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Click here to subscribeCape of Good Hope General Service 1880-97, 1 clasp, Basutoland (Cap. C. E. Nicholls. Kaff. V. Art.) nearly extremely fine, rare to unit £400-£500 --- Only 16 medals awarded to the Kaffrarian Volunteer Artillery, all with Basutoland clasp, to 2 Officers (Captain C. E. Nicholls and Lieutenant W. J. White); and 14 other ranks (1 Trumpet Major, 3 Sergeants, 1 Corporal, and 9 Gunners).
India General Service 1895-1902, 1 clasp, Defence of Chitral 1895 (907 Sepoy Mool Singh, 4th Kashmir Infy. I.S.T.) minor official correction to latter part of unit, minor edge bruise, cleaned, nearly extremely fine and rare £3,000-£4,000 --- Mool Singh, of the 4th (Raghunath) Regiment of Kashmir Light Infantry, Imperial Service Troops, was killed in action (gunshot) at Chitral Fort on 17 April 1895. On this day occurred an episode that particularly stands out amongst the numerous gallant actions fought by the men during the siege. The Chitralis were discovered constructing a mine by which means they were perilously close to breaching the fort with explosives, which event would have been disastrous for those inside the fort itself. Consequently a 'forlorn hope' was organised under Lieutenant Hurley with 40 men of the 14th Sikhs and 60 men of the Kashmir Infantry, with the object of destroying the mine. The party was let out of the Garden Gate of the fort just opposite the 'Summer House' at 4 p.m. 30 Pathans in the house were taken completely by surprise and after firing a few random shots they bolted down the garden wall. Two men of the Raghunath were killed in this initial attack. Work on the demolition of the mine was then started immediately while some of the Raghunaths and the Sikhs engaged the Pathans who had not withdrawn any farther than the end of the garden and were from there keeping up a continuously heavy fire on the 'Summer House'. The mine shaft was found outside the house behind the garden wall and 35 Chitralis were bayonetted in the mouth of the mine just as they rushed out in panic. Lieutenant Hurley succeeded in placing the charges and soon after 5 p.m. the mine was blown up and the fort saved in the nick of time. A total of 8 men were killed and 13 wounded in this short and daring action of which the share of the Kashmir Infantry was 5 killed, including Mool Singh, and 8 wounded.
The rare ‘Defence of Mafeking’ Queen’s South Africa Medal awarded to Private R. Wright, Mafeking Cadet Corps, a 14-year old serving with the ‘original Boy Scouts’ Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 1 clasp, Defence of Mafeking (Pte. R. Wright. Mafeking C.C.) officially re-impressed naming as usual to unit, edge bruise, good very fine, rare £1,200-£1,600 --- The Mafeking Cadet Corps comprised of young lads in their early teens and they were in effect the original Boy Scouts whose work during the siege had a great impression on Baden Powell. Just 39 Medals, all with the single clasp for Defence of Mafeking, were issued to the Cadet Corps, with the medal roll dated 14 January 1905. Given the small number of awards, and the fact that they were in effect ‘late issues’, the naming on the medals to the Mafeking Cadet Corps is invariably re-impressed, with the medals taken from the supply of returned and unclaimed awards. Reuben Wright joined the Mafeking Cadet Corps on 1 March 1899, and was aged 14 at the Defence of Mafeking.
Africa General Service 1902-56, 5 clasps, N. Nigeria, N. Nigeria 1902, N. Nigeria 1903, N. Nigeria 1903-04, N. Nigeria 1904 (Dr. F. W. Chesnaye. N. Nigeria Regt.) good very fine and rare £1,400-£1,800 --- F. W. Chesnaye, passed in Forensic Medicine at St George’s Hospital, London, in July 1897, and in Surgery at the same hospital in June 1899. A Civil Establishment Medical Officer to Northern Nigeria, he ‘had the onerous responsibility of practising his profession during one of the most turbulent periods of the Protectorate’s history, from July 1900 to March 1904, during which time a large number of Punitive Expeditions were undertaken. Certain rebels, not content with the murder of Local Officials and Civilian Residents, or indeed mere robbery, pillage, smuggling, or slave-trading, had the disturbing habit of eating their prisoners, a pastime that on occasions might at least have lessened Dr. Chesnaye’s work load. So too the use of poisoned arrows, a wound from which normally resulted in death within a few agonising minutes, a grim fate that befell, among others, Major Marsh on the Sokoto-Burmi Expedition of 1903.’ Sold with copied medal rolls confirming all five clasps.
