A SILVER-INLAID BRONZE CROSSBOW FITTING, WARRING STATES PERIODChina, 475-221 BC. Of rounded rectangular form, the hollow fitting has a square base and an aperture at the back for mounting it to the weapon. It is decorated overall with a geometric design of lozenge silver inlays with C-scrolls and stylized leafy scrolls. The top has a raised oval that extends down the side and is covered in the same design.Provenance: P.C. Lu Works of Art Ltd, Hong Kong. From a private collection in the northeastern United States, acquired from the above. Started as a small business in January 1976 in Hong Kong, selling Chinese antiques, P.C. Lu was able to scale operations, eventually sending his son Fred to the MIT to pursue his PhD. Today, many objects from his fine collection are housed in the British Museum.Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Signs of wear and weathering, dents, scratches, extensive rubbing to one side, soil encrustations, losses, corrosion. The inside seems to bear small remnants of fabric. Naturally grown patina with solid malachite encrustations overall.Weight: 201.4 g Dimensions: Width 5.5 cm Literature comparison:Compare a related corner fitting, 5.8 cm long, dated 4th-3rd century BC, in the National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, accession number S2012.9.1605. Compare a related finial with gold and silver inlays, 6.3 cm long, dated 5th-3rd century BC, in the National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, accession number S2012.9.2236. Compare a pair of bronze finials with silver inlays decorated with a similar geometric design, 6 cm long, dated 5th-4th century BC, in the National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, accession number S2012.9.1677.1-2.Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Christies New York, 16 March 2017, lot 865 Price: USD 9,375 or approx. EUR 10,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A Silver-Inlaid Bronze Circular Ornament, Warring States Period (475-221 Bc) Expert remark: Note the similar inlay work and size (6 cm). 戰國錯銀銅十字弓配件中國，公元前475-221年。中空配件呈圓角矩形，有一個方形底座，背面有一個孔，用於將其安裝到武器上。 整體裝飾採用菱形銀色鑲嵌幾何設計，帶有卷葉紋。頂部有一個凸起的橢圓形，向下延伸到側面，並覆蓋有相同的紋飾。 來源：香港P.C. Lu Works of Art Ltd藝術公司；美國東北部私人收藏購於上述公司。P.C. Lu 藝術公司於1976 年 1 月在香港成立，最初是一家銷售中國古董的小企業，後來擴大運營規模，最終將他的兒子Fred送到麻省理工學院攻讀博士學位。 如今，他的許多精美收藏品都收藏在大英博物館中。 品相：品相良好，有磨損和風化跡象、凹痕、劃痕、一側有大面積磨損、土壤結殼、損失、腐蝕。內部似乎有少量織物殘留。自然包漿，整體帶有堅固的結殼。 重量：201.4 克 尺寸：寬 5.5 厘米 文獻比較： 比較一件相近的西元前四至三世紀十字弓配件，5.8 厘米長，收藏於史密森國立亞洲藝術博物館，館藏編號S2012.9.1605。比較一件相近的西元前五至三世紀錯金銀鑲嵌矛，6.3 厘米長，收藏於史密森國立亞洲藝術博物館，館藏編號S2012.9.2236。比較一對西元前五至四世紀錯銀鑲嵌相似的幾何設計頂端，6 厘米長，收藏於史密森國立亞洲藝術博物館，館藏編號S2012.9.1677.1-2。 拍賣結果比較： 形制：相近 拍賣：紐約佳士得，2017年3月16日，lot 865 價格：USD 9,375（相當於今日EUR 10,500） 描述：戰國銅錯銀圓飾 專家評論：請注意相似的鑲嵌和尺寸(6 厘米)。
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A MOLDED AND CARVED 'DRAGON' FAMILLE ROSE PORCELAIN SNUFF BOTTLE, SIGNED LIQUAN, CHINA, 1853-1864Of pear shape with a wide mouth, finely carved and molded and brightly enameled to depict a fierce five-clawed dragon in high relief with sinuous scaly body chasing a flaming pearl amid colorful swirling clouds. The base with a neatly painted iron-red four-character mark.Inscriptions: To the base, 'Liquan zi zhi' (made by Liquan himself).Provenance: Collection of John Ault. Robert Kleiner & Co. Ltd., London, United Kingdom, 2005. A private collection in the United Kingdom, acquired from the above. A copy of the original invoice from Robert Kleiner & Co. Ltd., dated 5 July 2005, confirming the dating above, and stating a purchase price for the present lot of GBP 4,250 or approx. EUR 10,000 (converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing), accompanies this lot. John Ault (d. 2014) was a British intelligence officer, novelist, and avid collector of Chinese snuff bottles. Robert Kleiner (1948-2014) was an important expert of Chinese snuff bottles, beginning his long career at Sotheby's in London. Along with Hugh Moss and Bob Hall, he became a key advisor to the Mary and George Bloch collection, and it was Robert who wrote and produced the very first catalog of their bottles.Condition: Very good condition with only minor old wear, few expected manufacturing irregularities, remnants of gilt around