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Click here to subscribeThree Carded Commercial Husky Models, no.13 Guy Warrior Sand Truck, blue body, no.27 Bedford TK 7 Ton Skip Truck (chrome plating peeling from base) no.36 Bedford TK Simon Snorkel Fire Engine, all in mint original condition, bubble header card boxes are excellent, with printed 39c USA prices . (3 items)
A single cylinder vertical steam engine, ½” bore x ¾” stroke brass cylinder, cast guides, valve chest, four pillar frame with mounted 4” (10cm) solid flywheel, finished in green with red and gold lined flywheel, mounted on a stained wooden base, 7 ¾”x5 ½” (19.5x14cm), 8 ½” (21.5cm) high. Collection only no in house shipping on this item, or arrange shipping via Mail Boxes Tunbridge wells/Jentel Packing
A good Nasmyth-framed single cylinder inverted vertical engine, with mahogany clad rounded 1 1/” bore x 2 ½” stroke single cylinder, valve chest and weighted ball governor, piping and 6” (15cm) spoked flywheel, finished in green and red, mounted an a stained wooden base with carved oil receptacle, wooden base 7 ¾”x6 ½” (19.5x16.5cm), 13” (33cm) high. Collection only no in house shipping on this item, or arrange shipping via Mail Boxes Tunbridge wells/Jentel Packing
Hornby Trains boxed 0 gauge 601 Goods set and track side accessories, set containing 0-4-0 LMS engine No.5600 and tender and three wagons, fair condition, one loco wheel connector detached, box fair, boxed No.1 Footbridge, Level Crossing, No.2 Double Signal arm, Passenger Brake van, buffer stops, points and unboxed Water tower and track, generally fair to good condition, boxes fair, some loss. (8 items)
A Quantity Matchbox Superfast 1981/83 Boxed Issues, Including Macau@1981 MB 1 Jaguar XJ6, MB 4 London taxi, 2 x MB 7 IMSA Mazda ,MB 7 Porsche 959, MB 8 Rover 3500 Police Car (box fair) MB 13 Snorkel Fire engine, MB 27 Jeep Cherokee (box good) MB 29 Shovel Tractor, MB 30 Artic Truck, MB 40 Rocket Transporter, MB 41 Racing Porsche, MB 44 Citroen 15 (box fair) MB 50 Harley Davidson (box good) MB 57 Mission Helicopter (box fair) MB 58 Mercedes-Benz 300E, MB 61 Wreck Truck, China@ 1981 2 x MB 25 Audi Quattro, MB 13 Snorkel Fire Engine Metro Fire Dept, MB 17 London Bus and 1983 @England, Rancho in a MB 44 Citroen box MB 64 Bulldozer, models are in mint original condition, boxes fair to excellent, some with edge/age wear (23 items).
A good single cylinder horizontal steam engine, the brass wood clad 2” bore x 4” stroke cylinder with top mounted valvechest with gear and exhaust, piston with mounted steel guides, side mounted 9 ½” (24cm) dia. spoked flywheel, all operating a single pulley, finished in a dark blue, gold lined livery, mounted on stained wooden plinths, 22 ½”x8 ½” (57x21.5cm), 10 ¼” (26cm) high, this engine was reputedly used for working a small laundry.Collection only no in house shipping on this item, or arrange shipping via Mail Boxes Tunbridge wells/Jentel Packing
Five boxed Bachmann Branch-Line locomotives, 32-857 9F 2-10-0 locomotive 92077 BR black livery, 32-276 K3 2-6-0 locomotive 61932 BR black livery, 31-712 B1 4-6-0 Springbox locomotive 61000 BR black livery, 31-550A V2 2-6-2 Green arrow locomotive 4771 LNER green livery, 31-056 J72 0-6-0 tank engine 68723, engine in very good to excellent condition, boxes very good some rubbing to edges, (5 items).
An interesting Stuart Turner vertical petrol engine with raised water tank, mounted cast cylinder with spark plug and exhaust, 3 ¾” (9.5cm) dia. solid flywheel with start pulley, carburettor, copper piping to brass water tank with two attached side tanks mounted on a turned wooden plinth the whole mounted on a stained wooden base, 11 ½”x6 ½” (29x16.5cm), 11” (28cm) high. Collection only no in house shipping on this item, or arrange shipping via Mail Boxes Tunbridge wells/Jentel Packing
Lot No 394 : Matchbox Superfast Shop Retailers Wooden Counter Display Case, complete with 81 Superfast 1:75 models, 70 complete with original boxes, MB-1 Dodge Challenger blue/white top, red interior,MB-2 Rescue Hovercraft, MB-3 Porsche Turbo, metallic blue, MB-4 Pontiac Firebird, MB-5 US Mail Jeep, MB-6 Mercedes 350SL, MB-7 VW Golf, MB-9 Ford RS 2000 Phantom blue (unboxed), MB-9 Ford RS white body, tan interior, MB-10 Plymouth Police Car, MB-11 Car Transporter, MB-12 Citroen CX, MB-13 Snorkel Fire Engine, MB-14 Mini HA HA, MB-7 VW Golf Red (unboxed) MB-16 Pontiac, MB-17 The Londoner Bus, MB-9 Ford RS 2000 Seagull metallic green, white interior, (unboxed), MB-19 Cement Truck, M-B 20 Police Patrol, MB-21 Renault 5TL yellow, MB-22 Blaze Buster, MB-23 Atlas Truck, MB-24 Diesel Shunter, MB-25 Flat Car Container, MB-26 Site Dumper, MB-27 Lamborghini Streakers, MB-28 Lincoln, MB-29 Tractor Shovel, MB-30 Arctic Truck, MB-31 Caravan, MB-32 Field Gun, MB-33 Police Motor Cyclist, MB-34 Chevy Pro Stocker, MB-35 Fandango red, MB-36 Refuse Wagon, MB-37 Skip Truck, MB-38 Camper, MB-39 Rolls Royce metallic red, MB-40 Horse Box, green cab, MB-41 Ambulance, MB-42 Mercedes Container Truck, MB-43 Steam Locomotive, MB-44 Passenger Coach, MB-45 BMW 30 CSL, MB-46 Ford Tractor & Harrow, MB-47 Pannier Locomotive, MB-48 Sambron Jacklift, MB-49 Crane Truck, MB-50 Articulated Truck, MB-51 Citroen Twin pack issue Yamaha (not boxed) missing roof rack, MB-52 Police Launch, MB-53 CJ-6 Jeep metallic green, MB-54 Mobile Home, MB-55 Ford Cortina, red, MB-56 Mercedes 450 SEL, MB-57 Wildlife Truck, MB-58 Faun Dump Truck, MB-59 Porsche 928 metallic blue, MB-60 Holden Pick Up Superbike, MB-61 Ford Transit Wreck Truck yellow, MB-62 Chevrolet Corvette black with stripes, MB-63 Freeway Gas Tanker BP, MB-64 Fire Chief, MB-65 Airport Coach American Airlines, MB-66 Ford Transit Pick Up, MB-67 Datsun 260-Z metallic maroon, MB-68 Cosmobile, MB-69 Security Truck, MB-70 Ferrari, MB-71 Cattle Truck, MB-72 Bomag, MB-55 Ford Cortina, metallic red (not boxed)MB-74 Cougar Villager (metallic blue) MB-3 Porsche Turbo metallic green (unboxed) MB-39 Rolls Royce silver, MB-59 Porsche 928 silver (not boxed) MB-39 Rolls Royce gold, MB-9 AMX Javelin metallic dark green (unboxed) MB-62 Chevrolet Corvette, MB-62 Chevrolet Corvette Super Brut (unboxed, plus ten extra empty boxes, models are in near mint to mint original condition, boxes are generally excellent. Display case approx. size W,82.5cms x H.54.5 cms x D. 24.5cms, in excellent original condition with storage space to rear of cabinet. Sorry no in house shipping on this lot, it needs specialist packers, who we can recommend or collection from our office.
Rare Wrenn Special Limited Edition of 250 W2417 4-6-0 Corfe Castle locomotive and tender, engine No.5034 and BR tender, green lined livery, boxed with packer 2 91 416 stamp to base, certificate 49/250, track, wooden stand, sealed base name plaques and instructions, excellent condition, box good some wear.
