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Lot 691
AN IRISH GEORGE III SILVER PAIR-CASED VERGE WATCH with enamel dial, arabic chapters and gold hands, signed on the backplate Ar[chibal]d Buchanan Dublin 1328, case maker Arthur O`Neill, Dublin 1808 The enamel dial undamaged, the movement complete and apparently in going order although sold without warranty in this respect. In good overall condition with slight wear to the outer case back also the button worn but the cases both closes tightly. Note: although both cases are right and not a marriage the case maker`s mark appears only on the outer case
Lot 1071
A SWISS MINIATURE MUSICAL BOX the 7cm pinned cylinder and one-piece comb playing four airs as listed on the original gold lithographed (fragmentary) tune sheet om the underside of the lid, in thuya veneered case with mother of pearl shield and button, 12.5cm w, c1860 The movement in need of cleaning but apparently complete although not operated by the controls. Externally in very good condition
Lot 1109
A VICTORIAN PAPIER MÂCHÉ TEA CADDY of serpentine form, the lid inlaid in mother of pearl and painted with a loose bouquet in gilt ribbon border, the divided interior with pair of covers with mother of pearl button knops, on bun feet, 18.5cm w One or two tiny chips around the apron but a good example in finely preserved condition
Lot 21
A HIGHLY DECORATED INDIAN (SWORD) TALWAR, 19TH CENTURY with curved fullered blade double-edged towards the point, decorated over its full surface with scrolling foliage and lengthy calligraphic inscriptions within linear frames, steel hilt of characteristic form, including quillons with flattened button terminals, large disc pommel and solid grip, decorated over its surface in gold koftgari with flowers and foliage (small losses) 85.5cm; 33 3/4in blade The inscriptions include verses from the Qur`an, in translation, `There is no Warrior like `Ali and no Sword like Zulfiqar` and `Mohammad al Amani`.
Lot 85
AN INDIAN SWORD (KHANDA), 17TH/EARLY 18TH CENTURY with European blade cut with three long slender fullers, stamped with a double eye lash mark and a punched Devanagri armoury mark on each face, steel hilt of characteristic form, extending over the lower portion of the blade, including figure-of-eight shaped guard rising to form a broad knuckle-guard, and disk pommel with attenuated button, in its leather-covered wooden scabbard 103cm; 40 1/2in blade
Lot 86
A RARE INDIAN DECCAN BROADSWORD (KHANDA), 16TH CENTURY with broad flat blade widening at the tip, steel hilt comprising a pair of shaped panels extending over the lower portion of the blade, two short arms probably for blade catching, figure-of-eight shaped guard applied beneath with a pair of silver lines, cup-shaped pommel, bud-shaped button fitted with a foliate washer, integral steel grip, and the lower part of the hilt engraved with scrolls and flowers 83cm; 32 5/8in blade A sword of very similar form is preserved in the Victoria and Albert Museum, (1425-1855). See P.S. Rawson 1968, ill. 40.