the mouth. The jade stopper with natural fissures.Some rubbing to enamels.Stopper: Celadon jadeWeight: 72.5 g Dimensions: Height incl. stopper 74 mm. Diameter neck 21 mm and mouth 11 mm Expert's note: Only one other bottle with the mark “made by Liquan himself" has been recorded, see Robert Kleiner, Chinese Snuff Bottles, The White Wings Collection, 1997, number 81. Several near-identical bottles do exist, however, these are all molded only (and not additionally carved) and bear the mark Guangyao neizao “made in the official kilns". It is likely that the whole series was made during the Taiping Rebellion (1853-1864), when the Imperial kilns and surrounding areas were under the control of the rebels, raising considerable problems of protocol in marking porcelains. As Robert Kleiner explains, it is possible that Liquan was the director of the kilns during this time. There is only one further molded and carved version known, but this one is signed Rongjing zuo (made by Rongjing), lacks the enamels, is in the Victoria and Albert Museum since 1883, and was illustrated by Helen White, Snuff Bottles from China, The Victoria and Albert Museum Collection, page 243, number 1. The signature on this bottle also lacks the term for “himself" which could mean that Rongjing may not have been as important as Liquan. It also seems likely that only the carved bottles bear the “made by" marks, while the more common molded bottles bear the official kiln mark.Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie's Hong Kong, 25 April 2004, lot 822 Price: HKD 95,600 or approx. EUR 17,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A molded famille rose porcelain snuff bottle, 1851-1865 Expert remark: Compare the closely related form and decoration. Note the 'Guanyao neizao' (made by the official kilns) mark and the size (60 mm). Also note that this is the more common, molded only version. 1853-1864年粉彩堆塑龍紋鼻煙壺，“子靜自製"款梨形，廣口，堆塑精美，明亮琺瑯彩，描繪一條矯健的五爪龍，龍身蜿蜒，雲中戲珠。 款識：子靜自製 來源： John Ault 收藏；Robert Kleiner & Co. Ltd.，英國倫敦，2005 年；英國私人收藏，購自上述機藝廊。隨附 Robert Kleiner & Co. Ltd. 於 2005年 7 月 5 日開具的原始發票副本，確認了斷代，以及當時的售價為 4,250 英鎊或約 10,000 歐元（在撰寫本文時已根據通貨膨脹進行換算和調整）。John Ault（2014 年去世）是一位英國情報官員、小說家和中國鼻煙壺收藏家。Robert Kleiner（1948-2014）是一位重要的中國鼻煙壺專家，他在倫敦蘇富比中國藝術部門度過漫長的職業生涯。他與Hugh Moss和Bob Hall一起成為Mary 與 George Bloch收藏的重要顧問，Robert撰寫並製作了他們的第一個鼻煙壺目錄。 品相：狀況非常好，只有輕微磨損，壺口部周圍有鎏金殘留，壺蓋帶有天然裂紋。部分琺瑯有摩擦。 壺蓋：青玉 重量：72.5 克 尺寸：總高 74 毫米，頸部直徑21 毫米，壺口11 毫米 拍賣結果比較： 形制：非常相近 拍賣：香港佳士得，2004年4月25日，lot 822 價格：HKD 95,600（相當於今日EUR 17,500） 描述：1851-1865年官窯內造粉彩鼻煙壺 專家評論：比較非常相近的外形和裝飾。請注意'官窯內造'款和尺寸 (60毫米)。請注意這是更常見的、僅模製的版本。
A SILVER-INLAID BRONZE FIGURE OF A TORTOISE AND YOUNG, ATTRIBUTED TO SHISOU, LATE MING DYNASTYChina, 17th century. Well cast as a mother tortoise standing foursquare and lifting its head as its young clambers on her back. Both with their carapaces finely inlaid with silver wire, the mother's deeply incised as well, their faces neatly detailed. Provenance: From a private French collection in Bordeaux. Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and casting irregularities, few small nicks, light scratches, minor losses to inlays. Fine, naturally grown patina overall.Weight: 365.7 g Dimensions: Length 10.4 cm Little is known about the historical figure Shisou. The earliest reference in the Zhongguo meishujia renming cidian ('Dictionary of Chinese Artists') comes from the Luochuang xiaodu and is presumably from the same source as published in Zhongguo yishujia zhenglue ('Brief Introduction of Chinese Artists'). Shisou is listed there only as a late Ming dynasty monk without any further biographical information. A number of vessels and sculptures from the seventeenth to the nineteenth century bear his name, sometimes in combination with a hall name, Jinyu tang ('Hall of Prosperity'). Although the present piece is unsigned, the high quality of the casting and fine silver-wire inlays make an attribution to Shisou or a related workshop more than reasonable.The tortoise is one of the Four Fabulous Animals, the most prominent beasts of China. They govern the four points of the compass, with the Black Tortoise as the ruler of the north, symbolizing endurance, strength, and longevity. The tortoise and the tiger are the only