A large vertical engine with dynamo, radiator and water tank, cast engine with spark plug, pressure gauge, 10” (25.5cm) solid flywheel, weighted governors, piping, and rear mounted dynamo, piping to raised brass and copper radiator with water tanks, taps and stop cock, copper tank to base, all mounted on a wooden base, 17 ½”x19” (44.5x48.5cm), 21 ½” (54.5cm) high.Collection only no in house shipping on this item, or arrange shipping via Mail Boxes Tunbridge wells/Jentel Packing
An interesting cast iron horizontal single cylinder petrol engine, 1 ½” bore x 3”stroke cylinder, piston with brass weights and side mounted governors, side mounted 7 ¼” (18.5cm) dia. spoked flywheel, operating a geared pulley wheel, copper and steel piping, chimney, magneto, spark plug and side mounted brass and copper water tank, all mounted on a decorative stained wooden base, 16” (41cm) wide, 9 ½” (24cm) deep and 11” (28cm) high.Collection only no in house shipping on this item, or arrange shipping via Mail Boxes Tunbridge wells/Jentel Packing
A single cylinder inverted vertical steam engine, steel clad 1 ¾” bore x 2” stroke cylinder mounted on a trunk-guide within a cast A-frame, valve chest, piping and 6 ½” (16.5cm) spoked flywheel, finished in brown and red and mounted on a stained wooden stepped base, 9”x5 1/8” (23x13cm), 14” (35.5cm) high. Collection only no in house shipping on this item, or arrange shipping via Mail Boxes Tunbridge wells/Jentel Packing
A good two cylinder horizontal marine engine, with 1 ½” bore x 2 ½” stroke wooden clad brass cylinders each with single guide bar, side mounted valvechests, piping, lever for adjusting gears elevation and ridged solid flywheel, finished in black with gold lining, mounted on a stained wooden plinth, 21 ¼”x11 ¾” (51.5x30cm), 7 ¾” (20cm) high.Collection only no in house shipping on this item, or arrange shipping via Mail Boxes Tunbridge wells/Jentel Packing
Four Boxed Matchbox Lesney Regular Wheels, 28c Mark Ten Jaguar, unpainted engine, black plastic wheels, 29c Fire Pumper, red body ‘Denver’ decals, 40b Leyland Long Distance Coach, black plastic wheels and 44b Rolls Royce Phantom V, black plastic wheels, all in excellent original condition, in type D & E boxes which are in fair to excellent original condition. (4 items)
A Quantity of Matchbox Superfast 1987/90 Boxed Issues, Including, Macau@1987: MB-10 Buick Le Sabre, MB-16 Land Rover 90,red/white,MB-18 Fire Engine, MB-27 Jeep Cherokee, box has slight edge wear, MB-27 Jeep Cherokee Mr. Fixer, MB-51 Ford Ltd Police,MB-55 Ford Sierra XR4i Texaco, MB-56 VW Golf GTi silver, MB-66 Rolls Royce, gold, China@1987 MB-8 Vauxhall Astra GTE Police Car, MB-21 Breakdown Auto Relay, MB-60 Ford Transit XP, Thailand@1990 MB52 Isuzu Amigo and MB-63 VW Golf GTi Abstact, all models are in mint original condition, boxes are excellent unless stated above. (14 items)
Five Matchbox Superfast boxed models, MB-15 Volkswagen Saloon cream body, 137 labels, factory paint error on roof, MB-23 Volkswagen, blue body, orange roof, MB-35 Merryweather Fire Engine, metallic red, MB-54 Ford Capri MB-49 Chop Suey, red forks, all in clear Matchbox Duplex boxes, all in near mint to mint original condition. (5 items) Provenance: Vendors father worked for Lesney as a toolmaker in tool room 1 progression in Hackney from the early 60s to mid 80s
Trix Twin 00 gauge pre-war 2/344 Princess Presentation set, boxed set with LMS 4-6-2 Princess locomotive No.6201 and six-wheel tender, two 3rd/guard coaches and Dining car all with electric lighting and all in maroon lined livery and controller, engine and tender good condition, transfers rubbed, some minor paint loss mainly to edges around cab and paint loss to one end of tender, coaches very good, presentation box general wear.
Quantity of Matchbox Lesney Superfast Models, Macau@1981 MB-18 Fire Engine, 2 x MB-32 Excavator, MB-38 Ford Model A ‘Champion’ spark plugs, 2 x MB-38 Ford Model A Pepsi-Cola,MB-42 Mobile Crane, MB-47 Jaguar SS100, MB-73 Ford Model A, England@1981 2 x MB-8 Rover 3500 Police Car MB-20 Range Rover Paris-Dakar, MB-29 Shovel Tractor,MB-30 Arctic Truck, 2 x MB-44 Citroen 15, MB-74 Delivery Truck Pepsi, China@1981 MB-21 Breakdown Van MB-26 Volvo Tilt Lorry Ferrymasters, England@1983 MB-22 Jaguar XK-120, MB-26 Volvo Tilt Lorry Fresh Fruit Co, MB-35 Zoo Truck, MB-72 Hertz Delivery Truck, Skybusters Spitfire, Mail away models, SB 037, Red Arrow Hawk T Thailand 1991, Model A Ford Jordans,3 x CY 108 DAF 3300 Space Cab low bed trailer Royal Air Force, all models are near mint to mint, some boxes are open, in fair to good condition (29 items)
Corgi Junior Shop Display Wire Spinning Stand, ‘Corgi Juniors Look out for Whizzwheels models’ in good original used condition. H. 86cms W. 32cms square, complete with Thirty two Carded Corgi Junior Models with collectors cards, including: 2.Citroen Safari, 3. VW Police car,4. Zetor 5511 Tractor, 5. Willys Jeep yellow, 5. Willys Jeep red, 5. Willys Jeep orange, 6.De Tomaso Mangusta, 7. Duple Vista 25 Coach, 2 x 9.Cadillac Eldorado, 12. Ogle Reliant Scimitar (in 6.De Tomaso Mangusta packet factory error) 13.Guy Warrior Sand Truck, 16. Land-Rover Pick up, 19.Speedboat on Trailer,20. Volkswagen 1300, 21. BVRT 1300 Mini Cooper S,25.S&D Refuse Van, 26.ERF Fire Engine Water Tender,29 ERF Simon Snorkel Fire Engine, 30.Studebaker Ambulance, 32. Lotus Europa, 34. BM Volvo 400 Tractor,35. Ford camper, 37. NSU Ro 80 metallic blue, 37. NSU Ro 80 bronze,38. Beaufort Single horse box, 39.Jaguar XJ6 silver, 39.Jaguar XJ6 bronze, 42.Euclid Dumper, 44. Raygo Rascal Road roller, 57. Caddy Hot rod, 65. Bertone Carabo, all in mint carded original condition.
Five boxed Bachmann Branch-Line locomotives, 32-502 Standard class 5MT 4-6-0 Camelot locomotive 73082 BR black livery, 31-105A Standard class 4MT 4-6-0 locomotive 75075 BR black livery, 31-558 V2 2-6-2 Coldstreamer locomotive 4844 LNER green livery, 32-277 K3 class 2-6-0 locomotive 61949 BR black livery, 31-550 V2 class 2-6-2 Green Arrow locomotive 60800BR green livery, engine in very good to excellent condition, boxes very good some rubbing to edges, (5 items).
