforts of the German Army (Heer), Navy (Kriegsmarine), and Air Force (Luftwaffe). In theory, the OKW was only Hitler's military office, was charged with translating Hitler's ideas into military orders, and had little real control over the Army, Navy and the Air Force High Commands. The OKW was headed for the entire war by Wilhelm Keitel and reported directly to Hitler, from whom most operational orders actually originated as he had made himself Oberster Befehlshaber der Wehrmacht (Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces). Alfred Jodl was Keitel's Chef des Wehrmachtführungsstabes (Chief of Operation Staff).Owing to restrictions imposed by the-saleroom the complete catalogue description can not be shown here. Please contact the auctioneers for further details.

 NAPOLEON I: (1769-1821) Emperor of France 1804- 14, 1815 LANNES JEAN (1769-1809) Marshal of France. Duc de Montebello. One of Napoleon's most daring and talented generals and a personal friend of the Emperor. BESSIERES JEAN-BAPTISTE (1768-1813) Marshal of France. Duc d´ Istria. CAFFARELLI DU FALGA MARIE-FRANCOIS AUGUSTE DE (1766-1849) French General who served as aide-de-camp to Napoleon and organised Pope Pius VII's trip to France for Napoleon's coronation as Emperor. A rare D.S. by Napoleon I ('Bonaparte'), Jean Lannes ('Lannes'), Jean-Baptiste Bessieres ('Bessieres'), Marie-Francois Auguste de Caffarelli du Falga ('A. Caffarelli') and a number of others, at the conclusion, six pages, folio, Paris, 20th October 1800, in French. The manuscript document is a marriage certificate issued for Leon Aune and Anne Clair, in the presence and agreement of Napoleon, and comprises ten clauses with references to the endowment provided by the parents of Anne Clair, and to the wedding contract. Signed by Leon Aune and Anne Clair at the conclusion, alongside the signature of Napoleon and the other witnesses at their marriage, and also with a number of annotations in the margins throughout the document, each initialled by both the bride and groom. An interesting combination of signatures with a good association. Neatly tied into the original paper wrappers with the title and date to the front cover. The edges of the paper a little ragged and with some light overall age wear, otherwise VG Leon Aune (1777-1803) French Military officer, labelled 'the second Grenadier of France' by Napoleon. Aune served as a Second Lieutenant in the Foot Grenadiers of the Consular Guard and received a sabre and musket of honour in March 1800 in recognition of his brilliant actions. Aune wrote to Napoleon to thank him for his weapons of honour and he was to receive a reply from Bonaparte stating 'I have received your letter, my brave comrade. You needed not to have told me of your exploits, for you are the bravest grenadier in the whole army, since the death of Benezete. You received one of the hundred sabres I distributed to the army, and all agreed you most deserved it. I wish very much to see you. The War Minister sends you an order to come to Paris'. This letter, circulated throughout Napoleon's army, would serve to have a tremendous effect on the enthusiasm and morale of the troops. Napoleon had Aune taught to write, so that he could be promoted, although was to tragically die at an early age from pneumonia. Napoleon signed a decree following Aune's death approving a pension of 500 Francs to Anne Clair, his widow. Napoleon Bonaparte, the French military and political leader, rose to prominence during the French Revolution and, as Napoleon I, served as Emperor of the French from 1804-14, and again in 1815. Napoleon dominated European and global affairs for more than a decade while leading France against a series of coalitions in the Napoleonic Wars. He was victorious in most of these wars and the vast majority of his battles, building a large empire that ruled over continental Europe before its final collapse in 1815. One of the greatest commanders in history, Napoleon's political and cultural legacy has ensured his status as one of the most celebrated and controversial leaders in history. 

WRIGHT WILBUR: (1867-1912) & ORVILLE (1871-1948) American Aviators who invented and built the world's first successful airplane and made the first controlled, powered and sustained heavier-than-air human flight on 17th December 1903. An historically important D.S. by both Wilbur Wright ('Wright Brothers W.W.') and Orville Wright ('Wright Brothers O.W.') individually, being a signed cheque, Dayton, Ohio, 27th January 1908. The partially printed cheque, completed in the hand of a cashier, F. A. Finckhouse, is drawn on The Winters National Bank (marked No.1 to the upper right corner) and is made payable to James Allen, Chief Signal Officer, for the sum of $2500. Signed by Wilbur Wright to the recto and signed by Orville Wright to the verso, the latter with an additional holograph endorsement, in full, 'Returned by James Allen, Chief Signal Officer'. A rare pair of signatures on a highly significant document. With a small tear at the centre, only very slightly affecting the text, and with one file hole close to, but not affecting, Wilbur Wright's signature. Some light overall age wear and minor dust staining, otherwise VG An historic document marking the birth of the United States Air Force - the cheque that launched the company of 'The Wright Brothers' and won them the contract to produce the first American military aircraft. On 17th December 1903, Orville Wright piloted the first powered airplane 20 feet above a wind-swept beach in Kittyhawk, North Carolina. The flight lasted 12 seconds and covered 120 feet. The event immediately attracted the attention of foreign governments in Europe but it wasn't until some years later that officials within the U.S. War Department recognised the potential. A little over three years had elapsed since their first successful powered 'Flyer' by which time the Wrights were ready to offer their machine to the U.S. Board of Ordnance and Fortification, headed at the time by Chief Signal Officer Brigadier General James Allen. The Wright's agreed to deliver an aircraft to the Boards specifications for a sum of $25,000 (a bargain considering the $50,000 the American Government had given Samuel Langley in 1903, for his unsuccessful flight trials). The Board, however, insisted on putting the contract out to tender, despite the Wrights being the only company working on powered flight. So, in December, the Board released an 'Advertisement and Specification for a Heavier-Than-Air Flying Machine'. This specification was primarily based upon the Wright's machine, to carry two men (a pilot and observer) at a speed of 40 miles per hour, for at least an hour, and which could also be dismantled for transport and quickly re-assembled. The purpose of the contract for tender was to discourage irresponsible or impecunious bidders as each respondent was required to deposit with the Signal Corps a certified check amounting to 10% of his bid, to be forfeited in case of failure. As the Wrights had the only machine that fitted the criteria of the specification, theirs was the only bid expected. In January 1908, the Wright Brothers reorganised their business partnership, changing their accounts at the Winters National Bank in Dayton Ohio from the 'Wright Cycle Co.' to simply 'Wright Brothers'. It was now, at this time of prosperity, that on 27th January 1908, the brothers submitted their formal proposal to sell a flying machine as specified, for $25,000. The present certified cheque, representing 10% of their bid to supply the first powered military aircraft to the U.S. Army, was originally accompanied by their tender, and was the first that the brothers issued and signed having restructured their business.The deadline for tender submissions closed on the 1st February 1908, and, unexpectedly, 41 bids were received by the Army, ranging from $850 to $1 million. Most were unfeasible and at the very least impactable, and just three (like the Wrights') were accompanied by the necessary certified cheque. The Army, however, awarded two contracts, one of which was to the Wright Brothers. As agreed, the present cheque was returned and the funds released on the 29th February 1908, as indicated by Orville Wright on the verso of this historic cheque.Following the completion of rigorous supervised trials at Fort Meyer in Virginia (during which time several speed and endurance records were set) the Wright brother's aircraft was officially accepted on 9th August 1909 by the Aeronautical Division of the U.S. Army Signal Corps, progenitor of the U.S. Air Force.Autographs of both Wilbur and Orville Wright together on one item are extremely rare, and the present signed cheque is of particular interest due to its historical importance.The American brothers and aviation pioneers are credited with having invented, built and flown the world's first successful airplane. The brothers' fundamental breakthrough in achieving this was their invention of three-axis control, which enabled the pilot to steer the aircraft effectively and to maintain its equilibrium. This method became and remains standard on fixed wing aircraft of all kinds. From the beginning of their aeronautical work, the Wright brothers focused on developing a reliable method of pilot control as the key to solving "the flying problem". This approach differed significantly from other experimenters of the time who put more emphasis on developing powerful engines.  

