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Lot 399
Edward Bilbie of Chew Stoke 18th century long case clock, the brass 12 inch dial with subsidiary seconds dial below 12, inscribed with the maker's name, Roman hour numerals to the chapter ring, Arabic minute numbers outside, date window above six, mask and scrollwork spandrels, behind which a two train eight day movement striking on a bell, all contained within an oak case, the pediment to the hood bearing three brass globe and spike finials, the lockable door (key present) with inlaid compass rose. Brass bob pendulum, winder and lead weights present. Overall height 220cm, width 48cm.
Lot 648
Vintage Action Man Palitoy Deep Sea Diver with Killer Shark, Catalogue No. 34504, circa 1972, contents: now with killer shark, white fabric suit, diving helmet, weighted boots and belt, gloves, hammer, buoy, compass, knife and scabbard, rope, oxygen pump, and hose, mint on sealed card, some of the contents have moved, card is in very good to excellent original condition, some age wear, tear to bottom right hand corner.
Lot 28
Follower of Jusepe de Ribera, Spanish 1591-1652- Portrait of a philosopher, half length, leaning against a ledge and holding books; oil on canvas, bears initial 'R' (lower right), 117.5 x 100.5 cm. (unframed). Note: The present work is heavily inspired by the atmospheric figure studies which make up much of Ribera's output, characterised by their dramatic, Caravaggesque chiaroscuro. Although we do not know the identity of the present sitter, the books which he holds and the compass visible to the right of the composition suggest that he may be an anonymous 'philosopher', much like those which Ribera depicted on multiple occasions, as in his portraits of Diogenes and Thales which both sold at Hampel, Munich, on 30 June 2022, as lots 269 and 298 respectively.
Lot 415
SOUL 7" PACK (INC TEST PRESSINGS). A wonderful pack of 17 soul 7" singles, including some test pressings. Artists/ titles include Keith - Daylight Saving Time (MF 989, record Ex+), Joe Groundhog Richardson - Take It Off (x2) inc (MM 632, VG+), Joe E Young - Lifetime Of Lovin (TT 514, VG+), Mickey Lee Lane - Shaggy Dog, Nu-Sound Express Ltd - Ain't It Good Enough, Jonathon Round - Train-A-Comin, The Friendly People - Mr Moonlight (x2), Compass - Her Sadness Primer, Jonah Thompson - I Must Be Strong, Bobby Adams - We Ain't Nothing But A Business, Roy Young (EMI 5185, test press), Reg Mundy (EMI 5179, test press), Earl Klugh inc (UP642, test press), (UP647, test press) and Cecil Parker (EMI 5139, test press). Condition is generally VG+ to Ex+.
Lot 466
Family Group: British War Medal 1914-20 (2. Lieut. J. E. Griffiths) contained in an unrelated velvet lined leatherette case; together with silver plated photograph frame with studio portrait of Second Lieutenant Jack Griffiths, in uniform, frame with applied silver plated Gloucestershire Regiment cap badge (frame size 110mm x 204mm); together with a matching silver plated photograph frame, with studio portrait in uniform, of his brother Second Lieutenant William George Griffiths, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, with applied silver plated Royal Welsh Fusiliers cap badge, some polishing loss to silver plating on photo frames, otherwise good very fine (lot) £100-£140 --- John ‘Jack’ Enos Griffiths was born in 1893, the second son of John Griffiths, a ship owner and coal exporter who lived at Gnoll Park Road, Neath. Educated at Taunton School along with his younger brother William, he was a talented sportsman and captained the school cricket XI in both 1912 and 1913. After returning to Neath to join the family business he played rugby for the Y.M.C.A. and represented Neath R.F.C. at full back at least once in the 1913-14 season. He also turned out regularly for the Neath Cricket Club. He attested for service on the same day as his younger brother in December 1915, and after training in the Inns of Court O.T.C., in November 1917 he was commissioned into the Gloucestershire Regiment. Posted o the 2/5th Battalion, on 23 April 1918 his battalion launched a successful attack on a position called Bacquerolles Farm. The German retaliatory bombardment caused a number of casualties and Jack was one of four officers killed. He is buried in the St Venant Robecq Road British Cemetery, France. Sold with a silver mounted presentation cricket ball, silver band (no hallmarks) engraved: ‘Taunton School 1910. Average Ball won by Jack Griffiths who also won the average Bat’; and an original photographic image of Jack at Taunton School. William George Griffiths was born in 1896, the youngest of three sons to John Griffiths. Along with his older brother ‘Jack’ he was educated at Taunton School where, like his older brother, he excelled at sport. He spent a year in the school’s Officer Training Corps and after leaving studied mining engineering, with the intention of following his father into the coal exporting trade. He attested for military service alongside his brother in December 1915 and after a brief period in the Reserve and the Inns of Court O.T.C., was accepted for a temporary commission in the army. In July 1917 he landed at Alexandria to join 5th Battalion the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, in the 53rd Welsh Division, Egyptian Expeditionary Force. On 9 March 1918 his battalion was ordered to capture a position on Cairn Hill, adjacent to Tell ‘Asur. William was the only officer of 5th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers to be killed in the assault. He is buried in the Jerusalem War Cemetery. Both brothers are commemorated on the Taunton School War Memorial and the Neath Town War Memorial. Sold with a Great War period British Officer’s Marching Compass by Sinclair, London (lacking leather case) but contained in retailers box of Sir John Bennett, 65 Cheapside; vintage ‘sports kit’ comprised of white sports shorts and ‘Sportsman’ brand cricket jumper, with dark and pale blue banding, retailed by A. Calder of Cardiff, with sewn in name label ‘Griffiths’.
