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Lot 25
‘How could we be beaten under Grant Sahib? He is a tiger in fight. When hundreds of Manipuris were coming close he just took ten men out to stop them, and in a minute they had beaten the enemy back. We could not help winning under such a sahib.’ (A Gurkha pays tribute to Lieutenant Grant) The unique and exceptional 1891 ’Capture and Defence of Thobal’ V.C. group of five awarded to Lieutenant, later Colonel, C. J. W. Grant, 12th Regiment (2nd Burma Battalion) Madras Infantry, the ‘Hero of Manipur’ who, upon hearing of the treachery at Manipur, March 1891, immediately set out to relieve the presumed British captives and exact retribution; advancing his 80 man Tammu detachment towards Manipur under continued desultory opposition, he stormed the enemy position at the head of his men under a heavy fire at Thobal, driving the 800 strong foe from their entrenched defences. Taking up a defensive position within improvised fortifications, he then became surrounded by an estimated 2000 of the returning enemy which attacked the small besieged force over a period of eight days. Holding out against overwhelming odds, Grant led a number of brilliant sallies to dislodge and disperse the Manipuris each time they approached and then, in negotiations over the release of prisoners, deceived them into thinking they were facing a much larger force - he ‘borrowed two stars from a jemadar’s shoulder-straps and placed them on his own. He was no longer a Subaltern commanding a small detachment, but a Colonel, with his regiment at his back.’ With dwindling ammunition and growing disease among his ranks, Grant successfully withdrew his force to link up with reinforcements, and, leading his men to the attack once more in taking an enemy fort, he was badly wounded - ‘the bullet had gone through the root of my neck just above the shoulder and carried all the cloth of my collar and shirt right thro’ the wound leaving it quite clean’ - after which he was carried triumphantly into Manipur by his men and those concerned in the murder of British officers were brought to justice and punished. To be sold together with a substantial associated archive of historical importance - items of particular significance including: Grant’s unpublished leather bound ‘Officer’s Field Note and Sketch Book and Reconnaissance Aide-Memoire’ in which he meticulously records the march to Manipur and the capture and subsequent defence of Thobal, illustrated by several detailed sketches of both actions and positions; and a file of original letters, including the negotiations between Grant and the Manipuris and a coded message from Grant in Greek characters to the relief force Victoria Cross, reverse of suspension bar engraved ‘Lieut: Chas. Jas. Wm. Grant Indian Staff Corps’, reverse of Cross engraved ‘27th March 1891’; India General Service 1854-95, 2 clasps, N.E. Frontier 1891, Burma 1885-7, clasps mounted in this order (Lieut. C. J. W. Grant 12th Madras Infy.); 1914-15 Star (Bt. Col. C. J. W. Grant. V.C.); British War and Victory Medals (Bt. Col. C. J. W. Grant.) suspension claw loose on IGS and light pitting from Star, otherwise generally very fine or better (5) £300,000-£400,000 --- V.C. London Gazette 26 May 1891: ‘For the conspicuous bravery and devotion to his country displayed by him in having, upon hearing on the 27th March, 1891, of the disaster at Manipur, at once volunteered to attempt the relief of the British Captives, with 80 Native Soldiers, and having advanced with the greatest intrepidity, captured Thobal, near Manipur, and held it against a large force of the enemy. Lieutenant Grant inspired his men with equal heroism, by an ever-present example of personal daring and resource.’ Charles James William Grant was born in Bourtie, Aberdeenshire in 1861, the son of Lieutenant-General P. C. S. St. J. Grant, and was educated privately and at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. He was commissioned Lieutenant in the Suffolk Regiment on 10 May 1882, and joined the Madras Staff Corps in 1884. He initially served as a Wing Officer with the 5th Madras Native Infantry and was attached to the 12th Madras Native Infantry for the expedition against King Thebaw in Upper Burma, 1885-87, before transferring to the 12th Madras Native Infantry on 1 June 1890. Coup and Treachery at Manipur In the autumn of 1890 the semi-independent state of Manipur, lying in