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Click here to subscribeFour First World War diaries of signaller S G "George" Wicks of the 6th Battalion, The London Regiment, he left for France and served in the trenches from March 1915 to September 1916 when he was wounded and returned to England. He was at the Battle of Loos in 1915. Sold with various other items including letters from friends in the trenches
Two Gold discs presented to Robin Gibb, the first by the RIAA to commemorate the sale of more than 500,000 copies of the Sesame Street Records long playing album 'Sesame Street Fever', the second by the Canadian Recording Industry Association for the sale of more than 50,000 copies of the Pickwick album 'Sesame Street Fever', October 1978, (2), h: 20 x w: 16 in.
B.O.I.C. - M.E.F. - 1944 Reg airmail cover (headed env inscr Comunita Israelitica della Tripolitania) to the 'World Jewish Congress', New York, franked 1943-47 5d brown (14) plus single 1d pale scarlet and 2d pale orange tied by several Tripoli cds for 14.1.44, cover bears two Egyptian censor marks and re-sealing strip plus US re-sealing strip, reverse bears a range of transit marks, also 1947 commercial reg cover to Sicily bearing 1943-47 5d and 2s 6d tied by Tripoli cds and 1948 reg airmail cover to England bearing 1943-47 5s and 10s tied by Benghazi cds for 13 Jul 48, first minor faults, last filing bend, an attractive trio
B.O.I.C.TRIPOLITANIA - 1950 Three reg airmail covers to Milan, bearing respectively first 1950 'BA' 3L on 1½d, 4L on 2d and 60L on 2s 6d, second 2L on 1d and 120L on 5s, third 1L on ½d and 240L on 10s, all tied by Tripoli N1 cds for 28.2.50, reverse of each bears range of despatch, transit and arrival marks, philatelic but scarce
FALKLAND ISLANDS - Small group of watermark errors comprising 1979 Stanley Airport 11p wmk Crown to Left of CA (also 25p normal) (SG 361w, 363), 1980 Dolphins 15p wmk Crown to Right of CA (SG 375w), 1981 Royal Wedding 10p an 13p both wmk inverted (SG 402w, 403w), and South Georgia 1994 Larsen's First Voyage Centenary 17p u/l marginal block of four with wmk Crown to Right of CA (SG 251w), last with minor crease in margin otherwise fine u/m
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO - Postal History: Accumulation of commercial and first day covers with strength in KGV and KGVI periods, varied range with some duplication amongst philatelic covers, noted 1884 cover with 1882 1d surcharge, 1935 Silver Jubilee fdc, 1948 RSW fdc, plus various first flight covers, mixed cond but possible postmark interest (approx 150)
COMMONWEALTH - Australasia: Collection in album incl Australia OS opts un and us to 1s green, BCOF opts incl unused and used sets to both 5s, 1d with blue opt and set to 5s on plain fdc, postage dues good mostly used run-through incl vals to 5s, AAT first two issues incl cover, Christmas Is, Cocos Is 1957 set in unused blocks of four, Nauru odds to 1970s, New Guinea NWPI opts incl vals to £1 incl some scarcer, Native Hut type to £1 unused, Papua KGVI, PNG earlier and Norfolk Is, cond generally fine (Few Hundreds)
COMMONWEALTH - British West Indies: Useful collection of QEII defin sets to 1980s in two stockbooks, good range of first issues and various change of wmk vars, noted Guyana 1967-68 Independence wmk Script CA 24c (u/m but couple of tone spots), cond varies, mostly large part o.g. or u/m (Several Hundred)
An early 19th Century mahogany hall bench, the gently waisted back with scrolling gadroon crest, the scrolls centred by flowerheads, to a central robin crest above a band of entrelac decoration, the channelled scroll arms on baluster supports above a panel seat raised on fluted taper legs with castors, 133cm (53.5") wide Provenance: The Rochfort Family of Clogrennan and thence by descent. The Rochfort family built their mansion at Clogrennan in Carlow in the first decade of the 19th Century. Active in Irish politics for much of that Century the family eventually sold the estate in 1922 after which Horace Cosby Rochfort brought the bench with him to England. This bench bears similarities with other Irish hall seats for example those sold at Christies, Important English Furniture, 19 November 1992 Lot 64, the cresting in particular has similar features, derived from Thomas Hope's designs.
An unusual Arctic exploration pair awarded to the Rev. George Fisher, late Royal Navy, a Chaplain and Astronomer in the 1818 and 1821-23 Expeditions, and afterwards the Principal of Greenwich Hospital School: the only Chaplain and one of two Astronomers entitled to the Arctic 1818-55 Medal, his important scientific observations later filled 300 pages of Parry’s published journal Arctic Medal 1818-55, unnamed as issued; Westminster Fire Office Medal, silver, the reverse with old engraved inscription, ‘Mr. George Fisher, Elected 17th Augt. 1809’, 40mm., generally good very fine (2) £1200-1500 Ex Len Matthews collection, who purchased the above described awards in a charity auction held in 1990, when offered with a quantity of unrelated family documents; and Spink, 30 November 1999 (Lot 489). George Fisher was born at Sunbury, Middlesex in July 1794, the son of a surveyor, James Fisher, and his wife Henrietta. One of a large family left to the care of a widowed mother when James died in 1797, George Fisher received little early education before entering the office of the Westminster (Fire) Insurance Company aged 14 years in 1808. Employed as a clerk, it is probable, too, that he served as a porter, in which role he would have been responsible for the removal and protection of items from fire-damaged properties. More certain is the fact his ‘devotion to uncongenial duties won the respect and rewards of his employers’, reference no doubt to his silver Westminster Fire Office Medal. In 1817, and having likely come into contact with noted scientists of the day as a result of his work at Westminster, Fisher entered St. Catherine's College, Cambridge, but his studies were put on hold as a result of recurring illness - and his appointment as an Astronomer to the forthcoming Arctic Expedition, an appointment made on the recommendation of the President and Council of the Royal Society. Referred to in Admiralty instructions as ‘Mr. Fisher, who is represented to us as a gentleman well skilled in Astronomy, Natural History, and various branches of knowledge’, he was provided with assorted scientific instruments to assist his observations and research, pioneering work on the physical, chemical and physiological consequences of the Arctic climate. Astronomer to the 1818 Expedition Four ships under Admiralty orders participated in the 1818 Expedition, setting sail on 21 April - H.M. ships Alexander and Isabella were ordered to find a North-West Passage, while the Trent and Dorothea - Fisher's ship - were to seek a passage from the Svalbard Islands by way of the North Pole to the Bering Strait, and thence to the Pacific Ocean, courses of action resulting from a belief that there was an ‘Open Polar Sea ‘, a theory that existed until the final decades of the 19th century. Be that as it may, the Trent and Dorothea safely reached their rendezvous at Magdalena Bay, on the north-west coast of Spitzbergen Island, where they remained for some days surveying the harbour. On putting out to sea again on 7 June, the ice soon closed-in and both ships became entrapped, but they later found refuge at Fair Haven on 28 June, in the extreme north-west of Spitzbergen. Setting out again on 6 July, they penetrated to 80¼ 34'N, the most northerly limit of their voyage, before encountering an impenetrable barrier of ice and again being entrapped. Eventually, however, the ships broke clear, but then ran into a gale in which they were severely damaged. Once more finding refuge in Fair Haven, and having made temporary repairs, the expedition sailed for home on 30 August, thereby bringing to a close the Royal Navy’s last attempt to sail a ship across the ‘Open Polar Sea ‘. In spite of the unforgiving ice and sea, a scientific harvest was reaped from the expedition, based on Fisher's experiments on the length of the pendulum at Spitzbergen. An abstract of these experiments eventually saw print in an appendix of A Voyage of Discovery Towards The North Pole by Beechey. In addition, the results of Fisher's observations of the ships' chronometers during the voyage were embodied in a paper read before the Royal Society on 8 June 1820, entitled On the Errors in Longitude as Determined by Chronometers at Sea, Arising from the Action of the Iron in the Ships upon the Chronometers. Astronomer and Chaplain to Parry’s 1821-23 Expedition It was about this time that Fisher evidently took Holy Orders, in order to become a Naval Chaplain, and it was in this role, and again as Astronomer on the recommendation of the Royal Society, that he joined William Parry's second North-West Passage Expedition. In April 1821, H.M.S. Fury - Fisher's ship - and Hecla were sent by the Admiralty to search for a passage along the west coast of the unexplored Foxe Basin in the northern reaches of Hudson Bay, and north of Repulse Bay. Parry subsequently became the first to sail through Frozen Strait, but in late August, having found no passage through Repulse Bay, he explored the coast of Melville Peninsula northward, naming, among other features, Haviland Bay, Bushnan and Vansittart Islands, Gore Bay and Lyon and Hoppner Islets. He also examined two inlets by boat, sailing as far as Ross Bay. Wintering with his comrades at ‘Winter Island ‘, off south-east Melville Peninsula, Fisher set up his portable observatory ashore, in which task he was ably assisted by his servant, Able Seaman Henry Siggers. Numerous wide-ranging experiments were conducted, among them those of value to navigators in high latitudes, including comparative tests of compasses and numerous observations to determine refraction when stars were observed near the horizon in very cold weather. He also measured the velocity of sound, the contraction of a series of different metal bars at low temperatures, and the behaviours of various chemicals. While in 1822, he discovered the liquidization of gases, especially chlorine - one year ahead of the noted English chemist and physicist Michael Faraday, who is usually credited with being the first to liquefy chlorine. On 1 February 1822, Eskimos visited Fisher and his comrades, spending much of the winter in their company, thereby enabling them to make detailed observations of their customs and language. Leaving their winter quarters on 2 July - and using an Eskimo map of the region - the Fury and Hecla explored north along the east coast of Melville Peninsula. More Eskimos were encountered at Igloolik and afterwards the entrance to Fury and Hecla Strait was discovered. Ice, however, prevented Parry from passing through the strait, but overland journeys confirmed that it led west into open sea - in fact, this was the entrance to the southernmost possible North-West Passage, but modern knowledge confirms that ice conditions made it impassable to sailing vessels. Parry returned to Igloolik Island and established winter quarters at that place, where the expedition again had much contact with Eskimos during the winter and Fisher once more set up his portable observatory ashore, patiently continuing his valuable experiments. Leaving those quarters in August 1823, Parry made a second attempt to sail through Fury and Hecla Strait, but was again unsuccessful and, fearing the onset of scurvy, he abandoned the effort and returned home. This was the last major attempt to find a North-West Passage through Hudson Bay, and the search for an elusive passage continued in more northern latitudes. Parry's journal made specific note of Rev. Fisher's advancements in the departments of science: ‘I have the most sincere pleasure in offering my testimony to the unabated zeal and perseverance with which under circumstances of no ordinary difficulty from climate, and in spite of frequent ill health, he continued to pursue every object which could tend to the improvement of Astronomy and Navigation, and to the interests of Science in general.’ Indeed, of Parry's 800-page publishe