A superb ‘Logeast Wood’ D.C.M. group of seven awarded to Sergeant H. J. Trigg, Royal Marine Light Infantry, 1st R.M. Battalion, Royal Naval Division, when ‘he himself killed large numbers of the enemy with a Lewis gun’ Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (Ply-466(S) Sjt: H. J. Trigg, 1/R. Marines); 1914-15 Star (Ply. 466-S-, Pte. H. J. Trigg, R.M.L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (Ply. 466-S-. Pte. H. J. Trigg, R.M.L.I.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal 1939-45, mounted for display, light edge bruising and contact marks, therefore nearly very fine and rare (7) £4,000-£5,000 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 16 January, 1919: ‘On 21 August 1918 at Logeast Wood, during a heavy enemy counter-attack, when troops on his flank were forced to withdraw, he moved his platoon forward and attacked the advancing enemy with such resolution that the counter-attack was completely broken up. He himself killed large numbers of the enemy with a Lewis gun. Throughout the operations he displayed conspicuous gallantry and fine qualities of leadership.’ Herbert John Trigg was born in the Parish of Bampton, Oxford, on 23 October 1893, and enlisted for the Royal Marines at Liverpool on 7 October 1914. He served at Gallipoli from 25 April 1915 until 8 July 1915, when he was invalided to 17 General Hospital at Alexandria suffering from a septic foot. He was then attached to the Divisional Train at Sidi Bishr until readmitted to hospital with fever on 31 August, and again, with burns to his face, at Glymenpoule on 19 September. Invalided to England on 3 October 1915, he served with the B.E.F. in France from 27 May 1917, until again invalided on 27 August 1918, as a result of a bullet wound to his left elbow received in the action at Logeast Wood. He was finally discharged at Plymouth on 29 April 1919. In this single action during the Second Battle of the Somme, the Royal Marines were awarded one D.S.O. (Bar), five M.C.’s, four D.C.M.’s and seventeen M.M.’s. During the entire Great War there were only twenty-three D.C.M.’s to the Royal Marine Light Infantry. Sold with copied research including full record of service.
A rare Great War ‘Gallipoli Mining Operations’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Private Thomas Wilkinson, 4th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (1381 Pte. T. Wilkinson. 4/E. Lanc.: Regt.-T.F.); 1914-15 Star (1381 Pte. T. Wilkinson. E. Lan. R.); British War and Victory Medals (20014 Pte. T. Wilkinson, E. Lan. R.)medals unmounted, light contact marks, otherwise nearly very fine or better (4) £2,000-£2,400 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 16 November 1915: ‘For conspicuous bravery on the 14th September, 1915, on the Gallipoli Peninsula. During mining operations, Private Wilkinson remained at his post in a mine gallery where the enemy’s shaft was expected to break through. When they succeeded in doing so, he shot the first Turk who appeared, and then assisted a Non-Commissioned Officer to lay and fire the charge, so destroying the enemy’s gallery. This was done at great personal risk’. Thomas Wilkinson landed with the 4th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment (T.F.) at Cape Helles on the Gallipoli Peninsula on 9 May 1915, and went into the line to the south-west of Krithia. There followed a period of routine trench warfare before the Battalion took part in the battle of Krithia on 4 June, suffering 212 casualties in killed, wounded and missing. During 6-13 August the battalion took part in the battle of Krithia Vineyard, suffering further heavy casualties before being withdrawn to re-organize. Much like the Western Front, Gallipoli saw mining and counter-mining operations by both sides and the 42nd Division formed a Mining Company, to which Private Wilkinson volunteered, being granted extra pay for this duty. September 1915 was a particularly active month for mining operations, with the Turks exploding mines on the 3rd, 15th, 18th, 21st, 22nd and 29th, all opposite an area of trenches on the Division’s right known as the ‘Gridiron’. On the left, at Fusilier Bluff, the Mining Company successfully put out protective galleries which negated the Turkish miners. Wilkinson was awarded the D.C.M. for services during these mining operations, possibly the only Gallipoli D.C.M. award to the the 4th Battalion. The battalion was withdrawn to Mudros on 17 October, returning to the Peninsula on 2 November, landing at W Beach and taking up positions at Y Ravine. The battalion remained on the Peninsula until the evacuations on 29 December, when they embarked on the Princess Alberta. They went on to serve in Egypt and Palestine in 1916, taking part in the battle of Romani, before moving, along with the rest of the 42nd Division, to the Western Front in March 1916, where they served for the remainder of the war. Sold with brass shoulder title and copied research.
Jubilee 1897 Medal for Zulu Chiefs, 38mm, silver, the obverse featuring a veiled crowned profile of Queen Victoria facing left, the reverse inscribed ‘To commemorate the Sixtieth Year of the Reign of H.M. Queen Victoria 1897’, within a laurel wreath, with Royal Arms above and Star of India below, unnamed as issued, fitted with claw, small ring, and straight bar suspension, and fitted with riband for neck wear, minor edge bruising, good very fine, rare £200-£240 --- Natal colonial archives held in Pietermaritzburg state that about 200 of these medals were issued to Native Zulu Chiefs. Photographs of Zulu Chiefs wearing the medal exist, sometimes along with the King Edward VII Coronation Medal. It is believed that the recipient's name was written in ink on the suspension bar to facilitate an orderly distribution to the tribal regions. Sometimes the recipient scratched over the ink and the name has been thus preserved.