real animals of the four, although the tortoise is sometimes depicted with supernatural features such as dragon ears, flaming tentacles, and a long hairy tail - such as the present lot - representing seaweed and the growth of plant parasites found on older tortoise shells that flow behind the tortoise as it swims. The Chinese Imperial Army carried flags with images of dragons and tortoises as symbols of unparalleled power and inaccessibility, as these animals fought with each other but both remained alive.Literature comparison: For an earlier inlaid bronze tortoise-form weight, dated 3rd-2nd century BC, see Christie's New York, The Sze Yuan Tang Archaic Bronzes from the Anthony Hardy Collection, 16 September 2010, lot 907. For an inlaid bronze tortoise-form weight dated Yuan to Ming dynasty, see Christie's Hong Kong, Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 27 November 2013, lot 3584. A lacquer-gilt bronze model of a turtle, also dated to the 17th century, was sold in these rooms in Fine Chinese Art, Buddhism and Hinduism on 6 March 2021, lot 430.Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Zacke, 16 October 2021, lot 346 Price: EUR 1,150 or approx. EUR 1,350 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A silver-inlaid bronze 'turtle' weight, attributed to Shisou, late Ming dynasty Expert remark: Compare the closely related manner of casting, silver wire inlay decoration, and size (10 cm). Note that this is a figure of the mother turtle only, not showing the young. 明末錯銀銅龜携子，或爲石叟中國，十七世紀。 一隻母龜呈四足著地立姿，抬頭；一隻小龜爬在她的背上。龜甲上精美錯銀線，面部細節生動，活靈活現。 來源：法國波爾多私人收藏。 品相：狀況極好，有輕微磨損和鑄造不規則，局部小刻痕，輕微劃痕，鑲嵌物有輕微損失。整體包漿細膩。 重量：365.7 克 尺寸：長10.4 厘米 文獻比較： 一件西元二至三世紀銅鑲嵌龜鎮，見紐約佳士得，「The Sze Yuan Tang Archaic Bronzes from the Anthony Hardy Collection」，2010年9月16日，lot 907。一件元至明代銅鑲嵌龜鎮，見香港佳士得，《Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art》，2013年11月27日，lot 3584。一件十七世紀漆金鎏金銅龜，售於Zacke，《Fine Chinese Art，Buddhism and Hinduism》，2021年3月6日，lot 430。 拍賣結果比較： 形制：相近 拍賣：Zacke，2021年10月16日，lot 346 價格：EUR 1,150（相當於今日EUR 1,350） 描述：明末錯銀銅龜鎮紙 專家評論：比較非常相近的鑄造風格，銀鑲嵌裝飾和尺寸(10 厘米)。請注意此龜鎮紙只有母龜，沒有小龜。
A MANCHU OFFICIAL'S BRONZE SEAL, QIANLONG MARK AND PERIOD, DATED 1747 BY INSCRIPTION, THE SEAL FACE INSCRIBED IN MANCHU AND CHINESEOf rectangular form with a tapering columnar handle. The top and base of the seal are inscribed in Manchu and Chinese, while the two long sides bear exclusively Chinese script, numbering and dating the seal.Inscriptions: To the top and the seal face, in Manchu and Chinese: 'Zhang jia kou tai zhan you lu jun li bu zao' [The official in charge of] Zhangjiakou, commissioned by the Ministry of Rites.To the first long side, in Chinese 'Number 1336 of Qian'.To the second long side, in Chinese 'On the […] day of the sixth month in the twelfth year of the Qianlong period'.Provenance: West Berkshire, United Kingdom, local trade. By repute acquired from a private estate. Condition: Good condition with expected old wear, some casting irregularities, corrosion, occasional scratches, few minuscule nicks, and small dents. Remnants of red seal paste. The bronze with a fine, naturally grown, dark patina.Weight: 1,082 g Dimensions: Size 8.9 x 8.8 x 6 cm Zhangjiakou, also known as Kalgan and by several other names, is a city in northwestern Hebei province. Since ancient times, it has been a stronghold of military significance and vied for by multiple sides, hence nicknamed the 'Northern Gate of Beijing'. Due to its strategic position on several important transport arteries, it is a critical node for travel between Hebei and Inner Mongolia and connecting northwest China, Mongolia, and Beijing. Dajingmen, an important gate and junction of the Great Wall of China is located here. From 1727 it was a major station for the Kyakhta trade between Russia and China. In early autumn long lines of camels would come in from all quarters for the conveyance of the tea chests from 'Kalgan' (Zhangjiakou) to Kyakhta across the Gobi Desert. Each caravan usually made three journeys in the winter. In the 19th century, some Russian merchants had permanent residences and warehouses just outside the gate.The Ministry of Rites (Libu) was one of the Six Ministries of government in Imperial China. It was