We found 63909 price guide item(s) matching your search

Roman Imperial Coinage, Hadrian (117-138), Denarius, c. 136, laureate bust right, rev. Moneta standing left, holding scales and cornucopiæ, 3.51g (RIC 2223; RSC 966). Very fine or better £80-£100 --- Provenance: Bt C.J. Martin October 1997

A set of cast iron and brass kitchen scales by Scotts of Stow - with a set of seven Imperial brass weights (1lb to ¼oz) and a set of nine metric brass weights in a wooden stand.

A Brecknell grocers shop scales

Breitling. A rare and unusual stainless steel manual wind chronograph with 24-hour dialModel: Top TimeReference: 824Date: Circa 1969Movement: 17-jewel Venus Cal.178 manual wind, column wheel chronographDial: Black, luminous 24 hour Arabic numerals, silvered outer 1/5th second divisions, outer tachymetre scales, silvered subsidiary dials at 3, 6 and 9 for seconds, 30 minute and 12 hour recording, white pointed baton hands with luminous inserts, red centre chronograph handCase: Polished round, snap on back, crown flanked by twin chronograph pushers, No.1277673Strap/Bracelet: Associated white racing leatherBuckle/Clasp: Associated steel buckleSigned: Case, dial & movementSize: 38mmFootnotes:Breitling created the reference 824 Top Time as a watch to fill the needs of people using primarily 24 hour units for time. These dials take a little getting used to as 12 midday with a casual glance would read 6 o'clock on a conventional watch.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

dating: Mid 19th Century provenance: Belgium, Round, turn-off, smoothbore, 12 mm cal barrel (small damaged parts), marked '125' and 'AF' under crown at the base. Iron, box-lock type frame engraved with floral motifs. Foldaway trigger. Wooden butt finely worked with scales, the front part carved with flower motifs. In a wooden case lined with red velvet and complete with all its tools and the powder flask. Provided with the lock key. length 16.5 cm.

dating: 1858 - 1867 provenance: USA, Rifled, cylindrical, 4', 36 cal. barrel (bore needs cleaning, visible rifling), with the dorsal mark 'DICTATOR'. Five-shot cylinder with working mechanism. The surface engraved with medallions featuring animals and other decorations. Iron frame. Some pitting. Serial number '48xx' on the barrel and the grip. Walnut grip scales. Bacon's Pocket Model revolvers were also produced by various other companies, and sometimes (as in our case) were unmarked. Hopkins & Allen acquired Bacon Mfg. around 1868-1869 and briefly continued the production of muzzle-loading revolvers. See 'Hopkins & Allen Revolvers & Pistols' by C.E. Carder, pages 1-6. Also refer to Flayderman's Guide, 9th Edition, pages 353-354. length 23 cm.

dating: 1860 - 1867 provenance: USA, Octagonal, 3-1/2', rifled, 28 cal. (visible rifling, bore needs cleaning), with brass, conical foresight, marked 'E. WHITNEY / N. HAVEN'. Six-shot cylinder with remains of engraving. Working mechanism, but the rotation of the cylinder not perfectly working. Iron frame with spur trigger. Barrel and frame with serial number '14xx'. Walnut grip scales. Not common. Revolver probably produced in less than 2000 specimens. See Flayderman's Guide, 9th Edition, p. 297. 5J-113. length 19 cm.

dating: third quarter of the 19th Century provenance: USA, Round, rifled, 28 cal. barrel with foresight; engraved, six-shot cylinder, the grip-strap marked 'MASS. ARMS CO/CHICOPEE FALLS', the frame engraved with floral motifs and marked 'MAYNARD'S PATENT SEP. 22 1845'; the right side can be opened to put the cartridge; wooden grip scales. Kept in its wooden case with burgundy velvet covering, complete with tools. Rare. length 16.5

dating: First half of the 19th Century provenance: Ottoman Empire, Single-edged, curved, flat blade made of fine damask. On the right side two cartouches with gold-inlaid inscriptions in Arabic. Interesting and rare copper hilt, cross-shaped quillon finely engraved with floral motifs and with remains of engravings, the side frame decorated en suite. Angled pommel made of beautiful dark patina as well as the quillon. Leather-covered grip scales partially decorated with curls in bas-relief on a gilded background. length 92.5 cm.

