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Collection of early to late pen knives, including Swiss army along with lead figure plaque 18/early 19th Century

Taurus Press. A collection of approx. 40 posters by Paul Peter Piech (1920-1996), including many linocuts, various sizes, some with handling marks, unframed (40)Note: born in Brooklyn in 1920, Piech was the son of Ukranian immigrants. After being posted to Cardiff with the United States Eighth Army Air Force during the Second World War, he later settled in Wales. In 1959 he set up his own private press, The Taurus Press, in order to communicate with society and disseminate the social message of global responsibility and co-operation.Condition report: 11 are c. 51cms x 76cms; 17 are 45cms x 64cms approx; 17 further assorted sizes.about 17 are signed.

A case containing two small stock books, one with Penny Reds and Penny Lilacs, the other with Victorian ARMY overstamps and other later examples, also Victorian postal envelopes and later stamps on sheets, paper and in stock sleeves, etc.

19th Century, British School - "XVIIth Light Dragoons (Lancers)", and "Officers of the British Army No.2 17th Lancers", uniform studies, hand-tinted prints, 36 x 25cms, and 41 x 31cms respectively, in black lacquered and gilt frames.

Of Royal Navy interest: papers of the Dundas and Foot families to include the 1942 blueprints of the Hydro-Plane Patrol Boat and the 1988 CVs of 17 of the 53 RN officers who passed out of Dartmouth in July 1928. 26.01.1915 - RNVR commission paper of the Hon. Kenneth Robert Dundas (1888-1915) as temporary Sub.-Lieutenant (folded). Appointment to HMS Victory as temporary Sub.-Lieutenant from 26.01.1915 and appointment to the same ship as Lieutenant from 21.03.1915. Chief Military Instructor’s (very complimentary) report to the Officer Commanding 6th Battalion on KRD’s performance in the course from 15.2.1915 to 06.03.1915.19.12.1924 - Claud Kenneth Melville Dundas (1911-1993) - Letter of appointment to HMS Britannia, with instruction to join on 14.1.1925 (c/o his mother, Mrs ACW Kennard at 59 Sloane Gardens) and Dec 1924 index card for the Naval Cadets competitive entrance exam.04.7.1926 - RNC Dartmouth (C of E) Confirmation service sheet.XX.07.1928 - Passing-out list of RNC Dartmouth, 53 passes and 2 fails. (See last item, the 1988 CVs of the survivors of the Jan. 1925 Dartmouth term). 25.08.1928 - Order to transfer as a naval cadet on board HMS Valiant for service in the Mediterranean and 20.03.1929 order to transfer to HMS Malaya.04.04.1929 - Admiralty letter approving the withdrawal of CKM Dundas from Dartmouth Naval College subject to the payment of £440 as a contribution to the cost of his four years’ education and maintenance not covered by the annual fees. 11.04.1929 - Confirmation letter from the Admiralty that orders for the withdrawal of Naval Cadet CKMD were issued on the 8th inst.1930 - Two Royal Society of Arts book-keeping certificates and three 1931 handwritten essays on economics by CKM Dundas, The Doctrine of Laissez- Faire etc.1932 - reference from CKMD’s employer, the Asiatic Petroleum Company.27.07.1938 - Admiralty letter re the medals of Capt. Charles Edward Foot (1841-1884).17.11.1940 - Admiralty appointment document (CKMD), as Sub-Lt. on board HMS Osprey.25.12.1941 - Nore General Orders – Special Order of the Day – Lt. CKM Dundas RNVR commended, amongst others, for the handling of his motor launch whilst rescuing sailors in burning water caused by the enemy sinking a tanker ship.30.12.1941 - Copy of the cover letter sent by Major Edward Hammond Whalley Foot (1881-1964) to Winston Churchill for his Hydro-Aeroplane Carrier  plans, in which he expresses his hope that the PM will not hold it against him that he had recently been before the Committee of Privileges.07.01.1942 - Letter from the Dept. of Scientific Research and Development confirming the proposals for a Hydroplane Carrier forwarded by the PM's Office are not of interest to the Admiralty.27.01.1942 - Major Edward Hammond Foot’s blueprints for a Hydroplane Patrol Boat (55.5 x 75cm) and his two-page typed Report on Hydroplane Destroyer. 05.03.1942 Admiralty letter of appointment of CKMD to HMS President.1943 Short letters between CKMD and his mother re her newly born grandson, ‘Finito’, etc.09.06.1988 - The 1988 CVs of seventeen retired officers of the Royal Navy sent to CKMD with a cover note by Commander Hugh Mulleneux in advance of the upcoming decadal reunion of the January 1925 term, which passed out of Dartmouth in July 1928. The CVs range from official and ‘stiff’ to highly entertaining and irreverent, and give an interesting insight to RN war and peacetime morale, and also naval capabilities. Eight admit DSCs and the highest in rank is Vice Admiral Hetherington. Lt.-Comdr. Ambrose recalled that before the war, 'I was banished to a gunboat, the Seamew, far up the West River in China, where, unfortunately, my only brother-officer and companion suffered from a chronic psychopathic disorder.' Capt. George O. Roberts records that when he was retired in 1963, he was requested to return the pair of bedsheets issued to him in 1942 - he sent two threads of cotton before joining the Army Security Vetting Unit. Lt.-Comdr. James N.W. Barttelot bought in 1954 for £7,500 'a lovely old Rectory in Cheveley .. paid for ... by the sale of a Hyperion colt foal to Metro Goldwyn Mayer in Hollywood for £10,000 because it had four white socks!' Capt. George Osborn Symonds reveals his involvement with Polaris led him to be called as the Crown's expert witness in the 1961 Portland Spy Trial.