Rare Corgi Juniors E9050 Retailers Shop Display Unit with 48 Models, yellow vacuum plastic, with metal stand for counter display, contains 1. Reliant TW9 pick up, 2.Citroen safari, 3. VW Police car, 5. Willys Jeep, 6.De Tomaso Mangusta, 7. Duple Vista 25 Coach, 11.Austin Healey Sprite Le Mans, 12. Ogle Reliant Scimitar, 13.Guy Warrior Sand Truck, 14. Guy Warrior Esso Tanker, 16. Land-Rover Pick up, 17.VW 1300 Beetle, 19.Speedboat on Trailer, 21. BVRT 1300 Mini Cooper S, 23. Loadmaster Shovel,24.Aston Martin DBS, 26.ERF Fire Engine Water Tender, 30.Studebaker Ambulance, 31. Land Rover Breakdown, 32. Lotus Europa, 33. E Type Jaguar, 34. BM Volvo 400 Tractor, 37. NSU Ro 80, 43. MF Tractor, 44. Raygo Rascal Road roller, 45. Mercedes Benz 280SL, 47. Scammell concrete mixer, 49. Pininfarina, 50.Ferrari 512S, 51.Porsche 917, 52 Adams Probe, 54.Ford container wagon, 55. Daimler Bus, 58. GP Buggy, 59.The Futura, 60. VW Double Trouble Hot rod, 61 Mercury Police car, 62. Volvo P1800, 63. Ford Escort Rally, 64. Morgan 8, 65. Bertone Carabo, 67. Ford Capri Hot Pants Dragster,71. Marcos XP, 73. Pininfarina Alfa Romeo P33,74. Bertone Barachetta, 77. Bizzarrini Manta, 78. Ole Macdonald Truck and 1007. Ironsides Police Van, all the models are in near mint to mint original condition, display case is excellent, one tiny corner to bottom left hand side is missing, complete with E9050 instruction leaflet, original cardboard packing box, an excellent display piece. Est £600-£800 R£600 2-148
A good single cylinder Beam engine by H.Poolman of Warminster, with 1” bore x 2 ½” stroke brass cylinder with valve chest, solid beam mounted on a turned pillar, ball governor and 8” (20.3cm) spoked flywheel with gears operating pulley, mounted on a raised base, 16 ¼”x9 5/8” (41x24.5cm), 12” (30.5cm) high. Collection only no in house shipping on this item, or arrange shipping via Mail Boxes Tunbridge wells/Jentel Packing
Collection of various Stationary steam engines, including a vertical engine with spark plug, exhaust and water tank, single cylinder engine with spoked flywheel and ball governor horizontal boiler with governor and safety valve on metal base, horizontal boiler with Bassett-Lowke pressure gauge, copper boiler, chimney, operating small single cylinder vertical engine and two others, (5 items). Collection only no in house shipping on this item, or arrange shipping via Mail Boxes Tunbridge wells/Jentel Packing
JEP (French) 0 gauge electric 4-6-2 Nord locomotive and tender, 12volt, engine with external piping, cylinders, smoke deflectors, engine No.3.1290 and bogie Nord tender, brown livery, smoke deflectors, cab sides and cylinders repainted/transfers not original, tender lining and NORD not original.
A large horizontal single cylinder steam engine, installed in a church in Devon in 1880 to power the organ bellows, removed in 1920. With 2” bore x 3” stroke wooden clad brass cylinder with guides, side mounted valvechest, piping and cock stop, 11” (28cm) spoked flywheel, all mounted on a red painted cast base mounted on a stained wooden plinth, 27 ¼”x10” (69x10.5cm), 12” (30.5cm) high. Collection only no in house shipping on this item, or arrange shipping via Mail Boxes Tunbridge wells/Jentel Packing
A Dentists Air Compressor engine, cast engine No.6969, twin cylinders, outlets and side mounted 4 ½” (11.5cm) spoked flywheel, mounted on a stained wooden base, 7 ½”x5 ½” (19x14cm), 8 ½” (21.5cm) high.Collection only no in house shipping on this item, or arrange shipping via Mail Boxes Tunbridge wells/Jentel Packing
A REGENCY ORMOLU AND BLACK MARBLE SMALL 'DRUM-HEAD' MANTEL TIMEPIECEBROCKBANK AND ATKINS, LONDON, CIRCA 1825The circular four columnar pillar eight-day single chain fusee movement with anchor escapement regulated by a lenticular bob pendulum, the backplate signed Brockbank & Atkins, London, 2292 over pendulum holdfast, the 3.5 inch circular gilt brass Roman numeral dial with fine foliate scroll engraved centre and signed BROCKBANK, & ATKINS, LONDON, 2293 to upper margin, with steel moon hands within a gilt repeating leaf milled bezel, the case with gilt surmount cast as an eagle with outstretched wings over tied oakleaf crest to the drum housing the movement cradled on honeysuckle decorated scroll supports, on marble plinth base applied to a relief floral garland to front over shallow cavetto skirt and engine-milled gilt bun feet.30cm (11.75ins) high, 13.5cm (5.25ins) wide, 9.5cm (3.75ins) deep. The firm Brockbanks was established when the two brothers John and Myles Brockbank went into partnership in the early 1790`s. The business was continued by various members of the family until becoming Brockbanks & Grove when George Grove was taken into partnership in 1812, later becoming Brockbank and Atkins when George Atkins was taken into partnership after Grove`s death in 1814. The firm was well known for producing fine marine chronometers. Several models of this timepiece sharing the same castings, form and specification are known signed either by Joseph van Baetens, F. Baetens or just Baetens. The Baetons family were a firm of bronziers who worked in a similar vain to the Vulliamys and were based at 23 Gerard Street, Soho; according to Baillie, G.H. (in Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World) they were active around 1832. From this it is reasonable to suggest that the case of the present timepiece was supplied by Baetens, however, as the movement is particularly well made and the dial very well finished, the present timepiece can be considered a better example than those signed by Baetens. Condition Report: Movement is complete and in working condition with no visible evidence of alteration or noticeable replacements; although reasonably clean a precautionary gentle clean/service is advised. The pendulum appears original although the holdfast screw is missing. The dial is in fine condition with only very slight wear to the black numerals in places; the signature is fine and clear and beautifully executed. The case retains original gilding with minimal wear and oxidation; it is a little dirty/dusty so may benefit from a gentle wash. The black marble base is in fine condition with faults very much limited to tiny chips/frits to the upper corners of the main block and skirt at the front.Generally a fine original clock in very good condition. Timepiece has a crank winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
A SWISS NEUCHATEL LOUIS XVI GILT BRASS MOUNTED 'VERNIS MARTIN' DUTCH-STRIKING CARTEL WALL CLOCKUNSIGNED, LATE 19th CENTURYThe four columnar pillar twin going barrel movement now with anchor escapement regulated by sunburst mask cast bob pendulum, the backplate with visible strike work for sounding the hours on the larger of two bells and then again at the half hour on the smaller bell, the backplate stamped 8450 to lower margin, the 8.5 inch circular convex white enamel Roman numeral dial with Arabic five minutes beyond the minute track and fine gilt looped pierced hands set behind hinged convex glazed engine-milled bezel, the cartouche-shaped polychrome decorated green painted case with substantial cast stylized pineapple finial to the floral trial painted cavetto moulded superstructure, over tassel-fringe cast cornice and concave-sided upper section painted with an eagle perched on a branch to front, the dial flanked by finial-capped spiral twist cast baton uprights to front angles and ovoid brass grille frets to sides, the waisted lower section fronted by a lenticle with floral painted sprays to surround flanked by leaf cast angle mounts and shaped glazed panels to sides, the base of hipped inverted ogee form with repeating lambrequin cast upper border over section painted with nesting birds and floral sprays within gilt rope-twist borders, the underside with inverted finial cast as a tassel.81cm (32ins) high, 35cm (13.75ins) wide, 15cm (6ins) deep. The visible strike-work positioned on the backplate of the movement of the current lot is typical of Swiss practice and is most often seen on bracket clocks made in the Neuchatel region from the 1770's onwards. Sounding the hours on a second smaller bell at the half-hour is known as 'Dutch Striking' due to being the preferred system used by Dutch makers since the 17th century. With this in mind it is highly likely that the present clock was made for the Dutch market.
A RARE EMPIRE PERIOD PATINATED BRONZE, ORMOLU AND LAPIS LAZULI FIGURAL MANTEL CLOCKUNSIGNED, POSSIBLY RUSSIAN, SECOND QUARTER OF THE 19th CENTURYThe circular eight-day countwheel bell striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by disc bob pendulum with silk suspension, the 4.5 inch circular convex white enamel Roman numeral dial with Arabic quarters and unusual cruciform-dot five-minute markers to outer track, with blued steel moon hands set within a repeating anthemion motif engine-milled surround behind hinged convex glazed bezel, the case surmounted with a standing patinated bronze figure of a man in Classical senatorial robes conversing with a youth, set on a plinth with gilt platform and complex cornice mouldings over lapis lazuli front containing the dial, back with movement access panel, and sides, on repeating acanthus cast ogee moulded skirt base with leafy bun feet.70.5cm (27.5ins) high, 27.5cm (10.75ins) wide, 18cm (7ins) deep.
A FRENCH LOUIS XVI STYLE GILT BRASS AND WHITE MARBLE SMALL DESK TIMEPIECETHE CASE STAMPED FOR BOIN TABURET, PARIS, CIRCA 1900The circular eight-day single train movement with silvered platform lever escapement regulated by sprung bimetallic balance vertically planted on the backplate over serial number 1119 stamped to the lower left hand margin, the 2.75 inch circular slightly convex white enamel dial with vertically orientated Arabic hour numerals and conforming quarter annotations within the outer minute track, with fine scroll-pierced gilt hands set behind a convex glazed hinged gilt brass engine-milled bezel, the case with twin handled flambeau-urn finial and draped oakleaves applied to the gilt drum housing the movement incorporating conforming glazed hinged bezel to rear, over tapered fluted column upright draped with generous husk swags tied with ribbon bows at the sides around a segmented collar, above an acanthus cast ogee mounded foot set onto a square platform with gilt disc feet.30.5cm (12ins) high, 9.5cm (3.75ins) square. The Boin-Taburet firm of metalworkers and silversmiths was founded in George Boin and Emile Taburet in 1873. They specialised in producing silverwares in the Louis XV revival style and gained a reputation for their very fine quality and attention to detail leading to the firm receiving a major award at the 1889 Paris Exposition Universelle. Amongst Boin-Taburet's most impressive creations were a series of 'surtout de tables' crafted to resemble garden lakes or ponds with temples, ornamental sculptures, fountains and urns.