dating: about 1880 provenance: USA, Two, octagonal, over-and-under barrels marked 'WESSON WORCESTER MASS PT. DEC. 15/68', bronze frame with remains of nickelling and serial number '14xx', spur trigger. Wooden grip scales. Production: less than 3000 examples. Rare. length 10 cm.

dating: 19th Century provenance: Turkey, Flat, curved, single-edged blade made of damask, on the right side a short, silver-inlaid inscription in Arabic on a dark background. Brass hilt with remains of silver plating decorated with floral motifs in low-relief. Horn grip scales with angled pommel decorated with two threads tassels and sequins. Leather-covered wooden scabbard with mounts worked en suite. Three suspension rings. length 91 cm.

dating: Second half of the 19th Century provenance: Papal States, Black leather skull with gilded mounts, front decoration with papal tiara, inscription 'Pio IX' and silver-plated lunette with number 7. Chin-strap with scales and metal cockade in two gold and silver parts. With brass disc inside featuring the manufacturer's name engraved in italics: 'G. Negroni fece Bologna'. The visors made of green Moroccan leather inside, red sweat-band with red silk cap. Small remains of use. height 30 cm.

dating: Third quarter of the 19th Century provenance: England, Smoothbore, octagonal barrel, provided with foresight and rear sight, 10 mm cal. at the nozzle. Five-shot cylinder with remains of engraved racemes. Working mechanism. Percussion on the back. Ring trigger. Frame engraved en suite with the cylinder. Wooden grip scales. length 31,5 cm.

dating: late 18th Century provenance: Syria, Straight, single-edged blade made of fine Wootz damask, with double fuller at the back. On one side of the tang the inscription 'La hawla wa la quwwata illa Billah al layul azim' (There is no power and no strength except with Allah). On the other side, a cartouche with a stylised lion, typical of Assad Allah's production, all amidst gold-inlaid decorations and frames. Typical guard, probably made of damask, also with gold frames, pistol grip with camel bone grip scales. Minor damage. A fine sword of Zand period.Provenance: together with lots no. 213, 248-255, they comprise the armament of a Syrian Bey, gifted to an Italian diplomat in the early years of the last century. length 94 cm.

dating: Mid 19th Century provenance: Belgium, Smoothbore, brass, 11 mm cal. barrel, moulded nozzle with the mark of the Liège test bench. Brass, boxlock-type frame. Iron cock, trigger and trigger guard. Checkered, wooden grip scales carved with palmette. Working mechanism. length 19 cm.

dating: about 1870 provenance: Papal States, Round, rifled, 9 mm cal. barrel, provided with rear sight and foresight. Smooth, six-shot cylinder with serial number '22xx'. Iron frame with the same serial number, provided with a loading gate on the left side. Grip with checkered wooden grip scales and suspension ring. This rare revolver was made in Rome, for the Papal Gendarmerie, by the Mazzocchi company, based on the Belgian patent 'Chamelot et Delvigne'. length 20.5 cm.

dating: about 1870 provenance: Belgium, Smoothbore, round, 9 mm cal. barrel; grooved, six-shot cylinder engraved with rocaille and floral motifs, mark of the Liège test bench. Smooth frame decorated en suite. Loading gate and foldaway trigger. Wooden grip scales, on the butt the ramrod. Working mechanism. length 26.5 cm.

dating: 1840 circa provenance: Scotland, Smoothbore, three-stage, 12 mm cal. barrel, the first part with eleven partially engraved sides, after a rounded and engraved floral motif segment and then with eleven, smooth bands; forward spring locks signed 'CAMPBELL' and engraved with floral motifs; silver stocks finely engraved with a cardoon between floral and interlaced bands. The grip scales on the right side with silver shield featuring a cross on a glove in bas-relief. Ball-shaped triggers and iron belt hooks. White metal-tipped iron ramrods. length 26 cm.

dating: First half of the 20th Century provenance: USA, Long, straight, single-and short false-edged blade, deep groove at the back, tang. Crossbar with ring marked 'WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO.'. Grip with wooden grip scales, working spring. Browned iron scabbard with leather belt frog. length 52 cm.

dating: about 1870 provenance: Papal States, Round, rifled, 9 mm cal. barrel, with sight and foresight. Smooth, six-shot cylinder, numbered '23xx'; iron frame marked 'en suite', with loading gate on the left side. Grip with checkered wooden grip scales and suspension ring. This rare revolver was made in Rome, for the Papal Gendarmerie, by the Mazzocchi company, based on the Belgian 'Chamelot et Delvigne' patent. length 21 cm.

