There are 70219 lots that match your search criteria. Subscribe now to get instant access to the full price guide service.
Click here to subscribeA collection of cameras and accessories, including a Pentax P30 camera with Sigma zoom 1:4.5 f=70-210mm lens, a Pentax P50 camera with Sirius 1:8.8 f=500mm lens, a Zenit EM camera with Sunagor 1:2.8 f=135mm lens and a Sigma Zoom-Master 1:2.8-4 f=35-70mm lens.Buyer’s Premium 29.4% (including VAT @ 20%) of the hammer price. Lots purchased online via the-saleroom.com will attract an additional premium of 6% (including VAT @ 20%) of the hammer price.
A Franke & Heidecke Rolleiflex twin lens reflex camera, Serial No. 1031039, with Schneider-Kreuznach Xenar f:3.5 f=7.5cm lens, leather cased, with tripod.Buyer’s Premium 29.4% (including VAT @ 20%) of the hammer price. Lots purchased online via the-saleroom.com will attract an additional premium of 6% (including VAT @ 20%) of the hammer price.
A collection of Leica cameras and accessories, including an M3 camera, No. 964591, circa 1959, with Summicron 1:2/50 lens, leather cased, a Leica III camera, No. 153893, circa 1935, with Summar f=5cm 1:2 lens, three viewfinders, a Hektor f=13.5cm 1:4.5 lens, a Super-Angulon 1:4/21 lens, a Leica-Meter MC and Otsro 1:4.5/135 extension tube and a P. Angenieux Paris Type Y1 F.90 1:2.5 lens.Buyer’s Premium 29.4% (including VAT @ 20%) of the hammer price. Lots purchased online via the-saleroom.com will attract an additional premium of 6% (including VAT @ 20%) of the hammer price.
A Yashica-A twin lens reflex camera, No. A2100018, with Yashikor 1:3.5 f=80mm lenses, cased, together with a Yashica-D twin lens reflex camera, No. D7111459, with Yashikor 1:3.5 f=80mm lenses.Buyer’s Premium 29.4% (including VAT @ 20%) of the hammer price. Lots purchased online via the-saleroom.com will attract an additional premium of 6% (including VAT @ 20%) of the hammer price.
2 vintage Zeis Ikon cameras in original brown leather cases & concertina fold-out lenses. A Zeiss Ikon Compor F90588 with Tessar 1:4,5 f=10,5cm Carl Zeiss Jena lens, circa 1940. Together with a Zeiss Ikon Prontor-s with Novar-Anastigmat 1:4,5 f=7,5cm lens - case complete with shoulder strap.
A Second World War RAF Aerial Plate Camera, the lens marked WW27795 REF. No.14A/3439 and with broad arrow, the cylindrical tube with plaque embossed FARADAY & SON, LONDON, and set with a single carrying handle, the sides with two pairs of graduated quartered square sights, the wood box base with sliding back and set with an ivorine Shutter Speeds tablet and faintly marked S1, the control panel stamped H-B MFG.CO.LTD. LONDON,
A Second World War Despatch Rider's Helmet, with dark green finish, felt padded liner, leather neck protector and chinstrap, the leather sweatband embossed BMB 1944, 7 1/2, together with a pair of goggles (2)Liner is missing three securing rivets, minor paint flakes and scuffs. Goggles with a small chip to one lens.
Four: Pipe Major G. Allan, 46th Battalion (South Saskatchewan), Canadian Infantry, late Scots Guards, who died of wounds on the Western Front, 21 August 1917 Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 6 clasps, Belmont, Modder River, Driefontein, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Belfast (2755 Piper G. Allan, Scots Gds); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (2755 Piper G. Allen. [sic] Scots Guards.) suspension mount bent; British War and Victory Medals (426676 Sjt. G. Allan. 46-Can. Inf.) mounted for wear, first two fine, last very fine or better (4) £1,000-£1,400 --- George Keith Allan was born in Oxton, Berwickshire, Scotland in March 1880. He served for 12 years with the Scots Guards, including during the Second Boer War, before emigrating to Canada where he became a Brewer. Allan enlisted in the 46th Battalion (South Saskatchewan), Canadian Infantry in March 1915, and is mentioned in the Suicide Battalion by J. L. McWilliams and R. J. Steel as forming the 46th’s Pipe Band. Allan advanced to Pipe Major and served with the Battalion at Ypres, the Somme, Vimy, Lens and Passchendaele. According to the Suicide Battalion Allan went ‘On a toot’ with another piper without asking for official leave, and when the pair returned the CO (Colonel Dawson) reduced them both to Private and ordered them to be sent out on the next attack. Allan received his fatal wounds in this attack, and the other piper is recorded as losing his fingers from his wounds. Private Allan died of wounds on the Western Front, 21 August 1917, and is buried in the Villers Station Cemetery, France. Sold with copied research, and a photographic image of recipient as part of the 46th Battalion Pipe Band.
