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Lot 942
Two Star Wars Snaggletooth variants, GMF 1978 blue human size and GMF 1978 red dwarf size, both with guns. Note: Blue larger variant was first released as Kenner had been issued with a single black and white photograph and they chose the wrong colour and size. Relatively rare and sort after.
Lot 393
A rare Ming ref.17.01 titanium mechanical wristwatch, the engine turned blue dial with blue chapter ring and white Arabic numerals and hands, in a titanium case, with mechanical hand wound movement on a blue leather strap. The case back numbered 000196. 38mm case. Complete with wooden box, two spare straps, suede travel case, letter signed by Ming Thein, founder, and a titanium warranty card.
Lot 106
Gordian III AE SestertiusRome, Struck 241-244 ADIMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG Bust of Gordian III, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right / IOVI STATORI S C: Jupiter, nude, standing front, head left, holding long sceptre in right hand and thunderbolt in left handGordian III AE SestertiusRome, Struck 241-244 ADIMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG - Bust, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right, seen from behind / P M TR P V COS II P P/ S C - Apollo, seated left, holding branch in extended right hand and resting left hand on lyreGordian III & Tranquillina AE colonial coinThrace, Struck 238-244 ADConfronted busts of Gordian facing right, laureate, draped, and cuirassed, and Tranquillina facing left, draped / figure standing left, holding cornucopia and patera, (3).First diameter 28 mmCondition: First very fine, crack to flan, second near fine, third fair but rare.
Lot 165
Henry VIII (1509-1547) silver groats, issued posthumously during the reign of Edward VI.first Canterbury, HENRIC 8 D G AGL FRA Z HIB REXTower Bust 6, old bust of Henry facing three-quarters right / CIVITAS CANTOR quartered royal arms over long cross fourchée; second Durham House, bow mint mark, older crowned bust in ¾ profile right, bust 6, / quartered shield of arms upon long cross fourchée, (2)first diameter 26 mm.Condition: First very fine for issue, second poor but very rare
Lot 420
An important necklaceSilver and gold, 19th century Articulated links set with 44 various types of brilliant cut diamonds totalling (ca. 40ct) mainly J/K colour and various purities , Vs1, Vs2 Sl, P1 Unmarked in compliance with Decree-Law 120/2017, art. 2º, nº.2 CLength: 35,5 cm44.9 g Additional InformationEduardo Alves MarquesRoyal Collections researcherTowards the end of the Portuguese monarchy, there were two rivière necklaces recorded in the royal collections. One of these still belongs to the royal jewellery collection that is kept in the National Palace of Ajuda.The French word “rivière” refers to a necklace or bracelet comprised of a single row of diamonds, whose light and sparkle allude to the clear water running in a stream (a rivière). The term is adopted in the 18th century to refer to this type of jewel which, for its inherent value and rarity was not affordable to most families, being exclusively associated with the highest aristocracy and with the wealthiest patrons.Such important and ostentatious pieces were only displayed in the grandest formal court events, such as balls, the royal kissing of the hand ceremonies or weddings. Their wearing is particularly well recorded in Portuguese official state occasions, both from newspaper articles and from photographs of the two last Portuguese Queens: Maria Pia of Savoy (1847-1911) and Amelia of Orleans (1865-1951). In its March 13th, 1872 edition, the Lisbon daily newspaper “Diário de Notícias”, describes in some detail Queen Maria Pia’s outfit on the occasion of the State Visit of Brazil’s Emperor, Pedro II. According to the reporter, at the ball organized for the occasion at the Royal Palace of Ajuda, the queen presented herself in a “white satin dress of flower garland motifs, blue satin train with white lace and, on her neck, a large diamond choker”.Of Portuguese aristocratic provenance, this jewel belongs to a family whose service to the former Royal House, has in its roots major and undeniable political and diplomatic contributions from the early 19th century onwards. It is easy to imagine that the elites, by copying the Royal taste, somehow mirrored it upon themselves, be it in terms of taste and trends or in the choice of the same suppliers, whose mastery and technical virtuosity demanded a discerning and wealthy clientele. Undoubtedly rare, such jewels reflected an international taste that emerged from the core of the Royal houses and was propagated by the aristocracy, who passed on these highly valuable treasures along the line from one generation to another.THE PEARLThis rivière necklace does also stand out for one other, perhaps even more unusual detail, that consists of a diamond and pearl drop that was added in the late 19th century by an ancestor of the owner family.The pearl, of 1,7 cm length, hangs from a chain of three brilliant cut diamonds, likely to have been an earring, and it must have been added to the necklace for some unknown sentimental reason. Nevertheless, in such a diamond rivière, the pearl drop, pear shaped and unusually large, would not be overlooked.Highly fashionable natural pearls were synonym of good taste and considered, since Roman times, as rare and precious treasures. As was recorded by his biographer, Julius Caesar, well known for his romantic conquests, gifted Servilia Caepio, his favourite mistress, a pearl worth six million sesterces.The larger the pearl the higher its value. Undoubtedly famous are the pearls owned by Queen Maria Pia which, at the July 12th, 1912 auction sale of her jewels, reached astonishing prices. Such was the case of lot number 318, a very large drop pearl framed by five diamonds, which was bought for the astonishing price of 19,750 escudos, by Mr. Esmerian, a wealthy Jewish precious stones trader.VERITAS is now bringing to sale one of such exceptional jewellery pieces dating from the early 19th century, and one that, for its unusual extravagance and rarity, will undoubtedly become one of the foremost emblematic lots of our April 2021 auction.This set’s historic and inherent value, as well as its undisputed provenance, reinforce its uniqueness as a paramount example of 19th century Portuguese elite jewellery.
Lot 653
The Spanish Succession War 1704 siege and conquest of Portalegre under the command of king Philip VA rare print engraved ca. 1715 in Paris by Nicolas de Fer (1646-1720) after a drawing by Filippo Pallota (?-1721), Italian military engineer in the service of the Spanish king (consolidation in some areas and filling of minor losses to edges)44,5x60 cm
Lot 28
Sally Mortemore Harry Potter and Game of Thrones Montage Photo rare inscription of Actress name and the two roles she played in Harry Potter and The Game of Thrones. Good condition. All autographs come with a Certificate of Authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £4.99, EU from £6.99, Rest of World from £8.99
Lot 89
Blowout Sale! Rare set of 2 Hellraiser Behind-The-Scenes hand signed 10x8 photos. This beautiful lot of 2 hand signed photos two of the cenobites, Pinhead and Female Cenobite, behind the scenes having their make-up applied. Rare images. Hand signed by Doug Bradley (Pinhead) and Barbie Wilde (Female Cenobite). These signed photos are guaranteed authentic, and is supplied from one of the UK's leading autograph memorabilia companies. Good condition. All autographs come with a Certificate of Authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £4.99, EU from £6.99, Rest of World from £8.99
Lot 112
A RARE TIBETAN SILVER AND PARCEL GILT TEAPOT AND COVER, 18th / 19th Century, the detachable top with gilded bud and lotus finial, the semi-ovoid body applied with scaled dragon mask handle, the neck engraved with a continuous row of lappets and shoulders applied with the eight precious objects in gilt, and engraved all over with scrolling foliage, with gilded deity quatrefoils to each side, on fluted spreading foot. 20cm high
Lot 46
Rare Indian 5 Barrelled Matchlock Rampart Gun of ‘Duck’s Foot’ Type, intended to fire simultaneously, vents served by a communal iron channel, conventional iron trigger and match holder, the 5 barrels secured to the stock with 2 steel straps and mounted on a wooden stock painted red, central barrel with copper fore sight. Barrels 34cms, overall 90cms. Good condition, well worn with some damage, some woodwork missing from breech area.