Lot 88
AN INDIAN SWORD (TALWAR), LATE 17TH/18TH CENTURY with earlier European broad double-edged blade (polished) with a short fuller, retaining traces of a running wolf mark, punched with an armourer`s mark at the forte, parcel gilt steel hilt of characteristic form, including a pair of short quillons with button-shaped terminals, knuckle-guard, and petal shaped pommel 94.5cm; 37 1/4in blade
Lot 90
A RARE WESTERN INDIAN SWORD (SOSUN PATTAH) EARLY 17TH CENTURY with broad blade formed with a wide clipped-back point and cut with a slender and broad long fuller on each side, punched with two brief inscriptions, probably including the owner`s name, steel hilt extending over the lower portion of the blade, including figure-of-eight shaped guard, rising to a broad knuckle-guard, shallow cup-shaped pommel and bud-shaped button 63.5cm; 25in blade
Lot 92
AN INDO-PERSIAN SWORD (SHAMSHIR), LATE 18TH CENTURY with curved single-edged blade of finely watered steel, steel hilt comprising a pair of quillons with button-shaped terminals, gold koftgari border filled with scrolling foliage and flowers, cap pommel decorated en suite (small losses, pommel loose), and a pair of morse grip-scales, in its leather-covered wooden scabbard with steel mounts decorated with gold koftgari en suite with the hilt 90.5cm; 35 5/8in blade
Lot 95
AN INDIAN DECCANI SWORD (TALWAR), 18TH CENTURY with curved single-edged blade cut with a series of slender fullers interrupted by incised scrolls, cut with a brass-filled inscription within a linear frame on one side (small losses) and two further inscriptions on the other, chiselled steel hilt retaining minute traces of silver finish, comprising a pair of button-shaped quillons, pierced langets decorated with foliage, recurved knuckle-guard formed as a stylized pair of Makara and with bifurcated tip, disc-shaped pommel fitted with fluted finial on a flowerhead washer, and integral grip 85.5cm; 33 3/4in blade The inscriptions include a mirrored or reversed Qur`anic inscription, in translation `Victory comes from God`.
Lot 99
AN INDIAN DAGGER (KATAR), AN INDIAN DAGGER (CHILANUM), 17TH CENTURY, AND THREE FURTHER INDIAN DAGGERS, 17th/18th CENTURIES the first with European broad fullered blade, steel hilt, comprising a pair of langets pierced with foliage and birds` heads, tapering side-bars pierced with foliage in the centre, with beadwork borders and retaining traces of silver plating, extending over the lower portion of the blade, and a pair of grip bars, in a leather-covered wooden scabbard; the second with recurved fullered blade, integral steel hilt with winged guard and pommel, the latter incorporating a moulded button, and moulded grip; another small Chilanum, probably 18th century; the fourth 17th/18th Century, with recurved blade and brass hilt incorporating pierced scrollwork knuckle-guard, and faceted grip rising to a dragonesque pommel, and the fifth with curved blade and steel hilt with bird`s head pommel the first: 46.2cm; 18 1/4in blade (5)
Lot 114
A RARE ENGLISH PROTO-MORTUARY SWORD, CIRCA 1635 with broad blade cut with a short shallow fuller on each side (light pitting), steel hilt comprising scalloped outer-guard, scrolling quillon knuckle-guard interrupted by a scalloped moulding, scalloped inner-guard, brass pommel cast as an Eagle`s head and decorated with scrolls and a green man mask, pierced iron threaded button, and fluted horn grip reinforced with an iron panel on each side (the hilt pitted) 77cm; 30 1/4in blade Literature Anthony R. E. North, European Swords, London 1982, p. 32, illustrated. A closely related sword is illustrated in D. Blackmore 1990, p. 29, no. 38. This sword was probably made in the sword factory at Hounslow, see A. R. E. North op cit.
Lot 123
AN ENGLISH SILVER-HILTED HUNTING SWORD, LATE 17TH/EARLY 18TH CENTURY with curved fullered blade double-edged towards the point, silver hilt cast and chased in low relief, comprising flat circular quillon pierced with a mask issuant with scrolls, , knuckle-guard interrupted by a further foliate moulding, ferrule with cusped upper border, and cap pommel with lower border en suite with the ferrule, and the button formed as a finely chiselled negro head (one small chip) 51cm; 20 1/8in blade Literature Howard L Blackmore, The Blackamoor Swords, in Royal Armouries Yearbook 1998, pp. 73-5, illustrated.