 CATHERINE II: (1729-1796) Empress of Russia 1762-96, known as Catherine the Great.An excellent A.L.S., Catherine, one page, 4to, n.p., n.d. (December 1765), to Count von Münnich, in French. The Empress states 'I am very satisfied learning that the horrors of the tradesman….and his fellows of iniquity have been uncovered. Continue with this affair in the same way you have been doing since the beginning. ´ She continues `Here it is not as cold as it was the first days…. but the path between town and here could harm someone convalescent. I am getting better and will return soon', further concluding `You might say that the Empire will not suffer because of my stay here´ With blank integral leaf. Lightly mounted and matted in light beige, and framed and glazed in a decorative frame to an overall size of 14 x 16. VG  Count Burkhard Christoph von Münnich (1683-1767) German Soldier and Engineer, a Field Marshal of the Russian Empire. Münnich was the major Russian Army reformer and founder of several elite military formations and also became involved in the politics of the Russian Empire. As a statesman, he is regarded as the founder of Russian Philhellenism, and served underPeter the Great, Catherine I, Peter II, Anna of Russia, Peter III and Catherine II. Catherine the Great, the most renowned and the longest-ruling female leader of Russia, came to power following a coup d´état when her husband, Peter III, was assassinated. Russia was revitalised during her reign, growing larger and stronger than ever and becoming recognised as one of the great powers of Europe. As a patron of the arts she presided over the age of the Russian Enlightenment and the Catherinian Era is often considered the Golden Age of the Russian Empire.  

CROMWELL OLIVER: (1599-1658) Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland & Ireland 1653-58.Portion of a D.S., Oliver P, as Protector, at the base, one page (vellum), 8vo, n.p. (London), n.d. (1657), to [the Commissioners]. The portion is the left half of a manuscript Warrant instructing the Commissioners to make a payment out of the first moneys received 'by vertue of a certaine Act made in the Parliament… past in the year one thousand Six hundred fiftie & si[x]… in and about the Suburbs of London and within tenn mil[es thereof…to our]… welbeloved Sr. John Wollaston Knight and Alderman ... fyve thousand pounds to our ... Generalls at Sea' and 'foure thousand pounds to William Smithyer'. Lacking the seal and the right half of each line of text. Some overall staining and age wear, largely to the left edge and only slightly affecting a few words of text, Cromwell's signature largely unaffected and perfectly legible. About GThe Parliamentary Act (passed on 26th June 1657) referred to in the present document was created in order to prevent the multiplicity of buildings in and about the Suburbs of London and within ten miles of the same, and commenced 'Whereas the great and excessive number of Houses, Edifices, Out-houses and Cotages erected and new built in and about the Suburbs of the City of London, and the parts thereunto adjoyning, is found to be very mischievous and inconvenient, and a great Annoyance and Nusance to the Common-wealth', It was in effect a barely concealed device to raise money.  A Commission was to collect, starting with one half on 29th September 1657, one year's rent of the 'full improved value' of all properties of less than four acres built since 1620, with many interesting exceptions, such as for the Hospitals and for the developments in Covent Garden and Lincoln's Inn Fields. Sir John Wollaston (d. 1658) English Merchant, Lord Mayor of London 1643. He was elected Alderman for Bridge Without ward in 1657. Provenance: The present partial document is accompanied by an 8vo page removed from an album, featuring an image of Cromwell and with a manuscript annotation in the hand of a collector stating, in part, 'This parchment document was sent to me by Rev. Hy Thos Scott M.D. Oxford, England.  He obtained it from the famous collection of John Walker, London.  Vide Certificate [no longer present] J B Westley.'Oliver Cromwell entered the English Civil War (1642-51) on the side of the 'Roundheads' and quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the principal commanders of the New Model Army, playing an important role in the defeat of the royalist forces, is one of the most controversial figures in the history of the British Isles, considered by some a regicidal dictator (he was one of the signatories of King Charles I's death warrant in 1649), thought of as a military dictator by Winston Churchill, but a hero of liberty by John Milton and Thomas Carlyle, and a class revolutionary by Leon Trotsky. Cromwell was selected as one of the ten greatest Britons of all time in a 2002 BBC poll. 