Lot 6
Rare Possibly Early Japanese Helmet Kabuto in the Korean Fashion, tall bowl made from 4 iron plates, the joins each covered with a narrow plate secured by 4 pairs of rivets, iron rosette finial to crown, peak applied with pierced geometric device and bordered by woven brass wire binding (incomplete) and with fitting to take a (missing) maidate. Height 25cms. Good condition, shikoro missing.
Lot 50
A Rare Pair of Second World War US Submarine Mk.91 ''Torpedo Forward Control Binoculars'' by Bausch & Lomb, in black enamelled brass with central steel rod, each turret with a gas valve, the left turret numbered 6, the right turret numbered 2, the right ocular with cross hair reticle, and with a mounting bracket for a lamp to illuminate the reticle at night, with rubber eye shield, lacks maker's label and mounting plates Footnote:- These binoculars were made to be permanently fixed to the outside of a submarine conning tower and designed to withstand great pressure and the effects of seawater.
Lot 84
A Rare Second World War Soviet Infantry Officer's Green Wool Shirt/Jacket, to a Lieutenant of the Guards Infantry, with stand up collar and half length button placket, maroon pipe edged shoulder boards, brass buttons and Guards red enamel and brass badge.. Some fraying to the piping on the shoulder boards
Lot 383
A rare 1930's commemorative F.A. cup pottery teapot by Sadlers of Burslem, modelled as a football with footballer handle, the player painted in Portsmouth Football Club colours and with FA Cup finial to lid and marked 'Portsmouth' to base. Portsmouth played Wolves in the 1939 F.A. cup final and won 4 - 1. 15 x 18cm, together with a signed 1994-1995 season Portsmouth F.C shirt
Lot 284
An archive of Rolls Royce ephemera, collected during the career of electrical engineer Douglas M Cooley, Willesden, London, including sales brochures from 1905-1939, a Barker & Co. coachbuilder's brochure 1933-34, assembled papers from National Service with the Royal Engineers which interrupted his work with Rolls Royce, a small number of photographs showing restoration work in progress, a presentation 'Spirit of Ecstacy' ashtray inscribed 'D.M.COOLEY, 1954-1979', a rare white and yellow metal RR tie pin, a polished metal lapel pin, and a small collection of reference books dedicated to the Rolls Royce marque.
Lot 786
A FINE AND RARE SWISS COIN-IN-THE-SLOT MUSICAL STEREOSCOPE, HENRI VIDOUDEZ, C1885, THE MECHANISM RETAINING EIGHTEEN 'POSES PLASTIQUES' EROTIC PHOTOGRAPH STEREO-CARDS OPERATED BY A CONVEYOR SYSTEM, ROTATING ONE QUARTER TURN TWICE EACH REVOLUTION OF THE CYLINDER, THE MUSICAL MOVEMENT MOUNTED ON THE BASE, IN RECTANGULAR PILLAR SHAPED WALNUT CASE, THE HINGED TOP WITH GROUND GLASS LIGHT, THE FRONT WITH TURNED AND EBONISED FRUITWOOD EYEPIECES, NICKEL FITTINGS AND THREE PIECE INSCRIPTION Musique Automatique pour faire jouer mettez 10 Cts HENRI VIDOUDEZ Ste CROIX, ORNAMENTAL PLATED LYRE CARRYING HANDLES AND WINDING CRANK, CABINET KEY, 50.5CM H; 34 X 45CM AND THIRTY SIX OTHER UNRELATED PHOTOGRAPHIC STEREOGRAMSProvenance: Daphne Ladell, Surrey, for whom restored Musee Baud, Saint Croix, Switzerland and subsequently professionally serviced by Max Plummer Excellent and in fully working order, operating apparently well in inserting a modern United Kingdom 5p coin
Lot 92
A rare Royal Lancastrian sable antelope vase by Richard Joyce, with impressed and incised marks to base. Height 21 cm, diameter +/- 17 cm (see illustration). CONDITION REPORT: The vase is in generally very good order with no evidence of any repairs or restoration. There are some scratches to the glaze on the top rim. Whilst the vase does not appear to have any restoration it is very dirty to the interior. The interior is finely crazed all over and there is a visible hairline crack running just around the bottom edge of the vase and up into the main body. This is visible on both the exterior and interior. There is no movement. The exterior glaze is in generally very good order and the colours are bright.
Lot 88
SIR PAUL DUKES - 'THE STORY OF "ST 25" Adventure and Romance in the Secret Intelligence Service in Red Russia', published by Cassell and Company Ltd. 1938, a very rare book albeit in poor condition Condition Report:Spine cocked, faded, titles faded. Remains of a Boots sticker on front board, ex-owners name on endpaper. Map, title page and initial pages up to No. 14 partially detached, pages 15,16,17,18 completely detached but present. Photograph detached and then taped in. Various other pages detached but none are missing.
Lot 320
Family Group: A rare ‘Crowned Head’ M.S.M. group of seven awarded to Lieutenant G. T. Gascoyne, Northamptonshire Regiment, late Regimental Sergeant-Major, King’s Royal Rifle Corps Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Defence of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek (2380 C. Sgt. T. Gascoyne, K.R.R.C.) suspension claw reaffixed; 1914-15 Star (R-222 S. Mjr. T. Gascoyne, K.R.Rif.C.); British War Medal 1914-20 (R-222 W.O. Cl. I. T. Gascoyne. K.R.R.); Victory Medal 1914-19, erased; Delhi Durbar 1903, silver (2380 C/ Sgt. G. T. Gascoyne. 2nd K.R.Rif) engraved naming, lacking integral riband buckle; Army L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (2380 Clr:-Serjt: T. Gascoyne. K.R.R.C.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd ‘crowned head’ issue (Col. Sjt. T. Gascoyne. K.R.R.C.) edge bruising and contact marks, generally nearly very fine or better, the last rare British War Medal 1914-20 (775 Wkr. P. M. Gascoyne Q.M.A.A.C.) good very fine (8) £1,000-£1,400 --- Only 55 George VI ‘Crowned Head’ M.S.M.s. are believed to have been awarded, all being notified in Army Orders 44 of March and 106 of June, 1942. George Thomas Gascoyne was born in Lambeth, Surrey and using his second Christian name ‘Thomas’ attested for the King’s Royal Rifle Corps at Winchester on 15 September 1884, aged 18 years. He was promoted Corporal in February 1889, Sergeant in September 1891 and Colour Sergeant in May 1898, serving in the latter rank with the 2nd Battalion in South Africa during the Boer War from 11 September 1899 until 21 July 1900 (medal and 3 clasps). Proceeding to India in January 1903, he was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal with gratuity under Army Order 10 the same month and, in his capacity as the senior non-commissioned officer, he was one of eight 2nd King’s Royal Rifle Corps Recipients of the 1903 Delhi Durbar Medal. In 1905 he elected to extend his army service beyond 21 years and the same year was recommended for the M.S.M. and posted Sergeant Instructor of the 2nd (South) Middlesex Volunteer Rifle Corps, transferring in 1908 to the Permanent Staff, 10th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment from which he was discharged to a pension on 8 February 1914. Gascoyne served during the Great War on the Western Front from 21 July 1915 as Regimental Sergeant-Major with the 11th Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps and was discharged to a commission with the Northamptonshire Regiment on 10 November 1915. He was awarded a Silver War Badge as a Lieutenant in the Northamptonshire Regiment. Phyllis Maud Gascoyne, eldest child of the above, was born in Malta on 21 October 1896. She enlisted in Queen Mary’s Army Auxiliary Corps on 14 May 1917 and served as a Worker on the Western Front from 1 June 1917 until 9 August 1917. She was discharged on medical grounds on 20 January 1918 and was awarded a Silver War Badge. Sold together with a silver match box engraved ‘H. Gozzett to C/Sgt. Gascoyne. 1902.’