Lot 169
AN INFANTRY OFFICER`S SWORD BY MOORE, OLD BOND STREET, LONDON, CIRCA 1816-30 based on the 1796 pattern, with slender blade of flattened-diamond section, etched and gilt with `GR` crowned, a trophy and scrolling foliage on a blued panel over much of its length, gilt-brass hilt with folding shell-guard, bud-shaped quillon chiselled with foliage, the pommel en suite with the quillon on the outer face, the inner face of faceted ivory, spherical ivory button, and the grip bound with silver wire between gilt washers, in its leather scabbard with brass mounts including signed locket 73cm; 28 3/4in blade William Moore is recorded working on Old Bond Street circa 1816-39. The notably unusual use of ivory may have been intended to avoid the gilt-brass staining the officer`s clothes, as well as enriching the hilt.
Lot 227
AN OFFICER`S JACKET, 6TH (OR INNISKILLING) DRAGOONS, CIRCA 1812-16 of scarlet wool with yellow wool facings, the front, skirts and cuffs trimmed with silver regimental-pattern lace 2 inches wide with a central black or very dark blue `ladder` train and fastening at the front with hooks and eyes; shoulder-cords of twisted silver square-cord secured at the neck with white metal hooks; lined in white linen, quilted in the collar, upper breast and shoulders with white wool which also reinforces the underarms; inner pocket to left breast; scarlet fly over the belly; some lining damage and moth; retaining metal hooks added in the 19th century for display This jacket conforms in general to that ordered for officers of heavy cavalry in 1812, but having the yellow facings and regimental-pattern lace of 6th Dragoons. AN OFFICER`S SHABRAQUE, 6TH (OR INNISKILLING) DRAGOONS, CIRCA 1804-16 of yellow wool, lined with buckram and grey wool and edged all round with silver regimental lace 2½ inches wide with a central black or very dark blue wool train; pierced in the central ridge in two places for harness; reinforced against the stirrup leathers with leather patches and with leather straps and buckles forward of the knee for pistol holsters; the regimental badge on both rear points embroidered in gold and silver wire and coloured silks; inked indistinctly inside `Cpt. Miller` (?); some staining and slight damage to the lining; retaining metal hooks added in the 19th century for display. Miller became a captain in 1804 and thus this shabraque is dated circa 1804-16, although it may relate to the earlier part of that period. AN OFFICER`S SABRETACHE AND SLINGS, 6TH (OR INNISKILLING) DRAGOONS, CIRCA 1812-15 the sabretache with a body and expanding pouch of black leather, the pouch lined with buckram and secured with a loop and button; the front of black or very dark blue wool (slight moth) with a border of regimental lace enclosing, in silver wire embroidery, the Royal Cypher GR beneath a monarchial crown in gold and silver wire embroidery and coloured fabric and above the regimental badge similarly embroidered, flanked by Union sprays embroidered in coloured silks and incorporating the regimental designation VI D in silver wire embroidery; three white metal suspension loops, the two slings of crimson Russia leather faced with regimental lace with white metal buckles, lace sliders and steel sprung catches, 34.5cm; 13⅝ in x 26.5cm; 10½ in This particular sabretache is noted and described in Carman, W.Y., `Sabretaches of Dragoons`, Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research, Vol. LXVII (1989), pp. 69-74, p. 73. AN OFFICER`S POUCH AND POUCH-BELT, 6TH (OR INNISKILLING) DRAGOONS, CIRCA 1812-15 the pouch body covered in brown leather and containing a wooden block pierced for six cartridges; the frontal flap of brown leather, covered in yellow wool edged with ⅝ inch regimental lace, without a central train, enclosing the regimental badge above and flanked by Union sprays, all embroidered in silver wire and coloured silks; one white metal loop for the belt; slight moth; the pouch belt in two parts (incomplete), one attached to the pouch by its loop and