Lot 277
19th Century French Surveyors Compass,French, C.1860, unsigned, French polished wooden frame supporting large brass compass, telescope on arm with spirit level, ball & socket mount to tripod head with polished wooden tripod. compass diameter 16.5cmBUYER BEWARE: WE CANNOT SHIP THIS LOT. COLLECTION OR OWN COURIER ONLY
Lot 290
An Addison - Luard Course & Wind Calculator,English, c.1920, engraved 'H. HUGHES & SON Ltd LONDON No.228' and above 'THE ADDISON-LAUD COURSE & WIND CALCULATOR, 7 - INCH AIR TYPE B, PAT. No, 253758 BRIT. PAT. 299138, U.S.A. PAT. 1723757' constructed of aluminium with 2 rotating arms, steel linkage, and engraved for WIND, WIND SPEED, AIR SPEED & COURSE, in original fitted pine case with original instructions and advertisement case 20cm wideThe Addison-Luard Course & Wind Calculator 7-Inch Air Type "B" – A Revolutionary Navigational AidAmong the many ingenious devices developed for navigational calculations in the early 20th century, the Addison-Luard Course & Wind Calculator 7-Inch Air Type "B" stands as a testament to British ingenuity. Patented in the 1920s and produced by the instrument makers H. Hughes & Son Ltd., London, this device provided a rapid and reliable method for determining the impact of wind on an aircraft’s trajectory. Housed in a pine box with a hinged lid and a clasp, the instrument comprises an aluminium disc with degree increments and compass directions, complemented by a mechanical assembly of rulers and a steel concertina linkage.During the interwar period, advances in aviation and maritime navigation necessitated the development of precise, efficient methods for calculating course adjustments due to external winds. The Addison-Luard Calculator was designed to perform these calculations mechanically, eliminating the need for laborious plotting on paper. This was particularly useful in aviation, where rapid and accurate computations were essential for maintaining course and ensuring safety.The device was engineered to solve velocity triangles—graphical representations of the relationships between an object’s motion, the influence of wind, and the resulting drift. By setting the known variables—such as an aircraft’s intended course and speed, and the wind’s speed and direction—the calculator mechanically determined the resultant ground speed and true heading, streamlining complex navigational equations.The Addison-Luard Calculator operates through a mechanical linkage system, integrating three key components:Primary Arm (Course and Speed): The user sets the intended direction of travel and the velocity of the aircraft or vessel using the first arm.Secondary Arm (Wind or Current Data): The second arm is adjusted to reflect the direction and speed of the wind.Resultant Arm (True Heading and Ground Speed): Through the linkage system, the third arm automatically adjusts to display the resultant trajectory and speed, allowing the operator to correct the course accordingly.Unlike traditional manual plotting methods, this mechanical system ensured rapid computation, reducing the risk of human error and improving navigational efficiency.The Addison-Luard Course & Wind Calculator found widespread use among aviators, submariners, and surface vessel navigators, particularly before the widespread adoption of electronic navigation aids. In aviation, pilots relied on it to compensate for crosswinds during flight planning and in real-time adjustments, ensuring accurate arrival at their destinations.
Lot 268
A 19th-Century Oxidised Brass Everest-Pattern Theodolite,English, c.1900, signed 'T Cooke & Sons, York' and with a military arrow and 'No.96 12F and to the top 'O.S. EVEREST 5" No.12F', the telescope with rack and pinion focusing, the eyepiece with crosshairs and adjusting screws, the two part vertical circles with silvered scales, twin verniers and magnifiers, horizontal circle with silver chamfered scale, with two verniers and swing magnifier, with bubble level, on three-screw tripod attachment with screw mounting, trough compass and plummet, in the original mahogany case
Lot 273
Unusual Artillery/Gun Director,English, dated 1916 telescopes engraved 'TELESCOPE SIGHTING No.12 MK.1 W OTTWAY & Co LtdEALING No.180 1915' with military arrow, the body signed on the compass dial 'E. R. WATTS LONDON' constructed of heavy cast brass mounted on theodolite tripod, instrument 36cm tallBUYER BEWARE: WE CANNOT SHIP THIS LOT. COLLECTION OR OWN COURIER ONLY
Lot 280
Swedish Dry Card Compass Yacht Binnacle, C. M Hammar,Swedish, c.1900, lamp house with silver plaque engraved 'C. M. Hammar, Goteborg', binnacle mounted on polished wooden base with brass support to compas housing with circular window at an angle allowing the dry card compass to be viewed, with oil lamp at rear with wick oil lamp, height 38cm
Lot 272
A Chinese Geomancers Compass,Chinese, 19th Century, constructed of a single piece of turned wood with magnetic compass in the centre, the surface covered in Chinese characters, 12cm diameterThe geomancer's compass, also known as a Luopan, is a tool used in Feng Shui to determine the precise directional bearing of a location. The compass is constructed with a central magnetic needle mounted on a finely marked wooden disk. The surface of the disk features multiple concentric rings filled with Chinese characters, each representing various geomantic formulas and celestial influences for making Feng Shui judgments.The outermost ring contains markings for the 24 directions (based on the traditional Chinese compass), while inner rings include trigrams from the I Ching, heavenly stems, earthly branches, and other symbols used in Taoist cosmology.