Lot 328
Four: Leading Seaman J. Weller, Royal Navy, later Coast Guard Naval General Service 1915-62, 1 clasp, Persian Gulf 1909-1914 (199287 J. Weller. Lg. Sea. H.M.S. Sheikh.); British War and Victory Medals (199287 J. Weller. L.S. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (199287 Janes Weller, Boatn. H.M. Coast Guard.) mounted as worn, light contact marks, otherwise very fine, the first rare (4) £180-£220 --- 17 European names shown on the roll for H.M.S. Sheikh, of which two are marked as ‘Returned’ and one marked ‘Run’.
Lot 427
Five: Ordinary Telegraphist G. W. Pearce, Royal Navy, who was awarded the French Croix de Guerre for outstanding service during the operations which led to the capture of the Island of Elba when he was attached to 2 Combined Operations Bombardment Unit with the French Groupe de Commandos d’Afrique 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45; France, Fourth Republic, Croix de Guerre 1939, with silver star, together with metal insignia of the Groupe de Commandos d’Afrique, original pin-back badge by Grazziani of Algiers, some loss of paint to the last, otherwise good very fine and very rare (6) £300-£400 --- Seedie’s Roll confirms Croix de Guerre, ‘2nd Bombardment Group, Elba’ but not gazetted. Accompanying Admiralty letter (see below) states: ‘Confirmation, when approved, will be promulgated in Fleet Orders and in the Press.’ Sold with Admiralty letter dated 24 July 1946, granting unrestricted permission to wear the enclosed Croix de Guerre with Silver Star, awarded by the President of the Provisional Government of France ‘for outstanding service during the operations which led to the capture of the Island of Elba’; and original French permission to wear the insignia of the Groupe de Commandos d’Afrique from Lieutenant-Colonel Bouvet, Commandant le Groupe de Commandos d’Afrique, to ‘PJX 330231 O/TEL Pearce G. Royal Navy Attached to 2 Combined Operations Bombardment Unit a porter l’insinge du Groupe de Commandos qu’il lui a remis pour sa participation aux Combats de l’Ile d’Elbe (17-19 Juin 1944) dans les rangs du Groupe de Commandos.’ Together with Admiralty report on Operation “Brassard”, the assault of Elba.
Lot 467
The excessively rare MGS with ‘Benevente’ clasp awarded to Lieutenant-General John Chester, who was present in the action with Eveleigh’s C Troop Royal Horse Artillery, and was one of only two officers to receive this clasp, Captain Eveleigh himself being the other recipient, whose medal is in the Royal Artillery museum Military General Service 1793-1814, 1 clasp, Benevente (J. Chester, 2nd Capt. R. Arty.) nearly extremely fine £12,000-£16,000 --- The single-action ‘Benevente’ clasp was issued to just 2 Royal Horse Artillery officers and 10 men from the 7th, 10th and 18th Light Dragoons. John Chester was born at Chicheley, Newport Pagnall, Buckinghamshire, on 3 August 1779, son of Charles Chester and Catherine Legge. He was appointed a Gentleman Cadet on 12 October 1795, and gazetted 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Artillery on 29 April 1798; Lieutenant, 6 October 1799; 2nd Captain, 29 December 1805; Captain, 7 October 1813; Brevet Major, 12 August 1819; Lieutenant-Colonel, 3 September 1831; Colonel, 9 November 1846; Major-General, 20 June 1854; Lieutenant-General, 4 February 1857. In September 1779, Chester accompanied his battery to Holland under the command of the Duke of York, and was engaged in the action near Bergen-op-Zoom on 2 October. His promotion to Lieutenant came just 4 days later. The years 1800 to 1806 found Chester on duty in England, where he served in “B” Troop R.H.A. from 1803 to 1805. He was promoted to 2nd Captain in “I” Troop R.H.A. in December 1805, and joined “C” Troop R.H.A. in 1806, under the command of Captain Henry Eveleigh, who later rose to the rank of General and served as Colonel Commandant of the Royal Artillery. Lieutenant-General Chester served in Holland in 1799, and was present in the action near Bergen on 2nd October, under the Command of His Royal Highness the Duke of York. He served also in the campaign of 1808-09 in Spain, including the action at Benevente in Spain, December 1808, under the Command of Sir John Moore, and also at Villa Franca and Lugo on the retreat to Corunna. ‘He has received the War Medal with one Clasp for Benevente’ (Hart’s Army List refers). Chester also served in Canada between July 1824 and August 1825. He retired on full pay in April 1847, and died at Ashtead, Surrey, on 19 May 1857. There is a memorial tablet to him in St Lawrence’s Church, Chicheley, Buckinghamshire.