The uniquely dated ‘Discovery Investigations ‘Polar Medal in bronze awarded to Netman D. Kennedy, late Pilotage Service and afterwards Royal Navy: as a result of the hardships endured by such men - Kennedy spent six seasons in Antarctica - the international whale conservation programme was set in motion Polar Medal 1904, G.VI.R., bronze, 1 clasp, Antarctic 1929-34 (Duncan Kennedy), in its case of issue, extremely fine £2800-3200 Ex J. B. Hayward (Gazette No. 2, July 1974, Item No. 283). Duncan Kennedy, who was born in Greenock, Scotland in January 1888, served in the Pilotage Service in the Great War and was awarded the British War and Mercantile Marine War Medals. Previous to joining the Royal Research Ship Discovery II in 1929, he was a fisherman, so it seems natural that he was rated as a Netman - a Petty Officer responsible for operating the various-sized nets used to collect marine specimens - and having served through six Antarctic seasons aboard the Discovery II, he became one of just two Netman awarded the Polar Medal in bronze - and the only man to receive the clasp dated 1929-34. Kennedy and the Antarctic 1929-34 ‘Discovery Investigations ‘As early as 1917, it was recognized that whales were in danger of being hunted to extinction, as a result of which a British Government inter-departmental committee was set up to review the excesses of the whaling industry which then flourished in the Antarctic. However, it was not until 1923 that a committee with the required finances and authority was established to make ‘a serious attempt to place the whaling industry on a scientific basis’. The depletion of whale stocks could be avoided only by controlling the whaling industry, but effective control could not be planned for a painfully simple reason: not enough was known about the habits of whales, their distribution and migration, or of their main food - the shrimp known as krill. Kennedy thus became part of this historic scientific programme that spanned over a quarter of a century. Initially, Scott's old ship, the Discovery, was purchased by the newly named ‘Discovery Committee ‘. Then, in 1926, the steam vessel William Scoresby was added to the initiative, and was tasked with general oceanographic work, commercial scale trawling and whale marking experiments. However, later still, it was decided to build a new steel ship to carry out the indefinite and ambitious series of ‘Discovery Investigations ‘that beckoned, the Discovery II being the result. And in order to meet unknown conditions, her construction required careful planning and much original thought, in addition to the provision of an array of expensive scientific and other research equipment - given the international financial crisis of the early 1930s, evidence indeed of the vital importance of the project. In December 1929, as Discovery II stood ready at London's St. Katherine's Dock, she received a visit from the King of Norway, who possessed a keen knowledge of everything to do with whaling, while her actual departure for her three-year odyssey was captured by a reporter for the Oxford Mail: ‘Hundreds of People gathered to witness the departure of the vessel and after two hours' skilful manÏuvring she was steered into the Thames, where much larger crowds were watching. As the ship glided from her berth girls crowded to the windows of the factories overlooking the dock and waved good-bye to the crew. One very pretty girl, more daring than the rest, climbed out on to a ledge and shouted "A Merry Christmas next week," and the sailors responded with a cheer.’ At 234 feet long, and displacing 2,100 tons, Discovery II was only a fraction of the size of the 10-12,000 ton whaling factory ships active in Antarctic waters. Yet she was the largest research ship ever to explore the Southern Ocean and both the scientists and crew had to take time to get used to a new ship under conditions of intense cold, storm and pack ice. In addition, working the instruments and winches required constant practice, and the surveys, biological collections and hydrographic work were more comprehensive that ever before attempted in southern waters. Kennedy's nets were used for collecting sea plants and animals and were of several different sizes and mesh. The mouth of one tow net was the size of a dinner plate, while another was believed to be the largest in the world, so big that a man could stand upright inside it. Indeed long hours were dedicated to the raising and lowering of such nets in all variety of weather and seas - hard and frequently painful labour on the part of Kennedy, given the prevailing climate and temperatures. Just such conditions that turned Discovery II into a Christmas tree by a combination of gale and freezing seas that sprayed the ship's deck, bulwarks and upper works, thickly encrusting them with ice. Torches of burning waste and paraffin were sometimes necessary to thaw the blocks and sheaves over which ran the wires used to lower nets and instruments into the sea. Under such difficult conditions, a sense of humour was a valuable asset and greatly appreciated by all, and Kennedy’s ways of speech certainly played their part in keeping his fellow crew amused, or certainly according to the expedition’s official photographer, Alfred Saunders, who noted: ‘He had a persistent but unwitting habit of mispronouncing names. One of his jobs was to look after chemical and other scientific stores in the hold. To him sulphuric acid became 'sulfricated acid', hydrochloric acid became 'hydraulic acid', and formalin became 'formamint'. Once when he met a sailor who had had a violent fall on deck still walking about, he said that he thought he had 'discolated' his leg.’ In the present context it is impossible to do justice to the many achievements and adventures of Discovery II and those who served aboard her, but the drama of one particular incident during the ship's second commission (1931-33) deserves the spotlight, for she became the fourth vessel to circumnavigate Antarctica - and the first to accomplish this feat in winter. In January 1932, Discovery II was on her first voyage deep into the Weddell Sea, the first steel ship to penetrate those waters, when, near the position Shackleton had first met ice back in 1916, she became entrapped, her hull and rudder sustaining damage, including a leak in her starboard fuel tank. At one point, on 26 January, her captain wrote, ‘Scientific staff and all spare hands employed this day poling ice floes clear of rudder and propeller’, and it was only with great difficultly that the ship was extricated from her perilous situation. In spite of such danger, the surroundings never failed to make a marked impression on the senses, one crewman recalling that it was ‘impossible to describe the stillness and the quietness in the Antarctic, not a sound to be heard.’ Another notable chapter in Discovery II’s Antarctic sojourn occurred during her third commission (1933-35), when she was able to lend vital assistance to Admiral Byrd's Second Antarctic Expedition. For, on 5 February 1934, the latter was faced with a severe crisis, his only doctor being taken ill with high blood pressure, a condition that necessitated his return home on the support ship Jacob Ruppert, leaving only a medical student with the expedition. Byrd, who could not even consider keeping 95 men in the Antarctic without a doctor, later wrote, ‘I determined then to get a doctor, or else cancel the expedition.’ The previous month, he had been surprised to hear Discovery II's radio operator tapping out morse messages on the airwaves - not that far from each other, the expeditions exchanged greetings. So he now sent a radiogram to the captain of Discovery II, then at Auckland replenishing her supplies, requesting assistance, as a direct result of which Dr. Louis Potaka, a New Zealander, sailed on the ship to rendezvous with Byrd's Bear of Oa
A rare ‘Challenger Medal ‘awarded to Dr. George Busk, a noted scientist and contemporary of Charles Darwin, who successfully nominated the latter for the Royal Society’s coveted Copley Medal Medal for the Expedition of H.M.S. Challenger 1872-76 and the subsequent scientific reports 1886-95, Neptune, left hand holding a triangle and the right arm encircling a trident and resting on a wreath, below which, the helmeted bust of Britannia left, surrounded by dolphins and mermaids, with inscription on ribbon below, ‘Voyage of H.M.S. Challenger, 1872-76’, reverse, armoured medieval knight left with gauntlet at his feet, a ribbon in part entwined around a trident bears the inscription, ‘Report on the Scientific Results of the Challenger Expedition 1886-95’ (George Busk), 75mm., bronze, good very fine £400-500 Medallic References: B.H.M. 3487 and Eimer 1797; a total of 120 such awards were issued, The Challenger Medal Roll (1895), by Glenn M. Stein, F.R.G.S., recording only eight known examples, some of which are still in family hands, while others reside in institutions - Busk's example was issued posthumously on 23 December 1895. George Busk was born in St. Petersburg in August 1807, the second son of Robert Busk, a merchant in that city. After receiving his initial education at Dr. Hartley's School, Bingley, Yorkshire, Busk studied medicine at St. Thomas's Hospital, London. Thereafter, he spent six years as an articled student with George Beaman, under the aegis of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. Appointed to the Seamen's Hospital Society (S.H.S.) in 1831, having served briefly as Apothecary on the Society's first hospital ship, the Grampus, Busk joined the 104-gun ship Dreadnought as an Assistant Surgeon in the following year, aboard which ship he ‘worked out the pathology of cholera, and made important observations on scurvy’: he was to remain a Surgeon with the S.H.S. for nearly 25 years, until retiring from surgical practice in 1855, though he held the post of Consulting Surgeon from 1866 until his death 20 years later. In December 1843, Busk became one of the original 300 Fellows of the Royal College of Surgeons. Besides his eventual Presidency of the same body in 1871, he subsequently occupied many influential positions in several learned scientific institutions, among them the Microscopial Society, Linnean Society, Zoological Society, and the Anthropological Institute, while in 1850 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. The Darwin connection Early in life he had established himself as a leading authority on Polyzoa, and as with all things he studied, was a patient and cautious investigator. The author of several works on varied scientific subjects, and a solid artist, he also wrote and drew about Polyzoa specimens brought back by Charles Darwin on the Beagle, the 1875-76 Arctic Expedition, and of course, Challenger. Indeed Busk was deeply involved in the debate on the theory of evolution and some sources state that he read the joint Darwin-Wallace paper at a meeting of the Linnean Society on 1 July 1858 - the paper was an important prelude to Darwin's On the Origin of Species by Natural Selection (1859) - but more recent research suggests it was the Society’s Secretary who read out the paper. Be that as it may, Busk did translate into English Professor Schaaffhausen's detailed description of a cranium discovered in the Neander Valley in 1857, two years before publication of Darwin's Origin, a translation that duly appeared in The Natural History Review for April 1861. In his related publication, The Neander Valley, Robert Silverberg states: ‘[Busk] addressed a group of English scientists that same month, displaying a plaster cast of the Neanderthal skull and a skull of a chimpanzee. He said he had "no doubt of the enormous antiquity" of the Neanderthal bones, and called attention to the way the shape of the skull approached "that of some of the higher apes." Neither Darwin nor his chief popularizer, Huxley, attended Busk's lecture, but the geologist David Lyell did, and he saw to it that the Neanderthal skull cast got to Huxley. Huxley reported, in 1863, that the skull was that of a primitive variety of man, ‘different from Homo Sapiens but not wholly distinct anatomically’, though he admitted it was the most apelike human skull yet found - Huxley added cautiously that ‘in no sense can the Neanderthal bones be regarded as the remains of a human being intermediate between men and apes’. ‘In addition, in 1863, Busk came forward with a fossilized skull found in Gibraltar in 1848, and since preserved at the Natural History Museum, London. He realized it had Neanderthal characteristics, and on the basis of the two skulls, an assistant of Lyell's christened a new species of man in 1864, Homo neanderthalensis. As a result, along with Darwin's Origin, "Neanderthal man" rapidly became the centrepiece in the contemporary evolution controversy. In fact, Darwin and Busk had a close medical, as well as scientific, relationship. Darwin was plagued nearly all his adult life with stomach problems, and on his way to Malvern Wells in 1863, he stopped in London overnight to consult Busk, whom Hooker had recommended as having ‘the most fertile brain of any man I know in regard of all such matters as your stomach’ (letter from J. D. Hooker, dated 27 August 1863, refers). Moreover, following Darwin’s failure to gain the Royal Society’s coveted Copley Medal in 1862-63, as a result of the contentious nature of his Origin, it was Busk who nominated him again in 1864, this time for his researches in geology, zoology and botanical physiology, and the ploy worked, the membership present at a meeting held that November resolving by ballot that Darwin receive said Medal. Darwin did not attend the meeting at which the award was announced, fearing the excitement would make him seriously ill, and in his absence the Medal was received on his behalf by Busk, who handed it over to Darwin's brother - a few days later the great man wrote to Busk, thanking him for proposing him for the award (Darwin’s letter, dated 4 December 1864, refers). It was around this same time that a social club was formed by eminent scientists and called the ‘X Club ‘, in order to prevent the members from drifting apart due to their various duties, and to further the cause of science. Much of the discussion at X Club meetings revolved around the affairs of the Royal Society, and in the year of the Club's founding, all except one member were Fellows, Thomas Huxley and Busk among them. Both of them were also involved in the Philosophical Club, a "think tank" within the Royal Society. Busk was awarded the Royal Medal of the Royal Society in 1871 ‘for his researches in Zoology, Physiology and Comparative Anatomy’, followed by the Lyell Medal in 1878 and the Geological Society’s Wollaston Medal in 1885. As stated above, the award of his Challenger Medal was made posthumously in December 1895 - prior to the voyage of the Challenger in 1872, a Royal Society scientific party went aboard the "floating laboratory" anchored at Sheerness, and on deck had their photograph taken, among them Busk. His ‘last labours’ were devoted to the preparation of a report on the Polyzoa collected during the expedition, the first part of the work being completed in 1884, and he was in the process of finishing the second part at the time of his death in London in August 1886 - the proofs were later corrected by his elder daughter. During his lifetime, Busk donated mainly Bryozoan material to the Natural History Museum, London, and after his death, his daughters bequeathed the rest of his collection to the Museum - which amounted to several thousand specimens - as well as some books and drawings. The Museum also holds a proof copy of Busk's Challenger work, with his corrections and annotations, and his original drawings. Dr. G. C. Cook's words perhaps