The 1904-1915 East Africa Protectorate papers and letters of Kenneth and Claudia Dundas (the Hon. Kenneth Robert Dundas (1882-1915) and his wife, the Hon. Anne Claudia Dundas (née Whalley Foot) (1880-1943)).18.04.1904 Document from the Foreign Office appointing KRD as Assistant Collector, East Africa Protectorate, and instructing him to proceed abroad without delay, his salary of £250 per annum to begin from the day of embarkation.08.12.1909 the couple's original marriage certificate witnessed by Lord Melville (occupation Peer of the Realm).Full calf-leather bound copy of ‘Notes on the Tribes Inhabiting the Baringo District, East Africa Protectorate’ by the Hon. K.R. Dundas (The Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland.  Vol. 40 (Jan. - Jun., 1910), pp. 49-72 (27 pages and 15 photographic plates on 3 further pages.). The cover gilt-tooled with the title and initials CWD (Claudia Whalley Dundas). 78-word handwritten dedication from the author to his wife (CWD), ‘To the most perfect lady... her own true boy.’ dated 08.04.1911. Together with a letter sent to the author (at Machakos)  from the Cambridge University anthropologist, Sir James George Frazer, dated 3.07.1911;  thanking him for, and complimenting him on, the same paper, which Sir Arthur Hollis had forwarded him: ‘I made full use of it, with due acknowledgements, in my "Totemism and Exogamy" ... grateful thanks again for allowing me to use the paper.’ Also thanking and complimenting him on his latest paper, 'The Wawanga and Other Tribes of the Elgon District’.28.04.1912 Baptism card signed by Rev. Francis Buttanshaw, St Andrews, Cotterstock,  and an envelope containing locks of CKMD’s hair in envelope marked ‘My little son’s hair, cut off at Kismayu, Jubaland - Oct 28 1912.’ 19.07.12 letter to KRD from Sir Percy Girouard (at 42 Great Cumberland Place), who had resigned two days before as Governor of the British East Africa Protectorate following his dispute over the displacement of the Maasai with the Colonial Secretary, Lord Milner.23.10.1912 Short typed letter to KRD from the Secretariat at Nairobi re non-collection of fines at Machakos (torn into pieces).05.12.1913 Army & Navy Ltd. (London branch) note regarding the binding of 'Tribes of the Elgin District, British East Africa’.13.12.13 Letter to KRD from the former captain of the SS Tuna, A.W. Blair, at Aden. KRD’s cask of crockery is now on its way by ship. The Club billiard table is still impounded due to incomplete customs forms. Future provision of cigarettes will be made by other skippers of the line.19.12.1913 letter to KRD from W.M. Crowdy at Keringet, Molo. Acknowledges KRD’s help. News from the Governor; news of: the settler, Edward Powys-Cobb; the newly appointed DC, Samuel F. Deck; and the newly formed Labour Commission.20.12.1913 Local Circular from Douglas Reid, the Asst. DC at Kismayu, re shortage of water tins and rationing of 2 tins per day to the Residency and 1 tin for the households of the DC, ADC, SP, MO, the Engineer and the Hospital.24.08.1913 a spirited letter to KRD from his 70-year-old father, the former career diplomat, the 6th Viscount Melville, staying at the Spa Hotel, Strathpeffer, with his second wife: ‘We have met here ... a most delightful Parsee family, Sir Somebody Jehangir from Bombay .. One of the daughters was so pretty, and so wonderfully well read in all English literature, as well as French. Ruskin, Montague, Milton, Gibbon were all alike to her, books no English girl ever looks at, and she was great fun too.’ Together with a transcript of a newspaper article headlined ‘THE SCOTTISH ROMANCE - Viscount to Have Shop Girl For His Third Wife’ reporting the marriage of the 78-year-old peer to a 40-year-old Edinburgh shop assistant of ‘strikingly handsome appearance’. Also a copy memorandum in the hand of Viscount Melville re the correspondence between him and the Keeper of the Privy Purse concerning his son's death at Gallipoli in August 1915.Diary of Mrs Dundas: Jan 30 to Feb 24 1913.Nine letters from Mrs Dundas at Kismayu to KRD on tour - 14.01.1913, 27.12.1913,29.12.1913, 01.01.1914, 03.01.1914, 06.01.1914, 07.01.1914, 08.01.1914 and 20.01.1914.08.04.1914 Report of the District Commissioner at Kismayu (KRD) on his 340-mile journey from Meru to Kismayu by camel train (each of the 10 pages with East Africa Protectorate stamp).A leather wallet containing a small photograph of the DC in mufti with his wife outside their bungalow, clipped photo of the DC in summer uniform, a circa 1913 postcard photograph of Mrs Dundas and her infant son, Claud, in camp or the garden and 5 of KRD’s calling cards.17.09.14 Pencil sketch of a building in the Port of Kismayo with the Union Jack (in colour) flying above in the background, presumably from a ship's mast. Indistinctly signed, dated lower left 17.9.14. (13.5cm x 20.25cm). Glazed gilt frame.10.01.1915 letter to KRD (now in the process of joining up in England) from Bilal G. Khamis, the Arabic Writer at the District Commissioner’s Office at Kismayo – wartime news of the staff there.12.08.915 Letter of condolence from Winston Churchill's private secretary, Edward Marsh. On Duchy of Lancaster Office notepaper '... his friendship was one of the best things I owed to my [1907?] journey in Africa...'30.08.1915 Typed (contemporary copy) letter from Hugh Moreton Frewen in Gallipoli to the Governor BEAP, Sir Henry Belfied. Details of the former DC’s death: ‘Your Excellency, Knowing the high regard in which the late Lieut. the Hon’ble K.R. Dundas, R.N.V.R. was held, and the many friends he possessed throughout the BEAP, I think you may be glad to learn a few particular events which led to his untimely loss ... he tried to tear himself free from the grip they [two medical officers] were maintaining upon the severed artery that he might no longer detain them ... and thus help me to discharge my last duty to a friend. Sd. H. Moreton Frewen R.N.V.R. (late Private Secretary to Sir Percy Girouard and Asst. Resident, N. Nigeria.).’05.11.1915 Letter from Government House, British East Africa to Mrs Dundas. Enclosed a detailed hand-sketched plan of the location of her husband’s grave made by Capt. Charrington, who was, in peacetime, a planter in BEA. (His body was exhumed and reburied at Lala Baba Cemetery in 1921.)08.07.1919 A Potters Arts Guild (Compton, Guilford) plan in pencil of KRD's stone wall memorial at St. Andrews, Cotterstock, and a photograph of the memorial.

A Grana ATP (Army Trade Pattern) watch for repair. Issue number 131559.

A late 19th century album of regimental crests; about 118 British and 172 Indian Army

Dads Army Clive Dunn signed 8 x 6 inch b/w photo playing cards. Good condition. All autographs come with a Certificate of Authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £4.99, EU from £6.99, Rest of World from £8.99

CWC - a stainless steel British Military Issue Army G10 quartz wristwatch, ref. W10/6645-99 5415317, circa 2006, black dial with Arabic numerals, lumed Tritium elements and blue NATO style strap with British Broad Arrow caseback, issue no. C571 06, case width 35mm, working orderMovement - currently workingDial - very cleanGlass - light surface marks around edgeHands - good, lumed elements brightCase - very light surface marksCrown - adjusting smoothlyBracelet - original NATO strapNotes - no box or papers

Four vintage replica army revolvers and resin scrimshaw Condition Report: Available upon request