A REGENCY INLAID MAHOGANY MINIATURE BRACKET TIMEPIECE WITH FIRED ENAMEL DIALRICHARD PRICE BARBER, BRISTOL, CIRCA 1820The four pillar single fusee movement with arched plates measuring 6.25 by 3.5 inches and anchor escapement regulated by lenticular bob pendulum, the backplate signed R.P. Barber, Bristol to centre over pendulum holdfast, the 4 inch circular slightly convex white enamel Roman numeral dial with blued steel spade hands set behind hinged engine-milled cavetto moulded convex glazed brass bezel, the arched line-edged mahogany veneered case with hinged brass carrying handle to top, over stylised geometric lattice lozenge inlaid decoration beneath the dial, the rear with arch glazed door set within the frame of the case, on cavetto moulded skirt base with brass ball feet.25cm (9.75ins) high with handle down, 15.5cm (6.125ins) wide, 9.5cm (3.75ins) deep. Richard Price Barber is recorded in Moore, A.J. THE CLOCKMAKERS OF BRISTOL 1650-1900 as a gunsmith and clockmaker who was apprenticed in Bristol to James Worgan in 1789. He became a Burgess in 1803 and set-up business in Church Lane, St, Michael's Parish where he remained until 1812. In 1813 he was at 40 Wine Street but died the following year.
A FRENCH EMPIRE BRONZE AND SIMULATED SIENA MARBLE SMALL MANTEL TIMEPIECEINDISTINCTLY SIGNED, EARLY 19th CENTURYThe circular eight-day movement with anchor escapement for regulation by disc bob pendulum with silk suspension, the gilt engine-turned dial with applied white enamel Roman cartouche numerals and steel moon hands set within an engine-milled bezel, the rectangular plinth-form case with twin handled oval tazza surmount to the tablet upstand over projecting lotus-leaf cast cornice and applied architectural arch mount to fascia, with tied laurel infill to upper quadrants and further mount cast as an eagle suppressing a serpent beneath the dial, the base with further lappet leaf decorated waist moulding and laurel entwined sheathed sword cast mount to apron, on conforming moulded skirt with block feet.32.5cm (12.75ins) high, 16cm (6.25ins) wide, 10cm (4ins) deep.
A FRENCH DIRECTOIRE PERIOD SMALL ORMOLU MANTEL CLOCKGASTON JOLLY, LATE 18th CENTURYThe circular eight day two train outside countwheel bell striking movement with anchor escapement for regulation by a disc bob pendulum incorporating silk suspension, the 3.5 inch circular slightly convex white enamel Roman numeral dial signed Gaston Jolly a Paris to centre, with Arabic five minutes within the minute track and pierced steel hands set within fine engine-milled bezel, the case of architectural arched form with surmount cast as a windmill over drapery-cast infill centred with a female mask beneath the dial, the rear with circular aperture for the movement, on stepped cavetto moulded skirt base applied with rosette-centred anthemion cast mount to front, on engine-turned bell-shaped feet,31cm (12.25ins) high, 20cm (8ins) deep, 13cm (5.125ins) deep. Francois Pierre Gaston Jolly is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as working in Paris 1784-9.
A LATE VICTORIAN GILT BRASS AND AGATE NOVELTY 'SHIP'S WHEEL' TIMEPIECEUNSIGNED, LATE 19th CENTURYThe French circular eight-day single barrel movement with platform lever escapement regulated by bimetallic balance vertically planted on the backplate, the 2.5 inch circular silvered brass Roman numeral dial with blued steel hands set behind fixed bevel-glazed engine-milled bezel incorporating canted insert to interior, the case modelled as a ship's wheel with nine spokes terminating with turned agate hand pieces applied to a ring around the dial, raised on twin out-swept plate uprights applied to a cavetto moulded oval base with ropetwist border.24.5cm (9.75ins) high, 21.5cm (8.5ins) wide, 13cm (5ins) deep.
Y AN UNUSUAL REGENCY GILT BRASS MOUNTED TORTOISESHELL SMALL DRUM-HEAD MANTEL TIMEPIECEUNSIGNED, CIRCA 1825The circular four columnar pillar eight-day single chain fusee movement with anchor escapement for regulation by a lenticular or disc bob pendulum, the backplate with pendulum holdfast clip, the 3.25 inch gilt brass Roman numeral dial with engine-turned centre and blued steel moon hands within a fine gilt engine-milled bezel, the case with drum housing the movement cradled on gilt rosette decorated scroll outline supports, on plinth base applied with a gilt brass mount finely cast as crossed vine entwined batons centred with a basket of fruit, over shallow quarter-round moulded skirt and leaf cast gilt bun feet.19cm (7.5ins) high, 14cm (5.5ins) wide, 8cm (3.125ins) deep. The general design of the case of the current timepiece can be credited to Benjamin Louis Vulliamy however many were made by makers following his style such as the Baetens family. A very closely related example signed by Viner was offered by Gorringes, Lewes in their three-day sale of Fine Art & Antiques June 6th 2002 (lot 1115).
Y A FINE EARLY VICTORIAN GILT BRASS MOUNTED ROSEWOOD SMALL FIVE-GLASS TRAVELLING/CARRIAGE TIMEPIECECHRISTIE, LONDON, CIRCA 1850The four columnar pillar single chain fusee movement with Harrison's maintaining power, the gilt platform with under-slung English lever escapement regulated by sprung split bimetallic balance and with jewelled endstone to the fine foliate scroll engraved balance cock, the backplate with knurled hand adjustment screw to upper left and signed Christie, Cannon St'. London to centre, the 3.75 by 3 inch engraved gilt brass Roman numeral dial with engine-turned centre and signed CHRISTIE, LONDON at twelve o'clock, with blued steel fleur-de-lys hands and fine foliate scroll engraved infill to upper and loser margins, the case with faceted-baton centred scroll cast hinged gilt brass carrying handle and bevelled rectangular glass to top, above projecting slender cavetto moulded cornice and hinged front with rectangular glazed dial aperture incorporating canted gilt insert to interior, the sides with thick rectangular bevelled glass panels and the rear with glazed rectangular door set within the frame of the case, the base with ogee outline apron over cavetto moulded skirt and adjustable gilt disc feet.20.25cm (8ins) high with handle down, 13cm (5.125ins) wide, 12cm (4.75ins) deep. Provenance:Purchased at Bonhams, London, sale of FINE CLOCKS 6th July 2106 (lot 128) for £7,500. William Christie is recorded in Loomes, Brian Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World, Volume 2 as born in 1825 and working in London 1839-81. Other sources note William Christie as working in partnership with Thomas De la Salle from premises in Cannon Street, London, until 1845. Condition Report: Movement is in fine original working condition. The dial is in immaculate condition. The case is in fine condition with faults limited to very minor shrinkage and edge wear.There is no winder or case key present.Condition Report Disclaimer
A FINE FRENCH EMPIRE ORMOLU AND PATINATED BRONZE FIGURAL MANTEL CLOCK WITH BACCHUSUNSIGNED, THE CASE ATTRIBUTED TO PIERRE-PHILIPPE THOMIRE, PARIS, CIRCA 1805The eight-day two train countwheel bell striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by disc bob pendulum with silk suspension, the 5 inch circular slightly convex white enamel Roman numeral dial with Arabic fifteen minutes within the minute ring and fine pierced and sculpted gilt brass hands within crisp engine-milled bezel, the case modelled as young Bacchus seated on a lion's skin draped over the dial flanked by rocky outcrops applied with a tambourine and a set of pipes, beneath the dial is a pendant apron finely cast with fruiting vines, the D-ended break-fronted plinth base inset with frieze relief cast with Bacchus being drawn on a cart by lions lead by trumpeting putti accompanied by female muses, the rounded ends applied with generous anthemion and flower motifs with husk and fruiting vine drapery mounts to panels between, on six engine-milled toupe feet.52cm (20.5cm) high, 42cm (16.5ins) wide, 13cm (5.25ins) deep. A very closely related clock to the present example is illustrated in Niehuser, Elke FRENCH BRONZE CLOCKS on page 221 (image no. 511). Another example attributed to Thomire is in the Collection Mobilier National, Paris (inventory no. GML-4591-000). Pierre-Philippe Thomire (born 1751) was one of the most important bronze casters of 18th century France, and was later granted the title Ciseleur de l'Empereur (chaser to the Emperor) by Napoleon Bonaparte. Early on in his career he worked for Pierre Gouthière, ciseleur-fondeur du roi, and toward the mid-1770's began working with Louis Prieur. After the Revolution, he purchased the stock of Martin-Eloi Lignereux, thus becoming the most important suppliers of furniture bronzes for châteaux and Imperial Palaces. His prolific firm not only produced bronze ornaments, but also created mounts for furniture and porcelain, collaborating for example with the renowned manufactory of Sèvres. Thomire retired in 1827 and died in 1843. Condition Report: CONDITION OVERVIEW - Movement appears complete and original, is in working condition however a clean/service is required. Dial has some light hairline cracking through the X numeral. The case retains original gilding but with some noticeable wear/oxidation. This model usually has a lyre beneath the stretched-out hand of the figure - there is no evidence (holes etc) of this clock ever being fitted with one. The laurel in his left hand may be incomplete.Clock has pendulum and a winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
A FRENCH GILT BRASS AND ONYX NOVELTY STRUT TIMEPIECE IN THE FORM OF A MANDOLINUNSIGNED, CIRCA 1900The circular eight-day single barrel movement with platform cylinder escapement regulated by monometallic balance vertically planted on the backplate over stamped serial number 4819, the 2.125 inch circular convex white enamel Roman numeral dial with Arabic five minutes beyond the minute track and scroll pierced gilt hands, set behind a hinged convex glazed engine-milled bezel, the case formed as a mandolin with brass strings, tuning pegs and corrugated fingerboard over dial within the pear-shaped body decorated with jewelled gilt rosettes within a rope-twist border, the whole applied to a conforming shaped brass backplate fitted with foliate scroll cast feet and a hinged A-shaped strut to rear.37cm (14.5ins) high, 16.5cm (6.5ins) wide, 7.5cm (3ins) deep with strut retracted.