A rare 1st class German Atlantic Expedition 1925-27 Medal, complete with its case of issue Germany, Atlantic ‘Meteor ‘Expedition Medal 1925-27, 1st class, silver, the edge inscribed, ‘Bayer Hauptmunzamt, Feinsilber’, with silver-gilt oak leaves’ suspension, in its original gilt inscribed, red leather fitted case of issue, original riband and brooch-pin for wearing, good very fine £400-500 Issued by the Research Aid Society of German Science, and designed by the Bavarian Mint, 23 1st Class Medals were issued with gilt oak leaves to naval officers and civilian scientists, and 188 2nd Class Medals were issued with silver oak leaves to crewmen. In the aftermath of Germany’s defeat in the Great War, in a period of political and economic chaos, emerged one of the most important oceanographic expeditions of the 20th century, an expedition made possible by the establishment of the German Scientific Research Aid Council in 1920, a body charged with salvaging the pride of the country’s scientific research establishment. And it was in the spirit of that stated aim, in 1924, that Vienna-born oceanographer, Professor Alfred Merz of Berlin University, asserted that the ocean offered an open door of opportunity for exploration - that a well-planned voyage would invite solutions to many important questions of the deep - a view shared by the Council’s president, who quickly gathered the required support. As a result, the Meteor was fitted out for just such an expedition, a brigatine rig being put in place to reduce her reliance on fuel. Commanded by KapitŠn zur See F. Spiess, with Merz heading the scientific agenda, her specially trained crew numbered 123 men, including 10 officers, 29 Petty Officers, 78 ratings and 6 civilians - given that the Medal was awarded to a total of 211 recipients, it must be assumed that some of these men were exchanged during the course of her voyage, and that other individuals indirectly connected with the expedition were also eligible for the award. In any event, the Meteor departed in April 1925 and conducted a shake-down cruise to the Canary Islands to ensure readiness for the voyage. Afterwards, a strenuous around the clock programme of scientific measurements was undertaken: water temperatures, depths, atmospheric observations and collecting water samples and marine life. In the end, the Meteor criss-crossed the Atlantic on no less than 14 occasions, from the northern tropics to Antarctica, and, using the ship's early sonar, profiles of the ocean floor were created between 20¼ N and 55¼ S. In addition, the expedition established 310 hydrographic stations and made 67,400 depth soundings to map the topography of the ocean floor, and released over 800 observation balloons, while an analysis of 9,400 measurements of temperature, salinity and chemical content at varying depths established the pattern of ocean water circulation, nutrient dispersal and plankton growth - a notable discovery during this survey was the extension of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge around the Cape of Good Hope towards the Indian Ocean and the Meteor was also the first to record an entire ocean's currents and make extensive studies of surface evaporation. By the time of her return to Germany in May 1927, Meteor had spent 512 days at sea and sailed over 67,500 nautical miles, thereby achieving a victory in peace for science and for Germany. The above information has been based on research undertaken by Glenn M. Stein, F.R.G.S.
Borough of Portsmouth Tribute Medal, 27mm., silver and enamel, hallmarks for Birmingham 1902, rev. impressed, ‘Naval Brigade, South Africa 1899-1900, North China 1900’, ref. Hibbard A21, rev. 2, lacks suspension ring; Presentation Silver Box, circular, approx. 70mm. dia., hinged lid engraved with the shield of ‘Lloyds’ and inscribed, ‘Lloyd’s 7th May 1900’, hallmarks for Birmingham 1899, first very fine; last in good condition (2) £180-220 A label affixed to the box reads, ‘Presentation box to H.M.S. Powerful re. S.A. War at Portsmouth Town Hall April 1900’.
An evocative set of original Flying Log Books appertaining to Squadron Leader E. Richardson, D.F.C., Royal Air Force, whose early operational career spanned the Fall of France through to numerous cross-Channel sweeps in 1941, via the Battle of Britain, in which latter conflict he piloted Hurricanes in Douglas Bader’s 242 Squadron - and claimed a brace of ‘kills ‘The first example covering the period July 1935 to July 1936, namely early flying experience in Wapitis of No. 31 Squadron out in India; the second the period September 1936 to December 1941, including operational flying in Hurricanes of No. 1 and No. 242 Squadrons in France and during the Battle of Britain, and in No. 258 in cross-Channel offensive sweeps from July 1941, and in Spitfires of No. 92 Squadron from October of the same year - and including seven Bader signatures as Squadron C.O.; and the third the period December 1941 to March 1947, the last seven pages of entries added in November 1945, following the temporary loss of this log book (endorsement refers); together with three old photographs of an official nature, bearing reverse copyright stamps, two of them with handwritten captions in Richardson’s hand, the whole pertinent to No. 242 Squadron; and an old typed wartime statement of services (Lot) £1800-2200 Eric Richardson was born in Scarborough in December 1912 and was educated at the local High School for Boys. Entering the Royal Air Force as an Apprentice in January 1929, he qualified as a Fitter before being selected for pilot training, initially gaining experience as a passenger in Wapitis of No. 31 Squadron in India. Returning home to A.S.T. Brough in September 1936, he was posted to No. 4 F.T.S. at Abu Sueir, Egypt that December and, on gaining his ‘Wings ‘, to No. 94 (B.) Squadron at Shaibah in Iraq in July 1937. Having then returned home in early 1939, Richardson attended No. 1 A.A.C.U. at R.A.F. Squires Gate, in which capacity he was detached for Army Co-operation flights out of Abbeville, France in early 1940. Then in early June, having converted to Hurricanes, he served briefly in No. 1 Squadron before joining another Advanced Air Striking Force unit, No. 242 Squadron, at Chateaudun. Several offensive patrols ensued, primarily over the Nantes sector, until, on the 18th, the Squadron was withdrawn to the U.K. - Richardson flew back with no maps, ran out of fuel and landed on a beach near Minehead. Two days later, 242’s exhausted, demoralised and battle-scarred pilots flew in to Coltishall to meet their new C.O., Acting Squadron Leader Douglas Bader. The latter’s forceful character was soon felt by all and he quickly dismissed any doubts about his tin-legged flying capabilities, putting on a spectacular 30 minute session of low-level aerobatics right over the airfield. Red tape, too, was swiftly brushed aside, mounds of paperwork quickly finding its way into the waste-paper basket, and an annoying desk-bound Officer (Equipment) at Fighter Command H.Q. received a memorable Bader-broadside. Far more noteworthy, however, was Bader’s related message to Group: ‘242 Squadron now operational as regards pilots but non-operational repeat non-operational as regards equipment.’ He had barely been with 242 a week. Quite what Richardson and his fellow pilots made of this extraordinary display remains a matter for debate. Certainly they were not amused by their new C.O’s thoughtless jab at the lack of proper shoes, ties and shirts being worn by them - he was quickly informed that most of their clothes had been left in France. But his immediate apology was better received, especially when he sent them all off to a tailor in Norwich at the Air Ministry’s expense. There can be no doubt, however, that not all of 242’s pilots were willingly fitting into Bader’s required mould, dogmatic leader that he was. When Richardson and fellow pilots were taken up to lead a formation in dummy attacks, he would bark at them ‘like an exuberant mastiff’ if they made any errors. It must have been a difficult experience, most of them having seen far more action than their C.O., but failure to fit in with his future plans meant almost certain transfer. In fact Bader had just such transfers in mind when he first interviewed each pilot on his arrival, but clearly Richardson was a favoured candidate. In early July, following a successful meeting with Dowding regarding equipment supply, Bader signalled Group: ‘242 Squadron now fully operational.’ And at this point Richardson’s relevant Flying Log Book records the first of numerous convoy patrols, and indeed his first ‘kill ‘, a Ju. 88 brought down in the sea off Lowestoft on the first day of August; so, too, a Ju. 88 on the last day of the month, his Flying Log Book noting that it broke its back on hitting the water and sank in a few seconds, and a confirmed Do. 17 on 9 September. Indeed 242 remained actively employed out of Coltishall - and later Duxford - until the Battle’s end, Richardson noting that he had never seen so many vapour trails while visiting the latter airfield on a daily basis in October. In January 1941, shortly before Bader’s departure from 242, the Squadron flew its first cross-Channel offensive sortie, escorting a bomber strike on a target in France, Richardson observing that he ‘didn’t see any Jerries but plenty of A.A. fire. One machine holed in wing’. Commissioned in the following month, he remained actively employed on convoy patrols, Whitney Straight assuming command on the loss of Squadron Leader Treacy in mid-April 1941 - in fact losses climbed steadily over the summer, as 242 commenced flying ‘Circuses ‘on a more regular basis out of North Weald, but in a sweep on 17 June, Richardson added a brace of 109s damaged to his tally. In July 1941, he transferred to 258 Squadron at Martlesham Heath in the rank of Flight Lieutenant, and flew around 60 convoy patrols over the next few weeks. He was recommended for the D.F.C. (London Gazette 9 September 1941): ‘This officer has been engaged in operations against the enemy for over a year and has destroyed two and damaged two hostile aircraft. He participated in evacuation patrols in France in June 1940, and, later on, fought in the Battle of Britain. Since February 1941, Flight Lieutenant Richardson has taken part in 11 bomber escorts and four Channel sweeps. He has displayed devotion to duty and has set an excellent example throughout.’ Then in October 1941 he was posted to 92 Squadron, a Spitfire unit operating out of Gravesend, and completed a brace of ‘Circuses ‘in the same month, in addition to numerous dusk patrols before he was finally ‘rested ‘in mid-December with an appointment in No. 53 Operational Training Unit (O.T.U.) at Llandow. Having then served in a similar capacity in No. 56 O.T.U. at Sutton Bridge from February to October 1942, he was posted to Northern Ireland as a Liaison Officer to the U.S.A.A.F., and was afterwards attached to the 8th U.S.A.A.F. H.Q. Indeed Richardson remained employed on similar ground duties until the War’s end - having attended the R.A.F. Staff College in early 1944, he joined Transport Command, served in North-West Europe at assorted ‘staging posts ‘and gained appointment as an Acting Squadron Leader. Post-war, he qualified as an Intelligence Officer, served in the Middle East and was advanced to the substantive rank of Squadron Leader in January 1949. He was placed on the Retired List in October 1958 and died in September 1973.