Ɵ HUNT, John. (1910 - 1998). Four Works: three volumes SIGNED by the author, with a related SIGNED volume, 1954-1978. comprises: Our Everest Adventure. The Pictorial History from Kathmandu to the summit. SIGNED. Brockhampton Press, Leicester, 1954. first edition, 8vo., (250 x 190mm), map illustrated blue and white cloth, white lettering to spine, dustwrapper unclipped, half-title, SIGNED to the title page by the author, George Lowe, and George Band, numerous photo. illustrations, 128pp: HUNT, John. The Ascent of Everest. SIGNED, University of London Press Ltd., 1954. edited and abridged edition for schools, 8vo., (200 x 140mm), rebound gilt illustrated titled leather, new e/ps., SIGNED and dated 15 October 1962 by the author to half-title, 160pp. HUNT, John. Life is a Meeting. SIGNED. Hodder & Stoughton, 1978. first edition, 8vo., (240 x 170mm), publisher's black cloth, gilt lettering to spine, dustwrapper clipped, SIGNED by the author to title page, 286pp: together with: HUNT, Ethel Helen. (b. 1884). A Rainbow of Memories. SIGNED. [privately printed] circa. 1973. first edition, Limited to 100 copies, this being number 100, blue cloth, silver lettering to front, SIGNED by Ethel Hunt to the limitation leaf, b/w. photo. illustrated, 58pp. with a loosely inserted 1pp., 30 lines, typed note about the author's husband, Captain Cecil Edwin Hunt M.C. (1880-1914), who was reported missing in action 19 December 1914, near Givenchy, France, with a newspaper clipping featuring an article about Mrs. Hunt and her published book. Ethel Helen Hunt (nee Crookshank), was the wife of Captain Cecil Edwin Hunt MC, and mother of Brigadier Cecil John Hunt, Baron Hunt KG, PC, CBE, DSO, British Army officer and leader of the successful 1953 British Expedition to Mount Everest. each volume within removable clear wrapper. (4) Condition Report: 1. Our Everest Adventure - some foxing to dustwrapper, toning internally, o/w. a clean copy. 2. The Ascent of Everest - minor marks to boards, spine with slight wear head/tail, blue ink blob lower r.h. margin pp48, some minor marks internally. 3. Life is a Meeting - a clean copy. 4.. A Rainbow of Memories - boards marked and stained, corners scuffed, spine bumped head/tail, stained to front pastedown, o/w. clean internally. Condition Report Disclaimer

Ɵ HUNT, John. (1910 - 1998). The Ascent of Everest, SIGNED by the author and eleven members of the 1953 Expedition Team. Hodder & Stoughton, 1953. , single volume, first edition, 8vo., (230 x 160mm), publisher's blue cloth, gilt lettering to spine, illustrated dustwrapper unclipped, design by W. Heaton Cooper, previous ownership inscription, 'Christmas 1953, Hapton Hall, Norwich', half-title with the twelve signatures of John Hunt (expedition leader), George Lowe, Charles Wylie, George Band, Michael Ward, Tom Bourdillon, Griffith Pugh, Edmund Hillary, Wilfrid Noyce, Michael Westmacott and Tom Stobart, 8 colour photographic plates, 48 half tone plates, numerous in-text illustrations after pen and ink sketches, 290pp., within removeable clear wrapper. An account of the 1953 British Everest expedition led by British Army officer John Hunt, 'The Ascent of Everest' was written by Sir John Hunt in one month such was the demand for the story of the British Team's success. Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay reached the summit on May 29 1953. (1) Condition Report: clean boards, light rubbing to corners, spine bumped head/tail, dustwrapper light creasing, with two clean edge tears to front, and signs of wear to corners and spine, edges foxed and some further sporadic foxing and marks internally. Condition Report Disclaimer

Ɵ THORN, William. (1780 - 1843). Memoir of the Conquest of Java. T. Egerton, London, 1815. single volume, first edition, 4to., (308 x 257mm), modern quarter black leather over marbled boards, spine with raised bands bordered in gilt, spine lettered in gilt, complete, half-title, errata, 17 engraved maps (13 folding), 18 aquatint plates (4 folding), plate number 1, 'Map of Java' facing title page bound as 2 large folding sheets in present volume, some light offsetting throughout, occasional contemporary marginalia pencil marks and underlining throughout, most noticeably on list of plates page, and pages 14, 35, 51, and 100, plate no. 33 hand-coloured, plate no. 34 some contemporary pencil annotations and markings on map, plates no. 27 and 28 bound in reverse order according to the list of plates.   First edition of William Thorn's important memoir of the 1811 conquest of Java, when possession of the island passed from the Dutch to the British Empire. Major Thorn, a Deputy Quarter Master General of the British Army at the time, describes the military expedition, as well as giving a general history and geographic survey of the island. Thorn's text contains the first depiction of the Taman Sari (Water Castle), a renowned architectural wonder built in 1758 by the Sultan of Jokjakarta. Many of the remaining aquatints show coastal towns of Java, as well as Batavia, one time capital of the Dutch East Indies that was taken over when power shifted to the British Empire. These engravings have been described to be in the style of Dutch artist Johannes Rach and his school. (1) Condition Report: clean and bright binding, 3.5 inch tear at hinge of plate 20, some foxing to maps, occasional spotting to text. Condition Report Disclaimer

