In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteSix: Group Captain D. W. Bayne, Royal Air Force India General Service 1908-35, 3 clasps, North West Frontier 1930-31, Mohmand 1933, North West Frontier 1935 (F/O D. W. Bayne. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star, 1 clasp, Battle of Britain; Africa Star, 1 clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Coronation 1953, unnamed as issued, mounted as worn, good very fine, the three clasp IGS rare to a RAF Officer (6) £3,000-£4,000 --- David Walter Bayne was born in Gladstone, Queensland, Australia, on 17 April 1908, and emigrating to England was educated at Haileybury College. He joined the Royal Air Force as a Flight Cadet at R.A.F. Cranwell in 1926 and was commissioned Pilot Officer on 15 December 1928. Posted to 12 Squadron at Andover, he served overseas with 5 (Army Co-operation) Squadron at Quetta, India, from 21 January 1930, flying Bristol Fighters, moving to 20 (Army Co-operation) Squadron at Peshawar on 1 September 1933. Back in England and serving with 3 Squadron at Duxford he was seriously injured when landing at night in fog in a Bristol Bulldog. One leg was amputated resulting in him being taken off flying duties for just over two years while he attended various R.A.F. hospitals and rehabilitation units. Equipped with a wooden leg he returned to flying in mid-1937, and became a great friend of Douglas Bader, who had lost both legs in a Bulldog crash in 1931. On 1 July 1937 Bayne was appointed to the staff at Uxbridge and moved on to the HQ staff at Kenley on 8 August 1938. He was advanced Squadron Leader in the Administration Branch on 1 January 1939 and served during the initial stages of the Second World War as Sector Controller at Kenley. Charged with the re-formation of 257 Squadron, initially with Spitfires at R.A.F. Hendon, before re-converting to Hurricanes, it was with this squadron between 1 and 22 July 1940 that he flew about twenty sorties during the early stages of the Battle of Britain. At the end of July 1940, and now 32 years old, Bayne was, against his will, promoted to Wing Commander and posted to Fighter Command HQ at Bentley Priory, the official reason given for his transfer off operational duties being ‘it was impractical to have an operational commander with a wooden leg’ (although of course his great friend Bader, who was given Squadron Command, had two wooden legs!). Nevertheless, he served with great distinction at R.A.F. Bentley Priory, and remained in service post-War, serving as Military and Air Attaché in Rio de Janeiro. He retired with the rank of Group Captain on 29 August 1955, and died in Dorset on 11 June 1986. Sold together with the recipient’s identity tags; a 3 Fighter Squadron silver and enamel lapel brooch; and the recipient’s Club de Aeronautica Pass, with a photograph of the recipient.
We found 209236 price guide item(s) matching your search
There are 209236 lots that match your search criteria. Subscribe now to get instant access to the full price guide service.
Click here to subscribe- List
- Grid
-
209236 item(s)/page
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteA post-War ‘S.A.S. Operations’ General Service Medal pair awarded to Corporal A. E. Evans, 22 Special Air Service Regiment, later Royal Anglian Regiment, who served with ‘D’ Squadron for much of his military career; an expert mountain guide and climber, he undertook arduous mountain patrols and ambushes in Radfan, Top Secret ‘Claret Operations’ during the Borneo Campaign, and was awarded a Commendation Certificate for saving many lives during the rescue of survivors from the passenger liner M.V. Dara, destroyed by sabotage in the Persian Gulf General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, E.II.R. (23200134 Tpr. A. Evans, S.A.S.); General Service 1962-2007, 3 clasps, Borneo, Radfan, Northern Ireland (23200134 L./Cpl. A. E. Evans, S.A.S.) mounted court-style as worn; together with the recipient’s rare official German ‘Expert High Mountain Leader’ cloth badge, nearly extremely fine (3) £3,000-£4,000 --- Alfred Ernest ‘Yanto’ Evans appears to have been born in 1934 (there are handwritten corrections entered into the printed official Register of Births) and to have begun his National Service obligation in the South Wales Borderers. He next appears in an official group photograph of HQ Squadron 22 SAS taken in January 1954 in Penang, Malaya, with the SAS cap badge on his maroon beret (which was worn by the SAS until 1958 - a copy of the photograph is included in the lot). At the beginning of the rebirth of the SAS (after its disbandment at the end of World War II), necessity forced it to recruit from many sources, including National Service conscripts. Major John Woodhouse took charge of transforming 22 SAS into a unit of highly motivated, well-trained, experienced, relatively stable volunteer soldiers and Evans was directly involved in this process. He chose to voluntarily enlist into the Regular Army, becoming a soldier in the Parachute Regiment in April 1954. After earning his Para wings, Evans applied for SAS Selection, knowing that if he was accepted into the Regiment, it automatically meant an active service posting to fight in the Malaya Campaign. Evans passed Woodhouse’s famously ferocious Selection Course and was permanently attached to the Special Air Service in July 1955. The rest of his first regular army engagement period was spent in Malaya and came to an end in April 1957. Evans chose not to extend or renew it. His Military Conduct was assessed as Very Good. After two years Evans re-joined the Colours in February 1959, returning to 22 SAS, which strongly suggests that the Regiment approved of what he had been doing during his ‘break’. In May 1961 he received a Commendation Certificate: “The Commander-in-Chief Middle East has awarded his commendation to Trooper A. Evans, ‘D’ Squadron, 22 S.A.S. Regiment, for distinguished conduct on 7 and 8 April 1961 whilst a passenger on board L.S.T. ‘Empire Guillemot’, which took part in the rescue operations when M.V. ‘Dara’ caught fire in the Persian Gulf. Trooper Evans attended to approximately 200 casualties whose complaints ranged from 1st degree burns to compound fractures. Some casualties had gaping wounds. Although only trained in First Aid Trooper Evans put in about 40 stitches, set broken limbs and treated serious burns. He remained on duty for 16 hours and his fine First Aid work and his unceasing attention to the injured undoubtedly prevented many deaths among the survivors. His conduct throughout the rescue operations reflects great credit on himself, his training and his unit.” The Dara was a British owned, Dubai-based cargo and passenger liner, mostly carrying expatriate families from the Indian sub-continent who worked in or traded with the various countries around the Persian