A SWISS LOUIS XVI ORMOLU MOUNTED CARRARA MARBLE SMALL MANTEL CLOCKUNSIGNED, LATE 18th CENTURYThe circular twin going barrel bell striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by disc bob pendulum now incorporating rise/fall regulation to suspension, the backplate with visible rack-strike work over stamped serial number 255 to the flattened lower margin, the 4 inch circular white enamel convex Roman numeral dial with Arabic five minutes to outer track and fine scroll chased and engraved gilt brass hands set behind a hinged convex glazed engine-milled bezel, the case with oval vase surmount issuing gilt foliate sprays and with husk festoon linked twin scroll handles, over bowfronted arched central section with tied floral and laurel wreath decoration beneath the dial, bead-decorated surround and capped with out-swept acanthus foliage connecting with the sculpted marble hipped scroll side ornaments each enveloped by gilt leafy vine trails, the bowed breakfronted D-ended base with inset panels decorated with looped gilt leafy trails, on four gilt disc feet applied onto a further conforming cavetto moulded plinth.39.5cm (15.5ins) high, 25cm (10ins) wide, 10cm (4ins) deep. Condition Report: The movement is in relatively clean condition; the going train will run, the strike train mainspring is 'slipping' hence either requires a replacement or, in the case of the spring just becoming loose within the barrel, the original re-attaching. The suspension would have most likely originally been silk suspension with a regulation post (for winding the thread) the present rise/fall arrangement is very well executed and connects to a square now positioned to the dial above twelve o'clock (between stamped letters 'A' and 'R'). The backplate has a few small spare holes towards the top right - these are almost certainly left over from the earlier silk suspension arrangement and possibly from an alternative bell stand (the present stand may well be a later replacement). The dial has poorly executed filling to chipping around the right-hand winding hole; the left hand hole has some miniscule edge fritting otherwise enamel appears to be in fine condition. The case is in sound original condition with damage fundamentally limited to minor edge chipping a wear to the marble (most noticeably around the case). The mounts appear complete and undamaged and retain original gilding with minimal wear; the vine trail mounts to the side ornaments are loose/wobbly. The marble is very dirty/dusty hence the appearance of the clock would no doubt be transformed with a good sensitive clean.Clock has pendulum but no winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
AN AUSTRIAN ENGRAVED GILT BRASS GRANDE-SONNERIE STRIKING CARRIAGE CLOCK IN THE ENGLISH TASTEUNSIGNED, PROBABLY VIENNA, CIRCA 1840The thirty-hour circular four pillar triple train movement with duplex escapement regulated by sprung monometallic balance vertically planted beneath a pierced bridge to the upper edge of the backplate with Tompion type regulation disc beneath, the separate hour and quarter strike trains each with visible stop-work to the backplate and sounding the hours and quarters every fifteen minutes on a graduated pair of gongs mounted on a Y-shaped stand positioned behind the movement, the rectangular single sheet silvered brass Roman numeral dial with blued steel spade hands and overall engraved with fine symmetrical acanthus scroll work, the case with hinged serpentine outline carrying handle and spiral-cut ball finials to the fine engine-turned top panel, incorporating projecting blocks at the angles decorated with foliate engraved panel infill at cornice level with dentil band to frieze between, with Tuscan three-quarter columns at the angles set on conforming foliate panel engraved plinths, the front with bevel-glazed door and the sides with elaborate engine-turned panels decorated with a series of interlaced circular motifs within circular and oval reserves incorporating repeating lozenge infill and stylised leafy motifs to the vertical line-hatched upper and lower margins, the rear with engine-milled door, on skirt base matching the cornice over spiral-band turned feet.15cm (6ins) high with handle down, 11cm (4.25ins) wide, 9.5cm (3.75ins) deep. The case of the current lot is reminiscent of those made popular by English makers such as Arnold and Dent during the 1840's, however the finely executed engine-turned decoration is a feature which Viennese makers were particularly well known for (Roberts, Derek CARRIAGE and Other Travelling Clocks pages 253-7). The specification and layout of the movement is typically Viennese and is essentially a refined version of those which first appeared during the end of the 18th century. Condition Report: Movement is in relatively clean fully working condition with no visible evidence of alteration or notable replacements. The dial has overall patchy tarnishing/discolouration but otherwise is in fine condition. The case is in fine condition with relatively minor spots of discolouration and other light surface blemishes to the gilding and light wear/scratching in places.Clock is complete with a winding key.Condition Report Disclaimer
AN AUSTRIAN BIEDERMEIER GILT MOUNTED EBONISED GRANDE-SONNERIE STRIKING ARCHITECTURAL MANTEL CLOCKUNSIGNED, PROBABLY VIENNA, CIRCA 1830The four pillar triple train short duration movement with anchor escapement regulated by sunburst-mask bob pendulum with silk suspension, and sounding the quarters on a coiled gong followed by the hours on a second larger gong at every quarter hour or on demand via a pull trip repeat function, the 5 inch circular gilt brass dial with small concentric enamel calendar ring to the geometric engine-turned centre within enamel chapter ring with vertical Arabic hour numerals, with steel hands set within deep engine-milled surround behind hinged brass convex glazed bezel, the ebonised case with shallow-arch pediment fronted with female mask centred gilt brass mount to tympanum and further anthemion and rosette modelled mounts to the quadrants around the dial flanked by carved giltwood bird inhabited leafy spray side ornaments, over base with colonnade of four alabaster columns centred with a gilt brass rams head and swag mount over standing low-relief figure of Venus disarming Cupid, on concave centred plinth base applied with further gilt foliate mounts over turned feet.57cm (22.5ins) high, 35.5cm (14ins) wide, 14cm (5.5ins) deep.