Pair: Staff Sergeant E. R. Maclellan, 1st Wireless Section, Canadian Engineers, who died of wounds on the Western Front, 27 July 1917 1914-15 Star (428579 Pte E. R. Maclellan); British War Medal 1914-20 (428579 S. Sjt. E. R. Maclellan. 7-Can. Inf.); Canadian Memorial Cross, G.V.R. (428579 S. Sgt. E. R. Maclellan) last in damaged case of issue, good very fine (3) £80-£120 --- Edwin Raymond Maclellan was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada in July 1891. He initially served during the Great War with the 47th Battalion (British Columbia), Canadian Infantry, before transferring to the 1st Wireless Section, Canadian Engineers. Maclellan advanced to Staff Sergeant and died of wounds, 27 July 1917, while on duty, proceeding to a Wireless Telegraph Station in the forward area near Lens, he was severely wounded in the chest, and left thigh, by splinters from an enemy shell that exploded near him. After receiving first aid, he was taken to No. 7 Casualty Clearing Station where he died the same day. Staff Sergeant Maclellan is buried in the Noeux-Les-Mines Communal Cemetery, France.
The mounted group of twelve miniature dress medals worn by Brigadier J. P. Girvan, C.B.E., D.S.O., M.C., V.D., 15th Canadian Infantry Battalion, the most decorated officer of the 15th (48th Highlanders of Canada) Infantry Battalion in the Great War The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, C.B.E. (Military) 2nd type badge, silver-gilt and enamels; Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamels, with Second Award Bar and integral top ribbon bar; Military Cross, G.V.R.; 1914-15 Star; British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves; Canadian Volunteer Service Medal; War Medal 1939-45; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937; Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal, G.V.R., mounted as worn, very fine (12) £200-£300 --- Also entitled to Colonial Auxiliary Forces Decoration, G.V.R. C.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1946: ‘Brigadier J. P. Girvan, D.S.O., M.C., V.D., Canadian Army.’ D.S.O. London Gazette 1 February 1919: Maj. (A./Lt.-Col.) John Pollands Girvan, M.C., 15th Bn., Can. Inf., 1st C. Ont. R. ‘For conspicuous gallantry opposite Cherisy on 1st September, 1918. He commanded his battalion with the greatest skill and ability, pushing resolutely forward in face of extreme machine-gun fire, and after a personal reconnaissance continuing his advance and capturing and consolidating a position some 6,000 yards in front of the jumping-off line. His courage and leadership were admirable.’ D.S.O. Second Award Bar London Gazette 8 March 1919; citation published 4 October 1919: Maj. (A./Lt.-Col.) John Pollands Girvan, M.C., 15th Bn., Can. Inf., 1st C. Ont. R. ‘For marked gallantry and ability in the attack on Canal du Nord on 27th September, 1918. Crossing the canal on light bridges, and the River Agache by planks, under heavy machine-gun and sniping fire, he pushed on. He personally attacked and captured an enemy machine gun, shooting the gunner and turning the gun on the enemy. He went on and assisted in capturing Chapel Corner and the village of Marquion, and then gained his final objectives. His courage and dash were a fine example to his command.’ M.C. London Gazette 18 October 1917; citation published 7 March 1918: Capt. (A./Maj.) John Pollands Girvan, M.C., Canadian Inf. ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Throughout an attack he led his company with the greatest skill and courage, continually going forward into our own barrage at great personal risk in order to check men who were advancing too fast. He directed his men amidst the fiercest shelling, and it was due to his gallant personal example that hostile counter-attacks were fruitless. His reports were invaluable, and it was largely due to him that the enemy were held back from the captured ground.