The Field Officers Gold Medal for Corunna 1809 Awarded to Major William Williams 81st Regiment of Foot, Wounded Multiple Times During the Peninsular War and Served with the 13th Regiment of Foot in North America During the War of 1812, medal named in the correct style “MAJOR WILLIAM WILLIAMS 1ST BN 81ST “. Period repair to the suspension, complete with the original lunettes and ribbon with gold ribbon buckle. Remains in good condition. Sir William Williams K.C.B., K.T.S. 1776 – 1832. He purchased his ensigncy in the 54th Regiment in 1792, during the 2 years following he served in the Low countries under the Duke of York. Promoted to Lieutenant in Sept 1793 he proceeded to the West indies where he was wounded during the action at St. Vincent. In 1796 he was a Captain and returned to the British Isles to help suppress the rebellion in Ireland. He then went to Egypt under Sir Ralph Abercromby and was said to have been the first soldier to land in Egypt and was involved in every action. In 1802 he was Brevet Major being given a substantive rank in the 81st 2 years later. Wounded for the second time at Corunna, he then participated in the expedition to Walcheren and in November 1809 he was posted to 5/60th as Lieut.-Colonel. Wounded twice at Bussaco, once a Fuentes D’Onor and after being wounded for the 6th time at Salamanca he transferred to 13th Regiment stationed in North America being involved in the fighting at Lake Champlain and Plattsburg. At St.Johns, New Brunswick he was in command of the advanced posts on the Richelieu river when the attack by the American General Wilkinson was repulsed. In 1815 he became a K.C.B. and became a Major General in 1830 dying at home in Bath 2 years later. For his service at Corunna, Fuentes D’Onor, Cuidad Rodrigo, Badajoz and Salamanca he was awarded the Army Gold Cross with 1 clasp. In 1813 he received the Portuguese Order of the Tower and Sword. Major William Williams arrived in Spain with 2/81st as part of Sir David Baird Contingent when they landed at Corunna between the 13th and 26th October 1808. Baird’s troops joined with Moore’s main force on 20th December. Lieutenant General Sir John Moores victory at Sahagun on 21st December 1808 had confirmed the position of the British army in Spain and caused Napoleon to redirect the majority of his forces away from recently captured Madrid to pursue the British in an attempt to block their access to the coast (and the possibility of escape). Realising he was severely outnumbered, with Napoleon having some 250,000 troops at his disposal and his having beaten the Spanish army, Sir John Moore realised that his only option was to ‘run for it’ back to the coast to escape by sea. Thus, on 25th December the British army began its retreat over 250 miles of inhospitable mountainous terrain through snow and ice continually being harried by the advancing French troops. It is estimated that the British Army lost some 5000 men during the retreat. The main body of the British army arrived at Corunna on the 11th of January 1809 to find that only 26 of the 270 transport ships had arrived with the rest being delayed at Vigo due to contrary winds. Moor took the opportunity to re-equip his army with the 5000 muskets and ammunition taken from the stores at Corunna, the remaining munitions of almost 12,000 barrels of powder and 300,000 musket cartridges in 2 magazines were destroyed in massive explosions on 14th January to prevent then being captured by the French. On the same day the ships arrived in the harbour and Moore began to embark the troops starting with artillery and cavalry. To cover the embarkation Moore had selected a defensive position on a ridge of high ground approximately 2 miles south of Corunna. On 15th January Marshal Soult manoeuvred his forces onto the higher ridges opposite. Moore deployed his army to face the French with Hopes Division on the left and Baird on the right. Soult planned to make his main thrust with Mermet’s division around the village of Elvina intending to turn Moores flank and roll up his line whilst the rest of the British line would be kept occupied by Merle and Delaborde’s Divisions. On the afternoon of the 16th January Moore, convinced there would be no action that day had just started to withdraw some of his troops so that they could embark when the French launched their attack. As the French batteries fired, two of Mermet’s brigades advanced toward the village of Elvina pushing back the picquets of the 4th and 50th Foot. The French 31me Léger approached the village in 2 columns whilst the 47me Line went to outflank the village on the left. Moore rode to the right flank and instructed the 4th to throw back their right wing to protect against the encircling movement, meanwhile Baird had ordered the 42nd forward to counterattack. The 50th then advanced against the 31me Léger’s left column the fighting that followed was confused with the Battalion becoming broken up into small groups and the 50th was ordered to withdraw leaving the village in French hands. Baird’s Divisional reserves, the 1st Foot Guards, were called up and the 42nd believing they were being relieved started to withdraw until Moore intervened to prevent this. Soon after Moore fell from his horse with a mortal wound having been struck on the shoulder by a round shot. The fighting in Elvina continued until dusk, Mermet fed in his reserves, the reinforced British still could not fully eject the French from the village. Merle tried to support the French in the village by advancing his left wing toward the village, but this was countered by Manningham who advance the 1st and 81st down the slope to attack the flank of the 4me Léger. The French turned to meet the attack and a desperate fight lasting 2 hours followed with Merle supporting his men with the 2me Léger. The 81st suffered considerable casualties and had run out of ammunition, they were then replaced by the 59th. After a further advance by Merle on the right flank the French withdrew. As darkness fell at 6.00pm the fighting ceased across the whole battlefield without either side having made any territorial advantage. During the fighting the 81st suffered 30 dead and 133 wounded of which Major William Williams was one. Later that evening the British army began to withdraw from its positions leaving campfires and picquets to conceal their departure. The embarkation continued through the night and it wasn’t until 8am the following day that the French realised the British had retired and so advanced on the town. The last rear-guard left the town on January 18th with the Spanish garrison waiting until the fleet was at sea before surrendering. The fleet embarked some 26,000 men over the 5 days.

WW2 Brass Shoulder Titles “P.P.A” Popski Private Army, matched pair of cast brass shoulder titles “P.P.A” with fixed post fittings to the reverse. Type worn by Popski Private Army. These title in their construction appear to be original wartime period, however many insignias for this unit were made post war for veterans reunions etc

Great War Territorial Force Efficiency Medal Group of Three 1st Wessex Field Ambulance Royal Army Medical Corps, group consists of British War medal and Victory medals “1690 S.SJT S. J. BASTIN R.A.M.C.” with a George V Territorial Force Efficiency medal “457053 S.SJT S.J.BASTIN R.A.M.C.” Medals remain in good condition. TFEM awarded A.O.363 August 1921, 1st Wessex Field Ambulance R.A.M.C. T.F. Wessex

5x Brass Regimental Duty / Bed Plates, all being brass examples, consisting of a Royal Army Medical Corps example “7263382 WELSH I H”, example with Somerset Light Infantry badge “5662406 W. HONEYBUN”, York & Lancaster pre-1914 type impressed “No 7458 J HEAD”, “THE GREEN HOWARDS 4389312 J. WILSON” and Durham Light Infantry “4444837 BARRY L”. All in generally good condition. (5 items) Ex Jerry Withers collection.

Very Rare Polish Boys Trained by Royal Corps of Signals Badge, cast brass badge being a standard design of the Royal Corps of Signals but the oval has “POLISH BOYS TRAINED BY ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS”. The badge has a slider fitting to the reverse. This badge was issued to Polish boys trained by members of the Royal Corps of Signals in Mena Camp near Cairo for the completion of training of signals wireless machines. The badge was worn on the left pocket of the tunic. One of the rarest badges for the Polish army of the west.

Scarce American Women’s Army Service Pilots Wing, fine example in sterling silver with brooch pin fitting to the reverse. Ex Jerry Withers collection.

Early WW1 Period Royal Flying Corps Pilots Wing, fine quality embroidered pilots wing with the wreath and wing feathers picked out in a khaki thread. 10 feather variation showing signs of uniform removal. Accompanied by an other ranks RFC cap badge, brass RAF cap badge, gilt and enamel RFC sweetheart wing brooch (missing pin), RAF silver and enamel sweetheart brooch and a leather Army Air Corps badge. (6 items)

WW2 Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry 14th Army Jungle Pattern Combination Insignia, fine example being jungle pattern KOYLI slip-on title with strap and bullion embroidered 14th Army formation sign. Remains in good condition.