dating: Circa 1855 - 1859 provenance: USA, Rifled, octagonal, 34 cal. barrel (bore needs cleaning, visible rifling), with brass, cusped foresight. Serial number matching the frame on the barrel and the cartridge rammer. Cylinder numbered en suite, marked on the back 'PETTENGILLS PATENT 1856' and remains of the Raymond & Robitaille patent on the underside. Working mechanism, but it needs revision. Serial number '7xx'. Walnut grip scales. Only about 650 specimens were produced in this version (total production about 900), see Flaydermans' Guide, 9th Edition, p. 367. 7A-078. length 26 cm.

dating: about 1885 provenance: USA, Rifled, round barrel (clean bore, visible rifling), with address and marking 'COLT D. A. 38',with foresight; grooved, six-shot cylinder, frame with patents from 1871-1875, working mechanism; checkered wooden grip scales (small defects, sign of use); serial number '161xxx'. Complete with its antique holster with belt. length 28 cm.

dating: circa 1900 provenance: Prussia, Body covered in possum fur, missing peak, with silver skull under bandeau 'MIT GOTT FÜR KÖNIG UND VATERLAND'. Complete with the reich's cockade, chin-strap consisting of convex scales, silver-threads cord with black piping, silver-threads feldzeichen and heron feather plume. Leather sweat-band inside. Very rare. height 15 cm.

dating: 1860 - 1873 provenance: USA, Octagonal, rifled, 31 cal. barrel, (some signs of use, visible rifling), with conical foresight, a standard two-line mark. Smooth, five-shot cylinder, with remains of percussions. Smooth frame, large silver metal trigger guard. Inside, serial number '8xx', barrel with missing central number. Checkered, hard-rubber grip scales, one with matching numbering. Some pitting. Working mechanism. Rare. 2000 examples produced. The first with conical foresight (see also the low serial number). See 'Flayderman's Guide' 9th Edition, pp. 160-161 5E-004. length 17,1 cm.

dating: Mid 19th Century provenance: Turkey, Curved, flat, single-edged blade made of damask. Silver hilt with cross-shaped helmet and horn grip scales (defects and small missing parts). Wooden scabbard covered with leather stitched in wire. Silver mounts engraved with floral motifs. Two suspension rings. Mounts in yellow patina, need cleaning. length 90 cm.

dating: First half of the 20th Century provenance: France, Brass-coloured metal skull, with white metal mounts. Black horsehair crest and end (missing parts). Leather chin-strap armoured with metal scales and with large trunnions worked as a lion's head. Interior with signs of use and time. Black leather cap. Third Republic period. height circa 24 cm.

dating: Late 19th Century provenance: Kingdom of Italy, Semi-rigid skull covered with black fur (Phoca vitulina, with very small missing parts), a light and easily fixable deformation, probably due to crushing. Silver mounts. Beautiful gilded crest, and a gilded star on the front badge bearing the crowned monogram 'U'. Four air-holes in the upper part of the skull. Chin-straps lined in velvet and covered with silver scales (one scale detached, but still present). Left cheek-piece with fabric rosette.With well-preserved sweat-band inside, bordered with gold impression; purple silk cap (signs of use and time, fraying) with paper label. Complete with its original case featuring lid hinges (detached but present). Very rare. height 25,5 cm.

dating: 1861 - 1862 provenance: USA, Rifled, round, 7-1/2',,44 cal. barrel, (some pitting inside, visible rifling), with octagonal base marked 'A... ELOCK WORCHESTER MASS U / ...LEN'S PT'S JAn. 16 DEC. 15 1857 SEPT. 7.' on the side (the inscription is partly unreadable), low, brass front sight. Smooth, six-shot cylinder. Working mechanism. Trigger guard with cartridge rammer lever, remains of browning. Some pitting. Wooden grip scales, inside the grip the serial number '2xx'. Rare. Probably produced in around 700 units. Although there is no documentation of military contracts, a notable quantity of this model were inside government inventories. Second Model: featuring a second-type cylinder (with external nipples), first-type mechanism, and frame screw threaded from the right. Refer to 'Ethan Allen and Allen & Wheelock' by Paul Henry, published by Mowbray Publishing in 2006, pages 101-112. length 33,5 cm.