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 16 March 1916. French Croix de Guerre London Gazette 1 May 1917. John ‘Jack’ Pollands Girvan was born born on 28 November 1887, at Kingarth, Argyll and Bute, Scotland. In 1907, he became a clerk in the Civil Service. He was a fine athlete, winning numerous championships as a member of the Argonaut rowing club. He belonged to an active militia when he attested on 14 September 1914, at Valcartier, Quebec. During the Great War, he married Nursing Sister Jean Elizabeth Sword. Girvan sailed on 3 October 1914, with the first contingent, arriving in England on 16 October 1916. On 4 February 1915, the 15th Battalion battalion paraded in light marching order for ‘Inspection & Review’ by H.M. the Kin, followed by the March Past, at North Larkhill camp. The following week, they boarded S.S. Mount Temple, at Avonmouth, on 12 February 1915. After a very rough voyage with high seas, they arrived at St Nazaire, in France, on 15 February 1915. Two days later, they arrived at Hazebrouck in Belgium, moving into billets at Caestre the next day and into billets in Armentieres on 23 February 1915. The 15th Battalion entered the trenches for the first time on 24 February 1915, suffering their first casualty on the night of the 27th. They entered the trenches at Rue Petillon, on 6 March 1915, pulling out three days later. In April 1915, the Canadians moved to the Ypres area and took part in the battle of Kitchener’s Wood (Second Battle of Ypres). The 15th Battalion held the line against the German chlorine gas attack, but suffered heavy casualties. The battalion was at the apex of the Canadian position on 24 April. The 15th Battalion suffered the heaviest casualties of any Canadian unit, with over 647 casualties, being hit by the heaviest of the gas, and was overrun by the Germans. Girvan’s No. 1 Company, was on the extreme right flank of the Battalion’s three forward companies and was very lucky to have survived. In the battle of Festubert, on 15 May 1915, the battalion again suffered heavy casualties. Girvan was promoted to be Sergeant, in the field, ‘A’ Company, 15th Battalion, on 11 June 1915. He was appointed to Temporary Commission, and posted to 15th Battalion on 26 September 1915; granted 5 days leave, 17 October 1915; granted 7 days leave, 5 January 1916; to be Captain, 27 April 1916; granted leave of absence from 25 May to 2 June 1916. On 3 June 1916 the Battalion conducted the first Canadian counter-attack of the war against Observatory Ridge, in opening stages of the battle of Mount Sorrel, again suffering heavy casualties. Now a Major commanding No. 3 Company, he was wounded during the battle of Flers–Courcelette on 24 September 1916, by a bullet wound which penetrated his right chest at the sternum, and travelled down and lodged in abdominal muscle. He was admitted to 2nd Red Cross Hospital, Rouen, on 27 September 1916, and to Yorkhill War Hospital, Glasgow, on 1 October 1916. He was discharged on 18 October 1916, but was declared unfit for service for three months and granted leave to Canada, 21 October 1916 to 21 January 1917. Girvan returned to England in late March of 1917, and was appointed Acting Major on 28 April 1917. Then, awarded the Croix du Guerre, on 1 May 1917. Here he spent several months in Bramshott Camp, Hampshire, where his future wife Jean Sword was undergoing training at the camp hospital, and they undoubtedly spent some time together. Girvan returned back to France where, on 30 July 1917, he was indemnified for loss of kit. He was in command of No. 1 Company leading the forward assault of the 15th Battalion during the battle of Hill 70, and was awarded the Military Cross for this action in which the 15th Battalion assaulted and captured Puits 14 and Bois Hugo as part of the Canadian Corps assault on Hill 70 near Lens, France. The battalion was in the first wave of the assault on the Corps’ exposed and vital left flank. Having secured all their objectives on the morning of 15 August 1917, the battalion defended its position for a day and half against numerous German counter attacks until it was relieved and withdrawn from the line. Girvan was struck off the strength of the 15th Battalion to attend a Command Officers Course at Aldershot on 27 June 1918 for 8 weeks, and during this time married Nursing Sister Jean Sword. Girvan, now second in command of the 48th Highlanders of Canada, proceeded overseas to the 15th Battalion, from Witley, on 20 August 1918. For the third time, he landed in France, on 23 August 1918, and rejoined his unit on 26 August. With the Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel C. E. Bent severely wounded, Girvan took command as the Acting Commanding Officer. Upon the C.O.’s return, several times Girvan acted as C.O. while the commander was away. On 30 August 1918, he narrowly escaped death when the Battalion H.Q. dugout took a direct hit from a German artillery shell. Gir...