WORLD WAR II: An exceptional and extremely rare vintage multiple signed ‘Short Snorter’, the American One Dollar bank note, featuring over twenty five signatures, including ‘The Big Three’ of Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin, and many other leading political and military figures of World War II, all collected by Frank Sawyer, valet to Winston S. Churchill, at various historic meetings between 1939-45. The identified signatories on the ‘Short Snorter’ are -Winston S. Churchill (1874-1965) British Prime Minister 1940-45, 1951-55. At the outbreak of World War II Churchill was appointed First Lord of the Admiralty and, following the resignation of Neville Chamberlain, became Prime Minister in 1940. Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) American President 1933-45. Following the attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, Roosevelt obtained the approval of the United States Congress to declare war on Japan and, a few days later, Germany. The President worked closely with Winston S. Churchill and Joseph Stalin (as well as Chinese Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek) in leading the Allies against Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy and Imperial Japan in World War II. ‘The Big Three’ of Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin met regularly during World War II, most notably at the Tehran Conference (1943) and the Yalta Conference (1945). Joseph Stalin (1878-1953) General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union 1922-52. Stalin met Winston S. Churchill and/or Franklin D. Roosevelt in several conferences during World War II to plan military strategy and, later, to discuss Europe’s post-war reorganisation. King George VI (1895-1952) King of the United Kingdom 1936-52. In 1939, following Britain’s declaration of War on Nazi Germany, King George VI and his consort, Queen Elizabeth, resolved to stay in London and reside at Buckingham Palace despite the German bombing raids (one of which nearly killed them). Throughout World War II King George VI made various morale boosting visits and travelled to see Allied military forces abroad.Anthony Eden (1897-1977) 1st Earl of Avon. British Prime Minister 1955-57, succeeding Winston S. Churchill after having served as his deputy for almost fifteen years. Eden served as Foreign Secretary on three occasions, including a spell for most of World War II from 1940-45, and also briefly served as Secretary of State for War in 1940. Louis Mountbatten (1900-1979) 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma. British Admiral of the Fleet. Mountbatten, a favourite of Churchill, served as Supreme Allied Commander, South East Asia Command from 1943-46. Harold Alexander (1891-1969). 1st Earl Alexander of Tunis. British Field Marshal. Alexander oversaw the final stages of the Allied evacuation from Dunkirk and later held high ranking field commands in Burma, North Africa and Italy.Alan Brooke (1883-1963) 1st Viscount Alanbrooke. British Field Marshal who served as Chief of the Imperial General Staff, the professional head of the British Army, during World War II. Arthur Tedder (1890-1967) 1st Baron Tedder. British Marshal of the Royal Air Force. Tedder served as Air Officer Commanding RAF Middle East Command during World War II and directed air operations in the Mediterranean and North Africa, including the evacuation of Crete and Operation Crusader in North AfricaHastings Ismay (1887-1965) 1st Baron Ismay. British Indian Army General and Diplomat. During World War II Ismay served as chief military assistant to Winston S. Churchill, becoming the principal link between the Prime Minister and the Chiefs of Staff Committee. . Max Aitken (1879-1964) 1st Baron Beaverbrook. Canadian Business Tycoon, Politician and Newspaper Proprietor. A friend and confidant of Winston S. Churchill, Beaverbrook was appointed Minister of Aircraft Production (1940-41) by the Prime Minister and also went on to serve Churchill as Minister of Supply (1941-42), Minister of War Production (1942) and Lord Privy Seal (1943-45). Randolph Churchill (1911-1968) British Journalist & Politician, son of Winston S. Churchill. Churchill played an active role during World War II, both in political office and military service. Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969) American President 1953-61. A General with the United States Army during World War II, Eisenhower served as Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe.W. Averell Harriman (1891-1986) American Politician & Diplomat who served under President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a special envoy to Europe and as the U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union 1943-46 and U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain, 1946. Kathleen Harriman (1917-2011) American Journalist, daughter of W. Averell Harriman. Harriman accompanied her father to the Yalta Conference in 1945. Roy W. Howard (1883-1964) American Journalist, President of United Press. Howard was granted an interview by Joseph Stalin in 1936. King Peter II (1923-1970) King of Yugoslavia 1934-45. Following the invasion of Yugoslavia in 1941 by Germany, Bulgaria, Hungary and Italy (all of whom annexed various parts of the country) King Peter II travelled to London where he joined numerous other governments in exile from Nazi occupied Europe. All of the signatures are in fountain pen inks and, by the very nature of the short snorter, some are more legible than others. It is of particular interest, most likely as a deliberate act, that the Soviet Dictator Joseph Stalin chose to sign his name across the image of American President George Washington at the centre of the bank note. The short snorter also features the ownership signature of Frank Sawyer. Some light overall age wear, otherwise about VG An exceptionally rare collection of signatures by some of World War II’s most important political and military leaders, including ‘The Big Three’ of Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin. Provenance: The present short snorter was previously in the possession of Frank Sawyer, who served as Winston Churchill’s valet during World War II, leaving his service after the end of the war. In such a role Sawyer, would have accompanied Churchill on many domestic and foreign trips, not least to the various conferences held in Casablanca, Moscow, Tehran and Yalta during the course of the war. On such trips, Sawyer evidently had access to many of the important individuals in Churchill’s company and took such opportunities to extend the collection of significant signatures on his short snorter. American Book Prices Current record only a small handful of autographs by Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin together on one piece having been previously sold at auction, including a White House card signed at the Tehran Conference ($65,000, Profiles in History, 2014), another White House card signed by all three, from the Forbes Collection and contained in an album ($22,000, Christie’s New York, 2010) and a United States card signed at the Potsdam Conference (£15,000 [$26,258], Christie’s, 2003).Owing to restrictions imposed by the-saleroom the complete catalogue description can not be shown here. Please contact the auctioneers for further details.