the hill country between India and Burma, was governed by a Maharajah subject to the control of a British Resident. Dissatisfied with these arrangements, the Senapati, or Commander-in-Chief, led a palace coup, deposing the Maharajah and installing one of his own brothers on the throne. Although considerable freedom was granted to the native states in the management of their own affairs, this rebellious act called for the involvement of the Governor-General of India who at once instructed the Chief Commissioner of Assam, James Wallace Quinton, to go to Manipur with a body of troops and settle the matter on the merits of the case. Mr Quinton arrived at the Residency in Manipur accompanied by 400 Gurkhas under the command of Colonel Skene on 22 March 1891 and, having decided on the arrest and banishment of the Senapati, invited him to a meeting at the Residency for the purposes of executing his capture. Suspecting the trap, however, the native chief declined to attend on account of ill-health and Quinton then, unwisely given the circumstances, resolved to seize him in his palace. Upon attacking and entering the palace on 24 March, it was discovered that the Senapati had fled and fighting ensued, continuing all day. The British forces finally withdrew, retiring on the Residency which they held under a heavy fire for several hours. With ammunition running critically low, Quinton decided to pursue a truce with the Senapati and so together with Frank Grimwood – the Resident, Colonel Skene and several officers he agreed to go to the palace unarmed for the purposes of negotiating a settlement. What exactly occurred at the palace is not known but the talks failed and the British party were later murdered, with Grimwood reportedly being speared to death. The remaining British officers and the Resident’s wife Mrs Ethel Grimwood effecting an escape from the Residency in the dead of night, eventually reached the safety of a British outpost several miles away. Grant’s Relief Column – Assault on Thobal As news of the disaster in Manipur reached the British, Lieutenant C. J. W. Grant, 2nd Burma Infantry, commanding the detachment at Tammu, some 60 miles to the south-east of Manipur, immediately volunteered to rescue the supposed prisoners, and having received permission to advance, left early on 28 March with thirty men of the 43rd Gurkha Rifles and fifty men of the 12th Madras Infantry. The little column, with no artillery, three elephants and a few ponies had only advanced 7 miles before they were under fire. This was to prove sporadic but continual throughout the rest of the day culminating in the discovery of a road block made out of felled trees and twisted wire ropes, ‘Taking twenty men, he [Grant] passed beyond the obstacles, which the Gurkhas with kookris began to clear away. The Manipuris were on the hill above... The twenty men on their way up the hillside fired 40 or 50 shots, and then rushed the position from the flank. It proved to be a shelter trench 90 yards long and was held by 150 men. These, in their flight, left some guns and accoutrements behind them.’ (Manipur, a narrative, refers). At length, after a toilsome march of two days, Grant’s men reached Palel which the enemy had garrisoned with large numbers and ...
Lot 360
Military General Service 1793-1814, 1 clasp, Talavera (Hugh Cumming, Lieut. 3rd Dgn. Gds.) contained in named card box of issue, this a little squashed and reinforced with sellotape, small edge bruise, otherwise very fine £1,400-£1,800 --- Provenance: Hayward, March 1977. Nine medals issued to the regiment with this single clasp, including three officers. Hugh Cumming was commissioned Cornet in the 3rd Dragoon Guards on 30 July 1807, and promoted to Lieutenant on 2 November 1809. He served in the Peninsula from April 1809 until November 1810, including the battle of Talavera on 27/28 July 1809. He resigned his commission in December 1810. The 3rd Dragoon Guards landed at Lisbon on 26th/27th April 1809 as part of Fane’s cavalry brigade. On 4 May they marched north to join Wellington’s army and took part at the battle of Talavera on 27th/28th July. On the 28th the 3rd Dragoon Guards and 4th Light Dragoons, having moved into the plain to the left, advanced to charge a column of the enemy’s infantry, but the attack was countermanded, and the two regiments, after supporting the charge of Major-General Anson’s brigade, were ordered to resume their former position.