Gulf. Dara was crippled by fire, which had been initiated by an explosion, at 4.40 a.m. at night, about 12 hours after her expected time of departure from Dubai. The explosive device contained some 20 pounds of TNT and was placed just inside the engine room by an unknown anti-British saboteur. About 240 out of 820 people on board lost their lives. ‘D’ Squadron was not deployed in the Middle East at that time, but its Mountain Troop may have been present on exercise. At the inquiry into the sinking, the Captain of the Landing Craft Tank on which Evans was embarked testified that he had to keep about half a mile away from Dara as “We could not go any closer because we had certain inflammable and explosive cargo on board Empire Guillemot.” (Last Hours on Dara by P. J. Abraham refers). Evans had been appointed Lance Corporal by the start of the Borneo Campaign in 1962. He served during three deployments which covered all the main phases of the conflict, notably the early long-range cross-border patrols with the renowned Captain André Dennison and the secret 1965 Claret offensive strikes deep inside Indonesia. Lance Corporal Evans is mentioned in the book, SAS The Jungle Frontier: 22 SAS Regiment in The Borneo Campaign 1963-1966. In April 1964 Evans was flown out from Britain to Aden to participate in the British Army’s first-ever major offensive in Southern Arabia. It was intended to subdue local tribesmen in the harsh, arid mountains of Radfan close to the border with Yemen. The Qutaibi tribes had been causing great trouble for travellers on the main route between Aden and Sana’a, attacking caravans, convoys and demanding ‘protection money’. They received modern weapons and much encouragement from the Egyptian forces who had moved into Yemen in 1962-63 and were trying to start a full-blown insurgency throughout Aden. The 22 SAS contingent was led by ‘A’ Squadron. Evans’s presence does not necessarily mean that he had transferred to ‘A’ Squadron (though he may have done so), as he had built up a considerable recognition in the Regiment for his mountain warfare skills. Radfan was all about fighting in the mountains, so he may have been ‘drafted in’ to the operation due to his specialist skills. British offensives in tribal areas had mostly only been successful when they included a locally-raised force of indigenous troops to provide expert knowledge of both the ground and tribal tactics, such as the legendary Frontier Scouts of India, the Surrendered Enemy Personnel and Senoi Praaq of Malaya or (later on) the firqats of Dhofar. The British had persuaded the multitude of emirs, sheikhs and rulers in Aden’s hinterlands to support the creation and training of the British-led Federal Regular Army, but it was far from being generally considered an effective fighting force and was included in the offensive for political rather than operational reasons. The SAS had been bought in to act as pathfinders for the Radfan offensive, but they had scant opportunity to acclimatise, understand the terrain and the operating environment before being committed to battle. The offensive was carefully planned to showcase the prowess of the new, all-volunteer and professional British Armed Forces; units from all the British elite forces were utilised as its spearhead. Evans arrived in Aden on 23 A...
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteA post-War B.E.M. group of four awarded to Miss Mary E. Danby, Chief Inspector, West Riding of Yorkshire Constabulary British Empire Medal, (Civil) G.VI.R., 2nd issue (Miss Mary E. Danby) edge prepared prior to naming, with minor official correction to surname; Defence Medal; Coronation 1953, unnamed as issued; Police L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R. (Ch. Inspr. Mary E. Danby) good very fine and rare to a female recipient for this period in this rank (4) £200-£240 --- B.E.M. London Gazette 1 January 1952: Miss Mary Ethel Danby, Chief Inspector, West Riding of Yorkshire Constabulary (Wakefield). Sold with named Home Office letter informing the recipient of the award of the B.E.M.; and copied medal roll extract for the Coronation Medal.
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteA rare inter-War M.B.E., Great War D.S.M. and ‘Russia 1919’ operations Second Award Bar group of six awarded to Lieutenant-Commander J. P. Canty, Royal Navy The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 1st type breast badge, the reverse hallmarked London 1930; Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, the reverse officially impressed, ‘Baltic. July 15. 1919.’ (342015. J. P. Canty, Sh. Std., “Godetia” Minesweeping. 1917.); 1914-15 Star (342015 J. P. Canty, Sh. Std. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (342015 J. P. Canty. V.C.P.O. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (J. 342015. J. P. Canty, Sh. Stewd., H.M.S. Hollyhock.) minor contact marks, otherwise generally very fine or better (6) £4,000-£5,000 --- M.B.E. London Gazette 3 June 1932. D.S.M. London Gazette 17 April 1918: ‘In recognition of their services in minesweeping operations between 1 April and 31 December 1917.’ Bar to D.S.M. London Gazette 14 May 1920: ‘For services in Russia, 1919.’ The original recommendation states: ‘H.M.S. Lupin. Mining and sinking of H.M.S. Gentian and H.M.S. Myrtle. Baltic July 15, 1919. ‘I cannot only endorse the remarks of the Medical Officer of H.M.S. Lupin concerning this Chief Petty Officer, but can from personal observation that he volunteered for the dinghy’s crew earlier in the day and performed the unaccustomed task of pulling an oar two and a half miles in a rough sea. He was also always to be found on the spot when boats were coming alongside and was among the first to man a painter or a fall.’ John Patrick Canty was born in Portsmouth in December 1882, the son of an Able Seaman then serving as a rigger aboard the royal yacht Victoria & Albert, and entered the Royal Navy as a Ship’s Steward (Boy) in March 1898. In the previous year, while a pupil at Greenwich School, he won the Royal Humane Society’s Medal in bronze for saving a Royal Marine from drowning in the sea at Sandgate (R.H.S. Case No. 29,272 refers). A Ship’s Steward aboard the gunboat H.M.S. Skipjack on the outbreak of hostilities in August 1914, he remained similarly employed until removing to the sloop Hollyhock in June 1915. His C.O. in the Skipjack was Commander L. G. P. Preston, R.N., affectionately known as “L.G.P.” to his subordinates, who rose to become Admiral Sir Lionel Preston, K.C.B. And so commenced an uninterrupted wartime career in minesweeping, the details of which may be traced though his seagoing commissions in Taffrail’s Swept Channels. Thus the author’s detailed description of the occasion when Skipjack and some trawlers ran into a large minefield laid by the Kolberg off Scarborough in mid-December 1914: ‘The Skipjack was quite close to the trawlers when the stillness of the morning was rudely shattered by the thudding boom of a heavy explosion. A column of white water mingled with greyish smoke leapt out of the calm sea. It was as high as a church spire, and seemed to hang for a moment in mid-air before curling over to fall sizzling and hissing back to the surface in the midst of a blackened area dotted with silver bodies of dead fish. The detonations continued, one after the other. Within five minutes eighteen mines were swept up, or had exploded in the trawlers’ sweeps. The Kolberg’s cargo had been very thickly sown. Never afterwards throughout the whole period of the war were mines discovered in such profusion, or so close together. But the situation was alarming. The ‘safety period’ had passed. The tide was falling fast, and every minute brought the mines nearer the ships’ bottoms. The scene was extraordinary. Trawlers, most of them with their sweeps parted, were intermingled with mines torn from their moorings and floating ominously on the surface. The mines were being fired upon. Two trawlers had been blown up. One, the Orianda, unable to stop her engines, steamed on, sinking as she went, until nothing remained but the tip of her masthead travelling along the surface like the periscope of a submarine. Then this last trace of her disappeared. A second trawler, Lieutenant Parsons’ Passing, was down by the bows, badly on fire, and blowing off dense clouds of steam from the severed steam-pipe. Her sweeping consort promptly went alongside to render what help was possible. A third little ship, commanded by Lieutenant Crossley, R.N.R., was in immediate danger of sinking owing to leaks caused by the heavy explosions close alongside her. Crossley himself was below in the cramped space near the screw shaft trying to stop the inflow of water by divesting himself of his clothing and stuffing it into the stern gland. He plugged it sufficiently to allow the pumps to keen down the inrush of water, and so saved the ship. It was a hideous melee of trawlers and unexploded mines drifting with the tide. The rattle of rifles and heavier guns rent air. Now and then a mine hit by gunfire detonated with a mighty roar, or was punctured and sank bubbling to the bottom. Low water was rapidly approaching. The extent of the minefield was unknown. Commander Preston was the senior officer on the spot at the moment. In the midst of this hideous danger he did not hesitate, but gave the order to anchor as the only possible method of avoiding further heavy loss. Many men, confronted with the same problem, would have trusted to luck and beat a hasty retreat. But Preston argued to himself that the ships would be comparatively safe at anchor until the tide turned. And when it did turn, the risk of striking mines as the ships swung was infinitesimal compared with the danger of trying to extricate the whole flotilla then and there. At high water all vessels could be withdrawn in safety. So the anchors rattled down to the bottom, and for a time there was peace ... ’ In June 1915, Canty accompanied “L.G.P.” to his next command, the sloop Hollyhock, and again, in June 1916, to his final seagoing command, the Lupin, evidence indeed of how much he was valued by the future Director of Minesweeping Operations at the Admiralty. But it was during his next seagoing appointment, in the sloop Godetia, that he won his D.S.M. for minesweeping duties in 1917. A glimpse of the deeds behind that distinction being found in a recommendation for promotion for Canty, written by the C.-in-C. Fleet Minesweepers in January 1918: ‘He has been present at the clearing of all the minefields dealt with by the Fleet Minesweepers since the commencement of hostilities and has carried out his duties under the arduous conditions of minesweeping in Northern Waters in a cheerful and able manner.’ In May 1919, Canty removed to his old ship the Lupin, off Russia, a posting that would result in the award of his second D.S.M. for the above cited deeds on 15 July, when the Myrtle and Gentian were mined with heavy loss of life and casualties. The Surgeon who was lent to Lupin to treat the wounded also wrote in glowing terms of Canty’s deeds: ‘Final...
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteSix: Armourer Quarter-Master Sergeant A. W. Stong, Army Ordnance Corps East and Central Africa 1897-99, no clasp (731 Armr. Serjt. A. W. Stong. A.O.C.); Ashanti 1900, no clasp (Armr:-Serjt: A. W. Strong. A.O.C.) high relief bust; 1914-15 Star (A-1357 Armr. Q.M. Sjt. A. W. Stong. A.O.C.); British War and Victory Medals (A-1357 W.O.Cl.1. A. W. Stong A.O.C.); Army L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (731 Ar. Q.M.Sjt: A. W. Stong. A.O.C.) light contact marks to the first two, otherwise nearly extremely fine and a rare combination (6) £1,600-£2,000 --- Provenance: Upfill-Brown Collection, Dix Noonan Webb, December 1991; David Langham Collection, Dix Noonan Webb, September 1999. Although the East and Central Africa medal was normally issued with one or more clasps, at least three British recipients are confirmed as receiving no clasp medals. Alfred William Stong was born in Dublin, and attested for the Corps of Armourers in January 1891, after serving an apprenticeship in London as a Gunsmith. He served for several years in India before he was posted for service with the Uganda Rifles, taking part in operations in Uganda and Somaliland in 1898-99 (Medal). He was briefly posted for duty with the 2nd Dragoon Guards in July 1900 before being posted for duty with the Ashanti Field Force two months later, for a period of four months during the operations of the Ashanti Expedition in West Africa (Medal). He next spent a year in Hong Kong followed by another five years in India, before returning home in December 1907. In 1909 he received his L.S. & G.C. medal, and in January 1912 he was discharged having completed 21 years service. On the outbreak of war in 1914, he rejoined on the 14th September and served in France from March 1915 to January 1916, with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force for two months, and in France again from February 1916 to March 1919. He was finally discharged on 4 April 1919. Sold with full service details and copied discharge papers.
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteHong Kong Royal Naval Dockyard Police Long Service Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue (I.P.C. 92 Ghazni Khan) extremely fine, rare £600-£800 --- Provenance: Captain K. J. Douglas-Morris Collection, Dix Noonan Webb, February 1997. Approximately 280 medals were issued between 1922 and 1973. Indian Police Constable Ghazni Khan has not been found on the medal rolls which are incomplete; possibly only 33 awarded during the period 1947-52 when the G.VI.R. 2nd type medals were issued.
