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Lot 850
A CINNABAR LACQUER ‘WORKERS’ VASE OF ROULEAU SHAPE, BANGCHUIPING CHINA, 20TH CENTURY, CULTURAL REVOLUTION PERIOD It rests on a tall ring foot and has an elongated egg-shaped body surmounted by a tubular neck with an everted rim. The thick cinnabar lacquer is deeply carved with reserved medallions depicting three workers or peasants of the Cultural Revolution at rest. One has left his two buckets and is seated on a rock and reading. The two others are seated along a river, one likely holding a smoking pipe. Appart the reserved medallions, the body, the foot and the neck are deeply carved with geometric patterns and flower scrolls. H: 40,5 cm 朱漆“工人”棒槌瓶 中国，20世纪，文化大革命时期 NOTE: CONDITION REPORTS AND MEASUREMENTS It is up to the bidder to satisfy themselves prior to buying as to the condition of a lot. In relation to Condition Reports, whilst we make certain observations on the lot, which are intended to be as helpful as possible, references in the condition report to damage or restoration are for guidance. The absence of such a reference does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others. The condition report is an expression of opinion only and must not be treated as a statement of fact. Measurements and weight are approximate and the potential bidder may re-ask it to be checked when asking for a condition report.
Lot 1073
Johann Kupetzky, 1666/67 Prag – 1740 Nürnberg, zug.PORTRAIT EINES SICH ANKLEIDENDEN MANNES MIT PFEIFE Öl auf Leinwand. Doubliert. 95 x 81 cm. In barockisierendem vergoldeten Rahmen.In flottem Pinselduktus ein nach links gewandter junger Mann in braungelbem Jabot, der im Begriff ist, sich einen purpurnen Mantel überzustreifen. Eine rote Kappe, die uns in ähnlicher Form öfter bei Kupetzky begegnet und die dargestellte Person zu nobellitieren sucht, überfängt sein Haupt und korrespondiert mit den sonnengeröteten Wangen und Nase. Im Mund steckt eine weiße Tonpfeife, deren Qualm auch aus dem Mundwinkel des Mannes strömt und sich spielerisch im linken oberen Bildviertel verteilt. Im Schatten des Umhanges mit kleinem professionell restauriertem Riss. (1270092) (13)Jan Kupetzky,1666/67 Prague – 1740 Nuremberg, attributedPORTRAIT OF A MAN WITH PIPE GETTING DRESSEDOil on canvas. Relined.95 x 81 cm.
Lot 142
TWO INDIAN SWORDS (TALWAR) AND A CONTINENTAL ARTILLERY SWORD, LATE 19TH CENTURYthe first with heavy curved blade double-edged towards the point, iron hilt with spatulate quillons and integral grip (pommel missing); the second with curved blade and iron hilt of characteristic form; the third with pipe-backed blade formed with a spear point, and sheet iron guard incorporating a lug beneath the quillonthe first: 70.0 cm; 27 5/8 in blade(3)
Lot 273
TWO AUSTRIAN MODEL 1904 CAVALRY SWORDSof regulation type, the first with pipe-backed blade, pierced and engraved hilt, wire-bound fishskin-covered grip, in its scabbard; the second with slightly curved fullered blade (areas of pitting), plated hilt (quillon bent), in its scabbard and complete with its knotthe first: 73.7 cm; 29 in blade(2)
Lot 276
A SAXON MODEL 1892 CAVALRY SABRE AND A GERMAN NAVAL SWORDof regulation type, the first with pipe-backed blade, iron hilt involving a roundel, and composition ~pistol~ grip (pitted); the second with pipe-backed blade by W.K. & C, gilt-brass hilt with folding guard, and composition grips, in its scabbardthe first: 81.2 cm; 32 in blade(2)
Lot 280
AN ITALIAN MODEL 1888 CAVALRY SWORD, A TURKISH SWORD AND A CONTINENTAL ARTILLERY SWORD, LATE 19TH CENTURYof regulation type, the first with etched blade, plated hilt with triple-bar guard, in its scabbard; the second with pipe-backed blade, steel stirrup hilt pierced with a star and crescent on the guard, in its steel scabbard; the third with brass stirrup hilt including a pair of crossed cannon on the langet and lionhead pommel (areas of wear throughout);the first: 81.2 cm; 32 in blade(3)
Lot 283