Mettoy (England) 4-Wheeled Tinplate Army Lorry: clockwork model fitted with mounted Anti-Aircraft Gun, 2 x tinplate soldier figures, driver, three colour camouflage to cab, tan chassis, tinplate balloon wheels, fixed key. Length 29cm. Overall VG with light wear in a plain card box. Together with Triang Minic Delivery Lorry, with dark blue cab, red back, Shell Petrol can and white tyres, length 13.5cm. F/P in F/P box. (2)

World War Two, Third Reich, Officers' Army Dagger, orange grip, the blade marked W.K.C. Solingen, metal scabbard, with hangers marked D.R.G.M. (Deutsches Reichsgebrauchsmuster) U.E.10, DZM, dirty and some staining, overall condition good-very good, 40cm long

A .44 CALIBRE SIX-SHOT U.S. STARR ARMS COMPANY DOUBLE-ACTION PERCUSSION MODEL 1863 ARMY REVOLVER, NO. 24268 of standard production specifications, with 8 in barrel, numbered cylinder, frame with patent and maker's details, and walnut grips, stamped on the right with inspector's cartouche (feint) 37.5 cm; 14 3/4 in overall

Late 16th-early 17th century AD. A gold ring with tapering shank, widening at the shoulders to a round flat bezel engraved with the coat of arms of depicting a shield containing an engrailed saltire and a rose in the upper centre; above the shield a knight's helmet with closed grill, on which rests a torpe; above the helmet a vested forearm and hand clutching a engrailed saltire. 10 grams, 22.25mm overall, 19.29mm internal diameter (approximate size British S 1/2, USA 9 1/4, Europe 20.63, Japan 20) (1"). Found Tarvin, Cheshire, 2014; handed in to the British museum as treasure under the Treasure Act 1996, and recorded as 2014T217, subsequently disclaimed. Accompanied by a file of documentation, letters and correspondence from, to and by the British Museum and finder. Accompanied by a positive X-Ray Fluorescence metal analysis certificate. Based upon the style the ring would appear to have been made during the English Civil War, and its find spot close to the city of Chester would indicate that it may have been lost during the siege of Chester and the Battle of Rowton Heath between February 1645 and January 1646. The crest could be that of the Clan Colquhoun, who were based at their Stirling estates in the 17th century, and staunch loyalists during the Civil War. Other candidates with a similar crest include the distinguished Middleton family who have their roots in Sussex, as well as counties bordering Cheshire and North Wales. Based on the find spot, and the close connections to Cheshire that the Middleton family had, it is reasonable to suggest that this ring belonged to a member of the family. The city of Chester was an important stronghold in the English border country, commanding an important crossing of the River Dee and thus the approach to North Wales. With strong city walls, dating originally from Roman times, Chester was a Royalist stronghold from the beginning of the civil war. Early in the war, between 1642 and 1643, its walls were strengthened and a new ring of earthwork defences was added outside them. After Lord Byron was defeated at the Battle of Nantwich in January 1644, he marched his remaining forces to Chester, making it his base for resistance to the Parliamentarian forces in Cheshire under Sir William Brereton. During the first half of 1645, Brereton was able to gain control of most of Cheshire, but the King's men in Chester commanded the river crossing into North Wales, still held by the King, protecting it from a Parliamentary invasion. In February 1645 Brereton mounted a determined assault on Chester, in the course of which a force of his men tried unsuccessfully to scale the walls near the Northgate. Defeated, he began to besiege the city. Chester was besieged for approximately a year, with the city being defended by a small force of soldiers, and armed civilians. Early on 20 September 1645, just before daylight, a New Model Army force of more than seven hundred infantry and an equal number of cavalry, led by Colonel Michael Jones, began a fresh assault on Chester. The attack broke through the outer Royalist earthworks around the eastern suburbs. After Jones had ordered the burning down of the urban areas in front of the east gate, he moved artillery up to St John the Baptist's Church to bombard the city wall. By 22 September, the King arrived at Chirk, but Jones's guns had already created a breach in the walls. The King made for Chester with all possible speed. Word that he was coming was passed on to the garrison commander, Lord Byron. The King reached Chester on 23 September with an advance party consisting of his lifeguards, Gerard's brigade of some six hundred horse, and a small number of foot soldiers. This force was able to enter the city from the western bank of the River Dee because it was still under Royalist control. Meanwhile, in the hope of trapping the besieging forces between the king's main army and an enlarged garrison within the city, Sir Marmaduke Langdale took more than three thousand of the King's cavalry northwards towards Chester, crossing the Dee over Farndon Bridge, Holt, at dawn on 24 September. Moving north-east, Langdale received reports near the village of Rowton that Poyntz's Roundhead cavalry was approaching Chester from Whitchurch, Shropshire. Poyntz, who had ridden through the night to meet the royal army, met Langdale at Rowton Moor. All morning, both forces held their ground, but Jones sent part of his siege forces to join those of Poyntz. Charles is said to have watched the ensuing defeat of his forces at the Battle of Rowton Heath from the Phoenix Tower on Chester's city walls, when Parliamentary forces routed the remaining Royalist cavalry. The dead included the King's cousin Lord Bernard Stewart. On 25 September, leaving Byron in charge of the garrison, the King retreated from Chester to Denbigh in North Wales with only five hundred mounted men. As Byron refused to surrender, the Roundheads extended their siege works around the city and continued their bombardment. For more than four months, the Royalist garrison resisted all Parliamentarian attempts to enter the city and even mounted counter-attacks. But as autumn became winter, many inhabitants died of starvation. In January 1646, William Ince, as Mayor of Chester, persuaded Byron to surrender the city. On 3 February, the forces of Brereton occupied Chester. . Very fine condition, hoop restored. A large wearable size.

WW2 German Army Officers Parade Belt & Buckle, very good example of the German Army officers Brocade belt and buckle set, officers circular type buckle retaining much of the original finish. Belt keeper still attached to the end of the belt. Very good overall condition.

German Army Officers Sword, being a fine quality dove head pattern example with the cross guard in the form of eagle and swastika with outstretched wings. Knuckle guard and back strap decorated with oak leaves. Black grip retains the original wire binding. The slightly curved blade remains in excellent condition retaining much of the original polish. Carl Eickhorn trade mark to the base. Sword is housed in its original black painted scabbard with single hanging ring. Overall a very good example.

Two WW2 British Army Tropical Foreign Service / Sun Helmets, khaki cloth covered helmets with folded pagris. Both helmets have the original leather sweatbands to the interior, dated 1941 and 1942. Both helmets also have foil lining to the top. Remaining in good overall condition. (2 items)

Victorian British Army officers sword. VR to crossguard. Etched 32 inch blade marked Firmin and Sons, 153 The Strand, London. Shagreen wire bound grip. Polished overall to brass finish.