dating: Second half of the 19th Century provenance: Grand Duchy of Tuscany, Black leather skull with gilded mounts. Front badge with crown, with embossed inscription 'Leopoldo II', silver-plated copper lunette. Chin-strap with scales and with round cheek-piece, tricolour metal cockade. Spike with black horsehair (full dress). The visors are green inside, brown sweat-band consisting of segments. height 35 cm.

dating: about 1880 provenance: USA, Round, 5-1/2' 38 cal. barrel, with a two-line mark 'HOPKINS & ALLENG MFG. CO. NORWICH CONN. USA PAT. JAN 24 / APR. 21 DEC. 15.74. AUG. 3.75. JULY 11. 76 APR. 17.77. PAT'S MAR. 6.77'. Bore with slight pitting but generally well preserved. Five-shot cylinder. Well working mechanism. Cock probably restored. Frame with single screw side plate and mark 'MERWIN HULBERT & Co. NEW YORK USA'. Checkered, bakelite grip scales. Grip shaped as a bird's beak. Finely preserving the 80% of old nickeling. Interesting. See 'The Story of Merwin Hulbert & Co. Firearms' by Art Phelps (first edition 1991) Taylor Publishing, Dallas Texas. On page 52 there is a photograph of a model which is identical to ours, described as a rare model with a 5-1/2', 38 cal. barrel, grip shaped as a bird's beak, and single screw side plate. According to the author, only one example of this single-action model is known. length 26.5 cm.

dating: 1858 - 1861 provenance: USA, Octagonal, rifled, 6', 32 cal. barrel (bore needs cleaning, visible rifling), with semi-circular, white metal front sight, with a clearly visible standard mark of the second type on the left side, with patents up to 1858. Smooth, five-shot cylinder, with fairly well-preserved remains of engraving depicting wild animals in a wood. Working mechanism. Trigger guard with cartridge rammer lever, with remains of browning. Some pitting, a small hole on the frame, on the right side. Serial number '8xx'. Walnut grip scales with matching numbering inside. length 27,5 cm.

dating: 1875-1890 provenance: Swiss, Rifled, octagonal, 8 mm cal. barrel, with Helvetic cross and serial number 'P 167xx', with foresight. Grooved, six-shot cylinder. Various marks with Helvetic cross and matching serial number on the barrel and cylinder. Working mechanism but it needs oiling. Checkered grip scales with Helvetic cross. Ring for the strap. Complete with its leather holster with strap, marked 'ERNST GFEHRIG 36 GRÜNENMATT' at the rear side. length 26 cm.

dating: about 1870 provenance: Belgium, Rifled, octagonal, 7 mm cal. barrel, with brass foresights; smooth, six-shot cylinder, engraved with floral motifs and with mark of the Liège test bench. Frame decorated en suite. Extractor, loading gate and foldaway trigger. Saw-butt with ebony grip scales. Working mechanism. length 26 cm.

dating: 1865 - 1873 provenance: USA, 4-1/2', rifled, octagonal, 36 cal. barrel (bore with signs of use, visible rifling, slight flaring at the nozzle), with semi-circular foresight, featuring a three-line mark on the back, only with patent of 1858, and 'NEW MODEL' inscription (slightly faded). Five-shot cylinder. Working mechanism. Brass trigger guard. Some signs of use and time, very slight pitting, perhaps some traces of antique finishing. Serial number '18xxx' (or 13xxx, not clearly legible) on the barrel and the grip. Walnut grip scales. length 24,5 cm.

dating: 1850/60 provenance: USA, 7-1/2', octagonal, 36 cal. barrel, with brass, conical foresight, with remains of a two-line mark 'E. WHITNEY / NEW HAVEN' on the back and the inscription 'US', anchor-shaped (repainted in silver?) mark at the base. Clean bore, visible rifling, some signs of use inside. Cartridge rammer numbered '19xxx'. Six-shot cylinder without anchor-shaped mark and other marks. Working mechanism. Iron frame with brass trigger guard. Smooth, wooden grip scales. The Whitney Navy was a very popular weapon during the Civil War and much of its production was used during the war. The Navy purchased approximately 4300 specimens. See Flayderman's Guide, 9th Edition, pp. 295-296. length 32,7 cm.