˜A FINE GEORGIAN LANCER OFFICER~S SWORD, CIRCA 1820-30with curved pipe-backed blade, etched over three-quarters of its length with delicate scrolling foliage, a sunburst centring on a watchful eye, key ornament, a pair of crossed lances carrying a shield charged with the royal cypher ~GR~ crowned, a crossed baton, fasces and a lance, the crowned Royal Arms and royal motto all against a contrasting frosted ground, gilt-brass mameluke hilt cast with foliage in low relief, comprising a pair of quillons with swollen bud-shaped finials, langets with a central flowerhead, back-strap with a design of conventional foliage, and a pair of ivory grip-scales retained by two pairs of rivets and a pommel washer (two small pieces cracked and loose), in its burnished steel scabbard with scrolling drag and two mounts with rings for suspension (the upper mount loose and incomplete)76.8 cm; 30 1/4 in blade
Lot 284
˜AN 1822 PATTERN XVII LANCERS OFFICER~S SWORD RETAILED BY MOORE, LATE BICKNELL, BOND STREET, LONDON, CIRCA 1822-28of regulation type, with pipe-backed blade formed with a spear point, finely etched over three-quarters of its length with foliage, trophies-of-arms, crossed lances, the crowned regimental device, motto and designation and with the retailer~s details (small areas of light patination, the tip with a small area of pitting), gilt-brass mameluke hilt cast and chased in low relief, fitted with a pair of ivory grip-scales, in its wooden scabbard retaining a small portion of its blue silk covering (losses) with gilt-brass mounts en suite with the hilt, comprising large chape, two bands with rings for suspension, and locket77.8 cm; 30 5/8 in bladeAnother example, also retailed by Moore, late Bicknell, is illustrated Dellar 2013, p. 112.
Lot 303
˜A GILT-BRASS MOUNTED PRESENTATION SWORD RETAILED BY JOSEPH H. REDDELL, SWORD AND GUN MANUFACTURER TO HIS MAJESTY~S BOARD OF ORDNANCE, CIRCA 1830with pipe-backed blade retaining traces of etched decoration and the presentation inscription, gilt-brass hilt cast in low relief with foliage, comprising scrolling quillon, langets with addorsed scrolls, knuckle-guard with a large trophy-of-arms and lionhead pommel, wire-bound chequered ivory grip, in its scabbard with finely engraved gilt-brass middle-band and locket (chape and the lower portion of the scabbard missing), each with a ring for suspension and the latter with the retailer~s details81.5 cm; 32 1/8 in blade
Lot 483
A FLINTLOCK BLUNDERBUSS, CIRCA 1800; with brass barrel formed in four stages, formed with a moulding and belled at the muzzle, tapering iron tang, border-engraved rounded lock (top-jaw and screw replaced), full stock (bruising, repairs), brass mounts comprising trigger-guard with bulbous finial, flush-fitting side-plate, butt-plate with short tang with rounded terminal, and moulded ramrod-pipe (later ramrod); 41.8 cm; 16 1/2 in barrel;
Lot 514
A 32 BORE GERMAN WHEEL-LOCK HOLSTER PISTOL, SUHL, THIRD QUARTER OF THE 17TH CENTURY WITH 19TH CENTURY DECORATION with two-stage barrel, octagonal breech struck with Suhl control marks on the left, bevelled lock of military type, fitted with external wheel retained by a slender bracket at the base, sliding pan-cover and angular dog, decorated throughout with engraved scrolls and a grotesque on the main plate, full stock profusely inlaid in engraved staghorn and bone including scrolling tendrils, ball flowers, game animals and scenes from the chase all within segmental frames including a mounted hunter and a bear opposite the lock, the butt decorated en suite, including an engraved bone collar, fluted pear-shaped pommel decorated with further designs of ball flowers, fruit and foliage, engraved iron trigger-guard, plain ramrod-pipe, and bone-tipped wooden ramrod43.0 cm; 17 in barrel
Lot 550
A 16 BORE FLINTLOCK HOLSTER PISTOL BY RICHARD (1) WILSON, CIRCA 1750; with brass barrel inscribed ~London~ within a linear frame over the breech, stamped with the proof marks and the barrelsmith~s marks on the left and engraved with a spray of foliage, grooved tang (pitted), associated lock, figured walnut full stock (repairs, fore-end replaced ahead of the ramrod-pipe), brass mounts including strapwork sideplate, trigger-guard with foliate terminal (bow restored), and spurred pommel with grotesque mask cap, and escutcheon engraved with the owner~s crest, motto and initials; 25.7 cm; 10 1/8 in barrel;