German Third Reich Army Officer's sword and scabbard by Eickhorn Solingen, with belt hook, also a Hilter Youth knife and scabbard by Ed. Wusthof Solingen, (2) the sword measures 89cm overall Condition report: The sword has overall wear to the grip and guard, the blade has minor surface pitting patches, the tip has been rounded. The scabbard has the occasional chip and scratch to the finish. The knife and scabbard show signs of scuffs and wear, there is a small crack and chip to the grips, the blade has been sharpened and used, the engraving is very feint.

Napoleonic Wars - fragmentary masonry, mounted on a rectangular oak plaque surmounting an inscription On 6th April 1812 the castle of Badajoz in Spain fell by escalade to General Picton's 3rd Division. The 45th [regiment] of Foot were of this escalade of the castle. [In 2012], exactly 200 years to the day, this stone was taken from the castle wall at the point where Lieutenant James Macphearson (sic, MacPherson) mounted his ladder was shot in the chest, the ball hitting a button knocking him unconscious. Recovering he again climbed the ladder and making an entry made his way to the tower, tore down the French flag and for want of a British flag flew his own scarlet coatee from the flagstaff., 22.5cm x 14.5cm overall The Third Siege of Badajoz (16th March - 6th April 1812) saw an Anglo-Portuguese army under the command of the future Duke of Wellington besiege the French garrison into capitulation. The siege was one of the bloodiest of the wars and was considered a costly victory by the British, with some 4,800 Allied soldier killed. Enraged at the huge amount of casualties they suffered in seizing the city, the troops broke into houses and stores consuming vast quantities of liquor with many of them then going on a rampage. Threatening their officers and ignoring their commands to desist, and even killing several, the troops massacred about 4,000 Spanish civilians. It took three days before the men were brought back into order.

A brass bound leather covered oak gun case, for a DB gun with 30” barrels, the lid with tooled panels and circular brass escutcheon, with trade label of Charles Boswell, internal compartments, carrying handle, and leather securing straps. Generally GC (worn, the lock AF); also a canvas covered case for a DB gun with up to 30½” barrels, with trade label of Army & Navy CSL. QGC (worn overall, handle and straps missing) (2)

A 6 shot .44” Starr Arms Co SA Army percussion revolver, FC (action AF, heavily worn and pitted overall, grips replaced). Purchased Wallis and Wallis in 1967 for £9

A Large Collection of OO and HO Gauge Scenic Items by Merit Airfix Pola Faller and Others, including building kits by Pola and Faller, some made up, trees by Britains and Merit, switches by Hornby-Dublo, Minic Motorway hump-back track sections, 6 boxes of Airfix figures with 8th Army, German Infantry, Infantry Combat group, Civilians and Farm Stock (2), and other items, kits unchecked, overall G (qty)

An 1822 pattern British Infantry Officer's sword, decorative etching to blade, inscribed 'Army and Navy Co-operative', brass Gothic style half basket hilt with cipher, handle with shagreen and twisted wire grip (overall length 103cm)

Selection of Silver Regimental Sweetheart Brooches etc. Including: Norfolk Regiment Birmingham 1911. ... Crossed Swords Birmingham 1899. ... Army Catering Corps. ... also a selection of civilian silver badges and brooches. Overall GC Minor age wear. (12 items)

WW2 Period Indian Army Medical Corps Khaki Drill Officer’s Uniform. A good example, worn by a Major. Complete with Regimental pattern buttons and “IAMC” brass shoulder titles ... Accompanied by overall trousers. Clean condition (2 items).

Cig card selection of sets Players Regimental Uniforms, RAF Badges, Military Uniforms of the Br Empire Overseas, Military Head-dress, Colonial Indian Army Badges, Regimental Uniforms, Uniforms of the TA., United Kingdom Tobacco Co., Officers Full Dress ( cat £81) 8 sets overall vg-fine cond. All sleeved

TROTSKY LEON: (1879-1940) Lev Davidovich Bronstein. Russian Marxist Revolutionary, founder and first leader of the Red Army. T.L.S., Bien à vous, L. Tr., in bold blue ink, one page, 4to, n.p., 18th July 1938, to comrade Gérard, in French. Trotsky states in full `Dear Comrade Gérard, I have received your two letters related to the investigation. I am waiting for the mentioned documents with the greatest impatience. Immediately after receiving them I will write to the judge about this affair´ and further continues `We are waiting here for some detailed explanations regarding Camille disappearance before starting a campaign. You can well imagine our concern´ An excellent content letter. Extremely small overall age wear, with small creasing to the borders, otherwise VG £1000-1500 Gérard Rosenthal (1903-1992) French Socialist Politician and Lawyer. He was Trotsky´s lawyer in France.  Rudolf Klement (1908-1938) German Communist, Secretary of Trotsky, and Secretary of the International Communist League. Assassinated in Melun, France. "Camille" was the codename Klement used for over a year. During the 1930´s Joseph Stalin´s NKVD (People´s commissariat for Internal Affairs agency associated to Soviet secret police) carried out many assassinations outside of the Soviet Union, including fourth international Secretary Rudolf Klement. Trotsky would write the announced letter on the present document to the judge, the 20th September 1938, and did state in part `To His Honour the examining Magistrate in the case of the disappearance of Rudolf Klement:… Your Honour, I have but one interest in this matter: to establish the truth about the fate of the unfortunate Rudolf Klement. This interest has prompted me to place before you revelations that I would have preferred to avoid under other circumstances….´

MARSHALS OF FRANCE: Two attractive Ls.S., by two French Marshals of the former period before revolution, being Guy Michel de Durfort (1704-1773) Duke of Randan, Marshal of France. L.S., The Duke of Randan, two pages, Folio, Besançon, 6th October 1755, in French. The partially printed document, bearing a large coat of arms at the heading is a military order given to the infantry regiment of Alsace, instructing them to depart and where to go, explaining the route to follow. The document bears to the verso in multiple different hands, numerous annotations, countersigned, reporting on each arrival and departure station; Louis César Le Tellier (1695-1771) Duke d´Estrée, Marshal of France. L.S., L.C Destrées, two pages, folio, Caen, 28th August 1756, in French. The partially printed document, bearing two large coats of arms, his own one and the French army one, is a military order given to two regiments. Carefully annotated to the verso the number of officers and horses comprising the regiment. Very small overall age wear and few minor stains, otherwise VG, 2 £100-120