Lot 468
A very rare and important M.G.S. medal for the capture of Martinique in 1809, awarded to Major-General John Robyns, K.H., Royal Marines, one of only 15 M.G.S. medals issued to Royal Marine recipients; he was afterwards actively employed in North America 1813-14, where he commanded a battalion of 400 marines at the capture of Washington in August 1814, and in the action before Baltimore in September 1814, when he was severely wounded and General Ross was killed - for these services he obtained the brevet of Major in October 1814 - and later in the battle of New Orleans and operations around Mobile in 1815 Military General Service 1793-1814, 1 clasp, Martinique (J. Robyns, Capt. R.M.) toned, extremely fine £12,000-£16,000 --- Provenance: Bonham’s, May 1994. The ‘Journal of John Robyns R.M.L.I. 1786-1834’ is in possession of the Royal Marines Museum, Portsmouth, temporarily closed. Numerous extracts from this important unpublished journal formed the basis of a lengthy and very detailed study of the career of Major-General John Robyns by Dr Donald F. Bittner, Professor of History at the Marine Corps University, Quantico, Virginia, U.S.A., as part of his ‘Officers of the Royal Marines in the Age of Sail’, published by the Royal Marines Historical Society in 2002, small parts of which are quoted below. John Robyns was born in 1779 and received a commission as Second Lieutenant in the Royal Marines in March 1796, soon after which he went in H.M.S. La Verginie, 44, to the East Indies, where he was stationed nearly five years, with visits to such other places as Macao, Shanghai, Formosa and the Philippines. Upon his return he was employed on the Irish station, engaged extensively on convoy duty, primarily to and from the West Indies. Promoted to Captain in June 1807 and joined H.M.S. Neptune, 90, in which ship he served on the West Indies station between 1808 and 1810. The capture of Martinique In the West Indies in 1809, Robyns experienced his initial major combat ashore on Martinique. Although not part of the newly authorised Royal Marine Artillery, Robyns, with Marines and seamen, landed three times to erect mortar and howitzer positions to fire on the French positions. This included one battery of six pieces on 3 February 1809, which fired effectively on Pigeon Island, a strong fortification in Fort Royal Bay to the south of its entrance. It surrendered the next day, and he counted five enemy killed, four dangerously wounded, and 140 prisoners. Amidst the movements of the two forces, he noted the French were “now cooped up in Fort Bourbon, an amazing strong fortification on a hill commanding Fort Royal and the town”. Preparations then continued for the attack on Fort Bourbon, with his mortars and stores moved to the opposite shore. Then, on 9 February another position, Fort Edward, was unexpectedly evacuated by the French with the garrison retiring to Fort Bourbon. Robyns assessed Fort Edward after the York Rangers took possession of it and noted the “excellent bomb proofs hewn out of the solid rock... will effectively screen our men from the fire of Fort Bourbon”. The ensuing days saw Robyns land again with 80 Marines to erect further batteries and an exchange of fire between the two forces which he duly assessed: on 10 February, “A smart fire kept up between Fort Edward and Fort Bourbon, also on own camp, but without doing any material damage”, while on 21 February a little excitement occurred: “Batteries still playing but with little intermission, our shells apparently doing great execution; our ammunition tent blew up this morning at 10 o’clock, killing and wounding several men.” Two days later, fortune favoured the attackers: “This morning at 3 o’clock one of the magazines in Fort Bourbon blew up by one of our shells with a tremendous explosion; at daylight they proposed terms which were rejected, opened again a heavy fire”. The next day the French surrendered, and Robyns succinctly commented that “the capitulation was soon signed, our loss has been trifling compared to them”. That evening, 24 February, he and his Marines returned to H.M.S. Neptune. On 7 March the French evacuated Fort Bourbon, “marching out with the Honours of War, amounting to about 2000”. Two days later Robyns made his final comment on this successful joint co-operation between the British Army and Royal Navy: “The capture of this important island, considering its strength was effected in a very short space of time, and the exertions of the seamen is above all praise, the utmost unanimity prevailed between both services which could not but lead to the most favourable result.” North America 1813 to 1815 In August 1813, he went to North America in H.M.S. Albion, taking part in patrols as well as some captures. Thus, a day after capturing the American South-sea man Monticello, the Albion had another seizure. As Robyns briefly noted on 9 December 1813, “captured this afternoon, a beautiful packet sloop of about 60 tons, from Charleston, bound to New York having passengers and a cargo of cotton and rice, a number of bales they threw overboard during the chase. Sent her to Bermuda”. On 3 January 1814, he recorded another capture, another American South-sea man returning from Chile, but ruefully noted that she had only 350 barrels of oil; the next day was better, for one sloop, the Dove out of Charleston bound for New York, was captured with a cargo of rice and cotton. On 25 January 1814, Albion and other accompanying vessels were off New London, Connecticut. There, he noted that four miles from town, “the United States ‘Macedonian’ and ‘Hornet’ are at anchor; the town is defended by four strong forts, particularly one on the hill”. Two days later, he further noted that, “The American squadron moved from their anchorage some distance up the river above the town, apprehensive I suppose of an attack”. By April 1814, operations of the force of which Robyns was part shifted south, to the Chesapeake Bay area, including the Potomac and Patuxent rivers. The character of the war slightly altered, and he addressed this with an entry on 5 April about Tangier Island where an officer and 20 Marines landed, “as a guard to protect some work intended to be erected thereon; it is intended to apply this place as a depot for the run away Negroes, but I fear it is badly calculated for it being all sand and swamp and covered with myriads of mosquitoes”. Then another initiative occurred, which he noted on 11 May 1814: “Forming a black battalion of colonial Marines from the refugee Negroes, who are in general fine able stout fellows. We now have about 80”. He then also commented on a rarity for the time, a commission from the ranks: “Admiral Cochrane gave my sergeant major Wm Hammond an acting order as Ensign and Adjutant to them”. Between May and August 1814, the British operated in the vicinity of Washington, and Robyns was constantly employed ashore in various aspects of riverine operations. On 28 May, 100 Marines and 30 colonial Marines embarked in small boats and went up Pingo Teak Creek, their goal to destroy two batteries. The next day, alarm firing along the shore announced their movement and later a field piece opened fire. With men in open boats, there was only one counter: to land and fight the enemy ashore. Robyns then described what followed: “In advancing, they gave us round of grape from their field piece and then abandoned it, maintaining afterwards a sharp fire of musquetry with us in the wood. Their force was treble ours”. The abandoned artillery piece was seized and the battery positi...