A FINE SWISS ORMOLU EIGHT-DAY GRANDE-SONNERIE STRIKING AND REPEATING PENDULE D'OFFICIER WITH ALARMCOURVOISIER AND COMPANY, LA CHAUX-DE-FONDS, CIRCA 1820The circular five pillar triple-train movement ting-tang striking the quarters on a graduated pair of bells and sounding the hour every quarter on the larger of the two, the going train with large horizontal platform lever escapement regulated by sprung monometallic balance planted to the apex of the plates, and the alarm with pull-wind standing barrel and sounding on the smaller bell, the backplate with visible hour and quarter strikework and stamped with serial number 1183 to lower left hand margin, the 4.25 inch circular slightly convex white enamel dial inscribed Courvoisier & Comp'e to centre within vertically orientated Arabic hour numeral chapter ring and incorporating conforming quarter annotations within the outer minute track, with steel moon hands and third straight alarm setting hand set behind a convex glazed hinged engine-milled gilt brass bezel decorated with band of lappet leaves to interior within a ropetwist outer border, the case with hinged leaf decorated scroll-cast handle to the concave-sided superstructure surmounted by a band of ogee-outline lappet leaves and applied with twin cornucipiae to front and laurel wreaths to sides, over simple shallow-arch projecting pediment and further compressed laurel wreath mounts to lower angles, the sides adorned with lyre motifs and the rear with circular hinged door inset with a repeating flowerhead decorated grille fret, on lappet leaf cast ogee moulded shallow skirt base with hairy paw feet, the underside with three-position selection lever annotated Grande Sonnerie/Petit Sonnerie/Silence. 22cm (8.75ins) high with handle down, 15cm (6ins) wide, 10cm (4ins) deep. Provenance:The property of a private collector. Previously sold at Christies, King Street sale of THE COLLECTIONS OF PRICIPESSA ISMENE CHIGI DELLA ROVERE AND A NOBLE GENOESE FAMILY 4th February 2015 (lot 192) sold for £3,750. The Courvoisier family of clockmakers partnership between Louis Courvoisier (1758-1832) and his father-in-law Captain Louis-Benjamin Robert (1732-1781) was established in 1781. In 1787 Robert died leaving his share of the business in control of his widow, Charlotte. This arrangement continued until 1811 when Louis Courvoisier took his son, Frederic Alexander took in his son to form 'Courvoisier et Cie'. The current lot is a fine textbook example of an early design of pendule portative termed 'Pendule d'Officier'. Although this form of portable timepiece originated during the 1780's they apparently became popular during the period of the Napoleonic wars, particularly amongst the officer class, hence the term 'Pendule d'Officier'. The Courvoisier family were the leading makers of this type of portable timepiece during this period and became important in the establishment of carriage clock making industry in the Chaux-de-Fonds region of Switzerland.A clock of related design by Courvoisier and Companie is illustrated in Roberts, Derek CARRIAGE and Other Travelling CLOCKS on page 19, (Figure 1.24); the present lot is particularly notable in that it is of eight-day duration rather than the usual thirty-hour. Condition Report: Movement is in relatively clean condition with no visible evidence of alteration or noticeable replacements. The clock is running and the grande-sonnerie striking is fully operational including the selection lever to the underside. The alarm will wind but tripping is erratic hence requires adjustment. The dial has been restored to repair chips and cracks which were previously present mostly around the winding holes. The case is in fine original condition retaining original gilding albeit with some wear/rubbing and slight discolouration to the extremities.Clock is complete with a winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
A scarce ‘gallantry’ post-War M.B.E. group of eleven awarded to Lieutenant-Commander R. H. Williams, R.N., a Fleet Air Arm helicopter pilot who assisted in rescuing the crew of the Norwegian Motor Vessel Dovrefjell which struck a reef in the Pentland Firth and sank, 3 February 1956. Williams already had a distinguished record as a Skua and Sea Hurricane pilot during the Second World War - carrying out a number of operational sorties over Norway in 1940, and during the invasion of Madagascar in May 1942. During a varied and long career, which went developed into Search and Rescue operations in Whirlwind and Wessex helicopters - Williams amassed over 5,000 flying hours The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 2nd type breast badge; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, 1 clasp, Atlantic; Africa Star; Burma Star, 1 clasp, Pacific; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Korea 1950-53, 1st issue (Cd. Pilot. R. H. Williams. R.N.); U.N. Korea 1950-54; Coronation 1937, privately named ‘R. H. Williams P/J.X. 39691.’; Norway, Medal for Life Saving, Haakon VII, 2nd class in silver with Crown, privately named in reverse centre ‘R. H. Williams 3-2-1956’, mounted as worn, traces of verdigris, nearly very fine or better (11) £800-£1,200 --- M.B.E. London Gazette 22 June 1956: ‘The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following appointments to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for gallantry in rescuing the crew of the Norwegian Motor Vessel Dovrefjell which struck a reef in the Pentland Firth and sunk on 3 February 1956:- In a gale blowing at forty-five knots, the Norwegian motor vessel Dovrefjell was lying beam on to the seas which were breaking heavily over her. Solid spray was reaching a height of one hundred feet, and lifeboats were unable to lie alongside her. Lieutenant Jack Rex Palmer, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Fulmar and Senior Commissioned Pilot Richard Harold Williams, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Fulmar, were ordered to fly their helicopters to the ship for possible rescue operations. Senior Commissioned Pilot Williams arrived first but was ordered to turn back as the conditions appeared to be too hazardous for a helicopter rescue. Lieutenant Palmer then reached the ship and, on his own initiative, decided to attempt a rescue. The ship’s aerials and turbulence necessitated winching the men from a height of fifty feet, but in spite of this Lieutenant Palmer succeeded in rescuing two of the crew. He was then joined by Senior Commissioned Pilot Williams and during the next three hours both pilots made a total of eight trips between the ship and John O’Groats, rescuing two members of the crew each time. Lieutenant Palmer and Senior Commissioned Pilot Williams displayed skill and determination of a very high order in rescuing the entire ship’s crew in extremely difficult flying conditions.’ For their part in the rescue, the two winch operators, Acting Petty Officer Telegraphist Roy Moneypenny, C/SSF 836087, and Aircrewman I Alexander Japp L/FX 79405 both of H.M.S. Fulmar, received the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct. Williams and Palmer were awarded the Boyd Trophy in 1956 - awarded annually to the naval pilot(s) or aircrew(s) who in the opinion of the Flag Officer Naval Air Command has/have achieved the finest feat of aviation during the previous year. Richard Harold Williams joined the Royal Navy as a rating in July 1933, and volunteered for pilot training in August 1939. He carried out his initial training at No. 23 E.F.T.S and No. 1 E.F.T.S., gaining his ‘Wings’ in January 1940. Williams’s initial postings included with 759 and 760 Squadrons, before being posted for operational flying with 801 Squadron in July 1940. He flew Skuas on 12 operational sorties over Norway, and 1 over Cherbourg Harbour, with the Naval Air Squadron. Williams advanced to Petty Officer (Air), and was posted to 880 Squadron (Hawker Sea Hurricanes), R.N.A.S. Arbroath at the end of May 1941. The Squadron was ‘Scrambled’, 29 August 1941, and Williams records the following in his Log Book ‘Ju88 Attacked - Unconfirmed (One Engine Shot Out).’ Williams was posted with the Squadron to the Aircraft Carrier Indomitable, which had been allocated for the Far East, in October 1941. In May 1942, the squadron took part in the invasion of Madagascar, being largely employed in ground attack duties during the capture of Diego-Suarez at the start of the invasion, and destroying one light aircraft by strafing at Arrachart airfield, leaving air superiority duties to the Martlets of 881 and 882 Squadrons operating off Illustrious. Williams flew in 5 operational sorties over Madagascar, and was hit by flak. He returned to Lee-on-Solent after his tour, and subsequently served with 782 (Naval Transport) Squadron, September 1942 - May 1946. Operating out of R.N.A.S. Donibristle Wiliams flew a variety of aircraft and advanced to Warrant Air Officer (Pilot) in June 1945. His rank was altered to Commissioned Pilot, and he was posted to 742 Squadron (Beechcraft Expeditor’s) Ceylon in May 1946. Subsequent postings included with 791 Squadron at Simbang, and 781 Squadron at H.M.S Daedalus. Williams served with the aircraft carrier H.M.S. Glory, August 1949 - September 1951, before being posted to the Staff at H.M.S. Daedalus in January 1952. He undertook a Helicopter Conversion Course in January the following year, had various postings including to Hal-Far, Malta, and advanced to Senior Commissioned Pilot in April 1954. Williams was posted for Search and Rescue operations to H.M.S. Fulmar (Whirlwinds) at Lossiemouth in November 1955, and it was from here that he took part in the above mentioned rescue of 42 Norwegian sailors off a wreck in the Scottish Skerries on 3 February 1956. He was also awarded the Norwegian Medal for Life Saving in July 1957. Subsequent S.A.R. postings including to Ford, Brawdy and Culdrose. Williams advanced to Lieutenant Commander in April 1960, and retired in 1965. He died in 1976. Sold with copied research (including photographic images of recipient), and two large files of bound photocopies of recipient’s Flying Log Books, covering 1 August 1939 - 25 July 1963.