Lot 712
A 9ct gold decorative tapered fob chain, with ships wheel compass attachment both (af) salvaged from a house fire, chain is stamped 9ct to a soldered on tag and to the lobster claw clasp. Length 40cm, weight 40.8gms Condition Report:The chain is blackened and discoloured all over, but not intrinsically damaged, the compass has bits missing, the 'T' bar is not gold and has disintegrated, despite this the chain is really pretty and would be well worth restoring
Lot 184
A mid 20th century brass boot stick stand and a quantity of assorted sticks and umbrella, one reproduction walking cane with compass to handle (Games Room) PLEASE NOTE ITEMS ARE FROM A SOUTH DERBYSHIRE PROPERTY AND BEING SOLD IN SITU, COLLECTION IN PERSON FROM PROPERTY AND DETAILS TO BE ARRANGED VIA THE OFFICE
Lot 392
The poignant Great War campaign pair and U.S. Presidential Gold Watch for Lifesaving group awarded Captain A. G. Cromack, Mercantile Marine, for the rescue of the crew of the American schooner Maria O. Teel in January 1915; the very same watch that was recovered from his body in the North Sea after his command the S.S. Rio Colorado was mined and sunk in March 1917 British War and Mercantile Marine War Medals (Arthur G. Cromack), together with U.S. Presidential Gold Hunter Cased Watch for Saving Life at Sea, American Watch Co., Waltham Mass., No. 16177574, 14 carat, the front lid engraved with the Seal of the President of the United States of America, the inside back lid with presentation inscription ‘From the President of the United States [Woodrow Wilson] to Arthur G. Cromach (sic), Master of the British steamship Rio Colorado in recognition of his humane services in effecting the rescue at sea, on January 14, 1915, of the master and crew of the American schooner Maria O. Teel’, with 14 carat chain and attached fob compass in the form of a ship’s wheel, contained in its original Edwards & Zanner Co, Jewelers, Washington D.C., wooden presentation case, the medals a little polished but generally very fine, the watch apparently in good working order (3) £6,000-£8,000 --- Importation Duty This lot is subject to importation duty of 5% on the hammer price unless exported outside the UK --- --- Some 294 watches were presented in the period 1880-1939, in gold and in silver; an example of an 1863 watch (18 carat) sold at Sotheby’s in New York in June 1994 for $26,450 (estimate $10,000-15,000). Arthur Garbutt Cromack was born in Darwen, Lancashire on 25 January 1872 and first went to sea as an apprentice in February 1888, aged 16. He subsequently qualified for his 1st Mate’s certificate in February 1895. Of subsequent events in January 1915, when, as captain of the S.S. Rio Colorado, he effected the rescue of the crew of the American brig Maria O. Teel, official correspondence states: ‘In the extract giving particulars of 14 January 1915, you will note that the American schooner Maria O. Teel of Boston was sighted with distress signals, and that after the captain [Cromack] of the S.S. Rio Colorado had noticed the schooner, notwithstanding the tempestuous weather prevailing, he ordered the steamer to proceed as close as possible to the unfortunate American schooner, whereupon it was noticed that the schooner put up signals to the following effect: “Stand by” – “I am a complete wreck” - “Do not abandon me.” The captain of the steamer hailed the schooner and asked whether the crew desired to be taken off, and they replied that they did. Notwithstanding the exceptional high and tempestuous seas prevailing, the boat was lowered from the steamer, with the Second Officer and four seamen in it, and after considerable difficulty and danger, the entire crew, including the Master and nine men, were taken off the schooner. The sea was so high and tempestuous that it was impossible for the lifeboat to lay alongside the schooner, and the crew jumped overboard and was picked up by the various men in the lifeboat of the S.S. Rio Colorado. All this happened between 1.50 p.m. and 5.00 p.m. on 14 January 1915, at which latter time the crew of the schooner was placed safely on board the Rio Colorado and landed at her next port of call.’ According to one newspaper report, the Master of the American schooner was not the most welcome of guests, for he was ‘a very rough and ignorant man’ who had a tendency to ‘grow violent.’ Tragically, Cromack was killed on 22 March 1917, when the Rio Colorado struck a mine in the North Sea. A related newspaper report states: ‘The evidence showed that an explosion occurred which caused the vessel to sink. Eight lives were lost. The captain was last seen in the water wearing a lifebelt. When the body was found there was in the pockets a gold watch, presented by the President of the United States for having saved the crew of an American ship. A verdict was returned of “Found drowned in the North Sea, death being due to an explosion, probably caused by a mine.” ’ Aged 45, Cromack left a widow, Florence, of Prospect Street, Scarborough, in which town he was buried in the Manor Road Cemetery. Sold with the Great War pair and Defence Medal awarded to his son, Arthur G. Cromack of the King’s Royal Rifle Corps, together with a rolled gold hunter cased watch, inscribed ‘Arthur G. Cromack, from his Father, Always Play the Game’; and various original news clippings and copies of Department of State correspondence concerning the award of his ‘gold watch with chain and charm’.