The outstanding and well-documented Second War C.B.E., Great War ‘Cherisy, 1 September 1918’ D.S.O., ‘Canal du Nord, 27 September 1918’ Second Award Bar, and ‘Hill 70, August 1917’ M.C. group of thirteen awarded to Brigadier J. P. Girvan, 15th Canadian Infantry Battalion, the most decorated officer of the 15th (48th Highlanders of Canada) Infantry Battalion in the Great War The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, C.B.E. (Military) Commander’s 2nd type, neck badge, silver-gilt and enamels; Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with Second Award Bar, lacking integral top ribbon bar; Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (27071 Pte. J. P. Girvan. 15/Can: Inf:; British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Lt. Col. J. P. Girvan.); Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, with overseas clasp, unnamed as issued; War Medal 1939-45, Canadian issue in silver, unnamed as issued; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937; Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers’ Decoration, G.V.R., the reverse officially inscribed (Major J. P. Girvan D.S.O. M.C. 48th Highrs. of C.) complete with integral top suspension brooch; Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal, G.V.R. (Major J. P. Girvan D.S.O. M.C. 48th Highrs of C.); France, Third Republic, Croix de Guerre 1914 1916, with bronze Palme, silver awards all dark toned from long-term display, generally good very fine and better (13) £6,000-£8,000 --- C.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1946: ‘Brigadier J. P. Girvan, D.S.O., M.C., V.D., Canadian Army.’ D.S.O. London Gazette 1 February 1919: Maj. (A./Lt.-Col.) John Pollands Girvan, M.C., 15th Bn., Can. Inf., 1st C. Ont. R. ‘For conspicuous gallantry opposite Cherisy on 1st September, 1918. He commanded his battalion with the greatest skill and ability, pushing resolutely forward in face of extreme machine-gun fire, and after a personal reconnaissance continuing his advance and capturing and consolidating a position some 6,000 yards in front of the jumping-off line. His courage and leadership were admirable.’ D.S.O. Second Award Bar London Gazette 8 March 1919; citation published 4 October 1919: Maj. (A./Lt.-Col.) John Pollands Girvan, M.C., 15th Bn., Can. Inf., 1st C. Ont. R. ‘For marked gallantry and ability in the attack on Canal du Nord on 27th September, 1918. Crossing the canal on light bridges, and the River Agache by planks, under heavy machine-gun and sniping fire, he pushed on. He personally attacked and captured an enemy machine gun, shooting the gunner and turning the gun on the enemy. He went on and assisted in capturing Chapel Corner and the village of Marquion, and then gained his final objectives. His courage and dash were a fine example to his command.’ M.C. London Gazette 18 October 1917; citation published 7 March 1918: Capt. (A./Maj.) John Pollands Girvan, M.C., Canadian Inf. ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Throughout an attack he led his company with the greatest skill and courage, continually going forward into our own barrage at great personal risk in order to check men who were advancing too fast. He directed his men amidst the fiercest shelling, and it was due to his gallant personal example that hostile counter-attacks were fruitless. His reports were invaluable, and it was largely due to him that the enemy were held back from the captured ground.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 16 March 1916. French Croix de Guerre London Gazette 1 May 1917. John ‘Jack’ Pollands Girvan was born born on 28 November 1887, at Kingarth, Argyll and Bute, Scotland. In 1907, he became a clerk in the Civil Service. He was a fine athlete, winning numerous championships as a member of the Argonaut rowing club. He belonged to an active militia when he attested on 14 September 1914, at Valcartier, Quebec. During the Great War, he married Nursing Sister Jean Elizabeth Sword. Girvan sailed on 3 October 1914, with the first contingent, arriving in England on 16 October 1916. On 4 February 1915, the 15th Battalion battalion paraded in light marching order for ‘Inspection & Review’ by H.M. the Kin, followed by the March Past, at North Larkhill camp. The following week, they boarded S.S. Mount Temple, at Avonmouth, on 12 February 1915. After a very rough voyage with high seas, they arrived at St Nazaire, in France, on 15 February 1915. Two days later, they arrived at Hazebrouck in Belgium, moving into billets at Caestre the next day and into billets in Armentieres on 23 February 1915. The 15th Battalion entered the trenches for the first time on 24 February 1915, suffering their first casualty on the night of the 27th. They entered the trenches at Rue Petillon, on 6 March 1915, pulling out three days later. In April 1915, the Canadians moved to the Ypres area and took part in the battle of Kitchener’s Wood (Second Battle of Ypres). The 15th Battalion held the line against the German chlorine gas attack, but suffered heavy