first formed during the Tang dynasty in the 7th century and lasted for well over a thousand years, until the 1911 Xinhai Revolution. It was responsible for state ceremonies, rituals, and sacrifices, overseeing the registers for Buddhist and Daoist priesthoods and even the reception of envoys from tributary states. It also managed imperial examinations as well as China's foreign relations prior to the establishment of the Zongli Yamen in 1861.Literature comparison:Compare a closely related bronze Manchu official's seal of Zhongzheng dian Nianjin chu tu Ji (Chanting place of Zhongzheng hall), 9.1 x 5.6 x 5.6 cm, dated 1729, illustrated in Chan Hou Seng, The Life of Emperor Qian Long, Macao Museum of Art, 2002.Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Galerie Zacke, Vienna, 15 October 2021, lot 53 Price: EUR 9,480 or approx. EUR 11,000 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A bronze Manchu official's seal, Guanfang, dated 1796 by inscription, Jiaqing mark and period, the seal face inscribed in Manchu and Chinese Expert remark: Compare the closely related form and inscriptions. Note the gilding, later date, and the size (11.1 x 9.7 x 6.3 cm). 乾隆款及年代1747年清代滿族官員銅印銅質精良，方形，圓柱鈕。印台四周及台面相間鐫刻滿文，漢文。 款識：乾字一千三百三十六號：乾隆十二年六月日；張家口台站右路軍第三臺參領圖記；禮部造 來源：英國西伯克郡，當地貿易，據説來自知名私人遺產。品相：狀況良好，有磨損、一些鑄造不規則、腐蝕、局部劃痕、一些微小的刻痕和小凹痕。紅色印章殘餘。銅印有細膩、自然的包漿。 重量：1,082 克 尺寸：8.9 x 8.8 x 6 厘米 文獻比較： 比較一件非常相近的1729年銅製「中正殿念經處圖記」，9.1 x 5.6 x 5.6 厘米，見Chan Hou Seng，《懷抱古今‧乾隆御筆》，澳門藝術博物館，2002年。 拍賣結果比較： 形制：相近 拍賣：Galerie Zacke，維也納，2021年10月15日，lot 53 價格：EUR 9,480（相當於今日EUR 11,000） 描述：嘉慶内務府三旗護軍營參領關防 專家評論：比較非常相近的外形和款識。請注意鎏金，年代較晚和尺寸 (11.1 x 9.7 x 6.3 厘米)。
A GILT BRONZE FIGURE OF THE RATNASAMBHAVA BUDDHA, TIBET, 17TH-18TH CENTURYHeavily cast, seated in dhyanasana atop a double lotus throne with beaded edges, his right hand lowered in varada mudra and his left held above the lap in dhyana mudra. He is wearing a diaphanous sanghati draped over the left shoulder with neatly incised floral hems, gathering at the shoulder and at the top of the base before a vajra. His serene face with sinuously lidded downcast eyes below arched brows, his full bow-shaped lips forming a calm smile, flanked by pierced elongated earlobes. The hair arranged in tight curls over the ushinsha topped by a jewel. The base sealed, the copper seal plate finely incised with a double vajra.Provenance: Dutch trade.Condition: Good original condition, commensurate with age, showing significant wear and expected casting irregularities. Scratches, nicks, dents, and rubbing to gilt. Minor corrosion. Remnants of ancient pigment.Weight: 2,868 gDimensions: Height 24.8 cm Ratnasambhava, the 'jewel born', is one of the Five Symbolic Tantric Buddhas described in the ancient anuttarayoga literature. The Buddha is identified by the open palm of his right hand facing outward in the gesture of charity (varada mudra). Ratnasambhava is the Tathagata of the South and the father of the Jewel family of Vajrayana Buddhist deities, associated with the element of earth and the enlightened activity of equanimity. He is sometimes pictured together with the other four Tathagata Buddhas: Akshobya of the East, Amitabha of the West, Amoghasiddhi of the North, and Vairocana of the Central direction. These primordial Buddhas all bear an appearance like that of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni, unadorned, in the garb of an ordained monk.Auction result comparison: Type: RelatedAuction: Christie's New York, 23 March 1999, lot 161Price: USD 7,475 or approx. EUR 13,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writingDescription: A gilt bronze figure of a medicine Buddha, Tibet, 17th/18th centuryExpert remark: Compare the related modeling, manner of casting, gilding, and size (26.5 cm). 西藏十七至十八世紀銅鎏金寶生佛坐蓮像寶生佛像身著菩薩裝，髮髻雕刻精細成螺髻，面相豐滿，雙目細瞇，雙眼之間有白毫，長耳垂，嘴角含笑。袒上身，肩披帛帶，下裙褶紋起伏，流暢自如。右手結與願印，左手結禪定印，全跏趺坐。仰覆蓮座蓮瓣尖端上卷，上下邊緣飾聯珠紋。 來源：丹麥古玩交易。 品相：狀況良好，有磨損和鑄造不規則，劃痕、刻痕、凹痕和鎏金摩擦，輕微腐蝕，顏料殘留。 重量：2,868 克 尺寸：高 24.8 厘米拍賣結果比較： 形制：相近 拍賣：紐約佳士得，1999年3月23日，lot 161 價格：USD 7,475（相當於今日EUR 13,000） 描述：十七至十八世紀西藏鎏金銅藥師佛 專家評論：比較相近的模型、鑄造風格、鎏金和尺寸(26.5厘米)。