Lot 464
The rare Arctic convoy PQ-17 B.E.M and Soviet Red Star group of five awarded to Chief Steward R. Quick, Merchant Navy, who survived the loss of the Empire Byron in PQ-17 in July 1942, and an inquisitive U-boat officer who suspected he was the ship’s Master British Empire Medal, (Civil), G.VI.R., 1st issue (Robert Quick); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal 1939 -45; U.S.S.R., Order of the Red Star, the reverse officially numbered, ‘70811’, mounted for display, extremely fine (5) £1,200-£1,600 --- Importation Duty This lot is subject to importation duty of 5% on the hammer price unless exported outside the UK --- --- Provenance: Spink, November 2000. Approximately 20 Soviet Red Stars were awarded to Allied personnel for the 1939-45 War, six of them to members of the Merchant Navy. B.E.M. London Gazette 1 January 1943. The original recommendation states: ‘Chief Officer Prance and Steward Robert Quick were shipmates in a vessel which made three voyages to Russia in the Empire Byron. On her last voyage she was subjected to constant air and sea attack. Despite his previous experiences on the North Russian route, Steward Quick re-engaged in this vessel for a further voyage and faced unflinchingly all dangers and hazards.’ Soviet Red Star London Gazette 17 November 1942: ‘In recognition of gallantry in the convoying of ships to northern ports of the Soviet Union.’ Robert Quick was born in St. Ives, Cornwall on 4 May 1881, and was thus aged 61 when he signed on for his voyage in the S.S. Empire Byron on the Arctic run. Unfortunately for him, it was in the ill-fated Arctic convoy PQ-17. Carrying 3,500 tons of military stores, the Empire Byron sailed with the convoy from Reykjavik on 27 June 1942 and, following receipt of the notorious signal for the convoy to ‘scatter’ on 4 July, altered course by 20 degrees to veer away from the main body. At 0827 hours on the 5th, Kapitänleutnant Bielfeld of the U-703 put a torpedo into the Empire Byron’s main engine room, causing a between decks explosion which trapped a dozen Gunners below. The crew abandoned the sinking ship and under the orders of Captain Wharton concentrated in two boats, one of which had an engine. The officers discarded uniform insignia indicating their rank as the Germans would be sure to seek out the ship’s Master and no doubt take him prisoner aboard the U-Boat. Among those compelled to discard such insignia was John Rimington, a Captain in the R.E.M.E., who was to have advised the Russians on their new Churchill tanks. He remained, however, resplendent in a pure white duffel coat. Meanwhile, Empire Byron’s boiler exploded, tearing a gaping hole in the hull. Water then cascaded in and the ship sank with the loss of 18 gunners and ratings. Bielfeld now gave orders for U-703 to surface and closed on the two lifeboats. According to David Irving’s The Destruction of Convoy P.Q. 17, ‘A tall blond officer,’ accompanied by a German seaman in ‘polished leggings toting a machine-gun,’ then descended on to the U-boat’s deck, and began berating the British seamen who were struggling with unfamiliar oars. As they neared the submarine, the German Officer asked, “Why are you Fighting? You aren’t Communists are you? So why do you risk your lives to take tanks to the Bolsheviks? Who is your Captain?” Nobody stirred or answered, and, as related in the same book, the blond ‘German’s eyes fell on the rather distinguished-looking Chief Steward [Quick], but he hastily said he was not the Captain; finally, the officer saw Captain Rimington, and told him to step on to the submarine’s deck; the army captain’s protests went unheeded, and he was taken down below. At the same time, the lifeboats were handed tins of biscuits and apple-juice, and a piece of sausage. “How far is the nearest land?” asked Captain Wharton. “About 250 miles,” answered the blond officer. A klaxon sounded within the submarine, and she submerged, taking the captured Briton with them.’ Thus, cast adrift, 61-year-old Quick subsequently endured the following ordeal, as detailed by Captain Wharton in his official report: ‘We rowed to the S.E. throughout the afternoon of the 6th until the men became exhausted and then at about 1900 hours we took the other lifeboat in tow and started the motor, steered S.E. and making about four knots. A little before 1900 we saw a submarine on the surface astern signalling to a single aircraft which was circling overhead, but neither of them took any notice of us. Our compass was of little use to us, but we had the sun throughout the 24 hours and were able to steer by it and make a good course. We sighted one German plane on the 7th and also a steamer which was on fire and abandoned, but sighted nothing further until 10th when we sighted the corvette Dianella steaming towards us. Her crow’s nest look-out had sighted our red sails, and we were picked up about 1320 on 10th in position 73.48 N. 41.21 E., having been in the boats for five and a half days, and covering 250 miles towards the land. We remained on board the Daniella and landed at Archangel on 16 July.’ Sold with three original Soviet Red Star membership booklets, one of them with a portrait photograph, the other two with annual coupons dated 1942-46 [for annuity?], together with damaged card box of issue for B.E.M.