An original Flying Log Book appertaining to Lieutenant R. W. Rowan, D.F.C., South African Air Force, a long-served and gallant Mediterranean theatre of war Kittyhawk and Spitfire pilot who claimed several enemy aircraft as damaged prior to being killed in action in May 1944 South African Air Force (S.A.A.F.) Pilot’s Flying Log Book, commencing with training flights in Tiger Moths in September 1941 and ending in Rowan’s death in action as a Spitfire pilot in No. 4 (S.A.A.F.) Squadron on 14 May 1944, the often detailed operational entries forming a complete and poignant record of a gallant fighter pilot in action over North Africa, Sicily and Italy 1942-44 - and noting the assorted combat claims and victories that led to the award of his D.F.C., covers worn, contents good; together with two original wartime portrait photographs, and Adjutant-General’s Office, Union of South Africa ‘Certified True Copy’ of his D.F.C. citation, dated 25 August 1945, presumably as sent to his next of kin (Lot) £800-1000 Rowland William Rowan, who was born in January 1923, commenced pilot training at No. 6 Air School, Potchefstroom, South Africa in September 1941 and, following further experience gained at No. 24 Air School, was posted to No. 6 (S.A.A.F.) Squadron, and thence to No. 4 (S.A.A.F.) Squadron, 233 Wing, a Kittyhawk unit in North Africa. Flying his first sortie on 1 August 1942, he went on to complete well over 80 operations in Tunisia between then and May 1943, his log book noting assorted claims, among them damaged 109s on 10 and 26 October 1942, the former ‘Last seen with white smoke - gave two bursts’, in addition to a close call in the same month when another 109 locked onto his tail - luckily Lieutenant Rowbottom was on hand to shoot it down. Having then claimed another damaged 109 on 30 April 1943 - ‘Saw pieces fly off’ - Rowan was rested from operations. Converting to Spitfires towards the end of his rest period, Rowan was back in action with No. 4 Squadron in August 1943 at the time of the Sicilian campaign, and later over Italy, his log book recording around another 40 operational patrols, mainly of the armed reconnaissance and dive-bombing kind, and often in great detail - thus much damage inflicted on enemy positions and transport amidst intense flak, his own aircraft being hit on at least two occasions. In fact, by January 1944, he had advanced his operational flying hours to the 200 mark and completed a total of 139 sorties - he was recommended for the D.F.C.: ‘For tenacity, devotion to duty and continuous gallantry over a period of 17 months in operations against the enemy in Africa, Sicily and Italy. Lieutenant Rowan has completed 200 hours operational flying and has three enemy aircraft damaged to his credit. As a Flight Leader, this officer has set a very high standard of aggressive and efficient flying. His courage, resolution and fighting spirit, combined with a strong personality, classify him as a pilot of outstanding ability.’ Rested until April 1944, he returned to an operational footing back in No. 4 Squadron, 7 Wing at the end of that month, and, following six further escort sorties and three dive-bombing missions, he was killed in action over Italy on 14 May, shortly before the announcement of the award of his D.F.C. in the London Gazette of 23 May: ‘On this operation whilst in his dive onto the target at S732260 Lt. Rowan’s a./c. was seen to burst into flames (Reason unknown) at 4/2,000 feet. A./c. hit the ground at above p./p. and burnt out completely. Lt. Rowan is posted as killed in operations’ (his final log book entry refers). Aged 21 years at the time of his death, and the son of William and Eva Rowan of Johannesburg, he is buried in the Ancona War Cemetery, Italy.
An emotive Second World War Observer’s and Air Gunner’s flying log book, appertaining to Lieutenant N. C. Scott-Winlow, South African Air Force, who completed numerous sorties in Marylands and Bostons in the Mediterranean theatre of war, prior to his death in action in a B.26 Marauder of No. 24 (S.A.A.F.) over Suda Bay in February 1944, covering the period December 1941 to January 1944, and with plenty of operational activity, but with opening endorsement ‘Copy of original [log] lost El Daba, Western Desert, June 1942’, thus original signed entries not commencing until October 1942, good overall condition (Lot) £200-250 Having qualified as a Wireless Operator at No. 64 Air School, Bloemfontein in October 1940, and as an Air Gunner at No. 65 Air School, Young’s Field in the following month, Scott-Winlow first went operational with an appointment in No 21 (S.A.A.F.) Squadron at El Daba in the Western Desert in December 1941. Over the coming weeks, flying in the Squadron’s Maryland bombers, he completed around a dozen sorties as a member of either Captain Ramsey’s or Major Baxter’s crew, and survived a crash-landing at Tobruk after his aircraft was damaged by cannon fire in a combat with three Ju. 52s. Next posted to No. 12 (S.A.A.F.) Squadron, a Boston unit, in April 1942 - and still as a member of Major Baxter’s crew - he completed a further 20 or so missions before being sent home on leave that July, yet again surviving a crash-landing after his aircraft was shot up by 109s and Machis 202s on a raid west of Mersa Matruh on 26 June. Back in action by September 1942, this time flying in Venturas of No. 23 (S.A.A.F.) out of Kromberg in South Africa, Scott-Winlow went on to complete around 30 maritime patrols, mainly of a search and escort nature, prior to returning to the Mediterranean theatre of war with another appointment in No. 12 (S.A.A.F.) Squadron in November 1943. A week or two later, and having been commissioned Lieutenant, he transferred to No. 24 (S.A.A.F.) Squadron, and flew a sortie against shipping off Stampalia Island, west of the island of Kos, on 31 January 1944 - in a B. 26 Marauder piloted by his Squadron C.O., Lieutenant-Colonel J. N. ‘Jack ‘Robbs, D.F.C. Sadly, however, he was killed in action on another mission with Robbs a few days later, when their Marauder - better known to U.S. aircrew as the ‘Widow Maker ‘- was shot down over Suda Bay, Crete on 3 February - an incident famously captured on camera, the detached tail-plane of their B. 26 being visible several hundred feet above the main airframe. Robbs and his co-pilot, Lieutenant R. K. ‘Dick ‘Townsend, managed to bale out, but Scott-Winlow and three other crew members perished. He is buried in the Suda Bay War Cemetery, Greece.
The Second World War St. Nazaire raid V.C. group of eleven attributed to Lieutenant-Colonel A. C. Newman, Essex Regiment, attached No. 2 Commando Victoria Cross; The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Civil) Member’s 2nd type; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf; Coronation 1937; Coronation 1953; Efficiency Decoration, G.VI.R., with 2 Bars; French Legion of Honour, silver, gilt and enamel; French Croix de Guerre, with palm, mounted as worn, the Coronation awards with reversed ribands, very fine or better (11) £600-800 Ex Spink, 17 July 1997 (Lot 850), when part of a ‘fine collection of miniature medals’. Augustus Charles Newman was awarded his V.C. for outstanding bravery in the famous raid on St. Nazaire in March 1942, when, as Commanding Officer of the military forces, he was one of the first ashore, leading his men and directing operations, quite regardless of his own safety. He later attempted to fight through to open country and not until all ammunition was expended were he and his men overwhelmed and taken prisoner (see the London Gazette 19 June 1945 for full details); sold with a copy of The Art of Jack Russell, with a signed dedication to Newman’s bravery at St. Nazaire, together with a photocopy of his lengthy handwritten report on the raid, written as a P.O.W.
The mounted group of six miniature dress medals attributed to Brigadier-General T. O. W. Champion de Crespigny, 15th Hussars Afghanistan 1878-80, no clasp; Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 1 clasp, Tel-El-Kebir; British War and Victory Medals; Delhi Durbar 1903, silver; Khedive’s Star 1882, mounted as worn, first with edge bruising and contact marks, nearly very fine and better (6) £80-100 Tyrell Other William Champion de Crespigny was born on 6 May 1859, the 3rd son of Sir Claude William Champion de Crespigny, 3rd Baronet, of Champion Lodge, Malden, Essex. Educated at Temple Grove, East Sheen and Winchester, he was commissioned a Lieutenant in the Limerick Artillery Militia in 1876. He was commisioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the 15th Hussars in 1879 and was promoted to Lieutenant in 1881. He served in the Afghan War in the relief of Kandahar, 1880; in the 1st Boer War, 1881, and the Egypt War, 1882, serving at Kassasin and Tel-el-Kebir. He was promoted to Captain in 1888; was Adjutant in 1889, advanced to Major in 1896 and Lieutenant-Colonel in 1902. Placed on Half Pay in 1903, he served as Inspecting Officer Eastern Command and London District; Staff Officer for Imperial Yeomanry, and Colonel in Charge of Cavalry Records, 1905. He was granted the local rank of Colonel in 1905 and promoted to that rank in 1907. During the Great War he attained the rank of Brigadier-General with 8th Army Corps. Sold with copied m.i.c. and biographical details. .
