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Click here to subscribeA bag of brewery collectables and other metal wares, etc, including two chrome Bass menu holders and a chrome Mitchells & Butlers menu holder clip, a Victorian circular glass inkwell with brass cover, a pair of silver plated cauldron salts, faux tortoiseshell cigarette case, etc, mostly worn condition (1 bag)
‘If their escape was remarkable, that of the men in No. 4 boat was even more so. This was the boat to which Able Seaman S. H. Light went when ordered to abandon ship. Sydney Light was the rarest of rare men, an Admiral Crichton in real life whose versatility was astonishing. As an Able Seaman he was unique in as much as he carried a sextant in his kit. When he went to sea he liked to know where he was and his sextant, with the aid of the sun and the stars, told him. Whether he was born with the Midas touch or whether he acquired it is anybody’s guess, but his business instinct and flair for making money led to his truly remarkable rise from deck boy to Underwriting Member of Lloyd’s.’ So states a chapter entitled The Amazing Able Seaman. The outstanding Second War George Medal and Lloyd’s Medal for Bravery at Sea group of six awarded to Sub-Lieutenant S. H. Light, Royal Naval Reserve, late Merchant Navy, otherwise known as the ‘Amazing Able Seaman’ - for that was his rate at the time of his G.M.-winning exploits in an epic open boat ordeal after his ship was torpedoed in the Atlantic in November 1940; he ran away to sea aged 13, travelled the globe, and then returned home to establish a string of successful businesses; by the outbreak of war, he had gained a private pilot’s licence, raced in Monte Carlo rallies and was safely on his way to becoming a Lloyd’s name, none of which, however, prevented his volunteering for the Merchant Navy George Medal, G.VI.R. (Sydney Herbert Light); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Lloyd’s War Medal for Bravery at Sea, silver-gilt (Able Seaman S. H. Light, M.V. “Port Gisborne” 11th October 1940) with original gilt embossed leather case of issue and named card box of issue for campaign medals, the first five mounted as worn, extremely fine (6) £5,000-£7,000 --- Importation Duty This lot is subject to importation duty of 5% on the hammer price unless exported outside the UK --- --- G.M. London Gazette 4 February 1941, in a joint citation with Captain Thomas Kippins, Master of the M.V. Port Gisborne, who was awarded the O.B.E.: ‘The ship was torpedoed at night and it was decided to abandon her. Captain Kippins took charge of No. 2 boat with 26 men on board, and during the night two others were rescued from the water with great difficulty. The boat was nearly overturned by heavy seas. Four men washed overboard were rescued, but the mast, sails, and several oars were lost, and the boat filled to the thwarts. She was righted and two more of the crew were picked up. The sea-anchor having been lost, the men had to use the oars all through the night. The sea calmed down the next day and they made a sail and hoisted it, using the boat-hook as a mast. For the next 14 days, often in heavy seas, tired out and short of water, they rowed and sailed. Suffering from weakness, cold and hardship, they were found at last by a merchantman and brought into port. Captain Kippins never faltered during the whole voyage and his stout heart and good seamanship saved the lives of his men after facing what seemed almost certain death. Another boat from the ship was swamped while being lowered and all the hands except Able Seaman Light and a greaser were thrown into the sea. While Light released the forward fall and the greaser held the boat off, eight men got aboard. The seas swept over the boat as she lay broadside on and the following morning she was still awash with her crew worn out through baling. Seaman Light, who had taken command, stepped the mast and set sail. Heavy rain added to their hardships, but Light kept them in good heart. They sailed on until they came across a boat containing 16 men from another torpedoed ship. Light took her in tow, though the sea and the wind were rising, so that they had to bale all the time. They sighted a rocky shore and decided to lay off until dawn, but the boats were drifting out to sea again. In a dead calm the men rowed all day till they were worn out. Those in the other boat were despairing, and Seaman Light entered it and massaged two men, gave them his stockings, and dressed their wounds. In his own boat he massaged a deck boy who was in great pain and bound up his feet. After ten days of privation, weariness and danger the exhausted crews were rescued by a British ship. By his courage, leadership and self-sacrifice Seaman Light was the means of saving the crews of the two boats.’ Lloyd’s Medal for Bravery at Sea Lloyd’s List & Shipping Gazette, 3rd List of Awards, 30 July 1941. Sydney Herbert Light was born in Limehouse in the East End of London on 12 June 1904, the son of a publican. Threatened with expulsion from Margate College, aged 13, and being ‘independent by nature and a born leader’, he rebelled at the suggestion and chose instead to run away to sea, the commencement of his remarkable progression from deck boy to Lloyd’s name. By the time he came ashore two or three years later, he had amassed savings of £100, with which he set up a coal transport business. The rest, as they say, is history, and that remarkable history is related at length in the above cited source – The Amazing Able Seaman. But the following summary of Light’s pre-war life – as provided by an engineer officer of the Port Gisborne – is an excellent summary: ‘S. H. Light, A.B., ex this vessel, went to sea at the age of 13 years and remained at sea until he was 20 years of age. He was at one time an O.S. on the S.S. Port Hacking. After leaving the latter vessel he started coal carting in Great Yarmouth with one cart. This was the basis of his start in life, and after a while he had 6 carts. He then sold his business and started a road transport organization which also did well. To-day Mr. Light is the licensee of the Southborough Hotel, Kingston Bye-Pass, Surbiton. He has no sea-faring certificate, but owns his own 25-ton yawl, and has sailed down the Mediterranean as far as Monte Carlo. At Monte Carlo he has taken part in motor car racing and has been presented with a magnificent gold cigarette case from the S.S. Company [Swallow Sidecar Co., later Jaguar Cars]. He signed on the M.V. Port Gisborne to ‘do his bit’ during the war. From his full report, it is evident he knew his job very well. He always carries his own sextant, which has been lost, and the Company is presenting him with a new one which will be mounted with a plate to commemorate his service in navigating the ship’s boat for 10 days. Light has owned his own hunters and has hunted a good deal. He is also a first-class skier and has been in the habit of going to Switzerland every year. He also enjoys a handicap of 2 at golf. Besides all these accomplishments he has an air navigator’s certificate and a “B” licence. He is now waiting to sit for his Yacht Master’s ticket. Dated 4.11.1940.’ Of events when the M.V. Port Gisborne was torpedoed and sunk by the U-48 in the Atlantic on 11 October 1940, about 350 miles west of Ireland, when sailing in Convoy HX77 from Bermuda to England, the extraordinary fortitude and leadership of Light stood out. In summarising his role in command of boat No. 4, the Awards Committee concluded: ‘During the whole of the 10 days’ voyage in the Port Gisborne’s boat, Able Seaman Light proved himself well worthy of leadership, navigating the boat, organising routine, giving first aid where required and displaying fine seamanship. He was, moreover, able to keep a log of the whole voyage. By his seamanship, fortitude and adaptability, Able Seaman Light was undoubtedly responsible for the safe deliverance of his own and the St. Malo’s survivors, a ...
JONES & CROMPTON; an Edward VII hallmarked silver mug, with figural decoration, Birmingham 1908, height 8cm, an Elizabeth II hallmarked silver tea strainer and bowl, Birmingham 1973, manufactured by Charles S Green & Co Ltd, also a George V hallmarked silver cigarette case, Birmingham 1924 and a George V hallmarked silver teaspoon, Sheffield 1915, combined approx 6.08ozt/189g (4).
Small quantity of assorted silver and white metal wares, including a Georgian silver pap boat, maker rubbed, London 1810; Art Deco style cigarette case, Pringle & Son, Birmingham 1936; Continental white metal napkin rings, a Continental candlestand with two butterscotch cabouchons, a silver hatpin stand (weighted); modern silver bottle coaster; small quantity of tea spoons etc.
An Edward VII hallmarked silver vesta case. Hallmarked year 1905 Birmingham. Sponsors mark for G E Walton & Co Ltd (George Edwin Walton). Together with a hallmarked silver wood-lined cigarette box by Asprey London. Marks are rubbed. Total gross weight approx. 231g.Measures approx. 3.5cm H x 10cm W x 9cm D
A George V hallmarked silver cigarette case together with a vesta case. The lot to include George V hallmarked silver cigarette case, hallmarked year 1926, sponsors mark for Morgan & Boon. Together with a a hallmarked silver vesta, hallmarked year 1912 Chester, sponsors mark for Colen Hewer Cheshire. Total weight 186g.Largest measures approx. 8.5cm H x 7,.5cm L
A George V hallmarked silver cigarette case. Hallmarked year 1932 Birmingham. Sponsors mark for Frederick Field Ltd. Together with a hallmarked silver vesta case. Hallmarked year 1928 Birmingham. Sponsors mark for William Neale & Son Ltd (from 1909). Total weight approx. 119g.Large measures approx. 8.5cm H x 7cm W x 1.5cm D
Two hallmarked silver cigarette cases. The lot to include an Edward VII cigarette case. Hallmarked year 1908 Birmingham. Sponsors mark for Charles Lyster & Son. Together with a George V hallmarked silver cigarette case. Hallmarked year 1931 Birmingham. Sponsors mark for S Blanckensee & Son Ltd. Total weight 195g.Large measures approx 7.5cm x 9.5cm x 2cm
Two George V hallmarked silver cigarette cases. The lot to include a George V hallmarked silver cigarette case. Hallmarked year 1911 Birmingham. Sponsors mark for Horace Woodward & Co Ltd. Together with a hallmarked silver cigarette case. Hallmarked year 1918 Birmingham. Sponsors mark for Deakin & Francis Ltd. Wegith approx. 382g.Large measures approx. 0.7cm H x 14cm L x 9cm D
A George V hallmarked silver cigarette case. The case with monogram to centre. Hallmarked year 1919 Birmingham. Sponsors mark for Henry Williamson Ltd. Together with a hallmarked silver ladle. Hallmarked year 1964 Sheffield. Sponsors mark for Cooper Brothers & Sons Ltd. Total weight approx 140gMeasures approx. 11cm L
A SILVER CIGARETTE CASE AND CIGARETTE BOX, rectangular form cigarette case with engine turned pattern, push button clasp, gilt interior with personal engraving reading 'A.F.H 12th September 1953', fitted with a single blue elasticated strap, hallmarked 'D.Bros' Birmingham 1946, approximate gross weight 5.38 ozt, 167.3 grams, together with a small silver lined square cigarette box with wooden interior, hallmarked 'Walker & Hall' Birmingham (rubbed date letter) (condition report: both pieces have tarnishing, dinks and dents to the box)
Collection of Silver Jewellery and Accessories A diverse collection of silver jewellery and small accessories, featuring vintage and modern designs. Key highlights include a silver hinged cigarette case with a gilt interior and an inscription reading "Presented to Jimmy Pirie by his colleagues of the B.E.R.L. Cardiff on his departure to Manchester, Jan. 1950," indicative of mid-20th-century provenance. Other items include multiple charm bracelets with intricate charms such as a teddy bear, sailing boat, teapot, and key, alongside an amber pendant with natural inclusions and a carved jade-like pendant. The jewellery selection includes silver chains, bracelets, and rings, notably featuring cabochon amethyst, jade, and turquoise stones, alongside dangling earrings with amethyst-like gemstones. A carved silver thimble with floral motifs and a silver-tone bangle complete the collection. The total weight of 207.72 g hints at substantial silver content. Likely dating from the late 19th century to the mid-to-late 20th century, this assembly combines sentimental keepsakes, decorative jewellery, and functional silverware. Further inspection of hallmarks or maker’s marks is recommended to determine precise origins and materials.