Lot 466
‘The Army A.A. Gunners, under Bombardier Labern, and Naval Gunners, under Gunlayer Pilling, assisted by the ship’s crew, kept up a marvellous, continuous and accurate barrage in the face of unceasing and direct attack on numerous occasions. Their courageous keenness kept the men untiringly at their posts, and on many occasions near misses drenched them with water, which swamped their guns, but never their ardour. The above mentioned Bombardier and Gunlayer were outstanding and set a wonderful example to their crews.’ Captain W. D. Mason, G.C., in his official report, following the miraculous arrival of the tanker Ohio at Grand Harbour, Valetta. The important Second War Operation ‘Pedestal’ D.S.M. group of seven awarded to Acting Bombardier R. H. H. Labern, Royal Artillery, 4th Maritime A.A. Regiment (R.A.), who commanded a Bofors section aboard the tanker Ohio Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (6202472 R. H. H. Labern. A/Bmbdr. R.A.) impressed naming; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted as worn, nearly extremely fine (7) £8,000-£10,000 --- Importation Duty This lot is subject to importation duty of 5% on the hammer price unless exported outside the UK --- --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, February 2015. Just 51 D.S.M.s were awarded to Gunners of the Royal Artillery for services in Defensively Equipped Merchant Ships in the 1939-45 War. D.S.M. London Gazette 8 December 1942: ‘For bravery while serving in Defensively Equipped Merchant Ships on passage to Malta.’ The original recommendation, for an immediate D.C.M., states: ‘During the recent passage of a convoy to Malta, Bombardier Labern was Detachment Commander of a Bofors Gun on the M.V. Ohio. During a submarine attack a torpedo struck the vessel and caused a fire to break out on deck. Bombardier Labern organised the men under his command into a firefighting party and in the face of great danger succeeded in extinguishing the fire. The ship was dive-bombed and attacked by E-Boats on numerous occasions. Throughout this N.C.O. stood by his gun and showed great personal courage.’ Out of 161 D.E.M.S. Gunners employed in Operation ‘Pedestal’ 28 were killed in action. Reginald Henry Holswatt Labern was ultimately awarded the D.S.M., an award approved by the Vice-Admiral Malta, no doubt on the back of the above quoted statement made by Captain W. D. Mason, G.C. He received his decoration at an investiture held in February 1944. The importance of Operation ‘Pedestal’ needs no introduction here, Winston Churchill himself requesting regular updates as to the convoy’s progress, but for the record’s sake it is worth registering the bare facts: of the 14 merchantmen that set out, nine were sunk and three damaged, while the Senior Service’s input of 59 escorts, the largest such force ever assembled in defence of a convoy, sustained losses of an aircraft carrier, a cruiser and a destroyer, as well as having another half a dozen ships damaged. But of all the participating vessels, it was the tanker Ohio that captured the headlines, her survival and vital cargo of fuel allowing Malta to continue her grim defence. In the final 60 hours of her epic voyage, prior to her triumphant entry into Valetta on 15 August 1942, she received no less than seven direct hits and 20 near-misses. Her Master, of course, was awarded the George Cross, the citation for which honour makes specific mention of his ship’s gunners: ‘During the passage to Malta of an important convoy Captain Mason’s ship suffered most violent onslaught. She was a focus of attack throughout and was torpedoed early one night. Although gravely damaged, her engines were kept going and the Master made a magnificent passage by handsteering and without a compass. The ship’s gunners helped to bring down one of the attacking aircraft. The vessel was hit again before morning, but though she did not sink, her engine room was wrecked. She was then towed. The unwieldy condition of the vessel and persistent enemy attacks made progress slow, and it was uncertain whether she would remain afloat. All next day progress somehow continued and the ship reached Malta after a further night at sea. The violence of the enemy could not deter the Master from his purpose. Throughout he showed skill and courage of the highest order and it was due to his determination that, in spite of the most persistent enemy opposition, the vessel, with her valuable cargo, eventually reached Malta and was safely berthed’ (London Gazette 8 September 1942 refers). The Ohio, an oil tanker built for the Texas Oil Company in 1940, first arrived in U.K. waters in June 1942, soon after which she was turned over to a British crew under the auspices of the British Eagle Oil and Shipping Company, for she was already earmarked for the Malta-run. Her new Master was Dudley Mason, in command of 77 men, no less than 24 of them R.N. and Army Gunners to man the tanker’s newly installed 5-inch A. A. gun aft and a 3-inch A.A. gun in the bows, in addition to an array of Oerlikon guns. Captain Mason having attended a special conference, Ohio departed the Clyde with her fellow ‘Pedestal’ merchantmen and a naval escort on 2 August 1942, the tanker laden with 11,500 tons of kerosene and diesel fuel oils. Gibraltar was reached without incident on the 10th, but thereafter, the convoy entered the “killing zone”, an early casualty being the aircraft carrier Eagle, torpedoed on the 11th with a loss of 260 officers and men. From now on the merchantmen, and Ohio in particular, were subjected to relentless attack, from U-Boats and Italian submarines, the Luftwaffe and Regio Aeronautica, and from Axis surface vessels. On 12 August a combined enemy force of 100 aircraft struck at the merchantmen, the likes of Labern and his fellow D.E.M.S. Gunners undoubtedly being kept busy, but Ohio ultimately fell victim to the Italian submarine Axum, which delivered an accurate torpedo attack amidst the chaos and carnage of the ongoing air strike. Ohio was hit amidships, a huge column of flame leaping high-up above mast level. The resultant damage included a hole in her port side, measuring 24 by 27 feet, a gaping hole in her buckled deck, and the loss of steering gear and compass. No less concerning was the kerosene seeping through the damaged tanks. Here, then, as cited, the moment Labern and his men fought the blaze, while Mason and his crew rigged up emergency steering gear from aft, the tanker even reaching 13 knots, fortuitous progress given pending events. Nearing Pantelleria, Ohio was marked out for the special attention of 60 Stukas, bombs and machine-gun fire raking her decks, the 3-inch A.A. gun in the bows being put out of action but Labern and the D.E.M.S. Gunners breaking up some of the approaching formations and downing at least one enemy aircraft, the wreckage of which crashed into Ohio’s starboard side, half of one wing smashing into the upper work of the bridge. But the enemy aircraft kept on coming, two sticks of bombs straddling the tanker and lifting her clean out of the water and others stopping her engines on two occasions, the resultant periods of “restarting” leaving her a sitting duck. In fact, at one stage, most of the crew were taken off by H.M.S. Penn, only to be returned the following day when it was decided to take the stricken tanker in tow. Yet again, however, the Ohio was hit, a bomb falling near the original damage caused her by the Axum’s torpedo strike and reducing her to 4 or 5 knots; a preliminary damage report revealed that she had almost certai...