Imperial Service Medal (7), G.V.R., 2nd issue (Alfred Edward Elkington); G.V.R., 3rd issue (Edward Hems Groom); G.VI.R., 1st issue (Henry Sharp); G.VI.R., 2nd issue (George Nicholas Chadwick; George Arthur Mitchell); E.II.R., 1st issue (Lawrence Joseph Francis Gatt); E.II.R., 2nd issue (Denver Redfern Thomas) last two in case of issue; Pair: Corporal W. Stockton, St. John Ambulance Brigade, Order of St. John, Serving Brother, silver and enamel, unnamed, with silver ‘St. John’ bar; St. John Service Medal (13502 Cpl. W. Stockton, Chester Div. No.4 Dis. S.J.A.B. 1935) in case of issue; together with a miniature Serving Sister badge, silver and enamel; St. John Service Medal (30951 A/Sts. E. M. Smith, London S.J.A.B. 1944); St. John Re-Examination Cross (2) (A70754 Beppa Sharkey) in case of issue; another (131712 George Seed) with 17 date bars; British Red Cross Society War Medal 1914-18; British Red Cross Society L.S. Medal, for 3 Years, enamelled, in card box; Q.A.I.M.N.S.R. Cape Badge, silver, hallmarks for Birmingham 1915; Pakistan medals (6), generally good very fine and better (22) £100-140 British Red Cross Society L.S. Medal with award slip to ‘Miss Kathleen V. Fitzgerald’, dated 26 June 1945. 591.5. The Orders and Decorations of General Sir Hilgrove Tomkyns Turner, G.C.H., K.C., Colonel of the 19th Regiment, onetime Lieutenant-Governor of Jersey and of Bermuda, soldier and courtier under Kings George III and George IV, who secured the Rosetta Stone for England in 1801, and acted as guide to Czar Alexander of Russia and to his sister The Grand Duchess of Oldenburg on their tour of England in 1814. Sold by Order of a Direct Descendant.591.5. Tomkyns Hilgrove Turner was born in 1764, and was appointed Ensign in the Third Foot Guards on 20 February 1782. He was promoted to be Lieutenant and Captain on 13 October 1789. He went to Holland in February 1793 with the brigade of guards under Frederick, Duke of York, landed at Helvoetsluys on 5 March, Marched to Tournay, in May camped at Maulde, took part in the battle of St Amand on 8 May, the action of Famars on 23 May, the siege of Valenciennes in June and July, the assault of that place on 25 July, and its capitulation on the 28th. In August Turner marched with the British force to lay siege to Dunkirk, and on the way was present at the brilliant affair at Lincelles on 18 August, when the guards at the point of the bayonet drove out of a village and of an entrenched position a superior body of French who had previously captured them from the Dutch. He was engaged in the siege of Dunkirk and in the repulse of sorties, on 6 and 8 september, the latter at Rosenda‘l, but the covering army having been compelled to by Houchard to retire to Furnes, the Duke of York was obliged to raise the siege, and Turner marched with the guards to Cysoing, between Lille and Orchies. On 5 October the British guards joined the Austrians across the Sambre for the investment of Landercy, but the siege was not prosecuted, and Turner, repassing the Sambre with his regiment, marched to Ghent. On 17 April 1794, Turner was engaged at Vaux in the successful attack by the allies on the French army posted between Landrecy and Guise, when it was driven behind the Oise and Landrecy invested. He was present in several affairs during the siege, and was at the action of Cateau, near Troixville, on 26 April, after which he went with the Duke of York’s army to Tournay and took part in the repulse of the French attack on 11 May and subsequent actions during the same month. He accompanied the army in its retreat towards Holland in July and behind the Aa in September, took part in the fight at Boxtel on 15 September, and in the retreat behind the Meuse to Nimeguen. He greatly distinguished himself at the capture of Fort St AndrŽ, under Abercromby, and accompanied the army in the retreat behind the Waal. Turner was promoted to be Captain in the 3rd Foot Guards and Lieutenant-Colonel on 12 November 1794, when he appears to have returned to England. He was promoted to be brevet Colonel on 1 January 1801, in which year he went with his regiment to Egypt, landing at Aboukir Bay on 8 March, when he was engaged with the enemy. He took part in the action of 13 March, and in the battle of Alexandria on 21 March. He was also in the action on the west side of Alexandria on 2 September. For his services in Egypt he was made a Knight of the Order of the Crescent by the Sultan of Turkey. By the terms of Article 6 of the capitulation of Alexandria, all the curiosities, natural and artificial, collected by the French Institute were to be delivered to the victors. The French sought to evade the article on the ground that the collections were all private property, and General Menou claimed as his own the Rosetta stonefound by the French in 1798 when repairing the ruined Fort St Julien, and deposited in his house at Alexandria. Turner, who was a great antiquary, was deputed by Lord Hutchinson to negotiate on the subject, and, after much correspondence and several conferences with General Menou, it was decided that, considerable care having been bestowed by the French in the preservation of the collection of insects and animals, these should be retained, but the antiquities and Arabian manuscripts Lord Hutchinson insisted should be given up. The French were very angry, and broke the cases and removed the protecting coverings of many of the antiquarian treasures. Turner obtained a party of gunners and a ‘devil’ cart, with which he carried off the Rosetta stone from General Menou’s house amid the jeers of the French officers and men. These gunners were the first British soldiers to enter Alexandria. Having seen the other remains of ancient Egyptian sculpture sent on board the Madras, Admiral Sir Richard Bickerton’s ship, Turner embarked with the Rosetta stone on board the Egyptienne frigate, and arrived at Portsmouth in February 1802. At Turner’s request, Lord Buckinghamshire, secretary of state, allowed the stone to be sent first to the Society of Antiquaries, where it remained for a little while before being deposited in the British Museum. In January 1803 Turner communicated to the Society of Antiquaries a version of the inscription on Pompey’s Pillar, taken by Captain Dundas, Royal Engineers. In July 1803 Turner was appointed an Assistant Quartermaster-General to the forces in Great Britain, and on 25 June 1804 a Brigadier-General on the staff at home. In April 1807 he was transferred as a Brigadier-General to the staff in South America, where, it is thought, he was intended by the Government to become the first British Governor of the Spanish South American possessions, the capture of these being the objective of the military expeditions in 1806-07. However, with the humiliating defeat of General Whitelocke before Buenos Aires and the subsequent withdrawal from Montivideo, by the time of Turner’s arrival in South America in December 1807 all prospect of conquest had disappeared and with it all prospects of his governorship. Turner, who had been accompanied to South America by his wife and two of his four children, returned to England via the Cape of Good Hope in the spring of 1808 and was promoted to be Major-General on 25 April that same year. General Turner was a servant of the courts of three successive monarchs, comprising George III and his two sons. Under what auspices, with what influence and exactly at what period of his career he began his intimacy with the court of George III is not known. From 1803 he was Assistant Quartermaster-General of the Home District under Prince Adolphus Frederick, Duke of Cambridge, youngest son of George III, with whom Turner seems to have developed a very close friendship. In 1809 he was appointed Gentleman attendant to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, whom he accompanied on his visits to Brighton, and in 1811, when the Prince became Regent, he was appoi
The Royal Guelphic Order, K.C.H. (Military) Knight Commander’s breast star in silver with gold and enamel centre, the appliquŽ sword hilts also in gold and enamel, the horse of Hannover in silver, 79mm diameter, the gilt reverse signed Beaugeois Bijoutier a Paris, and fitted with pin for wearing, central medallion depressed and some enamel loss to wreath, very fine £1000-1200 Lieutenant-General Turner was made a Knight Commander of the Guelphic Order prior to 1820, the exact date not known. #1000-1200 596. Ottoman Empire, Order of the Crescent, K.C., Knight’s breast badge, gold and green enamel, 43mm diameter, with integral loop and gold rings for suspension, unusually fine quality, enamel chipped on obverse between rays of the star, otherwise nearly extremely fine and very rare £4000-5000 Nicholas Carlisle, in A Concise Account of the Several Foreign Orders of Knighthood, London 1839, lists Turner, along with Vice-Admiral Nelson, Lieutenant-General Hutchinson, Lord Keith, the Earl of Elgin, etc., as one of the fifteen recipients of the ‘Superior Class’ of the Order of the Crescent with the following entry: ‘General Sir Hilgrove Turner, G.C.H., Knight of the Imperial Russian Order of St Anne, of the first Class, Knight of the Imperial Ottoman Order of The Crescent, and late Governor of Bermuda, ‘by verbal permission of His Royal Highness The Prince Regent, ‘afterwards George the Fourth. It is to the firmness and decision of the gallant Officer, that England is indebted for the celebrated Trilinguar Inscription, discovered at Rosetta, a Fac-simile and copies of which were extensively circulated by The Society of Antiquaries of London. This famous stone now forms a prominent feature in the Hall of Egyptian Antiquities at The British Museum. It was styled ‘The Gem of Antiquity ‘by the French, as being the Key to the Hierohlyphick language.’.
Russia, Order of St Anne, 1st type, Grand Cross sash badge by Andreas Paskewitz, St Petersburg, circa 1814, gold with enamelled centres, the four arms each set with a red crystal in a silver mount, the angles of the cross each set with a single pear-shaped paste stone in a silver mount, and the points of each arm set with three smaller round pastes in silver mounts, 82mm x 71mm excluding suspension ring, the reverse suspension loop with maker’s mark ‘A.P’ and St Petersburg assay office mark, test mark to reverse, otherwise nearly extremely fine, a highly important fully provenanced badge awarded to the first British recipient of this Order £60000-80000 After the defeat of Napoleon in 1814 and his exile to Elba, and in preparation for the Inter-Allied conference which took place later in Vienna, the monarchs of the Grand Alliance were invited to visit London. Alexander 1, Tsar of Russia, and King Frederick William III of Prussia accepted, but the Austrian Emperor refused and sent Prince Metternich in his stead. The King of Prussia was accompanied by BlŸcher and Hardenburg, while the Tsar was preceded by his sister, the Archduchess Catherine of Russia, who was also the widow of the Grand Duke of Oldenburg. General Turner was appointed by the Prince Regent to attend on the Grand Duchess and to make all the arrangements for her stay in London and for a tour of some of the towns and great country houses of England. He was present at many of the state and social functions given to the Allied Sovereigns, and has left some interesting memoranda and correspondence illustrating the intrigues of the representatives of the various nations, the characters of the actors, and the open antipathy between the Prince Regent and the Duchess of Oldenburg, all contributing factors towards the eventual triple alliance of France, England and Austria, and the rape of Poland by Russia and Prussia. For General Turner’s service to the Grand Duchess and the Emperor during their tour of England, the Emperor made him a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Anne, of which order he is believed to be the first British recipient. Advised of the honour in a letter from Count Lieven dated 8 July 1814, the General went to considerable trouble to obtain permission to wear this order, as there existed a prohibition against the wearing of foreign decorations. In support of his claim he made the following 'Statement of Services': ‘Statement of Services of Lieut.-Genl. Sir Hilgrove Turner. Who served in all the actions of the Campaigns of 1793-94-95 in Holland, Flanders, France, and Germany in the last part of 1794 he had the rank of Field Officer. In the actions of the campaign in Egypt in 1801, in the latter part of which he served as a General Officer. He was ordered with troops to South America in 1807, arrived in the Rio de la Plata, tho’ too late for the action at Buenos Aires and was under the necessity of going with the troops to the Brazils and Cape of Good Hope. He had the honour of the charge of the monuments taken in Egypt and now deposited in the British Museum which were obtained with considerable expense and risk on his part. He commanded a body of troops in Jersey, which effected a forcible landing with the Duc d'Aumont on the coast of Normandy, to aid and assist the operations of the allies in their entrance into France, at Caen bv detaining a large body of troops from joining the great army on the frontiers last year 1815 and for which he has had the honour to receive a letter of approbation from His Majesty’s Secretary of State for the War Department.’ (Ref Sir Hilgrove Turner, Soldier and Courtier under the Georges, Arthur F. Loveday, Alkham Press, 1964).