Lot 553
A 22 BORE IRISH FLINTLOCK OFFICER~S PISTOL BY P. WHITNEY, CIRCA 1790; with octagonal sighted barrel struck with Dublin proof marks on the left of the breech, border-engraved tang decorated with foliage, signed stepped lock with engraved tail, fitted with roller and bevelled cock, figured walnut full stock, chequered butt, and engraved iron mounts comprising trigger-guard with pineapple finial, stirrup ramrod, and ramrod-pipe; 20.2 cm; 8 in barrel; ;
Lot 568
A 25 BORE FLINTLOCK PISTOL FOR THE AMERICAN MARKET SIGNED T. ATWOOD, LONDON, CIRCA 1820with octagonal sighted brass barrel inscribed ~London~ on the top flat, struck with proof marks on the left of the breech and the barrelsmith~s marks ~E.B.~ beneath, engraved iron tang incorporating the back-sight, signed bevelled engraved lock with roller and engraved cock (retaining screw replaced), figured half-stock, rounded butt cut with a trellis pattern of triple line chequering, inset with a German silver oval engraved with a star on the pommel, engraved iron trigger-guard decorated with foliage on the bow and with pineapple finial, vacant shield-shaped German silver escutcheon, barrel-bolt escutcheons and fore-end cap, steel under-rib and ramrod-pipes (the forward pipe detached), and brass-mounted ramrod, perhaps the original21.8 cm; 8 5/8 in barrelProvenance; A New Jersey Collection, sold Sotheby~s, New York, 15th January 1991, lot 617. ;
Lot 158
A CARVED PORTLAND STONE TERM STATUE OF PAN LATE 19TH CENTURY Detailed with expressive face, playing a pipe, material wrapped tapering square section column below on plinth baseapproximately 200cm high Please note: The square stone slab illustrated beneath the main pedestal of this lot is not included in the lot. Condition Report: Please note: The square stone slab illustrated beneath the main pedestal of this lot is not included in the lot. There are some marks, scratches, knocks, and abrasions consistent with age and use. Weathering and with lichen build up to upper section and pedestal base, . Flute may well have started off originally longer and is cracked to centre. Some rubbing and detail loss- plinth edges wornPlease see the additional photographs as a visual reference of condition and which form part of this condition report. All lots are available for inspection and Condition Reports are available on request. However, all lots are of an age and type which means that they may not be in perfect condition and should be viewed by prospective bidders. This is particularly true for garden related items. We must advise you that we are not professional restorers or conservators and we do not provide any guarantee or warranty as to a lot's condition. Accordingly, it is recommended that prospective buyers inspect lots or have their advisors do so, and satisfy themselves as to condition and accuracy of description All lots are offered for sale "as viewed" and subject to the applicable Conditions of Business for Buyer's condition, which are set out in the sale catalogue and are available on request. Buyers are reminded that liability for loss and damage transfers to the buyer from the fall of the hammer. Whilst the majority of lots will remain in their location until collected, we can accept no responsibility for any damage which may occur, even in the event of Dreweatts staff assisting carriers during collection. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 210
Two antique needlework samplers the larger monochrome alphabet sampler reads 'Elizabeth Pipe, October 17th 1821', 23cm x 25cm, the other smaller example indistinctly signed and dated 1884, 22cm x 20cm (2)Overall fading and some loss of colour to the threads. The smaller example is hard to read, we cannot make out the name or parts of the lighter coloured alphabet. Overall wear, consistent with age and use.