Coronation 1902, Natal issue, 51mm, silver, the obverse featuring the crowned bust of King Edward VII facing right, the reverse featuring the Royal Arms of Great Britain with supporters above, and wildebeests of Natal below, the base inscribed ‘Colony of Natal June 26th 1902’, pierced with claw suspension removed, edge bruising and contact marks, therefore fair to fine, rare £80-£100 --- The Coronation Medal awarded by the Colony of Natal was produced by Joseph & Sons, Port Elizabeth, and was issued in two sizes. The larger medal, 51mm, was awarded to around 200 Native Zulu Chiefs, and the smaller medal, 29mm, was more liberally awarded to local dignitaries.
A very rare Second War ‘Madagascar Operations’ D.C.M. group of five awarded to Corporal H. Lyle, Royal Scots Fusiliers, who stormed a Vichy machine-gun position in the night attack on Antsirane the day following the landings in May 1942 Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (3126021 Cpl. H. Lyle, R. S. Fus.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, the first with contact marks and edge bruise, and largely officially re-impressed naming, nearly very fine, the remainder good very fine (5) £1,800-£2,200 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 16 June 1942. The original recommendation states: ‘During the night attack on Antsirane on 6 May 1942, this N.C.O. was leading his section which was fired on from a Pill Box on the east side of the road. He showed conspicuous gallantry and disregard for danger in entering the Pill Box and capturing over a dozen prisoners.’ Henry Lyle was born in Catrine, Ayrshire, on 9 October 1907, and was one of just four men awarded the D.C.M. for the opening phase of Operation Ironclad, the landings in Vichy-held Madagascar in May 1942, which was first large scale amphibious assault carried out by the British since the Dardanelles campaign. On 5 May 1942, with supporting fire from the Royal Navy’s “Force H”, troops of the 13th, 17th and 29th Infantry Brigades - the latter including 1st Battalion, the Royal Scots - and No. 5 Commando, the whole designated “Force 121”, landed in Courrier Bay, some 12 miles from the main objective, the Vichy naval base at Diego Suarez (actually situated to the east of the town proper, at Antsirane). The initial landings proceded without much difficulty, but later in the day strong resistance was encountered, and plans were accordingly set in motion to storm the enemy by night - here, then, Lyle’s encounter with a Pill Box at Antsirane. By dawn, the assault had been accomplished, but at a cost of 105 killed and 283 wounded, versus Vichy losses of 150 killed and 500 wounded. Following these operations, and the withdrawal of 13th and 17th Infantry Brigades, Lyle and 29th Brigade remained in occupation, and, with the Vichy French Governor steadfastly refusing to surrender, it became necessary to launch further strikes at selected points along Madagascar’s coast - thus the Royal Scots participating in another amphibious landing at Majunga in September. The Regiment was finally withdrawn in mid-October, shortly before the final surrender of the Vichy forces. Sold with copied research.
A rare Second War ‘Norwegian Coast 1940’ C.G.M. group of six awarded to Able Seaman R. H. Wellard, Royal Navy, whose gallantry when H.M.S. Pelican was dive bombed by enemy Ju-88s and severely damaged undoubtedly saved many lives and possibly the ship itself Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, G.VI.R. (S.SX. 22441 R. H. Wellard. A.B. H.M.S. Pelican) officially impressed naming; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, E.II.R., 2nd issue (Ronal H. Wellard) mounted for display, light contact marks, otherwise good very fine (6) £8,000-£12,000 --- C.G.M. London Gazette 25 June 1940: ‘For courage and resource in operations on the Norwegian Coast.’:- Able Seaman Ronald Harry Wellard, C/SSX 22441, H.M.S. Pelican.’ He received his decoration at an investiture on 18 March 1941. In his official report dated 29 April 1940 (ADM 199/476) Commander Lennox Boswell, D.S.O., R.N., stated: ‘I wish particularly to mention the work of Able Seaman Ronald Wellard C/SSX.22441, who at considerable risk to himself, took a firehose down below the burning remains of “Y” gun and put out a fire in the flat below. Several live rounds of 4” ammunition were lying in the wreckage, which could only be approached over the wrecked open end of the ship, and was hidden by smoke and steam. The condition of “Y” magazine (directly below the fire) was unknown at the time.’ H.M.S. Pelican was attacked and dive bombed by enemy Junker 88 aircraft on 22 April 1940, and severely damaged. This ship and her crew suffered perhaps the most serious damage and casualties of any Royal Navy ship that survived and then returned, after repair, to war service. An official Norwegian war history even describes her as bombed, split in two and sunk. The official Admiralty Restricted Book of Reference 1886 (2) on “H.M. Ships Damaged or Sunk by Enemy Action 3rd Sept. 1939 to 2nd Sept. 1945” describes the damage: ‘(i) One Direct Hit 250 lbs. delay action fused Bomb (ii) Two Near Miss 250 lbs. direct action fused Bombs. Time out of action: 7 months. Brief Account of Damage and Lessons Learned: Pelican was attacked by aircraft whilst proceeding off the Norwegian coast. The direct hit burst on impact with the quarter deck and exploded a number of depth charges stowed in the rails. As a result of the explosion the whole of the ship abaft ‘X’ mounting was destroyed. The near miss bombs caused severe splinter damage over a large area. Pelican was flooded from the plummer block compartments aft. Fighting Efficiency: Severely impaired. The vessel was immobilised and unseaworthy in rough weather. Half the ships armament was out of action.’ Further details of the crippling damage and casualties can be found in Commander Boswell’s report: Damage Caused: 38. Four bombs were released simultaneously. One burst 100 feet Green from ‘X’ gun, splinters causing casualties to Upper Deck personnel from ‘B’ gun aft, and riddling the ship’s side. 39. Another bomb seems to have burst on the depth charges in one set of rails; there were 11 in one and 12 in the other touching side by side, besides the usual 8 standing by the throwers close by. All depth charges had primers inserted with pistols set to “safe”. 40. The explosion of the depth charges created a pressure wave, which disintegrated the ship abaft station 114, and worked forward until it met the strong structure of “Y” gun support and the gland space; here it seems to have blown away both sides and the bottom of the ship. Meanwhile the quarterdeck forward of station 114 was curled up over “Y” and “X” guns, the curl starting about station 95. The after bulkhead of the plummer block compartment was sound (station 94 below the Lower Deck), and the after bulkhead of the Ward Room (station 92 above the lower deck). There were no splinter marks visible on the turned up portion of the Quarter Deck. 41. Both propellor shafts were bent down, the starboard some 14 feet, and the port some 9 feet. He confirms that “one quarter of the ship’s company had been killed, and there were a large number of badly wounded”. After commending the admirable behaviour of the survivors, he specifically mentions the gallantry of Able Seaman Ronald Wellard, as already quoted above. Ronald Harry Wellard was born at Dover, Kent, on 30 August 1918. He volunteered for a 12 year period in the Royal Navy on 13 September 1937, joining H.M.S. Pembroke on that date and advancing to Able Seaman on 13 February 1939. He joined H.M.S. Pelican on 17 June 1939, and continued in her until 21 February 1941. After the end of the Second World War, on 10 November 1945, Able Seaman Ronald Wellard, C.G.M. was released under Class A and enrolled in the Royal Fleet Reserve in which he served until March 1954. He also served as a Special Constable and received the Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, and as a uniformed guard at a National Trust property in Kent. Sold with original photograph of Wellard holding his medals, original Certificate of Service and Gunnery History Sheet; together with copied research including full Admiralty report.
A rare 1914 ‘Bombardment of Scarborough’ Boy Scouts Association Gallantry Cross First Class in Bronze group of three awarded to Patrol Leader P. Robertshaw, 3rd Scarborough Troop, later Private, Royal Army Medical Corps British War and Victory Medals (101998 Pte. P. Robertshaw, R.A.M.C.); Boy Scouts Association Gallantry Cross, 1st Class, 1st issue, bronze, the reverse inscribed, ‘Percy Robertshaw, Scarboro., 16-12-14’, with ring suspension and integral top riband bar, in its original J. A. Wyllie, London, red leather case of issue, generally very fine or better (3) £1,000-£1,400 --- The Boy Scouts’ Headquarters Gazette of March 1915 confirms that Robertshaw received his Bronze Cross for stopping a runaway horse. He appears to have received his award, ‘the highest of the Association for gallantry’, in February 1915. Although not mentioned in the official citation, the date on the cross provides ample reason for any horse to gallop away in a panic. In the early morning of 16 December 1914 the German battlecruisers Derfflinger and Von der Tann emerged from the mist off Scarborough and bombarded the North Yorkshire seaside town, whilst the accompanying light cruiser Kolberg laid mines. Some 500 shells were fired at the castle barracks and town, killing 17, injuring 80 and causing damage to property and to British prestige (and upsetting at least one horse!). At the same time, the battlecruisers Seydlitz and Moltke and heavy cruiser Bluecher bombarded the port of Hartlepool; later still the seaside town of Whitby was shelled by the squadron.
Memorial Scroll (Ship’s Cook, George Douglas Bate Royal Canadian Navy) mounted on card, quite good condition, rare £80-£100 --- George Douglas Bate was born in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada in March 1895. He served as a Ship’s Cook in the Royal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve during the Great War. Bate served with H.M.C.S. Galiano, a government fisheries patrol vessel pressed into service with the Royal Canadian Navy in 1917. The latter was employed on patrol duties on the west coast of Canada, and was lost in a gale in Queen Charlotte Sound, 30 October 1918. Bate was amongst the 36 officers and men lost at sea, and is commemorated with them on the memorial at Ross Bay Cemetery, Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The Galiano was the only Canadian warship lost during the Great War.
Oman, Sultanate, Faithful Service Medal, gilt, for service in the Trucial Oman Scouts and the Abu Dhabi Defence Force, the obverse similar to the Trucial Oman Scouts Service Medal and bearing the Arabic inscription ‘Coast of Oman’, the reverse bearing a seven pointed star within which is the Arabic inscription ‘Faithful’, with Spink, London, suspension pin, nearly extremely fine and rare £140-£180 --- Spink and Son Ltd advised that in 1970 they manufactured 500 of these medals, though it is unclear as to whether they were ever awarded.