Grouping of WW2 Cloth Insignia of Indian Army Interest, consisting of tropical KD Lieutenant Colonels shoulder strap with “JAT” title, slip-on Indian Artillery Lieutenants shoulder strap, printed British Reinforcement Training Centre India formation sign, embroidered Rawalpindi district formation sign, embroidered Peshawar district formation sign, embroidered North Western Army India formation sign, GHQ India formation sign with bullion embroidered star to centre and felt 72nd Indian Infantry Brigade formation sign. All generally good condition. (8 items)

Selection of Cloth Formation Signs, including printed 30 corps, eight army slip-on, printed 5th corps, variations of 1st corps, felt 3rd Infantry division, 2x 524th Light Anti-Aircraft formation signs, plus others.

An Interesting WW2 Period Identification Guide for Arm of Service Strips, the original printed fold out guide has examples of all the different arm of service strips with printed identification. Interesting later types including Army Air Corps and Reconnaissance Corps etc created and added to the guide at a later time. Possibly given to tailors for uniform construction. Unusual item for any cloth insignia collector.

Great War & Iraq Campaign Medal Group of Five 6th County of London Regiment and Royal Army Pay Corps, consisting British War medal and Victory medals “6899 PTE W. KINGABY 6-LOND R”, a General Service medal 1918-62 clasp Iraq “7657478 CPL W KINGABY R.A.P.C.” with a Defence and War medal 1939-45, un-named as issued. Group mounted as worn. William Kingaby was born in Leytonstone, Essex in 1891. He initially served with the 6th London Regiment later transferring to the Army Pay Corp (service number 5642) and then being renumbered as 7657478 in the Royal Army Pay Corps with whom he served in Iraq. In 1923 he re-attested for service in the Queens Royal West Surrey Regiment stating his trade as a Clerk with 4 years and 116 days prior military service, he was discharged on 4th April 1927.

WW2 British 14th Army Identity Bracelet, fine example produced in silver and enamel with the reverse engraved “R.V. CHAPMAN 861971”, with linked wrist chain. Accompanied by a plain sterling silver linked identity bracelet engraved “F. SADLER W/79986 A.T.S” and a Italian campaign commemorative bracelet. (3 items)

The Extremely Rare and Possibly Unique WW2 MBE (Military) and Dunkirk Evacuation Military Medal (M.M) Medal Group of Acting Group Captain Leslie Ralph Flower of the Royal Air Force, An Unusual Example of an Army Gallantry Award to a Member of the RAF For Service at Sea, group consists of M.B.E. 2nd type Military, Military Medal GVI “517225 CPL L. R. FLOWER R.A.F.”, 1939-45 star, Atlantic star, Defence medal, War medal 1939-45 (last 4 unnamed as issued), General Service medal 1918-62 ERII with clasp Malaya “FLT LT. L. R. FLOWER R.A.F”. - Group mounted as worn by the recipient. This group is sold with the following related items, Original bestowal document for the award of the MBE, named to Pilot Officer Leslie Ralph Flower MM RAF and dated 2nd June 1943. Also with case for MBE. Recipients Dunkirk medal in card box of issue. A framed picture (59 x 69.5cm) with caricatures of the members of the officer’s mess RAF Felixstowe, dated October 1949. An engraved silver (h/m Birmingham 1970) presentation cigarette box. The engraving on the lid depicts the Long Range Recovery and Search Craft of the type introduced by Group Captain Flower during his time as Director RAF Marine Craft. The engraving on the front depicts the Seaplane Tender which Group Captain Flower took to Dunkirk in 1940. The inscription on the inside of the lid reads ‘Presented to Group Captain L R Flower MBE MM RAF by the Officers and Airmen of the Marine Branch November 1970’. A cased model, by Brian Williams, of RAF High Speed Launch 127 deploying in support of Operation Jubilee (Dieppe raid 19th August 1942). Flying Officer Flower was Master of this craft during the operation. Presentation plaque with crest for RAF Mount Batten, presented to Group Captain Flower on his retirement from the service. Plaque inscribed ‘Presented to Gp Capt L R Flower MBE, MM RAF from the Officers and Men of RAF Mount Batten November 1970’. 2 printed folders of supporting information providing details of Group Captain Flowers service career and including an extremely detailed account of his involvement in the Dunkirk evacuation written by the Group Captain himself. Memory stick containing an audio file of an interview given by Grp Cpt Flower to Radio Solent on the 50th anniversary of Dunkirk. M.B.E Military – London Gazette 2nd June 1943. Information from the vendor indicates that this award relates to his time at RAF Carsewall when he led the rescue of a number of flying boats that had broken free of their moorings during a storm, thus keeping the unit operational. Military Medal – London Gazette 1st January 1941 ‘The King has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallant conduct’, The original citation for the Military medal reads; “One Pinnace and 5 Seaplane Tenders left Calshot at 0430 hours on Thursday, 30th May, and proceeded to Dunkirk to assist in the evacuation of the B.E.F. They were towed by a tug but owing to rough weather the tow had to be cast off and the boats were ordered to proceed under their power. They were then engaged on the very difficult task of ferrying soldiers from the beach to larger vessels lying off the shore. During this operation, although not individually attacked, they were constantly under shell fire and subject to raids. Under difficult circumstances of a lee shore and heavy swell it has been reported that some 500 men were taken off and saved. In the process two Seaplane Tenders were lost, one through over-crowding and the second through damage to propellers and subsequent grounding. On Sunday, the 2nd June, two Seaplane Tenders were required to perform a special duty. The crews were selected from volunteers. During the passage to Dunkirk the two boats were first bombed and then repeatedly machine -gunned by three enemy aircraft. In the attacks Seaplane Tender No.243 was sunk and of the officers, crew and passengers, only one was saved. Seaplane Tender No.276, of which Corporal Flower was in charge, was ordered by the Senior Naval Officer present to carry on to Dunkirk in execution of orders. During the whole of the operations in which the Seaplane Tenders were involved, the coxswains and crews showed a strong sense of discipline and duty. In this, the work of Corporal Flower and his crew is specially mentioned. After being subjected to bombing and machine gun fire, in which his starboard engine throttle controls were shot away, Corporal Flower, when ordered to do so, carried on to Dunkirk, completed his task and returned to Dover with only one engine serviceable. It is considered that the resourcefulness of Corporal Flower and his crew contributed to saving Seaplane Tender No. 276 and the personnel on board when attacked. Thus, a machine gun mounting was improvised out of a towing bollard, engine starting handle, tubing and rope. From this they were able to maintain a high rate of fire with their Lewis Gun. Corporal Flower, during the operation of the 30th May and 2nd June, carried out his duties in a most commendable way and is therefore strongly recommended for the award of the Empire Gallantry Medal or the British Empire Medal for Meritorious Service.’