Lot 213
A CARVED AND PAINTED TOBACCO ADVERTISING FIGURE LATE 18TH / EARLY 19TH CENTURY modelled as a European looking man wearing a red and gold coloured hat, a black cloak and gold coloured waistcoat and holding a later clay pipe, with an iron suspension staple to his back and on a domed base 61cm high Literature Pinto (E H), Treen and other wooden Bygones, 1969, p. 412 for a discussion on carved and painted tobacco advertising figures and plates 436-440 for some other examples.
Lot 79
‘In a fight against large odds he is perfectly happy and an excellent shot, he has on several occasions proved his capabilities under very trying circumstances and on one occasion, at considerable risk and very great discomfort, saved a machine from a forced landing by standing on the plane and holding together two ends of a petrol pipe.’ The superb and extremely rare Great War Royal Naval Division ‘Gallipoli and Western Front’ D.C.M., Royal Naval Air Service ‘North Sea Patrols’ D.F.M. group of seven awarded to Chief Petty Officer W. G. Chapman, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, later Chief Mechanic, Royal Naval Air Service, who was awarded the D.C.M. for brave deeds with the Drake Battalion at Antwerp 1914, ashore at Cape Helles, 1915, and in France, 1916. Subsequently joining R.N.A.S. Great Yarmouth where, as an exceptional engineer and fearless crew member, Chapman displayed the utmost gallantry in action on numerous long distance flying boat patrols, 1917-18, often engaging in fights with enemy scouts and fast seaplanes; gallantry for which he was awarded the D.F.M. and was Mentioned in Despatches Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (Lond: 10-3044 Ch: P.O. W. G. Chapman. Drake Bn: 63/R.N.D.); Distinguished Flying Medal, G.V.R. (224573 Sergt.-Mech Chapman W. G., D.S.M. R.A.F.); 1914 Star (L.10/3044 W. G. Chapman, A.B. R.N.V.R. Drake Bttn R.N.D.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (224573. Ch. Mech. W. G. Chapman. R.A.F.); Canadian Volunteer Service Medal; War Medal 1939-45, Canadian issue in silver, with M.I.D. oak leaf, nearly extremely fine (7) £4,000-£5,000 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 1 January 1917, citation published 13 February 1917: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has performed consistent good work with the Division since its formation.’ Annotated Gazette states ‘Gallipoli’ and ‘France’. D.F.M. London Gazette 21 September 1918: ‘He has been a member of a seaplane crew on practically every long-distance patrol. He has taken part with zeal, gallantry, and coolness in numerous engagements with hostile aircraft.’ M.I.D. London Gazettes 1 May 1918 and 2 June 1943. Note: In common with their Royal Marine counterparts, when coming under Army command during integrated land operations, the N.C.O.s and men of the Royal Naval Division were unusual in their eligibility for both the D.C.M. and the D.S.M. This complexity is undoubtedly responsible for the erroneous post-nominals ‘D.S.M.’ being impressed on Chapman’s D.F.M. rather than ‘D.C.M.’. This administrative error was replicated in the London Gazette entry for his award. William George Chapman was born in Bournemouth, Hampshire, on 10 April 1895 and was raised in Southwark, London. An electrical engineer by occupation, he joined the London Division of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve on 23 October 1913 and was mobilised for war on 2 August 1914, immediately seeing service in the North Sea. Posted as an Able Seaman to the 1st (Drake) Battalion of the newly formed Royal Naval Division on 22 August, he participated with the 1st Naval Brigade in the Antwerp operations during October 1914, making good his return to England the same month. Gallipoli Petty Officer Chapman embarked with ‘A’ Company of his battalion in February 1915 for ‘an operation in the Mediterranean’, arriving at Port Said, Egypt on 29 March. A week later he was re-embarked for Gallipoli where the Drake Battalion was landed at 8.30pm on 26 April onto the Cape Helles beaches barely won by the main landings