A SILVER-INLAID BRONZE FIGURE OF GUANYIN, SHISOU MARK, CHINA, 19TH CENTURYFinely cast, seated in rajalilasana with her head slightly lowered and her hands folded on top of her raised knee, the right holding a scroll, clad in long flowing robes falling into voluminous folds and neatly decorated with silver wire inlay. Her serene face with heavy-lidded eyes, a raised circular urna, and slightly pursed lips. Her finely incised hair piled up into a high topknot.The base inlaid in silver wire with a two-character Shisou mark.Provenance: Collection of Sigurd Yngve Euren, and thence by descent. Bukowskis Auktioner, 3 June 2019, lot 651. A private collection in Finland, acquired from the above. The catalog entry from Bukowski, dated 5 June 2019, confirms the dating above. Sigurd Yngve Euren (1890-1990) was a Swedish engineer, who initially visited China in 1917 in order to set up a net of radio masts. After this, Euren began constructing bridges primarily along in the Yangtze River and its many offshoots. After a couple of years, he moved to Shanghai and set up his own tea export company which was located along the Bund (Waitan). After some time, Euren and his family moved back to Sweden, bringing a large collection of Chinese art with them. Condition: Good condition with expected old wear, minuscule nicks and minor casting flaws. Light surface scratches to the base. Some areas with faint loss of patina.Weight: 2,478 g Dimensions: Height 21.4 cm Little is known about the historic figure Shisou. The earliest reference in the Zhongguo meishujia renming cidian ('Dictionary of Chinese Artists') comes from the Luochuang xiaodu and is presumably from the same source as published in Zhongguo yishujia zhenglue ('Brief Introduction of Chinese Artists). Shisou is listed there only as a late Ming dynasty monk without any further biographical information. A number of vessels and sculptures from the seventeenth to the nineteenth century bear his name, sometimes in combination with a hall name, Jinyu tang ('Hall of Prosperity').Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Bonhams London, 7 November 2019, lot 13 Price: GBP 12,562 or approx. EUR 19,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A silver-wire-inlaid bronze figure of Guanyin, inlaid Shisou two-character mark, Qing dynasty Expert remark: Compare the closely related manner of casting and modeling. Note the size (29.3 cm high). 十九世紀銅錯銀觀音，石叟款鑄工精美，觀音成轉輪王坐姿，頭微低，雙手交疊於膝上，右手持書卷，身著飄逸袈裟，上鑲有銀線。面容平靜，雙眼微閉，嘴唇微抿，長髮盤成高髻。底座鑲銀線，“石叟"款。 來源：Sigurd Yngve Euren 收藏，傳承至今；Bukowskis Auktioner拍賣，2019 年 6 月 3 日，拍品 651；芬蘭私人收藏。，購自上述拍賣行。Bukowski 的拍賣目錄日期為 2019 年 6 月 5 日，證實了上述日期。 Sigurd Yngve Euren（1890-1990）是一位瑞典工程師，他於 1917 年首次訪問中國，目的是建立無線電網。此後，Euren開始沿著長江及其許多支流修建橋樑。 幾年後，他搬到了上海，並在外灘成立了自己的茶葉出口公司。不久之後，Euren和他的家人帶著大量的中國藝術品搬回了瑞典。 品相：狀況良好，有磨損、微小刻痕和輕微鑄造缺陷。底座表面有輕微劃痕。一些區域有輕微的包漿損失。 重量：2,478 克 尺寸：高21.4 厘米拍賣結果比較： 形制：相近 拍賣：倫敦邦翰斯，2019年11月7日，lot 13 價格：GBP 12,562（相當於今日EUR 19,500） 描述：清銅嵌銀觀音坐像，嵌銀絲「石叟」款 專家評論：比較非常相近的鑄造風格和模型。請注意尺寸(高29.3 厘米)。
A SANDSTONE BUST OF A DEMON, ASURA, ANGKOR PERIODThe Asuras are a class of demons within Indic religions. They are described as power-seeking demons related to the more benevolent devas in Hinduism. According to Hindu scriptures, the asuras are in constant battle with the devas, which was a popular motif in Khmer art, especially during the Angkor period. The south gate of Angkor Thom is lined with life-size sculptures of asuras forming a demon army across from an army of devas. Many of these massive sculptures bear a striking resemblance to the present sandstone sculpture.Khmer Empire, 12th-13th century. Well carved with a bare muscular torso, adorned with an intricate jeweled necklace centered by a flowerhead. His face with a fierce expression, round bulging eyes, and full lips. The hair arranged in a high cylindrical chignon behind the elaborate feather crown.Provenance: From a private collection in New England, United States. Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Extensive wear, signs of weathering and erosion, encrustations, few structural cracks, losses, chips, and scratches.Weight: 5,088 g (incl. stand) Dimensions: 32.1 cm (excl. stand) and Height 36.6 cm (incl. stand) Mounted on a metal stand. (2)Literature comparison: Compare a related sandstone head of an asura, dated late 12th to early 13th century, in the Dallas Museum of Art.