the other sewn to it for display; of brown leather faced with 2¼ inch regimental lace, without a central train, and edged with black or very dark blue wool; white metal buckle; generally good condition, frontal flap12cm; 4¾ in x 17cm; 6¾ in AN OFFICER`S WAIST-BELT, 6TH (OR INNISKILLING) DRAGOONS, CIRCA 1812-15 of crimson Russia leather faced with regimental lace, with a central train, 2¼ inches wide; three white metal loops for slings, the two outer 1⅜ inches wide and the inner 1 inch wide; plate of gilded brass or copper, 1⅝ in x 3⅛ in, with an applied regimental badge in white metal and a flat hook on the reverse to engage with a similarly shaped gilt metal loop; generally good condition, 5.7cm; 2¼ in wide AN OFFICER`S COCKED HAT, 6TH (OR INNISKILLING) DRAGOONS, CIRCA 1814-16 of black felted material to fold flat, edged with 1 inch black silk, tied across with a black silk regimental ribbon, 2 inches wide with two `ladder` trains, passing through a loop of silver gimp; a white metal star-loop set upon a black silk cockade of regimental ribbon and incorporating a white metal officer`s button; two crimson and gold bullion tassels linked by a plaited gold wire and crimson silk cord; lined in white silk with a white leather headband bearing the inked inscriptions: `Lt.Col. Miller Inniskilling Dns` and `Lt.Col. Miller`; retailer`s label of `Wagner Pall Mall`, height at back 19cm; 7½ in; at front 16.5cm; 6½ in Miller became a brevet lieutenant-colonel in 1814 and left the regiment in 1816; the hatters Wagner occupied premises at 89 Pall Mall at this period and are known to have supplied military headdress for both officers and other ranks. This cocked hat would probably have been worn, or carried, in levée dress. A 1796 PATTERN HEAVY CAVALRY OFFICER`S FIELD SWORD with hatchet-pointed blade engraved `J. Runkel Solingen` on the back at the forte and with the Royal Cypher GR, the Royal Arms 1714-1801 and military trophies, retaining its leather washer; regulation `ladder` hilt without langets, with a rounded back-piece, prominent `nose` to the pommel and a leather-covered grip (some worm) wound with silver wire; in its steel scabbard; with two loose rings; the blade edge with many nicks and the scabbard dented, 89cm; 35 in blade A 1796 PATTERN HEAVY CAVALRY OFFICER`S DRESS SWORD with double-edged blade of flattened elliptical section having a single central fuller; regulation gilt-brass hilt (no gilt remaining); the grip-covering absent; in its steel scabbard (some dents, rust staining and a hole at the chape) with a single loose split-ring, 78cm; 30¾ in blade
Lot 243
VARIOUS OWNERS Captain Matthew Benson Harrison, Westmoreland and Cumberland Yeomanry Cavalry, circa 1851-66 AN OFFICER`S LIGHT DRAGOON PATTERN `BELL TOP` SHAKO, SABRETACHE, POUCH AND MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS OF THE WESTMORELAND AND CUMBERLAND YEOMANRY CAVALRY, CIRCA 1851-66 the shako with body of black felted material with a crown, front peak and false back peak of black patent leather (all crazed); the crown encircled by a band of silver lace 1⅞ inches wide and the base encircled by another ½ inch wide, the front and back peaks edged with bands of silver lace ½ inch wide; a boss, cords and lines of silver round-cord, the lines terminating in acorns of woven silver wire; below the boss, on a silver lace cockade, a regimental badge comprising, in struck gilt metal repoussé, the Royal Cypher VR within a strap-and-buckle bearing the title WESTMORELAND & CUMBERLAND YEOMANRY and surmounted by a monarchial crown, the gilt metal centre mounted upon a multi-rayed white metal star; white metal lion`s mask chin-chain bosses and a white metal chin-chain of overlapping links sewn to a leather strap; with a white leather and crimson silk head-band and a (loose) padded interior; separate gilt metal plume holder; generally good condition; 23cm; 9in high; 23.5cm; 9¼ in diameter of crown; THE SABRETACHE, with body and expanding pouch of black leather, the pouch secured with a loop and