France, First Empire, A Rare Ceremonial Baton, probably for a high civil office, the faded purple velvet-covered wooden staff embellished with 30 bronze-gilt Imperial Bees surmounted by bronze-gilt Crown finial, 763mm overall, 32mm diameter, the velvet worn but the metalwork in excellent condition for age, very rare £1000-1500.
A fine ‘Napoleonic Wars’ group of six awarded to Paul Lambert Van den Maesen France, First Empire, Legion of Honour, 3rd type, Chevalier’s breast badge, 56 x 36mm., silver, gold and enamel, lacks reverse centre, severe enamel damage, points bruised; Reign of Louis Philippe, Legion of Honour, Chevalier’s breast badge, 65 x 44mm., silver, gold and enamel, enamel damage; St. Helena Medal, bronze; ‘Veterans Cross’, 41 x 41mm., silver-gilt cross surmounted by crossed sabres, obverse centre with ‘N’ with military hat above, reverse centre bearing the cypher, ‘PVDM’; Emperor Napoleon I Funeral Commemorative Medal 1840, 41mm., bronze, unnamed, edge bruise; Netherlands, ‘St. Barbara Gilde Medal’, 55mm., silver, with ornate suspension, obverse inscribed, ‘Ste. Barbara Gilde aan P. L. Vandermaesen, Ridder van het Eerelegioen’, reverse engraved with crossed riffles and the inscription, ‘Ter gelegenheid van Zijn Vijftigjarig lidmaatschap 1827-1877 (?)’; pair of miniature dress medals: France, St. Helena Medal, bronze; Legion of Honour, First Empire, 4th type, silver, gold and enamel, enamel damage, mounted as worn from a gold brooch bar; Daguerreotype, of the recipient within a gilt oval frame, the clarity of the image is poor; fine and better (9) £600-800 The above mounted on an old pad by Gontier, Brussels, with damaged gilt frame surmounted by an imperial eagle. A label on the pad reverse reads, ‘Paul Lambert Van den Maesen, 1791-1881’.
Greece, Kingdom, Psara Massacre Commemorative Medal, obverse: the island of Psara, the exploding magazines atop the strong point above the town, the Turkish fleet in the background, 37mm., bronze, good very fine £50-70 In the Greek War of Independence, 1821-29, the island of Psara (N.W. of Chios in the Aegean Sea) was amongst the first to rebel against their Turkish overlords. In 1823 the Psarians raided the coast of Asia Minor. In revenge the Turks under Hosref Pasha attacked the island from Mylilene in June 1824. Refugees from neighbouring islands and the mainland had swelled the population of the island to 20,000. The Turkish fleet silenced the batteries of Kanalos on the north side of the island and then on 24 June 1824 stormed ashore with 14,000 Janissaries. Some of the population had managed to escape the island but those that had not were either sold into slavery or slaughtered by the rampaging troops. Seeing the massacre below, the islanders in a last act of defiance blew up their magazines at Ftelia and Palaiokastro. Some 15,000 Greeks were killed in the massacre.
Orthodox Church, Patriarchy of Constantinople, Accession Medal 1901, commemorating the second installation of Joachim III as Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, 26mm., silver-gilt, stamp marks on eyelet, good very fine £40-60 Joachim III ‘the Magnificent’ was Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, 1878-1884 and 1901-1912. He was born in Constantinople in 1834 and was educated at Vienna. During 1858-61 he was the Deacon in the Holy Temple of St. George. During the time of his first reign as Patriarch he worked on the financial improvement of the Patriarchate. He died in 1912 and is viewed as one of the most prominent and important Patriarchs of the last century.
New Zealand 1845-66, reverse dated 1845 to 1846 (John T. Tippins A.B. H.M.S. ‘Castor’) officially re-impressed naming, nearly very fine £400-500 John Tippin's medal was issued on 2 August 1872. 160 medals awarded dated 1845-1846 of which 68 were issued to H.M.S. Castor. In total, 69 medals (4 to R.N. officers, 56 to R.N. ratings, 2 to R.M. officers, and 7 to R.M. N.C.Os. and men) were awarded to H.M.S. Castor of which 35 are known, including one with the reverse undated, and the rest dated 1845-1846. John Thomas Tippins was born on 30 January 1820 at Plymouth. He entered the service in Vernon as Boy 2nd Class on 24 March 1836 until 29 March 1837. He transferred to Seringapatam as Boy 1st Class on 2 April 1837 and remained on board until 20th November 1841, being promoted to Ordinary in December 1839. He then served aboard Cruizer as A.B. from July 1842 until March 1843. From 25 May 1843 to 16 November 1847 he was aboard Castor during the First Maori War. From December 1847 to September 1851 he served aboard Hercules, gaining promotion to Captain Main Top in March 1848. He then became a Seaman Rigger at Chatham Yard from September 1851 to February 1853, when it seems he was Discharged for ‘neglect of duty and insolence ‘. He re-entered the service as A.B. in Tyne on 1 March 1853 for Continuous Service (No. 4961) of 7 years from October 1853 until March 1855 when he transferred to Phoenix until November 1855 and then Wanderer until January 1860. Finally he served on Castor again from January 1860 until pensioned to shore on 30 November 1861. He was pensioned on 2 October 1859 with 22 years and 299 days of reckonable service, including 8 years and 220 days as Superior Petty Officer and in possession of two Good Conduct Badges. Solod with about 10 pages of copies of Continuous Service Engagement, Description Book and relevant pages of Medal Roll for the New Zealand War for H.M.S. Castor.
New Zealand 1845-66, reverse dated 1863 to 1864 (T. H. Burns, O.S., H.M.S. Curacoa) officially impressed naming, fitted with cast replacement suspension, otherwise nearly very fine £250-300 Thomas Burn's medal was issued on 2 January 1871. 187 medals were issued to H.M.S. Curacoa (24 to R.N. officers, 123 to R.N. ratings, 1 to a R.M. officer, and 39 to R.M. N.C.Os. and men) of which some 70 are known, including one with reverse dated 1863-1866 to Ordinary Seaman George Loxley, and 3 with undated reverses to R.N. ratings. Thomas Henry Burns was born on 1 April 1845 at Woolwich, Kent, and first enlisted in 1859. He re-engaged on 1 April 1863, on reaching 18 years of age, for 10 years with Continuous Service No. 2,922a. From 1 January 1873 he was rated as Petty Officer 2nd Class (Trained Man) and from 3 July 1873 until 21 January 1874 as Leading Seaman on the books of Clio, when he was Discharged to Shore, C.S. Expired and Paid Off.
New Zealand 1845-66, reverse dated 1865 (Fredk. Browning, Boy 1st Cl. H.M.S. Eclipse) officially impressed naming, traces of brooch marks to reverse, otherwise nearly very fine and scarce £300-350 Frederick Browning's medal was sent to Boscawen on 10 February 1883. Only 24 medals are known to have been awarded to the Royal Navy with this reverse date, 11 to Eclipse and 13 to Brisk. 75 medals (13 to R.N. officers, 49 to R.N. ratings, and 13 to R.M. N.C.Os. and men) were awarded to H.M.S. Eclipse of which 34 are known, including 11 with reverses dated 1865, 3 with reverses dated 1863-1864, one with reverse dated 1864-1866, and the balance dated 1863-1865. Frederick Browning was born 2 March 1848, at Portsea, Hampshire. A shoemaker by trade, he entered the service on 8 April 1862 in St Vincent as Boy 2nd Class for 10 years Continuous Service (No. 21874) commencing 2 March 1866, declaring that he was not an indentured apprentice. He re-engaged for a further 10years on 10 January 1879 in the Duke of Wellington as an Able Seaman and was pensioned to shore on 8 February 1889. During his first term of engagement he served aboard Curacoa (April 1862 to September 1863), Eclipse (September 1863 to February 1867), Minotaur (February 1867 to September 1869), Lord Warden (September 1869 to September 1870), and Bellerophon (September 1870 to December 1871). He gained promotion through Boy 1st Class, Ordinary, Able Seaman and Trained Man, to Leading Seaman. He also spent 42 days in Lewes Gaol from Minotaur and 21 days under Civil Power from Bellerophon. In his second engagement, he served aboard Bellerophon (January to March 1873), Triumph (March 1873 to July 1875), Royal Adelaide (August 1875), Duke of Wellington (August 1875 to February 1879), Asia (February 1879 to February 1880), Duke of Wellington (February 1880), Inconstant (February to March 1880), Alexandra (March 1880 to November 1882), Duke of Wellington (November 1882 to January 1883), Boscawen (January to March 1883), transferring to H.M. Coastguard in Penelope (March 1883), Cornhill (March 1883 to April 1884), North End (April to September 1884), Duncan (September to October 1884), Duke of Wellington (October to November 1884), Victor Emanuel (November 1884 to February 1887), Duke of Wellington (February to May 1887), Crocodile (May to June 1887), Edinburgh (July to August 1887), and Crocodile (August 1887 to February 1889) from which he was pensioned to shore. In the course of he second period of Continuous Service engagement he rose to the rank of Petty Officer 1st Class before transferring to H.M. Coastguard as Boatman and, on return to the service, he regained his former status as Petty Officer 1st Class. Sold with copies of two entries for Continuous Service, Seaman's Services, and relevant page of Medal Roll for New Zealand War for H.M.S. Eclipse 1863-66.