the previous day. At 8am on 28 April, with the entire Naval Division now on land, the Drake Battalion - attached 87th Brigade, 29th Division (and the only battalion of the R.N.D. to be engaged that day) - was thrust into the assault inland towards Krithia and Achi Baba. Suffering heavy losses, the tired, demoralised and virtually leaderless troops were soon stopped by the resolute Ottomans and the First Battle of Krithia was all over by nightfall. Digging in just above the W Beach headland, the Drake Battalion were next involved in the successful repulsion of a Turkish counter attack on 1 May (Battle of Eski Hissarlik) and would be employed in further attempts to push inland on 6-8 May (Second Battle of Krithia), 4 June (Third Battle of Krithia) and the Action at Achi Baba Nullah on 12/13 July. All to no avail and at great cost. In fact, so numerically weakened had they become, the Naval Division played little part in the later struggles at Cape Helles in August and September. Finally, and somewhat anticlimactically, on 8 January 1916 the men of the Drake Battalion, together with the rest of the British Empire forces, left their trenches for the last time, returned to the beaches so hard won, and left the peninsula. Battle of the Ancre - D.C.M. The Royal Naval Division (now renumbered the 63rd (Royal Naval) Division, comprising of the the 188th, 189th and 190th Brigades) was ordered to France in May 1916 as part of V Corps, 5th Army and so following four months peaceable employment in the Aegean, Chapman returned to the Western Front now in the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Disembarking at Marseille on 7 June 1916, the Division took it’s place in the fighting line between Lens and Vimy Ridge in the Angres-Souchez sector on the Western front. Here, the life of the Division was almost uniformly without incident and it was moved to the IV Corps training area in mid September. Two months later, the Royal Naval Division, commanded by the increasingly unpopular Major-General Shute, was thrown into the Battle of the Ancre, 13-18 November 1916, during the final stages of the Battle of the Somme, advancing along the River Ancre to capture Beaucourt. The Drake Battalion, of the 189th Brigade, lost half their effective strength in the opening stages of the attack, including their C.O. Lieutenant-Colonel Tetley killed, and many more were scattered. The remaining body of three officers and eighty petty officers and men now came under the command Colonel Freyburg of the Hood Battalion whose composite force went on to execute a series of brilliant advances before capturing Beaucourt Village. Freyburg was awarded the Victoria Cross: ‘Again at a critical moment in the battle Colonel Freyburg retrieved the situation by himself leading the assault, followed by a mixed detachment of his own men, details of Drake, Hawke, Nelson and H.A.C., and the 13th K.R.R.C. In a moment Beaucourt was ours, the garrison of eight hundred surrendering, almost without a pretence of resistance.’ (The Royal Naval Division by Douglas Jerrold refers). Jerrold goes on to state that ‘the success of the Hood and Drake Battalions was both brilliant and astonishing, and it was decisive’. However, it could scarcely redeem the severe losses suffered by the two Naval Brigades. For the Drake Battalion’s part, only three officers and some 280 petty officers and men survived the battle unwounded. Immediately after the Ancre, on 5 December 1916, Chapman was discharged to the R.N.A.S. as a C.P.O. Mechanic, having been rated exceptional in his assessment. He was awarded the D.C.M. (London Gazette 1 January 1917) for his gallantry with the Naval Division since its formation, the annotated gazette entry for the award stating ‘France’ with an additional side note stating ‘Gallipoli’. Whilst the timing of this D.C.M. is consistent with other Ancre awards, in later interviews Chapman would describe his D.C.M. as a Gallipoli award. It seems most correct, however, to take the citation at face value and regard it as a decoration for distinguished conduct...