A fine Second War ‘North Africa 1943’ Immediate D.S.O. group of eight awarded to Brigadier H. Thorne Thorne, Royal Artillery Distinguished Service Order, G.VI.R., silver-gilt and enamel, reverse officially dated 1943, with integral top riband bar; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R. (Brig. H. Thorne-Thorne. D.S.O. Staff.); Coronation 1953, unnamed as issued, mounted as worn, minor chips to wreaths of the first, otherwise nearly extremely fine (8) £2,600-£3,000 --- D.S.O. London Gazette 19 August 1943: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East:- Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) Houghton Thorne-Thorne, Royal Regiment of Artillery (Woking).’ The original recommendation for an Immediate D.S.O. was submitted by Brigadier H. K. Dimoline, C.R.A. 4th Indian Division: ‘Major (T/Lt-Col) Houghton THORNE-THORNE, 1st Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, 4 Indian Division. For outstanding ability, courage and devotion to duty during the battle for the GARCI feature on 20-22 April 1943. Lt-Col THORNE-THORNE acted in direct support on 5 Ind Inf Bde and controlled the fire not only of of his own Regt but that of Army Field Regts affiliated to the Bde. He acted throughout the 72 hours operation with coolness and outstanding ability bringing the fire of these Regts to bear time and again, upon concentration and assembly areas with speed and precision. Through his quick action and decision he beat off serious counter attacks with the fire of his guns alone. The marked efficiency of his ceaseless and untiring work was appreciated during the battle by more than one personal message from Bn Comds asking the C.R.A, to convey their thanks to him. Infantry exposed on the bare rocky hills to ceaseless mortar, shell and MMG fire have never been in a more precarious situation. It was in part measure due to Lt-Col THORNE-THORNE that this tired infantry held its ground and never yielded a yard.’ Houghton Thorne-Thorne was born on 12 April 1903, educated at Harrow and was a direct entry to R.M.A., Woolwich from school. Commissioned into the Royal Artillery on 30 January 1924, he retired on 21 May 1956, and died on 14 March 1982. Sold with original documents including warrant for D.S.O., M.I.D. Certificate (23 May 1946), named Buckingham Palace Certificate for Coronation medal, O.T.C. Harrow School Certificate “A”, commission document as Second Lieutenant 30 January 1924, a confidential report from 1933 when stationed in India, and contemporary copy of recommendation for D.S.O.
A fine Naval General Service Medal 1793-1840 awarded to Captain G. Cheyne, Royal Navy, who, having been taken prisoner following the Seagull’s ‘glorious resistance of 2 hours and 30 minutes’ against a far superior Danish flotilla off Norway in June 1808, was ‘employed with the Army under the Duke of Wellington near Bayonne’ in February-August 1814 - but only after he had managed to pass ‘the fearful bar of the Adour in an open boat with five men’, an example of ‘dashing intrepidity’ that won the admiration of his Admiral Naval General Service 1793-1840, 1 clasp, Algiers (George Cheyne, Lieut. R.N.) minor edge nicks, better than very fine £2,400-£2,800 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, December 2007. George Cheyne was baptised at St. Andrew’s Church, Edinburgh in March 1788 and entered the Royal Navy as a Midshipman in the Texel on 12 October 1804. Removing to the Seagull of 16 guns and 94 men, as Master’s Mate, under Commander Robert Cathcart, in September 1805, he was subsequently present at her loss off Norway: ‘The latter vessel was captured off the coast of Norway 19 June 1808, by a powerful Danish force, consisting of the Lougen, of 20 guns and 160 men, and of six gunboats, all heavily armed and manned, after a glorious resistance of two hours and 30 minutes, in which she lost eight men killed and 20 wounded, and was reduced to a sinking state. Mr. Cheyne was, with the rest of his shipmates, taken prisoner and confined until the following October’ (O’Byrne refers). A rather more informative account of this action, namely the official report submitted by Commander Cathcart, was published in the London Gazette of 17-20 September 1808: ‘I beg leave to acquaint you, that in His Majesty’s sloop Seagull, under my command, yesterday at 2 p.m., off Norway bearing W.N.W. seven or eight leagues, I discovered a brig inshore running to the eastward, and immediately made all sail in chase of her; at half-past four we came within gunshot and hoisted our Colours, which she answered by hoisting Danish Colours and opening fire on the starboard side. At this time it became nearly calm from a fresh breeze we had at W.S.W. and which obliged us to get our sweeps out, in order to get between her and the shore. At five we got within musket-shot of the enemy and commenced action; having now most of our sweeps shot away and a great part of the rigging. At twenty minutes past five we discovered several gunboats coming towards us, which had been concealed behind the rocks; and it being perfect calm, they had every advantage they could with in placing them. They took their position on each quarter, raking us every shot, while the brig had the same advantage on the larboard bow. At half-past six five of our carronades were dismounted on the larboard side (the only side we could bring to bear on the enemy), and several of the officers and crew killed or wounded. Every method was used to get the Seagull round, so as to bring the starboard guns to bear, but without effect; with our sweeps being all shot away, the gunboats hulling us every shot they fired, five feet of water in the hold, and all our sails and rigging cut to pieces, at half-past seven, from the sinking state of the ship, and