Lot 45
A post-War O.B.E., Great War ‘Battle of Langemarke’ M.C. group of nine awarded to Brigadier J. N. Ritchie, Royal Field Artillery, who was taken Prisoner of War at Fleurbaix in 1918 The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Civil) Officer’s 2nd type breast badge, silver-gilt; Military Cross, G.V.R., the reverse privately engraved ‘Langemarke Nov. 1917, J.N.R.’; British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Maj. J. N. Ritchie.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Coronation 1937, unnamed as issued; Coronation 1953, unnamed as issued; Efficiency Decoration, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial, reverse officially dated 1942, with integral top riband bar, mounted for wear; together with the related miniature awards, very fine and better (9) £1,000-£1,400 --- O.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1968: Brigadier James Norman Ritchie, M.C., T.D., D.L., Honorary Director, Shropshire and West Midland Agricultural Society M.C. London Gazette 17 December 1917: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in getting his guns into position under very great difficulties. Later, succeeded under heavy shell fire in taking ammunition up to the guns by pack transport at a time when other transport had failed to get through.’ James Norman Ritchie was born at Liverpool on 7 July 1896 and was educated at Loretto School, Edinburgh, and the South Eastern Agricultural College. Commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery (Territorial Force) on 4 February 1915, he was posted to the 4th West Lancashire Brigade Ammunition Column, R.F.A., and was promoted Lieutenant on 1 June 1916. Awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry at Langemarke, he was advanced Acting Major on 15 November 1917, and commanded “C” Battery, 286th Brigade, R.F.A. in 1918. He was recorded as missing in action on 9 April 1918, and subsequently found to have been taken prisoner of war at Fleurbaix. Held at Stralsund (Dalholm) P.O.W. camp, he was released on 17 December 1918. For his services during the Great War he was Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 7 November 1917). Post-War Ritchie joined the 240th (Shropshire R.H.A.) Medium Battery R.A. (T.A), becoming their Commanding Officer in 1929. He transferred to the 60th Medium Battery in 1933, and was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel in 1937. He served during the Second World War with the 6th A.A. Training Group as Commander 1941, and was advanced Brigadier in 1942, being awarded the Efficiency Decoration that same year (London Gazette 2 October 1942). He retired on 12 December 1945. In later life Ritchie was a Deputy Lieutenant of Shropshire, as well as serving as Chairman of the Shropshire Territorial Army, and was High Sheriff. A well-known breeder of sheep and Hereford cattle, he served as Director of the Shropshire and West Midland Agricultural Society, ands was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 1968 New Years’ Honour’s List, being invested with his insignia at Buckingham Palace on 12 March 1978. He died in April 1970. Sold with copied research.
Lot 592
Nelson Testimonial Medal 1844, by E. Avern, 60mm, pewter, the obverse featuring a bust of Nelson facing left, enclosed by a garter, ‘England Expects Every Man Will do His Duty’; the reverse featuring a view of the Column in Trafalgar Square, with the National Gallery and the Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields in the background, ‘To Commemorate the Opening of the Nelson Testimonial in Trafalgar Squ.’, the exergue dated ‘21 October 1844’, pierced for ring suspension as usual (Ref: Hardy 97, M.H. 531) numerous shallow edge cuts on obverse, otherwise very fine or better, the high relief portrait particularly clear, a pleasing example overall and extremely rare £400-£500 --- These Testimonial Medals were presented to 357 Greenwich Pensioners who had served at all four of Nelson’s major actions - St. Vincent (39), Nile (35), Copenhagen (45), and Trafalgar (238) - along with a gratuity of ten shillings in a ceremony at Greenwich Hospital on 2 April 1845. The cost of the medals was provided by the Testimonial Committee of the Parishioners of St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields who had originally intended to use the funds for a special ceremony on the completion of the Column (at the time known as ‘Nelson’s Testimonial’ on 1-2 November 1843, at which a number of the pensioners were to be present. This had to be cancelled due to inclement weather and then a second public ceremony, to be held on the Queen’s birthday, 24 May 1844, was also cancelled due to the entreaties of local tradesmen. Captain Douglas-Morris knew of only one Testimonial Medal paired with a Naval General Service, and of fewer than ten single examples. For further information, see his Naval Medals 1793-1856, pp. 49-53, from where it is clear that very few of these medals - despite the number apparently presented - seem to have survived.
Lot 115
A pair of 19th Century mahogany and mirrored domed wall brackets of small proportions with column decoration, 11 cm wide x 21 cm high, together with a 19th Century rosewood clock bracket on scrollwork decorated support, plated cased pocket watch on stand under glass dome, mantel clock in painted case with pocket watch movement and a stoneware match striker, formerly with possibly silver embellishment (now missing)
Lot 487
A Victorian walnut and parquetry games top trumpet-shaped work table, the rising top opening to reveal a fitted paper-lined interior, raised on an octagonal faceted and foliate carved column to cabriole tripod base and scroll feet, 46 cm diameter x 70 cm highCondition ReportSeveral areas of the parquetry are missing and other areas have been restored. There are a couple of burn marks. Wood is faded and discoloured. The interior lining is shot and worn in places and some other sections are loose. One area of moulding is being held on by selotape. There are knocks and bumps throughout. Some splits to the trumpet base. Signs of old worm to the wood to the exterior of the trumpet as well as woodworm in various places on the base. Knocks, bumps, etc all conducive with age and use. In need of a good clean. See images for more details.