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteThe Ally Sloper’s Half Holiday Medal of Valour awarded to Gunner W. Hall, Royal Artillery, for his gallantry in saving the lives of a man and his three children from a house filled with potassium cyanide fumes in Clerkenwell, London, on 28 December 1898, an act of valour for which he also received the Royal Humane Society’s Stanhope Gold Medal for the outstanding rescue act of the year Ally Sloper’s Half Holiday Medal of Valour, 36mm, silver, the reverse inscribed ‘William Hall. Clerkenwell. December 28th. 1898.’, with straight bar suspension and top Spink, London, silver riband bar, good very fine, rare £300-£400 --- William Hall, a Gunner in the Royal Artillery, was born in St. Pancras, London, in 1875 and attested for the Royal Artillery on 15 February 1893. He was awarded the Ally Sloper’s Half Holiday Medal of Valour ‘for his conspicuous gallantry, while on furlough, in saving the lives of 4 persons from certain death in Clerkenwell on Wednesday, December 28th, 1898.’ For his gallantry that day Hall was also awarded the Royal Humane Society’s Silver Medal (case no. 29,865), the citation stating: ‘At 3.40 p.m. on the 28th December, 1898, a man named Carrington Franklin was at work in an electro-plating establishment in an upstairs room at 42, Clerkenwell Close, Clerkenwell, London, when he was visited by his wife and three children aged respectively ten, four, and two years. On the floor were various vessels containing chemicals used in the business, and it is supposed that the children in their play upset two basins containing cyanide of potassium and vitriol. Fumes of prussic acid were at once generated and filled the room, rendering Franklin and the children unconscious. Mrs Franklin managed to escape, and called for help. Gunner Hall, who was on furlough, happened to be passing, and on being told what had occurred he, without hesitation, stuffed his handkerchief into his mouth, and rushing in found the eldest boy near the bottom of the stairs and carried him out. He then made three journeys up the stairs and into the room where the others lay, bringing out first the children and last of all the father. From inhaling the fumes he was now so exhausted that he fell with Franklin at the foot of the stairs, and was assisted out by his brother, who had come on the scene. When outside he became unconscious, but soon recovered. Extreme risk was incurred, and without doubt all four persons would have lost their lives but for his prompt action and presence of mind.’ Hall was further awarded the Royal Humane Society’s Stanhope Gold Medal for 1899, his act of bravery having been adjudged the outstanding life-saving feat of the previous year.
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteA rare King Edward VII ‘Royal Souvenir’ attributed to Casiniro Gatto, Warrant Officer of the Royal Bodyguard of King Vittorio Emanuele III of Italy, as a memento of his visit to London in November 1903 Oval gold pendant badge with cut-out EVIIR cypher within Garter with motto enamelled in blue, surmounted by crown and small ring for suspension, 40mm x 20mm excluding ring, the reverse set with hinged swivel-mounted gold frame containing reversible hard stones of carnelian and bloodstone, unmarked, in its R. & S. Garrard & Co. fitted red velvet covered presentation case, velvet worn, otherwise in excellent condition and extremely rare £2,200-£2,600 --- Casiniro Gatto, head of the Squadron Carabinieri Guards of King Vittorio Emanuele III, was awarded the Royal Victorian Medal in silver by Kind Edward VII on 30 April 1903, on the occasion of King Edward’s visit to Rome. It is believed that the above ‘Royal Souvenir’ was presented to Gatto by Edward VII on the occasion of the visit to Britain of King Vittorio Emanuele III on 17-21 November 1903. Sold with two group photographic images including Gatto and copied certificate from Ministry of Foreign Affairs allowing Gatto to be awarded the R.V.M.
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteUnion of Soviet Socialist Republics, Medal for the Defence of Leningrad, bronze, with Bestowal Document awarded to Woman Senior Lieutenant of the Medical Service Maria Alexandrovna Komarova, dated 15 June 1943; together with a commemorative medallion to the Lost Defenders of Leningrad, nearly very fine; the Bestowal Document folded with slight damage along the folds, therefore reasonable condition, rare to a female recipient £70-£90 --- Sold with four photographic images of the Defence of Leningrad.
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteA Second War M.B.E. group of four awarded to Major A. I. Fleuret, Falkland Islands Defence Force The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, silver; Defence Medal; Coronation 1953, unnamed as issued; Efficiency Decoration, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Falkland Islands, reverse inscribed, ‘Major A. I. Fleuret, M.B.E., J.P.’; together with a Bisley Shooting Medallion 1937, 47mm, silver, hallmarks for Birmingham 1936, the obverse featuring an archer and a rifleman, the reverse with the inscription (name and colony engraved), ‘To Commemorate the Coronation of H.M. King George VI Bisley 1937 won by A. I. Fleuret, Falkland Islands’, good very fine and better, the Efficiency Decoration rare (5) £700-£900 --- Provenance: John Tamplin Collection, Dix Noonan Webb, March 2009. M.B.E. London Gazette 11 July 1940: ‘Captain and Adjutant, Falkland Islands Defence Force.’ Arthur Isadore Fleuret was born in 1899. He came from the Falkland Islands and spent his working life there. In civilian life, he started as a Messenger in the Colonial Secretary’s Officer in December 1912. After work in the Government Printing Office, he was appointed Second Clerk to the Treasury in October 1919. In January 1924 Fleuret was appointed Second Clerk in the Colonial Secretary’s Office, and four years later he became the Chief Clerk in the Colonial Secretary’s Office and Clerk of Councils. He was appointed Private Secretary to the Governor, November 1928-January 1929 and was Officer-in-Charge of the Secretariat, October 1928-January 1929 and again during February-June 1931. During the visits in 1929 of H.M. Ships Durban and Caradoc, he acted as Honorary Secretary to the Committee set up to arrange entertainment. Fleuret was appointed a Constable for the Falkland Islands for the special purpose of enforcing the legal arrest of the S.S. Fleurus in August 1931. He was the acting Colonial Postmaster for the Islands, July 1935-February 1936 and again, March-August 1939. On 1 January 1937 Fleuret was appointed Assistant Colonial Secretary and Clerk of Councils and was appointed a Magistrate, 20 May 1938 and J.P., 26 September 1940. On 19 December 1941 and again on 17 April 1942 he was appointed Magistrate in South Georgia; he was also Administrative Officer there. Fleuret attested for the Falkland Islands Defence Force on 29 January 1923, and was granted a commission as Second Lieutenant on 28 January 1931 and advanced to Lieutenant on 13 March 1934. He was appointed Aide-de-Camp to His Excellency the Governor with effect from 11 February 1935. Lieutenant Fleuret was appointed to act as Officer Commanding, May-October 1935, and as Adjutant, May-December 1935. He was appointed Adjutant on 26 September 1936; promoted to Captain on 4 May 1935 and to Major on 6 August 1942. For his services in the Falkland Islands Defence Force he was awarded the M.B.E. in the Birthday Honours List of 1940, this notified in the London Gazette (above) and the Falkland Islands Gazette of 1 August 1940. Major Fleuret was awarded the Efficiency Decoration (Falkland Islands) on 21 March 1947. He was ‘honourably discharged from the Force on 4 September 1952 after having faithfully and efficiently served therein for a period of 29 years and 220 days, and was placed on the Retired List’. After his retirement he was asked to represent the Falkland Islands at the Coronation of 1953, for which, in that capacity, he was awarded the Coronation Medal. In about 1953 Major Fleuret moved to the U.K., living firstly at Kenton, Harrow, Middlesex, and latterly at Wonerish near Guildford. He died on 9 February 1987. In The Efficiency Decoration, by J. M. A. Tamplin, just seven Efficiency Decorations (Falkland Islands) (including that for Fleuret) are listed for the period, 1935-1978 Sold with Official Letter of Congratulations on the award of the M.B.E., from and signed by the Governor, ‘H. Henniker-Heaton’; Retired List Certificate and accompanying letter, 1953; original photograph of the Falkland Islands Rifle Team (including Fleuret), Winners of the Junior Kolapore Cup, Bisley 1930; with additional modern photographs; together with copied research including many extracts from the Falkland Islands Gazette and Falkland Islands Magazine and Church Paper.