also the great slaughter made by the gunboats, I considered it an indispensable duty for the preservation of the surviving officers and crew, to order the Colours to be hauled down. I have the satisfaction to acquaint you, there was scarcely sufficient time to remove the wounded out of the Seagull before she sunk. The force opposed to her was the Danish brig of war Lougen, mounting 20 guns (18 long-18-pounders and two long-6-pounders); six gunboats, most of them carrying two 20-pounders and from 50 to 70 men each. The action was fought close to the mouth of the harbour of Christiansand. I cannot speak in terms adequate to the defence of every officer and man under my command on this trying occasion. I received that support from Mr. Hatton, the First Lieutenant, I had every reason to expect from his general good conduct; and the officers and crew have my warmfelt thanks for their cool and steady behaviour; and I consider it a duty I owe them, to add, that never was more British valour displayed than on this occasion, although opposed to so very superior a force. The enemy must have suffered very considerably, but I have not been able to ascertain to what extent. Several of the Danes perished on board the Seagull, so precipitately did she go down; I herewith send to you a list of the killed and wounded on board the said sloop.’ Following his release in October 1808, Cheyne joined the Nightingale, under Captain William Wilkinson, while his subsequent appointments in the Ganymede (1809-10) and Alexandria (1810-11) were under his old C.O., Robert Cathcart, the whole on the Home or Baltic Stations; so, too, his time in the Victory under Sir James Saumarez (1812). Advanced to Lieutenant in the Defiance in December 1813, he removed in the same month to the Porcupine, under Captain John Coode and, in February 1814, to the sloop Woodlark. It was in this latter capacity, using a Spanish boat ‘destined to assist the operations of the Army under Marquess of Wellington’, that he made his courageous crossing of the ‘fearful bar’ of the Adour (Rear-Admiral Penrose’s despatch, as per London Gazette 15 March 1814, refers). Those duties discharged, Cheyne joined the Queen in the Mediterranean that September, prior to removing to another command of John Coode, the Albion, in December 1815, and in her was present at the bombardment of Algiers. Cheyne came ashore when the Albion was paid-off in May 1819, was advanced to Commander that August and, on half-pay, to post-rank in April 1832. Sold with extensive copied research.
A fine and rare Second War Landing Craft Gun C.G.M. group of six awarded to Able Seaman T. H. R. Hills, Royal Navy, who took over as the coxswain of L.C.G.12 in Operation “FERDY” the fiercely opposed landings on the Italian Coast at Vibo Valentia; when an enemy shell burst just above the bridge leaving him the only person alive on the bridge, he took control and steered the craft through bursting shells and ammunition out of range of the enemy’s guns and brought her to safety Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, G.VI.R. (A.B. T. H. R. Hills. C/JX. 373402); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, these last five privately engraved ‘A.B. T. H. R. Hills C.G.M. C/JX. 373402’, nearly extremely fine (6) £10,000-£14,000 --- C.G.M. London Gazette 25 January 1944: ‘For gallantry, leadership and undaunted devotion to duty under heavy and continuous fire from the enemy during landings on the Italian mainland.’ Conspicuous Gallantry Medal. ‘Able Seaman Thomas Henry Richard Hills, C/JX.372402 Able Seaman Hills was serving in a Landing Craft which was heavily damaged by a shell which burst just over the bridge. All the officers were killed or badly wounded and he was the only man left alive on the bridge. With complete coolness he took control and steered the craft through bursting shells and ammunition out of range of the enemy’s guns and brought her to safety.’ The original recommendation for this award in Admiralty Honours and Awards file H&A 1257/43 is in the National Archives under reference ADM1/14593 - Operations “Baytown” and “Ferdy” awards to personnel for services in support of the invasion of Sicily (sic). It reads: ‘L.C.G.12 - Operation “BAYTOWN” L.C.G.12 at “Ferdy”. This rating was the only person left alive on the bridge of L.C.G.12 at “Ferdy”. He took charge and brought L.C.G.12 out of range of the enemy’s guns.’ Fleet Honours Committee, Commodore Parker, 31st October, 1943, noted: ‘Concur. Propose Conspicuous Gallantry Medal. An outstanding act of gallantry and devotion to duty.’ Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean, Admiral A. B. Cunningham, 2nd November, 1943, also noted: ‘Fully concur with the recommendation of the H & A Committee.’ Able Seaman Thomas Henry Richard Hills received his award of the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal at an Investiture on 19 November 1946. Operations “Baytown” and “Ferdy” Vibo Valentia is high up the ‘foot’ of Italy, midway between Reggio Calabria and Cosenza. Two landing attacks were planned by the Allies in September 1943, first across the Straits of Messina in operation “Baytown”, the first landing on the Italian mainland, and then further up the coast in operation “Ferdy” at Vibo Valentia. These were planned to disrupt enemy activities and to hasten their retreat north. Operation “Ferdy” was originally scheduled to take place on 6 September 1943. The object was to land 231 Brigade at Gioja, some miles behind enemy lines. This would help speed up the advance of XIII Corps, interfere with the enemy’s programme of withdrawal and road demolition, and, in the words of Flag Officer Sicily, ‘put some Germans in the bag’. Operation “Ferdy” was put into action on Tuesday 7 September, when the