Lot 469
The rare M.G.S. medal for ‘Chrystler’s Farm’ awarded to Lieutenant Hector Munro, 49th Foot, who carried the colours and was slightly wounded in this action, for which only 7 officers of the regiment lived to claim the clasp; he was later a Captain in the Royal Canadian Rifles and settled in Canada Military General Service 1793-1814, 1 clasp, Chrystler’s Farm (Hector Munro, Lieut. 49th Foot) clasp face slightly bent at left side, small edge bruise, otherwise good very fine £14,000-£18,000 --- Only seven M.G.S. medals with ‘Chrystler’s Farm’ clasp issued to officers of the 49th Foot, out of a total of only 17 officers to receive this clasp from British or Canadian regiments. Hector Munro was born on 28 November 1796, and entered the army as an Ensign in the 89th Foot on 5 September 1811, aged 15 years 6 months. He served in North America from July 1812 until July 1816, initially with the 89th but was promoted to Lieutenant in the 49th Foot on 19 May 1813. He exchanged into the 103rd Foot in February 1817 and was placed on half-pay the following month. He was appointed Lieutenant in the Royal Newfoundland Veterans on 25 December 1838, transferred as Lieutenant to the Royal Canadian Rifles on 16 July 1841, and was promoted to Captain in that regiment on 14 December 1845. He exchanged to the 2nd Foot on 4 August 1848, and retired by the sale of his commission. His services are given in Hart’s Army List thus: ‘Lieut. Munro served in the American war with the 49th Regt. and was present in the actions at Prescot, Chrystler’s Farm, and Plattsburg, besides various skirmishes.’ However, as can be seen from the following biographies, Munro carried the 49th colours and was wounded at Chrystler’s Farm. The latter was almost certainly a light wound as it is not mentioned in either the casualty lists or in his record of service; not uncommon for light and in particular non-pensionable wounds. Presumably Munro carried the colours after young Ensign Richmond had been wounded. ‘Captain Hector Munro, fourth son of Captain John of Kirkton, whose descendants now represent this family in the male line, was born on the 28th of November, 1796, and entered the army in 1811, in his sixteenth year, as an Ensign in the 89th Regiment. Two years later he was promoted Lieutenant in the 49th Regiment and carried the colours at Chrystler's Farm for which he received a medal and was wounded. He was also present at Plattsburg and Lundy's Lane. He was placed on half-pay on the 25th of March, 1817, from the 103rd Regiment, but on the 25th of December, 1838, was again placed on full pay as Lieutenant in the Royal Newfoundland Veterans, and when the Royal Canadian Rifles were formed he obtained a company in 1846. He soon after exchanged into the 2nd Regiment of Foot, or Queen's, and retired by sale of his commission in 1848. In 1859 he was appointed Surveyor of Customs at Galt, Ontario, an office which he held for the remainder of his life. He was for several years President of the Galt and Hamilton Highland Societies, and it was largely owing to his patriotic exertions that the fine and striking monument, on which his name appears as hon. secretary, was erected at Queenston to the memory of Sir Isaac Brock.’ (History of the Munros refers). ‘HECTOR MUNRO, deceased, father of L. H. R. Munro, was born at Dornoch, Scotland, in 1796. He came to Canada in 1812 with the 49th Regiment, being a brother officer of Sir Allan McNab. He participated in the battles of Chrystler’s Farm, Queenston Heights, and Lundy’s Lane, and carried the colours at Chrystler’s Farm. After the war he retired on half-pay; and, when again placed on full pay, was stationed at St. John’s, Newfoundland, from which he removed to Toronto, having been transferred to the Royal Canadian Rifles. He subsequently filled the position of Collector of Customs at Galt, until 1854, when he died, leaving eight children. His son, George T. Munro, who had been retired as a captain on half pay on the disbanding of the Royal Canadian Rifle Regiment with his wife and child and youngest sister were lost at sea on one of the Allan vessels the Hazeldean, in 1870.’ (History of Toronto and County of York, Ontario, Volume 2, refers) Hector Munro died at Galt, Ontario, on 12 February 1868. Sold with comprehensive research on CD.
Lot 470
The rare M.G.S. medal for ‘Chrystler’s Farm’ awarded to Captain J. M. Shand, 89th Foot, one of only three officers of the regiment who lived to claim the clasp for this action Military General Service 1793-1814, 1 clasp, Chrystler’s Farm (I. M. Shand, Capt. 89th Foot) correction to first initial, some very minor edge bruises, otherwise good very fine £14,000-£18,000 --- Only three M.G.S. medals with ‘Chrystler’s Farm’ clasp issued to officers of the 89th Foot, out of a total of only 17 officers to receive this clasp from British or Canadian regiments. John Muller Shand was originally commissioned as temporary Lieutenant in the 13th Foot on 15 October 1799, then as Ensign in the 15th Foot on 9 February 1801, but was placed on half-pay on 24 June 1802. He was appointed Ensign in the 89th Foot, from h.p. 15th Foot, on 22 October 1802, and was promoted to Lieutenant on 28 August 1804. He was appointed Adjutant in March 1806 and promoted to Captain on 15 January 1812. He was placed on half-pay on 25 January 1817, upon disbandment of the 2nd Battalion. Captain Shand served in the American War with the 2/89th and was present in the action at Chrystler’s Farm, for which he received the War Medal with one Clasp. Captain Shand died on 30 September 1851, at Horton, Hampshire.
Lot 471
The rare M.G.S. medal for ‘Chateauguay’ awarded to Captain Stephen McKay, 2nd Battalion, Select Embodied Militia of Lower Canada, later acting 1st Major in the 8th Battalion (Division of Three Rivers) Military General Service 1793-1814, 1 clasp, Chateauguay (S. McKay, Capt. Canadn. Militia.) toned, nearly extremely fine £6,000-£8,000 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, February 1998. A total of 31 M.G.S. medals with ‘Chateauguay’ clasp issued to officers of Canadian units. Stephen McKay was the son of Samuel McKay, late Royal Americans (60th). He served with the Royal Canadian Volunteers as an Ensign from 1798 until 1802. He was promoted Captain on 25 May 1812, and served with the 2nd battalion, Select Embodied Militia of Lower Canada at Chateauguay. He was later acting 1st Major of the 8th battalion, Militia of the Three Rivers Division.
Lot 472
The rare M.G.S. medal for ‘Fort Detroit’ awarded to Major Ebenezer Reynolds, 1st Essex Militia, who commanded the Flank companies of the 1st and 2nd Essex Militia at the first battle of Frenchtown on the River Raisin; he is the only Canadian officer of Field rank on the rolls for Fort Detroit Military General Service 1793-1814, 1 clasp, Fort Detroit (E. Reynolds, Major, Canadn. Militia) extremely fine £8,000-£10,000 --- Provenance: Hayward, August 1971. A total of 31 M.G.S. medals with ‘Fort Detroit’ clasp issued to officers of Canadian units, of which Reynolds is the senior by rank. Major Ebenezer Reynolds, the commander of the Essex Militia, was the son of a Commissary officer to the British troops at Fort Detroit when it was a British possession. In the autumn of 1812 he occupied Frenchtown with two companies of militia and about 200 Pottawattomi native warriors, but on the advance of Colonel Lewis with a superior force, numbering about 680, was obliged to retire. Major Reynolds took part in all the engagements of the Right Division, viz. 1812 - Brownstown, 5 August; Maguaga, 9 August; Detroit, 16 August; 1813 - Frenchtown, 18 January; Frenchtown, 23 January (later known as the River Raisin Massacre); Miami, 1-9 May; Fort Meigs, 5 May; 1814 - Lundy’s Lane, 25 July. Major Reynolds served as a Permanent member of the Militia Pension Board of Upper Canada, established on 24 May 1816. He also received the Prince Regent’s land grant for services during the war. From 10 September 1833 until 7 August 1937, Major Reynolds was Sheriff of the Western District.