dating: Third quarter of the 19th Century provenance: Kingdom of Italy, Rifled, cylindrical, 11 mm cal. barrel (bore with light pitting, clearly visible rifling), with foresight. Smooth, six-shot cylinder. Smooth frame with marks 'G. GLISENTI BRESCIA', 'ACCIAJO FUSO' and 'GG'. Loading gate and extractor. Wooden grip scales. Faceted butt-plate with ring for the strap. Serial number '13xx'. Working mechanism. Revolvers of this type produced by Lefaucheux were purchased privately by Italian officers. Later, the Glisenti company of Brescia began to produce its own version. See the relevant file (pp. 90-93) in L. Salvatici 'Pistole Militari Italiane', Ed. Olimpia. length 30 cm.

dating: Mid 19th Century provenance: Russian Empire, Leather skull of elongated form (a bump on one side, signs of use and time), with sewn brim and nape-guard. The top with a long flame-shaped metal cusp mounted on a cross-shaped base. Front grenade badge with triple flames and with carved regimental number '7'. Leather chin-straps with white metal scales. With leather cockade featuring the colours of the Order of St. George on the right side.With sweat-band inside and white cloth cap (later?). Crimean War period, 1853 -1856. height 36 cm.

dating: 1941 provenance: Russia, Curved, single-and-false-edged blade with wide central fuller, tang with date '1941', with mark. Grip with wooden yatagan grip scales and brass ring nut, cap with 'CCCP' monogram and Soviet emblem. Leather-covered wooden scabbard (missing parts and minor defects) with brass mounts and iron bayonet. length 94.5 cm.

dating: 1850/60 provenance: USA, Octagonal, rifled, 4', 31 cal. barrel (signs of use inside, visible rifling), with a two-line mark 'E. WHITNEY / N. HAVEN' on the back, missing foresight. Smooth, five-shot cylinder. Working mechanism. Iron frame with brass trigger guard. Barrel, cartridge rammer and grip scales with matching serial numbers. Second Model, in this variant produced in 8000 specimens. See Flayderman's guide, 9th Edition, pp. 296-297. length 22 cm.

dating: about 1870 provenance: Belgium, Octagonal, rifled, 7 mm cal. barrel, the base engraved with floral motifs, with foresight. Grip-strap engraved with 'THE PROTECTOR' and patent date 'DEC.bre 1885'. Grooved, six-shot cylinder engraved with marks including the Liegi test bench. Frame fully engraved with floral motifs, 'SECURITY PATENT' mark and another mark. Loading gate, extractor and folding trigger. Checkered, wooden grip scales. Suspension ring. Complete with its leather holster with coat of arms and brass mounts. The mechanism needs revision. length 25 cm.

dating: 1863 - 1873 provenance: USA, 6-1/2', rifled, octagonal, 36 cal. barrel (bore with slight signs of use, visible rifling), with semi-circular foresight, on the back a second type, three-line mark with 'NEW MODEL'. Six-shot cylinder. Working mechanism. Brass trigger guard. Some signs of use and time, especially to the cylinder and the hammer. Serial number '47xx' on the barrel (not clearly visible, but probably contemporary) and the grip. Remains of finishing (antique?). Walnut grip scales. length 30 cm.

dating: Third quarter of the 19th Century provenance: London, Rifled, octagonal, 36 cal. barrel (some signs of use inside, visible rifling), provided with low foresight enlarged at the base, marking 'ADDRESS COL. SAM.L COLT NEW YORK U.S. AMERICA', marked on the left side with marks of the London test bench. Six-shot cylinder, patent-marked and with British marks. Frame marked 'COLTS PATENT'. Working mechanism. Thin, rounded trigger guard and brass grip, wooden grip scales, the left one with British military control mark. Serial number '180xxx' matching on the barrel, frame, grip bands, cartridge rammer and cylinder. Interesting and rare gun produced in the USA but with marks of the London test bench and British stamp, maybe military. length 34.5 cm.

dating: 1860-70 provenance: France, Rifled, cylindrical, 11 mm cal. barrel (visible rifling, various pitting) with rear sight and foresight. Six-shot cylinder. Mechanism needs revision. Without marks. Wooden grip scales. Missing ring for the strap. Various pitting. Many Raphael revolvers were purchased by the federal government during the American Civil War. length 26 cm.

dating: about 1880 provenance: USA, Round, rifled barrel, with foresight, with the company's mark in two lines. 41 cal. Grooved, five-shot cylinder, remains of marks (London bench?). The cylinder rotation needs revision. Frame with Colt's mark. Nickel finish, probably later. Checkered, hard-rubber grip scales, with inscription 'COLT' in relief. Spur trigger. length 18.5 cm.