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteEight: Major D. McCreadie, Rangoon Battalion, Burma Auxiliary Force, late Indian Army British War Medal 1914-20 (2-Lieut. D. Mc. Creadie); India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919 (Lieut. D. Mc. Creadie, 2 Q.V.O. S & M.) rank and name unofficially corrected; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Coronation 1937 (Capt. D. McCreadie, Rangoon Batt. B.A.F.) contemporarily engraved naming; Efficiency Decoration, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Burma, reverse inscribed, ‘Capt. David McCreadie, Rangoon Battn. Burma A.F.’, with integral top riband bar, lacquered, nearly very fine, rare (8) £600-£800 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, April 2001 (the Efficiency Decoration then noted as ‘lacking top bar’); John Tamplin Collection, Dix Noonan Webb, March 2009. David McCreadie was employed immediately prior to the Great War as an Assistant with Rowe & Co., General Importers, Rangoon, and remained in service with them until the early 1940’s when he was employed as an Assistant with Stuart, Smith & Allen, Chartered and Registered Agents, Rangoon. His ability to speak both Burmese and Hindustani would have been an advantage to both companies. He also served in the Military Forces, being appointed to the Indian Army Reserve of Officers on 24 June 1918 as a Second Lieutenant, and was advanced to Lieutenant on 24 June 1919. He served in the Great War and in the Third Afghan War with the 2nd Battalion Queen Victoria’s Own Sappers & Miners. Continuing his service after the war, McCreadie joined the Auxiliary Forces (India), and was appointed a Second Lieutenant in the Rangoon Battalion, A.F.(I) on 10 August 1928. He was promoted to Lieutenant on 10 August 1931 and Captain on 25 September 1935. The Rangoon Battalion subsequently became part of the Burma Auxiliary Force. At the time of the Coronation in 1937, Captain McCreadie formed part of the Burma Coronation Contingent, joining the contingent in the U.K. He was promoted to Major on 18 January 1939, and was awarded the Efficiency Decoration (Burma) in 1939, this notified in the Burma Gazette of 26 August 1939. Sold with copied research. Note: In The Efficiency Decoration, by J. M. A. Tamplin, McCreadie is listed as one of just 16 recipients of the Efficiency Decoration, Burma, whose names were gleaned from the Burma Gazette.
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteSix: Able Seaman N. Wiseman, Royal Navy, the recipient of an extremely rare Efficiency Medal and later a Police Constable in Lancashire 1939-45 Star; Burma Star, clasp, Pacific; Defence and War Medals; Police Long Service Medal, E.II.R. (Const. Norman Wiseman) with its card box of issue with typed label inscribed, ‘69. Lancashire. Const. Norman Wiseman’; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue, Territorial (C/JX. 696128 A.B. N. Wiseman, Royal Navy) good very fine (6) £500-£700 --- E.M. London Gazette 23 February 1954. One of very few awards to Naval personnel, Tamplin’s Efficiency Medal listing just 26 ratings (1949-84) and 11 officers (1949-57), the latter largely being R.N.V.R. or R.I.N.V.R recipients.
2 very rare Alfred Bowyer Clayton (1795-1855) 1830s pen & ink "Scenes from Tananarive, Madagascar", each drawing inscribed with the place, all unframed,Average size is approx 13 x 23 cm,ALFRED BOWYER CLAYTON (1795-1855) - Born London, studied under William Etty, he exhibited at the RA between 1814-1837 and in 1931 produced a series of lithographic prints depicting the Liverpool-Manchester railway. He worked as a professional lithographer during the early 1830s before becoming an architect in Liverpool where he died on 10th May 1855
2 rare Alfred Bowyer Clayton (1795-1855) 1830s pen & ink "The mosque at Pergamo, Turkey", each drawing inscribed with the place, both unframed,Average size is approx 17 x 11 cm,ALFRED BOWYER CLAYTON (1795-1855) - Born London, studied under William Etty, he exhibited at the RA between 1814-1837 and in 1931 produced a series of lithographic prints depicting the Liverpool-Manchester railway. He worked as a professional lithographer during the early 1830s before becoming an architect in Liverpool where he died on 10th May 1855
3 rare Alfred Bowyer Clayton (1795-1855) 1830s pen & ink "Balkan scenes", each drawing inscribed with the place, all unframed,Average size is approx 12 x 23 cm,ALFRED BOWYER CLAYTON (1795-1855) - Born London, studied under William Etty, he exhibited at the RA between 1814-1837 and in 1931 produced a series of lithographic prints depicting the Liverpool-Manchester railway. He worked as a professional lithographer during the early 1830s before becoming an architect in Liverpool where he died on 10th May 1855
3 rare Alfred Bowyer Clayton (1795-1855) 1830s pen & ink "Georgia & Armenia scenes", each drawing inscribed with the place, all unframed,Average size is approx 11 x 17 cm,ALFRED BOWYER CLAYTON (1795-1855) - Born London, studied under William Etty, he exhibited at the RA between 1814-1837 and in 1931 produced a series of lithographic prints depicting the Liverpool-Manchester railway. He worked as a professional lithographer during the early 1830s before becoming an architect in Liverpool where he died on 10th May 1855
BOOKS - 'Mrs Beaton's Household Management', 'The Botanical Atlas, Volume I', 'A Guide to the Practical Study of Plants' by Johnston, Edinburgh 1883, 'Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes', illustrations by Charles Robinson, 'The Story Box, a Fund of Amusement for Boys and Girls' with illustrations by Harry Rountree, an early 'Giles' annual circa 1952, and a rare 'English and Welsh Dictionary by William Richards MA, Member of the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery etc MDCCXCVIII' (care in very delicate condition)
Women's Land Army WW 1 & 11. An album of postcards and photographs, The Lands Women, The Land Girl, Bedford Women's Land Army Souvenir Programme A rare handwritten diary of a land girl 1916, 1917 & 1918 documenting life as a land girl living on a farm with snap-shot photographs, an interesting social history record.