Lot 517
The extremely rare Naval General Service Medal awarded to John Joyce, Midshipman aboard the 36-gun frigate Phoebe at the capture of the French 36-gun frigate Néréide after a long running fight and a severe close broadside contest in the Bay of Biscay on 21 December 1797 Naval General Service 1793-1840, 1 clasp, Phoebe 21 Decr 1797 (John Joyce.) dark toned, nearly extremely fine and extremely rare £14,000-£18,000 --- Provenance: A recent discovery from the north-east of England, never before offered for sale. John Joyce is confirmed on the Admiralty Claimants List, his rating of ‘Midshipman’ indicated by a ditto mark under the entry above his name for Midshipman S. J. B. Pechell. Although his name has been overlooked by Captain Douglas-Morris and also in British Battles & Medals, he is properly recorded in all other published rolls (Colonel Hailes, Newnham, and Message). The absence of his rank on the edge of his medal would seem to indicate that he progressed no further in his pursuit of becoming a commissioned officer. Nevertheless, it is a unique name on the rolls and one of only 6 clasps issued for this action that resulted in the capture of the French frigate Néréide, taken into the Royal Navy under the same name. Of the other five medals with this clasp, one each are held by the National Maritime Museum and by the Museum of the Royal Navy, and two are held in private collections. The whereabouts of the final medal to Stephen Lawrie is not known but it was remarkably issued with all six clasps won by this frigate, namely Phoebe 21 Decr 1797, Phoebe 19 Feb 1801, Trafalgar, Off Tamatave 20 May 1811, Java, and Phoebe 28 March 1814. Capture of the Néréide On the 21 December 1797, at 10:00 am, the Phoebe observed a ship standing towards her which by 11:30 am was identified as the French Néréide. Captain Barlow immediately gave chase, came up within gunshot of the enemy ship at 9:00 pm, which commenced firing her stern-chasers into Phoebe, considerably damaging her masts, sails, and rigging. A running fight continued until 10:00 pm when the two ships came fairly alongside each other and, after a close action of 45 minutes, the Néréide received considerable damage in her masts, rigging, and sails, some falling on board the Phoebe. At 10:45 pm, just as the British ship was about to renew the attack, the Néréide hauled down her light and hailed that she had surrendered. The prize was later purchased by the Royal Navy.
Lot 581
The historically important North West Canada medal awarded to Mr E. S. Andrews, a prominent citizen of Saskatoon, who was appointed transport officer aboard the steamer Northcote, and was present at the battles of Fish Creek and Batoche North West Canada 1885, no clasp (E. S. Andrews. For services on Steamer Northcote.) engraved naming, lightly toned, good very fine and very rare £2,000-£2,600 --- E. Shelton Andrews was born in New Brunswick and served 14 years in merchant naval service before heading west. In 1884 he was hired by the Temperance Colony Pioneer Society to sail the May Queen from Medicine Hat to Saskatoon. He subsequently decided to homestead at Saskatoon and married Mary Ellen Thompson in 1885. At the start of the rebellion Andrews was appointed Captain of the Saskatoon home guard. Owing to his naval experience he was ordered to command the ferry at Clarke’s Crossing, where he was charged with transporting men and equipment across the South Saskatchewan River. He also served as a river pilot for both Lord Melgund and the reporter George Ham. After his ferry service he was appointed transport officer on the steamship Northcote which was ordered to make a diversionary attack at Batoche. As the ship sailed past Batoche it was riddled with bullets from the shore. Andrews volunteered to reinforce the wheelhouse and was hit by a bullet through his cap and another that dented a metal case in his shirt pocket. Despite the Northcote’s lack of success as a fighting ship, the army commander on board ordered the ship’s captain to make another pass by Batoche but the captain refused owing to a lack of wood. Andrews was then offered command of the ship but refused for the same reason. After the capture of Riel, Andrews hitched a ride back on the Northcote and was placed in the cabin next to Riel. The medal is accompanied by some research including a Saskatoon Star Phoenix article from 1966 that includes a photograph and description of Andrews’ medal, and partial transcript of the ‘Proceedings of Fifth Meeting, Saskatoon Historical Association, April 5th, 1922’ in which Captain Andrews gives his experiences in the Riel Rebellion. The family always referred to his N.W. Canada medal as an award for bravery. To some extent this seems to be true. Transport Officers were non-combatants and as such did not receive the ‘Saskatchewan’ clasp. However, Andrews was clearly under fire but as he was not a member of the Northcote's crew, his medal is engraved ‘for services’, acknowledging his important role on the Northcote. Andrews is confirmed on the roll as a Captain in the Transport Service.
Lot 616
Naval General Service 1915-62, 1 clasp, Persian Gulf 1909-1914 (PO.10092. Pte. W. Bacon, R.M.L.I., H.M.S. Karanja.) very fine and rare £140-£180 --- 29 clasps issued European recipients on the armed launch H.M.S. Karanja, including 7 to R.M.L.I. Walter Bacon was born in the Parish of St Gregory, Sudbury, Suffolk, on 12 August 1879, and joined the Royal Marines as a Private at the Recruit Depot, Deal, on 10 December 1898. He was assigned to the Portsmouth Division on 5 October 1899 and thereafter saw much service afloat in various battleships and other vessels of the fleet. He served for most of the year in 1910 aboard the armed launch H.M.S. Karanja, engaged in anti gun running operations in the Persian Gulf. He was discharged on 11 January 1911, having completed his period of service of 12 years.
Lot 750
The K.B.E., C.M.G. group of five miniature dress medals attributed to Sir Robert Smith, Governor of British North Borneo The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, K.B.E. (Civil) Knight Commander’s 2nd type badge, silver-gilt and enamel; The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, C.M.G., Companion’s badge, silver-gilt and enamel; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937; British North Borneo Company General Service Medal 1937, mounted as worn and housed in a Spink, London, case, good very fine, the last rare (5) £300-£400 --- Provenance: Christie’s, February 1982 (when sold alongside his full-sized medals). K.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1947: Charles Robert Smith, Esq., C.M.G., lately Governor of British North Borneo. C.M.G. London Gazette 1 January 1941: Charles Robert Smith, Esq., Principal Representative in North Borneo of the British North Borneo (Chartered) Company. Sir (Charles) Robert Smith was born on 13 November 1887 and was educated at Christ's Hospital, Horsham. He joined the North Borneo Civil Service as a cadet in 1913, and was appointed Governor and Commander-in-Chief of North Borneo in 1937. Following the fall of North Borneo to the Japanese on 18 January 1942, Smith was interned by the Japanese at Berhala Island near Sandakan in North Borneo, and then at Batu Lintang camp, Sarawak, Borneo, until May 1943, after which time he was transferred to another camp in Manchuria. Following the cessation of hostilities, Smith resumed his Governorship on 11 September 1945, before retiring in October 1946. Created a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 1947 New Year’s Honours’ List, he died on 4 November 1959.
Lot 788
59th (2nd Nottinghamshire) Regiment Senior NCO’s Shoulder Belt Plate Mount c.1827-55. A very fine and rare example in die-stamped gilded brass, central ‘LIX’ within a strap, ‘2nd Nottingham’, surrounded by ornate pierced laurels sprays bearing the battle honours ‘Corunna, Java, Vittoria, St. Sebastian, Nive, Peninsula, and Bhurtpore’, ‘Arroyo dos Molinos’ below, three pierced square fasteners for attachment to the back plate, good condition £140-£180 --- Note: This format does not match any of the quite numerous patterns worn by the officers.