casualties. The battalion was at the apex of the Canadian position on 24 April. The 15th Battalion suffered the heaviest casualties of any Canadian unit, with over 647 casualties, being hit by the heaviest of the gas, and was overrun by the Germans. Girvan’s No. 1 Company, was on the extreme right flank of the Battalion’s three forward companies and was very lucky to have survived. In the battle of Festubert, on 15 May 1915, the battalion again suffered heavy casualties. Girvan was promoted to be Sergeant, in the field, ‘A’ Company, 15th Battalion, on 11 June 1915. He was appointed to Temporary Commission, and posted to 15th Battalion on 26 September 1915; granted 5 days leave, 17 October 1915; granted 7 days leave, 5 January 1916; to be Captain, 27 April 1916; granted leave of absence from 25 May to 2 June 1916. On 3 June 1916 the Battalion conducted the first Canadian counter-attack of the war against Observatory Ridge, in opening stages of the battle of Mount Sorrel, again suffering heavy casualties. Now a Major commanding No. 3 Company, he was wounded during the battle of Flers–Courcelette on 24 September 1916, by a bullet wound which penetrated his right chest at the sternum, and travelled down and lodged in abdominal muscle. He was admitted to 2nd Red Cross Hospital, Rouen, on 27 September 1916, and to Yorkhill War Hospital, Glasgow, on 1 October 1916. He was discharged on 18 October 1916, but was declared unfit for service for three months and granted leave to Canada, 21 October 1916 to 21 January 1917. Girvan returned to England in late March of 1917, and was appointed Acting Major on 28 April 1917. Then, awarded the Croix du Guerre, on 1 May 1917. Here he spent several months in Bramshott Camp, Hampshire, where his future wife Jean Sword was undergoing training at the camp hospital, and they undoubtedly spent some time together. Girvan returned back to France where, on 30 July 1917, he was indemnified for loss of kit. He was in command of No. 1 Company leading the forward assault of the 15th Battalion during the battle of Hill 70, and was awarded the Military Cross for this action in which the 15th Battalion assaulted and captured Puits 14 and Bois Hugo as part of the Canadian Corps assault on Hill 70 near Lens, France. The battalion was in the first wave of the assault on the Corps’ exposed and vital left flank. Having secured all their objectives on the morning of 15 August 1917, the battalion defended its position for a day and half against numerous German counter attacks until it was relieved and withdrawn from the line. Girvan was struck off the strength of the 15th Battalion to attend a Command Officers Course at Aldershot on 27 June 1918 for 8 w...
A VICTORIAN MICRO-MOSAIC OVAL BROOCH, the coloured and lustre tesserae worked as a scarab on a white ground with barber's pole and turquoise border, in an unmarked mount with filigree applique border, closed back (Illustrated) (Est. plus 21% premium inc. VAT)Unmarked, beetle panel 3 x 2.4cm, brooch 4 x 3.5cm, excellent condition, a few very minor chips to tesserae but only noticeable with 10x lens
A FINE PAIR OF CULTURED PEARL AND DIAMOND PENDENT EARCLIPS, BY VERDURAEach surmount designed as stylised knots pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds, suspending a detachable cultured pearl drop of white or black tint, each caped with similarly-cut diamonds, mounted in 18K gold and platinum, diamonds approximately 7.50cts total, signed Verdura, with maker's mark for 'Amalphy', French assay marks, stamped 'Made in France', with maker's pouch, length 4.7cm and without pearl 2.3cmBorn in 1899 in Palermo, Italy, to an aristocratic family, Fulco Santostefano della Cerda’s, Duke of Verdura's, earliest beginnings were steeped in the beauty and sumptuousness inherent to both his homeland and social status. A vivacious and imaginative child, Fulco’s later designs would be deeply influenced by the family’s 18th century home, Villa Niscemi, as well as his love of nature and happy childhood days rambling around the vast estate. Inheriting the title of duke at the young age of, it became clear that the family’s financial situation did not reflect its noble status, and Verdura knew he would have to make a career for himself in order to upkeep the extravagant lifestyle to which he was accustomed. Having joined the army in 1916, Verdura would have to abandon a promising military career after sustaining a serious should injury which took months of recuperation to heal from. Luckily, the young duke had a wealth of family connections that placed him at the centre of Europe’s glittering interwar society.While on a visit to Venice in 1927 with his good friends, celebrated composer Cole Porter and his socialite wife Linda, Verdura was introduced to Coco Chanel. The two connected instantly, and shortly thereafter Verdura moved to Paris to work for Chanel as a textile designer. However, the young duke’s flair for jewellery design soon became evident and he began to help Chanel rework pieces from her own personal collection, some