Fine and rare Victorian East Suffolk Artillery Militia Officers cross belt, pouch and pillbox cap belonging to their Commanding Officer H. M. Leathes J.P. The silver bullion pouch with silver badge surrounded with sea thistles modelled on those found at Landguard Fort, Felixstowe where the Militia were based between 1853-1856. Sold with a fine volume of 'The History of Languard Fort in Suffolk' by MajorJ.H.Leslie in which Colonel Leathes gives a vivid account of life at the fort . Also sold with a 1969 auction catalogue of Leathes militari etc and a East Suffolk Artillery Militia harness badge. Provenance: Garrod, Turner & Son, Ipswich Saleroom, 21st March 1969 - lot 124
A rare beehive form cordial decanter, 19th century, the ribbed body formed from six graduated rings and raised on a slightly domed foot, 19.5cm highThe absence of a Condition Report does not imply that a lot is without imperfections. Please note carefully the exclusion of liability for the condition of lots contained in the Conditions of Sale.Tiny chip to plus of stopper
c. 550 BC–330 BC, Achaemenid. A rare Western Asiatic bronze bowl featuring a hemispherical body, undulating sides and simple, flattened rim. The centre of the bowl is decorated with an engraved six-petalled flower, framed by a cycle of animal motifs, possibly depicting hunting dogs and their prey. The Achaemenid Empire (the first Persian empire) was an ancient empire founded by Cyrus the Great and stretching from the Balkans and Eastern Europe to the Indus Valley and covering 5.5 million square kilometres at its height. This empire is also famous for being the antagonist of the Greek city states during the Greco-Persian wars. This beautiful bowl may have been used on ritual occasions and during banqueting. Excellent condition; beautiful patina; on a custom stand.Size: L:40mm / W:155mm ; 480g; Provenance: From the important collection of a London doctor A.R; passed by descent to his son; formerly acquired the 1980s on the UK art market.
c. 2000-700 BC. Luristan Culture. A rare Bronze sceptre formed from central tube which terminates in a stylised male head, representing the Master of Animals. He is flanked by two open-mouthed beasts, each of whom he grasps by the tail. Lower down the central tube are two further stylised human heads, arranged on atop the other. The Master of Animals is an important motif in ancient art, symbolising man’s power over the natural world. Excellent condition; beautiful patina; on a custom stand.Size: L:445mm / W:180mm ; 610g; Provenance: From the important collection of a London doctor A.R; passed by descent to his son; formerly acquired the 1980s on the UK art market.
600-900 AD. Byzantine. A rare medieval gold ring with a hexagonal hoop and zoomorphic bezel in the form of a bird in flight; the bird’s back is decorated with a teardrop shaped garnet cabochon and granulated borders. The medieval empire of Byzantium was justly famous for the elegance of its jewellery, whether in precious metals for the royalty and aristocracy, or in bronze for people further down the social ladder. This beautiful item may once have belonged to a Byzantine noblewoman. In order to confirm its authenticity, this piece has undergone X-Ray Fluorescence analysis by an independent Belgian Laboratory. The samples collected show the chemical composition to reflect the typical metal contents of the described period, whilst also showing no modern trace elements in the patina. Excellent condition; wearable.Size: D: 17.13mm / US: 6 3/4 / UK: N1/2; 5.7g; Provenance: Property of a professional Ancient art and jewelry expert; previously with a London gallery; initially from a private British collection formed in the 1980s.
c. 323-31 BC. Greek Hellenistic period. A rare gold ring with a D-shaped hoop, scalloped shoulders and elliptical plate bezel bearing an engraved erotic scene. The bezel shows a male figure (right) engaged in coitus with a female figure (centre) who lies on her back, reclining against a second female figure (left). The second female figure places a crown on the head of the man. The Hellenistic period, which runs from the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC to the battle of Actium is 31 BC, was an era in which Greek-speaking peoples controlled much of the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Asia as far as present-day Afghanistan. This period saw many momentous scientific discoveries and artistic developments, including the creation of intricate jewellery, as this gorgeous piece exemplifies. This beautiful piece may have belonged to an ancient courtesan of the Hellenistic period. In order to confirm its authenticity, this piece has undergone X-Ray Fluorescence analysis by an independent Belgian Laboratory. The samples collected show the chemical composition to reflect the typical metal contents of the described period, whilst also showing no modern trace elements in the patina. Excellent condition; wearable.Size: D: 19.31mm / US: 9 3/8 / UK: S1/2; 16.2g; Provenance: Property of a professional Ancient art and jewelry expert; previously with a London gallery; initially from a private British collection formed in the 1980s.
c. 100-300 AD. Roman. A rare gold ring with a circular hoop and elliptical bezel with a red hardstone setting engraved with a highly naturalistic portrait of Alexander the Great. He is depicted looking left, with flowing locks and a serious expression; he wears a lionskin, which identifies him with the demigod Hercules. After conquering much of the known world in the later 4th century BC, Alexander the Great, king of Macedonia. remained a major historical figure and subject of admiration for much of the rest of antiquity. He was commonly viewed as a model for aspiring generals and politicians; this exceptional item may therefore have belonged to a Roman soldier. In order to confirm its authenticity, this piece has undergone X-Ray Fluorescence analysis by an independent Belgian Laboratory. The samples collected show the chemical composition to reflect the typical metal contents of the described period, whilst also showing no modern trace elements in the patina. Good condition; wearable.Size: D: 20.85mm / US: 11 1/4 / UK: W1/4; 6.8g; Provenance: Property of a professional Ancient art and jewelry expert; previously with a London gallery; initially from a private British collection formed in the 1980s.