dating: circa 1859 - 1860 provenance: USA, 4', octagonal, 31 cal. barrel (some signs of use inside, visible rifling), with white metal conical foresight, mark 'BEALS' PATENT 1856 & 57. & 58. / MANUFACTURED BY REMINGTONS' ILION. N.Y.'. Five-shot cylinder. Working mechanism. Frame with spur trigger. Remains of bluing probably antique. Serial number '153' inside the grip and faintly visible traces of numbering on the barrel. Walnut grip scales. Model produced in only about 1000 examples. See Flayderman's Guide, 9th Edition, p. 160 5E-003. length 20,5 cm.

dating: Third quarter of the 19th Century provenance: USA, Octagonal, rifled, 36 cal. barrel, provided with foresight; smooth, six-shot cylinder with remains of antique browning, frame marked in the upper part with manufacturer's inscription and with patents of 1856, 1859 and 1860; grip with smooth, walnut grip scales (some pitting on the bottom); big trigger guard provided with trigger and ring-shaped loading lever. Working mechanism. length 38 cm.

dating: about 1880 provenance: Paris, Round, rifled, 11 mm cal. barrel, with foresight. Smooth, six-shot cylinder, smooth frame marked 'PERRIN & C.ie B.te' and 'Paris'; wooden grip scales. length 31.3 cm.

dating: Third quarter of the 19th Century provenance: USA, Rifled, octagonal, 22 cal. barrel with address and patents ' ALLEN & WHEELOCK. WORCERSTER MS. U.S. / ALLEN'S PAT. SEPT. 7. NOV. 1858', the lower part with serial number'A 5xx', with foresight. Smooth, seven-shot cylinder, engraved with trophies, effigies of Indians, a sailing ship and a mounted hunter. Smooth frame, spur trigger, wooden grip scales. length 15 cm.

dating: 1865 - 1873 provenance: USA, Rifled, octagonal, 3', 31 cal. barrel, with semi-circular foresight, on the back a three-line mark with patent only of 1858 and 'NEW-MODEL'. Five-shot cylinder. Mechanism needs revision (working hammer and trigger, the cylinder does not rotate). Frame with spur trigger. Smooth, walnut grip scales (reverse screw). Serial number '66xx' on the barrel and the grip. Remains of antique bluing mainly on the barrel and the cartridge rammer. length 18,7 cm.

dating: 1865 - 1873 provenance: USA, 6-1/2', rifled, octagonal, 36 cal. barrel (bore with some scaling, visible rifling), with a semi-circular foresight, featuring a three-line mark at the back, with patent of 1858 only, and the inscription 'NEW MODEL'. Five-shot cylinder. Working mechanism. Brass trigger guard with remains of finishing. Some signs of use and time and slight pitting. The cylinder and the barrel with remains of antique browning. Serial number '83xx' on the barrel and the grip. Walnut grip scales. The model featuring a 6-1/2' barrel is slightly rarer than the others. See Flayderman's Guide 9th Edition. Page 164 5E-028. length 28,5 cm.

dating: 1878 provenance: Germany, Round, rifled, 9 mm cal. barrel, with rib marked 'GEBR MAUSER & C.IE OBERNDORF A/N.' (the rest no longer visible), provided with foresight, swivelling upwards. Six-shot cylinder with typical groove. Single-action working mechanism. Fine browning. Bakelite grip scales (very worn surface, one small missing part), still visible winged dragons. Ring for the strap. Rare. length 29 cm.

dating: Circa 1874 - 1878 provenance: Berlin, Round, rifled,, 6-1/2', S&W Russian 44 cal. barrel (clean bore, visible rifling), high rib with mark 'LUDW. LOEWE & C.O WAFFEN -& MUNITIONS - FABRIK. BERLIN' and serial number '32xx', foresight consisting of one piece with the barrel. Grooved, six-shot cylinder with matching serial number. Frame 'top brake', automatic extractor working properly. Working hammer-rifle mechanism. Trigger guard with finger support. Smooth wooden grip scales. Butt plate with matching serial number. Ring for the strap. About 60000 examples produced in 1874-1878. Revolver built in Germany for the contract with Russia. See Flayderman's Guide 9th Edition, p. 235 5G-121. length 32.5 cm.