of which would be copied to be sold at the iconic 31 Rue Cambon location. Little of Verdura’s early work from this period survives, however by 1930 the design that would solidify his representation as one of the period’s foremost jewellery designers came into being. The Maltese Cross jewels consisted of two mismatched gold crosses set with an array of colourful gems, both Byzantian yet oddly contemporary in look. Verdura’s first Maltese Cross pieces were a pair of brooches which he gifted to the renowned fashion editor Diana Vreeland. Next came a pair of white enamel cuffs for Chanel herself, which she wore constantly. The lack of symmetry, yellow gold and brightly coloured stones were in stark contrast to the clean lines and white gold and platinum favoured by other jewellery designers of the time.In 1934, Verdura left Paris for the United States, where his charm, pedigree and good looks allowed him to easily insert himself into high society. Landing in New York before making his way to California, Verdura would meet Paul Flato, Hollywood’s most prominent jewellery designer, and soon became his Head of Design, his work appearing on the necks, arms, and fingers of era’s most standout starlets. By the late 1930s however, Verdura was ready to strike out on his own. His first solo store was opened at 712 Fifth Avenue on September 1st, 1939, the very day war was declared in Europe. The war denied American jewellery connoisseurs the ability to commission works from the master French and Italian ateliers, but Verdura filled the gap by introducing a uniquely European flair to the American market. He continued to produce commissions for actresses, notably Joan Fontaine, and New York society queens throughout the decade, but a collaboration with surrealist artist Salvador Dalí in 1940 allowed Verdura to explore his love of fine art through the lens of jewellery making. The collection consisted of five miniatures painted by Dalí, set by Verdura with gold and jewels. The pieces were exhibited at both the Julien Levy Gallery and the Museum of Modern Art in New York throughout 1941 and 1942, before being bought into private collections, although some re-merged for the Verdura company’s 75th anniversary exhibition The Power of Style: Verdura at 75 in 2014.Verdura’s success continued throughout the 40s, 50s and 60s. It seems he designed pieces for almost every style icon of the era, from royalty to socialites. Notable pieces include the Indian Feather Tiara created in 1957 for Betsey Cushing Whitney and the Double Crescent bracelet, which first appeared in 1940s and but was revived in popularity when it was worn by Princess Diana in 1997.After decades living in the world of glitter and gold, Verdura retired to London in 1973, passing on the company to his long-time business associate Joseph Alfano. The duke would spend the last few years of life indulging his other creative loves, publishing his childhood memoir The Happy Summer Days in 1976. He died in 1978 and was buried in his beloved hometown of Palermo.The Verdura company, meanwhile, continued to maintain its place in the world of fine jewellery. In 1983 the company was sold to Ward Landrigan, the former Head of Jewellery at Sotheby’s. The sale included the complete Verdura archives, consisting of over 10,000 original drawings and sketches, almost half of which were never realised. Landrigan aimed to re-introduce Verdura’s genius to a new generation and in 2004 was joined in the business by his son, Nico Landrigan, who became the company’s president in 2009. Today, Verdura’s classic collections are still available for purchase, including the Constellation Collection, the Caged Collection, the Byzantium Collection, and the Stardust Collection, each with their own unique backstory that offers insight into the mind of their brilliant creator.Verdura’s jewellery was never produced on a mass scale and his most famous pieces were often commissioned works. This has made the Verdura name all the more collectible for the discerning jewellery lover at auction.Condition Report: Cultured pearls:One black: Very good lustre, with green and pink overtones, minor natural blemishes visible under a bright light sourceOne White: Very good lustre, with green, pink and silver overtones, superficial natural blemishes visible under a bright light sourceDiamonds: approx. 7.50cts total, bright and livelySignature, French assay marks and maker's marks located on the clip fittingsEarclips for non pierced ears, includes rubber bands on the back fittingsEagle's head for French 18K gold and dog's head for French platinumMinor signs of wear, overall in good conditionTotal gross weight approx. 47.40g
A box of cameras and accessories. Including; an Olympus Trip 35 camera with instructions. A Rollei B35 micro camera with box and instructions. A wooden tripod. Viviitar 35mm. Werra camera body complete with standard and telephoto lenses, manual and box. Ricoh KR-10 Super Body. Plus a number of other cameras and lens. Generally appears GC. £50-80
Loading...