100-300 AD, Roman. A rare gold ring with a circular hoop and elliptical trumpet bezel with red gemstone intaglio bearing an erotic scene comprising a naked woman sitting atop a reclining man with an erect phallus; a gigantic phallus can be seen hovering in the far left. Scenes of a sexual nature were often considered to bring good luck in Roman culture. This beautiful piece may once have belonged to a Roman courtesan. Excellent condition; wearable. Size: D: 20.2mm / US: 10 1/2 / UK: U1/2; 2.8g; Provenance: Property of a professional Ancient art and jewelry expert; previously with a London gallery; initially from a private British collection formed before 2000.
C. 1500-1700 AD. Post-medieval. A rare silver ring with a circular hoop and applied bezel in the form of a devil’s head, with beaklike mouth, circular eyes, prominent nose and horns. Possibly owned by someone practicing witchcraft and used as a sign of devotion to the Devil. Very few of these survived due to the persecutions of the church. Excellent condition; wearable.Size: D: 19.31mm / US: 9 3/8 / UK: S1/2; 3.6g; Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1980s.
1100-1300 AD. Medieval. A rare silver ring with a circular hoop, scalloped shoulders and elliptical plate bezel bearing an engraved lamp with a cross, which represents the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God). The Lamb of God is a title for Jesus Christ which appears in the Gospel of John (John 1:29). Depictions of lambs with crosses would become a symbolic motif for Jesus in ancient and medieval art. Excellent condition; wearable.Size: D: 17.13mm / US: 6 3/4 / UK: N 1/2; 6.8g; Provenance: From the private collection of a Somerset gentleman; previously in an old British collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK /European art markets.
100-300 AD. Roman. A rare bronze plate brooch in the form of a Capricorn – a mythological sea beast with the head and legs of a goat and the tail of a fish – with engraved texturing on its horns, fur and scales. The spring, pin and catch plate well-preserved on the reverse. Brooches were an important element of Roman dress, used to fasten clothing but they also served as dress accessories in their own right. Thousands of different types and subtypes of Roman brooches are attested, and they seem to have played an important role in Roman people’s self-expression. For more information on Roman Brooches see Richard Hattatt. 2000. A Visual Catalogue of Richard Hattatt's Ancient Brooches. Oxbow Books. Excellent condition. Size: L:33mm / W:45mm ; 9.75g; Provenance: Private Kent collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK art market.
Ca. 206 BC-220 AD. Han Dynasty. A beautiful rare ceramic vase with a beige fabric and glossy brown slip. The vase comprises an elongated neck and an ovoid body supported by a cylindrical ring foot. Several bands of incised direction run around the vessel and feature geometric patterns as well as depictions of dragons and other beasts; two applied taotie masks on the shoulder feature long tongues which also serve as handles. The taotie are mythological creatures commonly appearing in ancient Chinese art, where they are commonly associated with the Four Evils of the World, possibly suggesting that this vase was used for ritual purposes. The Han Dynasty, which ruled between 202 BC–220 AD, brought great prosperity and stability to China, reigning over a golden age of classical Chinese civilisation during which China saw major advances including the widespread development of a monetary economy and the invention of paper, as well as much progress in the decorative arts. This piece has been precisely dated having undergone Thermo Luminescence analysis by Ralf Kotalla, an independent German Laboratory. The samples collected date the piece to the period reflected in its style, whilst also showing no modern trace elements. Its TL certificate with full report will also accompany this lot. Excellent condition.Size: L:550mm / W:290mm ; 7.45kg; Provenance; Property of a Central London gallery, acquired from an established English collection; formerly acquired in Hong Kong, Hollywood Antique Center in the early 1990s.
1100-1300 AD. Byzantine. A very rare cast silver pendant with gilding comprising a circular hoop around a figural scene. The scene a male figure representing Alexander the Great, in a hieratic pose, wearing carefully engraved kingly dress including a crown and full armour; he stands astride two rearing gryphons shown in profile. After conquering much of the known world in the later 4th century BC, Alexander the Great, king of Macedonia. remained a major historical figure and subject of admiration for much of the rest of history. He was commonly viewed as a model for aspiring generals and politicians, especially in the Greek-speaking Byzantine empire. A range of myths and legends evolved to describe his exploits, which were considered to be so great that they often assumed a fantastical dimension, as the various stories in the Alexander Romance attest. This scene probably depicts Alexander when he “conquered†the air, after he was done conquering huge tracts of land. Excellent condition; wearable. Size: L:54mm / W:50mm ; 18.3g; Provenance: Property of a professional London art expert; obtained from an old British collection formed in the 1970s.
100-200 AD. Roman. A rare silver bronze plate brooch in the form of a gladiator, wearing a narrow-crested helmet, and holding a sword and a curved rectangular shield, marking him out as a murmillo. The weight of the murmillo’s equipment meant that these were usually the strongest gladiators and they were commonly pitted against the net-wielding retiarius, a match which contrasted a heavily protected gladiator with a fast but lightly equipped one.The spring, pin and catch plate are well-preserved on the reverse. Brooches were an important element of Roman dress, used to fasten clothing but they also served as dress accessories in their own right. Thousands of different types and subtypes of Roman brooches are attested, and they seem to have played an important role in Roman people’s self-expression. This beautiful item may have once belonged to a gladiator, his trainer or perhaps an eager fan. For more information on Roman Brooches see Richard Hattatt. 2000. A Visual Catalogue of Richard Hattatt's Ancient Brooches. Oxbow Books. Excellent condition. Size: L:38mm / W:17mm ; 4.9g; Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1970s.
Ca. 206 BC-220 AD. Han Dynasty. A beautiful rare ceramic vase with a beige fabric and glossy brown slip. The vase comprises an elongated neck and an ovoid body supported by a cylindrical ring foot. Several bands of incised direction run around the vessel and feature geometric patterns as well as depictions of dragons and other beasts; two applied taotie masks on the shoulder feature long tongues which also serve as handles. The taotie are mythological creatures commonly appearing in ancient Chinese art, where they are commonly associated with the Four Evils of the World, possibly suggesting that this vase was used for ritual purposes. The Han Dynasty, which ruled between 202 BC–220 AD, brought great prosperity and stability to China, reigning over a golden age of classical Chinese civilisation during which China saw major advances including the widespread development of a monetary economy and the invention of paper, as well as much progress in the decorative arts. This piece has been precisely dated having undergone Thermo Luminescence analysis by Ralf Kotalla, an independent German Laboratory. The samples collected date the piece to the period reflected in its style, whilst also showing no modern trace elements. Its TL certificate with full report will also accompany this lot. Excellent condition.Size: L:520mm / W:300mm ; 7.5kg; Provenance; Property of a Central London gallery, acquired from an established English collection; formerly acquired in Hong Kong, Hollywood Antique Center in the early 1990s.