WW2 Japanese Infantry Field Cap, late war ersatz cloth field cap with yellow felt Imperial Japanese army star to the front. Green chinstrap fitted to the front of the cap. Interior with the original brown sweatband. Cap shows some service wear and light areas of damage to the sweatband due to the fragile nature of its construction.

WW2 Campaign Medal Set of Four Attributed to Sister J L G Sharp Queen Alexandras Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve, Group consists of 1939-45 star, Italy star, Defence and War medals in box of issue with army issue slip indicating 4 medals. Box is addressed to MISS J. L. G. SHARP, 13 BROOKVALE AVENUE, BELFAST, N. IRELAND. Medals remain in good condition. The Army List of April 1943 list a Miss J L G sharp as a Sister in the Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve with a seniority date of 3/7/41.

WW2 British Army Major Generals Battle Dress Blouse CBE DSO & Bar and Military Cross Winner, an interesting officer tailored battle dress blouse with open collar, red gorget collar patches, small type rank pip above bronzed generals shoulder rank insignia. To each arm is tartan formation sign and one arm has a post war made padded Parachute qualification jump wing. To the breast are medal ribbons for the CBE, DSO with rosette, MC, GSM, 1939-45 star, Africa star with 8th army emblem, Italy star, France & Germany star, Defence medal and 1939-45 War medal with MID oakleaf. Interior of the battle dress with William Anderson & Son Edinburgh tailors label with typed name “Magnus v, Major General 6/44”. Battle dress remains in very good overall condition.

WW2 British Army Major Generals Battle Dress Blouse, fine example of an officer tailored open collar battle dress blouse with red gorget collar patches, embroidered rank insignia to the shoulders and medal ribbons above the breast pocket to include the DSO and bar. Interior with the original 1942 dated size label. No indication as to who this battle dress belonged too.

WW1 Imperial German Memorial Box Frame with Awards, superb memorial to a fallen German soldier. Black leatherette covered box with a Iron Cross motif to the lid, once opened it reveals a coloured laurel wreath enclosing a photograph of the fallen in field grey uniform, veterans ribbon in the German Imperial colours, his Iron Cross 2nd class (ring removed), black wound badge and a identity tag. Some wear but a fitting tribute to a fallen soldier of the Imperial German army.

British Officers WW2 & Jewish Revolt Medal Group of Six Royal Army Service Corps, consisting 1939-45 star, Italy star, France & Germany star, Defence medal, War medal and General Service medal 1918-62 with clasp Palestine 1945-48 “LT. H. SHEPHERD R.A.S.C.” Medals mounted for wear. Harry Shepherd received an immediate emergency commission from the ranks as 2/Lt (359913) effective 13 Feb 1946 (LG 16/4/46) in the Expeditionary Forces Institute section of the RASC, this was relinquished 11 Mar 1949. In the LG 20/2/51 he is noted as emergency commission as Lieutenant effective 24/2/51 and this is noted as relinquished with effect from 3 May 1951 in the LG 28/3/52. The roll confirms the issue of his medal on 14th December 1950.

An Unusual WW2 Long Service Medal Group of Five to a Member of the Royal Army Pay Corps Who Retired as a Major in 1972, consisting of France & Germany star, Defence medal, War medal 1939-45, Army Long Service medal ERII with 2nd award bar “7885996 W.O. CL.2 T.A. GULLIFORD R.A.P.C. “ (official correction to digits ‘5996’) and a Meritorious Service medal ERII “7885996 W.O. CL.1 T.A. GULLIFORD R.A.P.C.” (First 3 medals unnamed as issued). Medals display mounted on a red board with matching miniature medals and a pair of R.A.P.C. collar badges. Thomas Alfred Gulliford was commissioned as Lieutenant (Assistant Paymaster) in the London Gazette (LG) 16th August 1963 being promoted to Captain (Assistant Paymaster) in LG of 3rd April 1964. LG of 3rd April 1970 records his promotion to Major (Assistant Paymaster) with his retirement appearing in the LG of 10th April 1972. The bar to his Long Service was announced in the LG of 24th January 1972. Sold with a folder of copied research and a colour photo taken in later life.

WW2 German Army Officers Dress Dagger by Richard Herder Solingen, fine untouched example with a deep orange celluloid grip, pommel with oakleaves relief, cross guard in the form of army eale. Housed in its original scabbard with two hanging rings. Accompanied by a restored pair of officers hanging straps. The blade remains in excellent overall condition with makers trade mark to the base. Nice dark patina to the exterior fittings. Blade 25cms, overall 39 ½ cms.

Imperial Russian Tsar Nicholas II Period Dragoon Shasqua with Damascus Blade, Used by a Don Cossack Officer Serving with the German Armed Forces During WW2, superb example of a Imperial Russian dragoon pattern sword shasqua with gilt metal knuckle guard having fine relief of foliage leaves, top pommel with floral figure and the back strap with the cipher of Tsar Nicholas II. Blackened grip and brass mounts. Housed in its original black leather covered and gilt brass mounted scabbard with single hanging ring on the correct side of the scabbard for this pattern of sword. Applied to the top section of the scabbard is an original German army helmet decal, which would indicate that the sword was possibly carried by a member of the Don Cossack cavalry division which served with the German armed forces or placed on the sword when captured during operation Barbarossa. The curved blade dates from the early 20th century period and has fullers to the centre. Blade with Damascus pattern the full length of the blade. One side of the blade is etched with the cipher of Tsar Nicholas II and the other side has the Imperial Russian eagle emblem. Blade made by WKC and has its early trade mark, other side “F. FICHTE SOLINGEN”. Some light staining to the blade and some small nicks out on the edge. Overall a superb example of a very desirable pattern Imperial Russian sword with a high quality blade. Would have been carried by a Russian Cossack of significant rank.