Lot 108
A rare ‘Rhodesia 1896’ D.S.O. group of nine awarded to Brigadier-General R. H. F. McCulloch, C.M.G., Royal Artillery, who remained with his gun after having been wounded in the attack on Skimbo in August 1896 Distinguished Service Order, V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar converted for mounting; British South Africa Company Medal 1890-97, reverse Rhodesia 1896, no clasp (Lieut. R. H. F. McCulloch. R.A.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, South Africa 1901 (Capt: R. F. H. McCulloch, D.S.O., R.G.A.) last letter of surname officially corrected; 1914 Star, with clasp (Major R. F. H. McCulloch. D.S.O. R.G.A.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Brig. Gen. R. F. H. McCulloch.); Italy, Kingdom, Order of St Maurice and St Lazarus, Officer’s breast badge, gold, silver-gilt, and enamel, with rosette on riband; France, Third Republic, Legion of Honour, Officer’s breast badge, gold and enamel, with rosette on riband; Croix de Guerre, bronze, reverse dated 1914-1917, mounted court style for display, nearly extremely fine (9) £4,000-£5,000 --- One of only 7 Distinguished Service Orders awarded for this campaign, this being unique to the Royal Artillery. D.S.O. London Gazette 7 May 1897: ‘In recognition of services in the recent operations in South Africa, 1896.’ Italian Order of St Maurice and St Lazarus London Gazette 12 September 1918. French Legion of Honour London Gazette 13 February 1917. French Croix de Guerre London Gazette 17 August 1918. Robert Henry Frederick McCulloch was born in October 1869 and joined the Royal Artillery in 1888, receiving promotion to Lieutenant in 1891. He commanded a section of 10 Mountain Battery, R. A., during the Matabeleland operations of 1896, was slightly wounded, Mentioned in Despatches and awarded the D.S.O. In his report, Major-General F. Carrington stated that McCulloch ‘worked his gun with great coolness and steadiness when the enemy were in force within 50 yards of him in the attack on Sikimbo on 5 August 1896. He remained with his gun after having been wounded.’ McCulloch's section had been operating in co-ordination with a force of men raised by the British South Africa Company. He had already witnessed a great deal of fighting during the advance on Bulawayo, which culminated with the capture of the Matabele strong holds in the Matoppo Hills. The incident referred to in Major-General Carrington’s report was probably the biggest of the campaign, five Impis being attacked by a combined Imperial Force of 800 men. The enemy were completely routed. However, at the outset of the action, when McCulloch and another gunner subaltern were ordered to detach themselves from the main force, and set up position on a ridge, the fast moving Matabele swept in for the kill, creeping up gullies under the cover of the bush. But for the prompt actions of McCulloch and his compatriot, it is probable the detachment would have been wiped out. Promoted to Captain in 1899, McCulloch served throughout most of the Boer War as D.A.A.G. on the lines of communication in Cape Colony. He afterwards became a Divisional and Militia Adjutant and held the rank of Major by the outbreak of hostilities in 1914. Picked out for command of heavy artillery, he held several senior positions, ultimately as Brigadier-General, Heavy Artillery, 11 Army Corps, France. He was created a C.M.G. in 1918, was twice Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazettes 15 June 1916 and 30 May 1918) and was decorated by the French and Italians. He retired in 1921 and died in Hayling Island, Hampshire, on 16 October 1946.
Lot 136
A rare Second War ‘cloak and dagger’ D.S.M. group of seven awarded to Petty Officer A. G. Biddle, Royal Navy, for gallantry aboard H.M. Submarine Regent in her daring enterprise in entering into the port of Kotor to try and embark His Britannic Majesty’s Envoy-Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary accredited to the Government of Yugoslavia, and in remaining there for nine hours though surrounded by large forces of the Italian army and subjected to attacks from the air, during which Biddle was wounded in the thigh Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (J.114128 A. G. Biddle. P.O. H.M.S. Regent); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Burma Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, very fine (7) £1,800-£2,200 --- D.S.M. London Gazette 30 September 1941: ‘Attempted embarkation of the British Minister to Yugoslavia at Kotor on 22 April 1941. Lieutenant-Commander H. C. Browne, commanding H.M. Submarine Regent was awarded the D.S.O. on this occasion, ‘For daring, enterprise and coolness in taking H.M. Submarine ‘Regent’ into the port of Kotor to try and embark His Britannic Majesty’s Envoy-Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary accredited to the Government of Yugoslavia and in keeping her there for nine hours though surrounded by large forces of the Italian army.’ His recommendation for the award of the D.S.M. to Petty Officer Albert George Biddle states: ‘This Petty Officer volunteered to remain in the ship to light the fuses of both demolition depth charges in the event of the ship having to be abandoned. Subsequently he was on watch on the bridge when the bombing attacks commenced. He assisted in clearing the bridge of men not required and calmly remained himself until ordered below at the end of the attack. While on the bridge he was wounded in the thigh.’ A most unusual award of the D.S.M. for a ‘cloak and dagger’ action, and especially interesting as it was an attempt to rescue a British Senior Diplomat from falling into enemy hands. The Diplomat concerned was Ronald Ian Campbell (later Sir, K.C.M.G., C.B.), the British Minister to Yugoslavia. When the Germans and Italians were overwhelming Yugoslavia in the Spring of 1941, Mr Campbell and his staff were cut off and unable to get away. It was decided to try to embark them in a British submarine and, accordingly Lieutenant-Commander H. C. Browne took the Regent into the Adriatic. Having passed through two minefields which the Italians regarded as impassable, he steamed boldly into the harbour of Kotor, better known as Cattaro, to bring off the British Minister and his staff. Moving into port just after dawn, the Captain soon learned that the Italian army had reached the coast and were already in occupation of the town. This unexpected move by the Italians placed the Regent in jeopardy, but the Captain did not waver. Having been sent to effect the rescue of Mr Campbell, he was determined to do everything possible to bring him off, so he detailed an officer to go ashore. With the utmost coolness this officer went to the Senior Italian naval officer in charge of the port and explained that the Regent had come to evacuate the British Diplomatic Staff, whereupon he was permitted to go off in search of Mr Campbell while an Italian Army Staff officer went on board the Regent to act as hostage until he returned. Throughout the morning the Regent lay in harbour flying her biggest White Ensign. Around her was the Italian army with enough gun-power to blot her out of existence. For hour after hour the Regent lay there, flying the flag in the face of her enemies, while the officer strove to find Mr Campbell and conduct him back to the boat; unhappily he failed to make contact. The afternoon was advanced when two Italian dive bombers suddenly swooped down on the Regent and dropped several bombs which all missed. As they flew over, they opened fire on the conning-tower with their machine-guns wounding the Captain, the First Lieutenant and a petty officer. Captain Browne wasted no time. Diving without delay and carrying his Italian hostage with him, he escaped from the harbour, after remaining in the midst of the enemy for nine hours, picked his way safely through the minefields again and returned to his base. Awards for this episode included a D.S.O. for Captain Browne, two D.S.C.’s, three D.S.M.’s and one Bar to the D.S.M. Biddle was mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 5 May 1942) upon completion of eight Mediterranean War Patrols by H.M. S/M Regent from October 1940 to August 1941. The Submarine Regent was sunk by a mine off Monopoli in the South Adriatic on 18 April 1943, but Petty Officer Biddle was evidently serving elsewhere by this time. Sold with copies of Operational Report and recommendations for awards.