1000-1500 AD, Crusader Period. Rare gold ring with elegant circular hoop and round plate bezel bearing a niello cross motif, comprising a large central cross with a smaller cross at the end of each of its arms. The Cross, the principal symbol of Christianity, recalls the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the redeeming benefits of his Passion and death. The cross is thus a sign both of Christ himself and of the faith of Christians. The cross that the Crusaders wore on their robes was a symbol of martyrdom, and to die in combat was considered a great honour that assured a place in heaven. The Crusades were military expeditions, beginning in the late 11th century, that were organized by western European Christians in response to centuries of Muslim wars of expansion in the Holy Lands. People of all social classes took place in the Crusades, from heavily armed knights to humble peasants using improvised weapons, all in pursuit of salvation in the afterlife. In order to confirm its authenticity, this piece has undergone X-Ray Fluorescence analysis by an independent Belgian Laboratory. The samples collected show the chemical composition to reflect the typical metal contents of the described period, whilst also showing no modern trace elements in the patina. Excellent condition; wearable. Size: D: 17.97mm / US: 7 3/4 / UK: P1/2; 6.9g; Provenance: Property of a professional Ancient art and jewelry expert; previously with a London gallery; initially from a private British collection formed before 2000.
100-200 AD. Roman. A rare bronze ring with a circular hoop and round plate bezel bearing an engraved scene of a lion (left) attacking a falling human (right). Under the Roman empire, Damnatio ad bestias (“condemnation to the beastsâ€) was a form of capital punishment in which people were killed by wild animals, usually lions. Damnatio ad bestias was commonly used to put Christians to death in the amphitheatre, and many Christian texts expressed pride at the bravery with which their coreligionists faced this terrifying fate. This exceptional item probably belonged to an ancient Christian. Good condition; beautiful patina. Size: D: 15.8mm / US: 5 1/8 / UK: K; 5g; Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s.
100-300 AD. Roman, A rare gold pendant with a rounded suspension loop, a disk-shaped body with a filigree border featuring a repeating chevron pattern, and a hardstone cameo. The handsome red hardstone cameo depicts a lion in high relief with flowing mane and highly idealised features. Lions were symbols of courage and strength in the Roman world and this piece may have once belonged to a Roman officer. In order to confirm its authenticity, this piece has undergone X-Ray Fluorescence analysis by an independent Belgian Laboratory. The samples collected show the chemical composition to reflect the typical metal contents of the described period, whilst also showing no modern trace elements in the patina. Good condition; wearable.Size: L:37mm / W:30mm ; 9g; Provenance: Property of a professional Ancient art and jewelry expert; previously with a London gallery; initially from a private British collection formed in the 1980s.
Ca. 1500 AD, Tudor. A rare gold gilded silver ring with circular hoop and decorated bezel comprised of two pairs of clapsed hands in typical Tudor garb. Marriage rings were first used in antiquity but became increasingly popular in the Middle Ages, when they were worn by married women but not usually by men; husbands only started to wear wedding rings in the 20th century. This item therefore probably belonged to a Tudor woman. Good, wearable condition.Size: D: 17.97mm / US: 7 3/4 / UK: P1/2; 4.2g; Provenance: Property of a professional Ancient art and jewelry expert; previously with a London gallery; initially from a private British collection formed in the 1990s.
C. 1000-1500 AD. Crusaders period. A rare silver ring with circular hoop, heavy, broad band, and round applied plate bezel. The bezel, with scalloped edges bears an engraved double concentric six-pointed star motif, perhaps intended to depict the Star of Bethlehem. The star is picked out with niello decoration. In the Christian tradition, the Star of Bethlehem, also called the Christmas Star, revealed the birth of Jesus to the Biblical Magi, and later led them to Bethlehem. The star appears only in the nativity story of the Gospel of Matthew, where magi "from the east" are inspired by the star to travel to Jerusalem. There they meet King Herod of Judea, and ask where the king of the Jews has been born. Herod, following a verse from the book of Micah interpreted as a prophecy, directs them to Bethlehem, a nearby village. The star leads them to the stable where Jesus was born in Bethlehem, where they worship him, and give him gifts. It is a symbol often depicted on rings and jewellery during the Medieval period, and may once have been worn by a faithful knight who travelled to the Holy Land during the Crusades. Excellent condition; wearable.Size: D: 17.97mm / US: 7 1/2 / UK: P; 12.9g; Provenance: Private collection of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.
c. 900-1100 AD. Viking age. A rare silver viking pendant with highly stylised, curvilinear representations of a man and a dragon representing Sigurd slaying Fáfnir. In Norse mythology, Fáfnir (Old Norse and Icelandic) or Frænir is a son of the dwarf king Hreidmar and brother of Regin, Ótr, Lyngheiðr and Lofnheiðr. After being affected by the curse of Andvari’s ring and gold, Fafnir became a dragon and was slain by the brave hero Sigurd. The wearable reminder of this myth would have inspired bravery in Viking warriors. Good condition; Size: L:33mm / W:27mm ; 8.3g; Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1980s.
Ca. 900-700 BC. Assyrian. A rare Assyrian bronze helmet comprising a conical cap with a sharp terminus and curvilinear hourglass shaped cheek pieces. The Assyrian Empire was one of the Mesopotamian super powers in the Levant. This kingdom started as the city-state of Assur before conquering more territory during a series of violent expansions. By 609 BC the Assyrian empire was no more and its territories were divided by the Median Empire and the Neo-Babylonian Empire. In order to confirm its authenticity, this piece has undergone X-Ray Fluorescence analysis by an independent Belgian Laboratory. The samples collected show the chemical composition to reflect the typical metal contents of the described period, whilst also showing no modern trace elements in the patina. Excellent condition with a beautiful patina. Size: L:385mm / W:220mm ; 1.6kg; Provenance: property of a Central London Gallery, ex Karabela Auction House, formerly in the collection of Mr Albrecht Backer since 1922.
Loading...-
209236 item(s)/page