Collection of Vintage Accessories and Personal Items A curated selection of small vintage accessories, including: 1. **Cigarette Case**: A rectangular, metallic silver-tone case, likely used for cigarettes or cards, with an engraved monogram emblem featuring "M." Reflective with minor wear, possibly from the mid-20th century. 2. **Ronson Items**: Two Ronson lighters, one with a brushed silver finish, and the other featuring a silver and chrome dual-tone design. Additionally, the Ronson R601 lighter packaging in orange and white is marked "Made in Hong Kong," dating this to the 1960s–1980s. 3. **Gold-Tone Compact Case**: Rectangular with a grid-like textured pattern, potentially for cosmetics or cigarettes. 4. **Pins and Badges**: Includes pieces with maritime, heraldic, and commemorative designs: - **"Scillonian" Ship Pin**: Gold and enamel, referencing the Scillonian ferry. - **Rooster Pins**: Featuring “COURAGE” banners in gold and green enamel. - **Statue of Liberty Pin**: Marked "LIBERTY 1836-1986," commemorating the Statue’s 150th anniversary. - **"TAB" Pin**: Rectangular, red enamelled with Olympic motif. 5. **Cufflinks**: Gold and silver-toned in various forms, including engraved and mother-of-pearl designs, alongside novelty designs with ship and heraldic motifs. 6. **Miscellaneous**: A cylindrical brass object, presumed vintage lipstick case; a small gold-tone ring with a pearl insert; and decorative tokens. The collection spans the 1940s–1980s, showcasing vintage craftsmanship and reflecting personal and decorative trends of the era.
An antique seed pearl set horseshoe Brooch, mounted in unmarked gold, tested as 9ct, 2.5cm long, 4.7g, together with a circular silver powder compact, London 1933, with engine turned decoration, initialled, a silver vesta case, by Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co Ltd., Birmingham 1946, another small silver vesta, a cigarette case, and a quantity of costume jewellery (a lot)
A George V silver Card Case, by Deakin & Francis Ltd., hallmarked Birmingham 1912, of plain rectangular form, monogrammed, 8.3cm wide, together with two silver cigarette cases, the smaller hallmarked Chester, 1900, with foliate decoration, monogrammed, the other engine turned as found, approx. total weight 7.8ozt (3)
A quantity of Jewellery and Costume Jewellery, including a small 9ct gold lady's wristwatch, a silver cigarette case, Birmingham 1915, a Victorian silver vesta case, Birmingham 1892, a silver torque necklace, silver hinged bangle, cufflinks, chains etc., weighable silver 6.8ozt, a Raymond Weil gold plated wristwatch etc., (a lot)
An Edwardian silver miniature Carriage Clock, by William Comyns & Sons, hallmarked London 1905, with foliate scroll and cherub decoration,7cm high, as found, lacking handle, not running, glass insecure etc., together with a Victorian silver bon bon dish, William Hutton & Sons, London 1891, 13.5cm wide, and a silver cigarette case with engine turned decoration, initialled, the dish and case 5.6ozt (3)
A Burlington Patent 1858/37 combination compact with cigarette case and match book holder to one side, compact with powder and blusher still present to the other and comb and money compartment to the centre, together with a mid century Japanese cigarette case the front having a scene of Mount Fuji, decorated in blacks and gold with butterflies verso.
Two silver cigarette cases, one of curved form, with engine turned decoration, and gilt interior, monogram engraved and with dedication engraving inside, the other of rectangular form with canted corners and bright cut engraving, monogram engraved, combined weight 5.05toz, together with a leather cigar or cheroot case and a vintage leather cigarette case.
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