A German Second World War 1st type E-Boat Badge. A rare Kriegsmarine 1st type E-Boat Badge by Schwerin, Berlin, a good degree of gilding remaining to the wreath with slight toning, toning also to the hull and upper body of the boat itself, still with its uniform retaining hook behind the head of the eagle, its horizontal wide tapering pin, hook and hinge, Schwerin Berlin in raised relief just below the pin on the reverse side, good condition £1,000-£1,400
A County of Dublin Militia Officer’s Helmet Plate 1878-1881. An extremely fine and rare example in silver plate, crowned star pattern back plate with laurel overlays enclosing a pierced circular strap ‘County Dublin’, in the centre the Royal Crest on black velvet ground, with three loops, very good condition £400-£500
A Constabulary of Ireland Early 19th Century Shako Plate. An extremely rare early 19th Century bronze shako plate, multi rayed back plate and shamrock sprays an oval title strap ‘Constabulary of Ireland’, with two loop fasteners; together with an Officers small oval badge oval, gilt with shamrock wreath and Guethic Crown with title strap and silvered Harp to the centre, very good condition (2) £400-£500
A very fine and rare Waterloo Medal and ‘Salamanca operations’ Guelphic Medal pair awarded to Sergeant Henry Erdfelder, 2nd Regiment Light Dragoons, King’s German Legion Waterloo 1815 (Serj. Henry Erdfelder, 2nd Reg. Light Drag. K.G.L.) fitted with matching Guelphic Medal style silver bar suspension; Guelphic Medal for Bravery 1815 (*Heinr. Erdfelder. vorm Quartiermstr im Leib-Cuir. Regt.*) officially engraved naming, light contact marks, otherwise good very fine (2) £3,000-£4,000 --- Guelphic Medal, extract from Guelphic Archives No. 203 of 1819, attested by Captain A. Poten: ‘Serjeant Erdfelder, 2d Dragoons. On the 20th of July 1812, the third squadron of the second dragoons covered the retreat of the allied army from the Duero upon Salamanca; several Portuguese infantry soldiers were taken by the enemy, and Erdfelder begged for four men, in order that he might liberate them, which he effected with the greatest bravery’ (Ref History of the King’s German Legion, by North Ludlow Beamish, p511).
Amazing Rare Things by David Attenborough 2008 First Edition Softback Book with 223 pages published by Royal Collection Enterprises Ltd some ageing good condition. All lots sold on behalf of the Michael Sobell Cancer Charity. UK shipping from £4.99, 20kg box £14.99, Europe from £6.99, ROW at cost from £9.99.
JAMES BOND; a rare UK double hyphen crown poster for Diamonds are Forever (1971) from the original artwork by Robert McGuinnis, approx. 76 x 50cm.Additional InformationThe poster has been folded and rolled, there are numerous creases and marks, there is also staining and foxing to the reverse.
TWO PAIRS OF SECOND WORLD WAR BINOCULARS, comprising a rare pair of Carl Zeiss Jena Delturisem 717 12x30, in original leather case, together with a pair of British military Ross No.5 mk. II x7 1940 binoculars with broad arrow marks (Est. plus 21% premium inc. VAT)Surface grip texture gone on German binos, typical wear and tear to both. Zeiss leather case poor, missing bottom.
A RARE "TRUE BLUE" .32 RIMFIRE REVOLVER, the 2 1/2" barrel stamped with the name, fixed front sight, groove rear sight, side loading groove, five shot fluted cylinder, sheath trigger and two piece walnut grip, 7" overall (Illustrated) (Est. plus 21% premium inc. VAT)Generally good, action working correctly. Very mild pitting. Tiny loss to one grip tip.
A RARE JOHN REEVES & CO. .465 PERCUSSION WHITWORTH RIFLE, the 28" octagonal barrel with heavy top rib bearing incremental marks numbered 6 to 20 and engraved "WHITWORTH RIFLE", adjustable front sight, five rear leaf sights, action bearing maker's name, half cock slide safety, pistol grip, butt compartment, walnut half stock and horn foreend tip, 44" long, in fitted mahogany case, with brass fittings, flasks and tools, case 33 1/2" x 10" (Illustrated) (Est. plus 21% premium inc. VAT)Generally good condition. mild pitting to action. repaired split to barrel tang. crack to horn tip. Action holds strongly in half and full cock, then fires with strength.