Lot 408
‘As an authority on gun matters, he is unrivalled – the greatest authority on Fire Control questions in the British Navy.’ So concluded Admiral Sir John Jellicoe, in assessing the capabilities of Frederic Dreyer, his Flag Captain at Jutland, in a report dated 4 October 1916. The important G.B.E., K.C.B. group of fourteen awarded to Admiral Sir Frederic Dreyer, Royal Navy, Flag Captain to Admiral Sir John Jellicoe in the Iron Duke at Jutland; a noted expert in naval gunnery, Dreyer’s fire-control system was adopted by the Admiralty in the lead up to the Great War, a timely development that undoubtedly contributed to the award of the C.B. (Military) for the battle of Jutland and to Iron Duke’s unrivalled reputation for speed and accuracy The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, G.B.E. (Military) Knight Grand Cross, 2nd type, set of insignia, comprising sash badge, silver-gilt, and enamels, and breast star, silver and enamels, with full dress sash, in Garrard, London case of issue; The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, K.C.B. (Military) Knight Commander’s, set of insignia by Garrard, London, comprising neck badge, silver-gilt, gold and enamels, minor damage to blue enamel on reverse, and breast star, silver, gold and enamels, in Garrard, London case of issue; The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, C.B. (Civil) Companion’s, breast badge, converted for neck wear; 1914-15 Star (Capt. F. C. Dreyer, R.N.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Capt. F. C. Dreyer. R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45; Coronation 1911; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937; France, 3rd Republic, Legion of Honour, Officer's breast badge, gold and enamels, hairline cracks to white enamel; United States of America, Distinguished Service Medal (Navy), the medals and foreign awards mounted court-style as worn, unless otherwise described, nearly extremely fine (16) £5,000-£7,000 --- Importation Duty This lot is subject to importation duty of 5% on the hammer price unless exported outside the UK --- --- Provenance: Spink, April 2004 G.B.E. London Gazette Coronation Honours List May 1937. K.C.B. London Gazette 3 June 1932. C.B. (Civil) London Gazette 22 June 1914. C.B. (Military) London Gazette 15 September 1916: ‘Commanded and handled the Fleet Flagship most ably during the action. The rapidity with which hitting was established on ships of the enemy’s fleet was the result of long and careful organisation and training of personnel.’ French Legion of Honour, Officer London Gazette 12 December 1918. [Japanese Order of the Rising Sun, 3rd Class London Gazette 8 March 1920] [Russian Order of St. Anne, 2nd Class London Gazette 1 October 1917] U.S.A. Distinguished Service Medal (Navy) London Gazette 16 September 1919. Frederic Charles Dreyer was born on 8 January 1878, the son of a Danish astrologer who was granted British citizenship in March 1885. He entered the Royal Navy as a Cadet in Britannia in July 1891 and was appointed a Midshipman in July 1893. Having then gained advancement to Lieutenant in July 1898, he took a First with Honours in an advanced course for Gunnery and Torpedo Lieutenants and served in that capacity in battleship H.M.S. Exmouth in 1904-07. It was in this period that he commenced his pioneering research into fire control, work which resulted in him joining the revolutionary Dreadnought for an ‘experimental cruise’ in 1907. Of special interest to Dreyer was the fact that she was the first battleship to have a uniform main battery, rather than a few large guns complemented by a secondary armament of smaller guns. The result of his work - Dreyer’s Fire Control Table - was indicative of his approach to gunnery, namely plotting ranges and bearings versus time, using a range clock and other accessories to help relay data, and to develop a continuous hypothesis of range and deflection to send to guns’ crews. Their Lordships of the Admiralty were duly impressed, and he was advanced to Commander and appointed Assistant to the Director of Naval Ordnance. Dreyer’s talents also caught the eye of another noted gunnery expert, Vice-Admiral Sir John Jellicoe, under whom he served as Flag Commander in the Prince of Wales in 1910-12. A spell on the War Staff having then ensued, he was advanced to Captain in June 1913 and awarded the C.B. (Civil) in June 1914. By the outbreak of hostilities, Dreyer was serving as Flag Captain to Jellicoe in the Orion, following which he accompanied the Admiral to his new