Registration No: XML 6 Chassis No: L176/1 MOT: ExemptPrototype of the first volume-built Lotus modelFamously came 2nd in its first two races at Silverstone in 1952Entered from the collection of the late Graham NearnPreviously on display at the British Motor MuseumThere is no doubting Colin Chapman’s genius in terms of mathematics, stress analysis or talent spotting (the roster of designers, drivers and engineers he employed remains exceptional). However, Lotus may never have conquered the world of motorsport or become a much-loved sportscar manufacturer if Colin Chapman had not been helped by his future wife Hazel Williams (and her parents), the Allen brothers (Michael and Nigel) or his father Stanley. Trainee dentists with a petrolhead father, Michael and Nigel Allen spent their spare time tinkering with cars in an unusually well-equipped domestic garage. A fellow Austin Seven enthusiast who could not help but be impressed with his near neighbours’ facilities, Chapman befriended the Allen brothers and convinced them to build and campaign a trio of cars in 750 Motor Club events for the 1951 season. In the end, the triumvirate only completed one car. Known as the Lotus MkIII and road registered as ‘LMU 3’, its successes were such that Chapman felt emboldened enough to form the Lotus Engineering Company on January 1st 1952 with himself, his father and the Allen brothers as the four directors. Stanley Chapman provided an old stable adjacent to his pub as a workshop and Michael Allen ran the enterprise day-to-day while Chapman continued to work for British Aluminium and Nigel Allen kept up with his studies. The 750 Motor Club’s announcement of a new 1172 Formula for 1953 provided Chapman with a golden opportunity. His response was the Lotus MkVI which took full advantage of the new class’s regulations that allowed entrants to field chassis of their own design (as opposed to Austin Seven derived examples).Utilising the same spaceframe layout that Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar had chosen for the W196 Grand Prix car and C-Type sports racer respectively, Chapman’s sketches for the MkVI were turned into reality by Nigel Allen who designed and fabricated the prototype’s chassis. Purposefully designed to accept a variety of drivetrains (be they Ford, BMC, MG or Coventry-Climax), the very first MkVI was fitted with a shorter stroke Ford Consul OHV engine displacing 1498cc. The idea being to prove to potential buyers that the featherweight chassis / body unit (which tipped the scales at just 90lb) was strong enough to cope with a heavier / more powerful engine than the 1172 Formula would permit.Clothed by Williams and Pritchard, another North London company which would play a significant role in the Lotus story going forward (as would the Progress Chassis Company that fabricated all subsequent MkVI spaceframes), the prototype made its competitive debut at Silverstone on July 5th 1952. Driven by Michael Allen, Colin Chapman and Nigel Allen, the diminutive two-seater scored three second places across a series of handicap events. Indeed, such was its performance that well-known club racer Phil Desoutter placed an immediate order for a production version securing it with a £100 deposit!Returning to Silverstone on 26th July, ‘XML 6’ finished third in the Ladies’ Handicap with Colin Chapman’s fiancée Hazel Williams behind the wheel. Michael Allen was entered by ‘Ecurie Lotus’ for the International Daily Mail 100-Mile Sportscar Race organised by the West Essex Car Club at Boreham on 2nd August and ran in practice the previous day. Unfortunately, his journey to the Essex circuit on race day was curtailed by a run-in with a Co-operative bread van. Contemporary reports suggest that Allen emerged pretty much unscathed, while his girlfriend Pauline suffered some minor bruising. Nevertheless, ‘XML 6’ was deemed a ‘write-off’. The subsequent £800 pay out enabled the Lotus Engineering Company to not only pay off all its debts but also commission the construction of the first commercial MkVI chassis.Fed-up with Chapman’s tendency to over-promise and under deliver to customers, Michael Allen quit the company as did his brother Nigel who re-focused on his dentistry. Undeterred, Chapman set-up the Lotus Engineering Co Ltd in September 1952 with himself, Hazel and Stanley as directors. The damaged ‘XML 6’ was returned to the road and campaigned by Nigel and Michael Allen throughout 1953 albeit with an 1172cc Ford engine aboard. It is unclear whether the car was reincarnated with a new chassis / body unit or whether Michael prevailed on his brother who had built the Prototype’s structure initially to repair it.The Prototype left Lotus’ inner circle via a January 1954 Autosport magazine advert. Known to have passed through the hands of Dick Manwaring and Frank Nicholls (who later founded Elva), the latter raced ‘XML 6’ at Goodwood in the March 1954 Members’ Meeting. Owned and campaigned by John Woolfe towards the decade’s end, the Prototype entered the late Graham Nearn’s ownership during the early 1970s. Famous as the man who saved the Lotus Seven by acquiring the design rights to it from Colin Chapman in 1973, Nearn was a true motorsport enthusiast. The proprietor of Caterham Car Sales & Coachworks, and the father of the Caterham Seven, Nearn had ‘XML 6’ restored back to its original specification complete with a 1.5 litre Ford engine.Graham Nearn loaned several cars from his collection to the British Motor Museum for display purposes in 2003 including the famous MkVI prototype. Interestingly, Lotus’ sales literature for 1953 mentions that customers can buy ‘a replica of the successful MkVI sports car’ which could be read to imply that ‘XML 6’ was the only true MkVI with all the circa 110 subsequent versions being replicas (in much the same way that Frazer-Nash marketed ‘Le Mans Replicas’). Little used over the past two decades, the ex-Nigel and Michael Allen machine would doubtless benefit from a degree of recommissioning. Although, the Nearn family report that it has previously run ‘very well’. The diminutive two-seater’s aluminium bodywork proudly bears a number of minor dents and scrapes which attest to its competitive past. The steering wheel is said to be original but the smart Red upholstery is obviously the result of a more modern re-trim.It is difficult to overstate the importance of the MkVI in Lotus’ history. Put simply, it was the model that saw Colin Chapman transition from a highly talented special builder to a recognised motor manufacturer. ‘XML 6’ occupies a unique place in marque lore having been a Works machine, the private car of a Lotus director (Michael Allen) and the property of the Nearn family for five decades. Potentially eligible for a host of prestigious events, the prototype MkVI is surely deserving of a place in another major collection or museum. For more information, please contact: Lucas Gomersall lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk 07484 082430