button; the front of black wool (some moth) with a border of silver lace 2 inches wide enclosing, in silver wire embroidery, the cypher WCYC beneath a monarchial crown in gold and silver wire embroidery and coloured fabric; three white metal suspension loops; inside the pouch, the retailer`s label of `Andrews Helmet Maker &c to Her Majesty 9 PALL MALL`; generally good condition; 33cm; 13 in x 27.4cm; 10¾ in; THE POUCH, with body covered in crimson leather, the white metal frontal flap having an engraved border of oak-leaves enclosing, in gilt metal, the applied cypher WCYC beneath a monarchial crown; on the front of the pouch body, the retailer`s label of `Andrews Helmet Maker &c to Her Majesty 9 PALL MALL`; generally good condition; frontal flap 6.5cm; 2½ x 17cm; 6¾ in; and MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS, comprising a pair of gentleman`s white doeskin gloves with two buttons at each wrist; the white metal regimental medal of the Westmoreland and Cumberland Yeomanry Cavalry fitted with a flat white metal bar suspender and contained in a box bearing the date 1857 on the lid; a bronze medal of the `National Rifle Association 1860` fitted with a German silver bar suspender; a single instep-chain from a field spur; generally good condition, the gloves appearing unworn. Matthew Benson Harrison (1824-1879) was the eldest son of Benson Harrison of Greenbank, Westmoreland and his second wife, Dorothy, née Wordsworth - second cousin to the poet William Wordsworth (1770-1850). He became lieutenant in the Westmoreland and Cumberland Yeomanry Cavalry on 3rd May 1851 and was promoted captain on 6th September 1858, leaving the regiment in about 1866. A Justice of the Peace and Deputy Lieutenant for Westmoreland, he was High Sheriff for the county in 1860. He is shown, seated and in civilian clothes, in a group photograph of officers, and ex-officers, of the regiment taken in 1872 and reproduced in Bargett, C.: Better by far a Cumberland Hussar: a history of the Westmoreland and Cumberland Yeomanry (Kirkby Stephen, 2001), p. 13; this photograph also appears in the Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research, Vol. XXXVIII (1960), p. 136, with a note on those depicted in Vol. XXXIX (1961), p. 105.
Lot 246
A LIGHT COMPANY OFFICER`S JACKET, OR SHORT-TAILED COATEE, AND BREECHES, EAST SUFFOLK MILITIA, CIRCA 1815-20 the double-breasted jacket of scarlet wool, with high pale yellow collar, closed at the front, and with mustard-yellow cuffs and lapels and white turn-backs to the skirts; lined in white cotton or linen, quilted at the neck and shoulders; pair of skirt ornaments, each in the form of a strung bugle-horn, of silver-wire embroidery on pale yellow cloth; buttons of silver-plate, half-domed and engraved with the initials: E*S - 38 to the front, 4 to each cuff; 2 to each collar side; 16 to the skirts and 1 on either side of the neck at the shoulder wings; with a pair of shoulder-wings of scarlet cloth, edged yellow and faced with three interlinked sections of interlocking white metal rings of descending size, centred at the shoulder upon a white metal disc mounted with a gilt metal strung bugle-horn and terminating at the neck with a regimental button, the wings edged with silver-wire bullions; the breeches of white `doe-skin` with a trap-fly and some contemporary buttons (2)
Lot 268
A VATICAN LIVERY BY GIOMINI, ROME, AND AN ITALIAN TAILED COAT WORN BY MARCHESE MARCO DORIA LAMBA the first comprising tail coat of blue wool, with red collar and cuffs decorated with silver brocade, and brass buttons, and a pair of dark blue trousers; the second of blue wool, with white collar and cuffs decorated with gold wire, with gilt-brass button decorated with the crowned cypher `FERT` and applied with label of its owner Marco Doria Lamba and dated 1921 (3)
Lot 318