command, the Iron Duke. Given his senior role in the battle, Dreyer’s name looms large in numerous histories. Few of them fail to pay tribute to his skilful command and the fact that Iron Duke’s gunnery record for speed and accuracy was unrivalled, a record assisted by executing the classic ‘crossing the T’ manoeuvre. It was indeed to Dreyer that Jellicoe turned as the opposing sides closed each other in the early evening of 31 May 1916, requesting his Flag Captain’s opinion as to the most favourable direction in which to engage the enemy fleet, then heading north in pursuit of Admiral Beatty’s squadron. In Dreyer’s own words, ‘I reported to him that the most favourable direction was to the southward, and would [then] draw westwards as the sun sank.’ As evidenced by Iron Duke’s subsequent actions, he was bang on the mark, for at 1830 hours she had a clear view of the Koenig lit up against the sinking sun: in less than five minutes, Iron Duke fired nine salvoes, hitting the Koenig seven times. She also took out the German destroyer S-35. Arguably the most momentous moment aboard Iron Duke was awaiting news of the enemy’s precise position, a period of deep concern for Jellicoe and Dreyer. When Beatty finally imparted that information, Jellicoe reacted swiftly, a moment captured by Dreyer, who was standing by the compasses on the manoeuvring platform: ‘I then heard at one the sharp, distinctive step of the Commander-in-Chief approaching - he had steel strips on his heels. He stepped quickly onto the platform round the compasses and looked in silence at the magnetic compass card for 20 seconds. I watched his keen, brown, weather-beaten face with tremendous interest, wondering what he would do. With iron nerve he had pressed on through the mist with his 24 huge ships, each weighing 25,000 tons or more, until the last possible moment, so as to get into effective range and make the best tactical manoeuvre after obtaining the news of the position of the enemy Battle Fleet, which was his objective. I realised as I watched him that he was as cool and unmoved as ever. Then he looked up and broke the silence with the order in his clear, crisp-cut voice to Commander A. R. W. Woods, the Fleet Signal Officer, who was standing a little abaft me, “Hoist equal-speed pendant, south-east.” Woods said, “Would you make it a point to port, Sir, so that they know it is on the port-wing column?” This was a small matter and not actually necessary in view of Jellicoe’s habit of commencing the deployment in the Iron Duke while the signal was being answered. Jellicoe replied at once, “Very well. Hoist equal-speed pendant south-east by east.” ’ Of such moments, history is made. Jellicoe would later pay tribute to Dreyer in The Grand Fleet 1914-1916: ‘The mist rendered range taking a difficult matter, but the fire of the Squadron was effective. Iron Duke, having previously fired at a light cruiser between the lines, opened fire at 6.30 p.m. on a battleship of the Konig class at a range of 12,000 yards...
Lot 27
A Sèvres porcelain bleu-céleste-ground cup and two Vincennes bleu-céleste-ground saucers, the cup 1756, the saucers 1755, blue interlaced L cypher marks with date letters C and B, incised marks, the cup with painter’s compass mark for Mutel, one saucer with painter’s mark for F. Binet, the other with mark for D. Levé, the cup reserved with a panel painted with two birds in flight within a gilt floral cartouche, 4.4cm high; each pentafoil saucer reserved with pentafoil panels edged with gilt floral garlands, further flowers trailing from the intersections, gilt dentil rims, 14.2cm and 13.5cm wide (3) Provenance: Property of the late Hugo Morley-Fletcher MA FSA (1940-2022).Note: The painter’s mark on the cup is presumably for Mutel, a painter of birds, landscapes and edgings at Sèvres from 1754 to 1759 and then between 1765 and 1767 and ultimately between 1771 and 1774. François Binet was a flower painter at Sèvres from 1750 to 1775, and Denis Levé was a painter of flowers, patterns and birds at Sèvres from 1754 to 1793, and from 1795 to 1805.Condition Report: The cup appears to be in very good condition. Overall, the smaller saucer is also in good condition, but there is some very minute wear to part of the dentil edging of the central gilt border (this is very minor) and some slight wear to the gilt branches at the tips of the bleu-céleste ground (this is also minor). The larger saucer has some areas of wear to the gilt rim, the gilt foliate edging to the ground and the gilt dentil edge of the central well.