An Edward Medal for Industry awarded to Mr. W. C. Simmons, a Porter with the London and South Western Railway Company, for his gallantry in saving the life of a woman, intent on suicide, who had jumped in front of an express train at Bournemouth Railway Station on 20 August 1912
Edward Medal (Industry), G.V.R., 1st issue, with 2nd type reverse, bronze (Walter Charles Simmons) very fine £1,400-£1,800 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, February 2015. E.M. London Gazette 17 December 1912:
‘On the afternoon of Tuesday, 20 August, 1912, as an express passenger train was entering Bournemouth Station, a woman jumped from the platform in front of the engine. The driver promptly applied the brakes and sounded the whistle; but was unable to stop the train until the engine had passed the spot where the woman jumped down. Simmons's attention was attracted by the whistle when the engine was about 12 yards away, and, without an instant's hesitation, he jumped off the platform on to the permanent way, and succeeded in lifting the woman clear of the rails and holding her against another train, which was stationary on an adjoining line, neither of them sustaining injury. There is no doubt whatever that the rescue was effected by Simmons at the risk of his life, and any delay or hesitation would, in all probability have resulted in fatal consequences.’

Walter Charles Simmons was employed by the London and South Western Railway Company as a Porter at Bournemouth Railway Station. Sold with copied gazette notice and four copied extracts from The Bournemouth Graphic concerning Simmons’s deeds and award of Edward Medal.
A rare and well-documented Second War evader’s D.F.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant W. R. Laws, Royal Air Force, who took to his parachute over Belgium after his Halifax was attacked by night fighters returning from Pilsen in April 1943
Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (745880 Sgt. W. R. Laws, R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence and War Medals, mounted court-style, good very fine (5) £3,000-£4,000 --- D.F.M. London Gazette 16 July 1943. The original recommendation states:
‘Sergeant Laws was the Wireless Operator of the crew of a Halifax aircraft of No. 102 Squadron which was detailed to bomb the Skoda Works at Pilsen on 16 April 1943.
On the return journey the aircraft was attacked by fighters and set on fire over Belgium and the Captain gave the order to bale out. Sergeant Laws landed in a wood north of Montbliart, about 20 k.m. S.E. of Maubeuge. He was uninjured and, after burying his parachute and mae west in the undergrowth, he decided to walk south and get as far away as he could from the aircraft. He evaded capture and eventually arrived back safely in this country.
For the courage and determination shown by this N.C.O., in effecting his escape, I recommend the immediate award of the D.F.M.’

William Robert Laws, a native of Henley-on-Thames who was born in September 1918, enlisted in the Royal Air Force in November 1939. Having then attended No. 2 Signal School at Yatesbury, and No. 8 Air Gunnery School at Evanton, in addition to conversion and operational training units, he joined No. 102 Squadron, a Halifax unit, at Pocklington, in October 1942.

Initially joining Flying Officer Milnes’ crew, he completed four sorties in November-December, namely raids on Stuttgart, Mannheim and Turin (twice), one of the named trips resulting in serious flak damage.

‘The story of ‘J’ of 102 Squadron was an epic. The aircraft was hit by a burst of heavy flak at 17,000 feet, shortly after crossing the Alps, having been coned by searchlights. The starboard outer engine was put out of action and the aircraft spun down to 13,000 feet. Bombs were jettisoned and the aircraft headed for home. At 5,000 feet near Amiens the aircraft was again coned and hit by flak. Both port engines failed and the aircraft lost height to 2,000 feet. At this point the port inner picked up and the aircraft was able to limp home to Bradwell Bay on two engines. From S.E. of Paris until leaving the French coast the aircraft was followed by enemy fighters which, however, made no attack, probably expecting the Halifax to be forced to land. As ‘J’ was leaving the French coast she was illuminated again and a burst of flak blew out the port outer engine. The crash-landing was made at Bradwell Bay with no hydraulics, the captain expressing the greatest appreciation of the help he was given by that station. The Flight Engineer was injured but the rest of the crew only sustained minor cuts. The aircraft unfortunately swung into an Army hut after landing and casualties were sustained by Army personnel.’ (Official records refers).

A ‘Gardening’ trip and a raid on Dusseldorf having followed in January 1943, Laws participated in strikes on Cologne, Lorient and Nuremburg in February, and Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Essen in April - the latter trip once more proving to be of the hair-raising kind, his Flying Log Book noting: ‘Held in searchlights cone for ten minutes and heavily shelled - hit in many places.’ As it transpired, his very next sortie, against the Skoda Works at Pilsen on the night of 16/17, with Squadron Leader Lashbrook, D.F.M., as his pilot, was to prove his last, Halifax HF. 663 falling to the guns of Major Wilhelm Herget of I/NJG/4. Laws’ experiences on that night, and subsequent evasion, are neatly summarised in Valley of the Shadow of Death: The Bomber Command Campaign, March-July 1943, by J. Alwyn Phillips:

‘Halifax HF. 663 of 102 Squadron, 4 Group, captained by Squadron Leader W. I. Lashbrook, D.F.M., was one of the aircraft shot down by night fighter, which obviously had a field day in the nigh perfect weather conditions, when the bombers could be spotted so easily. Fortunately for this bomber crew the underground movement played an important role in helping shot down aircrew evade capture. It was on the return flight at about 04.00 hours, six hours after they had left their base at Pocklington, that the Halifax was attacked by a fighter over Belgium. The bomber immediately caught fire and the order to bale out was passed along, as the intercomm had failed. Sergeant W. R. Laws the wireless operator was the third out after the navigator, Flying Officer K. J. Bolton and the bomb aimer, Pilot Officer Martin with Flight Sergeant Knight, the flight engineer and the pilot immediately behind. Sergeant Laws in his report did not think that the gunners had a chance to get the bale out message. On his parachute descent he saw his aircraft break in two and fall in flames. He landed uninjured in a wood, and like all airmen buried his ‘chute and Mae West straight away and walked quickly south to get away from the crash site.

He rolled down his trousers to cover his conspicuous flying boots, then using his escape compass, he walked through a village. He saw a signpost identifying it as Montbliart. Here he left the road and walked across country, through some woods for about two hours, before stopping in a field to eat some chocolate and Horlicks tablets from his kit. After it became light he studied his map but he was unable to make out his position at Montbliart and did not know whether he was in France or Belgium. At nightfall on the 17th, he continued walking south and used his water bottle to acquire some water from a brook, making sure to put in the purifying tablets before drinking and taking a benzadrine tablet to stay awake. Walking on he passed through the villages of Seloignes and Villers La Tour before he lay up for a rest.

On the morning of the 18th he removed his badges from uniform before continuing on. Eventually he came to an isolated chateau, where a man who looked as if he might be the game keeper, came up to him and spoke in French. Luckily Sergeant Laws could speak French fairly fluently and explained to the man that he was an English airman and wanted to know where he was. The man stated that he was a Pole and was caretaker of the chateau which was unoccupied. He also said the chateau was in Belgium, near Les Taillettes, about 7 kilometres from the French frontier. The man took him onto the chateau and allowed him to shave with his razor and later gave him an old blue mackintosh. In return Sergeant Laws gave him 500 Francs from his escape pack. The caretaker, however, was quite scared to have the airman about the place and advised him to carry on and keep to the woods and walk south to France.

About midnight on the 18th-19th, he again set out and at daybreak crossed the French frontier north of Watigny. He then sheltered in a bombed out house where he ate some of the bread and cheese he had been given by the Pole and went to sleep. When he awoke he set off again walking along the road to Fligny, which he reached at 14.00 hours and continued on to Auge. It was here that a bad storm broke, with exceptionally heavy rain, so soaking wet he approached an isolated farmhouse and sheltered under its front porch. A girl of about 24 opened the door and spoke to him then invited him into the house to shelter from the storm. As Sergeant Laws replied in French, the girl did not know who he was, but when inside he had explained he was an R.A.F. airman. She and her family became very frightened when they found he had no identity discs to show and his ability to speak French so fluently made them even more suspicious of him, but they did give him some food and allowe...