Remington New Model Army .44 percussion 6 shot revolver c.1863, military cartouche stamped on wooden grip, 35cm overall. Complete with post civil war quick draw leather holster Condition Report FWO. Rammer catch modified to accommodate western style holsterClick here for further images, condition, auction times & delivery costs

A group of daywear and accessories, 1930s-40s, approx 18 ensembles, including Women's Land Army exercise outfit, labelled R.E.H & Co. Ltd Manchester; a CC41 brown needlecord jacket, labelled; a farmer's smock; Hebe Sports striped suit, labelled; six pairs of shoes, assorted CC41 accessories; two clothing ration books 1947-8; and others, various sizes (qty) CONDITION REPORT: · Clothing is good condition overall, items are wearable and mostly quite fresh in appearance, with occasional imperfections commensurate with age. · Brown/checked shorts - soiling to inner crotch · Brown Land Army exercise shorts - hole to left side · Needlecord coat - large hole in lining, exterior is good · 'Philpots' tweed jacket - lining shredded at underarms, moth hole to lower front approx. 2x1cm · Hebe Sports suit - perspiration stains at underarms to lining, not visible to exterior. Skirt has scattering of darned moth holes near waistband otherwise good. · Dress with beaded bows - faded/discoloured across shoulders · Brown 'Peter Robinson' dress - discolouration in several places · Unlabelled brown wool jacket - brown stains to lining, exterior good · Costmoor green tweed jacket - tears to lining, brown discolouration in places, couple of moth holes, fraying at cuffs · Accessories all show signs of use and wear. Green beret has bleach marks to top. Ration books are used.

A brass bound leather covered oak gun case, for a DB gun with 30” barrels, the lid with tooled panels and circular brass escutcheon, with trade label of Charles Boswell, internal compartments, carrying handle, and leather securing straps. Generally GC (worn, the lock AF); also a canvas covered case for a DB gun with up to 30½” barrels, with trade label of Army & Navy CSL. QGC (worn overall, handle and straps missing) (2)

An 1853 pattern cavalry trooper’s sword, slightly curved, fullered blade 33½” (the tip rounded) with inspector’s stamp and Indian army broad arrow with I on backstrap, steel hilt with broad knucklebow, sideloop and 2 sidebars, chequered composition grips, various stamps on back of guard incorporating V,Y, AA, 8/98 etc, in later pattern steel scabbard with opposing rings, hilt and scabbard with contemporary black painted finish overall, GC (minor wear to blade with dark rust patina, blade does not fully enter scabbard).

A Belgian 14 bore percussion holster pistol made by Beuret Freres for the Swiss army, 14½” overall, barrel 8”, with short octagonal section at the breech stamped with the Swiss shield, maker’s initials, and serial number “210”; flat lock stamped “Beuret Freres A Liege”; figured pale walnut halfstock having plain brass mounts including fore end cap with no provision for ramrod, and domed butt cap with lanyard ring, all mounts stamped with small crowned “BF”. Good Working Order and Condition (small chip to stock below the lock). Plate

A good 6 shot .44” Rogers & Spencer single action Army percussion revolver, number 2046 on all parts, barrel strap deeply stamped “Rogers & Spencer Utica NY”, with inspector’s initial “B” on all parts, flared walnut grips stamped on the left side with inspector’s initials “RPB” in rectangle (R.P. Barry, 1860-65). Good Working Order and Crisp Condition, the barrel and frame retaining some original blued finish overall. Plate

[PATTON GEORGE S.]: (1885-1945) American General of World War II. A folio hardbound scrapbook compiled by Mary Jane Krieger of Pennsylvania and dedicated to her hero, General George S. Patton, with whom she regularly corresponded during World War II, the first page featuring an original circular blue red and white embroidered patch of the United States Third Army, evidently personally sent by Patton to Krieger, the scrapbook further containing numerous newspaper clippings, images and articles (largely dated 1945-46) relating to Patton and his service during World War II, with headlines including Patton Demands Spit and Polish, 750,000 Cheer Patton in Boston etc., also covering his car crash and subsequent short time in hospital before his death on 22nd December 1945, also including a number of original 8 x 10 press photographs of Patton, some showing him with other military leaders including Dwight Eisenhower, Omar Bradley and B. L. Montgomery, and further including two T.Ls.S. by Lt. Sue Lynch, Patton's secretary, the first one page, 4to, Headquarters Fifteenth US Army, 10th January 1946, to Mary Jane Krieger, stating, in full, 'Mrs. Patton has asked me to thank you for your cable and many letters addressed to the General during his illness and to tell you that she deeply appreciates your thoughtfulness. I should like to tell you that the General always enjoyed your letters immensely and was particularly pleased with the book of poems you sent him at Christmas' and in a holograph postscript, signed with her initials SL, remarking 'I hope you will like the enclosed poem which has just been sent me from a Californian paper', the poem still present, entitled Farewell to General Patton by Joseph Auslander; and the second, one page, 4to, Munich, 19th June 1946, to Mary Jane Krieger, on the printed stationery of Headquarters II Constabulary Brigade, thanking her for an Easter card and commenting on having visited Oberammergau, remarking that it was 'pleasant to leave this badly bombed city for a few hours in such a pastoral atmosphere'. Both letters are loosely inserted into the scrapbook and are accompanied by the original envelopes. Most of the news clippings and photographs are attached to the pages by selloptape at the corners and many pages bear dates and brief ink annotations in Krieger's hand. Some overall age wear and the edges of most pages with small areas of paper loss. Generally G Mary Jane Krieger (d.1982) American Telephone Operator who corresponded with Patton during World War II. Indeed, Martin Blumenson states in The Patton Papers 1940-1945 that Krieger was one of the last four people to whom Patton wrote a letter, on 8th December 1945, before his untimely death.