Lot 498
A pair of late Regency rosewood occasional tables in the manner of Trotter of Edinburgh, the circular dished tops with reeded edge on scroll tri-form pedestal base with central baluster turned and beaded column to the platform support, raised on foliate carved scroll feet, 45 cm diameter x approx 56.5 cm high
Lot 577
A Victorian oak extending dining table of square form, 104 cm x 104 cm x 75 cm high, an early to mid 20th Century oak bureau bookcase in the Jacobean style, 76 cm wide x 41 cm deep x 197 cm high, together with a Victorian oak dining chair, stained beech bedroom chair, oak magazine rack, oak stick stand, oak occasional table with parquetry work top, carved oak oval drop-leaf table on barley-twist supports, two towel rails, folding table, stained beech elbow chair, oak oval gate-leg drop-leaf dining table on barley-twist supports and a brass mounted oak fire kerb, a Victorian pitch pine hanging corner cupboard with single fielded panelled door, 70 cm wide x 92 cm high, a Victorian mahogany pedestal plant stand on reeded column and foliate carved base, 30.5 cm x 30.5 cm x 126 cm high and an early 20th Century oak free-standing corner cupboard with one small and one larger panelled doors, 69 cm wide x 207 cm high
Lot 639
A Victorian rosewood occasional table, the circular top on a tripod twin platform base to splayed legs and scroll feet, 51 cm diameter x 72 cm high, together with a Regency mahogany occasional table (one of a nest), 47.3 cm wide x 28.2 cm deep x 71.2 cm high and a Continental mahogany occasional table, the circular grey veined white marble top with brass gallery edge, decorated with love heart motifs, raised on a turned and fluted column to fluted cabriole tripod base, 35 cm diameter x 74 cm high and a dressing stool
Lot 695
A Victorian pedestal plant stand with foliate carved column, 35 cm x 35 cm x 77.5 cm high, together with a painted composition pedestal with vine and fruit decoration, 30 cm wide x 101 cm high, an oak and brass decorated Corinthian column style pedestal, 28.5 cm wide x 107.5 cm high and a blue and white china pedestal, 62 cm high
Lot 25
A cased set of six George V silver teaspoons by Josiah Williams & Co, London 1923, with stylized Corinthian column handles, each 10.7cm long, together with a cased set of Edwardian teaspoons and sugar tongs by William Devenport, Birmingham 1905, teaspoons 11cm long, and a further cased set of George V silver spoons and sugar tongs by John Round & Son Ltd, Sheffield 1924, teaspoons 11.2cm long, gross weight of group 8.16ozt (20)
Lot 372
An Art Deco style brass floor standing uplighter, late 20th century, the yellow moulded bowl set to a floral collar raised on a central reeded column with three rod supports, on spreading foot with six acanthus leaf roundels, 172.5cm high Lighting lots are sold as decorative items only, prospective buyers must consult with a qualified electrician before use or installation of these items.
Lot 373
A Louis XVI style gilt metal chandelier, mid 20th century, the central column cast as a wicker effect basket with acanthus leaves, extending to four short and eight long curvilinear arms, 47cm high Condition report: 96cm diameter, chain intact, some minor blemishes and tarnishing to gilt, very minor rubbing to painted leaves. Lighting lots are sold as decorative items only, prospective buyers must consult with a qualified electrician before use or installation of these items.
Lot 375
A pair of decoupage effect table lamps, probably Vaughan of Chelsea, of baluster form with turned gilt wood foot and cap, each 55cm high including fitting, with a brass standard lamp, early 20th century, the fluted column with Corinthian capital, set to a stepped square pedestal base with paw feet, with conforming pleated shade, 141cm high overall (3)Lighting lots are sold as decorative items only, prospective buyers must consult with a qualified electrician before use or installation of these items.
Lot 376
An Italian gilt metal floral, fauna and wheatsheaf five branch chandelier, mid 20th century, in the manner of Hans Kogl, modelled with a leafy central column extending to five curvilinear branches, 44cm high, along with a pair of conforming two branch wall light fittings, 36cm highLighting lots are sold as decorative items only, prospective buyers must consult with a qualified electrician before use or installation of these items.
Lot 378
An Italian gilt metal standard lamp, mid 20th century, stamped 'F.B.A.L Italy' to underside of base, the urn shaped finial above four cast scrolling foliate arms, upon a reeded architectural column and relief cast octagonal plinth base, 171cm highLighting lots are sold as decorative items only, prospective buyers must consult with a qualified electrician before use or installation of these items.