A set of W. White and Son of Auchtermuchty Victorian balance scales, dished platform, mahogany plinth with tower of eight graduated brass weights from 2lbs to 1/4oz, etc, 37.5cm wide

Household Cavalry, Life Guards 1871 pattern Trooper’s Helmet. A reasonable example, with white metal skull, plume holder and black horsehair plume, with bi-metal Star of the Order of the Garter helmet plate with the motto ‘Honi Soit Qui Maly Pense’, surmounted E.II.R. crown, ornate backplate and oak leaf spray and ornate backstrap, brass rosettes and chin scales, brown leather lining and scratched mark ‘LGT 0003 4’, several dents, generally reasonable condition£300-£400

Pair: Battery Sergeant Major H. Scales, Royal Garrison Artillery Army Meritorious Service Medal, E.VII.R. (B.S.Mjr: H. Scales. R.G.A.); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (19009. By.S.Maj: H. Scales. Dist: Staff: R.A.) very fine (2) £120-£160 --- Henry Scales was discharged to pension on 29 June 1886, his last posting being on the Staff of the Guernsey Artillery Militia.

Queen’s Own (Staffordshire) Royal Yeomanry Dress Helmet. A good example 1871 pattern, with black painted skull, white metal plume holder and black horsehair plume, white metal regimental helmet plate with the distinctive Staffordshire knot emblem, surmounted by a king’s crown, ornate foliate spray and backstrap, white metal rosettes, lacking chin scales, black leather lining, minor wear, overall good condition £300-£400

5th (Princess Charlotte of Wales’) Dragoons 1871 pattern Trooper’s Helmet. A good example, with brass skull, plume holder and red and white horsehair plume, with bi-metal badge 5th Dragoons helmet plate, central brass laurel spray and backstrap, rosettes and brass chin scales, brown leather lining, several dents and general wear, generally good condition £200-£240

5th (Princess Charlotte of Wales’) Dragoons 1871 pattern Trooper’s Helmet. A fair example, with brass skull, plume holder and red and white horsehair plume, with bi-metal 5th Dragoons helmet plate, central brass laurel spray and backstrap, rosettes and brass chin scales, lacking lining, generally fair condition £200-£240

4th (Royal Irish) Dragoons 1871 pattern Trooper’s Helmet. A good example, with brass skull with plume holder and white horsehair plume, bi-metal helmet plate featuring the badge of the Order of St. Patrick, ornate foliate spray and backstrap, small brass rosette (one missing) and chin scales, lacking lining and solder mark on the crosspiece, generally reasonable condition £200-£240