Rare Third Reich SS Honour Ring (SS-Ehrenring / Totenkopfring), very fine example of the extremely rare award personally bestowed on the recipient by the leader of the Third Reich Schutzstaffel, better known as the SS, Heinrich Himmler. The ring of silver with Totenkopf skull to the centre and the band decorated with various runic symbols between oakleaves. The ring is engraved to the inside with the recipients name, “s.lb. Strutz” the date 20.4.37 and the signature of Heinrich Himmler. The ring remains in very good overall condition showing just very light wear and evidence of polishing when looked under a glass. This ring was given to the vendors mother Janette Diefendorf by an American serviceman. Her mother served with the Clubmobile Group of the American Red Cross, an American from Greenwich, Connecticut with German ancestry. The vendor has provided copies of newspaper cuttings which feature her mother and detail her wartime service which took her from New York to Northern Ireland and then onto mainland Europe, landing in France in July 1944 and following the American 1st Army through France, Belgium (Ardennes offensive) and into Germany. It was whilst stationed in Germany she believes her mother was given this ring. The SS honour ring was not something that could be bought, it had to be personally awarded and as such was very highly regarded and used as a symbolic item of SS ideology. In 1938, Himmler ordered the return of all rings of dead SS men and officers to be stored in a chest in Wewelsburg Castle. This was to be a memorial to symbolize the ongoing membership of the deceased in the SS order. In October 1944, Himmler ordered that further manufacture and awards of the ring were to be halted. Himmler then ordered that all the remaining rings, approximately 11,500, be blast-sealed inside a hill near Wewelsburg. By January 1945, 64% of the 14,500 rings made had been returned to Himmler after the deaths of the "holders". In addition, 10% had been lost on the battlefield and 26% were either kept by the holder or their whereabouts were unknown.

An Interesting Group of Medals & Uniform, Including a British Distinguished Flying Cross (D.F.C), Attributed to Lieutenant Garland A York Serving in 34 Photo Reconnaissance Squadron, United States Airforce, group consists US Air medal with 6 oakleaf clusters, US Purple Heart medal, in case of issue, US Distinguished Flying Cross, US European, African, Middle Eastern Campaign medal with 3 bronze stars, US Victory medal and a British Distinguished Flying Cross, reverse dated 1945, in case of issue. All medals unnamed as issued. Lot is accompanied by assorted cloth badges, metal pilots wings by AE Co. Utica NY and a London made Ike jacket with insignia (maker Huntsman, Saville Row), British DFC medal ribbon is attached to the tunic. Also accompanied by aircraft panel instrument and trench art pieces. Often considered one of the unsung heroes of the war the job of the Photo Reconnaissance Squadron was to be the eyes of the army and to gather intelligence in preparation for later operations. 34 Photo Reconnaisance Squadron (34 PRS) was 1 of 6 squadrons forming the Ninth Air Force’s 10th Photo Reconnaissance Group (10 PRG). The groups aircraft of choice was the Lockheed F-5 which was a stripped down version of the famous P-38 and it was equipped with cameras instead of guns. During the Spring of 1944 the Squadron was tasked with an important mission to photograph the beaches of Normandy prior to the invasion. In order to minimise their chances of discovery the missions were flown alone and without escorts. Flying just above the waves to avoid detection the pilots photographed the beaches of Normandy at an altitude of between 15 and 50 feet and with an average speed of 350 knots. These missions were known as ‘dicing’ missions as, like the rolling of dice on a gambling table, you never knew quite how it would turn out. In total 11 of these dicing missions were flown by 10 PRG between 6th May and 20th May 1944 which allowed a scale model of Omaha beach to be produced in preparation for the invasion. Lieutenant York, a member of B-Flight and the youngest pilot in 34 PRS, flew one of these dicing missions on 20th May and when his pictures had been developed it was found that he had photographed the exact section of the Normandy beaches on which the American forces would land, he had photographed all of Omaha and most of Utah beaches. York’s mission was to be that last of the dicing missions and after that all missions were flown at heights of between 15,000 and 30,000 feet. 10 PRG was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation for its performance in the dicing sorties with York being awarded the US Distinguished Flying Cross for his part in the missions. Garland York was noted as being a ‘hot’ pilot who had bent a couple of aeroplanes in his time with the squadron, in later life though he said he never felt like a hero because , as a Photo Recon pilot, he was never able to confront the Luftwaffe in the arena of aerial combat that made aces out of so many American fighter pilots. We have been unable to find a confirmation for the British Distinguished Flying Cross, the vendor acquired the group direct from the family of Lieutenant York.

WW2 American Bronze Star & Purple Heart Medal Group 12th Infantry Regiment, bronze star engraved to the reverse “STEPHEN L PUCHART”, Purple Heart un-named as issued. Accompanied by enamelled regimental DI’s for 12th Infantry regiment, infantryman breast badge, identity discs and religious chain. Stephen L Puchart was born in New York City 22nd December 1906, he enlisted in the US army 24th March 1941 and was discharged on 14th October 1945. He died on 12th October 1974 in Delaware. The 12th Infantry regiment were part of the 4th Infantry division, they landed at Utah beach on D-Day.

WW2 German Army / Waffen-SS General Assault Combat Badge in Silver, fine tombak hollow backed combat award with much of the silver wash finish remaining to the award. Complete with pin fitting and catch. Ex Jerry Withers collection.

WW2 German Army / Waffen-SS Infantry Assault Combat Badge in Silver, fine tombak hollow backed combat award with much of the silver wash finish remaining to the award. Complete with pin fitting and catch. Ex Jerry Withers collection

WW2 German Army / Waffen-SS Panzer Assault Badge in Bronze, being an un-marked hollow back example retaining much of its original bronze finish to the award. Complete with the original pin and catch fixing to the reverse.

WW2 German Army Panzer Assault Badge & Insignia Grouping, consisting of a silver grade panzer assault combat badge by Karl Wurster, retaining much of its silver wash finish to the award. Badge has the makers “W” mark to the top corner of the badge. Complete with its original pin fixing and repaired catch. Panzer assault badge for 25 engagements, being an un-marked example with pin and catch fixing to the reverse. Court mounted Iron Cross 2nd class and Eastern front medals with brooch pin to the reverse of the mount. Single black Panzer collar tab with pink piping and zinc Panzer skull to the centre. Pair of early M-36 pink pied panzer tunic shoulder boards. German peaked cap wreath and cockade. WW2 German army wristwatch by Silvana with a subsidiary dial, case stamped to the reverse “ROSTFREIER STAHLBODEN 308874 12201”. Photographs of the original recipient in black Panzer wrapover uniform and associated pieces. The lot all housed inside a German cigar box. Grouping came to the vendor direct from the family of the recipient, the 25 engagement assault badge was acquired later by the veterans family, the original example being lost. We are of the opinion that this badge is a later made type.

WW2 Japanese Medal & Insignia Grouping, consisting of WW1 service medal, Russo Japanese war medal, Manchuria Incident medal, single cloth rank insignia (two stars), metal army proficiency badge, veterans badge in card box of issue and Japanese Military Reservists badge gold grade in wooden box of issue.

WW2 German Afrikakorps / Tropical Tunic Breast Eagle, un-issued example of the German army tropical pattern tunic breast eagle.