Lot 92
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. and Second Award Bar group of four awarded to Sergeant C. E. Ranner, “F” Special (Cylinder) Company, Special Brigade, Royal Engineers, who was involved in the first British gas attack at the battle of Loos Military Medal, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar (113424 Sjt: C. E. Ranner. ‘F’ Spec: Coy. R.E.); 1914-15 Star (113424 Cpl. C. E. Ranner, R.E.); British War and Victory Medals (113424 Sjt. C. E. Ranner. R.E.) mounted for display, extremely fine (4) £800-£1,000 --- M.M. London Gazette 21 August 1917. M.M. Second Award Bar London Gazette 23 February 1918. Charles E. Ranner originally served as Private No. 18260, Liverpool Regiment before transferring to one of the new specialist gas companies of the Royal Engineers. After training in England, he served in France from 14 September 1915, taking part shortly afterwards in the first British gas attack at the battle of Loos, when much of the gas was blown back into the faces of the British troops. Ranner is mentioned in a short description of the action by gas corporal Ronald Purves: ‘The bombardment was pretty hellish, absolutely indescribable. At 5:40 a.m. Sergt. Reilly came along and gave the order to let off the gas at 5:50 a.m., and we did. Leaks of Chlorine gas came out at the joints, but after some struggling got things going. Mac turned on the first one as I threw out the pipe, & then did nothing. So went at it as best I could, choking, coughing, half-blinded, and feeling as if the last moments had come. It’s impossible to put any of the sensations on paper; but I shall not forget it after I get home. At my 6th or 7th cylinder, Rayner [sic] came along and told me to shut off because our own men were being gassed. My own bit was thick with gas, and I couldn’t see except in a blink or two. A hail of shells, both British and German, were landing all around, and a rattle of machine guns was everywhere.’ “F” Special (Cylinder) Company was one of the special units of the Royal Engineers established to use chemical weapons after Chlorine Gas was first used on the Western Front by the Germans against French units in the Ypres Salient in 1915. Volunteers with a knowledge of chemistry were sought among universities and colleges at home, as well as from the ranks of the BEF, with immediate promotion to corporal – chemist corporal. A suitable base was found at Helfaut, a village four or five miles due south of St Omer (where GHQ was located at the time), where it remained as the depot for the rest of the war. At first two Special Companies were formed but they had been increased to four by the time the Loos offensive opened on 25 September 1915. In 1916 the four companies were expanded into the ‘Special Brigade’ consisting of 16 ‘Cylinder’ companies, one ‘Projector’ company (flame thrower) and four ‘Mortar’ companies, some 6,000 officers and men. This organisation remained unchanged to the end of the war.