Lot 640
A George III mahogany pedestal quartet music stand, in the manner of Gillows, the rectangular adjustable book rest over three further sliding book rests to each side, raised upon a reeded tapering column extending to four down swept supports inlaid with ebony stringing, 97cm high to 130cm high with book rest up Provenance: The Estate of Lord Kenyon, Gredington.Condition report Minor splits to top above hinge fittings, with a 6cm chip to the edge, hinges appear to have been replaced/repaired, underside hinge block is detached. The detachable book support rail looks to be associated, some loss of ebony banding to all corners, full width split to board under hinged cover, minor rubbing wear to all slides, minor scuffs and knocks to down swept supports commensurate with age and use, metal bracket fitted to underside of supports.Reeded column typical of Gillows furniture.See further images
Lot 664
A mid 19th century golden oak library drum table, the moulded circular top with an inset skiver, above four opposing frieze drawers, supported on an octagonal tapering column anchored at the circular plinth base with a carved scroll collar, raised upon four out swept scrolled feet, 75cm H x 121cm D, one drawer at fault
Lot 10
A late 18th century mahogany table clockJoshua Sarjent, Jermyn Street, St James'sThe bell topped case with handle and four cone finials over arched fish scale side frets and set to the front corners with cast brass uprights, on a moulded plinth and ogee bracket feet, the 7.75 inch arched brass dial with strike/silent subsidiary over a silvered Arabic dial with quarter hours and minute track framing the subsidiary date dial, with matching hands, the twin chain fusee movement with knopped pillars, anchor escapement to a pendulum with engraved bob and rack striking on a bell, the backplate centred by an engraved bird on a column over foliate scrolls within a formal border. With a winding key, ticking, striking and repeating the hours. 56cms (22ins) highFootnotes:Joshua Sargent, active from 106 Jermyn Street from 1794 to 1818.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Lot 60
OIL LAMP. A Victorian oil lamp with cut, clear glass fount, brass Corinthian column & etched cranberry glass shade. Height 77cm. Please note that all items in this auction are previously owned & are offered on behalf of private vendors. If detail on condition is required on any lot(s) PLEASE ASK FOR A CONDITION REPORT BEFORE BIDDING. The absence of a condition report does not imply the lot is perfect.WE CANNOT SHIP THIS LOT due to fragility, size or weight. Our recommended carrier is MBE Plymouth on +44 (0) 1752 257224 or info@mbeplymouth.co.uk
Lot 28
CANDLE HOLDERS ETC. A cast brass candle holder, the column with ecclesiastical detail. Height 18cm. Also, a cast brass candelabra, a cast brass fox/beehive hearth ornament & a tazza. Please note that all items in this auction are previously owned & are offered on behalf of private vendors. If detail on condition is required on any lot(s) PLEASE ASK FOR A CONDITION REPORT BEFORE BIDDING. The absence of a condition report does not imply the lot is perfect.WE CAN SHIP THIS LOT, but NOT if part of a large, multiple lots purchase.
Lot 1009
19th century rosewood bracket clock having pointed arched top and pointed square section finials, with brass inlay, steel dial inscribed ‘Jas McCabe, Royal Exchange, London’ with brass inset panel below the dial, flanked by pair quadruple cluster column fore-pillars, brass ring handles and grilles to the sides, on dentil carved plinth and gadrooned bun feet, 49cm high Condition ReportPlease attached image of pendulum. Appears working, hands move when wound. Unable to state whether in full working order though.
Lot 1399
Late 19th/early 20th century large mahogany desk with leather inset top rectangular with rounded corners, moulded edge, two drawers, column end pedestal supports, 182cm x 75cm x 90cm deepCondition ReportNumerous surface scratches, marks and accretions. Scuffs and knocks to the wood, right drawer handle missing, wear, fading and discolouration to the leather, also a split to the leather and some small areas of loss. See photos.
Lot 60
19th century Sevres porcelain presentation tazza or ‘Coupe Cybele’ for the Paris Exposition 1878, awarded to a Prize Bull, circular with everted rim, the centre with pate-sur-pate portrait of Cybele, decorated with scrolling foliage and wheatears on yellow ground, cream, gilt and royal blue scroll and motif in a border, the exterior border decorated with circular roundels and gilt motifs, fruit, floral and wheatear garland to bleu celeste ground, with panel inscribed ‘Exposition Universelle Paris ’78, on urn-shaped column with scroll supports, laurel leaf garland, all in royal blue and gilt, stepped circular base with four yellow shaped medallions, inscribed ‘Sevres, 1878, Paris Exposition’, 37cm diameter x 26.5cm high Condition ReportSome light surface marks, minor wear to areas of gilt, two small chips to base. No signs of repair or restoration under UV light. General wear and tear, see photos
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