A good CSL 12 bore side lock side by side non ejector shotgun by Army & Navy, No. 24044, the 30ins blued steel barrels with plain rib, marked "Army & Navy CSL", the bright steel side locks decorated with scroll work and maker's name, walnut stock and fore end with chequered grip, with manufacturer's fitted leather motor case, 47ins overall Note : You must hold a current Shotgun Certificate to purchase this item

A German World War II Army dress dagger, the 9.5ins double edged bright steel blade etched "Original" over squirrel motif and "Eickhorn Solingen", with yellow composite grip with German silver fittings, the cross guard bearing eagle and Swastika, and with bright metal scabbard and hanger marked "D.R.G.M.", 15.5ins overall

A French violin, circa 1900 the 36cm single maple back with mother-of-pearl and ebony stringing and polychrome painting of a Crimean War battle scene entitled "Prise du Mamelon", the pine belly with similar stringing and mother-of-pearl inlaid pegs 59.5cm overall in carrying case with Erich Steiner nickel mounted brazilwood bow and associated paperwork relating to painted scene. The paperwork includes a 1979 typed letter from the National Army Museum containing the paragraph "The violin is charming, and you are right in thinking that it depicts an incident in the Crimean War. The Kamchatka lunette on the Mamelon Hill, one of the key works for the Sebastopol enceinte was stoned and held by French troops under General Bosquet on 7th June 1855. I have no idea who the French officer is: perhaps it is his heroic death that is depicted in the battle scene below the portrait..."

German Army Officers Deluxe Pattern Dagger Hangers, velvet backed cloth straps with the metal fittings having finely engraved oak leaves. Straps remain in very good overall condition.

WW2 Italian Campaign Military Medal (M.M) Group of Five Awarded to Havilder Pokar Ram 6th Rajputan Rifles, group consists of George VI Military Medal “21945 HAV POKAR RAM RAJ RIF”, 1939-45 star, Africa star, Italy star and 1939-45 War medal. The medals have been court mounted for display. They remain in good overall condition. The MM was an immediate award and the citation was as follows, “On the night of 14/15 Sep 44 Hav Pokar Ram was the Hav of No1 Pl, “B” Coy 4.2” Mortars, 6th Rajputan Rifles, in support of 2 CAMERONS. The Bn was engaged upon an attack upon ZOLLARA (8580), and operating in an area known in detail to the enemy and constantly subjected to heavy shelling. In order to minimise the limitations imposed by the short range of the 4.2” mortar, it is the policy in this Pl always to bring up the mortars as close behind the fighting troops as possible, and this more often than not involves working under fire. On the night of 14/15 Sep 44 the Hav was ordered to set up his mortars in positions less than a 1000 yards behind the start line of the attacking infantry. The area was under shell fire at the time but, on his own initiative and with no regard for his own personal safety, the Hav put each team in position, mounted all the aiming posts himself, although this involved protracted exposure, and by his splendid personal example so sustained the heart of his teams that they went to work with parade ground precision. Throughout the operation, and under continued shelling, the Hav moved from team to team, ignoring the danger to himself in order to direct and encourage his men. The support given by this Pl to the Bn in this attack was a valuable contribution to its success and there is no doubt that the platoon’s efficiency was largely due to the courage and skill of this Hav, working in the open with shells often bursting close to him, and to the faith in him and determination to stint nothing in the fulfilment of their duty with which his wholly admirable conduct inspired the members of his platoon. After the operation the Army Commander stated in a congratulatory message that its success greatly assisted the Army’s advance.”

Outstanding WW2 North Africa Battle of Munassib Military Cross Grouping Awarded to “H Troop” Commander Lieutenant Ronald William Harding, 226 Battery 57th (East Surrey) Anti-Tank Regiment Royal Artillery, group consists of 1943 George VI Military Cross housed in the original case with forwarding box, 1939-45 star, Africa star, Italy star and War medal all housed in OHMS forwarding box addressed to Harding. Accompanying the medals are his original officers peaked cap with bronze cap badge, officers brown leather sam browne belt with holster, plated engine turned cigarette case with engraved initials. Also included in the grouping is a quantity of original period paperwork, maps and publications relating to his service during WW2. Included with the paperwork is the official notice sent to his wife notifying her of his award of the Military Cross and the citation for the action it was awarded, telegram about him being wounded by gunshot to the right loin, soldiers service and pay book, various newspaper cuttings and other documents. Amongst the paperwork is a selection of private snap shot photographs taken by Harding whilst in service in North Africa and Italy which includes some excellent images showing both him and comrades posing with captured war booty, image of Harding wearing his steel helmet with the reverse inked “HOT SPOT HAPPY VALLEY MUNASSIB SEPT 1942”, images of him and other officers etc. Bag of mixed tunic buttons and medal ribbons for both him and his father (medals in previous lot) and single British War medal for WW1 from another family member not named Harding. Overall this is a fantastic grouping which has never before been offered on the collectors market. Lieutenant Ronald William Harding was from Eltham, South London. He was educated at Haimo Road School, Eltham and later at Woolwich County School. On leaving education he joined the head office of the Woolwich Equitable Building Society. He enlisted in the Royal Artillery on 18th April 1940 and rose through the ranks to gain a commission. He served as “H Troop” Commander with 226 Battery 57th (East Surrey) Anti-Tank Regiment Royal Artillery at the battle of Munassib in North Africa September 1942, it was during this battle that he was recommended for the Military Cross, which appeared in the London Gazette 14th October 1943, the citation for which is as follows, “This officer has commanded an anti-tank troop since September 1942. At all times he has shown the utmost devotion to duty. No conditions either of machine gunning or shellfire have ever deterred him from the task of getting his guns into the most advantageous position. He has shown himself equally impervious to the effects of fatigue. In particular he distinguished himself in the Battle of Munassib, September 42, when he was detached under command 6 Queen's. He was three days in this position, during which time two of his Nos. 1 and two other soldiers were wounded, but at all times he was actively employed in going round his guns encouraging his men and reconnoitring better positions. Finally he was himself wounded but refused to be evacuated until he had reported to his Battery Commander and arranged for his relief. Altogether his conduct during the whole period has been of the highest and has been a great inspiration to his men” Harding continued to serve with the unit once he recovered from his wounds, he served throughout the campaign in Italy. He left the army in 1946.

Crimea and Indian Mutiny Group of Four 72nd Highlanders, Crimea medal with clasp Sebastopol engraved “No 2122 James Smith 72nd Highlanders”, Turkish Crimea medal Sardinian issue engraved “No 2122 Pte James Smith 72nd Highlanders”, Indian Mutiny medal with clasp Central India impressed “JAS SMITH 72ND HIGHLANDERS” and Victorian Army Long Service Good Conduct medal impressed “2122 JAS SMITH 72ND FOOT”. Medals have been mounted for display. All remain in good overall condition.