A RARE & COLLECTIBLE MYSTERY-SET SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND FLOWER BROOCH, BY VAN CLEEF & ARPELS The realistically modelled flowerhead mystery-set throughout with calibré-cut sapphires, with a brilliant-cut diamond cluster to the centre, mounted in 18K gold, signed Van Cleef & Arpels, numbered, maker’s mark for VCA, French assay marks, length 4.8cmPatented in 1933, Van Cleef & Arpels celebrated ‘Serti Mystérieux’ or ‘Mystery Setting’ marked a serious advancement in jewellery making. Developed by the renowned jeweller Alfred Langlois, who had been creating work exclusively for the maison since the year prior, the technique which would soon become synonymous with fine jewellery craftmanship was simple in concept but complex in execution. Although other maisons such as Cartier and Chaumet had also investigated this technique in their respective workshops, it would Van Cleef & Arpels that would release this revolution in jewellery making to the world.The Mystery Setting “is a technique which allows the jeweller to model any form, any movement”. The setting is so called for the apparently invisible mounting of the stones, an effect which makes them almost look as though they are floating. The method involves setting precious stones independent of any visible claws or prongs, allowing the full richness of the stone to create a dazzling landscape of colour for the viewer without the intrusion of metals. However, achieving this effect requires great skill from the jeweller, of which only a few in the world hold the ability, and it can take months to produce just one piece of jewellery. First, the stones must be cut to size, creating even, small chips that will lay alongside each other in perfect symmetry. These small chips are then whittled even further to create a groove at their base. This groove then allows the stone to slot neatly into the lattice that will secure it in place. The lattice, or rail, which consists of tiny wires no more than 0.2mm thick, is then placed in the main structure of the piece, acting a keystone by locking the stones in position. Each stone must line up exactly with one another to remain set and avoid gaps to create the seamless look that catapulted Van Cleef & Arpels to the lofty position they hold in the jewellery world to this day.Once the technique was mastered, the maison moved quickly and the Mystery Setting would feature heavily in their output. Initially the setting could only be applied to flat surfaces, such as cigar boxes and beauty compacts, but in 1935 the highly coveted Boule ring would be released, a design consisting of a thick, convex dome studded with rubies and sapphires that still appears prominently in the maison’s contemporary collections. A flood of brooches, necklaces and bracelets would follow and with them, the attention of the era’s style icons, such as the Duchess of Windsor. The ‘Deux feuilles’, or two leaves, design in particular, lent itself well to capturing the depth of colour the Mystery Setting evokes.Other techniques would be developed from the Mystery Setting by Van Cleef & Arpels; the Navette Mystery Set, created in 2000, utilises marquise-cut stones to create a more 3D effect echoing the depth of a bird’s plumage and flower petals, while the Vitrail Mystery Set, created in 2012, also conceals the back of the mount and gives the stones a translucency that plays with light and reflection. Although rubies were initially preferred for the setting, the maison would gradually enter sapphires, emeralds (previously deemed too brittle), and diamonds into the roster, such as in the ‘Licorne’ brooch from their 2016 Noah’s Ark collection which featured sapphires, emeralds, diamonds and turquoise in the traditional Mystery Setting.The consistent appearance of the Mystery Setting speaks to its perfection as a method and in the resulting jewellery.Condition Report: Sapphires: Generally well matched and with good transparency, medium tone. Some with zoning at certain angles. One sapphire deficient, two sapphires next to the deficient sapphire loose with chip and would also need to be replaced.Diamonds bright and livelyFrench eagle’s head assay mark for 18K gold, dog’s head for platinum, maker’s mark for VCA, signed, numbered M39819Clip with good tension, one pin slightly misshapenGold with light wearTotal gross weight approx. 27.8g
A RARE DIAMOND TORQUE COLLAR, BY BOIVIN, CIRCA 1965The hinged circular collar leading to an oval bombé front set with old brilliant-cut diamonds, the clasp en suite, mounted in 18K gold, French assay mark, maker’s mark for Cristofol, diamonds very approximately 5.50cts total, inner diameter 11cm, inner circumference approx. 35cmFound in 1830, the workshop Cristofol worked for René Boivin, Cartier, JAR, Fred, M. Gérard, Marchak amongst others.Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Jean-Norbert Salit, stating that the piece is a work of René Boivin from 1965. Signed and dated 7 February 2022 It is ironic that René Boivin is a name well known in the jewellery world, as his life is relatively unknown. It is also interesting to note that René Boivin did not always craft the pieces that bear his name.Boivin was born in Paris in 1864. He began his career in jewellery at a young age and, by the time he died in 1917, had become a highly skilled designer and engraver, leaving behind him a legacy of excellence in jewellery.During the 1890s, he purchased several workshops, establishing himself at rue St. Anastase, then relocating in 1893 to Rue de Turbigo. He married Jeanne Poiret, the first woman jeweller of the 20th century (sister of the famous couturier, Paul Poiret) and together they created some of the most exciting and bold fashions of the early 1900s.In the early 20th century Japanese art and antiques were very much en vogue and, as Boivin had a passion for antiques, it is no surprise that this trend influenced his own jewellery designs. His skill as a goldsmith can be appreciated from beautifully finished pieces and his interest in animals and nature inferred through jewellery themes.After René’s death, Jeanne assumed control of the business and moved to avenue de I’Opera with Juliette Moutard and her daughter Germaine Boivin. They worked together for forty years, joined by Suzanne Belperron between 1921 and 1932. After Jeanne’s death in 1959 the house was taken over by Louis Girard and in April 1991 the company became part of Aspery Group, with the main office and store located on avenue Montaigne.Condition Report: Diamonds: Bright and lively, mostly VS2-SI clarity - cannot be accurately graded for colour due to yellow metal setting French assay mark to tongue and maker’s mark for Cristofol to collar near clasp Clasp secureNormal signs of wear, overall in good conditionTotal gross weight approx. 46.6g* Found in 1830, the workshop Cristofol worked for René Boivin, Cartier, JAR, Fred, M. Gérard, Marchak amongst others.** Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Jean-Norbert Salit, stating that the piece is a work of René Boivin from 1965. Signed and dated 7 February 2022