Five: Rear-Admiral F. A. B. Craufurd, Royal Navy Naval General Service 1793-1840, 1 clasp, Syria (F. A. B. Craufurd, Midshipman.); Crimea 1854-56, 2 clasps, Sebastopol, Azoff (Captain F. A. B. Craufurd, Royal Navy.); Ottoman Empire, Order of the Medjidie, Fifth class breast badge, silver, gold and enamel; St. Jean d’Acre 1840, silver, unnamed as issued, a contemporary cast copy; Turkish Crimea 1855, Sardinian issue, unnamed as issued, contact marks, otherwise generally very fine or better (5) £1,600-£2,000 --- Provenance: Sotheby 1899; Spink, May 1998 (NGS, Crimea, and Medjidieh only). Frederick Augustus Buchanan Craufurd was born on 16 March 1822, in Rome, the second son of the six children of John Craufurd of Auchinames and Crosby, county Ayr. He entered the Navy on 26 June 1836, aged 14 years, on board the Imogene 28 guns Captain Henry William Bruce, with whom he served for upwards of three years, as a Volunteer and Midshipman on the South American station. In December 1839 he joined, as Midshipman, the Benbow 72 guns, Captain Houston Stewart, attached to the force in the Mediterranean as part of a powerful joint British, Austrian and Turkish force operating off the coast of Syria, where Egyptian forces under Ibrahim Pasha had driven out the Turks. In that year he participated in all of the operations on the coast of Syria, where he was present at the bombardment of Beyrout on 10 September, the attack on Tortosa and the siege of Acre. It was at 1 o'clock in the afternoon of 4 November 1840 - the sea breeze having set in steady - that the Princess Charlotte 104 guns (Admiral Stopford) led the bombardment of Acre from the north, with Benbow in the Southern division attacking from the south, being played into battle by a piper on the foredeck. After a cannonade of two hours, a shell from either the Gorgon or the Benbow blew the grand powder magazine which exploded at 4 p.m. with terrible effect, many unfortunate Egyptians being blown up and many more buried in the ruins where they died of starvation. The bombardment continued until dusk and during the night the Governor of Acre abandoned the town, taking the remainder of the garrison with him. The capture of Acre ended nearly three months of naval operations off the coast of Syria. On 15 January 1841, Midshipman Craufurd was officially mentioned for his conduct in an affair with the enemy near Ascalon, whilst serving ashore as an extra Aide de Camp to General Michel. For these services he eventually received the Syrian medals when issued some six years later. In June 1842, now holding the rank of Mate, he studied on board the gunnery ship Excellent at Portsmouth (Captain Sir Thomas Hastings) entered the Royal Naval College in 1842 and was rewarded on 28 June 1843 with a Lieutenants commission for having passed the best examination. He also held a certificate of proficiency in steam navigation. He was then appointed on 19 October 1843 as gunnery officer to the Fox 42 guns, carrying the broad pennant of Sir Henry Martin Blackwood in the East Indies. His next appointment was on 21 May 1847, to the Pilot 16 guns (Captain George Knyvett Wilson) in which he returned to England and was paid off on 23 September 1847. On the following 30 November he went to the Inconstant 36 guns (Captain John Shepherd) which was fitting out at Devonport, but he was only there for 17 days before joining the Hydra 6 guns (Captain Grey Skipworth), a paddlewheel steam sloop, on 18 December 1847 as senior. He served on her for about two years on the South East Coast of America. It was while in Hydra at Rio de Janeiro, where the vessel was for 12 months the Senior Officers ship, that Mr. Craufurd - with his knowledge of the Portuguese and Spanish languages - was the means of reopening to Her Britannic Majesty's mission sources of information which led to the capture of the most formidable of the Brazilian slavers. Among these was the notorious steamer Providentia, which was blockaded for nine months by the Hydra and ultimately captured by the Rifleman steamer (Lieut. Commander Croften). Two other vessels fell prizes to the Hydra herself while a fourth, driven onshore, was boarded and destroyed by the boats under Mr. Craufurd, who rescued 353 slaves through a heavy surf, an arduous service in the execution of which he and three of his seamen were wounded. On the Hydra being paid off at Chatham on 15 February 1850, the order and discipline on board was highly praised by the Commander in Chief, the Hon. George Elliot. On 17 July 1850, Craufurd was given command of the Alban 4 guns, a paddlewheel steamer of some 200 h.p. and tender to the Imaum, the receiving ship at Jamaica. It was in this vessel, which he took with difficulty (by reason of bad weather and a small and inefficient crew) to the West Indies, he performed much valuable detached and other service. He received the public thanks of the inhabitants of Kingston, Jamaica, for his extraordinary zeal and exertions during the prevalence of cholera on that island in October 1850. Also he received the thanks of the American government for his efforts in saving the crew of an American vessel wrecked on the Serranilla reef in August 1851. In October of the same year, with all his engineers but one being sick in hospital, he volunteered and did engineers duty in the engine room, for the purpose of enabling the Alban to proceed to sea with despatches of consequence for Port au Prince on the island of Haiti. For his zeal on this occasion he was complemented by the Commander in Chief, Sir George Seymour. On 19 July 1852, he was appointed as acting commander of the Rosamond 6 guns, a steamer of 280 hp., which he brought home from the West Indies, and paid off at Woolwich on 1 December 1852. Whilst in command of the Rosamond, Lieutenant Craufurd cruised for six weeks round the islands of San Domingo and Cuba on a mission of a delicate nature, of which he acquitted himself with his usual success. During this sojourn in the West Indies he obtained the unqualified approbation of Commodores Thomas Bennett and Peter McQuhae for ‘the readiness, the talent, and the zeal’ he displayed on all occasions. Valuable information collected by him during his command of the Rosamond procured him a letter of thanks from the Hydrographer of the Admiralty, Sir Francis Beaufort - later to become famous for his measurement of wind force, the Beaufort Scale. Possibly, this work of a delicate nature was the work of obtaining soundings and plotting bearings thereby compiling charts of the waters around the islands of San Domingo and Cuba, the Hydrographer being the person responsible for charts for the Navy. His next appointment on 31 October 1853 was to the Princess Royal 90 guns (Captain Lord Clarence Edward Paget), a screw ship equipping at Portsmouth. He was promoted to the rank of Commander, from the Princess Royal on 10 January 1854. On 16 August 1854, he was appointed to captain the Swallow 9-32 pdr. guns, a wooden screw vessel of 60 h.p, in which he sailed for the Black Sea, where he assisted in blockading the Straits of Kertch, and on the 13 March 1855, obtained a mention for his conduct in the attack on the fortress of Soujak Kale. After the fall of Kertch on 24 May, the Swallow under Cmdr. Craufurd entered the Sea of Azoff with the steam flotilla, under the command of Captain Edmund Moubray Lyons, who on the 27 of the month detached him together with Wrangler to command the entrance to the Putrid Sea at Genitchi. On the evening of the 28 he was joined by the rest of the force under Captain Lyons. During the interval he had succeeded in capturing or destroying all the vessels outside the channel leading into the Putrid Sea, but a great number had already passed through. He was dispatched on the morning of the 29 wit...
Five: Chief Engine Room Artificer First Class J. A. Hampton, Royal Navy, who was awarded the Russian Medal of St. George Fourth Class 1914-15 Star (270456. J. A. Hampton. Act. Ch. E.R.A.2. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (270456 J. A. Hampton. C.E.R.A.2 R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (270456. J. A. Hampton. Act. Ch. E.R.A. 2Cl. H.M.S. Woolwich.); Russia, Empire, Medal of St George, 4th Class, silver, reverse officially numbered ‘1272843’, very fine (5) £240-£280 --- James Alexander Hampton was born in Hayle, Cornwall, on 8 March 1880 and joined the Royal Navy as an Acting Engine Room Artificer Fourth Class on 30 May 1901. He served during the Great War afloat in H.M.S. Nicator from 6 April 1916 to 23 April 1918, and was present in her at the Battle of Jutland, 31 May 1916, and it was presumably for this action that he was awarded the Russian Medal of St. George. Hampton was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 20 June 1916 and was advanced Chief Engine Room Artificer First Class on 1 October 1921. He was shore pensioned on 29 May 1923.
Three: Acting Engine Room Artificer Fourth Class H. E. Milligan, Royal Navy British War and Victory Medals (M.18551 H. E. Milligan. Act. E.R.A.4 R.N.); Imperial Service Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue (Harry Edward Milligan) in Royal Mint case of issue, naming rubbed on ISM, nearly extremely fine Pair: Private B. J. Knight, Labour Corps British War and Victory Medals (198517 Pte, B. J. Knight. Labour Corps) nearly extremely fine Pair: Air Mechanic Third Class A. Trickett, Royal Air Force British War and Victory Medals (112680. 3.A.M. A. Trickett. R.A.F.); together with a Royal Air Force cap badge, extremely fine (7) £80-£100 --- Sold with an empty Princess Mary Christmas 1914 tin.
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