Lot 628
**Collection of Alcoholic Beverages: Whisky, Bourbon, Wine, Champagne, & Sherry**This collection consists of nine bottles of alcoholic beverages, each showcasing unique branding and origins, with a focus on whisky, bourbon, red wine, champagne, and sherry. Below are the key details of each bottle:1. **Canadian Legend Canadian Whisky** - **Details**: A 70 cl bottle of Canadian whisky featuring a maritime-themed label with a compass graphic. - **Alcohol Content**: 40% ABV. - **Origin**: Produced by Corbyville Distilleries Limited, Toronto, Canada.2. **Bordeaux Red Wine** - **Details**: A 75 cl bottle of Bordeaux red wine, labelled "Appellation Bordeaux Contrôlée," featuring a crest and vineyard illustration. - **Origin**: Produced in France, reflecting traditional Bordeaux wine standards.3. **Henri Harlin Champagne Brut** - **Details**: A bottle of brut Champagne from France, marked "Henri Harlin - Reims." The foil and label show wear, suggesting potential vintage or age.4. **Canadian Club Whisky (Imported)** - **Details**: A 75 cl bottle of Canadian whisky from Hiram Walker & Sons. Label includes "70 Proof" and mentions its export status. - **Notable Feature**: References to King George V on the label hint at historical significance.5. **Old Huckleberry Genuine Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey** - **Details**: A 70 cl bottle of Kentucky bourbon whiskey with a rustic label and an image of a horse-drawn carriage. - **Alcohol Content**: 40% ABV. - **Origin**: Bardstown, Nelson County, Kentucky, USA.6. **Walker’s De Luxe Straight Bourbon Whiskey** - **Details**: A classically styled bourbon bottle featuring "Walker’s De Luxe Bourbon" with emphasis on its historic "Est. 1858" branding. - **Alcohol Content**: 40% ABV. - **Origin**: Produced by Hiram Walker & Sons, Kentucky, USA.7. **Walnut Brown Sweet Sherry** - **Details**: A dark 70 cl bottle of sweet sherry branded "Walnut Brown," produced by Williams & Humbert. The label highlights its origins in Jerez, Spain. - **Alcohol Content**: 17.5% ABV. 8. **Four Roses Bourbon** - **Details**: A bottle of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, explicitly labelled "Aged 6 Years." Features a golden liquid and the iconic four roses emblem.9. **Spirit of Louisiana** - **Details**: A 70 cl bottle featuring regional branding tied to Louisiana heritage, with an artistic label. - **Alcohol Content**: 35% ABV. **General Notes:** All bottles appear unopened, with intact seals. While exact production years are not visible, some labels display age or vintage potential (e.g., Canadian Club, Henri Harlin Champagne). This collection offers a diverse range of origins and styles, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts of vintage alcohol and regional spirits.
Lot 114
A vintage American 'Service Radium' nickel cased Pocket Watch, the black dial with luminous Arabic numerals and hands, manual crown wind movement, no case markings, running, 38mm diameter, together with a military stop watch, the case back with broad arrow mark and numbered '145340', running, a military style compass, a nickel cased pocket watch and a military pocket watch nickel case (5)
Lot 443
A 9 Carat Gold Full Hunter Zenith Pocket Watch, with yellow metal watch chain and attached blood stone/compass fobCase with surface scratches. Case covers and sides with some small dents. The front cover spring is working correctly when pressing the crown. Case covers are closing correctly. The crown is discoloured. The dial has a hairline crack between 10 and 11 o'clock. Winding smoothly. Hand setting correctly. Movement is working. Case diameter - 50mm wide.
Lot 43
A Tiffany & Co. lidded box featuring a vibrant "World Discovery" map design with a compass rose motif. The piece is marked "Designed Exclusively for Tauck World Discovery by Tiffany & Co." on the underside. Made in France, this versatile item can be used as a powder box, trinket holder, or decorative piece. Measures 5" in diameter and 2.75"H. A fine example of Tiffany & Co.'s craftsmanship with an intriguing collaboration history. Dimensions: See DescriptionCountry of Origin: No CountryCondition: Age related wear.
Lot 626
Brandy bowl, Albertus Kijff Sicman, Groningen 1867, silver. Beautiful fluted model brandy bowl with sleek handles. Standing on a fluted foot. Netherlands, Groningen, silversmith Albertus Kijff Sicman, assayer Jacobus Ferdinandus Lameer, 1867, hallmarks: lion 2, Minerva, maker's mark (S under a compass), assayer's hallmark (IFL above 2), date letter h - traces of use (small tear in the rim). 156 grams, 833/1000. Dimensions L 10.8 cm, W 24.5 cm, H 11 cm.
Lot 1054
An Elgin gilt metal hunting cased keyless wind gentleman's pocket watch, case diameter 5cm, together with a 9ct gold lady's wristwatch, case diameter 2.3cm, a silver trombone link Albert watch chain, a gilt metal curblink Albert watch chain with rolled gold T-bar and 9ct gold pendant fob, Birmingham 1908, weight 3.7g, another Albert watch chain and a Second World War U.S. Army Wittnauer base metal cased pocket compass.
Lot 1172
A late 19th century leather cased pocket barometer, thermometer and compass, the double hinged leather case opening one side to reveal a gilt lacquered pocket barometer with silvered dial, inscribed 'J. Hicks, Maker, London, 10231', the other side fitted with a central mother-of-pearl compass dial and a mercury thermometer tube, case length 7.5cm (some faults).
Lot 1034
A Barigo Penta stainless steel circular cased gentleman's multi-function altimeter wristwatch with quartz movement, the signed black dial with subsidiary thermometer, alarm and barometer dials and centre sweep seconds alternately used for compass, the signed case back detailed 'DE 34003655', case diameter 4.9cm, on a black leather strap, with instruction card.
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