AN ENGLISH STONEBOW BY BARKER, WIGAN, CIRCA 1780 AND A NORTH EUROPEAN CROSSBOW, THIRD QUARTER OF THE 18TH CENTURY the first with slender steel bow fitted with later string, figured walnut tiller incorporating engraved steel gaffle, the latter fitted with signed folding back-sight, and button trigger, moulded steel finial, and folding fore-sight (the steel parts pitted and cleaned); the second with robust steel bow, tiller of gun-stock form, fitted with two large steel side panels over the forward portion, fitted with a screw in spike terminal also retaining the bow, carved bolt channel, brass nut and action, a pair of steel lugs for a goat`s foot lever, and moulded trigger (the steel parts pitted); together with a goat`s foot lever, 20th century the first: 74cm; 29 1/8in tiller (3)
Lot 322
A FINE AND RARE DUTCH 24 PDR. BRONZE CANNON BY CONRAD ANTHONISZ WILKES, THE HAGUE, DATED 1600, in marine excavated condition, with tapering multi-stage barrel with raised astragal mouldings, moulded muzzle astragal and fillets, decorated with a band of foliage and an urn supported by a pair of lions amidst further scrolls of foliage on the second reinforce, the first reinforce decorated with the inscription `Amsterdam` on a cartouche with the town arms charged with the letter `P` on each side above, raised vent, signed `Conraet Antoni Me Fecit Haga` and dated around the base ring, and inscribed with the weight number ahead, the cascabel chiselled with fleur-de-lys divided by acanthus leaves on a punched ground and drawn-out to a button formed as a mulberry fruit partially enclosed by foliage, a pair of plain trunnions, the lifting handles formed as a pair of finely-chiselled dolphins, and in green patinated condition with areas of mild corrosion 333cm; 131 1/8in barrel 15cm; 6in bore Conrad Anthonisz Wilkes is recorded in the Hague circa 1591-1616 where he held the post Grosbusgieter. He also supervised the start of the foundries in Rotterdam and Enkhuizen. See R. Roth 1996, p.176 and A. N. Kennard 1986, p. 33. This lot is on view at 25 Blythe Road by appointment with Thomas Del Mar Ltd.
Lot 323
A FINE DUTCH 24 PDR. BRONZE CANNON BY GERARD KOSTER, AMSTERDAM, DATED 1616 in marine excavated condition, with tapering multi-stage barrel, strongly moulded muzzle chiselled behind with foliage and mythical creatures ahead of a band of acanthus, the chase with a rampant lion (worn), the reinforce moulding inscribed `anno domini 1660` ahead of a further band of ornament, the first reinforce with the inscription `Die Stadt Amsterdam` on a cartouche with the town arms above, raised vent, the base ring signed `CARHARDUS KOSTERUS ME FECIT AMSTERDAM`, the cascabel chiselled with fleur-de-lys divided by acanthus leaves on a punched ground and drawn-out to a button formed as a mulberry fruit partially enclosed by foliage, plain trunnions, the lifting handles formed as a pair of finely-chiselled dolphins, heavy corrosion and areas of staining 339cm; 133 1/2in barrel 15cm; 6in bore Gerard Koster I was town founder in Amsterdam circa 1606-18. His mother the daughter of Willem Wegewaert family of Deventer, another dynasty of well known Dutch gunfounders. See R. Roth 1996, p. 93 and A. N. Kennard 1986, pp. 99-100. This lot is on view at 25 Blythe Road by appointment with Thomas Del Mar Ltd.
Lot 324
A FINE DUTCH 24 PDR. BRONZE CANNON BY GERARD KOSTER, AMSTERDAM, DATED 1617 in marine excavated condition, with tapering multi-stage barrel, strongly moulded muzzle, the chase with traces of a rampant lion (worn), the reinforce moulding inscribed `anno domini 1617` ahead of a further band of ornament, the first reinforce with the inscription `Die Stadt Amsterdam` on a cartouche with the town arms above, raised vent, the base ring signed `CARHARDUS KOSTERUS ME FECIT AMSTERDAM`, the cascabel chiselled with fleur-de-lys divided by acanthus leaves on a punched ground and drawn-out to a button formed as a mulberry fruit partially enclosed by foliage, plain trunnions, the lifting handles formed as a pair of finely-chiselled dolphins, heavy corrosion and areas of staining 339cm; 133 1/2in barrel 15cm; 6in bore This lot is on view at 25 Blythe Road by appointment with Thomas Del Mar Ltd.