Rolex. A rare 18K gold quartz calendar bracelet watchModel: 'Texan' Beta 21Reference: 5100, No.416Date: Circa 1970Movement: 13-jewel Beta 21 quartz, No.7132Dial: Champagne, applied gilt baton hour markers, black 1/5th second divisions, magnified date aperture at 3, gilt baton hands with luminous inserts, centre seconds Case: Brushed tonneau form, back secured by sliding bars, fluted bezelStrap/Bracelet: Fitted brushed linkBuckle/Clasp: Signed 18K gold folding claspSigned: Case, dial & movementSize: 40mmFootnotes:The Beta-21 was developed by the Centre Electronique Horloger formed by Omega together with approximately 20 other Swiss watch companies including Piaget, Rolex and Patek Philippe in 1969. The Beta-21 movement was accurate to 5 seconds per month, which was superior to any other automatic and manual wind watch at the time. In 1970 Rolex released the reference 5100, housing the Beta-21 in a 40mm solid gold case. Whilst Rolex never confirmed production numbers it is rumoured that only 1000 pieces were made, with 900 in yellow gold and 100 in white gold.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Rolex. A rare stainless steel automatic calendar bracelet watchModel: Double Red Sea-DwellerReference: 1665Date: Purchased 8th August 1974Movement: 26-jewel Cal.1570 automatic, adjusted to 5 positions, No.D000762Dial: Black, luminous dot hour markers, baton quarters, white outer minute divisions, date aperture at 3, polished Mercedes hands with luminous inserts, centre secondsCase: Brushed and polished tonneau form, screw down back and shouldered crown, inside back stamped I.72, calibrated bezel, No.6066281Strap/Bracelet: Brushed and polished 93150 Oyster link, 580 end linksBuckle/Clasp: Signed folding clasp, stamped VCSigned: Case, dial & movementSize: 40mm Accompaniments: Rolex box, punched Guarantee Certificate Footnotes:The Rolex Sea-Dweller was first launched in the 1960's having been specially developed for deep-sea divers. Saturation divers who had previously been issued with Rolex Submariners found that during decompression, the pressure inside the watch would force its way out through the weakest point which usually resulted in the loss of the plexiglass. In response to this, Rolex developed the Sea-Dweller. With a helium escape valve on the side, a greater depth rating of 610 meters and the removal of the cyclops from the crystal, the Sea-Dweller is a true tool watch and has been favoured by professional divers ever since its introduction.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Omega. An early and rare stainless steel manual wind rectangular wristwatchModel: MarineReference: CK3637Date: Circa 1941Movement: 15-jewel manual wind, No.9432155Dial: Dark grey, luminous Arabic numeral hour markers, white outer minute track with 5 minute markers, subsidiary seconds at 6, polished dagger hands with luminous insertsCase: Brushed and polished rectangular, snap on back with unusual case back latches, No.9902555Strap/Bracelet: Associated brown leatherBuckle/Clasp: Associated steel buckleSigned: Case, dial & movementSize: 23mm x 29mmFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A scarce Victorian novelty silver and parcel-gilt mustard Richards & Brown, London 1867, modelled as a chimpanzee sitting cross-legged wearing an Oriental jacket and smoking a pipe, with spectacles and holding a beaker, allover matted ground and engraved scroll and floral decoration, the hinged cover formed as a hat and spoon finial as the central plume, silver-gilt liner to interior, engraved to underside W.B.E and Victorian registration mark for 26 February (indistinct year, possibly 1842)Dimensions:Height: 10cm, weight: 5ozNote: Literature:A set of three is illustrated in 'The Colman Collection of silver mustard pots', published by Colman Foods, Norwich 1979, page 90.The dust jacket cover of Culme, 'The Directory of Goldsmiths & Silversmiths, Jewellers & Allied Traders 1838-1914' Antique Collector's Club Ltd, London, 1987, features the mustard as part of three condiments Note:Lavishly adorned tables were a highlight of Victorian dining, with comports overflowing with bon-bons, floral displays and all the necessary accoutrements considered a necessity the fashionable table. Condiment sets were also a vital element, and these were often in novelty forms, and inspired from the far reaches of the British Empire.This mustard pot originally would have been accompanied by two other condiment pieces as illustrated on the cover of the dust jacket for ‘The Directory of Gold & Silversmiths. Jewellers & Allied Traders 1838-1914’ by J. Culme. Another example also forms part of the mustard manufacturer Colman’s archival collection and is found referenced in their publication, 'The Colman Collection of silver mustard pots', published by Colman Foods, Norwich 1979, page 90.In 1866 Colman’s was granted the Royal Warrant as manufacturers of mustard to Queen Victoria, and only a year later, this mustard was assayed in 1867 by Richards & Brown. George J. Richards had entered in partnership with Edward Charles Brown in 1857 registering a conjoined mark on 13 July 1857. Richards’ father William had also been a silversmith and Brown had been apprenticed to George J. Richards.It is also important to add that George J. Richards retired in 1867 (the year the mustard was assayed, and therefore perhaps one of the last pieces he oversaw) but Edward Charles Brown continued trading as Richards & Brown.A delightful piece, this mustard designed as a chimpanzee with Oriental clothing and plume hat spoon, shows the care and attention needed for a Victorian dinner party.It is rare to find auction results for similar piece, particularly with the gilt decoration. Christie’s, offered a set of three in their Important French Furniture from a Private Collection sale in New York on the 6th June 2013, lot 34 which achieved $12,500 (Buyer's Premium included) but without the gilt detail. Bonham’s Fine Silver and Objects of Vertu sale on the 2nd July 2008, lot 214 which achieved £25,200 (Buyer's Premium included) was the set of three and each also had the gilded detail.