Pair: Able Seaman Nicholas Johnson, Royal Navy, who was severely wounded during the First Maori war in the attack on Kawiti’s Pah in January 1846 China 1842 (Nicholas Johnson, H.M.S. Blenheim); New Zealand 1845-66, reverse dated 1845 to 1846 (N. Johnson, A.B. H.M.S. Castor) officially impressed naming, light contact marks and edge bruising, otherwise better than very fine (2) £1400-1800 Ex Douglas-Morris Collection, DNW October 1996. 430 First China War medals were issued to H.M.S. Blenheim. Nicholas Johnson's medal for the First New Zealand War was issued on 25 November 1870. 69 medals (4 to R.N. officers, 56 to R.N. ratings, 2 to R.M. officers, and 7 to R.M. N.C.Os. and men) were issued to H.M.S. Castor of which 35 are known, including one with the reverse undated and the rest with reverses dated 1845-1846. Seven recipients of this medal also received the medal for China 1842. The despatches detailing the attack made on Kawiti's Pah at Ruapekapeka on 10th and 11th January 1846, includes only the number of men killed and wounded - not their names. The Captain's Log for Castor (ADM 53/2218) supplies the missing information. On 12 January, whilst moored in the Kawakawa, Castor’s pinnace, barge and cutter were despatched to Puketootoo's Pah to bring off those killed and wounded in the Action. The names of the seven seamen killed and the ten seamen and two marines wounded are recorded in the Ship's Log. Of the twelve men wounded, only two seamen - Nicholas Johnson and John James - applied for the New Zealand Medal 23 years later when it was authorised. A few months after this successful assault on the ‘Bat's Nest ‘, a Medical Board was convened aboard Castor on 14 May which formally 'Invalided' six seamen and two marines. In one instance only was the statement 'Invalided' enlarged upon; Nicholas Johnson was to be discharged home due to the loss of his right leg. It might be reasonable to assume that this amputation was due to a severe wound he had received at the Action of 10/11 January. All these 'Invalided' men - which did not include John James - were placed on the supernumerary list to remain 'É victualled in the Sick MessÉ' whilst awaiting a passage to England. On 4 July 1846 as Castor lay in Sydney harbour, Nicholas Johnson was amongst the 'Draft' of healthy and sick men who were placed on board a Freight Ship - unhappily named Posthumous - for his passage home.
Three: Commander William Watson Smyth, Royal Navy, gazetted for good service in China and New Zealand and later appointed a Naval Knight of Windsor Baltic 1854-55, unnamed as issued; China 1857-60, 2 clasps, Fatshan 1857, Canton 1857, unnamed as issued; New Zealand 1845-66, reverse dated 1860 (W. W. Smyth, Actg. Mate H.M.S. Niger) officially impressed naming, good very fine and very rare (3) £2000-2500 William Watson Smyth's New Zealand War medal was issued on 18 February 1871, and is one of only 6 medals issued to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. 66 medals (13 to R.N. officers, 37 to R.N. ratings, and 16 to R.M. N.C.Os. and men) were awarded to H.M.S. Niger for the Second New Zealand War of which 30 are known including 2 to R.N. Officers with reverses dated 1860, 3 to R.N. ratings with undated reverses, and the rest with reverses dated 1860-1861. He entered the Royal Navy as a Naval Cadet in October 1853, joining the steam flag ship H.M.S. Ajax flying the flag of Rear Admiral Sir William Carroll, K.C.B., in which he served in the Baltic Campaign of 1854-55. He was promoted to Midshipman in October 1855 and, in May 1856, he was appointed to the Sloop H.M.S. Niger, Captain the Honourable Arthur A. Cochrane, C.B., for service with the Pacific Squadron. He took part in the opening stages of the Second China War and was also present at the destruction of the Chinese fleet in Fatshan Creek on 1 June 1857, and the storming of Canton in December 1857. He was Gazetted on 1 August 1857, ‘as having been engaged in the Niger’s boats at the destruction of a flotilla of Chinese gunboats’ (Midshipman Niger’s 2nd Gig, 1 June 1857: Destruction of Fatshan Flotilla of War Junks). In 1858 H.M.S. Niger (Captain P. Cracroft, R.N.) was transferred to the Australian Station commanded by Commodore William Loring, C.B. William Smyth was promoted to Mate in October 1859, and took part in the early actions in Taranaki including the capture of Te Kohia Pa on 17-18 March 1860, and the attack on Omatto and Waireka on 28 March 1860. He was given independent command of the colonial schooner Caroline, formerly known as Ruby, which had been requisitioned for naval service and was reported as rendering valuable service in transporting and landing troops and stores in support of the various naval actions. On 12 December 1860, William Smyth was transferred in a death vacancy to Commodore Loring's Flag Ship H.M.S. Iris. In this vessel he was present at the action at Mata-rikoriko (Winking Eyes) on 29 December 1860. During the early part of 1861, the Iris landed a small Naval Brigade, which took part in the skirmish at the Valley of Waitara. Smyth was Gazetted ‘as having been engaged in the spirited action with the enemy’. On promotion to Lieutenant in March 1862, he was transferred to the steam corvette H.M.S. Tribune, also serving on the Pacific Station, and remained in her until she returned to England in 1865. He was invalided from H.M.S. Tribune in 1865 ‘ ‘for preservation of life’, his nine years service in Far Eastern waters, including adverse climatic conditions and active involvement in two wars, having taken a heavy toll on his health. His health showed only minor improvement and when appointed to the training ship Impregnable, based at Devonport in September 1865, he was far from well. In July 1867 he was appointed First Lieutenant of H.M.S. Ganges, a training ship for boys based at Falmouth. His services while holding this post were commended but continuing failing health resulted in his early retirement as a Commander in 1873 after nearly 20 years of service. His good services were recognised in January 1876 when Queen Victoria selected him to be the youngest, aged just 37, of the Naval Knights of Windsor, whose number never exceeded seven retired naval officers at any one time, under the terms of the Will of Samuel Travers. He did not enjoy this rare distinction for long as he died in 1877, having served a little under two years among the select band of august naval officers. He was buried in the grounds of Travers College, Windsor Castle.
Three: Petty Officer Henry Smith, Royal Navy Baltic 1854-55 (Henry Smith, H.M.S. Algiers); New Zealand 1845-66, reverse dated 1863 to 1864 (Hy. Smith, A.B. H.M.S. Miranda) officially impressed naming; Ashantee 1873-74, no clasp (H. Smith, Py. Offr. 1.Cl. H.M.S. Active. 73-74) light contact marks, otherwise very fine (3) £700-900 Henry Smith's New Zealand War medal was issued on 30 May 1871. 91 medals (11 to R.N. officers, 62 to R.N. ratings, and 18 to R.M. N.C.Os. and men) were awarded to H.M.S. Miranda for the Second New Zealand War, of which 39 are known, all with reverses dated 1863 to 1864. Henry Smith was born in Brompton, Kent, on 1 April 1838, and first served aboard Meander in September 1852 as a Boy 2nd Class, aged 14 years. He was transferred to Algiers in May 1854 and served in her until February 1856, earning promotion to Boy 1st Class in August 1855 and the Baltic Medal. In February 1856 he signed for 10 years Continuous Service (No. 29,059), was promoted to Ordinary 2nd Class, and transferred to Daisy for service until September of the same year when he was again transferred, to Shannon until April 1857. He then joined Boscawen from which he deserted. He re-entered Boscawen on 13 August 1858 from desertion and was imprisoned for 94 days until 14 November, in addition forfeiting more than two years service. He continued serving in the Boscawen until September 1860, in the process earning promotion to Ordinary and transferring to Miranda on 15 September, in which he continued to serve until February 1865. During his service aboard Miranda he earned the Second New Zealand War medal. He was transferred to Esk and was again promoted to Leading Seaman, transferring to Meeanee in October 1867, being promoted successively to Captain of Fore Castle, Coxswain of Cutter, and Captain of Main Top, in which rate he was transferred to the Rodney (October 1868 to February 1869), the Princess Charlotte (February 1869), and Perseus (March to September 1869). On 1 October 1869 he began his second 10 years of Continuous Service (No. 10490) in H.M. Reserve at Sheerness. He then served aboard the Euphrates (October 1869 to June 1873) being promoted to 1st Class Petty Officer, before being transferred to Duke of Wellington (June to October 1873) and then Active (October 1873 to March 1874) during which time he earned the Ashantee War medal. Further service ensued on Duke of Wellington (March to June 1874), Monarch (June 1874 to July 1877), Duke of Wellington (July to September 1877) and finally Enchantress (September 1877 to September 1880) when he was pensioned to shore with three Good Conduct Badges and 18 years and 188 days reckonable service over a period of 28 years. Sold with about 25 pages of copies of two entries in C.S. Engagement Book, Seaman's Services, and verification of all three medals.
Three: Joseph Taylor, Boatswain’s Mate, Royal Navy Crimea 1854-56, 1 clasp, Azoff , unnamed as issued; New Zealand 1845-66, reverse dated 1863 to 1864 (J. Taylor, Bosns. Mate, H.M.S. Esk) officially impressed naming; Turkish Crimea 1855, Sardinian issue, unnamed the last polished, nearly very fine, otherwise good very fine (3) £500-600 Joseph Taylor's New Zealand War medal was issued on 17 February 1871. 119 medals (16 to R.N. officers, 79 to R.N. ratings, 1 to an R.M. officer, and 23 to R.M. N.C.Os. and men) were issued to H.M.S. Esk for the Second New Zealand War, of which 48 are known including 4 with undated reverses (all to R.N. ratings) and the rest with reverses dated 1863-1864. Joseph Taylor was born at Landport, Hampshire on 6 January 1819. He first entered the service as an Able Seaman aboard Spartan on 1 July 1846, and then continued to serve on Trafalgar (1851-55) as a Leading Seaman, and transferred to Cracker (tender to Royal Albert) from April 1855 to July 1856. He was employed as a Seaman Rigger in Portsmouth Dockyard from December 1858 to May 1859, with this shore time being allowed to count toward his naval pension. He was drafted to Melpomene as an A.B., attaining Petty Officer status (Bosun's Mate) during her seagoing commission (1860-63). He joined Esk on 26 May 1863 as a Bosun's Mate from which vessel he was discharged to Miranda on 6 February 1865 for passage to England. He then joined Victory on 21 May 1865 as a Bosun's Mate to await payment prior to being pensioned ashore. He is entitled to the clasp for Sebastopol in addition to that for Azoff.
Four: Leading Stoker Jacob Perry, Royal Navy New Zealand 1845-66, reverse dated 1863 to 1865 (J. Perry, Stoker, H.M.S. Eclipse) officially impressed naming; Ashantee 1873-74, no clasp (J. Perry, Stoker, H.M.S. Argus. 73-74); Egypt & Sudan 1882-89, 1 clasp, Alexandria 11th July (J. Perry, Lg. Stkr. H.M.S. ‘Temeraire ‘); Khedive’s Star 1882, contact wear but generally nearly very fine or better (4) £600-800 Ex Corbett Collection, Glendining November 1994. Jacob Perry's New Zealand War medal was issued on 17 October 1870. 75 medals (13 to R.N. officers, 49 to R.N. ratings, and 13 to R.M. N.C.Os. and men) were awarded to H.M.S. Eclipse for the Second New Zealand War, of which 34 are known including 11 with reverses dated 1865, one with reverse dated 1864-1866, 3 with reverses dated 1863-1864, and the balance with reverses dated 1863-65. 176 Ashantee medals were awarded to H.M.S. Argus without the clasp. 594 Egyptian War medals with clasp ‘Alexandria 11th July’ were awarded to H.M.S. Temeraire. Jacob Perry was born on 15 September 1840, at Devizes, Wiltshire. His earlier service records have not been sought but he first enlisted in 1862, and on 8 February 1870 he re-engaged on Continuous Service for 10 years to complete. From January 1873, he served aboard Asia (January to March 1873), Argus (March 1873 to May 1877), Wye (May to June 1877), Duke of Wellington (June 1877), Asia (June 1877 to December 1880), Temeraire (December 1880 to April 1884), Asia (April 1884 to May 1885, from which he was Shore Pensioned on 27th May), and finally Vernon as a Pensioner from 26 November 1885. During his service aboard Argus he was promoted from Stoker to Leading Stoker and continued his service at Vernon as a Pensioner Leading Stoker, and then at Portsmouth as a Pensioner Stoker until ‘Discharged to Shore, no longer required’ on 8 March 1897.