Lot 325
AN HISTORIC CHINESE 12 PDR. BRONZE CANNON, CAPTURED AT THE BOGUE FORTS IN 1841 with bronze multi-stage barrel, formed with pronounced astragal mouldings behind the muzzle, at each end of the chase and the reinforces, a pair of plain trunnions, moulded globose cascabel drawn-out to a moulded baluster-shaped button, incised with inscriptions over its length and an additional brief inscription on the first reinforce, and remaining in green patinated condition throughout (the surface with scratches and wear): on a stepped wooden carriage applied with a later plaque inscribed `Captured in the Bogue forts (near Canton) by the expedition under Sir George Bremer in 1841, in consequence of which operations the Chinese agreed to cede Hong-Kong` 292cm; 115in barrel 11.5cm; 4 1/2in bore The capture by British forces of the `Bogue Forts`, at Zhu Jiang in the Chinese province of Guangdong, on 7th January 1841 was a major incident in the 1st China (or `Opium`) War between Britain and the Chinese Empire of 1839-42 and one that had great significance in both British and Chinese history. The forts were situated in the Bogue, or Bocca Tigris, a narrow strait in the Pearl River delta downstream from the port of Canton, or Guangzhou, which was (and still is) capital of the province of Guangdong. The forts` capture or destruction was necessary to British strategy in a war provoked by Britain in order to gain major trading concessions from the Chinese, particularly in relation to Chinese purchase of British opium, and the opening of Chinese ports to British trade. The forts, at Chuenpi/Chuanbi and Tycocktow (or Dajiaotou Dao), faced each other across the Bogue and represented a threat to British forces moving up stream to assault or threaten Guangzhou. All the forts possessed considerable numbers of guns, were well-entrenched and fortified and appeared to be resolutely defended. The forts at Chuenpi were the first to be assaulted, with a 1,500-strong force of sailors, artillery, infantry and Royal Marines being landed downstream and marching to attack their landward side, while two armed steamers, NEMESIS and QUEEN, moved into position to shell the forts from the river. The co-ordinated shelling and subsequent assaults by infantry and Royal Marines rapidly overcame the forts` defences and the Chinese defenders - while not lacking in courage - were unable to compete in ordnance with that deployed by the British attackers: the Chuenpi forts fell quickly with immense loss of life among the Chinese but few British casualties. The forts at Tycocktow suffered the same fate, from the same British tactics, as those at Chuenpi and by the end of the day of battle all the Bogue forts were in British hands, for the total cost of 38 British casualties. It was later estimated that 173 Chinese guns were captured from the forts on 7th January 1841 and so the one offered here is clearly one of that number. As a result of the capture of the Bogue forts, the port of Canton (Guangzhou) lay undefended and so the Chinese had no alternative but to agree to British demands and concessions, one of which was the granting to Britain of the island of Hong Kong (which had been captured by the British on 23rd August 1839). Hong Kong was formally occupied by the British on 26th January 1841, formally ceded to Britain in 1842 and remained in British hands until 1997. The plaque on the carriage appears to be misprinted, with Sir George as opposed to Sir Gordon Bremer. The latter being the Commodore who raised the Union Jack and claimed Hong Kong as a colony on 26th January 1841. The inscriptions include `Pingyi jingguan jiangjun`, in translation, `Barbarian Suppressing, pacifying General` and `Bingbu`, or `Board of War`. The characters on the first reinforce give the weight of the cannon as 1309 catties. It should be borne in mind that the weight of a catty varied. This lot is on view outside of London, by appointment with Thomas Del Mar Ltd.