A rare Doulton Ware ewer, 1876, decorated by Emily J Edwards with a band of scrolling leaves between formal borders with beaded divisions, 21cm h, oval impressed mark, incised artist's monogram and a Chinese celadon ground Canton famille rose plate, plate 19th / early 20th c (2) Ewer - small chip inside lip. Plate - rim chipped
A rare Birmingham enamel 'combat' snuff box c.1765, of shaped rectangular form, the top moulded with a cavalier spaniel pinning down a cat while in playful assault with a larger tabby cat, the dog's collar inscribed 'Mr RC', the rectangular cover decorated with Venus on the back of a dolphin, being attended by Cupid, within a yellow and puce scrolled cartouche, a little good restoration, 8cm. Provenance: the Hon. Mrs Nellie Ionides Collection, Sotheby's, 27th May 1963, lot 126; the property of a lady, Christie's, 18th October 1983, lot 88; Nancy J. McLarty, Sotheby's, 5th June 2001.
A rare figure of Winter from the Standing Rustic Seasons c.1760, modelled as an old man warming his hands before a flaming brazier resting on a branch, wearing a large coat over a flowered waistcoat and a striped neckerchief, raised on a scrolled footed base picked out in puce, turquoise and gilt, a little good restoration, 23cm. Provenance: the Michael Fontes Collection.
A rare pair of Bow Commedia dell'Arte figures of Harlequin and Columbine dancing c.1765-70, each dressed in colourful costume and stepping with one foot off the tall pierced bases, Harlequin with a mask suspended from his sash and holding a hat in his left hand, red and gold anchor and dagger marks, some repairs, 18cm. (2) Provenance: the Michael Fontes Collection. Cf. Peter Bradshaw, Bow Porcelain Figures, p.189, pl.194 for the combined figure group.
A rare Worcester Scolopendrium bowl c.1772-75, moulded with large spiralled scolopendrium leaves amidst small painted floral sprigs, and a small Worcester vase probably later-decorated with panels of birds reserved on an apple green ground, minor faults, 15.1cm max. (2) The design of the bowl is a direct copy of wares produced well over a decade earlier at Chelsea.
A rare Chelsea dessert plate c.1752-58, richly decorated in the Imari palette with the Brocade pattern, with sprays of flowering chrysanthemum to the well, the cavetto and rim with a wide panelled border of prunus sprays and hatched designs beneath floating chrysanthemum mons, the underside of the rim with further flower sprays, 23.3cm. Paper label for the Frank Arnold Collection, no.E628.
A rare Lowestoft blue and white birth tablet dated 1790, the circular form inscribed to one side for 'Maryann Lifin born November 4 1790', the reverse painted with a dove holding a leafy twig in its beak, perched on a low branch, pierced with a small suspension hole, 7.7cm across. Provenance: a private collection in East Anglia. Formerly the Colman Collection. Sold Sotheby's, 20th April 1948, lot 72. The Liffin family were connected to the Lowestoft factory through Mary Redgrave (junior), an artist at the factory who married John Liffin in 1785 and died in May 1795 at the age of 33. Mary's death is commemorated on the reverse of another birth tablet for Martha Liffin, born August 17 1794. Baptism records at St Margaret's Church show a Mary Ann Liffin baptised on 7th November 1790 as the daughter of John Liffin and Mary Redgrave. Her sister, Martha, is baptised on 18th August 1794. Mary Liffin never married and when Martha was widowed in 1841 she went to live with Mary where she remained until the latter's death in October 1861 at the age of 70. Mary is buried at the north side of St Margaret's churchyard.
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