German Army Officers Dress Dagger, fine deep orange handle with the original top pommel and eagle cross guard. Original bullion wire officers dress portepee attached. Dagger is complete with its original scabbard. Blade remains in very good condition with much of the original finish remaining. PUMA Solingen makers mark to the base of the blade, obscured by the cross guard. Overall a very good example of a German Army officers dress dagger.

Selection of German Army, Waffen SS and Luftwaffe Tunic Shoulder Boards, all single examples, including pink piped black panzer wrap over tunic example, black piped Waffen SS NCO’s example, Waffen SS black piped other ranks, Panzer Grenadier NCO’s board with slip on attached, early pre-war pointed top army shoulder board, scarce Luftwaffe medical blue piped board and others. All remain in very good overall condition. (11 items)

Victorian / Edwardian Army & Navy Stores Folding Bowie Type Knife, chequered grips with blade inserted within. Press button release to form steel cross guard and release bowie style 18 ½ cm blade. Marked to the blade “A&N C.S.L”. Release catch to fold the blade back down. Housed in its original brown leather scabbard with belt loop fitting. Good condition overall.

British 1855 Pattern Lancaster Sword Bayonet with Royal Army Medical Corps Marked Top, black chequered two piece grip with brass cross guard and muzzle ring. The top of the bayonet handle is stamped R.A.M.C 12105 1/02. Housed in the original leather scabbard with brass mounts. Straight pipe backed blade with various Victorian acceptance and WD stamps to the base and spine. Blade measures 61cm in length. Overall remains in very good condition.

Victorian Army Long Service Good Conduct Medal, early type with large letter reverse, awarded to “CR SERJT D ANDERSON 72ND FOOT”. Medal is fitted with steel clip and bar suspension. Remains in good overall condition. Court mounted for display.

WW2 German Army Officers Dress Sword, gilt metal dove head pattern sword with engraved down winged eagle and swastika to the langet. Black grip which retains the original wire. Green leather with silver bullion wire dress portepee. Housed in the original black painted scabbard with single hanging ring. Fine condition blade with P D Luneschloss Solingen makers trade mark to the base, obscured by the langet. Good example overall.

Selection of Indian Army Cloth Shoulder Titles, all being embroidered examples, consisting of red lettering on green 1ST PUNJAB REGIMENT, red lettering on green 14TH PUNJAB REGIMENT, blue lettering on buff 8 PUNJAB REGIMENT, green lettering on red 1ST PUNJAB REGIMENT, red lettering on green SEA GUIDES, bullion embroidered wire on red INDIAN ARMY and white lettering on red INDIAN ARMY. All in good overall condition. (7 items)

ARMY OF DARKNESS (1992) - Terry Prince Hand-Drawn KNB Crew Shirt Art Hand-drawn crew shirt art conceived by Terry Prince for the KNB team on Sam Raimi's fantasy-horror Army of Darkness. The design shows an armoured Deadite bursting from a grave under a moonlit night sky.  Drawn on paper with marker, the art is taped to an illustration board at the corners, and has 'T Prince 91' written on the lower left of the artwork. The reverse of the illustration board includes the notes "No square edges," and "add in 'Army of Darkness' title." The artwork shows minor wear to the corners, but overall remains in good condition. Dimensions: 38 cm x 51 cm x 1 cm (15" x 20" x 1/4”) VAT Status - OMEGA

FLASH GORDON (1980) - War Rocket Ajax Crew Uniform A uniform worn by the crew aboard the War Rocket Ajax in Mike Hodges' sci-fi adventure Flash Gordon. The crew of the ship wore their costumes when under attack by Flash (Sam J. Jones), Prince Vultan (Brian Blessed) and his army of Hawkmen during the climactic battle. The costume consists of a zippered jacket and drawstring trousers, made from a metallic gold coloured quilted synthetic material. The gold colouring has scraped off in places, but is in overall good condition. Both garments are marked size "M". VAT Status - Margin TRIANGLE

1960s Vietnamese Army tortoiseshell mounted swagger stick with embossed white metal top, in original presentation case, 50.5cm overall length (A10 Certificate in place)

Rare 19th century album of Far Eastern photographs by Felice Beato (1832 - 1909) depicting the Opium Wars, the bound album comprising seven large albumen prints of War zones, some titled to the mounts, including 'Rear of the North Front showing the retreat of the Chinese Army - August 21st 1860'; 'Angle of the North Fort at which the French entered, August 21st 1860', other images show Chinese artillery and casualties of War, four portraits including Sir Robert Napier, Sir Hope Grant - Commander in Chief of the Expeditionary Force, China, a portrait of Prince Kung - Emperor Xianfeng's brother, and a portrait of Lord Elgin who signed the Treaty of Tianjin, which brought an end to the Second Opium War 1858, together with four photographs of precious objects - one inscribed to the mount - 'Photo of loot, taken from The Summer Palace, Pekin, 1860', another inscribed verso - 'Photo of Kade (copper enamel) taken by me from the Summer (?) Palace, Pekin 1860' CONDITION REPORT Album overall is in fair order, there are some missing pages, there is also some small tears/rips to other pages and some foxing present as visible in the photographs online. Album contains a total of 15 photographs. General wear to binding and album commensurate with age. A full description of the album is available upon requests

A .44" Remington Model New Army percussion revolver, circa 1863, serial No 57671, it bears the barrel inscription 'Patented Sept 14 1858 E Remington & Son......New Model', it is in excellent overall condition

A six shot .44in Starr Arms Co double action army percussion revolver, numbered 6528 on frame and cylinder, the framed stamped 'Starr Arms Co, New York' and 'Starrs Patent Jan 15 1856', overall 30cm

German WW2 M1943 Army version, slight wear but good condition overall

Five Dinky military with boxes to include 692 5.5 Medium Gun, 623 Army Covered Wagon x 2, 641 Army I-Ton Cargo Truck and 673 Scout Car, overall condition is gd with signs of play wear, boxes are poor-fair with some missing flaps, repairs, tatty etc