Lot 155
A rare Great War ‘Patrol Services’ D.S.M. and ‘U-boat action’ Bar group of five awarded to Chief Petty Officer J. C. Campbell, Royal Navy, for gallantry as Gunlayer aboard H.M.S. Zinnia Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (191144. J. C. Campbell, Act. C.P.O. H.M.S. Zinnia. Patrol Services. 1915/6) with Second Award Bar, the reverse officially impressed ‘4. May. 1917.’; 1914-15 Star (191144. C. J. Campbell, Act. C.P.O., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (191144 C. J. Campbell. C.P.O. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (191144 C. J. Campbell, P.O., H.M.S. King Edward VII) mounted as worn from two brooch bars, very fine (5) £3,000-£4,000 --- D.S.M. London Gazette 22 May 1917: ‘In recognition of services in the Destroyer Patrol Flotillas, Armed Boarding Steamers, &c., during the period which ended on the 30th September 1916. H.M.S. Zinnia Patrol Services up to 1 October 1916.’ Amongst the several incidents in which Zinnia played a part during this period was the Easter Rising / Roger Casement affair in April 1916, when Zinnia was closely involved in the capture of the German steamer Aud, which was disguised as a Norwegian vessel. D.S.M. Second Award Bar London Gazette 11 August 1917: ‘For services in action with enemy submarines.’ The recommendation states: ‘H.M.S. Zinnia. Action with enemy submarine 4 May 1917. As Gunlayer with A.B. Arthur Waller, J15735, as Trainer, these men performed their duties in a highly satisfactory manner.’ Able Seaman Arthur Waller was awarded the D.S.M., see next lot, and Zinnia’s skipper Lt. Commr. G. F. W. Wilson, R.N., was awarded the D.S.O. for the same action. H.M.S. Zinnia Following commissioning in 1915, Zinnia joined the First Sloop Flotilla, based at Queenstown. On 28 March 1916, Zinnia spotted the German submarine U-44 63 nautical miles ESE of the Fastnet Rock, shooting twice at the submarine, which dived away unharmed, Zinnia's shells falling short. On 29 March, U-44 torpedoed the sloop Begonia, which did not sink. Zinnia and sister ship Snowdrop were ordered to go to Begonia's aid, and the damaged sloop was towed into Queenstown. On 20 April 1916, Zinnia came across the German submarine U-69, south-west of Ireland, just after U-69 had sunk the steamer Cairngowan, forcing the submarine to dive away, and dropped two depth charges, but U-69 was unharmed. On 22 April 1916, Zinnia, and also H.M.S. Bluebell but from another direction, both hastened to the assistance of H.M.S. Lord Heneage, which ship had intercepted the Aud, a German vessel disguised as a Norwegian steamer, which had been attempting to rendezvous with Sir Roger Casement in Tralee Bay to deliver a consignment of arms for an imminent uprising in the southwest. She was being escorted to Queenstown when Lieut. Karl Spindler scuttled her. On 23 October 1916, the sloop Genista was torpedoed and sunk by the submarine U-57 120 nautical miles west of Cape Clear Island. Zinnia and Camellia were ordered out from Queenstown to pick up her survivors, but at first failed to find them, and were joined by the cruiser Adventure. Eventually, 12 survivors were picked up. On 8 March 1917, Zinnia encountered a German submarine, possibly U-53, off Fastnet, and opened fire, claiming an apparent hit on the submarine. On 28 March 1917, Zinnia was escorting the tanker Gasfa 15 nautical miles out of Queenstown when the submarine U-57 torpedoed and sunk Gasfa. Zinnia retaliated with two depth charges, which the submarine's crew considered ‘uncomfortably close’, but the submarine escaped. Seven of Gasfa's crew were killed in the attack, with the remainder rescued by Zinnia. On 3 May 1917, the German submarine U-62 torpedoed the British steamer Frederick Knight West of Ireland. Zinnia came to Frederick Knight's assistance, forcing the submarine to submerge, but could not stop the submarine torpedoing the merchant ship again, sinking Frederick Knight. The next day, U-62 stopped the Danish barque Jörgen Olsen, and attempted to sink the sailing vessel with gunfire. Zinnia again interrupted U-62, opening fire and forcing the submarine to submerge. Jörgen Olsen remained afloat and was towed into Berehaven. On 7 June 1917, the Q-ship Pargust was on patrol off the south coast of Ireland when she was torpedoed by the German submarine UC-29. Part of Pargust's crew abandoned ship as a ‘panic party’, in order to tempt the submarine to surface, which UC-29 did after thirty minutes. Pargust then opened fire, sinking UC-29. Zinnia, the sloop Crocus and the American destroyer U.S.S. Cushing came to the assistance of Pargust which was kept afloat by her cargo of timber, with Crocus towing Pargust into Queenstown, with Zinnia and Cushing in escort. On 20 August 1917, Zinnia collided with the American destroyer Benham, badly damaging the American ship, which was towed into Queenstown by Zinnia, which remained part of the First Sloop Flotilla at the end of the war. Clifford Joseph Campbell was born at Lancaster on 6 January 1879, and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class aboard H.M.S. Northampton on 15 October 1896, advancing to Boy 1st Class on 29 January 1897. The dates of his subsequent advancements were to Ordinary Seaman, April 1897; Able Seaman, February 1900; Leading Seaman, October 1901; Petty Officer 2nd Class, May 1903; Petty Officer 1st Class, February 1904; Acting Chief Petty Officer, November 1915; Chief Petty Officer, November 1916. He received his L.S. & G.C. medal aboard H.M.S. King Edward VII, in which battleship he served from August 1911 to December 1913. At the outbreak of war in 1914 he was serving aboard the battleship Mars where he remained until the ship was paid off at Belfast in February 1915, being subsequently disarmed and laid up in April 1915. After a brief spell at Pembroke I he joined Zinnia on 15 September 1915, and served in her, based at Queenstown, until April 1919. He was demobilised on 21 January 1920.
Lot 19
Pair: Private A. Parker, 2nd Battalion, Oxfordshire Light Infantry Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, undated reverse, no clasp (767 Pte. A. Parker. 2/Oxf: L.I.); Khedive’s Star 1884-6, very light marks from star, otherwise good very fine and rare (2) £300-£400 --- Only 33 Egypt and Sudan 1882-89 medals to the regiment.
Lot 24
Pair: Private J. Comber, Oxfordshire Light Infantry, who was killed in action at Klip Kraal on 16 February 1900 India General Service 1895-1902, 2 clasps, Punjab Frontier 1897-98, Tirah 1897-98 (3719 Pte. J. Comber 2d Bn. Oxf: Lt. Infy.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 1 clasp, Relief of Kimberley (3719 Pte. J. Comber. 1/Oxfd: L.I.) nearly extremely fine, the second extremely rare as a single clasp (2) £400-£500 --- Private J. Comber was killed in action at Kilp Krall on 16 February 1900. The Oxfordshire Light Infantry had one officer wounded, 10 men killed and 39 wounded in this action which took place two days before the battle of Paardeberg.
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