Lot 100
The remarkable and rare Second War 1942 ‘escape and evasion’ M.M., and 1944 ‘North West Europe’ Second Award Bar group of seven awarded to Sergeant J. D. Coutts, No. 52 Commando and York and Lancaster Regiment. Coutts, fighting as part of ‘D’ Battalion, ‘Layforce’, was taken prisoner of war at the fall of Crete, 1 June 1941. Having been transported to mainland Greece, he effected his escape from a German POW camp via a sewer - twice getting stuck along the narrow route during the process. Evading capture with two other escapees, Coutts lost both of his comrades to malaria and exhaustion. Despite this, and by sheer bloody determination he carried on and made four attempts via boat to leave Greece for Turkey. Meeting up with other escapees along the way, including Lieutenant W. B. Thomas who went on to publish his memoirs about the eventual escape, Coutts finally made it in May 1942. He had numerous brushes with German patrols, a seaplane, and an E-boat just as Turkey loomed into sight. The war was not done with him, however, and he went on to distinguish himself with the Hallamshire Battalion in Normandy, June - July 1944. In particular during the attack on the fortified position at Barbee Farm, near Vendes, 16 July 1944, when he was in action with both a Bren Gun and a Mortar, personally accounting for a large number of enemy troops despite being wounded himself Military Medal, G.VI.R., with Second Award Bar (4746052 Cpl. J. D. Coutts. Y. & L. R.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (4746052 Pte. J. D. Coutts. Y. & L. R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted for wear, generally very fine or better (7) £8,000-£12,000 --- M.M. London Gazette 24 September 1942. The original recommendation states: ‘Corporal Coutts was captured at Sphakia on 1 June 1941, moved to Maleme and thence to Salonika. There were escapes nearly every day. The morning after a successful escape would be spent by the remainder on parade in the sun. Those caught escaping would not be seen again. One night the Germans decided to prevent any escapes by crowding prisoners into the centre of the camp. This suited the plans that Corporal Coutts and others had made that afternoon. They had noticed the opening of a sewer in the centre of the camp and had seen that it was wide enough for a man to crawl through. A Greek workman promised to take off the lid of another opening several hundred yards from the camp as soon as it was dark. They blocked the pipe from the latrines to the sewer and turned on all the taps there and in the wash-house and left them on all afternoon. The fact that all the prisoners of war had been pushed by the sentries to the centre of the camp provided an excuse for their presence by the sewer opening, and Coutts and seven others climbed down and crawled along. It took them two hours. Corporal Coutts is broadly built and twice stuck in particularly narrow spots. The artificial washing down they had given it made a considerable difference to the conditions, but even so two of them passed out as soon as they reached the opening and fresh air. They waited till they came round and then split up into parties of two and three. Corporal Coutts joined Corporal Ward and Trooper Nicholas. They knocked at the door of a house and were taken in. From there they gradually made their way down to Agion Oros peninsula, going north first to Langadas and then down through Evangelismos and Zagliveri receiving food and shelter wherever they stopped. Trooper Nicholas got malaria badly and through weakness and lack of medical attention died on 7 October 1941. Corporals Coutts and Ward stole a boat near Smerna and made for Imbros. Ten miles away bad weather forced them to go back. The effort was too much for Ward who died on 10 November 1941. Corporal Coutts spent most of the winter in a hut he built on the hills. With spring his strength began to return and he joined up with Lieutenant Thomas and Corporal Peacock in April. On 5 April they got a boat at Klephttikon and sailed for Imbros. Bad weather forced them to go back. On 16 April they tried again from Nea Skete, but had to return as round the point a strong light was flashed on them and they heard voices. They were joined by 2 Cypriots and a Greek officer on 2 May 1942 and on the same day Private Theodoros Georgiou, No. 4230, 232 Company, R.A.S.C., who has been recommended for a D.C.M., reached them. On 4 May 1942 they left with him and arrived at Turkey on 6 May 1942. Corporal Coutts not only did an excellent escape, but in spite of the death of his two companions - which must have been hard blows to bear - his frustrated attempt to reach Turkey and his own personal weakness, he struggled on in Greece alone. Finally with L/Cpl. Peacock and Lt. Thomas he made two more attempts to reach Turkey and only just failed owing to bad weather. He escaped thanks to sheer dogged courage.’ M.M. Second Award Bar London Gazette 21 December 1944. The original recommendation (for a D.C.M.) states: ‘On 16 July 1944 Sergeant Coutts was commanding a platoon of a company ordered to reinforce Barbee Farm. His platoon HQ was twice attacked with grenades, and on both occasions he beat off the attack with his own grenades. Almost immediately afterwards he killed four of the enemy with a Bren Gun as they attempted to infiltrate into his platoon positions. Later, during the action when the members of his posts were killed or wounded and the post was occupied by the enemy, who were able to infiltrate another platoon position, he personally dealt with them with a 2 inch mortar. During the day the position was under direct fire from enemy riflemen and LMGs, and was frequently mortared. Quite regardless of his own personal safety Sergeant Coutts moved to and fro in platoon position, organising its defence and the evacuation of wounded, and encouraging his men. When the company was ordered to evacuate Barbee Farm Sjt. Coutts platoon was given the task of protecting the left flank. The Bren group detailed by him to cover his own flank was under fire from three directions. He remained with this gun and was wounded. He refused to leave his position until his platoon was clear from Barbee Farm. Throughout the day Sergenat Coutts displayed complete disregard for his personal safety and set an example of leadership and fighting spirit of the highest order.’ John Davie Coutts served with the York and Lancaster Regiment in Palestine, and during the initial stages of the Second World War. He volunteered for service with No. 52 Commando, which was formed in the Middle East. In February 1941 the latter amalgamated with other commando units to form ‘Layforce’, under the command of Colonel R. Laycock. No. 52 Commando formed part of ‘D’ Battalion, and as such fought during the Battle of Crete, 20 May - 1 June 1941. Coutts was taken prisoner of war by the Germans at the fall of Crete, 1 June 1941. He was transported to a prisoner of war camp in Greece, and from here successfully escaped (see recommendation above). One of the men whom he finally escaped with was Lieutenant W. B. Thomas, and the latter went on to publish his memoirs called Dare To Be Free. Coutts, or ‘Coote’ as he is referred to, features extensively in the book from the point at which they met in April 1942: ‘Well, it’s certainly nice to be able to speak English again,’ said the tall, fair lad as he came in the door, holding his hand out to me in greeting. ‘My name is John, Sergeant John Coote, of the Middle East Commandos, and I am very glad to meet you, I’m sure!’ I [Thomas] i...
Lot 356
A PAIR OF BLEU DE HUE ‘MANDARIN DUCKS AND LOTUS POND’ PORCELAIN LIDDED POTS VIETNAM, POSSIBLY LATE NGUYEN DYNASTY Finely painted in underglaze cobalt blue with Mandarin ducks frolicking on a lotus pond. H: 20 cm MỘT CẶP HŨ CÓ NẮP BẰNG SỨ MEN LAM BLEU DE HUE HỌA TIẾT “VỊT UYÊN ƯƠNG VÀ HỒ SEN” VIỆT NAM, CUỐI TRIỀU NHÀ NGUYỄN, CUỐI THẾ KỶ 19 Notes: 1. Mandarin ducks are believed to mate for life and, therefore, a pair of mandarin ducks symbolize fidelity, conjugal affection, peace and prosperity. 2. Compare with a related a bleu de hué water pipe with an identical decoration sold in these rooms 2021-11-23, lot 205, for €5,000. NOTE: CONDITION REPORTS AND MEASUREMENTS It is up to the bidder to satisfy themselves prior to buying as to the condition of a lot. In relation to Condition Reports, whilst we make certain observations on the lot, which are intended to be as helpful as possible, references in the condition report to damage or restoration are for guidance. The absence of such a reference does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others. The condition report is an expression of opinion only and must not be treated as a statement of fact. Measurements and weight are approximate and the potential bidder may re-ask it to be checked when asking for a condition report.
Lot 580
A SILVER AND MIXED-METAL NETSUKE OF A KABUTOUnsignedJapan, 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)The netsuke cast in the form of a kabuto (helmet), the rounded bowl overlaid with silver ridges and surmounted by a tehen kanamono in the form of a chrysanthemum, the underside incised with a peony and a ring for suspension. The natural himotoshi in the form of the tehen kanamono.LENGTH 4.8 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor surface wear, nicks.Provenance: Ex-collection Richard R. Silverman. French private collection, purchased at Sotheby's, Los Angeles, 1989.This metal netsuke possibly functioned as an ashtray, an incense burner, or as a storage for tinder to light a tobacco pipe.
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