Lot 327
A BRONZE MINIATURE HOWITZER with multi-stage barrel formed with raised astragal mouldings, globose cascabel drawn-out to a moulded button, and a pair of plain near rectangular lifting handles, on its iron-clad wooden field carriage with spoked cambered wheel 14cm; 5 1/2in barrel 2.5cm; 1in bore
Lot 439
A RARE 18 BORE SAXON WHEEL-LOCK CARBINE, DATED 1588 with three-stage sighted barrel, engraved with pairs of lines behind the muzzle, the median formed of triangular panels with characteristic hemi-spherical recesses at the base, dated over the breech section, stamped with the barrelsmith`s marks (Neue Støckel 512), initials and a series of small decorative marks, and with a sighting groove (light pitting), flat lock stamped en suite with the breech, fitted with domed wheel-cover, sliding pan-cover with button release, blued fence, safety-catch and lightly engraved dog, blackened full stock, inlaid with engraved stag horn plaques including marine monsters over the fore-end, opposite the lock, and about the barrel tang, a panel of foliage over the spine of the butt, all within horn segmental lines, the butt with shaped cheek-piece on the left and patchbox fitted with sliding cover veneered en suite on the right, stag horn butt-plate (one small panel on the butt replaced, the stock with areas of bruising and scratches), steel trigger-guard shaped for the fingers, blued trigger-plate, engraved stag horn ramrod pipe, engraved stag horn fore-end cap, and original ramrod with engraved stag horn tip 83.5cm; 32 7/8in Zacharias Herold is recorded 1586-1618. He was the son of Hans Herold, and part of a large family of gunmakers in Dresden that were active in the 16th and 17th Centuries. He is recorded delivering large quantities of fine firearms to the Electoral armouries as well as making a number of more standard pieces. See J. F. Hayward 1962, p. 87 and D. Schaal 1975, p. 32.
Lot 466
A BAVARIAN PERCUSSION CAPE RIFLE BY RIEGER, CIRCA 1840 with 20 bore smooth bored left barrel and 11mm rifled right barrel, signed in silver on the rib and fitted with rifle sights, engraved breech inlaid with a silver line, scroll-engraved case-hardened tang, scroll-engraved case-hardened locks decorated with neo-rococo ornament, fitted with gravity stops and cocks decorated en suite, figured walnut half-stock cut with panels of chequering, the butt with raised cheek-piece carved with foliage on the left and patchbox with sliding cover with bone button release on the right, broad wooden trigger-guard carved with an expanded flower head on the rear scroll and reinforced at the front with an engraved case-hardened steel panel, engraved case-hardened tang numbered `3997`, German silver barrel bolt escutcheons, and brass-tipped ramrod 72.3cm; 28 1/2in barrels
Lot 53
An Art Deco travelling vanity case, fitted with silver mounted accessories by W. G. Sothers Ltd, Birmingham 1933, the leather, tan coloured case, stamped `The Alexander Clark Co Ltd`, with satin lined, fitted interior enclosing six glass and silver mounted toilet jars with blue, guilloche enamelling along with a matching hair brush, clothes brush, hand mirror, shoe horn, button hook and cased manicure set, a stationary folio and an associated comb, the case initialled `A.B.S` for Alma Bridget Campbell (see accompanying literature for biography) case measures 50.5cm wide, 34cm deep
Lot 262
A late Victorian gentleman`s 18ct gold `Russells` half hunter pocket watch, Chester 1900, the white enamel dial with black Roman numerals, the keyless gilt metal movement signed `Russells Ltd, Makers to the Queen, 18 Church Street, Liverpool, No. 88445`, with black enamel Roman numerals to outer bezel, and engraved monogram to reverse of case, stop/start button, weight 132gms, with attached 9ct gold double watch Albert, swivel, T bar and silver sovereign case, weight 38gms
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110995 item(s)/page