Pair of WW2 German Army Transport Section Officers Collar Patches, bullion embroidered examples with cornflower blue strips. Accompanied by a pair of tropical pattern collar litzen. (2 pairs)

Selection of Third Reich Cloth Insignia, including Luftwaffe Sports Vest eagle, NPEA Student association sports vest eagle, un-issued Panzer tunic breast eagle, NSRL sports vest eagle, German army M-42 tunic breast eagle, 2x variations of Mountain Troops edelweiss arm badge, embroidered Kriegsmarine enlisted ranks tunic breast eagle, embroidered Luftwaffe eagle and set of cap cords in black and gold twist wire. Various conditions. (10 items)

Selection of Third Reich Cap Insignias, including three army peaked cap wreaths with central cockade, zinc NSDAP political leaders cap wreath, aluminium Police cap eagle and a centre for a Army Marksman lanyard. Various conditions. (6 items)

WW2 German Army Parade Pattern Belt Buckle, aluminium example of the German Army belt buckle complete with fittings to the reverse. Some wear but generally a good example.

WW2 German Army Pioneer Other Ranks Tropical Pattern Overseas / Side Cap, fine example of the olive tropical cloth other ranks overseas cap with its original bevo tropical pattern eagle and cockade with black soutache indicating service with the pioneer section. Interior with red cloth lining having makers and size stampings and also the date 1942. Overall a good example.

WW2 German Army Cavalry Other Ranks Tropical Pattern Overseas / Side Cap, fine example of the olive tropical cloth other ranks overseas cap with its original bevo tropical pattern eagle and cockade with golden yellow soutache indicating service with the cavalry section. Interior with red cloth lining having the remains of the makers stamp. Small period field repair to one side but generally a good example.

WW2 German Army M-35 Pattern Double Decal Steel Combat Helmet, good example of the early pattern steel combat helmet which retains much of its original early apple green paint finish to both the exterior and interior of the helmet. Complete with the original tri-colour decal and German army decal, both decals about 90% present. Helmet is complete with tan leather liner and the original leather chinstrap. Shell stamped SE60 and 3458. Helmet shows some wear but generally a good early double decal steel combat helmet.

German Army M-40 Pattern Steel Combat Helmet, rough textured finish to the exterior and interior of the shell. Helmet has been fitted with a replacement leather liner and leather chinstrap. Possibly for use by another nation. Ideal as a space filler or for mounting an original helmet cover.

Selection of Books of Medal Collecting & Research Interest, consisting of “Africa General Service Medals” by Magor, “White Russian Awards” by Brough, “Ashanti 1895-96” by McInnes and Fraser, “Honour the Light Brigade” by Lummins and Wynn, “The South Africa 1853 Medal” by Everson, “The New Zealand Medal to Colonials” by Stowers, “Soudan Contingent 1885 NSW – Revised Edition” by Clark, “Army Officers Awards Napoleonic Period” by Arms & Armour Press, “Korea 1950-1953 Prisoners of War The British Army” by Gaston and “The Daily Telegraph Roll of Honour for Northern Ireland 1971-2000”. All generally good condition.

Grouping of Personal Effects of a WW1 British Soldier, consisting of a cloth kit roll with various items of personal effects including razor, fork, button cleaners etc; Royal Navy blue cloth kit roll with two pockets fitted; British army issue brush with remains of the stamps to the wood section, date unclear; 1916 metal rectangular tin; small officers compass, missing its backing plate.

Edward VII 1821 Pattern Officers Sword of the Army Service Corps, regulation pattern officers sword with three bar guard leading to patterned pommel and plain back strap. Grip retaining the original covering and wire binding. Housed in its brown leather field service scabbard. Attached to the scabbard is a brown leather sword frog. Polished regulation blade with crowned EVII cipher, regimental badge of the Army Service Corps and foliage. Retailed by J R Gaunt & Son. Blade 90cms, overall 107 ½ cms. Some wear to the lower part of the scabbard and the blade heavily polished but otherwise a good example.

WW2 British B2 Fairbairn Sykes (F.S) Commando Knife and Archive Belonging to Captain Douglas James Cotton Minchin 43rd Royal Marines Commando, Formerly Scottish Rifles and Royal Air Force, Killed in Action 15th March 1945, fine example of a brass hilted B2 pattern Fairbairn Sykes (F.S) commando knife with the oval guard stamped with broad arrow and “B2”. Housed in the original leather scabbard with brass lower chape, tabs removed from the scabbard but the securing tab is still in place. Un-marked double edged stiletto blade with medial ridge. Some surface staining and expected wear. Blade measures 15 ½ cms, overall 30cms. Accompanying the knife is his officers Sam Browne belt and a small archive of original handwritten letters from Captain Cotton Minchin, mostly written to his mother and family members, from the early 1940’s period, a small hand written diary and a number of photographs, some of him in uniform of the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), paperwork from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission also. An interesting grouping. The Commando Veterans association gives the following details about his career, “Captain Douglas Cotton Minchin was missing reported presumed killed after his patrol prior to the planned attack at Lake Comacchio, Italy, came under fire. He had earlier served with 12 Commando on the Lofoten raid, and had also been Chief Instructor at the Commando Basic Training Centre. Douglas Cotton Minchin was in the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles). He served briefly in the RAF before returning at his own request to the Army. He was later attached as a Lieutenant to No.12 Commando for a period of time before becoming Chief Instructor at the CBTC, Achnacarry.  In 1944 he was posted overseas to the CMF after a brief spell at the HOC. From the 7th October 1944 he was an Instructor at the 2 Commando Brigade Training Centre at Bari.  On the 2nd February1945 he was attached as a personal advisor to 43 RM Commando and was subsequently killed in action on the 15th March 1945. He therefore has the unique status of having been attached at some stage prior to his death to the Army, RAF, and the Royal Navy.”

WW1 Period Embroidered Cards, including a regimental pattern for the Army Veterinary Corps (A.V.C), others being civilian style for the period. (5 items)

Very Interesting Photograph Album Compiled by a British Royal Navy Sailor in China in 1930’s on HMS Cornflower, Including Images of Chinese Army in Northern China During Japanese Invasion 1933, a nice snapshot photograph album compiled by Seaman John E Paulley during his time in China in the early 1930’s period with the Royal Navy. The album starts with images taken in Hong Kong and various ships in the harbour and on the outskirts of Hong Kong, these include the Japanese Destroyer Fuji. Many images are taken at Chefoo (known now as Yantai). Some good images of Chinese refugees at Chinwangtao refugee camp in 1933. Many images of other crew members at various places around China in this period, all identified underneath. Good images of the ship arriving through ice at Chinwangtao. Excellent snapshot images of Chinese soldiers during the Japanese attack on North China in 1933, pictures taken at the American camp at Chin Wangtao etc. The album ends with the pictures they were able to buy, with street scenes in Chinese cities etc. Later images of Japan etc. All housed in a period album and with some original documents of service. (131 images)