Four: Gunner’s Mate Henry Balcom, Royal Navy New Zealand 1845-66, reverse dated 1865 (Hy. Balcom, Boy 1st Cl., H.M.S. Eclipse) officially impressed naming; Egypt and Sudan 1882-891 clasp, Alexandria 11th July (H. Balcom, Ch. Gunrs. Mte. H.M.S. ‘Inflexible ‘); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., narrow suspension (Henry Balcom, Gunner’s Mate, H.M.S. Excellent) officially re-impressed naming; Khedive’s Star 1882, generally good very fine and scarce (4) £800-1000 Henry Balcom's New Zealand War medal was issued on 18 November 1870. Only 24 medals are known to have been awarded to the Royal Navy with this reverse date, 11 to Eclipse and 13 to Brisk. 75 medals (13 to R.N. officers, 49 to R.N. ratings, and 13 to R.M. N.C.Os. and men) were awarded to H.M.S. Eclipse for the Second New Zealand War, of which 34 are known including 11 with reverses dated 1865, 3 with reverses dated 1863-1864, one with reverse dated 1864-1866, and the balance with reverses dated 1863-1865. 560 medals for Egypt 1882 were awarded to the Flagship H.M.S. Invincible for the bombardment of Alexandria under Admiral Seymour. Henry Balcom was born on 28 May 1847, at Southsea, Hampshire. His earlier service records have not been sought but his later records show he first enlisted in 1861. On 28 May 1865 he re-engaged for Continuous Service for 10 years and again for a further 10 years on 28 May 1875. He attained Seaman Gunner 1st Class on 1 November 1869 and Gunnery Instructor on 6 July 1881. From 1 January 1871 he served aboard Hornet, Frolic, Thistle, Dwarf, Modeste, Midge, Hornet, Victor Emanuel, Duke of Wellington, Excellent, Avon, and Excellent, as Petty Officer 1st Class, and then Inflexible (September 1881 to November 1882) as Acting Chief Petty Officer and later Chief Petty Officer, and Duke of Wellington from which he was Shore Pensioned on 15 December 1882 to Excellent where he continued until 1 February 1895.
East and West Africa 1887-1900, 1 clasp, Benin River 1894 (F. Osborne, Pte. R.M., H.M.S. Alecto) very fine £200-240 Ex Douglas-Morris Collection, D.N.W. 12 February 1997. Felix Osborne was born on 28 November 1869 in South Norwood, London, and enlisted in the Royal Marines on 28 December 1888. On completion of Recruit Training at Walmer Depot he joined the Plymouth Division as Private on 4 July 1889. He embarked in his first ship H.M.S. Black Prince on 5 April 1890 and was transferred to the Chatham Division on 25 March 1890. He next joined Swiftsure on 1 May 1891, and Wildfire on 1 October 1891. Whilst in the latter ship he deserted on 17 December 1892 and on recovery on 18 December he forfeited 28 day's service and was sentenced to the cells. Following 16 months aboard Wildfire he returned to the Chatham Division on 24 January 1893. He next embarked aboard Alecto on 20 March 1894 and took part in the Benin River operations. He joined Pembroke on 27 October 1895, and served until disembarked to HQ Chatham Division on 1 October 1897. He remained ashore until 19 July 1898 when he joined Diadem and served in this ship until disembarked to HQ Chatham Division on 23 January 1901, prior to being discharged to shore having completed a 12 year limited engagement on 25 January 1901. He enrolled in the Royal Fleet Reserve at Chatham on 5 April 1902, and served in the R.F.R. until mobilised on 2 August 1914. He served with the Royal Marine Brigade at Ostend, 26 August-1 September 1914, Dunkirk, 20 September-2 October 1914, and the Defence of Antwerp, 3 October-9 October 1914. He next served with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force in the Dardanelles, 6 February-23 October 1915 and received a bullet wound in the left arm on 28 April 1915. He returned to the Chatham Division on 24 October 1915, embarked in Thalia 12 May 1917 and was transferred to Ganges, Training Establishment at Shotley on 4 January 1918. He served until 26 February 1919 when he returned to the Chatham Division prior to being demobilised on 1 April 1919. Sold with copied service papers.
East and West Africa 1887-1900, 1 clasp, Brass River 1895 (B. E. Prichard, Mid. R.N., H.M.S. St. George) very fine £500-600 Bernard Elliot Prichard was born in Toleni, Transkei on 3 March 1878. He was Midshipman aboard the St. George (Flag) and served in the Naval Brigade landed under the command of Rear-Admiral Sir F. Bedford, K.C.B., Commander-in-Chief, for the Punitive Expedition against King Koko, of Nimby, the chief town of Brass, on the River Niger, February, 1895. For his services he was awarded East & West Africa medal with clasp ‘Brass River 1895’ and was one of 174 men of the ship to be so awarded. He was promoted to Sub-Lieutenant in November 1897, Lieutenant in June 1900 and Lieutenant-Commander in June 1908. He was First and Gunnery Lieutenant of the 2nd class cruiser Brilliant, December 1909-December 1911, during the Revolution in Honduras, Central America, and was present at the battle of La Ceiba, when the town was captured by the revolutionary troops and the General of the Government killed. In February, 1911, he landed in command of a mixed force of British and American blue jackets and marines from H.M.S. Brilliant and U.S. Ships Tacoma and Marietta to restore order and police the town of San Pedro, 38 miles inland from the seaport of Puerto Cortes. For his services Lieutenant-Commander Prichard was mentioned in despatches. His service papers record, ‘Much zeal, tact & discretion shown during revolution in Spanish Honduras’. With the start of the Great War he was based at Dryad until February 1915 when he sent a telegram to the Admiralty, ‘requests he be relieved as he represents the responsibilities .. command is now more than his nerves will stand.’ His urgent request was granted and he was next posted to Royal Arthur, April-May 1915 and Zaria, August-December 1915. After continuing difficulties his next appointment was on Queen, May-June 1917. He was then posted to Catania at Taranto in command of motor launches and remained there until returning to England in March 1918. Based at Ganges, July-October 1918 he received a poor service report and in November 1918 he was placed on the Retired List at his own request. Several reports on his papers then speak of money troubles and in 1932 his name was removed from the Retired Officers List ‘in view of his long record of discreditable financial transactions’. In 1939/40, his application for employment with the Royal Navy was likewise refused. Sold with copied service papers. .
Three: Able Seaman Albert Howard Mayne, Royal Navy East and West Africa 1887-1900, 1 clasp, Sierra Leone 1898-99 (A.B., H.M.S. Fox); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 8 clasps, Belmont, Modder River, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Belfast, Relief of Kimberley (1571. A.B., H.M.S. Mon..) officially engraved naming, unofficial rivets between first and second clasps; Life Saving Medal, silver straight-armed paty cross surmounted by an eagle, obverse inscribed, ‘A.B., R.N.’, reverse inscribed, ‘Presented to A. H. Mayne by J. G. Williams Esqre. for saving his daughter ‘May ‘from drowning, March 10th 1896’, hallmarks for Birmingham 1901, manufacturer’s name erased, with silver brooch bar inscribed, ‘A. H. Mayne’, first two with edge bruising and contact marks, fine, naming on Q.S.A. especially worn; last very fine, rare (3) £1000-1400 87 ‘Sierra Leone 1898-99’ clasps awarded to Fox. Only 24 eight-clasp Queen South Africa Medals awarded to the Royal Navy, of which 17 were awarded to Monarch. Albert Howard Mayne was born in Glamorgan on 29 January 1875. A Clerk by occupation, he entered the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class in September 1890 and was advanced to Boy 1st Class in September 1891. He was promoted to Ordinary Seaman on the Cruiser in January 1893 and Able Seaman on Collingwood in April 1894. He was based at Victory I, November 1895-April 1896; on Fox, April 1896-May 1899 and on Monarch, May 1899-October 1900. He was discharged in 1905 having completed his period of service. Sold with original photograph of the recipient in uniform wearing his three medals; copied service paper and confirmation of clasps.
Pair: Captain & Quarter-Master W. Cox, Army Ordnance Department South Africa 1877-79, no clasp (Condr., Ord. Store Dept.); Ashanti Star 1896, edge bruise and light contact marks to first, otherwise very fine or better and a rare combination of awards (2) £700-900 William Cox was born in Ludlow, Shropshire in May 1851 and enlisted in London in August 1870. His subsequent overseas postings were to South Africa, November 1876 to December 1888; Jamaica, March 1889 to August 1892; and Africa (Gold Coast), November 1895 to March 1896. ‘He served with distinction in the Zulu War of 1877 and 1879, and in the Ashanti Expedition of 1895-96, receiving a Medal for the former, and a Star for the latter from the late Queen Victoria. Among his treasured curios was the King of Ashanti’s chair or throne, made of mahogany, seated with leather, and handsomely decorated with gold; and the King’s executioner’s stool or block. The Captain had suffered from attacks of intermittent malarial fever, from which he suffered in Ashanti. For his services in the mobilisation of the troops for South Africa for the war of 1899-1901, Captain Cox was personally thanked by the Duke of Connaught, the late Earl of Airlie, General Stockton and General Douglas’ (local newspaper obituary notice refers). Having been commissioned back in June 1879, Cox was placed on the Retired List in the rank of Captain retired in April 1902, and he died in Ash, Frimley on 13 August 1908, after being stung by a ‘red headed fly ‘whilst fishing in the Basingstoke Canal - a carbuncle formed on his neck and blood poisoning set in causing his death; sold with further research.
Pair: Private F. A. Gidlow, West Yorkshire Regiment Ashanti Star 1896, unnamed; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 1 clasp, Natal (2531 Pte., W. Yorkshire Regt.), surname spelt ‘Gedlow’, the first good very fine, the second with contact marks, edge bruising and polished, nearly very fine (2) £350-400 Frederick Arthur Gidlow was born in the parish of Holbeck, Leeds and enlisted in the West Yorkshire Regiment in September 1889, aged 17 years, direct from the 4th (Militia) Battalion. Posted to the East Indies with the 2nd Battalion in September 1891, and thence to Gibraltar, he was embarked for the Gold Coast in December 1895, where he served in the Ashanti Expedition and was advanced to Lance-Corporal in March 1896. Having then been placed on the Army Reserve, Gidlow was recalled by his old regiment on the outbreak of hostilities in South Africa, where he served briefly in Natal from October 1899 until returning to the U.K. in January 1900. He was discharged in July 1902; sold with research.
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