assembled force proceeded at 1830, to sail so as to arrive at Vibo Valentia Marina at 0530 on D-Day, 8 September. Paul Lund and Harry Ludlum take up the story in their War of the Landing Craft in the aptly named chapter The Guns of Vibo Valentia: ‘It had been thought that the landing at Vibo Valentia would be well behind the enemy’s lines and would only meet with slight opposition. But [...] the van of the German withdrawal happened to be passing when the landing occurred and this accounted for the large number of guns and machine guns brought to bear… And then it came, with a sound so full of bitter, impersonal hatred… the LCT’s ran the gauntlet of shell-fire into the harbour. The air was full of the sharp crack of the guns and the almost instantaneous explosion of the shells, which gave no preliminary whistle, for these were high velocity German 88-millimetre guns. We continued to stand, silent, clustered together in the tank space, watching the approach of several more landing craft, one of which carried a cargo of ammunition. As she now waddled towards the shore shells began to fall on either side of her. “Christ” said a low voice, “she only needs to get the next lot in that ammo, and there’ll be fuck-all left.” “There’ll be fuck all left of any of us, mate, if that lot goes up,” added another. But as we awaited what seemed like the inevitable fate of that LCT, there suddenly broke out to seaward the sound of gunfire followed by bursts of Oerlikon and pom-pom fire, which immediately drew the attention of the German gunners and dramatically eased the situation for the LCTs… It transpired that an LCG and an LCF had closed the shore and begun to engage the enemy defences. It was twelve minutes past six when LCG 12 opened fire with her two four-point-sevens at the battery of mobile German 88s, while LCF 4 sprayed the woods above the town where machine-gun nests were giving trouble. The effect of this intervention was instantaneous for the German gunners at once turned their attention on the LCG with her greater fire power and began to score hits. But LCG 12 stood her ground and continued to fire and so give the landing craft a chance to make good their escape from the harbour. Later[…] looking through their binoculars where LCG 12 had ceased firing. “She’s under way and she’s badly damaged” Snagge said. The three of us watched in silence as the LCG slowly headed away from the shore. As we made our way down the Italian coast with the warmth of the sun on our backs, each of us knew how much we owed to LCG 12. Months later, bit by bit, we heard the full story of Operation Ferdy and the part that LCG 12 and the LSTs and support craft had played. For 38 minutes LCG 12 had engaged the enemy shore batteries and during that time she was hit several times. Then, at 6:50 a.m. after most of the LSTs had left the beach, a shell exploded above the bridge killing all the craft’s officers and many of the crew. It was at that moment, when conditions aboard the gun craft had reached a critical state, with no one in control, with both her guns out of action and still under heavy fire, that Ordinary Seaman T. H. Hills with great presence of mind and under considerable difficulty took the craft out to sea and to safety. His coolness saved the LCG and the lives of the rest of her company. And the distraction that LCG 12 had provided during those 38 minutes had allowed nearly all the 16 LCTs to escape – only one being hit. But the operation was successful in fulfilling its main object for it greatly increased the speed of the enemy withdrawal and hardly a bridge was demolished on the long road to Sapri.’ Sold with copied research including Admiralty recommendation and extracts from various publications.
The Stock Exchange. Whistler (Reginald John, 'Rex'), The Stock Exchange London 1933, London: The Financial News, 1933, colour photolithograph, additional cartouche with the title 'The Financial News Map of the Stock Exchange' with a table of explanation below, numerous allegorical symbols and figures surrounding the map, slight spotting, very slight surface abrasion, laid on later card, 390 x 535 mmQTY: (1)NOTE:A scarce map crammed with allegorical symbolism. The cartouche is supported by a bear and a bull, the classic representations of a sellers and buyers market, and both are shown in morning dress. The secondary cartouche is flanked by King Midas who has coins spilling from his waist and Dame Fortune who is blindfolded and holding a pair of scissors and whose arm rests on the 'rota fortunae' or wheel of fortune, a symbol of the capricious nature of fate. In the upper corners of the map are representations of Mercury carrying an elaborate compass and the goddess Demeter spilling her cornucopia into the market. The stock exchange itself is shown as a castellated courtyard within whose walls commodities, gilts and bonds are depicted being traded by a variety of humorous vignettes.
Edwardian postcard album including topographical, military, humorous, transport, horse drawn tram, Jersey, Derby Castle, numerous Isle of Man including steamer, Cheltenham, Dumbleton High Street with figures, three Louis Wain cat cards, two series of Broadway cards including Rodborough, Amberley, Bear Inn and Woodchester, Series of Franco- British Exhibition 1908 etc, approximately 220 cards
Rupert Little Bear More Stories by Mary Tourtel (1939), Monster Rupert (1934), Monster Rupert (1948), Monster Rupert (1949), The Monster Rupert Picture & Story Book with colour cut-outs (1950s) in dust-wrapper, The Adventures of Rupert (1939), More Adventures of Rupert (1937), Rupert Stories (1947), Rupert Three Stories (1946), The Big Rupert Story Book (c.1951), all in publisher's colour boards (10)
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